Traveling is easier with light luggage: so why is storage space still needed in a new house?
Even in times of Marie Kondo and the minimalism trend, unfortunately, there are some things you have to think about or avoid thinking about: the storage of necessary items. Why are there so many ways to fit a lot into a small space? On Pinterest and similar sites, there aren’t even cupboards shown to store things in...
But what exactly are necessary items? Who decides that?
On one hand, it’s determined by everyday life, personal and household care, clothing cleaning, our habits for comfort and technical equipment, but also things for personal development such as sports equipment, children’s toys, hobby supplies, other leisure items, or business needs.
Often heard: "The forum can say a lot – we manage perfectly fine in a three-room apartment – We are different!"
However, those who say this probably have to make compromises and want to build precisely because the available space is becoming tight: with the first child, the toy collection grows, the second child needs a room, personal hobbies are no longer pursued because the equipment is stored in the basement, and last year’s sleeping bag is packed away.
Also, belongings tend to grow the longer you live. A 30-year-old woman might not need a yoga mat yet because she prefers jogging, the man didn’t need crutches before his knee surgery. Unfortunately, the best years are often still ahead… from age 40, you are advised to change some things. And so, household items accumulate that you keep because you might still need them.
That’s why here is a list of items people have without really noticing. Or will have one day. Or never own but might miss someday. Or not. Not everyone has the same needs.
(The listed items refer to things best stored inside the house, not outdoors in a garage or garden shed.)
Many of these things represent other things—for example, a cat owner might not think about dog food, but they are reminded that cat food also needs a place in the house. This list should therefore be seen as guidance, not criticism.*
House Cleaning + Care Products:
Broom, mop with bucket, vacuum cleaner and bags, handheld vacuum, electric window squeegee, several cloths and cleaners for different surfaces (more than in an apartment), household robot, various charging cables or docking stations, replacement filters, paper towels, etc.
Clothing and Personal Care:
Washing machine, dryer (can also be stacked), drying rack for wool/sports/hand-washed items, laundry baskets (some have three!), space for ironing board + iron and a basket for clean laundry, various detergents and laundry bags, clips, tennis balls, lint removers, shoe care products, shoelaces, insoles, etc.
Hairdryer, razor, hair straightener or similar, epilator, hand care devices, travel makeup bag, bath foam and similar, infrared lamp, first aid kit, medications, joint supports, athletic tape, walking aids (crutches), toilet paper, etc.
Kitchen Aids:
Electrical kitchen appliances (fondue set, roaster, deep fryer, kettle, blender, electric pan, popcorn maker, microwave), soda water maker, baking tins, clay pot, champagne cooler, grill tongs and aluminum holders, empty canning jars, freezer or beverage cooler (second fridge), beverage bottles (case of water, beer and juice, case of wine), some storage supplies like onions and potatoes, 10–20 liters (2.5–5 gallons) of water for emergencies (pandemic/quarantine), tablecloths, sets, candles, etc.
Household Daily Tasks:
Yellow recycling bags (several filled), waste paper and glass recycling, deposit bottles, shopping bags and bags for gifts, decorations (2 boxes Christmas decorations, 1 box Easter, 1 box general), wrapping paper and gift boxes, empty shoeboxes, electric parts (fuses, etc.), several light bulbs, batteries, packaging film and tape, hand tools (cutter, hammer), drill, cordless drill, a few paint cans (at least white paint), leftover paint in jars, brushes and rollers (paint bucket with various painting supplies, silicone/acrylic), sandpaper and felt pads, carpet and tile remnants, more replacement filters, vases, trays, extra cutlery and dishes for guests, disposable tableware, instruction manuals including small packets of spare seals, picnic basket, cooler bag, thermal mug, suitcase, travel and sports bags, small/large step ladder, 2–3 flower pots and plant fertilizer, spray bottle for plants, watering can, rubber boots for drying, 10 liters (2.5 gallons) of potting soil for indoor plants, dog food, cat litter (placeholder for various pet products), sewing machine, fabric scraps, sewing basket, various office folders, stationery, office supplies, printer and so on, old clothes collection, grit or salt for the entrance, baby items, etc.
