Deep shelves provide ample room for storage, but they’re often poorly utilised, which leads to wasted space. Items can get pushed to the back, become hard to reach and may even be forgotten. Without appropriate organisation, deep shelves can quickly turn into cluttered shelves.

In this article, we’re providing you with some key storage solutions that can help you organise and get the absolute most out of any deep-shelf storage you have. Read on to learn more.

Why Deep Shelves Can Be Challenging

The Problem with Visibility and Accessibility

One of the biggest issues with deep shelves is that items get pushed to the back and hidden. This inevitably leads to losing track of what you have and you may even purchase the same product again. Accessibility is also impacted because you need to dig through several layers to reach the things you want.

Inefficient Use of Space

When the space isn’t used effectively, it simply leads to clutter and visual noise. The best way of addressing this is, of course, to organise your shelves but also make use of items that make that organisation simpler.

Essential Storage Solutions for Deep Shelves

Consider the following storage solutions to get the most out of your deep shelves.

Stackable Bins for Vertical Space Optimisation

While deep shelves can be wasteful for vertical space, stackable storage bins help maximise that space instead. Aim for sturdy, transparent bins that are lidded or open-front and store items based on groups (e.g. pantry items, craft supplies, etc.). It’s also a good idea to pop labels on them for ease of discoverability.

Pull-Out Drawers for Easy Access

With pull-out drawers, it’s way easier to access the items you have on the shelves. They allow you to slide the items forward towards you rather than having to dig into the back of the wardrobe, kitchen cabinet or bathroom storage. Pull-out drawers can include wire baskets and plastic sliders.

Shelf Dividers for Keeping Items Organised

These are ideal for separating and containing different categories of items, ensuring they don’t topple over or get mixed up. Shelf dividers are great for folded clothes, books and DVDs, linens, towels, and so on.

Lazy Susans for Hard-to-Reach Areas

For shelves with deep corners, Lazy Susans (turntables) can be a great solution. Items can be placed anywhere on the Lazy Susan, and then you simply spin it around as needed to access the items you need. They’re a great fit for kitchen storage, bathroom essentials, and pantry items.

Clear Storage Options for Visibility

Transparent bins, drawers, and containers help you see what’s inside at a glance, reducing the risk of forgetting or misplacing items. We recommend you opt for acrylic or plastic storage solutions for durability and clarity, which will make it much easier to identify what you have. Don’t forget to make use of labels, too.

Tips for Maintaining Organised Deep Shelves

With your deep shelves storage optimised, you want to make sure you’re keeping everything organised moving forward. Below are a couple of things to keep in mind.

Label Everything for Quick Identification

By labelling everything, you’re going to make it far easier to access what you need when you need it. Consider these labelling options:

• Chalkboards or dry-erase labels
• Pre-made sticker labels
• Clip-on or tag labels, especially for fabric and clothing bins

Regular Decluttering and Rearranging

Make sure you declutter and rearrange your deep shelves every few months. You’d be surprised how quickly an organised space can turn to chaos when unchecked. Some quick optimisations with decluttering include:

• Remove your expired and unused items, especially when it comes to the pantry and bathroom.
• Reorganise the items on your shelves based on how frequently you use those items – keep your most-used items up the front.
• Make sure to adjust your storage solutions as your needs and functionalities change (e.g. add new dividers or extra bins as your number of items increases).

With semi-regular upkeep, you’ll ensure your deep shelves stay neat and functional.
If you need some additional storage in your home, the Flexi Robes team can help. Check out our Storage Solutions or get in touch with us today.