How Much Storage Do You Really Need in a New Build?

When designing a new home, storage is one of those features you don’t fully appreciate until you realise there isn’t enough of it. Between busy lifestyles, growing families, and everyday household items, having the right amount of storage can completely transform the way your home functions. The big question is: how much storage do you really need in a new build? The answer depends on your household, your routines, and the way you like to live, but there are a few key areas worth planning carefully.

Think About Your Household’s Lifestyle

Before deciding on cupboards and cabinetry, it’s worth taking a moment to think about how your family uses space. A couple building their first home may need far less storage than a large family with school supplies, sports equipment, toys, and seasonal belongings. If you cook often, host gatherings, or bulk-buy groceries, you’ll naturally need more kitchen and pantry space. Households with hobbies, like fishing, camping, crafting, or fitness, also need tailored storage solutions that fit their lifestyle.

Kitchen Storage: The Heart of the Home

The kitchen is where storage matters most. A well-designed kitchen should feel organised, uncluttered, and easy to use every day. A walk-in or scullery pantry offers generous room for appliances, food items, lunchboxes, cleaning supplies, and entertaining essentials. Deep drawers make it easier to store pots, pans, containers, baking trays, and everyday items without digging through shelves. Modern kitchens often include space for benchtop appliances such as air fryers, mixers, and coffee machines, so having storage to keep them tucked away prevents clutter. Overhead cupboards also provide extra space while giving the kitchen a sleek, finished look.

Bedroom Storage: More Than Just Robes

Bedrooms should offer both comfort and practicality. In the master suite, a walk-in robe provides flexible storage for clothing, shoes, accessories, seasonal items, and everyday essentials. A combination of hanging rails, drawer units, and shelving makes it easier to stay organised. Kids’ bedrooms benefit from built-in robes that grow with them, offering room for clothing, toys, school items, and extra bedding. Even in guest rooms, a simple built-in robe makes the space more functional and allows you to store suitcases or spare linen without taking up valuable cupboard space elsewhere.

Laundry Storage: Small Space, Big Impact

Laundry rooms are often overlooked, but good storage can make them far more practical. Overhead cupboards are ideal for detergents, cleaning products, and bathroom supplies you want out of sight. Under-sink storage handles everyday items, while a tall linen or utility cupboard helps store larger essentials like mops, vacuums, ironing boards, and household linens. A benchtop also gives you space for sorting, folding, or placing baskets. A well-designed laundry can help absorb some of the overflow from other areas of the home.

Bathroom Storage Keeps Spaces Tidy

Bathrooms quickly become cluttered without proper storage. A vanity with drawers is far more practical than cupboards, as it allows easier access to toiletries and grooming items without things getting lost at the back. Mirror cabinets offer extra space for everyday items while keeping benchtops clear. Shelving or nearby linen storage makes it easy to keep towels, products, and spare supplies organised and easy to access.

Hallway and General Storage Are Essential

One of the biggest mistakes people make in new builds is overlooking general-purpose storage. A walk-in linen cupboard is ideal for bedding, towels, blankets, and seasonal items. A general storage cupboard in the hallway or near the living room is perfect for vacuum cleaners, board games, craft supplies, suitcases, or cleaning gear. More and more homeowners are also choosing a mudroom-style drop zone near the entry, allowing a designated space for bags, shoes, hats, keys, and school essentials, keeping the rest of the home tidy.

Living Room Storage Makes Everyday Life Easier

Open-plan living areas are stylish and spacious, but they can become messy without thoughtful storage. Built-in TV units help conceal cords, gaming consoles, chargers, books, toys, and decorative items. Additional shelving and cabinetry can help keep the space looking polished while still being practical for everyday activities and family life.

Garage Storage for Bulkier Items

The garage often ends up storing the items that don’t fit anywhere else, so planning proper storage here is essential. Overhead racks are great for keeping seasonal items out of the way, while wall-mounted shelving helps store tools, garden equipment, sports gear, and camping supplies. If you have a 4WD, trailer, or home workshop setup, adding extra garage depth or dedicated storage areas can make a big difference. Many homeowners later wish they had added more garage storage from the beginning.

Tailored Storage for Your Hobbies and Lifestyle

Your home should work for the way you live, so take the time to think about your hobbies and interests. Whether you need room for fishing gear, gym equipment, musical instruments, sewing supplies, or sporting items, creating dedicated storage from the start ensures everything has a place. This prevents clutter and avoids the need for makeshift storage solutions later.

So, How Much Storage Is Enough?

There’s no single answer that suits every household, but most people agree that a little extra storage goes a long way. A well-designed new build typically includes generous pantry space, built-in or walk-in robes, a functional laundry, a linen cupboard, general-purpose cupboards, and garage storage. If your budget allows, prioritising storage during the design stage is always worthwhile. It’s far easier and more affordable to include it now than to retrofit it later.

Good storage is essential for modern living. When building with Aveling Homes, thinking ahead about your storage needs will help you create a home that stays organised, comfortable, and functional for years to come. A little planning now can make everyday life much easier down the track.