Storage help please!! (downsized)

[ChippyTuesday]

We recently moved house from a 3 bed + massive converted loft to a 2 bed. I have already thrown out LOADS of stuff, I admit I'm a terrible hoarder. Anyway, still have a long way to go, boxes still need unpacked and I have nowhere to put the stuff. Quite fancy those vacuum bags for clothes, but has anyone tried a decent one that actually works? I seem to have clothes/ coats / toys/ toiletries/ kitchenware with nowhere to put it :-( ..........incidentally, what would you say was 'too many' coats (DH's words, not mine)

I have done a few posts on this. For example:

Little boxes

This talks about ensuring storage is practical and accessible.

Building your nest

This lists the things you actually need, so you have the option of paring things right down to a simple collection of vital objects, so you can actually move around the place. It is really interesting what you can manage without when you have to.

I would say get rid of more stuff but if you are a bit of a hoarder that prob wont help. I got rid of tonnes of stuff when hubby and i married and at the time it was painful but now i cant even remember what went. Check out the Kondo thread on here -makes sense but havent actually done it myself yet but will before i move.

Can you try a MAYBE pile and put some stuff there and if you dont miss it in a set time scale then find a new home (or charity).

I have lakeland storage bags bought 3 massive ones on offer - £60, they kept everything sealed for 8 months (req time) and everything came out smelling clean and freshly laundered, as it went in.

5 - I have a black smart coat, cream duffel, blue walking the kids about in the rain coat, smart cream that is too small, warm blue coat and loads of body warmers. Now my hubby would ask how many handbags does one woman need -now that is a question! He says one - ha the fool!

Just refreshed the kitchen,binned loads, apparently you dont need 12 wooden spoons and five bowls and multitudes of other things that all perform the same task and now kitchen actually has a spare cupboard -amazed! I also use more of my stuff more of the time as i can see it rather than have to dig it out.

Trying to implement a one in one out rule - clothes are next on my hit list.

I have decided the annoyance and aggravation that having too much stuff and not enough space is worse than chucking way things that i MAY one day need.

Eyes very large collection of high heels that dont really fit since putting on 3 stone, having 2 kids, developing sciatica and being forced to abandon heels. Just because i may one day need a fuchsia pink platform 3 inch strappy sandal is not enough reason to leave them in the attic unworn for the last 5 years. Unfortunately.

Sorry didnt actually help with the storage issue, my advice love it and use it or rehome it to someone who might need it ( to fill their storage)

Good luck

A good pyschological trick is to try to set up each room for perfect use, rather than seeing what you can shoe-horn in there, and then living becomes very simple.

correct number of adult coats: one decent waterproof long jacket. In cold weather, put layers under it.

If you work somewhere smart, one appropriate coat to wear for that. In a dark colour so it will also do for funerals which is the other time you need a smart coat.

a ski jacket if you ski.

that's it. No more.

I'd argue that you don't necessarily need more storage, you need less stuff.

'Simplicity Parenting' is really good on what toys to keep.
'The life-changing magic of tidying' by Marie Kondo is really excellent, and not so much about tidying as about getting rid of stuff. There's a whole series of threads about it on Good Housekeeping.

Good luck!

Sorry I've just come back to this thread and seen the last few messages. I really am trying....I've purchased a bit more storage for my bedroom to keep my 20 plus coats in and this weekend will be pivotal in organising my house! thanks for all the tips, I shall keep popping back to reference some, here's hoping I have a lovely uncluttered home come Monday