The wardrobe

For many of us, the wardrobe is one of the few storage spaces we have, so it’s important to use it efficiently. The top shelf can provide you with lots of extra storage room, especially when you keep your clothes neatly folded in paper boxes; they provide great ventilation for natural fibres like wool. Any items you want in the drawers can be kept in breathable cloth bags. Add a bit of lavender or cedar blocks to keep pesky moths away. Smaller accessories like hats and gloves can be neatly organised in smaller plastic bags, which also make it easier to find what you’re looking for when it’s time to unpack them again.

Under the bed

When you’re really short on storage space, never underestimate the value of some extra room under the bed. Add a couple shallow boxes or drawers (if they’ve got wheels, all the better) and fill them up with clothes in individual storage bags (even large paper bags work well). It’s a perfect place for shoes, too. Don’t forget to wash or dry clean your clothing before it’s packed away for the long-term, and to give your shoes a good clean and polish, and add a shoe tree to help keep their shape.

The attic

Attics definitely have more room to work with. So go for large, plastic boxes that you can stack as high as you need. They’re perfect for humid areas, and since they’re clear, you’ll be able to see what’s inside without having to unstack them and search inside every time you need to find something. Label boxes that aren’t transparent, with their contents. A rack and plastic clothes covers are great for storing garments you’d rather not fold, plus they protect them from stains, dust and moisture.

The walk-in closet

In a smaller space like a closet, you need to think more strategically. Not everything needs to be packed away into boxes. If your closet is large enough, hang more delicate items in clothes bags and place them at the end of the rail. Up high, large woven baskets can hold smaller purses, hats, gloves, and scarves. The natural materials of the baskets ensure great air circulation; just place the accessories in cotton bags or clean pillowcases, and add some cedar blocks or lavender as pest repellent.

The garage

This is where you’ll want to keep all of the really heavy-duty winter sports equipment. Add some sturdy shelving units for bulkier things like ski boots and ice skates, as well as boxes full of clothing and other miscellany. Hang large hooks for longer things like hockey sticks and skis, and a rack to hang your coats and other winter clothing. Go for tough, weather resistant storage like plastic boxes, bags, and clothes covers. They’ll keep away grime and moisture the best.

We love to see our customers get creative with our products. Go for it! But please note that altering or modifying IKEA products so they can no longer be re-sold or used for their original purpose, means the IKEA commercial guarantees and your right to return the products will be lost.

Made by

Interior designer: Marianne Eriksson
Photographer: Mats Ekdahl
Writer: Vanessa Algotsson