The best storage ideas to banish clutter for good

Storage is your best friend when it comes to controlling clutter but you need to choose the right type of storage for the right space in order to maximise its use effectively.

Whether you're looking to maximise space in your kitchen, bedroom or laundry room, these stylish storage solutions will enhance any room (even the most compact) in your home, helping you to maintain a streamlined, clutter-free living space. Get some inspiration with these storage ideas...

A utility/laundry room is a great storage room for the home, essentially giving you space for a washing machine, dryer, sink, laundry baskets and ironing paraphernalia. Importantly, it’s away from the main kitchen, but it can also act as storage for kitchen pots and pans and appliances.

A definite must: Make space for a hanging rail for your laundry – creating a space to put clothes on hangers as soon as they come out of the washer or dryer minimises the need for ironing.

Pictured: Digbeth Plain T-Bar in antique brass lacquered finish, Armac Martin

In traditional properties, fitted wardrobes can be a great solution whilst being sympathetic to original features.

By opting for bespoke fitted wardrobes you can create personalised storage space for your clothing, shoes and accessories. And you'll be surprised by how much storage you gain by going high up the wall, leaving your room light, airy and spacious.

Pictured: Shaker Bedroom in Stone, Sharps

As the heart of the home, the kitchen is a primary and crucial space for storage, and a kitchen island can offer lots of opportunities.

'Islands also offer extra storage,' says Tom Howley, Design Director at the eponymous kitchen company. 'Many have cupboards to ensure your kitchen is clutter-free. Deep pan drawers can provide space for all of your cookware while other designs offer display shelves for personal pieces or to showcase high-end kitchenware.'

Pictured: Matteo Metal Bar Stool, Burnt Orange Velvet & Brushed Copper, Cult Furniture

In a living room, it’s a good idea to incorporate stylish storage solutions to keep surfaces clear and maximise space. Use bespoke open shelving to place plants, books and vases on.

Pictured: The Home Collection, Manhattan in Graphite and Rustic Oak, Sharps

Never underestimate the power of a storage basket – but choose wisely.

'Rather than going out all guns blazing and buying cute storage baskets for your kitchen, look at the space you have and think about sizing, practicality and which products you actually need to store,' says professional organiser Vicky Silverthorn. 'Too many people get excited by buying baskets that don't do the job they need which can hinder space rather than enhance it. Declutter, then measure up and only then buy your storage.'

Pictured: Standing Woven Storage Basket, Cox & Cox

SHOP MORE STORAGE BASKETS

A dream sanctuary for book lovers, a library provides the ideal space for homeowners to unwind in and enjoy reading their favourite novel.

Installing bookshelves is the perfect way to avoid libraries becoming messy and cluttered. Installing bespoke shelving which can be adjusted to suit the size of your library, even the most awkward of ceilings.

This modern library space by Neville Johnson provides ample shelving for all storage needs, and consequently makes the home feel minimalistic and tidy. The white shelves combined with sage green and the rustic oak finish, this uplifting and harmonious scheme.

A worthwhile investment for small kitchens, pull-out organisers and cutlery inserts are simple ways to control clutter.

Bespoke furniture allows for the creation of internal drawer storage in exactly the size and shape you need it, while a separate space for condiments, chopping blocks and other items frees up drawer and cupboard space.

Pictured: House Beautiful Islington Kitchen in Ice Blue, available at Homebase

If you're building your own home gym in your garden, storage needs to be a big consideration.

'You're working with finite space in a home gym. To maximise the area, we suggest storing as much equipment on the wall as possible. This means buying things like barbell gun racks, plate storage that is screwed into wooden studs, resistance bands and chain holders,' says Bradley Mackenzie, RICS valuer and surveyor from Stokemont.com, in collaboration with Garage Gym Reviews.

Pictured: Inspiration Garden Room by Green Retreats

Storage is always a big factor in smaller bedrooms. To make it look more spacious and in turn, less cluttered, turn to bespoke bedroom storage. It will enhance your day-to-day living and make your room more stylish and inviting.

Case in point: This Contemporary Willow Bedroom by Neville Johnson features practical, built-in headboard cabinetry and fitted wardrobes with an extensive vanity unit for a chic finish.

A boot room connects your home with the outdoors. It's a practical room to store your muddy boots and coats, keeping the rest of your home clean and tidy.

If the boot room will be used to house most of your coats, consider getting a coat rack stand or hooks if space is limited, says Matthew Currington, Technical Director at The Lighting Superstore. Coat rack stands are multi-functional and can store footwear plus additional outdoor items such as umbrellas, hats and scarves.

'Storage shelves are a great way to save floor space, these can contain baskets and cubby holes to store items you do not regularly use, high-up and out of the way. For extra boot room storage and if you have the space, consider getting a bench with cubby holes or a lift-up seat,' Matthew adds.

Pictured: Mudroom Icicle (2142 70), Benjamin Moore