Storage
7. Integrate your ironing boardIf you’re like me, you’ll regard ironing as a necessary evil: not only is it the most joyless of jobs, but portable ironing boards can wobble precariously, there’s no stable room for a hot iron and the placement of power points can force you to iron in odd spaces.Integrated designs that swivel smoothly back into your joinery and fold-out ironing boards like this one can change all that. They are usually more stable, offer a streamlined look when they’re hidden away and free up tall storage space – no more wrestling with freestanding cumbersome ironing boards. These canny creations won’t do the ironing for you but they’ll make the job a little bit easier.
For a truly versatile storage option, consider installing bench seating where you can put muddy football boots and the like, with built-in cupboards above for jackets, racquets and other lengthy items. The bench seat is a convenient spot to sit and put on shoes, and locating it near the front or back door means you won’t have to traipse dirty footprints all through the house.
Wire drawers and pull-out baskets are perfect for keeping smaller items, such as balls and tubes of sunblock, visible and accessible, and mean no more wasting time searching for lost items in those precious minutes before the big game. Baskets can also be used to store small clothing items too, such as ski gloves and scarves – just the thing for winter sport season.A cupboard or shelving unit in the laundry or mudroom means dirty sports clothes can be discarded straight into the washing machine rather than traipsed through the house. A darker, climate-controlled environment will also help equipment last longer as extreme temperatures and direct sunlight can cause warping and fading.


6. Create a holding space for things in transit We all have a certain amount of stuff that’s constantly in transit: library books waiting to be returned, bags and keys, the dog’s lead, that casserole dish a friend left after your last party. Instead of allowing these random items to pile up, create a dedicated space to keep them tidy. A spot by the front door is the most logical area to keep such things – a few baskets on a shelf and some wall hooks should do the trick.See more well-organised entryways
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