A new home means a fresh start – clean, open, and full of potential. The best way to keep it that way? A smart, customized storage system.
Start Before You Move
“The time to begin preparations for your new home is when you are in your old one,” says Regina Leeds, author of One Year to an Organized Life. Follow Leeds’ “magic formula”: “Eliminate, categorize and then organize.”
Focus on how you’ll use each space in your new home:
“Primary bedroom closets are usually the starting point, with 61 percent of recent homebuyers planning a project in the next 18 months,” says Lisa Engel of ClosetMaid.
“Garages are the fastest growing, with 50 percent of homeowners citing it as the most unorganized room in their home.”
| Quick Start Storage Checklist |
|---|
| 1. Declutter ruthlessly: Purge anything you don’t use or love – it’s cheaper to move less. |
| 2. Map your new layout: Note storage opportunities in your floor plan: closets, pantry, garage, and laundry. |
| 3. Measure before you buy: Know your dimensions before investing in bins or shelving. |
| 4. Label everything: Use clear bins and labels during your move so unpacking feels organized, not chaotic. |
| 5. Plan your zones: Designate “drop zones” for keys, shoes, and mail to prevent day-one clutter. |
Build for Function and Flow
Once you’ve planned your priorities, it’s time to make your system work for real life.
“There are a lot of solutions when it comes to storage in a room with a lot of space, but one of my favorites would be to install a series of shelves so that everything has a place,” says Paul Risdale, owner of Closets By Design.
Kitchen: Plan a walk-in pantry and invest in pull-out shelves so items don’t get lost in dead space.
Closet: Partner with professionals or explore storage options to create storage that fits your lifestyle. Built-in drawers and dressers in the closet are a hot trend.
Mudroom & Laundry: Risdale says, “A popular design customers are going with is a locker room design, which allows each child to have their own designated space for coats, book bags and shoes.”
Smart Storage Meets Smart Home
Today’s best storage systems don’t just save space – they save time. Integrate smart home tech to make your organization effortless:
Smart lighting: Install motion-sensing or voice-activated lights in closets, pantries, and garages. No more fumbling for switches with full hands.
Digital inventory: Use smart labels or inventory apps like Sortly to track seasonal décor, pantry items, or tools stored in bins.
Climate control: Connect your garage or attic to a smart thermostat or humidity sensor to protect stored items from extreme temps.
Charging stations: Add built-in charging drawers or wall-mounted hubs in mudrooms and bedrooms to keep cords hidden and devices powered.
Smart shelving: Some modular systems now include LED lighting and USB ports for multi-use organization.
Bonus: These upgrades not only make life easier but can also boost your home’s resale appeal.
| Tools of the Trade Recommended by Leeds | |
|---|---|
| Bamboo Kitchen Divider: Great for trays and cutting boards. | Easy Gliders: Pull-out shelves so nothing gets lost in the back. |
| Cabinet Organizers: Use in bathrooms, pantries, and cabinets to keep items visible. | Acrylic Drawer Organizers: Perfect for keeping every drawer neat and categorized. |
| Shelf Dividers: Create order and separation on closet shelves. |
DIY or Hire the Pros?
Consider your DIY experience and budget.
Engel says, “Professional designers/installers are trained to maximize your space and use the ‘tricks of the trade’ to take the worry out.”
Alternatively, work with a designer for the plan, then DIY the rest.
Bottom Line
Your new home gives you a clean slate – make the most of it. A smartly designed storage system is a great way to set the tone. Remember to not overfill your new space!
Julie Gordey
A lifelong educator, Julie Gordey, is a retired school administrator. After years of focusing on education, this University of Texas graduate now travels and enjoys freelance writing for BDX and NewHomeSource.com.