Tag: Storage

Categories
Design & decor

How to organise your wardrobe and shoes

Our wardrobe houses our favourite shirts, treasured trousers and doesn’t forget our shoes, but too often, the inside of our closet can become disorganised and cluttered. 

Digging up an old sweater is a challenge and you can hardly find enough space to store your new winter coat, but with these simple storage solutions, coordinating an outfit will no longer be time-consuming and overwhelming. Refresh your closet space with our simple and effective wardrobe organisation tips.

Group and display

To make extra room in your closet, start by grouping similar items in your closet. The key is to ensure your clothes are easily visible and reachable by organising existing items according to their category-shirts, pants, skirts, coats and dresses. Group your items further by organising seasonally or by colour. Allocate different zones for each category and maintain a neat closet by keeping frequently worn items like gym gear, in an easy to reach location to minimise rummaging through your closet.

While you’re updating your wardrobe space, take the opportunity to donate clothes that you no longer wear. If your closet space is overflowing, here’s a rule that can be useful: With each new purchase, donate an existing item in your closet. Generally, items unworn for six months or more, are unlikely to be worn again.

Use baskets to organise shelves / Source: Shutterstock

Maximise available space

A lack of closet space can be attributed to disorganisation or simply not using all of the available room in your closet space. Whatever your current clothing storage situation is, get into the habit of using all of the available space. Start by revamping your sock and belt drawers with dividers for an efficient and well-organised approach that will condense your socks and belts in one easy to find location.

If your closet contains shorter items such as shirts and skirts, adding another rail bar will maximise your available space, creating two columns of hanging space. Alternatively, make the most of unused floor space with stackable boxes and baskets to store seasonal items and handbags. If you’re lacking in floor space, add hooks to a spare wall or position a hook behind your closet door to hang bags, hats, scarves or display your favourite outfit.

Open up a stuffy wardrobe with sliding doors that are mirrored or coloured to match the tone of your walls. Sliding wardrobe doors add ambience to a space and are a DIY alternative to a small wardrobe space.

Hang smart

Invest in space-saving hangers that will help organise your items in similar categories and maximise your closet space. Thin hangers are ideal space savers, but different clothes may require a specific type of hanger to preserve and extend the life of your items. Tiered hangers or combined coat and trouser hangers are great options when you are strapped for space.

Create shelves

Maximise your existing wardrobe with open shelving options that will give you more space to stack and store. The key to wardrobe shelving is to ensure your items are visible and accessible. Avoid deep drawers but rather, replace them with transparent drawers.

Open shelves, drawers and wire baskets are modern wardrobe solutions that allow you to store folded items, ties and shoes in a small space.

Change the way you reach for items in your closet with these simple but versatile storage solutions that will maximise your existing wardrobe space and help organise and store items effectively.

Contact local a handyman

Shoes

They clog up your entrance, invade your wardrobes and suffocate your hallways. Shoe storage is an enigma, but with the right storage solutions, you can continue to indulge your shoe obsession, expand your collection of favourite heels and still have enough room for a few of his pairs too. Here are a few of our favourite shoe storage ideas:

Go vertical

Strapped for space but juggling an endless shoe collection? Pairs of shoes take up lots of floor space so store your pairs vertically with mounted shelves or steel bars to display and store effectively. Repurpose towel racks or create a bespoke shelf by converting a ladder into a storage unit or housing your beloved heels or along a towel bar.

Shoe library / Source: Shutterstock

Create a shoe library

There’s little value in owning a beautiful pair of shoes if you keep them stuffed in the bottom of your wardrobe. Create a shoe library that will leave Carrie Bradshaw drooling with functional and stylish solutions for your beloved shoes. Visibility and accessibility are integral to a long lasting and efficient shoe storage solution, so rather than tucking your shoes away in their original packaging, store shoes in transparent containers and clear drawers to minimise time spent searching for your shoes. Other solutions include hanger units that can hang from wardrobe railings or can be mounted behind your door.

Stacks on

We aren’t advocates of hiding away your shoes under the bed, in a hideaway drawer or the pit of your garage. Shoe boxes are inexpensive, stackable solutions that will help you group similar shoes together, save time searching for a pair of shoes and will also give your wardrobe an uncluttered look.

