Sometimes, improper organization of storage of things becomes a real problem, especially if we are talking about a small studio or apartment, which does not provide space for a pantry and a wardrobe.
If the search for the necessary thing has become too time-consuming, and you have started to find chargers, keys and other small things in the most unexpected places, then it is time to start organizing storage.
One of the simplest options is to organize horizontal storage of things in a closet on shelves and use the free space inside chests of drawers, on racks, modules and mezzanines.
Basic Principles of Horizontal Storage
As the name suggests, horizontal storage is the storage of virtually any item on horizontal surfaces (on shelves inside cabinets, on hanging shelves, on racks, etc.).
To make the most of the free space on your shelves, you’ll need to sort through all your things first. Sorting is where you should start. Sort things by category and purpose: for example, bedding in one pile, and everyday clothes in another. And so on. After sorting, it’s important to assign each category of things its own place. Put the things you use most often in a way that’s easy to grab and put away. Place seasonal or special occasion clothes at the back of your closet or dresser — that is, the things you use less often.
For more convenient storage, divide the space into several sections. If the shelves are too deep and there is still a lot of free space after filling the closet, it makes sense to install additional shelves or buy dividers. Dividers can be horizontal and vertical, made of metal, plastic, polycarbonate and fabric. Using dividers, you can form compact and neat stacks of clothes or home textiles, while the far rows will be clearly visible and you will not have to spend a lot of time looking for something.
What things can be stored using horizontal storage systems
Since the horizontal storage system does not require complex organization and the purchase of specific materials, you can arrange almost everything on the shelves in this way. Bed linen, pillows and blankets, everyday and seasonal clothes, home textiles – all this will fit perfectly on the shelves of a closet or a large chest of drawers in the bedroom and in the hall. Bath accessories, towels, cosmetics and household chemicals can be compactly arranged on the shelves of a rack installed in the bathroom or laid out inside a small wall cabinet.
The horizontal storage system will also help out in the kitchen: canned goods, jars of spices, dishes and cutlery can also be placed on open and closed shelves or on the mezzanine.
Advantages of horizontal storage
The main advantage of horizontal storage is its economy. The means that may be needed to organize this type of storage are not that expensive. You can find plastic baskets of any size, fabric cases, wooden boxes, organizers and other useful devices in almost any hardware store. Horizontal storage, as a rule, does not involve the installation of expensive modules and systems.
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All that is needed is any stable horizontal surface that can withstand a certain weight. If there is no free space in cabinets and chests of drawers, you can always install a hanging shelf in any convenient place: above a window or doorway, on a free wall in any of the rooms or above the bed in the bedroom.
What will help with organizing horizontal storage of things
1. Cabinets
Horizontal storage in a closet can be a great idea for arranging space. If you are just thinking about buying a closet, here is a useful tip: give preference to built-in models or sliding wardrobes. Such interior items, due to numerous shelves, hangers, hooks and drawers, will allow you to store quite a lot of things and save you free space even in the most cramped apartment.
2. Hanging shelves
Shelves are a great idea for an interior that has a lot of empty, unfilled areas. Use the spare centimeters by installing hanging shelves! You can put things here using just one surface – if you choose an open storage option. Or buy trunks, boxes and containers to organize closed storage.
3. Shelves
If the apartment you live in is not very large and you don’t want to overload the space and use horizontal storage in the closet, try storing things on a rack. Using a horizontal storage rack, it is very easy and convenient to categorize things. You just need to sort the items by purpose and put them in some kind of container. Take into account a small piece of advice: when using a rack, it is recommended to give preference to closed storage, as it looks more aesthetically pleasing.
4. Various wall modules
Modular furniture is like a construction set: individual elements are put together to form a single composition and at the same time can be used separately. One element complements another. And this is very helpful. For example, when there is a need to furnish a small room and you have to carefully select the size of the module to be installed.
5. Boxes
Boxes are very helpful if you already have a wardrobe, chest of drawers or wall unit. We recommend using plastic boxes. They are quite durable and can hold a decent amount of things. For convenience, you can label the boxes – this makes it easier to find some little thing or small detail among the mass of things.
6. Boxes
Small wooden horizontal storage boxes will fit perfectly into the kitchen interior. They are convenient for storing fruits, vegetables, cereals, preparations and organizing horizontal storage of dishes. If you have free time and desire, you can knock together the boxes yourself: you will get an exclusive interior item, ideal in size for the kitchen or other rooms.
7. Containers
Transparent plastic containers with lids are a good and practical option for organizing a horizontal storage system. You can store almost everything in such containers: shoes, seasonal clothes, cosmetics, office supplies, tools, and even food (if the container is airtight and made of “food” plastic).
8. Organizers and cases
Single-tier, multi-tier trunks, organizers for horizontal storage of things with dividers, snap-on lids are suitable for storing small items. They are convenient for storing medicines, cosmetics, accessories and souvenirs, keys and keychains, handicrafts and other memorable items. Both the trunk and the organizer significantly save space on a shelf in a closet, on a rack, on a mezzanine and any other horizontal surface.
9. Baskets
Wicker or fabric baskets are often used to store home and bath textiles. As a rule, such baskets are voluminous, roomy and at the same time look quite aesthetically pleasing in any interior. Using a basket for horizontal storage will speed up the search for the necessary thing and help maintain order in the house.
It is difficult to imagine proper storage organization without general cleaning and tidying up.
Regular revision of closets and shelves will help you decide which things can be kept and which ones should have been gotten rid of a long time ago. Periodically arranging a general cleaning, you will free up a significant part of the space, making it more comfortable and spacious. At the same time, it is best to hand over all the “extra”, temporarily unnecessary and seasonal things to the warm Attic warehouse.
Horizontal storage of things is one of the most rational options for organizing space
Using horizontal surfaces allows you to quickly and inexpensively arrange the space in the kitchen, bedroom, bathroom and any other room. This type of storage is extremely convenient, it allows you to make the space more ergonomic and provides free access to things. And if too many things have accumulated in your home and there is no free space left for storage, call a service provider!
