One of the key reasons to choose a new build home is that the layout and design prioritise practicality. And with clever storage ideas, you can keep each room looking as clean and tidy as the day you move in.
Here’s our room-by-room guide, packed with quick fixes and easy wins.
Under stairs storage ideas that transform wasted space
The under stairs space is one of the most useful (and under-utilised) in many homes, and storage ideas are endless, from stepped shelves to pull-out units.
Here are some under stairs storage ideas to make the most of your space:
- Stepped shelves make room for objects of every height, including cleaning supplies, shoe boxes, and spare lightbulbs.
- Hooks and racks let you hang coats and bags on the inside of the door, and stack shoes beneath.
- Labelled baskets can fill the deepest part of the space, and are perfect for suitcases and Christmas decorations.
- Pull-out drawers are a bigger investment, but they’ll make the back of the space more reachable.
In our Ellen home, we’ve built neat storage solutions into the layout, making it highly functional for families. Under stairs storage lets you declutter your home, offering a dedicated space for bags and shoes, while the utility room keeps the kitchen clean and tidy.
Tip: Before you buy furnishings, measure the full depth of the space (including the angle of the stairs) to make sure new items fit. Also, use proper fixings for anything heavy.
Hallway storage ideas that hide everyday clutter
The hallway is the first thing you see when you get home, so it’s best to keep it tidy. These storage ideas hide shoes, coats, bags, and other bits and bobs, without cluttering up the space.
- Choose a slim shoe cabinet with doors to house trainers, boots, and slippers while keeping the floor clear.
- Fit a storage bench with a lift-up seat to stash hats, gloves, and scarves, while doubling as a handy spot to put on shoes.
- Add a console with a drawer to drop keys and post when you get in, and keep loose change, sunglasses, and other small items hidden away.
- Tuck baskets into the console table or storage unit to keep dog leads, umbrellas, and other everyday essentials within easy reach.
- Install a narrow cupboard for coats, bags, and reusable shopping totes to make the most of the vertical space. Not enough space for a cupboard? Hang coat hooks on the wall instead.
Tip: Whenever you’re drilling into walls, use a cable and pipe detector first, and make sure you use fixings designed for plasterboard. Also, always avoid areas directly above and below plug sockets and switches, and use a stud finder to locate screws behind walls.
Kitchen storage ideas to maximise cupboard space
Modern kitchens come with plenty of cabinets and ample worktop space, and these clever storage additions help you use every inch of it:
- Mount racks on the inside of cupboard doors to hold foil, cling film, and baking paper. You could also fix a slim spice rack to the wall for the jars you reach for every day.
- Hang a rail with hooks for pans, utensils, and mugs to keep worktops clutter-free. Not enough wall space? Under-cabinet mug hooks work just as well.
- Add a magnetic knife strip to the wall to free up a whole drawer and keep knives close to hand.
- Place a turntable in corner cupboards so tins, jars, and sauces at the back don’t get forgotten about.
- Use drawer dividers to give cutlery and utensils their own compartments, so you can find what you need without rummaging.
- Add shelf risers inside cupboards to create a second level for plates, bowls, and mugs.
A utility room makes the biggest difference because it keeps bulky, everyday clutter out of the kitchen.
Our Eden property has a dedicated utility room, perfect for housing your laundry, cleaning supplies, and recycling. That frees up room in your kitchen cupboards for food, gadgets, and cookware.
Recommended reading: Laundry room ideas for your new build home.
Bedroom storage ideas for a clean, clutter-free space
Bedroom storage ideas like wardrobe upgrades and ottoman beds are quick wins that won’t cost too much or require major building work. Here are our favourites:
- Fit a double hanging rail in your wardrobe to fit twice as many shirts and dresses in the same space. You could also add shelf dividers or baskets to keep folded jumpers in neat stacks.
- Use vacuum bags to shrink bulky winter coats, spare duvets, and out-of-season clothes. Then, slide them under the bed or onto the top shelf of your wardrobe.
- Opt for an ottoman bed or one with pull-out drawers to keep spare bedding, towels, and suitcases out of sight.
If you’re limited on space, take inspiration from our small bedroom storage ideas that make every inch count:
- Mount bedside shelves and wall lights instead of using bedside tables. This frees up floor space and makes the room feel bigger.
- Hang over-door organisers for shoes, bags, and accessories. Hooks are also the perfect spot to hang hoodies, fleeces, and dressing gowns.
- Add floating shelves above the bed or desk for books, plants, and photos, drawing the eye upwards in a tight room.
Good to know: In our Eden home, the master bedroom has its own dressing area. A few upgrades, including open rails, drawers, and a full-length mirror will quickly transform the space into a mini walk-in wardrobe.
FAQs about storage ideas in a new build
What bathroom storage ideas will keep the room tidy?
For compact bathrooms, try mirrored cabinets and vanity units with drawers so you’ve somewhere to store toiletries, medicines, and towels. To keep surfaces clear, hang soap dispensers or shelves up on the walls.
What airing cupboard storage ideas help with organisation?
Airing cupboard storage is an easy win. Slatted shelves are perfect for towels and bedding, while foldable baskets can be put away when you don’t need them.
What loft storage ideas keep new builds warranty-friendly?
To make the most of your loft space, use loft legs to lift boarding above the insulation (rather than squashing it). Always avoid cutting or altering the roof trusses, and keep the eaves clear for ventilation.
Make sure to check what equipment is in the loft before boarding too, because many new builds come with solar panels. If you’re not sure about what changes you can make, contact our customer team to make sure your LABC warranty stays protected.
What garage storage ideas free up floor space?
The easiest way to keep a garage walkable is to choose wall-mounted shelving units and pegboards to store tools and garden equipment. It’s also a good idea to hang overhead racks and heavy-duty wall hooks for camping gear and bikes.
Find your perfect home storage setup with Genesis Homes
Storage ideas in a new build ensure that every inch of space is working for you, from under the stairs to the loft. Your home stays as clean, calm, and clutter-free as the day you move in.
Still searching for the right new build property? Explore our new build homes in Cumbria & Lancashire, designed with practical modern layouts and dedicated storage built in.