Top Shelving Units for Maximizing Storage Space (with a Unit to Avoid)
A fundamental aspect of any effective decluttering strategy is ensuring every item you choose to keep has a designated spot in your home. This can be challenging if you live in a small space or just have more items than storage. Throughout my years of residing in compact apartments, I've discovered that shelving units and bookcases work well for me. I adopt a storage-as-decoration mentality, as not everything can fit in a cabinet or closet, and certain things must be displayed. Here are some shelves I adore and one I would caution against.
Flexible Cube Storage is a Gem
The first type of shelf worth considering is the basic cube storage block. I possess a four-by-two in my kitchen and two smaller configurations throughout my closet. I've owned various configurations in the past. The dividers within the shelves make organizing far more practical. Instead of one extensive shelf for, let's say, all your shirts, you can put long-sleeved shirts in one cube, short-sleeved shirts in another, sweaters in a third, and so on. This saves time and effort. You can also procure collapsible fabric drawers in various hues to keep your belongings out of sight, matching the theme of your living space.
$62.99$92.89Save $29.90
12-Compartment Open Shelf Bookcase$62.99$92.89Save $29.90$62.99$92.89Save $29.90## Budget-Friendly Plastic Bookshelf
Another favored unit is this easy-going plastic bookshelf. I have three: Two tall, four-tiered ones housing seasonal clothing, and a smaller, two-tiered unit serving as my entertainment center, with my TV on top, gaming consoles in the middle, and books at the bottom. Its greatest feature is that it's available in various hues. Even if you lack reputable storage options, your solution doesn't have to be visually unappealing or require a significant investment in a singular statement piece. (If using longer bookshelves, you can include decorative baskets to separate items.)
$35.64$35.99Save $0.35
Furinno Turn-N-Tube 4-Tier Multipurpose Shelf Display Rack$35.64$35.99Save $0.35$35.64$35.99Save $0.35## A Wheeled Cart: A Handy Alternative to Traditional Shelves
Thinking outside the box, I once scored a rolling printer cart from the free section of Craigslist. Despite its questionable aesthetics, it proved quite useful in the bathroom of my former apartment. The cart had three shelves, ideal for makeup, hair products, and shower essentials—not to mention a power strip. Outlets are scarce in small spaces, so a mobile shelving unit with built-in charging capabilities can prove indispensable. Amazon offers upgraded designs like the one I previously used.
$114.80$182.20Save $67.40
Norwood Commercial Furniture Mobile Utility AV Cart with Power Strip$114.80$182.20Save $67.40$114.80$182.20Save $67.40## Wire Cube Units: Stay Away
Finally, there is one shelf I despise—the wire cube unit. Although it was marginally fancier than its contemporaries at the time I purchased it, it only lasted a year. The entire unit is held together with minimal plastic disks, and the individual cube floors sag when subjected to too much weight. This makes it unsuitable for proper organization. It eventually succumbed, causing a mess and a terrifying noise. Even attempting to reinforce it with twine failed, merely making it uglier.
$49.99
Additional Noteworthy Shelving Options
While browsing Amazon for the shelves I currently possess and endorse, I found several intriguing alternatives that potential captivate your interest.
First, there's this tower showcasing books (or records, or games) at angled heights, aesthetically accentuating your space while efficiently utilizing vertical space.
Yoobure Tree Bookshelf - 6 Shelf Retro Floor Standing Bookcase$49.99$49.99* This elegant five-tiered unit featuring horizontally staggered shelves ($75.99)* This regal five-tiered model adorned with 20 side hooks for hanging items and is also completely portable for swift relocation ($117.98)* This large, sturdy unit with overlapping shelves to create diverse-sized spaces within the frame ($149)
*Price information current as of May 1, 2023. Savings may vary over time.
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The best shelving units for storage in your home that follow the storage-as-decoration mentality include the flexible cube storage blocks, which are practical for organizing items and have collapsible fabric drawers available in various colors. Additionally, budget-friendly plastic bookshelves can be a great option for small spaces, as they are available in various heights and colors, making them visually appealing without a significant investment.
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