I live in a small home with minimal built-in storage, but I have a lot a convenient (and surprisingly large) cupboard under the stairs. However, since it’s one of the storage areas for coats, shoes, bags, cleaning products, and pretty much anything else that doesn’t have a proper home, it’s also the certified “dumping ground” in my house. And I know I’m not alone in this.
Sure, I might dream of a streamlined, organized one under stairs storage ideasbut the reality is that this area is quickly becoming a place for all the practical junk I need to keep but don’t want to show. So I hide everything behind a door and hope it doesn’t spill the next time I open it.
But since I was recently inspired by things that people with a tidy hallway always haveI decided to move on to the next logical area and tackle my messy closet under the stairs. So, I asked my tidiest coworkers, friends, and family members how they keep this dump a clean, organized storage area—and here’s what they suggested I add.
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1. Shoe rack
(Image: Future PLC/Rachel Smith)
I may only live with one other person (and my dog), but shoe storage is a real problem in my house thanks to my husband’s sneaker obsession. And while I swear it Shoe storage solution £17 for my hallway I always need more – and everyone says an under-stairs shoe rack is the way to go.
There are so many different options for shoe racks, from smaller shoe racks to narrow shoe storage cabinetswall-mounted shoe racks and even modular boxes that you can configure to your own specifications. And since understairs cabinets can vary in size and awkward shapes, it’s easy enough to find one that suits your space.
Shoe racks can even work if you’ve turned your under-stairs cupboard into a downstairs toilet, as proven by our editor-in-chief, Heather. Without any space, she is uses her toilet door as a designated shoe storage area with a shoe rack over the door which is perfect for her family home.
Argos Home Jorn 8 Shoe Storage Rack
With storage space for around 24 pairs of shoes, this shoe rack is ideal if you have a larger cupboard under the stairs.
Lifewit Over the Door Shoe Organizers
Available in a choice of three colours, this handy over-the-door shoe rack can hold regular shoes and a few larger boots in the bottom pocket.
Argos Home shoe rack with 2 shelves
This shoe rack is stackable, so if you have more shoes that need a home, you can buy more and simply stack them on top of each other.
2. Wall or door hooks
(Image: Future PLC/Rachel Smith)
The under-stairs cupboard is the perfect place to store coats, jackets, backpacks and all the other essentials you need to grab before you leave the house. And from talking to my organized friends about the things that people with a tidy under-stairs cupboard always have, hooks are a must.
Over-the-door hooks and racks are always a safe bet if you don’t want to permanently drill hooks into your walls or doors, and they also allow you to hang heavy coats and bags without worrying about them falling off if you opt for self-adhesive hooks.
However, I have used them before pickpiff 6-Pack Stick on Hooks ($10.99 at Amazon) to hang items in my home office and I can vouch for how heavy they are. So I’m going to buy more and streamline my under-stairs space even more.
Argos Home Pack of 3 Over Door Hooks
Sturdy and made of stainless steel, these hooks will slide easily over your door and offer extra hanging space.
Fulton wall shelf with hooks
Offering 5 hooks and an extra shelf, this will be a welcome addition to any small under-stair cupboard.
Command Matte Black Double Hook (2 Pack)
No drilling required here! These self-adhesive hooks can hang up to 1.8 kg and can be removed quickly and without a trace.
3. Storage baskets
(Image: Future PLC/Rachel Smith)
One of the biggest struggles I have with my under-stairs closet is that several shelves are too tall and awkwardly placed, making them hard to reach. Because of this, they become a dumping ground for many random objects that I maybe it is necessary in the end but not used very often.
Of course I know that clearing out my cupboard under the stairs is the first step to calming the chaos on those shelves, but another way to limit clutter is to use storage baskets. This way I can separate the rest of the items into categories – for example all my cleaning products in my basket and spare batteries/cables in another. Then I can easily remove each basket when I need to.
The beauty of storage baskets is that there are so many different options and you can even buy baskets designed to hang on hooks – so you can keep them on the wall or door if you don’t have a dedicated shelf space.
This hanging basket is perfect for hooks in any room of the house – but especially in the cupboard under the stairs for smaller items.
Woodluv Set of 3 Seagrass Storage Boxes with Lids
I own these storage baskets and can vouch for both their quality and utility. Three different sizes make them ideal for different objects as well.
Argos Home 8 Mixed Storage Boxes
These 8 storage boxes come in 3 different sizes and can even be neatly stacked on top of each other when or if not in use.
4. Organizer for cleaning tools
(Image credit: Future PLC/Richard Powers)
like An ideal homeCleaning Editor, I have a lot of cleaning products and tools in my home – and it’s hard to find a place for them. So, most of them are dumped in my cupboard under the stairs, which makes everything feel messy and disorganized. But I know many other people have a similar problem.
That’s where a cleaning tool organizer can help, as these wall or door-mounted accessories can hold everything from your broom to your dustpan and brush, and even your dusters and spare towels. They keep everything in place without the risk of tipping over or falling on your head when you open the door. You can even buy a vacuum stand holder if you have a wireless model.
Fortunately, I already have Joseph Joseph’s CleanTech Kit (and the matching tool organizer, which you can purchase separately £20 on Amazon), but there are so many other options you can customize according to the space—and the cleaning products—you’re working with.
Lifewit wall-mounted storage solution
This sturdy tool holder can be used in any cupboard under the stairs – or even in the garage or shed.
Cover 40 x 30 x 13 cm Cleaning bag
A cleaning bag is also another convenient way to store your cleaning products and tools in an under-stairs cupboard.
3-position wall-mounted mop holder
This tool holder can either be drilled into the wall, or for a less permanent measure, you can use the included nail-free adhesive.
5. Modular storage
(Image: Future PLC/Chris Snook)
Closets under the stairs aren’t like spare rooms where you have lots of 90 degree angles to work with. Some are big, some are small, and they’re all built around the shape of your staircase—which means traditional storage cabinets probably won’t work.
However, one thing I’ve noticed that people with stacked cabinets under the stairs have is modular storage that can be cut and changed depending on what you need and the size of your cabinet. In most cases, these are modular storage cubes that can be stacked on top of each other and clicked together to create a completely unique unit.
Adding that extra storage space to an under-stairs cabinet allows you to store everything from shoes to cleaning products to important paperwork and more. Maybe even turn it into an extra closet if your kitchen is bursting at the seams. And it’s something I’m definitely adding to my basket…
HOMIDEC 6 cubical storage unit
This unit is made of 6 individual cubes that can be moved and changed depending on your setup under the stairs.
Argos Home 4 Drawer Plastic Chest of Drawers
A simple unit like this is perfect for smaller items that end up in the cupboard under the stairs because they don’t have a home elsewhere.
AWTATOS cube storage unit
Modular and multi-functional, this set offers extra storage space without taking up all the space in your under-stairs cupboard.
Well, excuse me while I add these to my basket and turn my junkyard into a tidy and organized dream space.
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