Categories
Construction

How to build a shed

Benefits of building a DIY shed

Australians have many reasons to consider building a shed on their property. It can provide practical solutions for storage and serve many useful purposes. On the outside, it seems like building DIY outdoor storage sheds would be a simple task, but it can be challenging, especially if it is your first time. This guide provides you with a basic overview of the steps. 

What type of shed should I build?

The first thing that you need to decide is what type of backyard shed you need. You can build a woodshed, garden shed, or a more sophisticated shed with electricity and specialized storage areas for tools. A shed can serve as a workshop, a separate office, or as an artist’s studio. A shed can also be the perfect playhouse for children, given that it is not also used as a storage space for tools.

You can build a shed from many different types of materials, including wood, block, or brick. If you’re looking for a space to store gardening tools, you have many choices in garden shed designs. You will need to decide what type of roofing you want and what kind of flooring, too. For roofing, you can choose options such as standing-seam metal roofing or traditional roofing shingles. You will also need to determine if you need amenities such as electricity and plumbing. Your shed can be as simple or complicated as you choose to make it. You can design it entirely from scratch, or you can choose many of the DIY shed kits that are available online. 

A shed connected to the house / Source: DT Home Improvement Services

What to do before building a shed

Whether you decide to design a shed yourself, purchase pre-made plans, or get a DIY kit, the preparation steps are the same. Here is what you need to do before you begin your DIY outdoor storage shed project.

  1. Choose an appropriate site. The first thing that you need to do is to choose a suitable location. Before you do this, it is a good idea to call your local Council to find out if there are any requirements. Many areas have ordinances that dictate how far away it can be from the main building, how far away it must be from property lines, and other requirements. Planning your site might have to centre around local conditions. 
  2. Take measurements and make a plan. The next step is to take measurements and make some drawings. It is a good idea to mark the area where the shed will go with marking paint. 
  3. Seek council approval. Local councils have different requirements for what you have to do to seek permission for shed construction. You will have to follow their procedures and get their approval before beginning the building process. Some of them might require inspections after the building is completed. You might have to follow special requirements if you live in an area that is prone to severe storms, fire, or floods. 
  4. Level the ground. Regardless of the method you choose for building your shed, the first step is to prepare the site and make sure the ground is level. Depending on the size, you may be able to do this by hand, or it may require renting excavating equipment. 

Materials and tools

Once you have approval and have your site prepared, you can now start gathering the tools and materials that you will need for the project. If you do not have all of them, it may be possible to rent them from a local tool rental store or home improvement centre. You might not need all the tools on this list, depending on the type of shed that you decide to build. Whether you are starting from cutting your own boards or you have purchased a DIY kit will also change the tools that you need or do not need. The following list is only a few suggestions for those of you who are choosing to do everything yourself.

Tools 

  • Jigsaw
  • Mitre saw
  • Hand saw
  • Circular saw
  • Drill
  • Impact driver
  • Pencil
  • T-square or carpenter’s square
  • Spirit level
  • Staple gun

Materials

Here are some of the materials that you might need, depending on what type of shed. Keep in mind that you will need different lumber for the piers, flooring, walls, and roofs. The amounts and types will depend on your building plans and local requirements.

  • Construction timber
  • LogLap cladding or other cladding 
  • OSB board 
  • Corner fence posts
  • Cement
  • Sand 
  • Waterproof sheeting 
  • Roofing felt
  • Shingles or metal for roof
  • Door hinges
  • A variety of screws
  • Windows (optional)

Contact local builders

How to build a shed from scratch

Here are the basic steps for building your shed. 

