Non-Permanent Storage Solutions for Renters

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When you rent your home, you might feel challenged to come up with ways to store belongings that won’t alter the structure of the building. Maybe the landlord doesn’t want you knocking in nails or drilling holes for example. It can be tough to find answers to storage challenges when you’re restricted on how you can customise your living space.

Here are some ideas to help you maximise your storage without risking your deposit.

Smart Shelving and Hanging

If you’re short on built-in storage, shelving is often the answer but traditional wall-mounted shelves may not be an option when you’re renting. If that’s the case, consider these alternatives:

• Freestanding Shelving Units: Would a ladder shelf or a modular bookcase solve the problem? Freestanding shelving offers great storage with the bonus that it can be easily moved so you can switch things around.
• Tension Rods: These work well in closets, kitchens, or bathrooms and can be removed without leaving marks.
• Over-the-Door Storage: Perfect for shoes, cleaning supplies, or toiletries and accessories. Use smaller ones inside cabinet or wardrobe doors for extra, hidden storage.

Stackable Storage

If you have limited space, modular or stackable storage options are almost infinitely customisable so you can adapt them to most situations:

• Stackable Drawers and Bins: Great for wardrobes, under-bed storage, and kitchen pantries.
• Modular Cube Storage: These can serve as bookshelves, toy organisers, or even a room divider if you need to cordon off an area for added privacy.
• Collapsible Storage: Foldable storage boxes, pop-up wardrobes, and collapsible baskets are ideal for renters who move frequently.

3. Storage-Friendly Furniture

Multi-functional furniture is a good investment for anyone, but especially for renters who may move more often than home owners but don’t want the extra expense of buying new furnishings for different homes.

• Storage Ottomans and Benches: These provide extra seating while discreetly storing blankets, shoes, or other household items.
• Under-Bed Storage Drawers: Perfect for clothes, bedding, or seasonal items without taking up extra floor space.
• Bed Frames with Built-In Storage: Some beds have drawers or lift-up storage underneath, a great solution for small bedrooms.
• Folding Tables and Desks: Ideal for renters who need a workspace but don’t want a bulky desk taking up space when they’re not working.

Practical Wardrobe Solutions

In furnished spaces you may not have much choice about wardrobe size and space. A few strategic tricks can help maximise wardrobe storage space.

• Double Hanging Rods: These can be clipped onto existing wardrobe rods to create an extra level for clothing storage.
• Slim Velvet Hangers: They take up less space than bulky plastic or wooden hangers, and they’re a bit kinder to clothes than wire hangers.
• Over-the-Door Shoe Organisers: These aren’t just for shoes—they can store toiletries, cleaning supplies, or accessories too.
• Rolling Clothes Racks: If wardrobe space is limited, a freestanding clothes rail can be a useful and practical solution.
• Seasonal Rotation: Rent a local self storage room for seasonal clothes so you only have what you’re using at home. You can install freestanding rails and drawers in your unit to keep things neat and cared for.

Maximising Kitchen Storage

If your rented kitchen is short of storage space, here are some ways to stretch the space you have.

• Magnetic Knife Strips (with adhesive backing): A space-saving alternative to either a knife block or to free up drawer space.
• Under-Shelf Hanging Storage: These are handy for additional storage beneath the shelves in cabinets.
• Rolling Kitchen Carts or Trolleys: Actual kitchen carts can provide additional counter space, but craft trolleys can be useful for cookware, pantry items or kitchen linens.
• Tension Rods for Vertical Storage: Use tension rods inside cabinets to store baking trays, chopping boards, or to stack lids upright. Two or three side by side is a handy way to make an extra shelf in a cabinet.

While you might need to be a little more creative when finding storage space in rented accommodation, modern solutions make it possible to be comfortable and still keep your landlord happy. Taking advantage of self storage solutions and rotating belongings according to season is a good way of minimising possessions stored at home, while a few clever tricks and hacks make sure what stays at home is neatly stored and organised.