Personal Development:
Craft supplies for children (window paint, acrylic paint, brushes, jars of paint, chalk), photography equipment, stamp collection, old photos and photo albums, memory boxes, hobby items (wool and related, drawing materials, oil paints and canvases), dumbbells, yoga mat and fascia roller, already purchased gifts and presents, board games, playing cards, aquarium accessories, spare pump, items to exchange because of wrong purchases, borrowed items, cushions for outdoor furniture.
Badminton, boules, fishing rod, tent and similar gear can be stored outside. Many items suitable for outdoor storage are not listed here.
You can probably cross off 2–3 things, but I most likely forgot quite a few.
And why a hallway closet? Isn’t a hook enough? My husband only has one jacket, and I only have one pair of shoes.
Clothing:
Man: Work jacket, high-visibility jacket, sports jacket, garden jacket, common jackets for all seasons (biker jacket, all-purpose jacket, bomber jacket, winter jacket, leather jacket), various shoes, headgear (caps, etc.)
Child: fewer jackets, but rubber boots, outdoor boots, sports shoes, indoor shoes, 2 pairs of extra shoes, sandals, ballerinas…
Woman: Winter jacket, winter coat, transitional jacket, summer bomber, summer coat, cardigan, fleece and garden jacket, going-out jacket, and so on… (let’s not even start with shoes here…)
Seasonal accessories like scarves and hats for everyone
Bags: see storage space, plus sports bags for all residents, backpack, work bags, shopping bags and the woman’s handbags…
Personally, I can report that
- about 10 years ago, I didn’t use a handbag at all. For several years now, I’ve needed one too (things and life change, and you have to carry some things around…) and quite a collection has built up despite selling some on e*b*y.
- old shopping and plastic bags as well as empty Tupperware containers, but also baskets and paper bags unfortunately take up a lot of space in the utility room
- many things don’t immediately go where they belong but are first placed somewhere else. This requires additional space.
With or without children: life changes, you discover new sports, hobbies, develop different interests, even if it’s just listening to music, collecting souvenirs, or children’s baby teeth. The house demands involvement, even if you aren’t skilled in DIY, you still have to handle nails and screws.
Where at first there was no household appliance, after 10 years there are 2–3 new food processors, even if it’s just to chop food for the child or grandpa.
Whatever the case: make sure you have enough space in your new home!
@kaho674 thanks for the push
Best regards, Yvonne
*no but
Even in times of Marie Kondo and the minimalism trend, unfortunately, there are some things you have to think about or avoid thinking about: the storage of necessary items. Why are there so many ways to fit a lot into a small space? On Pinterest and similar sites, there aren’t even cupboards shown to store things in...
But what exactly are necessary items? Who decides that?
On one hand, it’s determined by everyday life, personal and household care, clothing cleaning, our habits for comfort and technical equipment, but also things for personal development such as sports equipment, children’s toys, hobby supplies, other leisure items, or business needs.
Often heard: "The forum can say a lot – we manage perfectly fine in a three-room apartment – We are different!"
However, those who say this probably have to make compromises and want to build precisely because the available space is becoming tight: with the first child, the toy collection grows, the second child needs a room, personal hobbies are no longer pursued because the equipment is stored in the basement, and last year’s sleeping bag is packed away.
Also, belongings tend to grow the longer you live. A 30-year-old woman might not need a yoga mat yet because she prefers jogging, the man didn’t need crutches before his knee surgery. Unfortunately, the best years are often still ahead… from age 40, you are advised to change some things. And so, household items accumulate that you keep because you might still need them.
That’s why here is a list of items people have without really noticing. Or will have one day. Or never own but might miss someday. Or not. Not everyone has the same needs.
(The listed items refer to things best stored inside the house, not outdoors in a garage or garden shed.)
