Under Stair Closet Storage Ideas

Stairs take up a surprising amount of space in our houses, yet the area beneath them is typically underutilized. Fortunately, with a little imagination and organization, you can turn this unnoticed nook into a useful storage refuge. Today, we’re going to talk about under stair closet storage ideas that will make that space you don’t use very often into your new favorite place to store things. Get ready to get creative!

Decide Exactly How You Want the Space to Be Used

Before you begin pounding away, take a step back and envision what you want out of this area. An additional closet? A cozy reading nook? Or maybe a secret pantry? Envisioning the goal will help guide your design decisions and guarantee that you build a space that actually meets your needs.

Assess the Space

First, take measurements of the area under your stairs to understand what you’re working with. How deep, tall, and wide is the space? Be sure to measure any angled ceilings or walls as well. Consider where the entry will be and if you’d prefer open shelving or a closed closet with doors. This will help you select optimal storage solutions.

Ruthlessly Declutter

As you pull items from the closet, ask yourself, “What are the absolute necessities?” Really need and want those things, or are you just holding on to them “just in case”? Consider whether those items truly need to be stored in the closet or if they would be better placed somewhere else.

Take a long, hard look at the items that just came out of your closet. Go through your stuff and sort them into three piles: keep, donate, and dispose. This technique will not only clear up space but also keep unneeded stuff out of your new under-stair closet.

There is a 20% rule in organizations. If all of the objects cannot fit with 20% extra white space or margin around them, it is time to declutter so that you have less stuff to fill the area. This makes returning items to their proper locations much easier.

Clean Thoroughly

Once the area is clear, give it a good cleaning. Dust, sweep, and wipe off surfaces to create a blank slate for your storage solutions. Depending on where the closet is located, you may also want to spray for bugs or rats after cleaning it. A clean environment will make the organizing process more fun and ensure that your items remain in top condition.

Map Out Where Things Will Go

Before you begin constructing shelves or cabinets, spend some time planning out where everything will go. This phase demands you to be honest about how much space each item requires. Consider your goods’ size, shape, and frequency of use. Consider what you use on a regular basis, how it is used, and what organizational structure would make it easy to return to its proper position. Planning ahead of time ensures that your under-stair closet storage options are both useful and efficient.

More-often-used things should go in front, and things that are stored should go in back. Shoes, paper goods, household items, and ordinary bags, for example, are stored near the front. Luggage, folding chairs, and vacuums might be placed further back.

Measure Your Space and Find Products that Fit

When working in a limited place such as an under-stair closet, precise measurements are essential. Measure the height, breadth, and depth of the space and utilize these measurements to identify storage options that fit snugly. My go-to method for finding out what sizes a store has in stock is to look them up online. That way, I won’t need to bring a tape measure with me when I go shopping. Look for modular systems, custom cabinets, or space-saving shelving that make the most of every available space.

Organize

With measurements and a clear goal, it’s time to get organized. Put practicality first; after all, we’re trying to simplify your life. Consider how you will utilize the goods and arrange them appropriately. Things that you use often should be easy to get to, while special things can be put further away.

Install shelves, cabinets, or drawers to complete your under-stair closet storage options. Combine related items and label containers for easy identification. Consider utilizing clear containers or baskets to keep everything visible and easily accessible.

Ideas for an Under-the-Stairs Closet

Install Under Stairs Storage Drawers

Sliding drawers are an easy and compact way to make use of unused stairway storage space. These pull-out drawers are ideal for storing large goods such as holiday decorations, luggage, and out-of-season clothing.

Finished Closet With Shelves

If the space beneath the stairs is too high for drawers, consider installing a finished closet. Add some shelves and you’ll have plenty of space to store larger goods. You can store blankets, household items, or even use this cozy space as a small mudroom. If you don’t have a hall closet (or if your hall closet is crowded), hang guests’ jackets on a coat rack or hooks.

