For many householders making use of existing space is a never ending quest, and often subject to many attempts to declutter and store items more efficiently in trying to make the most of what’s available.
There comes a point once existing storage options are exhausted where extra space is required, and it’s then a question of deciding how to achieve this without actually incurring the heavy expense and upheaval of moving to a larger property.
Prefabricated storage options
It’s possible to quickly acquire more storage with a modicum of DIY ability through installing prefabricated storage sheds.
These structures come in easy-to-assemble kit form and can be specified in various types, including sheds and garages, and can store items securely and safely and can stand up to extreme weather conditions.
Gone are the days when anything not built out of bricks and mortar was frail and rickety and might not last long; modern prefabricated solutions like these offer a viable storage option for householders and commercial users.
Attic conversion
A good way of using otherwise dead space; attics can be converted for all sorts of uses whether providing extra storage, a guest room, home office or maybe another bathroom. For storage purposes, your attic conversion would likely be fairly simple. Depending on the storage required, you may only need some basic shelving, hooks or racks.
Even if you feel your attic will suffice ‘as is’ bear in mind you’ll probably need to still undertake some work to make it fit for storage.
Furniture
Some furniture can be built with storage in mind, and if you examine the options and either buy or have certain types of furniture custom-built, then it’s surprising how much extra storage can be provided using the space it would take up anyway.
Some examples include:
- Storage bed – using the underneath of a bed is a classic way to make the most of space; some models offer reasonably deep storage spaces
- Storage chests – one or two decent sized ones can soon swallow up and keep various items out of sight
- Benches with storage – these can be used in and around the home to good effect; a kitchen bench with storage under the seat or a garden bench similarly designed are worth considering
- Cubby hole conversion – in older properties there are sometimes cubby holes and cavities in the walls; it’s possible to slot specially designed units such as of drawers in these to make use of otherwise dead space
Garage conversion
Maybe you don’t wish to park your vehicles in the garage and would rather use it for storage. This is easily possible in that garage conversions are highly flexible and becoming more popular as homeowners repurpose them to fulfill all sorts of functions from being a home office, home gym, den and more besides.
Various storage options are possible, such as specialist racking to accommodate larger garden tools and space-efficient ceiling storage, ‘pop up’ workbenches, partitioning and much more.
Outbuilding construction
Ultimately, you may decide you need an outbuilding specially constructed so getting yourself into a full building project. Perhaps you have run out of options for converting garages and other areas of your home, but do have some land to build on. Maybe you need to create a specific type of storage facility such as temperature controlled.
Before seeking planning permission and calling in builders and architects, do consider if you couldn’t achieve your storage objectives through simpler and less costly methods such as prefabricated metal storage options as described earlier.
