Storage might not be glamorous, but it’s one of the most important, personal parts of your home, and ensuring it is future-proof is crucial. It’s about how you live — where the kids throw their bags, where you keep your cosy winter blankets, your family board games, your memories.

If you don’t plan for future-proof storage when you’re designing your Perth home, you’re going to feel it. It’s the difference between a house that feels chaotic and one that’s peaceful and calm. The difference between a tidy home and bikes that barely fit in the garage, bin bags piled into corners, or stepping over stray shoes just to reach the front door.

Adding storage solutions after the build’s finished isn’t cheap, either. It can cost thousands more than it would have during construction.

The secret to avoiding storage headaches is simple: work with a builder who designs a home that suits your needs today, with plenty of storage so your home can adapt to your lifestyle as it changes. It’s all about thinking ahead and making every space count.

Here are 4 ways smart builders make that happen:

Approach #1: They Build Tailored Storage Solutions

Good builders take the time to ask the right questions and understand how you’re actually going to use your home.

Surf? They might suggest wall hooks in the garage to keep your boards off the floor but easy to grab when you’re heading out. Need a more functional laundry? They’ll design tall cabinets to keep cleaning supplies organised and out of sight.

If you’ve got a young family, adding storage shelves and hooks near the front door for bags and shoes can keep your entryway from turning into a cluttered mess. Or if you’re retired, you might consider a backyard shed to keep your gardening tools organised or a custom-built shelf to display your puzzle collection.

Approach #2: They Unlock Hidden Spaces

There are so many areas in a house that go to waste — ceiling cavities, awkward corners, or even voids between walls. Builders who know their stuff can turn these “nothing spaces” into valuable future-proof storage.

For instance, adding thicker beams to the roof during construction might only cost a few hundred bucks upfront, but it strengthens the roof so it can handle extra weight for storage. It’s a simple, cost-effective step that lets you use that empty space for camping gear, Christmas decorations, or anything else you don’t need every day — saving you from clutter and expensive retrofits later on.

Under-stairs spaces are another great opportunity. With clever planning, they can be transformed into pull-out drawers or built-in cupboards, perfect for keeping shoes, bags, or other items neatly tucked away.

Approach #3: They Future-Proof Your Home

Your storage needs will change, and good builders know how to plan for that.

Maybe it’s adding extra studs in the walls so you can hang heavy shelving in your home office down the line. Or perhaps it’s installing reinforced flooring in a spare room, so when you’re ready to create that home gym, it’s already built to handle the equipment.

As your kids grow up, you’ll need space for bulkier items like bikes and sporting equipment. Or if retirement is on the horizon, pre-planning storage for new interests like painting or fishing means your home can evolve with you. You could even go for a second driveway for your caravan if the grey nomad lifestyle is calling to you.

Approach #4: They Plan for Multi-Functional Furniture

Multi-functional furniture is a game changer when it comes to future-proof storage, especially in smaller spaces. Good builders think ahead, planning rooms that work with dual-purpose pieces.

For example, a bench seat with built-in storage can be added in a breakfast nook or mudroom, providing a spot to sit while also keeping things like table linens tucked neatly away. What’s more, coffee tables or ottomans with hidden compartments can hold everything from books to toys, keeping clutter out of sight.

In bedrooms, choosing beds with built-in drawers gives you extra storage for clothes or bedding without needing more bulky furniture.

The Bottom Line: It Isn’t Just About Keeping Things Tidy

It’s about how your home feels every day.

Work with a builder who takes the time to get it right, and you’ll get a future-proof home that’s simply more peaceful and pleasant to live in.

But there’s more to designing your dream home in Perth than planning for your storage needs — which is why we’ve put together this free guide for you to download:

Build with Confidence – 7 Things You Must Know Before Designing a New Home

It’s packed with practical advice to help you steer clear of homebuilding pitfalls and build a home you’ll love.

*Disclaimer: Names and identifying details have been changed to protect the privacy of individuals. These stories are based on real events, and any resemblance to actual persons is coincidental.

Discover Unique Residence, where luxury meets design excellence. Proud partners with APB, and HIA.