7 Ways to Solve Your Storage Problems

With all the equipment needed to run your studio, it can be tough to stay organized. Whether you need storage for towels and sneakers or stray mats and weights, we’ve got you covered with some DIY and out-of-the-box solutions.

GET THEE SOME PVC
Yoga mats can be the bane of a studio owner’s existence. They tend to look messy, no matter how you store them, especially if you’re relying on clients to stack them. You might consider creating a wall installation using PVC pipe. Head to your hardware store and stock up on pipe wide enough to hold a rolled up mat—roughly 6 to 8 inches—then cut them down to either full or half-mat length, depending on the look you want. Glue the pipe pieces together and hang on a wall for an easy way to store those mats after class.  

MIND YOUR ACCESSORIES
Balls, hand weights, jump ropes—all are necessary for your clients to use, but they can be rather bulky to contain. The old-fashioned milk crate is a good place to start. The Container Store makes one for $9.99 and while it’s not fancy, it will get the job done. Crates stack onto one another and can easily be hidden behind a closet door or neatly in a studio corner. For balls, we like Land of Nods’ Flea Market Wire Ball Bin ($39). Available in colors varying from teal and red to white and grey, the containers are not only practical, but also just the right amount whimsical.

PACKED TO THE RAFTERS
Small studio owners may look around and think, “I have no more space for storage.” Well…did you consider the ceiling? It may be a little unorthodox to head north for storage, but when space is at a minimum, it’s a must. The Family Handyman came up with a solution—a sliding storage system with bins on the ceiling. This project requires a slew of power tools, which can be daunting, but given the low price and the functionality, it’s well worth it. Check out the step-by-step tutorial here.

BOOKSHELVES FOR THE WIN
Looking for storage that is more urban industrial than standard gym fare? Consider Dot & Bo’s Folding Teepee Bookshelf ($739). A lovely combination of raw wood and metal, the unit is an artful way to hold mats, towels, barbells and more. Another, more cubby-focused option is the company’s Zen Modern Bookshelf, which clients could use for sneakers and personal items, or you could fill with class materials. For a bohemian look, check out the modular storage system that Ikea’s Swedish blog Livet Hemma came up with a few years ago—consider stacking small ($4.99) and large ($6.99) Knagglig pine boxes and attaching them with metal black clips.

FLOATING BASKETS
Want a prettier way to store towels, without taking up floor space? Consider floating shelves with the help of baskets. Hang rattan or wire baskets—like these from Cost World Market or these from Crate & Barrel—from their bottom side and fill with hand- or full-sized towels. The result? A sophisticated towel set up that is creative and didn’t cost a fortune.

LAY LOW
Do you have couches, coffee tables or bookshelves with empty space underneath? Then Serena & Lily’s Rolling Storage Crates ($88-$248) are a great way to sneak in some more storage. Sturdy and rustic, the crates are crafted of solid wood and have wheels as well for added mobility.

A BENCH OF YOUR OWN
To maximize on both storage and seating, check out this IKEA hack, which also happens to be  one of the easiest DIY projects out there. Take a Kallax Shelving Unit ($59.99) on its side and add a cushion or pillows on top for seating and storage in one. You can even adhere wheels if you want it to move. Ikea sells coordinating baskets that fit perfectly into the nooks, otherwise leave empty.