Everyone is prone to accumulating excess belongings, sometimes without realizing it. However, clutter doesn’t just mess with your mental well-being — it also creates ample waste. 

In today’s world, where plastic pollution suffocates marine wildlife and greenhouse gas emissions cause a public health crisis, contributing to a cleaner and greener environment is essential. You can adopt an eco-friendly lifestyle at home by decluttering your space and optimizing storage for what you need.

Here are six storage strategies you can try to improve your stress and footprint.

1. Utilize Smart Organizing Systems

A OnePoll survey commissioned by Opendoor says people try to declutter their homes four times annually, keeping a whopping 11 storage boxes worth of possessions even after downsizing. The overwhelming clutter leads to about 32% of people turning their bedrooms into storage spaces, underscoring a need for space-saving organization.

A smart organizing system does the heavy lifting for you. After you’ve gone through your belongings and discarded or donated what you’ve wanted, you’ll need to put away what’s left. These high-performance, innovative solutions utilize labeling, color-coding and grouping items to help simplify your life.

You’ll never have to search for your sunglasses or missing shoes again — smart organizers help maintain tidiness and ensure you can easily find what you’re looking for. With such an efficient process in place, you may even be less inclined to make new purchases or perhaps consider minimalist practices.

2. Store Items in Reusable Storage

Just about any glass, metal, bamboo, wicker or cardboard container can be used for storage. Mason jar glasses, for instance, can store loose teas, oats, cereals, nuts and other pantry items, preserving their quality and improving accessibility in a pinch.

Fabric bags are also suitable for stowing clothing, produce, toys and other goods. They’re usually lightweight and made from eco-friendly, durable materials like canvas and jute. Keep an assortment of bags handy in different sizes for easy carrying and minimal space requirements.

Of course, larger, reusable bins are ideal for bulkier items or like-minded objects, like holiday decorations, seasonal attire or family heirlooms you can’t part with, but don’t want to display. 

3. Opt for Digital Storage Solutions

Many U.S. residents who can work from home do so at least several times a week. The trend was bolstered by the COVID-19 pandemic and has since grown. This means work and personal lives often get blurred, which can lead to more clutter, paperwork and supplies from filling homes. Getting rid of mess in homes is not just vital for the environment, but productivity as well — 53% of people feel unmotivated in a disorganized workspace.

Among the most effective and sustainable storage strategies in this situation is eliminating paperwork. Upload the mountain of files on your desk to a cloud storage system, where they’ll be kept safe and accessible. These software programs often come with high-security measures and the ability to share essential files with co-workers without compromising sensitive data. Likewise, you’ll reduce your environmental footprint by avoiding printing new documents. Old bills, documents and even storage devices, like CDs, can be safely shredded and recycled, freeing up your workspace and home and helping you improve your footprint as well. 

4. Invest in Multifunctional Furniture

New furniture can be a pricey investment, but multifunctional pieces might be worth it if you’re seeking innovative storage strategies. The average rental is 887 square feet, down 54 square feet from 10 years ago. This doesn’t leave much room for storing your belongings.

Although a new purchase may seem counterintuitive to adopting eco-friendly living, quality pieces last a long time, and investing in them prevents you from constantly replacing items in the future. Some ottomans and coffee tables come with hidden compartments, while a bed might have pull-out drawers underneath. Even bench seating in the kitchen or mudroom could provide another storage option. Determine how many belongings you must put away and in which rooms to ensure you buy only what you need.

5. DIY Containers With Recycled Materials

Excess packaging is a global issue, causing more people to reconsider how they shop for goods. According to a 2023 report, 82% of consumers are willing to pay more for sustainable product wrappings. But what about the boxes they ship in?

Give cardboard shipping boxes a second life by upcycling them as storage containers. They are excellent for stowing items in the garage or basement and come in various sizes. You may even have other recycled materials at home, like plywood, to create cost-effective, sturdy DIY boxes.

6. Maximize Space Vertically

Vertical storage is a functional and sustainable storage solution, allowing you to maximize every corner of your home. Consider open shelving, hanging organizers and over-the-door hooks as you rehome whatever items you decide to keep. You can also customize these mechanisms to meet your needs and preferences or incorporate them so they blend into your home design.

Storing goods vertically is especially advantageous in small apartments or condos with limited square footage. With this approach, you won’t need to purchase more furniture or units to house your possessions when there’s plenty of free space above the ground.

Clutter-Free Living Is an Environmental Responsibility

Clearing out excess belongings and storing keepsakes appropriately lowers stress levels, improves mood and promotes sustainability. Get creative with storage strategies for a more organized and ecologically aware lifestyle.