Family Homes Need Better Storage Than We Think

Contributing Author
2 days ago
2 min read

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Every family home is going to get cluttered and overrun with belongings at some point. That’s why it’s imperative to stay on top of the clutter at every opportunity you get.

However, saying that and doing it are two different things entirely. It can be hard to manage the storage in a family home and to stay on top of the clutter, but anything is possible with a bit of organisation. Here’s why family homes need better storage.

Why clutter feels louder in a busy household

Clutter often feels louder in busy households due to the sensory and cognitive overload it creates. The constant visual reminders of unfinished tasks will compete for attention in your brain, increasing both stress and mental fatigue.

A busy home environment is cognitive overload enough, but add clutter to the chaos, and you have a lot more to contend with that often feels overwhelming.

How to create storage zones that kids and adults understand

To help keep your home in good, functional order, it’s important to create storage zones that both the adults and kids understand. These should be initiatives for both kids and adults, whether that’s clear labelling to logical organisation.

Establish a shared visual language

Kids often respond best to pictures, while adults prefer words. Combining both helps for a universal understanding. With that being said, incorporate dual labels for the purpose of storage bins, drawers, and baskets.

Make use of colour coding to different categories or family members specifically.

Design for accessibility and ergonomics

Storage systems should be physically easy for everyone in the family to use. Placing items kids use frequently in lower-level storage makes it easier for them to reach. It provides a sense of empowerment and independence.

Reserve the higher shelves or less accessible cabinets for items that are used by adults only. This includes tools, fragile items, and important documents. It can also be used for items used less frequently.

Organize logically

Designating specific areas of your home helps to create clear, functional zones. For example, a play zone can be a whole room, or it could be a living room corner that’s dedicated entirely to the play time that kids have during the day.

An office space or desk can be specifically for studying, working, and storing supplies for school and work. By organising your space more logically, it’ll feel a lot more functional as a result.

Maintain consistency and routines

Maintaining consistency and routines is important to help everyone navigate the space with efficiency. Here are a few tips that you can follow:

Assign responsibility and make it clear who is responsible for which zone. Kids are responsible for tidying up their playzone, and adults are managing their zones.
Schedule reset times to help tackle parts of the home that need tidying up. This routine helps to reinforce that everything in the home belongs somewhere.
Conduct regular purges - Periodically go through storage zones and then remove items that are no longer required or used.