Arranging your home with a big family in mind is difficult. Choosing where to store everyone’s belongings and organizing them requires careful planning. Think of the toddler’s toys and the teenager’s sports equipment, and that’s before you’ve even considered your and your partner’s stuff.
The best way to tackle your storage challenges head-on is by installing some innovative arrangement set-ups that will contain your clutter and give your home a refined look. Need some inspiration? Don’t worry; we’ve assembled this list of creative storage solutions solely for big families that will help you maximize your space and add some organization to your home.
Hanging Coffee Zone
As the morning rush kicks off, it can be challenging to work around your kitchen with all the people, especially when it comes to coffee. Instead of having people crouched over each other trying to get their early caffeine fix, set up a hanging coffee zone on your wall.
Think as they do in the workplace; set aside an area where everyone can stand side by side to get what they want without causing a traffic jam. Hang a board on the wall with some shelves that can hold your coffee machine and cups, making it easily accessible for everyone.
Add hooks to hold any additional brewing gear you might have, like your dripper, spoons, etc., to get the most out of the space.
Large Garages
Photo credit: Dillon Kydd
Big families mean more cars, and having a large garage is the best way to keep them away in one place.
Three- or four-car garages are a good size for a busy household. They provide enough room for a few vehicles and can give you some extra storage space for other things, like tools and things you use in specific seasons, such as winter clothes and summer equipment. Choose a design that suits your family’s needs. Select the right number of doors so all the vehicles can drive in without having to move anything, and pick a good height just in case you’ve got any jeeps.
Mudroom
Trust us, mudrooms are better than they sound. These spaces are like a midpoint between the outside and inside of your home. They serve as an area where people can dust themselves off before entering the main living space. If you’ve got lots of people coming and going, they can be great for reducing the dirt and clutter build-up in your home.
A large mudroom is optional, even if you’ve got a large clan under your roof; in fact, 59% of homes with mudrooms have medium-sized ones.
Mudrooms can be multipurpose in terms of storage. People use them to store shoes and dirty laundry and even add cabinets to hold their cleaning supplies. Be innovative and try to get the most out of it. For example, you can put your washing machine there or add a bike rack to hang your kid’s two-wheelers up – so they’re ready for their next adventure.
Zone off Your Bigger Rooms
Sometimes, all it takes to get some extra space is looking at some of your bigger rooms to see what you can do. Zoning is a practical way to design a multi-functional room; it creates a proper layout, giving each area its own purpose.
Separating the zones in your bigger rooms is quite easy; you just need something to set the boundary line. Try to get a moveable wall, add a standing bookshelf, or lay down different carpets to visually demarcate each area.
You might wonder what combinations you can go for that align with similar purposes and won’t disturb the occupants. Dining areas go hand in hand with living spaces. Libraries and offices work well together. Base the organization of your rooms on the number, age, and character of your family members.
Portable Sheds for Extra Storage
Adding a portable shed in your backyard can significantly increase your storage space without sacrificing any space in your home’s interior. These sheds are great for storing seasonal items, gardening tools, and sports equipment.
They come in various sizes, allowing you to choose one that fits well with the rest of your home’s aesthetics, as well as your family’s needs. Moreover, a portable shed can serve as a flexible storage solution that can be relocated as your needs change. This addition can help you keep your home clutter-free, making it easier to manage space effectively.
Floor-To-Ceiling Shoe Racks
Keep everyone’s pairs organized in one area with a floor-to-ceiling shoe rack. Having shelves that go up vertically saves you from building out and taking up valuable rooms that could be used for something else.
Photo credit: Kenny Eliason
Simply install a few shelves in an accessible area to accommodate your family’s shoe collection, whether it’s in a built-in compartment or a free-standing rack. Whenever someone goes inside or outside, they’ll know the system and have a place to put their footwear. It saves a big pile clogging up your front door and keeps your entryway tidy and welcoming.
Jump on the Path to an Organized Home for a Big Family With These Creative Storage Solutions
Keeping a property for a big family organized is like a full-time job in itself. You’re not just storing stuff for two people anymore like it was before your little ones came along. Now, there are others to consider, so having some ways to keep everything organized is the key to maintaining a functional living space.
Even though some of these solutions may seem like sizable improvements, you can scale them down according to the number of family members you have.
For more insightful tips and innovative ideas on improving your home, visit Illustrarch today. Discover how to transform your living space with creative and practical solutions.
