It’s the same predicament that arises with nearly all families in the South East at some point: do you move to London for work, where you’ll be close to amenities and have family fun attractions on your doorstep, but be slightly cramped in a property, OR do you stay in the country where you’ll be able to afford a larger property but have a massively longer commute?
However, there’s no need to feel confined in the metropolitan city you love. In fact, you don’t even have to fork out a fortune to get more space. Instead, make the most of what you can afford for your budget by introducing clever storage solutions that not only free up space and make your home look tidier, but are child-friendly too.
Here are a few of our favourite solutions:
High Level Shelving
The basic and rather obvious first option is to use simple shelving, but at a height where your children can’t reach it.
Many London homeowners are lucky enough to have high ceilings in their properties which most of the time is unutilised space. Well, no more! Picture rails in kitchens or dining rooms offer the perfect position for displaying ornamental plates, storing large crock pots or books. You could even show off your kids’ arts and crafts masterpieces by placing them here!
Under Bed Storage
^^Wicker Paradise under CC BY 2.0
Another favourite of ours is the under bed drawers or hydraulic lifting beds. This is the perfect ‘hide it away and forget about it’ storage solution for rarely used items like surplus bedlinen, towels or winter clothing.
Investing in this kind of bed will not take up any more floor space than you already use, but will free up considerable space elsewhere for toys, books, DVDs or whatever you need it for. The only difference is that you’ll be sleeping a few inches higher and your wallet may be slightly lighter this month.
Hidden and out of the way it is unlikely that your children will take any notice of this subtle storage; however, if they do, why not give them their own child-friendly version in the form of a bunk or cabin bed?
Bench Ottomans or Window Seat Storage
^^Becky Striepe under CC BY-SA 2.0
If you’re worried about sharp corners, fingers getting caught or any of the other potential dangers then we’d suggest another ‘hidden’ storage option – a padded ottoman storage bench or window seat.
A window seat is ideal whether you live in a converted Victorian house flat or a grand Georgian terrace because both have wonderfully large, bay windows. Plus, they can be reasonably cheap to have fitted too. Simply make the sturdy lid hinged to easily place your toys or bric-a-brac inside, and cover with soft padded seat cushions in your fabric of choice.
Of course, there are many more clever storage solutions that can leave your lovely London family home much more organised, less messy and your children more settled. Whether its labelled plastic storage bins on caster wheels, hanging nets in the corner of your rooms or a good quality, hanging shoe organiser, the possibilities are endless; you just need a little imagination.
Disclosure: Guest Post by Compare My Move.
Compare My Move is a home removals expert and has been helping UK homeowners find and compare quotes from removal companies quickly and cheaply for years. With average savings of around £500, let them take the stress out of moving home for you and compare quotes here.
Under bed storage is great for kids rooms, most of their toys are hidden under their beds
Natasha Mairs recently posted…Frame Again review + giveaway
When we get our toddler bed this is definitely an option I want to have. We’re becoming over run with bright plastic toys!
I would love to have under bed storage like that all neat and tidy -how wonderful. x
Sarah Bailey recently posted…Win with Smiggle
Handy idea isn’t it?!
Some great ideas here we live in an old victorian original 2 up 2 down, it has been extended now but the main rooms are small so we don’t have a lot of space, so clever storage is definitely needed.
StressedMum recently posted…e-linens review and competition to win free bed linen for life
I love victorian properties, but I know what you mean about the space- even though the cosiness is part of the appeal. x
I love the window seat storage. I have always wanted that, but we don’t have a space big enough.
Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy recently posted…Comment on Italian Pesto Burgers by mira
With the right shaped window I think it would be fab. Sometimes the window space can be so awkward. x
Its true I live on the outskirts of London now and I live in a tiny box room in a bunk bed which I share with the girl I look after and we have multi-purpose storage under the bed which I put my shoes, bags and coursework into.
Ana De- Jesus recently posted…Therapy: House Of Fraser Review
Gotta use every available space right!
I am always looking for storage solutions - Clutter Clutter everywhere.
