Whether large or small, organizing your storage and utility rooms can be challenging. Often, these areas are out of sight and, therefore, out of mind. As a result, people tend to use them as dumping grounds. They clear other areas in the home and place items in the storage areas to “deal with later.” However, the problem with “later” is that no matter what day it is, “later” is never “now.”

Incorporating functional storage solutions for your belongings is the key to making storage and utility rooms work for you. It will maximize the usable space and ensure you can access the items you need.

The Challenges of Storage and Utility Rooms

Generally, storage areas have some common problems. In many apartment-type dwellings, the utility room houses the heating/cooling systems, hot water tank/boiler, and laundry machines. There isn’t much storage space, and what remains is small and likely awkwardly shaped.

Larger homes typically have larger storage areas. Although it might seem easier to organize, these vacuous rooms engulf household goods with the gravitational strength of a black hole, leaving heaping piles of chaos and clutter. Regardless of your room type, there are solutions to help you better utilize your space.

Start with the C.L.E.A.R. Process

For small storage and utility rooms, it’s pretty easy to remove and sort everything and then put it back. It’s more challenging for larger spaces. If you have a large space, start in one area and work slowly through the room. For example, you could work on a shelving unit or room segment (e.g., an area of 10 floor tiles) before moving to the next section. Here are the steps in the C.L.E.A.R. Process.

C: Categorize your possessions.

Put items into logical groups. Start with broad categories, and then use sub-categories as necessary. For instance, you could make a big pile of Seasonal Decorations. As your pile increases, sub-divide it into Spring, Summer, Winter, and Fall. Alternatively, your sub-categories could be specific holidays.

L: Limit the number of items you have.

Decide how much of each item you need, then evaluate the space to store the items. Remember that it’s all about choices. If you want to keep the giant Halloween skeleton, you may need to let go of the three-metre-tall Easter rabbit.

E: Evaluate the usefulness and importance.

When choosing items to keep in your storage and utility rooms, remember that value comes in two forms: functional and emotional. You need to keep functional items like laundry detergent and extra toilet tissue. (Of course, you already set limits on the amounts in the previous step.) However, deciding whether to keep or let go of sentimental items is the most challenging for people. I have dozens of posts on decluttering and downsizing books, memorabilia, and collections, so I won’t go into details here. However, I encourage you to keep your goal and vision for the space in mind while working through the C.L.E.A.R. process.

A: Assign storage locations for your possessions.

Once you decide which items you’re keeping, you need to assign storage locations. This is also the phase where you can invest in shelving, cupboards, containers, and bins! However, I often suggest using cardboard boxes at the beginning of the organizing journey because people change the assigned location as they use their storage and utility rooms. They can purchase bins and baskets once they are satisfied their system functions well. Of course, clearly printed labels are another useful investment!

R: Removals – Reuse, Resell, Regift, or Remove what you don’t need.

Generally, we remove the items the homeowner no longer needs or wants as soon as possible. Removal options include:

• Reusing: using re-discovered (or newly emptied) bins and boxes to organize other areas of the house
• Reselling: classified ads, consignment, or auction
• Regifting: giving items away to family and friends, donating to charities
• Removing: sending broken or damaged items to the appropriate waste stream (trash, recycling, transfer station, hazardous or electronics waste)

If you need to store the items until you arrange for a charity pickup, we recommend storing items in closed boxes or opaque bags so you (or members of your household) are not tempted to keep them. Please clearly label the boxes and bags with the name of the charity so you do not accidentally put them in the trash.

More Tips to Help You Organize Storage and Utility Rooms

• Keep heavy items close to the floor to avoid injury when reaching for them later.
• Take advantage of vertical space and use tall cabinets, shelving units, pegboards, or a slatwall system. Remember to secure shelves and cabinets to the walls so they don’t tip over.
• Keep household chemicals, flammable and poisonous materials, power tools, and other sharp objects out of the reach of children and pets. Consider investing in locked cabinets for these items.
• Store precious items such as family photos and other sentimental items in “disaster-resistant” containers. Keep vital records in a safe.
• Consider keeping fragile items, like glassware, in empty drawers of stored furniture.
• Use backpacks, duffel bags, and suitcases to hold off-season clothing.

Organizing your storage and utility rooms can seem daunting, but applying the C.L.E.A.R. process allows you to transform these often-overlooked areas into functional and efficient spaces. Clear categories of possessions in designated areas with proper storage solutions will keep essential items accessible and maximize storage space. Don’t let your storage and utility rooms become a black hole of clutter and chaos. Contact Out of Chaos to help you restore order and peace of mind.