A cage storage is a fantastic additional storage space for the home. It can hold rarely used items, seasonal clothing, and boxes filled with memories. When well organised, the necessary items can be found quickly without unnecessary rummaging.

Keeping things in order also maximises the available space. It improves safety by reducing tripping hazards and preventing piles of items from toppling over.

Kiira Keto, known by her Instagram account @kiiraorganizing, is a professional organiser who has encountered a variety of storage spaces in her career.

"A cage storage tends to accumulate unnecessary items because it's a place where people store things they no longer actively use – or may never use again. Some items are, of course, essential at certain times of the year. Still, many people also hold on to unnecessary belongings that they haven't used for years and probably never will," Keto explains.

The most common issue is having too many items for the size of the storage space, making it impractical.

"If unnecessary items take up space and make it difficult to access the things you use regularly, it's worth considering whether you can let go of them. When you have fewer items, you can store them more inspiringly, which means you're also more likely to use them."

Cage storages are typically relatively small, so organising them isn't the easiest task. However, it is possible, and you can create a functional space with the proper storage solutions.

Let's hear Kiira's best tips for organising your storage.

Starting with an empty space makes organising easier. This might feel like a big job, but it helps you see the overall picture and assess the quantity and condition of your belongings.

"Clearing out the space helps you to see what's actually in the storage," says Kiira.

At this stage, it is useful to sort out items you no longer need into separate categories. Have some reusable bags on hand, and organise your items into three groups: for sale, donation, and recycling.

Once the space is empty, take the opportunity to give it a quick clean—vacuum the floor and wipe down any shelves to remove dust.

Next, consider which items are still useful.

"Decluttering can feel difficult, and we often get stuck on the thought of 'what if I need this someday?' It helps to reflect on the past—if you haven't used an item in years, chances are you won't use it in the future either," Kiira points out.

It is worth considering whether you could rent or borrow the item instead of storing it. Shared-use items are a great alternative. You don't need to own everything.

Decluttering can also be motivating. Donating items can bring joy to someone else, and selling them could fund something more meaningful, like an experience.

"Letting go of sentimental items can be particularly tough. In these cases, I encourage people to consider whether they can hold onto the memories without the physical objects."

Before putting items back, carefully plan the layout of your storage space. Which items do you use frequently, and which ones only occasionally? Place frequently used items at the front and the less-used ones further back.

Transparent, lidded, and stackable boxes work best in cage storages. They allow you to see what's inside easily. Place the most frequently accessed boxes at the top of the stack.

Labelling the boxes is a great way to keep track of their contents. Since cage storage items aren't in daily use, labels help you remember where everything is. This also makes finding what they need easier for other family members.

Tip!
S-hooks attached to the cage storage walls can help maximise space by keeping items off the floor, ensuring every cubic metre is used efficiently.

Keeping your storage organised requires ongoing attention.

"Make it a habit to go through your storage at least once a year, for example, when swapping out winter clothes. This way, you can keep the number of stored items in check," Kiira summarises.