Stylish Storage Hacks

By Ashley Paskill on June 24, 2020

College students notoriously have very little space. Whether you live with your parents or have a small apartment or house, you have to find storage options that are practical yet stylish. There are lots of options out there, from more traditional storage boxes to more creative hacks, so not only will you find more space, these options will look good!

Decorative bins

Decorative bins come in all sizes, colors, and designs, so there is no doubt you will be able to find one that works for your space. They are available at a variety of stores and can be used to store things like chargers and other small items that you need but do not want just laying around.  They often have different sizes so you can stack smaller ones inside bigger ones so you have extra storage. If you have or find a blank bin, you can even decorate it yourself to fit your interests and décor. Just be sure to label what is in the bins so you do not forget!

Corkboard

Corkboards can be used for a wide variety of items. If you have important papers or calendars, you can use a corkboard to hang them up so they do not get lost on your desk. If you have a lot of jewelry, you can use the corkboard to hang up things like bracelets and necklaces so they do not get jumbled and tangled. You can decorate the border to fit your likes and your other décor.

Hidden furniture options

While it is obvious that dressers and bookcases are good for storage and can look good, there are other options to take advantage of. Some coffee tables have a shelf under the table or hidden compartments for items. Ottomans can also double as a chair and storage unit. These come in different styles, so you can choose things that fit your décor. Your bed might even have enough room for some items, especially ones that you have in bins and do not need on a regular basis. You can also use décor items like standing mirrors that open up for storage.

Label your containers

Even if your storage containers themselves are boring, you can jazz them up by creating fun labels for them. That way, you can know what is in each container and add some flair using creative labels. There are a wide variety of papers and label-making machines that allow you to easily create some unique and fun labels. Just be sure that you can still read your label so that you can see what is in the container. Once you label your containers, use those containers only for what you designated them for and keep them in the room where you use the items.

Image: Clem Onojeghuo via https://unsplash.com/photos/PYpPX76yZ1A

DIY Bag Dispenser

As a student, you likely do a lot of your own grocery shopping, even if you live with family. Unless you regularly use canvas shopping bags, you likely have a collection of plastic bags around. These can take up a lot of space, especially if they are scattered all over. If you want to use them, it is best to have them in one place. One way to do this is to create a bag dispenser out of an old tissue box. This is especially great if you have a tissue box with a cool design or pattern on it, but you can always design your own. Put the box in a cabinet or on a shelf where you can easily access the bags when you need them.

Vintage Suitcases

Vintage has been in style over the past few years, and it is no surprise since vintage items tend to look cool. Stacking vintage suitcases can make for a great nightstand and can be used to store things you do not need on a regular basis such as seasonal items. Luckily, many vintage items can be found at thrift stores or online at a decent price, so you can save money by using these suitcases instead of buying full furniture pieces.

Hide your trash

While it may seem easier to have your trashcans out in plain sight, especially if you have guests over frequently, hiding your trashcan can be a good way to make your home look great. It can be as simple as building a pull-out drawer specifically for your trashcans and recycling bins. Taking a few extra seconds to tell people where the trashcans are is not too big of a deal, and the more they come over, the less you will have to show them. Having the trashcans tucked away will help you have more space, especially in high-traffic areas such as your kitchen.

It may seem impossible to have storage space that looks good, but it can be accomplished with a few simple switches and changes. Organization is important, especially as a student, so it is crucial to have a variety of options that look good so that you will like them.

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