Managing household items like blankets and pillows can be a challenge, especially when you have extra ones that you don’t use daily. Keeping these bulky items organized and stored properly ensures that your living space remains clean, clutter-free, and functional. However, the question remains: how can you store extra blankets and pillows without taking up precious space? The good news is that with some clever strategies and thoughtful organization, it’s entirely possible to store these items in a way that maximizes space while keeping everything accessible and easy to find.
In this article, we will explore practical solutions, from creative storage hacks to the latest space-saving furniture options, all designed to help you store extra blankets and pillows without sacrificing room. Whether you live in a spacious home or a compact apartment, these strategies will help you keep your living areas neat and free from clutter.
Understanding the Space Challenge
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Before we dive into the solutions, it’s essential to understand why storing extra blankets and pillows can be a space challenge. Blankets, pillows, and bedding are often large, soft, and bulky, taking up a lot of room in cabinets, closets, and other storage areas. On top of that, these items are often used infrequently, making it easy to push them into random corners or piles in an attempt to “hide” them. However, this only contributes to the mess and doesn’t address the underlying issue.
Why It’s Important to Store Blankets and Pillows Properly
- Maximize Available Space: Proper storage ensures that you can store your bedding without encroaching on other storage areas for other important household items.
- Prevent Damage: Improper storage can lead to damage, dust accumulation, and unpleasant odors, particularly with softer items like pillows.
- Reduce Clutter: Having an organized storage system reduces the visual clutter in your home, making it feel more spacious and tidy.
- Ease of Access: With the right storage solution, you’ll be able to quickly access blankets and pillows when needed, without having to dig through piles of bedding.
By approaching storage creatively, you can tackle these challenges head-on.
Effective Storage Solutions for Extra Blankets and Pillows
Now that we understand the issue at hand, let’s explore a variety of effective storage solutions for your extra blankets and pillows. These options span from traditional techniques to innovative furniture and organizational tools, all aimed at helping you save space without sacrificing functionality.
1. Use Vacuum Storage Bags
One of the most popular and effective methods for saving space is using vacuum storage bags. These bags allow you to store blankets and pillows by compressing them into a smaller size, removing the excess air, and creating more storage space.
How to Use Vacuum Storage Bags
- Step 1: Fold your blanket or pillow neatly. The more compact the item is, the more air you can remove, resulting in better space-saving results.
- Step 2: Place the blanket or pillow into the vacuum storage bag. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for loading the bag properly.
- Step 3: Use a vacuum cleaner to remove air from the bag. The bag will compress and shrink down to a fraction of its original size, saving significant space.
- Step 4: Seal the bag tightly, ensuring it’s airtight. Store the bag in a closet, under the bed, or in any other space-saving area.
Benefits:
- Significant Space Savings: Vacuum bags can reduce the size of bulky bedding by up to 75%.
- Protection: These bags protect your blankets and pillows from moisture, dust, and pests.
- Portable: Vacuum storage bags are lightweight and easy to move around.
Drawbacks:
- Frequent Repacking: If you frequently need to access these items, vacuum bags may be less convenient as they need to be repacked each time.
- Long-Term Compression: Over time, long-term storage in vacuum bags may affect the fluffiness of pillows.
2. Under-Bed Storage Solutions
Under-bed storage is an excellent solution for keeping bulky items like blankets and pillows out of sight without taking up much space. There are many types of under-bed storage options available, from boxes to drawers to specialized storage containers.
Ideas for Under-Bed Storage:
- Plastic Storage Bins: Clear plastic bins are ideal for under-bed storage because they allow you to see the contents easily. Use them for blankets and pillows that are not in frequent use.
- Rolling Drawers: Rolling storage drawers are designed specifically to slide under your bed and offer convenient, accessible storage for larger items.
- Storage Trunks: Some people opt for under-bed storage trunks that not only provide storage but can double as extra seating or a place to store other household essentials.
- Storage Bags: You can purchase large fabric bags designed to slide under the bed. These often come with zippers or Velcro closures to keep items secure.
Benefits:
- Utilizes Dead Space: The space beneath your bed is often underutilized, making it a perfect spot for extra storage.
- Easy Access: These items are still within reach and easy to access without much effort.
- Affordable: Under-bed storage is relatively low-cost compared to other storage solutions.