  1. Building the shed’s foundation. The foundation is the most crucial part of constructing the shed. The first step is to set the deck piers and beams. Next, you will attach the floor joists, and finally, install the flooring material. Sometimes, garden shed flooring can be dirt or other drainage material. The most important factor is that a wood floor will not be in contact with the wet or damp ground and that it allows for airflow underneath.
  2. Build & attach the wall framework. Next, you will begin framing the walls and constructing the doors and windows. It is essential to make sure that everything is square and flush when assembling the components. You can install the doors and windows at this time, too. 
  3. Build the roof rafters. Once the walls are up, you can begin constructing the roof rafters and attaching them to the walls. Most council regulations mandate the materials, spacing, and method of attachment. 
  4. Cover the wall. Now, it is time to attach the outer wall cladding. You can also do any outside trim work around the windows and doors. 
  5. Attach the roof. The last step is placing the OSB board on the roof rafters, installing the roof sheeting, and installing the shingles. 
A small shed for storage / Source: Zane Hand Painting

Once you have constructed your shed frame, it’s time to consider lining the interior walls. While you want a clean and polished look, it’s also important to stay within budget. Here are some things to consider when lining your shed interior:

How to line a shed:

  • Drywall or plasterboard is a common and simple option to use. It is a cost-effective and straightforward installation method that provides a smooth finish.
  • Plywood is another budget-friendly and straightforward option. It can be painted or stained to match your exterior or existing décor.
  • V-Joint cladding provides a finished look for the interior shed walls using thin strips of timber.
  • Tongue and groove timber panels offer a classic look with interlocking edges. They provide extra insulation to your shed and are easy to install with screw fixings.

Cheapest way to line a shed:

  • One of the most cost-effective ways to line a shed is by using oriented strand board (OSB) or particleboard.
  • Another cheap option is the plain metal or fiberboard that you may have used for the exterior shed walls.

Shed footings size:

The footings for your shed should be able to support the weight of your structure. It’s important to check local building codes before calculating your footing size. The general rule is to create footings that are about 4 inches thick and 4 inches wider than the shed base.

Sub board for shed:

A sub-board provides additional insulation between the framing and finish materials. Most commonly, 1/2-inch OSB or plywood is used as sub-board. It’s important to ensure the sub-board is installed flat and secure so that the finish material has a secure surface.

Overall, deciding how to line your shed walls depends on your preferences and budget. Ensure the footings are sized correctly and the sub-board is installed properly to make the most of your shed interior.

How to waterproof your shed

Whether you are building a garden shed or other type of structure, your DIY shed will need to be waterproof. There are several factors involved in waterproofing the shed. The first is the flooring. Some people choose to place a waterproof barrier between the floor and the ground to protect the boards underneath. 

The walls, windows, and doors typically involve caulking and sealing any holes or cracks. It is important to install the roofing according to the manufacturer’s instructions, paying attention to proper overlap, and all necessary steps. Creating a waterproof shed can be the most challenging part of the entire project, but it is also the most important. 

How to hire a builder or handyman

As you can see, there are many steps involved in building your shed. If you do not have all of the necessary skills, it can be a long and frustrating process. That is why many people choose to find a qualified professional to do it for them. Here are a few considerations for hiring someone to build your shed.

Licencing and qualifications

In many cases, one person or a team can build the shed without involving any outside contractors. If you want electricity or plumbing installed, there might be other specialty trades involved. The most important thing is to make sure that all of your professionals meet state and local requirements. It is vital that make sure they have reviews from many happy customers, too. Taking the time to plan and choose the right professional is the most important part of the process to ensure a shed that you will be happy with for many years to come.

Categories
Kitchen

Make the most of your kitchen storage

Every home has a designated kitchen space to prepare, store and consume food but as we replenish the fridge and restock the pantry, our kitchen space can quickly get cluttered, bursting at the seams with stored ingredients, condiments and utensils. Rediscover the luxury of extra space and declutter your pantry and cabinets with our simple kitchen storage solutions that will refresh your existing space without a costly reno. To give you the best head start on organising your kitchen, we share our top kitchen storage solutions.

Make your kitchen drawers more functional 

Most people attempt to organise their kitchen drawers so that everything has a place to go and is easy to find, but usually, there isn’t enough room and everything ends up piled in the drawer haphazardly. Try these kitchen drawer storage tips to de-clutter your drawers:

More space for silverware

Install two shallow drawers in place of one. Place plastic cutlery inserts in both drawers and now you have twice the storage space for silverware as you did before.

Organise your junk drawer

Throwing all your odds and ends in one drawer really isn’t functional. Digging through a drawer desperately trying to find something is the exact opposite of organised. Solve this problem by placing dividers in your drawers to separate off sections. This way, you can categorise your items in the junk drawer and make them easier to find.

