How can I make storage work for someone who cannot easily reach high or low shelves?

Start with a conversation about their preferences, not a measurement or a rule about what they should be able to reach. Ask which locations feel comfortable, which are inconvenient, and whether the difficulty changes depending on the item or task. Avoid treating “high” and “low” as the same problem: someone may prefer not to reach overhead but be comfortable with a particular lower shelf, or the reverse.

Next, list the items they use often and where they use them. Focus on their own routine: an item used at the table may be easiest to store near that activity, while something used occasionally may not need a prime spot. Agree together on a first arrangement. The aim is to make the person’s everyday choices easier, not to reorganize everything according to someone else’s idea of accessibility.

Treat comfortable, preferred locations as shared resources to allocate deliberately. First identify the items the person needs frequently and independently, then discuss which of those should have priority for the most convenient spots. Consider both frequency and where an item is used; an everyday item stored close to its point of use may be more helpful than placing every frequently used item together.

For example, assume a household member says they prefer the middle cupboard shelves and often uses a mug and tea tin at the kitchen counter. A possible plan is to put those items in the preferred cupboard area, while placing seldom-used serving dishes elsewhere. This is only an illustration: the person’s own preferences should decide whether that arrangement works. If other household members also need the same space, agree on a division that preserves access rather than quietly moving the person’s belongings.

Don’t assume the person should stretch, bend, climb, or use a workaround that they have not said feels suitable. Ask what they would like to do with the item: keep it in a different location, have someone retrieve it when needed, or consider another arrangement. If the concern involves whether a particular reach or task is safe for them, don’t try to assess that yourself; they can consult an appropriate qualified professional for individualized guidance.

You can still make progress without changing shelves or buying anything. Sort the items by how often they are needed, ask which ones the person wants access to themselves, and identify the storage locations they already prefer. If no available place works for an important item, record that as an unresolved constraint rather than presenting a temporary workaround as a solution.

Agree on a simple review with the person who will use the storage. After they have tried the arrangement in their ordinary routine, ask specific questions: “Was anything difficult to find?” “Did you avoid using something because of where it was stored?” and “What would you move?” Make changes based on their answers, not on whether the setup looks tidy to someone else.

A short shared note can keep the plan clear: “Preferred access area: [location]. Frequent-use items: [items]. Items to relocate or retrieve with help: [items]. Review with: [person].” Treat this as a working arrangement, not a permanent rule. When household needs change, revisit the locations together. The checklist below can help you plan and review without assuming a particular reach range or prescribing equipment.