Home Organization: Treat Storage Space Like Real Estate

It was completely unorganized and busting at the seams. My family’s toiletries were heaped behind a closed cabinet door. I knew I needed to bring order to the chaos, but instead I continued to painstakingly scour the closet for what I needed. Every time I dug, my heart rate would climb and irritation would flare until I found what I was looking for, then I’d swiftly shut the door.

The last straw came one Saturday afternoon. It was a bottle of shampoo. I knew it was in there somewhere, but it was lost.

I began pulling everything from the cabinet. Not only did I find the shampoo, but was shocked to discover a 6-month supply of my favorite [very expensive] hair mousse in the chaos of this cabinet! Because these items weren’t conveniently located, I couldn’t see what I already had and kept buying more.

In the world of real estate, there’s a saying: “Location, location, location.”

Two properties equal in size may have different price ranges based on the convenience of their location and what amenities they have to offer (i.e. electricity, water, sewer, land that is cleared, etc.). When a property in a convenient location also has amenities needed to function well, it’s considered “prime real estate.” As a result, the value of that property skyrockets.

This concept is also true when it comes to organizing your home. Not every storage space should be given equal value, but should be evaluated based on location and amenities.

Finding and utilizing prime real estate in your home creates efficiency and allows you to save both time and money. Your belongings are easy to find and see, which prevents accidental over-buying.

To start saving time, energy, and money right now, let’s learn the 4 factors that identify the prime storage real estate spaces in your home.

How to Identify Prime Real Estate in Your Home

Just like in real estate, prime real estate in home organizing is a storage space that has perks and/or amenities.

Factor #1 | Prime real estate has a convenient “location, location, location.”

• central location for items used in a particular area

• frequently used items are placed near the area you plan on using them

• easy access for retrieval

• easy storage, making for an effortless-to-maintain space

Factor #2 | Prime real estate is easily seen.

• if you can’t see it, it’ll get lost and forgotten

• within the range of waist-to-eye level

• seen without the need to stand on tiptoes or use a stool

• seen without the need to bend over or crouch

Factor #3 | Prime real estate is easy to reach.

• accessible within arm’s reach

• accessible without stretching/reaching over/around something

• accessible without the need to stand on tiptoes or use a stool

• accessible without the need to bend over or crouch

Factor #4 | Prime real estate has amenities.

• storage setup is sturdy

• storage setup contains shelves, cabinets, and/or stackable bins

Real Life Example

Let’s evaluate a small, deep pantry for prime real estate:

• shelving between waist and eye level is prime real estate; it’s easy to see and reach

• no bending over or stepping on a stool required to see or access items within prime real estate

• only front part of deep shelves would be considered prime real estate

• anything in back is harder to see and reach, making it less valuable

• deep space can be utilized well, but no longer qualifies as prime real estate

Knowing where your prime storage real estate is in your home is crucial when organizing an efficient, easy-to-manage space that will save you time, energy, and money! I hope these tips help bring you one step closer, but consider downloading my Top 10 Organizers Guide to help you maximize your prime storage real estate to the next level!