Clever storage solutions?

[Salome61]

Hello everyone, I've moved from a five bedroom house to a tiny bungalow and there isn't a cupboard (apart from the kitchen - and only three drawers in there).

I've got all my bed linen in plastic boxes under the bed, and my shoes and boots are still in a box. I've bought a shelf unit from Ikea for the bathroom so at least my towels are easy access.

I only bought my beds with me and have to buy all furniture, just wondered if anyone has anything they think is great for storage?

If you can afford it, make the most of the space by having built-in cupboards made.

Thanks Mosaic, I do know a good local carpenter, I'll sort out where the best place would be for them to go. So frustrating having everything out, nowhere to put the vacuum etc.

The usual clever stuff doesn't really apply in a single-floor place, it's more shelves and fitted cupboards for you I think. Full walls of shelving wherever you can sensibly put them can go a long way.

Perhaps a shed - Keter (brand) are nice and no maintenance, would be of use for extra storage and if you buy furniture buy things with storage such as a coffee table or footstall.

When you next change your bed choose an Ottoman style one with storage underneath.

Look at The Holding Company which has some interesting solutions to storage.

I too moved from a five bed house to a 2 bed flat.

In our small, oddly shaped house we’ve used under the bed storage, hanging rails, hooks, bespoke shelves, furniture with hidden storage, storage trunks as coffee tables/side tables/on top of wardrobes, a desk that folds out from wall, folding chairs for when we have guests, baskets to gather clutter, shelf extenders/extra freestanding shelves to make the most of what cupboards we have.
We also had some big built in cupboards made in kitchen by stealing an awkward corner of the room next door.
IKEA and the futon company are good for small space furniture.
Measure everything before you buy it and be ruthless about decluttering!

Had this exact situation when we moved into our bungalow. Underbed storage (drawers and ottoman beds); re-purposed an oak sideboard to act as hallway storage. Spare wardrobes are good for hoovers/ironing board if you can.
Look up and out. We have an enormous loft which was part boarded already, we widened the opening, boarded it and bought an easy slide ladder. Anything we don't use daily/weekly is up there in organised plastic storage boxes. Garage (if you have one) can be shelved, and tool boxes etc live there and in the sheds.

If you are considering built in cupboards at a later date, the IKEA Jonaxel range is good. Internal rails, wire basket draws, shelves etc but it is all for standing so if you wanted a cheap option to suit for now that wouldn't be wasted later, worth considering.
The folding ottoman boxes you can buy on Amazon etc are good. Big one for end of bed would hold loads www.amazon.co.uk/SONGMICS-Folding-Storage-Footstool-LSF80GYZ/dp/B076LRJTW2/ref=mp_s_a_1_8?dchild=1&crid=10TP37QBNRPO9&keywords=folding+ottoman+storage+box&sprefix=folding+ott&tag=mumsnetforu03-21&qid=1631821257&sr=8-8
Can sit on them too and surprisingly sturdy

Thanks everyone for your replies and fantastic suggestions, sorry not to have come on sooner I've had a funny 'life' event.

I am waiting for someone to come round to give me a quote to board the loft, luckily there is an easy slide ladder but I'm too scared to go up until it's done. Someone had a look for me and said there are odd bits of wood dotted about. As I'm an older Mum neither of my kids have their own places yet, and I've still got boxes of their toys.

Has anyone ever had a window storage seat unit built into a bay window?

Yes, I’ve got a bay window storage seat and it looks great. We made sure there is ventilation.

If you have high ceilings, shelving above door height, or invisible cupboards painted the same colour as the wall, are useful.

My friend has a bungalow with a floored attic, which works well for storing so many things and leaves her space free of clutter; I am quite envious.

We had to build in some cupboards in this house and I have learned the hard way that if they are too deep, access is a nightmare. I am about to re site two cupboard doors.

I am also considering building a four poster storage bed, with storage above and below. It will look extremely over the top, but that's the way I want it, and with the right joiner, it should be interesting.