Self-storage company, Space Station, polled 1,000 parents to discover how much space in the home their children take over and how soon after becoming a parent they feel they have outgrown their homes and shares their tips for reclaiming more space in kids' bedrooms and playrooms.
Whilst, on average, parents will outgrow their home by the time their child reaches five years old, almost a third of parents (31%) said they felt the squeeze before their child turned two years old.
Families are longing for more space with almost three quarters (74%) of parents wishing they had more space in their home, with kids claiming over a third (36%) of the space as their own. For those who aren’t ready to upsize or extend their homes, or just want to keep the clutter to a minimum, experts at Space Station have shared top storage hacks to make efficient use of space in the home.
Folding clothes
The most effective way to maximise storage space is using a Marie Kondo inspired folding technique for clothes. This fool-proof technique will ensure you can store clothes in smaller spaces. By folding the legs and arms in towards each other before folding in half, they can be tucked together in an upright position. This will take up less space and can be organised by colour or style.
Maximise your door space
We often forget about key spaces that could be used for storage. The back of the door can be well utilised by hanging a shoe organiser. This makes an unused part of the room useful and can divide items up, creating a well-organised system. Higher-level storage is also key for nappies, muslins and other items that need to be kept out of reach of little ones.
School cubbies
To make the school run more efficiently, you can set up cubbies or a form of school station. Here you can keep bags, books, shoes and even uniform neatly organised in one place and separated for each child. For children of all ages, this can be done using either hooks and shoe racks, or a vertical shelving unit.
Lazy Susans
A great way to stores toiletries such as creams or medicines is on a Lazy Susan! The rotating tray contains everything you need in one space and makes it easy to access from all sides, meaning you can store them up high away from children. These can be used in bathrooms, the bedroom, or even the kitchen cupboards to store snacks.
Stackable storage
Kids quickly accumulate an uncontrollable number of toys. Keep them contained in decorative baskets or even better, stackable containers. Giving toys a designated space will ensure the floors are kept clean and tidy whilst helping the kids learn to clear up after themselves. Storage boxes stacked on top of each other are discreet and can be pushed away into a cupboard or the corner of a room.
Double up hangers
An excellent trick for those with minimal wardrobe space is a DIY hack using aluminium cans. Remove the tab from the top of the can and file any sharp areas so it’s safe and won’t cause any scratches. Loop the tab over your clothes hanger and then you can attach another hanger through the other hole in the tab. This makes clothes hang closer together so you can fit more on the rail, as well as being able to pair up outfits for ease when dressing.
Library shelves
Bookcases can be big and clunky, taking up unnecessary space in the home. Instead, install shelves on unused walls and display books front-facing. Not only is this an attractive way to store children’s books, but it can be used to create a cute reading nook to keep the space functional and well organised.
Vlatka Lake, Marketing Manager, at Space Station commented: “It can be tricky finding some time and space for yourself when surrounded by what seems like a mountain of toys and games. A few simple changes can really make a difference.
"If you have limited storage, or just want to free up extra space in the home, focus on how you organise and arrange items. Look for ways of making the most of spaces you would normally leave bare. Create spaces that are fun for children as well as practical, so everything can be kept neat and accessible.”
