How Much Storage Do You Really Need? A Guide to Planning Your Perfect Space

Since there aren't any hard and fast rules about storage space, it can be hard to determine the proper amount of storage space you'll need for your custom home. It can get even more confusing because assessing your items can sometimes feel like guesswork. How much storage do I need in my new home? How do I quantify how much stuff I have?

The first step to calculate storage needs starts with decluttering. You don't want to bring old clutter into your new home and waste precious storage space. After you've gotten rid of what no longer serves you, consider form and function in relation to the size of your new home. Storage space will usually be adjacent to the category they're responsible for, so consider the amount of items you have that play different roles in your life.

Remember — if you build it, you will fill it. Our designers at Artisan Custom Closets in Nashville can help you calculate storage needs in relation to your home's size. Take the guesswork out of your build — call Artisan Custom Closets in Nashville today.

Different Types of Closets

How much storage do I need? Outside of clothing closets, there are many ways to use different types of closets and storage spaces in your home. When quantifying the amount of items you have, start by sorting and categorizing the items you'll need space for and consider closets like:

Linen closet

Linen closets are usually found near bedrooms or bathrooms and they hold everything from extra linens, bedding, toiletry, and items bought in bulk. If big enough, this can also hold small cleaning supplies in a rack or caddy.

Mudrooms

Mudrooms serve as a transitional space for coming into the home and are neatly tucked away rooms found at the entry or exit of a home. This is where you can take off your shoes, coat, backpack, and have a proper place to store them and keep your home free of dirt and debris. The mudroom also acts as a storage hub, often outfitted with cabinets and storage benches that can hold seasonal decor, sporting equipment, and more.

Coat closet

If you don't have enough space for a mudroom, consider a small coat closet instead. Found at the main entrance of your home, the coat closet is a great place to store coats, jackets, shoes, and cleaning appliances. At Artisan Custom Closets, we can help you figure out the perfect custom storage solution for homes of all types.

Kitchen Pantry and Cabinets

Calculate storage needs by considering the type of cooking or baking your family engages in and plan your storage depending on the amount of kitchen items you have. Creating plenty of space for everyday pots and pans is a must, and if you host frequently, creating a bar area with cabinets can be a useful place to store barware and decor.

Cleaning closet

When considering the question, "How much storage do I need?" consider how large your home is and what it takes to clean it. If you have space under the stairs, this is a great place to store paper products bought in bulk, vacuums, mops, cleaning products, and cleaning appliances.

Hobby or catch-all closet

The hobby closet or catch-all closet can store whatever you or your family has interest in, from board games, crafts, toys, pet storage, and more. Having custom storage solutions for homes means that you can truly make your closet work for you, in any way you want.

Design more storage space than you think you'll need and if you have an attic, basement, or crawl space, this is a great place to handle any overflow you may encounter.

Calculating Storage Needs

A general rule of thumb in home design to calculate storage needs is to devote 10% of your home's square footage to storage. For example, for a 5,000 square foot home, you should have at least 500 square feet of storage.

This is a good jumping off point, but your real storage needs will depend on your lifestyle. If you have harsh winters, you may need more storage for winter gear. Conversely, if you live in a temperate environment, you may need to accommodate more outdoor hobbies, like camping gear and sports equipment.

Request a Quote From Artisan Custom Closets Today

Custom storage solutions for homes start with figuring out what you have and where you want to keep it. Create the perfect storage solution for you and your family by calling Artisan Custom Closets in Nashville to request a free at-home consultation today.