Tidy up your home, organise your household and generally make life easier with these handy storage ideas.

1 By introducing storage, you can turn a small, bare, unused space into a welcoming area. A prime candidate for such a transformation is an entrance or part of a hallway. Opt for a bench seat with drawers underneath to store shoes, and hang wall shelves with peg rails for coats and bags.

2 Take a look around and you’re sure to see a spot for a trolley. Keep cutlery and drinks on hand in the dining room, and towels and toiletries in the bathroom.

3 A portable storage unit is great for children’s rooms, spare rooms or utility areas as it can be moved or upgraded when required.

4 Baskets are an easy storage solution. Using a few in the same materials and shapes gives a sense of organisation and creates an attractive display. Make sure you choose baskets lined with fabric if contents could snag.

5 If you’re looking to store attractive toiletries, small baskets are ideal.

6 Maximise every storage opportunity by using the backs of your doors.

7 If you don’t have the luxury of a separate room for an office, install a desk in a small corner of your kitchen. Add useful shelving above, and a stool that tucks in safely underneath when not in use.

8 Organise your cupboard space and you’ll be surprised how much you can fit in. Fold and stack linen and use baskets for small items. If space allows, consider fixing towel racks on the back of the door for hanging extra items.

9 Turn your bedroom into a peaceful, clutter-free haven. If you have the space, build a walk-in-wardrobe. Or, consider pulling your bed forward and constructing a partition wall behind it.

10 Introduce storage to even the most compact of bathrooms and shower rooms. A tall vertical shelf unit will do the trick as it won’t make a small area feel hemmed in. Use it for all your bathroom paraphernalia, and top it off with a pretty cascading plant to add a decorative touch.

11 Organise your kitchen cupboards by decanting everyday items, such as pasta and coffee, into attractive jars. Transparent versions are a good choice if you don’t want them to dominate the scheme.

12 Step back in time with vintage storage. This trunk is an eye-catching alternative to a coffee table and is the ideal place to stow things. Try local antique markets or eBay for similar items.

13 Ottomans are the storage lover’s best friend. They look attractive, can double as a low-level coffee table and many contain a concealed compartment.

14 Label shelves and you’ll increase the probability of keeping them orderly. Either opt for days of the week to eliminate the what-to-wear scenario each day, or try clothing categories such as tee-shirts, jeans and jumpers.

15 Build to the ceiling for maximum storage and go for white or pale wood so it doesn’t dominate the scheme. Remember not to overlook how to reach the higher shelves.

16 Take advantage of deep kitchen drawers by storing cutlery vertically rather than flat as it is much more space efficient.

17 Save time each day by identifying clothes at a glance. Group same types and use transparent shoeboxes.

18 Create a drying area in your laundry by simply putting two or three rows of sturdy hooks on a wall. Use timber coat hangers to help maintain the shape of the clothes – and for a decorator look. Try Bunnings Warehouse for an extensive range of hooks.

19 Consider a kitchen island with an open shelf as opposed to cupboards, because the ledge is more flexible for storing large items. Displaying pots and pans adds to the character of the room, while opting for open compartments below the wall units adds another practical and decorative touch.

20 Use canisters for something other than tea, sugar or coffee. If your canisters are clear or have a window, lollies are a fun filler as they will add colour to your shelves.