It seems like today’s homebuyers can’t stand clutter. Millennials and Gen Xers (the two biggest generations of homebuyers now) are much less interested in storing stuff “just in case” than their Baby Boomer counterparts were. Yes, they want their belongings to be accessible but they want them to be out of sight in efficient, neat storage spaces, rather than 10 boxes deep in a dark attic.
A survey by the National Association of Home Builders revealed that storage space was one of the top two priorities on new homebuyers’ wish lists. That doesn’t mean they want more sheds and larger attics, though. To keep clutter at bay, homebuyers are craving storage spaces that give them an organized, accessible place for all their stuff.
Check out some of the top storage features that today’s buyers are looking for when moving to a new home:
- Mudroom: If you have kids and pets, you know the biggest collector of clutter and disorganization is right at the front door. This is where everyone kicks off their shoes, and throws their backpacks, coats and sports equipment – not to mention where muddy, wet and dirty boots accumulate. A mudroom provides a transitional space between the outdoors and the indoors where these items can all be stored out of sight.
- Walk-in pantry: Home cooking is important to today’s homebuyers. A study appearing on the Food Network found that 82 percent of the meals Americans eat are prepared at home, a much higher percentage than just a decade ago. It makes sense, then, that homebuyers want a place to store their food, storage and prep supplies. A walk-in pantry is the perfect place to keep everything from ingredients and small appliances to cleaning supplies and recycling bins.
- Closet space: It’s no secret that houses that lack closet space can get cluttered really quick. Guest rooms in particular easily become dumping grounds for items that you don’t know where else to put them. Simply put, homebuyers want closet space – especially those located in places that make sense, such as walk-in closets in the master bedroom, linen closets in the bathrooms, and a hallway closet at the entry way.
- Garage storage: Garage storage is at the top of homebuyers’ most desired features, with 86 percent of homebuyers calling it highly desirable, and a third calling it a must-have item. Some homebuyers even want three-car garages, not necessarily to hold a third vehicle but to add more storage space. In fact, most homebuyers today say they would rather have garage space over outdoor storage, such as sheds, because garages are easier to access. Garage storage that is organized and accessible is most useful. Shelving, closets and cabinets make it easy to store and find things.
- Laundry room: A majority of homebuyers across all age groups pointed out that a laundry room was one of their main priorities, as this is an efficient place to store clean and dirty laundry, while also enjoying an ironing station. There’s also plenty of space for line-dried or dry-cleaned items.
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