Many of these things represent other things—for example, a cat owner might not think about dog food, but they are reminded that cat food also needs a place in the house. This list should therefore be seen as guidance, not criticism.*
House Cleaning + Care Products:
Broom, mop with bucket, vacuum cleaner and bags, handheld vacuum, electric window squeegee, several cloths and cleaners for different surfaces (more than in an apartment), household robot, various charging cables or docking stations, replacement filters, paper towels, etc.
Clothing and Personal Care:
Washing machine, dryer (can also be stacked), drying rack for wool/sports/hand-washed items, laundry baskets (some have three!), space for ironing board + iron and a basket for clean laundry, various detergents and laundry bags, clips, tennis balls, lint removers, shoe care products, shoelaces, insoles, etc.
Hairdryer, razor, hair straightener or similar, epilator, hand care devices, travel makeup bag, bath foam and similar, infrared lamp, first aid kit, medications, joint supports, athletic tape, walking aids (crutches), toilet paper, etc.
Kitchen Aids:
Electrical kitchen appliances (fondue set, roaster, deep fryer, kettle, blender, electric pan, popcorn maker, microwave), soda water maker, baking tins, clay pot, champagne cooler, grill tongs and aluminum holders, empty canning jars, freezer or beverage cooler (second fridge), beverage bottles (case of water, beer and juice, case of wine), some storage supplies like onions and potatoes, 10–20 liters (2.5–5 gallons) of water for emergencies (pandemic/quarantine), tablecloths, sets, candles, etc.
Household Daily Tasks:
Yellow recycling bags (several filled), waste paper and glass recycling, deposit bottles, shopping bags and bags for gifts, decorations (2 boxes Christmas decorations, 1 box Easter, 1 box general), wrapping paper and gift boxes, empty shoeboxes, electric parts (fuses, etc.), several light bulbs, batteries, packaging film and tape, hand tools (cutter, hammer), drill, cordless drill, a few paint cans (at least white paint), leftover paint in jars, brushes and rollers (paint bucket with various painting supplies, silicone/acrylic), sandpaper and felt pads, carpet and tile remnants, more replacement filters, vases, trays, extra cutlery and dishes for guests, disposable tableware, instruction manuals including small packets of spare seals, picnic basket, cooler bag, thermal mug, suitcase, travel and sports bags, small/large step ladder, 2–3 flower pots and plant fertilizer, spray bottle for plants, watering can, rubber boots for drying, 10 liters (2.5 gallons) of potting soil for indoor plants, dog food, cat litter (placeholder for various pet products), sewing machine, fabric scraps, sewing basket, various office folders, stationery, office supplies, printer and so on, old clothes collection, grit or salt for the entrance, baby items, etc.
Personal Development:
Craft supplies for children (window paint, acrylic paint, brushes, jars of paint, chalk), photography equipment, stamp collection, old photos and photo albums, memory boxes, hobby items (wool and related, drawing materials, oil paints and canvases), dumbbells, yoga mat and fascia roller, already purchased gifts and presents, board games, playing cards, aquarium accessories, spare pump, items to exchange because of wrong purchases, borrowed items, cushions for outdoor furniture.
Badminton, boules, fishing rod, tent and similar gear can be stored outside. Many items suitable for outdoor storage are not listed here.
You can probably cross off 2–3 things, but I most likely forgot quite a few.
And why a hallway closet? Isn’t a hook enough? My husband only has one jacket, and I only have one pair of shoes.
Clothing:
Man: Work jacket, high-visibility jacket, sports jacket, garden jacket, common jackets for all seasons (biker jacket, all-purpose jacket, bomber jacket, winter jacket, leather jacket), various shoes, headgear (caps, etc.)
Child: fewer jackets, but rubber boots, outdoor boots, sports shoes, indoor shoes, 2 pairs of extra shoes, sandals, ballerinas…
Woman: Winter jacket, winter coat, transitional jacket, summer bomber, summer coat, cardigan, fleece and garden jacket, going-out jacket, and so on… (let’s not even start with shoes here…)
Seasonal accessories like scarves and hats for everyone
Bags: see storage space, plus sports bags for all residents, backpack, work bags, shopping bags and the woman’s handbags…
Personally, I can report that
- about 10 years ago, I didn’t use a handbag at all. For several years now, I’ve needed one too (things and life change, and you have to carry some things around…) and quite a collection has built up despite selling some on e*b*y.
