Moving home or simply trying to maximise your living space? You’re not alone. Whether you’re preparing for a house removal or decluttering before a big move, storage challenges can feel overwhelming—especially when you’re working with a tight budget. The good news? You don’t need expensive furniture or professional organisers to transform your space. With a few clever DIY storage hacks, some basic materials, and a little creativity, you can create practical storage solutions that work brilliantly in any room.
From renter-friendly fixes that won’t damage walls to upcycling tricks using items you already own, these ten budget-conscious hacks will help you reclaim your space, reduce moving stress, and make packing and storage infinitely easier. Let’s dive in.
1. Tension Rod Dividers for Kitchen Cabinets
Kitchen cabinets often become chaotic jumbles of baking trays, cutting boards, and pot lids. A simple tension rod—the kind you’d use for shower curtains—instantly creates vertical dividers that keep everything neatly separated and accessible.
What You’ll Need:
- Spring-loaded tension rods (£3–£8 each from hardware shops)
- Measuring tape
How to Do It:
Measure the interior height of your cabinet, purchase tension rods slightly longer than this measurement, and slot them vertically between shelves. Adjust the tension to hold them firmly in place. Slide baking sheets, chopping boards, or serving platters into the newly created slots.
Time & Cost:
Time: 5 minutes per cabinet | Cost: £3–£15 depending on cabinet size
Why It Works:
No drilling, no damage—ideal for renters. This hack keeps flat items upright and visible, so you’ll never have to dig through a precarious stack again. It’s also perfect for organising items before you pack them for preparing large furniture for removal.
2. Under-Bed Rolling Storage from Old Drawers
That dead space beneath your bed is prime real estate for storage, and old drawers on wheels make brilliant sliding containers for shoes, seasonal clothes, or spare bedding.
What You’ll Need:
- Old wooden drawers or shallow crates (check charity shops or reuse your own)
- Four castor wheels per drawer (£6–£10 for a set)
- Screwdriver and screws (if not included with castors)
- Sandpaper and paint (optional, for a fresh look)
How to Do It:
Sand the drawer if it’s rough, then attach castor wheels to each corner of the base. If you like, paint or stain the drawer to match your décor. Slide it under the bed and load it up with off-season clothing, extra linens, or anything you want out of sight but easily accessible.
Time & Cost:
Time: 20–30 minutes per drawer | Cost: £6–£15 (less if you already have drawers)
Renter-Friendly Alternative:
Skip the wheels and use low-profile plastic storage boxes with handles instead. They’ll slide easily on carpet or hardwood and require zero DIY.
3. Magnetic Spice Rack on the Fridge
Free up valuable cupboard and worktop space by mounting your spices on the side of your fridge. This hack is endlessly customisable and keeps your most-used ingredients at arm’s reach.
What You’ll Need:
- Small magnetic tins or jars with lids (£1–£2 each, or reuse baby food jars with adhesive magnetic strips)
- Adhesive magnetic strips (if jars aren’t magnetic, £4–£6 per pack)
- Labels and marker pen
How to Do It:
Fill each tin with spices, label the lid clearly, and stick them to the side of your fridge. Arrange them by frequency of use or alphabetically. If your fridge isn’t magnetic, attach a slim magnetic board to the wall using removable adhesive strips.
Time & Cost:
Time: 15 minutes | Cost: £10–£20 for 10–15 jars
Why It Works:
This hack makes use of vertical space you probably weren’t using. It’s practical, looks stylish, and is completely damage-free for renters. Plus, it’s easy to pack up when you move—just pop the jars into a box.
4. Over-the-Door Shoe Organisers for Everything
Don’t let the name fool you—over-the-door shoe organisers are wildly versatile storage solutions that work in nearly every room. From cleaning supplies to craft materials, these hanging wonders keep clutter contained without taking up floor space.
What You’ll Need:
- Over-the-door shoe organiser with clear pockets (£8–£15)
- Hooks (usually included)
How to Do It:
Hang the organiser over any standard door using the attached hooks. No tools required. Use it in the bathroom for toiletries and makeup, in the kitchen for snacks and packets, in a child’s room for toys and art supplies, or in a utility cupboard for cleaning products and sponges.
