A storage bench is a great piece of furniture. It offers both a place to sit and extra space to store things. Whether it’s in your entryway, bedroom, or mudroom, a storage bench can help you keep your home tidy and organized. But like any storage space, if it’s not organized well, it can become messy and hard to use.
In this article, we’ll show you how to organize your storage bench step-by-step for maximum efficiency. With these simple tips, you’ll make the most out of the space you have and keep your home looking neat.
1. Know Your Purpose
Before you start organizing, think about how you want to use your storage bench. What items do you want to store in it? This may depend on where the bench is located:
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Entryway: Shoes, umbrellas, hats, gloves, pet leashes.
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Living room: Blankets, books, board games, remote controls.
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Bedroom: Seasonal clothes, pillows, extra bed linens.
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Kids' room: Toys, books, school supplies.
Once you know your purpose, you’ll have a better idea of what kind of storage you need.
2. Empty Everything Out
Start with a clean slate. Take everything out of your storage bench and sort the items. Put them into groups based on what they are or how you use them. For example, put all the winter items in one pile, all the toys in another, and so on.
This is also a good time to get rid of things you no longer need. Ask yourself:
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Have I used this in the last 6 months?
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Do I really need this?
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Is this item broken or worn out?
Donate, recycle, or throw away anything you don’t use.
3. Clean the Bench
Now that your storage bench is empty, give it a good cleaning. Dust, crumbs, and dirt often collect inside without us noticing. Wipe down all surfaces with a damp cloth. If your bench has fabric cushions, vacuum or clean them according to the instructions. A clean bench makes the space feel fresh and ready for organizing.
4. Use Storage Bins or Baskets
One of the best ways to keep things organized is to use small bins, boxes, or baskets inside your bench. These containers help separate items and make it easier to find what you need. Choose bins that fit well inside your bench and are easy to pull out.
Here are a few ideas:
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Use small fabric baskets for gloves and scarves.
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Use plastic bins for toys or sports gear.
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Use wooden boxes for books or magazines.
Label each bin if needed. That way, everyone in the house knows where things belong.
5. Group Similar Items Together
Keep similar items together in one spot. This helps you find things faster and makes it easier to keep everything in order. Here are some examples:
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Put all the winter gear (hats, gloves, scarves) in one bin.
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Keep all your pet items (leash, treats, waste bags) in one place.
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Store all the kids' toys in one basket.
This method is called "category storage," and it’s one of the easiest ways to stay organized.
6. Think About Frequency of Use
Place items you use often at the front or on top of the bench. Items you don’t use as much can go at the back or bottom. This makes it easy to grab what you need without making a mess.
For example:
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In the entryway, put your daily shoes at the front.
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In the bedroom, store summer clothes on top if it's summer, and winter clothes underneath.
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In a kid’s room, put favorite toys in easy reach and rarely used ones further back.
This saves time and keeps your bench tidy.
7. Use Vertical Space if Possible
Some storage benches come with a hutch or built-in shelves above them. If yours does, use this extra space for more storage. You can place bins or baskets on the shelves or use hooks for bags, hats, or jackets.
If your bench doesn’t have vertical storage, consider placing wall hooks or a small shelf above it. This gives you more room to store and organize items you use often.
8. Rotate Items Seasonally
Your needs change with the seasons. In the summer, you might not need scarves and gloves, and in the winter, you might not need flip-flops and beach towels. Make it a habit to rotate the items in your storage bench based on the season.
Every few months:
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Take everything out.
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Store away out-of-season items.
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Bring forward the things you’ll need next.
This keeps your bench from getting too full and helps you use it more efficiently.
9. Label Everything
If you’re using multiple bins, labels make a big difference. You can use stickers, tags, or even chalkboard labels. This helps you and others in your household know exactly where things go. It also makes cleanup quicker and easier.
Labels are especially helpful for:
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Kids’ toys
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Seasonal items
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Pet supplies
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Household tools
You don’t need fancy labels—handwritten ones work just fine.
10. Maintain Your System
The key to staying organized is to keep up with the system you’ve created. Make it a habit to check your storage bench once a month. Put things back where they belong, remove any clutter, and clean the inside if needed.
If your needs change, don’t be afraid to adjust your setup. Your storage system should work for you, not the other way around.
Final Thoughts
A storage bench can do a lot more than just hold stuff. With a little planning and effort, it can help you keep your home neat and organized. By knowing your purpose, using bins, grouping items, and maintaining your system, you’ll get the most out of your storage bench.
Remember, organizing doesn’t have to be hard. Start small, go step by step, and soon your storage bench will be working better than ever. Whether you're storing shoes, toys, or extra blankets, a well-organized bench saves time, space, and stress.
Happy organizing!
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