- old shopping and plastic bags as well as empty Tupperware containers, but also baskets and paper bags unfortunately take up a lot of space in the utility room
- many things don’t immediately go where they belong but are first placed somewhere else. This requires additional space.
With or without children: life changes, you discover new sports, hobbies, develop different interests, even if it’s just listening to music, collecting souvenirs, or children’s baby teeth. The house demands involvement, even if you aren’t skilled in DIY, you still have to handle nails and screws.
Where at first there was no household appliance, after 10 years there are 2–3 new food processors, even if it’s just to chop food for the child or grandpa.
Whatever the case: make sure you have enough space in your new home!
@kaho674 thanks for the push
Best regards, Yvonne
*no but
I think it’s mainly a lack of overview. Forgetting things happens to me now in my 2.5-room apartment just as it did before in my shared flat room. Having a bit more space really helps me keep track of things. What I now have in 3 Pax wardrobes (that is 3 meters x 58 cm (10 feet x 23 inches)) used to be stored in a wardrobe about 1.20 x 60 meters (4 feet x 2 feet), where I had to stack everything on top of and behind each other. Some items naturally ended up in the very back corner and only reappeared during major decluttering and cleaning sessions.
Now most things are hung up, and I rotate and vary what I use a lot more than before.
I have also often experienced the issue of “not pursuing hobbies because the materials are too far away or cumbersome” in (small) apartments.
That’s why I’m really looking forward to our house with a basement and walk-in closet. I can’t even imagine what it will be like if we actually have two children—I’m sure I’ll be grateful for every centimeter (inch) that is “my space.”
At the same time, I have moved six times in 32 years, always in relatively small apartments or shared flat rooms. I’ve also noticed how my dad, stepmother, and younger sister (who lived very generously in a house with a basement and attic above a four-car garage for about 25 years) faced huge problems fitting everything when they moved to a house without a basement. My younger sister actually had breakdowns because she had to throw away old notebooks from primary school and had to think seriously for the first time about what she actually wanted to keep. The parents managed better and held major decluttering sprees (giving away a lot), but that still wasn’t enough to fit everything into the new house. Now a significant amount of stuff is still in the old basement, in half of the four-car garage, and in the attic above, even though they deliberately chose to build a house without a basement… So if you don’t have the luxury of still being able to use part of the old house, you really need to think carefully in advance about how much space you want and need.
That said, I believe that as long as you’re moving to a bigger place overall, you can manage everything. Downsizing is just really challenging.
Now most things are hung up, and I rotate and vary what I use a lot more than before.
I have also often experienced the issue of “not pursuing hobbies because the materials are too far away or cumbersome” in (small) apartments.
That’s why I’m really looking forward to our house with a basement and walk-in closet. I can’t even imagine what it will be like if we actually have two children—I’m sure I’ll be grateful for every centimeter (inch) that is “my space.”
At the same time, I have moved six times in 32 years, always in relatively small apartments or shared flat rooms. I’ve also noticed how my dad, stepmother, and younger sister (who lived very generously in a house with a basement and attic above a four-car garage for about 25 years) faced huge problems fitting everything when they moved to a house without a basement. My younger sister actually had breakdowns because she had to throw away old notebooks from primary school and had to think seriously for the first time about what she actually wanted to keep. The parents managed better and held major decluttering sprees (giving away a lot), but that still wasn’t enough to fit everything into the new house. Now a significant amount of stuff is still in the old basement, in half of the four-car garage, and in the attic above, even though they deliberately chose to build a house without a basement… So if you don’t have the luxury of still being able to use part of the old house, you really need to think carefully in advance about how much space you want and need.
That said, I believe that as long as you’re moving to a bigger place overall, you can manage everything. Downsizing is just really challenging.
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