Why you don't need more storage and what you need instead

"The more storage you have, the stuff you accumulate."

- Alexis Stewart

If you've been scrolling for storage boxes and organising solutions, trust me, I get it. (I have a special weakness for beautiful storage and stationery!). There are so many storage options that promise to make your home and your life calmer, smoother and more convenient. But as a Professional Declutterer, I've learned to resist the temptation of buying boxes and baskets, because it's one of the most common things I see when people feel overwhelmed by clutter.

It's not unusual for me to work in homes where there are plenty of storage options, but they're not the right size or fit for purpose. So they are kept 'just in case', which adds to the clutter.

The truth that surprises many of my clients is that buying more storage often makes the problem worse.

Storage only hides clutter

When you add another box or basket, it can feel productive. But really you are just rearranging clutter. The extra containers take up more space, hide what you already own and make it harder to see when you have too much of something.

The problem is not that you have too little room. The problem is that you are using space to store things you do not actually use.

A kitchen that changed everything

Recently I worked with a lovely couple who wanted to declutter their kitchen. The pantry was not working for them and everyday items were hard to reach in the base‑unit cupboards.

So we took everything out, sorted through each item, removed the unwanted items, cleaned every surface and then started to put things back with intention. The items to keep went back in ways that matched how the family actually used the space. The things they reached for most sat right where they could see and grab them. The items used less often went higher up and further out of the way.

When we finished, the client looked around and said, “Wow, I had never thought of arranging it like that!”
No new baskets, no extra cupboards, but a layout that made sense for how they use the space.

They were thrilled and quickly booked me to help with another area of their home.

Why systems matter more than storage

It's easy to think storage equals organisation, but an organised home is the result of simple systems that suit how you live.

• When you can see what you own, you stop buying duplicates.

• When everything has a clear place, tidying up is faster and calmer for everyone.

• When the layout makes sense to your routines, staying organised becomes effortless.

These systems are what create space in both your home and your head.

Three things to try before buying more storage

1. Edit first
   Take everything out of one cupboard or drawer and remove what is expired, broken or never used.

2. Group like with like
   Store similar items together so you can see duplicates straight away.

3. Re‑arrange for access
   Keep the things you use daily within easy reach. Move occasional items higher or further back.

It's likely that you discover you already have all the storage you need. Be willing to be creative. That tupperware container with the missing lid? It could be great for containing loose items within a drawer.

Then, if you decide you still need additional storage, you can measure the space to make a note of the right size you need, the function it needs to serve and what will be stored in it.

Ready to stop organising clutter?

If your kitchen cupboards, or any other area, feels crowded, I can help you make sense of it without another trip to the shops.

My 12‑hour in‑home package focuses on creating simple systems that fit your household and the way you live. We work together over three or four sessions so that change feels calm and sustainable.

Want to create space without buying more storage?
Book a discovery call and let's have a chat about making your home work for you.

Hi - I'm Becky Purchas, Founder of White Space.

I help people clear the clutter, reset and thrive in all areas of life through decluttering, home organisation and mindset coaching.

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Let's be declutter friends!