Is There Enough Storage Space at Home? Consider the Flow Before the Number of Cupboards

Having plenty of cupboards does not necessarily mean all your storage needs are met. Shelf depth, accessibility and how often you use your belongings are all important. Thinking about where to store things in your new home can reduce the need to fill your living space with boxes after you’ve moved in.

Sort your belongings by use

Items used daily, seasonal items and those needed only occasionally do not all have to be kept in the same place. Make separate lists for cleaning supplies, kitchenware, textiles and hobby materials. If specific storage conditions are required, take the manufacturer’s instructions into account.

Check the internal layout

A cupboard that looks large from the outside may have sections that are difficult to use. Check the dimensions of the shelves and drawers, how the doors open, and how accessible they are. If you need to use unsafe methods to reach the top shelf, the layout may not be suitable for you. Do not attempt to reach items at risky heights.

Conflict with passageways

Does the cupboard door block the corridor or the area around the bed when opened? Do the drawer and the door open into the same space? Consider the daily inconvenience if you constantly have to move other items to retrieve something. A calculation of total volume alone will not reveal this issue.

Having cupboards made to measure

Do not treat the entire empty wall as storage space. You must assess access to sockets, pipework, windows and appliances. Before commissioning bespoke work, have the installation dimensions confirmed by a professional. Technical areas must not be haphazardly blocked off with cupboards.

Simple layout trial

Write down potential locations for each group of items. Can you keep frequently used items within easy reach? Is there suitable space for seasonal items? Once you’ve drawn up the plan, discuss any remaining uncertainties on site.

When choosing a home with Buy Best Villa, instead of simply asking for ‘lots of cupboards’, you can share your actual storage requirements. This way, the focus is on how the space will work with your belongings, rather than just how tidy it looks in the photos.

Further reading

Gross square metres or net square metres? Reading the figures in the listing correctly guide for further information on this topic.