Safe Home Storage Tips: Lighter Higher, Heavier Lower

One of the most practical safe home organizing tips I teach—whether in closets, pantries, garages, or attics—is: Lighter Higher, Heavier Lower.

This simple but powerful principle can save your back, protect your toes, and help you maintain an intuitive, functional space. When you’re organizing any kind of storage area, keep lightweight items on higher shelves, and store heavier items lower to the ground. It’s one of those behind-the-scenes habits that makes a big difference in how your home functions every day.

Light items to store higher might include:

• Paper towels and toilet paper
• Boxes of cereal or dry goods
• Light seasonal decorations
• Plastic bins of linens or lightweight toys

Heavy items that belong lower include:

• Beverages or bulk bottled water
• Canned goods (yes, even that sneaky can of pumpkin purée!)
• Power tools and hardware
• Workout weights or gardening supplies

Why does this matter? Because storing heavy items up high can be dangerous—both for you and your shelving. A falling can or power tool can do real damage (to both shelves and shins!). This strategy also makes access easier and safer when you’re lifting things in and out regularly.

At The Clarity Connection, I combine my role as a Professional Organizer with my passion for education. It’s not just about creating beautiful spaces—it’s about teaching safe, sustainable organizing systems you can actually live with.