Drawbacks:
- Accessibility: Depending on the height of your bed, you may need to crouch or bend to access the items stored underneath, which can be inconvenient.
- Clutter Visibility: If you don’t use clear containers, it may be difficult to remember exactly where you’ve stored specific items.
3. Built-In Storage and Custom Furniture
For those with a bit more flexibility in their living space, investing in built-in storage solutions or multi-functional furniture can help you maximize available storage while keeping your blankets and pillows neatly tucked away.
Types of Built-In Storage:
- Custom Closet Shelving: If you have a closet or other storage area, custom-built shelves or cubbies can help store bedding. This option allows you to neatly fold or roll blankets and pillows and store them in individual sections.
- Window Seat Storage: Many homes feature window seats, and these can be repurposed for storage. With built-in storage under the seat, you can store extra blankets and pillows in a way that blends seamlessly into your room.
- Storage Ottomans: A storage ottoman not only serves as a practical piece of furniture but also provides hidden storage space inside. You can store extra blankets and pillows inside, keeping them out of sight yet easily accessible.
- Sofa with Hidden Storage: Some modern sofas come equipped with hidden storage compartments where you can store blankets, pillows, and other bulky items. This multifunctional furniture helps optimize space while providing comfort.
Benefits:
- Long-Term Investment: Custom storage solutions tend to be durable and add long-term value to your home.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Built-in or multi-functional furniture blends into the design of the room, enhancing the overall aesthetics while serving a functional purpose.
- Efficient Use of Space: These solutions optimize every inch of available space.
Drawbacks:
- Initial Investment: Custom-built storage can be expensive, requiring a significant upfront cost.
- Time-Consuming: Installing built-in furniture or shelving can take time and may require professional assistance.
4. Use Overhead Storage
If you have limited floor space but ample vertical space, overhead storage can be a game-changer. Installing shelves, hooks, or hanging storage units high up in the room can create additional storage without taking up floor space.
Overhead Storage Ideas:
- High Shelving: Install shelves high up on the walls to store items you don’t need daily. This could be an ideal space for storing extra pillows and blankets.
- Hanging Storage Baskets: Use hanging baskets or mesh bags attached to hooks to store bedding, allowing for easy access without taking up floor space.
- Closet Rod Extensions: If you have a closet, adding an additional hanging rod at the top can be an effective solution for hanging bedding or storing fabric bags.
Benefits:
- Maximizes Vertical Space: Overhead storage uses space that would otherwise go unused.
- Keeps Items Out of Sight: Items stored overhead are out of sight, which helps keep your space looking clean and organized.
Drawbacks:
- Hard to Access: Overhead storage can be difficult to access regularly, especially for heavier or larger items.
- Requires Installation: To set up overhead storage, you may need to install hooks, rods, or shelving, which could involve extra time and effort.
5. Repurpose Old Furniture for Storage
If you have unused furniture pieces lying around, consider repurposing them for storing your extra pillows and blankets. Old furniture like chests, benches, or cabinets can be revamped to serve as storage solutions for bulky bedding.
Ideas for Repurposing Furniture:
- Old Trunks: Antique or unused trunks are perfect for storing extra bedding. The trunk can be kept at the foot of the bed or in a closet.
- Storage Benches: A bench with a lift-up lid or drawers beneath can offer ample space to store extra pillows and blankets.
- Unused Cabinets: Any unused or spare cabinet can be reorganized to store bedding in an organized manner.
Benefits:
- Sustainable: Repurposing old furniture helps reduce waste and gives new life to unused items.
- Stylish: Vintage or repurposed furniture can add charm and personality to your room while providing additional storage.
Drawbacks:
- Limited Capacity: Depending on the size of the furniture, there may be limited space for storage.
- Time-Consuming: Repurposing old furniture may require cleaning, repairing, or refinishing, which can take time.
Conclusion
Storing extra blankets and pillows without taking up too much space requires a thoughtful approach to organization and a willingness to think outside the box. From vacuum storage bags to under-bed solutions and even custom-built furniture, there are a multitude of options to help you store bulky bedding efficiently.
The key to successfully managing extra blankets and pillows is finding a system that works for your lifestyle and your living space. Whether you have ample room or are working with limited square footage, implementing a combination of these solutions will help you keep your home neat, tidy, and free of clutter. By using these strategies, you can enjoy a well-organized space that’s functional and welcoming.