Creative Uses:
- Bathroom: store hair styling tools, skincare, and medicines
- Kitchen: organise tea bags, spice packets, and cling film
- Office: hold pens, sticky notes, chargers, and cables
- Playroom: sort small toys, crayons, and stickers
Time & Cost:
Time: 2 minutes to hang | Cost: £8–£15
5. Pegboard Wall Organisers
Pegboards aren’t just for garages and workshops anymore. These customisable wall grids are brilliant for creating tailored storage in kitchens, home offices, craft rooms, or entryways. Best of all, you can rearrange hooks and shelves whenever your needs change.
What You’ll Need:
- Pegboard panel (£10–£25 depending on size, available at DIY stores)
- Pegboard hooks, baskets, and shelves (£8–£15 for a starter set)
- Wall fixings (screws and wall plugs) or adhesive strips for lightweight boards
- Paint or wood stain (optional)
How to Do It:
Cut the pegboard to your desired size (many DIY shops will do this for you). Paint or stain it if you like. Mount it on the wall using screws and plugs, ensuring it’s level and secure. Insert hooks, shelves, and baskets wherever you need them. Rearrange as often as you like—no new holes required.
Time & Cost:
Time: 30–45 minutes | Cost: £20–£40
Renter-Friendly Alternative:
Use strong adhesive strips designed for heavier items, or lean a smaller pegboard against the wall on a shelf or desk. You’ll sacrifice a bit of stability but avoid making holes.
6. Upcycled Crate Shelving Units
Wooden crates—the kind you see stacked at farmers’ markets—make fantastic modular shelving. Stack them, mount them on walls, or arrange them on the floor to create open storage that’s both functional and full of character. It’s sustainable, too, since you’re upcycling materials that might otherwise be discarded.
What You’ll Need:
- Wooden crates (£5–£10 each from garden centres, online, or free from local shops)
- Sandpaper
- Wood stain or paint (optional)
- Wall brackets or L-brackets and screws (if mounting on walls)
How to Do It:
Sand the crates to remove splinters, then stain or paint them to suit your décor. Stack them on the floor in interesting configurations—try a cube formation or an offset pattern—or mount them on the wall using L-brackets. Use them for books, plants, toys, or folded clothes.
Time & Cost:
Time: 45–60 minutes (including drying time) | Cost: £15–£40 for 3–6 crates
Safety Note:
If stacking more than two crates high or placing them in a child’s room, secure them to the wall with brackets to prevent tipping. Safety always comes first.
7. Hanging Baskets for Bathroom Essentials
Bathroom counters have a habit of disappearing under bottles, brushes, and toiletries. Reclaim your surfaces by hanging wire or wicker baskets from the ceiling, a shower rod, or wall hooks to store everything from shampoo to cleaning supplies.
What You’ll Need:
- Wire or wicker baskets with handles (£3–£8 each)
- S-hooks or chains (£2–£5)
- Ceiling hooks or a tension shower rod
How to Do It:
Install ceiling hooks where you want the baskets to hang, or use an existing shower rod. Attach S-hooks or chains to the baskets and hang them at varying heights. Fill them with toiletries, rolled towels, hair tools, or cleaning cloths. In small bathrooms, this vertical storage is a game-changer.
Time & Cost:
Time: 15–20 minutes | Cost: £10–£20
Renter-Friendly Alternative:
Hang baskets from a tension shower rod or over-the-door hooks—no drilling required. This works especially well in rental properties where permanent fixtures aren’t allowed.
8. Repurposed Moving Boxes as Drawer Dividers
Before you recycle those leftover moving boxes, give them a second life as custom drawer dividers. This hack is perfect for organising socks, underwear, office supplies, or craft materials, and it costs absolutely nothing.
What You’ll Need:
- Sturdy cardboard from moving boxes
- Ruler and pencil
- Craft knife or scissors
- Decorative paper or paint (optional)
How to Do It:
Measure the interior dimensions of your drawer. Cut strips of cardboard to create dividers that fit snugly inside. Slot them together in a grid pattern (cut notches halfway down each strip so they interlock). If you like, cover the cardboard with decorative paper or paint it to match your room.