Thanks so much for sharing his lovely 😀
Charlotte x
Charlotte Braithwaite recently posted…Top Tips: How To Pick The Right Christmas Gift
Tell me about it! Our place is over run grrrrr x
Oh I love the under bed storage - I am in desperate need of decent storage, we are overrun with stuff! Kaz x
Ickle Pickle recently posted…Give Your Living Room a New Lease of Life
same it’s so frustrating!
Oh my gosh that picture with the books/DVDs on the shelves above and below the bed is exactly what I want in my home!!! It is a big dilemma trying to decide between being in the centre of London or slightly further out :/ At the moment I live further out with my parents but I’m hoping to move to the centre when I get a job!
Laura Hartley recently posted…ILLUMICRATE UNBOXING: THE SUBSCRIPTION BOX FOR BOOK LOVERS
If you can at some point do it, especially before you have kids because it’s just the best lifestyle 😉 x
The under bed storage is just brilliant, I love and so clever x
Rachel recently posted…Christmas presents you should definitely buy your cat!
We have boxes we put things into under our bed, but I don’t maximise the space as much as I should to be honest.
Children or no children I would use all of those solutions! Mostly just stick things under the bed or cram them into shelves…my home would be a danger zone for little ones.
Great ideas aren’t they? I think everyones home bar ours is a danger zone. We’ve learnt to adapt but god it’s hard!
I use my under bed storage a lot. It is the best storage ever. Great post.
Stella recently posted…Product Review: Clearista Retexturizing Gel Kit
It really would be wasted space otherwise wouldn’t it?
Some great ideas for storage there. It doesn’t matter how much space you have, storing things is always a challenge!
We have shelving as well, and I love the idea of the ottomans to store *cough* hide things in. 🙂 Lovely tasteful solution.
wendy recently posted…Breaking Christmas traditions – is it ever acceptable?!
There’s at least one drawer in every place I live that’s for random pieces of crap. Things that don’t belong anywhere but can’t be kept out because they’re messy x
I really love the look of the highlevel shelving, it makes lots of space and doesn’t take up space (does that even make sense). No matter where we live we never seem to have enough space and I think these high shelves would be perfect for us, especially with a toddler!
Jenni - Odd Socks and Lollipops recently posted…Eliza Crisp and the Abominable Snow Company Book Review
definitely! high shelves and toddlers is a good mix 😉 x
Oh we are so short of storage in our house, it’s so frustrating! I really need to need to sort out some storage solutions like these x
Louise @ Birds and Lilies recently posted…The Real Life Vs The Blog Life
Great ideas aren’t they x
I have just ordered lots of storage cubes to attack the play room. I can’t wait for them to arrive!
Charlotte recently posted…Cooking With Flower Sprouts
I’m actually jealous 😉 x
Love all these ideas, especially for when you are short on space. I think the high shelves look particularly stylish
Zena’s Suitcase recently posted…5 Best Destinations For Winter Sun
Just gotta get the shelves up now 😉
I would love to live in a house with high ceilings - I think they look gorgeous, and they give you so many more options for storage and decoration.
Sally Akins recently posted…Giveaway and Review: Letterbox Cakes from Bakers Days
I love the houses in London for their high ceilings- we just don’t happen to have one of those ones typically hahah x
Under bed storage is an excellent idea. I have a bad habit of just shoving things under my bed but I could really do with getting some storage to get organised!
Kacie recently posted…8 festive PGI foods for your Christmas dinner (Ad)
I’ve been there!! You can get some cheap boxes from Amazon which definitely help x
Under bed storage is awesome! I’d love mine to be that organised!
Zara Lipstixx recently posted…Coloured Lenses UK Review
ditto 😉 x
Love the idea of window seat storage. I just moved to a new place with my daughter and I’m currently trying to organize the storage space properly. The solutions you’ve suggested seem to be very useful. Thanks for the inspiration!
No Problem 🙂 x
There are some really good under bed storage ideas out there that can be made by DIY solutions with ideas for converting old beds
Nick Willis recently posted…Manchester is giving it large on London
That sounds really interesting! I’ll have to look them up!
Good post.
Excellent ideas for storing the stuff that are the most challenging. I think your idea of using shelving sounds great to store stuff and make home clean and child friendly. Thanks for sharing this.
No problem 🙂