Hello Reader,

Recently, some of you joined the fantastic webinar with architect Jane Leach about refurbishing your home. It really got me thinking about how much more successful the project outcome is, when storage thought about…

So often, the planting stage of a decluttering project – where find a place for everything and organising and styling your home – goes so much more smoothly when a few smart storage solutions are already in place.

Here are some of the bigger home investments I wish my clients had already made before we start working together. These aren’t quick wins or impulse buys – they’re thoughtful, longer-term upgrades that genuinely support a calm, organised home.

1. Ottoman furniture​
Whether it's a sofa or a bed, ottoman-style pieces offer brilliant hidden storage. Ideal for things you don’t need every day – like winter throws, photo albums, or guest bedding – and they help keep surfaces clear without adding visual clutter.
→ Explore sofa styles here​

2. Mirror cabinets​
If you need a mirror anyway, why not make it do double duty? These are ideal in bathrooms and bedrooms where every bit of storage helps.

3. Under-sink organisers​
That awkward space under the sink can actually store quite a bit with the right inserts or dividers – and it keeps everyday items neat and accessible.

4. A recycling station​
Recycling is part of daily life, and when it doesn’t have a dedicated space, it tends to sprawl. A well-designed recycling station makes it easier to stay on top of things and keep your kitchen feeling calm.

5. Built-in storage in awkward spaces​
Whether it’s under the stairs or into the eaves, these tricky areas are often overlooked – but they can be transformed into brilliant, seamless storage. Companies like Clever Closet offer ready-made solutions, or you could work with a local joiner to create something bespoke. Get some inspiration here:
→ Understairs storage ideas​
→ Eaves storage inspiration​

6. Built-in wardrobes or extra shelves​
Custom wardrobes make the most of alcoves or uneven walls and give a far cleaner look than mismatched furniture. Even something simple – like adding a shelf to an airing cupboard – can unlock hidden storage.

These kinds of investments don’t just support the decluttering process – they lay the groundwork for a home that feels more spacious, more intentional, and more you.

For more design-led storage inspiration, head over to my blog:

​https://www.helensanderson.com/10-home-investments-before-we-start/​

I hope this gives you some fresh ideas to make your home work even better for you. A few simple upgrades can go a long way – not just in reducing clutter, but in creating a space that feels more functional, easeful, more beautiful, and more you.

Best wishes

Helen