TRYING to get onto the housing ladder can be tough – but managing to find a place with enough storage can be even harder.
Luckily, there are tips and tricks to help you make the most of your space.
A Mumsnet user was desperately seeking for a savvy storage hack after moving into a small bungalow[/caption]
And one mum recently learned a clever trick to help when it comes to storing her belongings.
Taking to the online forum Mumsnet, she asked other users of the social media site for help after downsizing her house.
She wrote: “I’ve moved from a five-bedroom house to a tiny bungalow, and there isn’t a cupboard (apart from the kitchen – and only three drawers in there).
“I’ve got all my bed linen in plastic boxes under the bed, and my shoes and boots are still in a box.
“I’ve bought a shelf unit from Ikea for the bathroom, so at least my towels are easy to access.
“I only brought my beds with me and had to buy all the furniture. Just wondered if anyone has anything they think is great for storage?”
Her post received lots of attention, with many people rushing to the comments section to share their recommendations.
One wrote: “If you are considering built-in cupboards at a later date, the IKEA Jonaxel range is good.
“Internal rails, wire basket drawers, shelves etc., but it is all for standing, so if you wanted a cheap option to suit for now that wouldn’t be wasted later, worth considering.
“The folding ottoman boxes you can buy on Amazon etc. are good.
“A big one for the end of the bed would hold loads.
“Can sit on them too and surprisingly sturdy.”
The recommended storage ottoman can currently be ordered from Amazon for £18.99.
Sized at 38 x 38 x 38 cm, it offers a 40L storage capacity, which is great for pillows, folded clothes, or bed linens.
Shoppers have praised the storage device on Amazon, with many rushing to the comments section to share their thoughts, giving it a five-star review.
It’s foldable, so it doesn’t take up too much space while not in use
Customer review
One wrote: “I like this product for its inside space, and it was simple to assemble.
“Very sturdy and looks tidy in the room.
“Very good as a seat for doing make-up and great for keeping bits and bobs that you need to use on a daily basis, as you can hide them away in this box, preventing the flat/house from looking over-cluttered!
“Definitely glad I purchased this item, and it will be used for many years yet to come.”
Amazon is selling the product for £18.99[/caption]
Another added: “Looks good in my living room. We can sit on it, use it as storage, use it as a coffee table, or relax your foot on it.
“Very sturdy and value for money.
“This size is like two people sitting on it comfortably. It’s foldable, so it doesn’t take up too much space while not in use.
“Easy to use. The lid is sturdy and comfy also.”
A third chimed in: “Really big storage box basically.
“Easy to ‘assemble’ – just put the bottom flat and have a Velcro divider to place in the middle. Can also sit on it, which is very handy.”
Fridge or cupboard? The essential food storage guide
Foods must be stored correctly to keep them fresh and prevent the spread of bacteria.
Nutrition expert Birgit Brendel said bread will last longer when stored in the fridge or freezer.
However, this can compromise the flavour.
Storing in ceramic or pottery containers is an alternative that allows for air to flow easily and slow the growth of mould.
Robert Morris, managing director of food safety consultants, Complete Food Safety, revealed the best place to store fresh fruit and vegetables.
He said salad foods should be stored in the fridge drawer, but away from anything grown in the soil such as carrots, parsnips and beetroot.
Tomatoes are an exception to the rule as fridges can alter the natural ripening process and diminish their taste.
He also advised against putting avocados and bananas in the fridge as this will cause them to blacken quicker.
