Got Storage? Taking Back Space Through Home Organization.

/ Worley Erhart-Graves Financial Advisors/

Recent news from the National Hardware Show stated Americans are demanding more storage capacity, with U.S. sales of home organization products reaching a whopping $8.5 billion in 2014. Home Builders Association reports on some of the latest trends, including:

  • Maximizing small spaces

  • Making home storage solutions beautiful as well as functional

  • Reworking spaces in existing homes for greater utility

One hot trend in construction, Darci Fredericks of California Closets explains, is to move away from a traditional home office to one that is multi-functional. Why? Homeowners no longer need to accommodate those big computers and accessories. What used to be “the office” can be a family center, where all members of the family can plug in their devices (tablets, phones, laptops) and get homework and office work done.

It’s not only computers that have drop-down menus. Often the new family center doubles as a guest room, so “Murphy beds” are coming back into fashion! “The demand for beauty and function is no more prominent than in the kitchen,” observes designer Anekonda of the Shelf Genie company. 

When it comes to kitchens, some homeowners want desk space, some don’t. What many families do want is a “mud room” between the home and the outdoors. Sometimes that space can be reclaimed from the garage. 

Some of the newer trends are driven by the desire to allow seniors to continue to live independently in their homes. Bathrooms and kitchens are adapted to make it easier for older homeowners. “Just having extra cupboard space isn’t enough if you can’t reach the back of it!”

The following piece of advice to homeowners was particularly interesting to our Worley Erhart-Graves Financial Advisers professionals: 

“Both Fredericks (of California Closets) and Anekonda (of Shelf Genie) recommend bringing in a professional organization partner early on in the process.” 

Whether you’re building or remodeling a home or designing a comprehensive financial blueprint, careful planning can help build a secure financial future.

Content was prepared by a freelance journalist on behalf of Worley Erhart-Graves Financial Advisors