Whether you’re buying or selling your home, storage can be a hot button with any property. Not enough storage in your current home can lead to need for a rental storage unit, which can be inconvenient, or it may cause you to start looking for a new home. Not enough storage for a potential homebuyer may lead them to look elsewhere.

So how do you handle the storage problem? Here are some tips to help you make the best use of your storage situation, so you can increase the functionality and presentation of your home.

• Identify your available storage areas. Take a good look at all of the available storage in your home. While your home may have an attic, basement, garage or storage shed, this doesn’t mean that these areas can actually be used for storage. They may be too difficult to get to. Or they may environmental issues that can potentially damage your belongings, such as being too hot or cold, being wet, having mold or being infested with mice. Find out ways to correct these issues to make these spaces more usable.
• Determine if you’re utilizing your storage areas efficiently. A standard closet with a clothes rod and shelf may need to be reconfigured into a custom closet solution to really utilize the space. Cabinets that are too high can be used to store items that aren’t used that often. By adding shelves in your basement or garage, you can increase your available storage space, while installing hooks and other types of hangers can get things up off of the floor.
• Review your non-traditional storage. Every home has hidden storage places, like under the bed or other furniture, in alcoves, or under the stairs. These spaces may be a good spot for built-in shelves or an armoire. Plastic containers can help store items under the bed, while decorative baskets can store things in plain view.
• Use the appropriate types of storage containers. Cardboard boxes can get wet as well as crush from the weight of other boxes placed on top of them. Plastic containers are sturdy and work well to keep your items dry. Label your containers for easy identification of what’s inside. Also, to keep fragile items from getting broken, put these items in smaller containers, so they don’t get too heavy.
• Store items based on usage levels – long-term, seasonal or active-use. Items that are only used occasionally shouldn’t be taking up prime storage space. These items should be relegated to less-accessed areas like the attic or basement. Seasonal items, like Christmas decorations, can also be stored in the basement or attic, but in more accessible areas. And of course, active-use items should be in regularly used areas. Make sure you keep these active-use areas organized, so you can easily find what you need when you need it.
• Declutter regularly. There is little sense in storing items that you no longer use. At least annually, go through your stuff. Ask yourself if you really need to keep the item. If it’s something you haven’t used within the last year, you probably don’t need it. Then determine of these items, what can be thrown away, given away to charity or sold at your next garage sale or on eBay.

Storage is an essential part of any home, but it’s important to keep it organized, especially if your space is limited. By following these tips, you should be able to make the most of your home’s available storage space.

Have you outgrown your current home and are looking for a new place to live? Contact Grandview Lending, we can help you identify the best mortgage loan option for you based on your needs.