Using drawers for pots, pans and dishes

If you have plenty of drawers, why not use some of them to store your pots, pans and dishes? It’s much easier to separate and access these items when they are in drawers instead of cabinets.

Make your kitchen shelves more functional 

Kitchen cabinets have the same problem that kitchen drawers have. If they aren’t organised, it’s hard to find anything in them. Make the most of your kitchen cabinet space by following these tips.

Increase storage by installing shelves over island benches / Source: In Design International

Slide-out shelves

Hire a contractor to install slide-out shelves in your kitchen cabinets. Slide-out shelves significantly increase the usable space in your kitchen cabinets and allow you to organise better.

Wire racks

Place wire racks in your cabinets to increase your storage space. Wire racks work nearly as well as slide-out shelves and are a whole lot cheaper.

Hooks

Screw hooks into the inside of your cabinet drawers to hang commonly used small items, such as bottle openers and can openers.

Drawers for corner cabinets

It takes a lot of effort to reach all areas of a cabinet. This is okay for most people, perhaps; but those with limited mobility will have a hard time reaching out for several items. However, you can easily overcome this drawback by installing corner drawers. The sizes or depths of the drawers can be customised depending on the sizes of stuff you’re going to store in them. You can store small appliances and utensils, or bigger stuff such as pans and pots. Additionally, corner drawers should be designed to have inwardly folding fronts for ergonomic reasons.

Install additional cabinets

One way to take advantage of overhead cupboard height in your kitchen is to place additional shelving or cabinets that extend all the way up to the ceiling. This provides extra storage for items used less frequently or bulky, like large serving platters or seasonal items like holiday decor.

Lazy Susan

It can be really tiring to keep reaching and fumbling blindly for the thing you need. Not to mention, it can be a total waste of time as well. To avoid this from happening again, you can ask for a rotating, circular tray most popularly known as the Lazy Susan to be installed. They are mostly seen on round tables but can also be installed in cabinets for easy accessibility. All you need to do is to put your kitchen necessities on the tray and by the next time you need them, all you do is to turn the Lazy Susan until the item you need is within your reach. How easy is that?

Contact local kitchen experts

Pull-out storage space

Pull-out storage allows you to use existing space, no matter how small or confined it might be. You can install pull-out storage features in corners, cabinets, under the sink and in other places where you can access them quickly and easily without having to bend or reach.

Pull-out storage generally consists of drawers, trays or shelves that can be deep enough to hold large pots and pans or shallow enough to hold cutlery and linens. Pull-out shelves are especially helpful if its hard for you to reach all the way to the back of your cabinets.

Pull-out storage doesn’t have to be constructed into your kitchen walls, shelves and cabinets. It can also be added on by using pre-built, inexpensive units. For example, you can easily install pull-out crockery racks or spice racks in your pantry. Likewise, pull-out wire baskets are an excellent choice for storing fruits and vegetables or for storing cleaning supplies in your pantry or underneath your sink.

Swing-out bins

If you are still looking for a few options for space under the sink, consider using a swing-out bin. When you open the door to the cabinet, the swing-out bin comes out with it, making it very convenient for you to access. It also allows you to hide your bin from view in the kitchen. You may want to find a way to store all of your plastic grocery bags. An option for this is to install a holder on the door that is designed specifically for these bags. This is a great way to keep them within reach without actually having to have a mess on your hands.

Adding a pantry

Having a functional and versatile pantry storage system is a great way to de-clutter a kitchen for a more organised feel. If you have always wanted a pantry of your dreams, here are some of the options you should consider for your kitchen.

Placing appliances in the pantry frees up bench space in the kitchen / Source: Kitchen Perfection

Drawers and baskets

An easy way to add quick and attractive storage to small spaces in both apartments and homes is by installing drawers and baskets. Similar items can be grouped together for a streamlined system, and they are also easier to locate. Flours, spices and pasta are suddenly within reach and in the same spot for an added convenience. Plus, baskets and drawers are temporary options. They’re easy to install and remove, so even renters can use them. They’re also versatile, so no matter the size or shape of the pantry, there are baskets and drawers that will suit it. One thing to remember with drawers is that you need to account for the full opening range and weight of the objects within to maintain complete functionality and to keep the area safe.

