Vertical storage saves space, which is great, but isn’t exactly news.  But what if I told you in addition to saving space, vertical storage makes your life easier by saving you time, money and frustration on a daily basis?  Now that is something worth reading, right?  Well my friend, get comfortable as it is exactly because vertical storage does all these things that it is one of my favourite organizing techniques.  I’m going to break down how vertical storage does all of this and highlight 10 of the best products (and the variety of ways you can use them) to create vertical storage that will make your daily life easier.

How Vertical Storage Saves Space, Time, Money and Frustration

First, we all know vertical storage saves floor space.  But there are so many clever ways it can be used beyond using the wall to create even more space all over your home and office. I’m talking about using the back of doors, inside cabinet and cupboard doors, inside the cabinets themselves, inside deep drawers, on top of counters, and on desks to name just a few.

Second, how often have you taken a quick look in a closet or cupboard to find an item you were sure you had, but then couldn’t find and went out and re-bought the item, only to later realize you did actually have it, but it was hiding behind something or at the bottom of a pile?  Well, vertical storage solves this problem.  You can find what you want in a quick glance, which saves you time and frustration spent searching.  Quick glance assessments also make it easier to keep track of what you have, what you need, and, importantly, what you don’t need.  This saves you from spending time and money on duplicate purchases.

Finally, (and one of my favourite benefits) vertical storage makes it so much easier to get things and put them away when done.  You don’t have to lift or remove 5 other items to get to the one thing you want which, let’s be honest, can be annoying, frustrating and a waste of time.

10 Vertical Storage Products, Endless Vertical Storage Ideas:

Now it’s time to go over 10 of the best vertical storage products and the many ways you can use them throughout your home and office.

1) Bakeware Racks

Use a bakeware rack to store pot lids, pyrex dishes, baking sheets, muffin tins, cooling racks, cutting boards, Tupperware lids etc.  As someone who does not enjoy cooking, I can tell you that not dealing with the frustration of lifting 4 baking sheets out of the way to get to the one I need, really does makes a difference when I am rushing to prepare dinner after a long day and have a hungry 6-year-old complaining it is taking too long!  They can be found at most stores that carry housewares, the dollar store and online.

2) Tension Rods

Not just for hanging curtains, tension rods are another item that can be used in many different ways.  Use them to create custom drawer dividers, to corral wrapping paper, pot lids, casserole dishes, cutting boards, cleaning supplies, ribbons and washi tape.  These too can be found at most stores that carry housewares and online.

3) Vertical Folding of Clothes/Linens/Towels

Yes, I am talking about the folding and storage method popularized by Marie Kondo.  It’s a free and effective method of storing clothes that instantly provides more space in drawers and closets, eliminates the frustration of toppling piles of clothes and reduces wrinkles. It can also be used for towels and aprons in kitchens, towels and sheets in linen closets, fabric in sewing or craft rooms.  Basically, anywhere you store textiles, you can use this method. Click here to read my full post on the many benefits of this method and for step by step directions on how to do it.

4) Shelf Risers and Tiered Spice/Can Racks

Shelf risers are affordable and durable and instantly double the storage.  They also eliminate the frustration of lifting up a heavy stack of bowls to get to the plates underneath.  Likewise, tiered spice and can racks increase storage in the cupboard and pantry, making it easier to see, access and use what you have.  No more finding cans of soup that expired 6 months ago in the back of the cupboard!  Both items can be found in most houseware stores and online.

5) Hanging Shoe Pockets

Hanging shoe pockets are for so much more than shoes!  You can hang them inside your entryway closet to store sunscreen, mitts, hats, sunglasses or anything you need as you leave the house.  Hang them in the craft room to store supplies or in a playroom to store small toys such as barbies, LOL dolls, toy cars etc.  They are available at most houseware stores and online.

6) Command Hooks

Need extra hanging storage for dishcloths or scrubbing brushes under your kitchen sink: command hooks.  Need somewhere to easily store your blow-dryer and/or straightener: command hooks.  Easy jewellery storage and display: command hooks.   The command hook is so versatile that I am going to dedicate a whole post just to the many ways you can use it to organize.   So keep your eye out for that coming soon!

7) Magazine Racks

Beyond storing magazines and files, the magazine rack can be used in your closet to store clutches, in your crafting area to store fabrics, yarn, tissue paper, bows, in your kitchen to store paper plates and napkins, plastic wrap and aluminum foil and even vegetables.  You can attach them to cupboard doors to store cutting boards or Tupperware lids.  And don’t forget vertical magazine racks that clear desk space in offices and are great in home command centres too.  You can find them online, at the dollar store, and in home and office stores.

8) Pegboards

Another super versatile option, the pegboard can be used in your bedroom to store jewellery, in the craft room to store art supplies, in the garage to store tools and sports equipment, in the office to store office supplies, in the kitchen to store utensils.  You can find them in most home improvement, craft and home improvement stores.

9) Ikea Dignitet Curtain Wire

Ikea has many items that could be included in this post, but I’m choosing to highlight the Dignitet Curtain Wire because it is my favourite way to display children’s art.  If you have young children in daycare or school, you know how much “art” they come home with.  Every. Single. Day.  This curtain wire offers a stylish, organized way to display a lot of pieces at a time while minimizing visual clutter.  Bonus: it is super easy to change the pieces out when needed.

10) Photo Walls

Photo walls are a great way to cherish memories, decorate and take advantage of vertical storage all at the same time.  Why have frames take up space on your shelves or stands when they could be on the wall leaving your space less cluttered?

Conclusion

If you are looking for ways to save space, time, money and frustration, then vertical storage is for you!  While this post featured many ways you can create vertical storage with 10 great products, I know there are other great products and ideas out there.  If I missed your favourite one, let me know in the comments below, I’d love to hear the ways you use vertical storage to maximize space, optimize time and simplify life!

Happy organizing!

Sources

1) Martha Stewart: https://www.marthastewart.com/870013/stacking-pans

2) Sew Many Ways: http://sewmanyways.blogspot.com/2010/11/tool-time-tuesdayribbon-organizer

3) Martha Stewart: https://www.marthastewart.com/870012/organizing-under-your-sink

4) The Scrap Shoppe: https://www.thescrapshoppeblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Wire-drawers-storage.jpg

5) Spark Joy London: https://sparkjoylondon.com/category-four-komono

6) Laughing Purple Goldfish: http://laughingpurplegoldfish.blogspot.com/2008/08/spring-cleaning.html

7) Mimi’s Crafty World: http://mimiscraftyworld.blogspot.com/2013/08/potatoes-and-onions-organizing-my-home.html

8) Perpetually Chic: http://www.perpetuallychic.com/2013/03/organizing-jewelry-accessories/

9) IHeart Organizing: http://www.iheartorganizing.com/2013/12/diy-gift-wrap-organization-station.html

10) HoneyBear Lane: https://www.honeybearlane.com/2013/01/extra-large-pegboard-for-craft-room-organization.html

11) The Spruce: https://www.thespruce.com/hanging-storage-hacks-to-get-your-home-super-organized-3017370