Creating Storage Space in Your New Home

Kaila Sawlor-Dion, June 9, 2015 | Posted in Build; Tagged Storage

When building your new home, consider adding some extra storage space for more convenience.

Storage areas are essential when it comes to keeping clutter at bay. Typical storage spots like mechanical rooms, basement corners, garage shelving, or hall closets keep your belongings handy, yet out of sight.

Kitchen

Your kitchen will be one of the most important rooms in your new home. Not only will your family use it daily, but it will also be the hub where friends gather when you host a get-together.

Ample cupboard space keeps your kitchen necessities tucked away so you can use your kitchen to its full potential.

A kitchen island can provide additional cupboards and drawers, and even house your microwave or mini fridge.

Pull-out shelving eliminates the dreadful task of having to remove all your food or small appliances from the shelf to access the items in the back. Instead, you simply pull out the drawer-like shelf and browse through its contents until you find what you’re looking for.

A pantry can be worked into your kitchen design as a convenient spot to store canned and dry goods, cleaning and baking supplies, dishtowels, and more.

A second freezer lets you stock extra food for future use, while keeping your fridge clear for foods you plan on preparing in the week ahead.

Mudroom

Many homes have an area near the back entry known as the mudroom, where you can change out of wet winter clothes or muddy boots without making a mess of the main living area or front entry.

A mudroom is ideal for storing outdoor clothing, as well as a place to hang guests’ coats when entertaining.

 It’s also a great place for a family “drop zone”—a spot to stash everyday items that would otherwise end up on the kitchen counter. Mail, magazines, cell phones, keys, and work items can be kept close at hand, but out of the main areas of the home.

Laundry room

When it comes to your laundry room, you’ll need space for more than just your washer and dryer. Laundry products—that’s your detergent, dryer sheets, and so on—will quickly clutter up your space if you don’t plan ahead for storage space.

Cupboards and shelves are key in a well-organized laundry room. Many opt for cupboards on the wall, under the countertop, and above their washer and dryer, unless they have a stack-able set, of course!

Shelving units are a great way to fill in an odd space caused by an angled ceiling.

A countertop serves as a workspace for folding, sorting, organizing, and as extra storage space.

Window seating

Incorporating a window seat in a child’s bedroom gives them a comfy hangout spot, and a way to sneak in extra storage for toys and books with a few drawers placed underneath.

Built-in display cabinets and shelving

A built-in display cabinet allows you to store and “show off” your collectible items, photographs, toys, and more. A cabinet works well in the living room, home office, recreational room, or “man cave.”

Built-in shelving provides space to keep your belongings organized, and like a display case, gives you an area to “show off” your items if you wish. Installing built-in shelves in a recreational room, kids’ rooms, or any area the youngsters spend a lot of time playing can help keep their belongings organized and easily accessible.

Ensuring your builder has a good sense of your family’s lifestyle and everyday needs will help them design storage solutions that will work for you and your family, giving you the form and function you desire from your home for years to come!

Kaila Sawlor-Dion

Kaila is the Marketing Manager of Sawlor Built Homes. She continuously updates our profile on Facebook, Instagram, Houzz, Twitter, Google+ and Pinterest, and is focused on all marketing initiatives.

A third generation family member of Sawlor Built Homes, Kaila joined the company in 2011. She is an active member of the Canadian Home Builder's Association - Nova Scotia Marketing Committee and she continues to update her education and training, intent on becoming an industry leader in new home marketing.