Two kinds of pantry shelves

Sometimes, tight spaces or limited mobility make it hard to reach the back of the shelves. In these cases, it’s best to install either pull out or swing out pantry shelves. 

Swing-out shelves swing out to the left and right like a door. This opens up the entire pantry for the clearest view of all your goods, but it does use a greater amount of space in your kitchen.

All the accessories

If organisation is your ultimate goal, there are dozens of helpful pantry accessories that can make your life simpler. Modular storage is a great example and makes short work of neat stacking and frees up the greatest possible space in packed pantries.

Categories
Bathroom & laundry

Storage ideas for your bathroom

In your bathroom, the amount of storage space you need is surprising. When renovating a bathroom or building a new one, be sure to address the storage space to ensure that you have enough in the future. This will make the bathroom much easier to navigate as well as more fun. The following are solutions for getting the most out of your bathroom storage.

Plan

Prior to the renovation, utilise the planning stage to design your storage. Consider the items you wish to keep in the bathroom. Although keeping towels and electrical items handy is convenient, make sure the correct ventilation exists so that moisture does not have detrimental effects. It is unsafe to allow electrical components to corrode and towels to form mildew.

Take measurements

Before purchasing bathroom storage, measure your bathroom adequately. Make a small blueprint of your bathroom taking the consideration where your tub sink and toilet is placed. Also, take into consideration how tall your walls are. Storage units don’t have to be floor units, they can be attached to the wall as well. Once you have done this, decide whether you want freestanding or portable storage. Portable storage can be moved around the bathroom when you find it it’s no longer useful in one area. However, built-in storage cannot be moved it becomes a permanent part of the bathroom structure.

Recessed nooks above baths and in showers are ideal for products / Source: Modern Living Constructions

Innovate

Be creative when placing your storage units. Do not only use vanities and medicine cabinets. Instead, utilise the space in your walls and recessed cabinets which will provide additional room without decreasing the floor space of your bathroom. Additionally, placing recessed nooks around the shower will really open up your bathroom.

Use fixtures

Use vanities with many drawers and shelving units with specialised trays that can be opened for quick access. These fixtures are perfect for applying cleansers at night and cosmetics in the morning. There are even modular units that can be customised to your exact requirements, so you remain organised.

Keep an open mindset

If you are lucky enough to have a large bathroom, utilise different forms of storage for visual interest and to create depth. For instance, combining a vanity, recessed cabinets, wall shelving and baskets will open up your bathroom.

Utilise temporary storage

For those who cannot renovate the bathroom, there are additional temporary storage options that can be implemented. Corner shelving units, regular shelving and hanging shelves are excellent temporary storage choices. Additionally, baskets, boxes and a variety of other containers provide exceptional storage options that can be used anywhere and are available in a variety of colours and styles.

Using storage to match your accessories

If you have a lot of plain accessories you might want to try decorative hooks. These can be installed directly into the wall or hung over the bathroom door on the bar.

Contact local bathroom experts

Corner shelves

Corner shelves come with and without doors and may be used to store things such as personal items and linen.

Linen cupboards

If you have enough room in your bathroom to add a 5-foot linen cupboard this might be ideal. Not only can you store most of the things your bathroom in a living covered, but it also makes the bathroom look more attractive.

Floating shelves

Floating shelves are not enclosed, therefore making the perfect opportunity to add character and style to your bathroom. These are the perfect vessel for towels or everyday washing products and can add a unique charm to the room.

Maximise cabinet, shelf and drawers space / Source: KTR Creations

Pull-out storage 

Pull-out storage has been long-used in kitchens – it also works really well in bathrooms. This type of storage is considered hidden and it definitely saves space – it can be built into almost any narrow space. Since most bathroom products are quite small, it provides a perfect and cosy spot for your essentials such as; bottles of nail polish, moisturiser and makeup.
Adequate storage is crucial to the success of any room. Whether you would prefer to have your items and belongings hidden away, or you want to make a statement, these bathroom storage ideas have something for everyone. Feeling inspired to make some storage adjustments? Oneflare can connect you to a professional bathroom renovator in your area to bring your vision to life. Receiving up to three quotes on your job request will also mean you’re able to keep within your budget or get a better idea on what the project may realistically cost.