Create a Secret Laundry

If there is enough space, why not hide your washing facility under the stairs? It’s out of sight, maximizing your living space, and, with the correct design, it may even fit into small areas. A laundry sink, built-in shelving, and a tile backsplash may all be found behind one door. To make the most of the under-stairs space, a stacked washer and dryer combo is hidden behind an adjacent door.

Open Shelves

If storage is less essential to you than decoration, built-in cabinets are a fascinating way to make use of the space beneath the stairs. Strategic storage solutions, such as floating shelves or a bookcase beneath the stairs, can also help you maximize your space, particularly if you live in a tiny home. Install cabinets with elegant, solid wood doors for stylish storage of tiny goods. Alternatively, use clear glass doors to exhibit your favorite books or knickknacks.

Hidden Pantry

Kitchens frequently lack sufficient pantry space, but an under-stair closet can provide the ideal answer. Install shelves or racks to store dry goods, canned foods, and small appliances. Take the finished closet concept and personalize it to house all of your spices, dry and canned products, bulk supplies, and even tabletop equipment you don’t use on a regular basis.

Shelves Under Basement Stairs

Plastic bins and cardboard boxes stacked on top of each other can quickly become too much for your basement under-stairs storage. Install shelves beneath these steps to provide a convenient storage spot for tools, sports equipment, and seasonal items.

Clear containers with prominent labels on both sides allow you to readily identify the contents. Make sure the bins have well-fitting lids to prevent pests from nesting in any soft and warm stored goods.

Use the Back of the Basement Stairs

If you need to store something, the back of the stairs in the basement is often an empty space. A simple organizing solution, such as nails or screw hooks in the back of your basement steps, is an excellent way to make the most of vertical space. These are perfect for storing hanging things such as holiday wreaths. Hooks, small shelves, or even a pegboard can transform an underutilized space into a handy storage hub.

Walk-In Closet Under Stairs

Turn your under-stairs space into a walk-in closet for a practical storage option. A walk-in closet under the stairs offers plenty of room to hang clothing, arrange shoes, and store other goods. Add hanging rods, shelves, and perhaps a small dresser to create a genuinely elegant storage option. Consider having a small nook for jackets, shoes, and accessories, all nicely kept and out of sight.

Final Thoughts

As a matter of fact, the abysmally stair-area beneath your residence is a storage space bonanza. Whether you choose drawers, shelves, or a full-fledged closet, the idea is to use the space in the way that best meets your needs. With a little imagination and elbow grease, you can turn this neglected space into one of your home’s most practical areas. Begin designing your under-stair closet remodel today!

FAQs about Under Stair Closet Storage Ideas

How do you organize an under stairs closet?

One of the easiest ways to organize storage space under your stairs is to add shelves to that closet. You can install shelves on the walls yourself, or you can get a rack that just goes up against the wall. I added shelves to my space so I could have more space for bulk food storage.

What can I do with a closet under the stairs?

If you have limited closet space throughout your home, the space under the stairs can be a great spot for a coat closet. All you need are a few shelves, rods, hangers, and hooks to store umbrellas, hats, scarfs, bags, and other accessories. You can even add a door to conceal the space!

How do I maximize space under my stairs closet?

How do you maximize storage space under the stairs? Depending on the size of your staircase and the layout of your home, you can maximize storage space under the stairs by adding open shelving for books, a hidden closet for coats or cleaning supplies, or even a small laundry or powder room.

What is the closet under the stairs called?

The space under stairs is called a “spandrel” which simply translates to the triangular space underneath if there’s not another flight of stairs immediately under this.

How do I turn space under my stairs into storage?

Anything from a bookcase under the stairs to a fully finished closet or set of drawers can keep items out of sight until you need them.
Pullout Drawers.
Finished Closet With Shelves.
Built-In Cabinets.
Open Shelves.
Hidden Pantry.
Shelves Under Basement Stairs.
Use the Back of the Basement Stairs.

How do you hide under stair storage?

Install Under Stairs Storage Drawers.

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For more under stair closet tips, hacks, and advice:

Building a Wine Cellar Under the Staircase: An Elegant Storage Solution