These days we all seem to have accumulated so much ‘stuff’ in our homes that it’s hard to find a place for it all. That’s no doubt why an increasing number of buyers today are placing greater emphasis on the importance of storage solutions when looking for a new home.

Everything from built-ins and walk-in robes in bedrooms (once the exception but now more the norm) to sheds and garage/workshop storage solutions have become high on buyers’ wish lists.

While it is difficult to attach a dollar figure to the impact good storage will have on your property’s value, the existence of storage does affect the buying decision. If there are no notable storage solutions in the home, buyers will be inclined to factor in the need to add their own storage solutions when negotiating the price. On the other hand, having excellent storage solutions tends to improve the competitiveness of a home in a crowded marketplace.

What are the top trends in storage solutions right now?

• Butlers pantry’s – this feature adds to the prestige of a property and is something buyers increasingly have on their wish list.
• Study nook near the main living area – a place to observe kids doing their homework while cooking dinner and store iPads, phones and paperwork, keeping them neatly in one place and out of direct sight.
• Garage/workshop storage – with DIY becoming increasingly popular, people are accumulating more tools and materials which need to be stored somewhere, preferably neatly and out of sight from the house.
• In-roof and under-stair storage – making the most of every accessible space in the home for storage is seen in a very favourable light by a growing number of buyers.
• Customised wardrobe fit-outs. Move over walk-in and built-in robes. Today’s custom-designed wardrobes are next level. They offer a place for everything and are every buyer’s dream (especially women).

Storage ideas to consider if you are planning to renovate

Be creative and think laterally when assessing your existing space for storage solution ideas. Do you have a staircase you could do something with or a roof cavity large enough to access for storage?

Think about the end user when planning to sell. What are their needs going to be? Does your home suit families with young children, professional people or empty nesters? Each target group will have different storage needs. For instance a family with young children would find a games room with built-in toy and game storage cupboards and shelves a huge bonus while professionals may value a home office with built-in shelving for books, files and folders etc.

Last but not least if you are selling your home, make sure you showcase how your home’s storage solutions will enhance the buyer’s life. It’s not much use having a custom-designed built-in wardrobe if all your things are thrown in there in a jumbled mess. Let your storage highlight to the potential new owner how much more ordered their lives could be.