Smart storage ideas for rental properties

Do you believe in the old adage ‘a tidy home equals a tidy mind’? Experts are convinced a disorganised dwelling creates chaos, increases stress and leads to low mood, and there are plenty of people who have gone public with their quest to clean up the nation’s mess.  

From the relatable Stacey Solomon – presenter of TV’s Sort Your Life Out and author of Tap to Tidy – to the rather brutal advice from professional tidying queen, Marie Kondo – there’s a plethora of guidance for those who can’t seem to clear the clutter.  

Both Stacey and Marie are advocates of ample storage. The former has encouraged followers to create a ‘crisp wardrobe’ to make the use of cupboard space (Stacey uses a curtain pole and rings with clips to hang up packets of Walkers). The latter has her own range of storage products to buy online, as one of the key rules of Marie’s KonMari Method is to give everything a home.  

For tenants in rental properties, the process of adding extra storage can hit the buffers as many tenancy agreements will prohibit damage to the property. If extra storage needs screws or strong glue, permission from the landlord will be required.  

If there is a ‘no drill, no nail’ policy where you live, why not consider these damage-free storage options?  

Living rooms

Did you know it’s now possible to stash stuff in your sofa? There are many models that feature lift up and pull out storage – either in the arms or bases.  If that sounds too far-fetched, why not consider a storage footstool?  

Bathrooms

Bottles, jars and tubes can quickly clutter a bathroom but it’s the one place that can suffer from a distinct lack of storage. Opt for suction-mounted shower caddies, shelving units that hang over the shower screen and self-adhesive hooks to keep towels off the floor.  

Kitchens

You can double the amount of storage in a wall cupboard by using free standing cupboard shelves that can also be stacked to make the most of every inch. Alternatives include bonus drawers and baskets that slip over existing shelves and self-adhesive, magnetic strips that can be used to hold knives or metal spice jars.   

Bedrooms

Storage beds – either with a lift-up mechanism or drawers underneath – are ideal when space is at a premium. Alternatively, under bed boxes can be used to store towels, bedlinen and out of season clothes. Pop them in a vacuum bag and remove the air to save even more space. Hanging organisers with shelved compartments and ‘magic hangers’ that hold more than one garment from a single hook will dramatically increase the capacity of an existing wardrobe.  

Utility rooms

Those lucky enough to have a utility room may find that there’s little space left after the washing machine and tumble dryer have been accounted for. You can create a laundry drying option by adding a heavy-duty tension rod between two walls – versions that hold around 20kg weight are most suitable. Another option is to add a multi-pocket over-the-door organiser. Use them to store shoes, pegs and pet accessories.  

If you are a first-time tenant and would like more advice about what you can and can’t do in a rented property, contact us for advice. We also urge renters to speak with us if they are considering making changes to their home.