Time & Cost:
Time: 15–20 minutes per drawer | Cost: Free (using boxes you already have)
Why It Works:
This is the ultimate budget hack—it’s free, eco-friendly, and endlessly customisable. Plus, it’s a brilliant way to reuse boxes after your house removal. Need help with your move? Learn how to choose the best house removal company near you for a stress-free experience.
9. Command Hook Gallery Walls for Lightweight Storage
Adhesive command hooks are a renter’s best friend. Use them to hang lightweight baskets, small shelves, or even clipboards on walls—perfect for keys, jewellery, mail, or notes—without leaving a single mark.
What You’ll Need:
- Adhesive command hooks in various sizes (£4–£10 per pack)
- Small wire baskets, clipboards, or lightweight shelves
- Spirit level (to keep everything straight)
How to Do It:
Clean the wall surface thoroughly with rubbing alcohol, allow it to dry, then stick the command hooks according to the packet instructions. Hang lightweight baskets, clipboards for to-do lists, or mini shelves for keys and sunglasses. Arrange them in a neat row or create an artful cluster.
Time & Cost:
Time: 10 minutes | Cost: £10–£25 depending on number of hooks and accessories
Important Tips:
- Always follow the weight limits on the packaging
- Leave the adhesive to bond for at least an hour before hanging items
- When moving out, remove hooks slowly by pulling the tab downwards to avoid wall damage
10. Tiered Storage Using Old Cake Stands or Plant Trays
Vertical tiers maximise storage in small spaces, and vintage cake stands or plant trays are perfect for the job. Use them on bathroom counters, dressing tables, or kitchen worktops to hold everything from jewellery to condiments without cluttering up precious flat surfaces.
What You’ll Need:
- Tiered cake stands or plant trays (charity shops often have these for £3–£8)
- Small bowls or jars (optional, for extra organisation)
How to Do It:
Simply place the tiered stand on your counter or shelf. Use the bottom tier for larger items like bottles or makeup palettes, the middle tier for everyday essentials, and the top tier for smaller bits like earrings or lipstick. You can also group items in small bowls or jars on each tier for added organisation.
Time & Cost:
Time: Instant | Cost: £3–£15
Why It Works:
This hack uses vertical space, keeps everything visible and accessible, and looks stylish on any surface. It’s particularly useful in bathrooms and bedrooms where counter space is at a premium.
Making Storage Work During a House Move
These DIY storage hacks aren’t just about everyday organisation—they’re invaluable during the moving process, too. When you’re preparing for a house removal, smart storage helps you pack more efficiently, protects your belongings, and makes unpacking at the other end far less stressful.
Using Hacks Before You Move
Before your removal date, implement these hacks to declutter and sort your belongings by room. For instance, use over-the-door organisers to group small items together, making them easier to pack. Repurpose moving boxes as drawer dividers to keep clothing organised right up until moving day. Check out our guide on expert packing tips for your house removal for more strategies.
Temporary Storage Solutions
If there’s a gap between moving out and moving in, or if you’re downsizing and need somewhere to keep items temporarily, many of these hacks work brilliantly in storage units. Tension rods, magnetic racks, and rolling under-bed storage keep your belongings organised even in a temporary space. Wondering how much a house removal costs? We break down pricing so you can budget effectively for both moving and storage.
Questions to Ask Before You Hire Help
If you’re planning a house move, it’s worth asking potential removal companies whether they provide packing materials, short-term storage options, or guidance on organising before the big day. Our article on 5 questions to ask your removal company before hiring will help you choose the right partner for a smooth, stress-free move.
Final Thoughts: Small Changes, Big Impact
You don’t need a huge budget or professional skills to transform cluttered spaces into organised, functional rooms. With a few clever DIY hacks—tension rods, upcycled crates, adhesive hooks, and repurposed boxes—you can maximise storage in every room, reduce moving stress, and create a home that feels calm and manageable.
Whether you’re preparing for a move, decluttering for a new chapter, or simply making the most of limited space, these budget-friendly solutions prove that thoughtful organisation is within everyone’s reach. Start with one hack today, and you’ll be amazed at the difference it makes.
Need professional support with your house removal? At Wild & Lye Removals, we understand the challenges of moving and offer reliable, stress-free services to help you settle into your new home with ease. Visit our about page to learn more about how we can help, or get in touch for a friendly chat and a no-obligation quote.