Living in a modern condominium like The Hill at One North means you already enjoy sleek finishes and thoughtful layouts. But even the best designed units can feel cramped when you accumulate the usual Singaporean household items: extra sets of bedsheets, the air purifier box, your collection of reusable bags, and that stack of board games. The secret is that your unit already has hidden storage potential built into its architecture. You just need to know where to look.

The Kitchen Island Void You Walk Past Every Day

Look closely at the base of your kitchen island. Most two-bedroom and larger units at The Hill at One North feature a cabinet toe kick that is deeper than standard. This creates a shallow void roughly 8 centimetres high and 60 centimetres deep. It is perfect for slide out trays.

What to store there:
– Baking sheets and cutting boards
– Flat serving platters
– Laminated placemats and trivets

How to use it:
1. Measure the exact height and depth of the gap under your island cabinets.
2. Order a set of slim metal drawers or a bamboo pull out tray from a local supplier like IKEA or Taobao.
3. Attach small rubber bumpers to stop the tray from sliding too far.
4. Load the tray with flat items you rarely use daily.

This spot is especially useful for residents who enjoy hosting. You can keep your large serving dishes right where you need them, without cluttering your main cabinets.

The Raised Platform in the Living Area

Many units at The Hill at One North have a slightly raised platform in the living room to conceal wiring and air conditioning trunking. That platform is not just for show. It is a hollow space roughly 10 to 15 centimetres high.

What to store there:
– Off season shoes
– Electrical extension cords and surge protectors
– Rarely used yoga mats or exercise gear

How to access it:
– Check for a small access panel near the base of the platform. It is often hidden behind a decorative grille or a loose floorboard.
– If there is no panel, you can have a contractor cut a discreet trapdoor that matches your flooring. This costs around $150 to $300 in Singapore.

Expert advice: “Most residents never open these access panels because they assume they are for maintenance only. But a simple hinge and a magnetic catch turn that dead space into a hidden storage compartment for bulky items.” — Interior space planner, K. L. Tan

The Recessed Niche Behind the Bathroom Mirror

The master bathroom in many units includes a large wall mirror. Behind that mirror, there is often a recessed cavity left over from the plumbing chase. This cavity is typically 15 to 20 centimetres deep.

What to store there:
– Extra toilet rolls
– Backup shampoo and body wash bottles
– Travel sized toiletries

How to use it:
– Install a slim wire shelf unit inside the cavity.
– Use clear acrylic bins so you can see what is inside.
– Keep the mirror hinged or install a magnetic closure so it stays flush.

This trick turns a dead wall space into a mini pantry for bathroom supplies. It keeps your countertops clear and your daily routine smoother.

The Vertical Loft Space Above the Wardrobe

If you have a built in wardrobe in your bedroom, check the gap between the top of the wardrobe and the ceiling. In many units at The Hill at One North, this gap is about 30 to 40 centimetres. It is often left empty because standard wardrobes stop short of the ceiling.

What to store there:
– Luggage and suitcases
– Holiday decorations
– Blankets and extra pillows

How to use it:
– Measure the width and depth of the gap.
– Buy a set of stackable plastic bins that fit the space.
– Label each bin clearly (for example, “Winter clothes” or “Christmas decor”).
– Use a small step stool to reach the bins when needed.

This is one of the most underused spots in any condo. It costs almost nothing to implement and frees up an entire shelf in your main wardrobe.

The Under Bench Cabinet at the Balcony

Every unit at The Hill at One North comes with a balcony, and each balcony has a built in bench or planter box. That bench is hollow. It is designed to house the air conditioner compressor, but there is usually extra space on either side of the compressor.

What to store there:
– Gardening tools and potting soil
– Outdoor cushions and picnic gear
– Cleaning supplies like bleach and floor mop

How to use it:
– Remove the bench top carefully (it is usually screwed down).
– Install a wooden divider to separate the compressor area from the storage area.
– Add a small latch or lock to keep the bench top secure.
– Store items in waterproof containers to protect them from humidity.

This spot is ideal for items you do not want inside your living space. It keeps the balcony tidy and your indoor cabinets free for daily use.

A Quick Reference Table

Hidden Storage Spot	Typical Size	Best For	Estimated Cost
Kitchen island void	8 cm x 60 cm	Flat kitchenware	$20 to $50
Raised platform	10 to 15 cm high	Shoes, cables, mats	$150 to $300
Bathroom mirror cavity	15 to 20 cm deep	Toiletries, rolls	$30 to $80
Above wardrobe gap	30 to 40 cm high	Luggage, decor	$20 to $60
Balcony under bench	Varies by unit	Garden tools, outdoor gear	$50 to $150

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Blocking the air conditioner compressor. Never store items directly against the compressor. It needs airflow to function. Always keep a gap of at least 10 centimetres.
• Using cardboard boxes in humid areas. Cardboard absorbs moisture and can grow mould. Use plastic bins with tight lids for balcony and bathroom storage.
• Forgetting to measure before buying. Each unit layout varies slightly. Always measure twice before ordering any insert or shelf.
• Overloading the platform. The raised platform is not structural. Do not place heavy furniture on top of it. Stick to lightweight items.

How to Get Started in Three Steps

1. Walk through your unit with a notepad and identify each of the five spots listed above.
2. Measure each space and write down the dimensions.
3. Decide which spot will give you the most immediate relief. For most people, the balcony under bench is the easiest win.

Once you have cleared one area, move to the next. You do not need to do everything at once. Small changes add up.

Make Your Unit Work Harder for You

The Hill at One North is already a well designed development. But no developer can predict exactly how much stuff each household will own. By using these five hidden storage solutions, you can keep your home looking spacious and organised without sacrificing the things you love.

If you are still deciding on a unit and want to see how different floor plans handle storage, check out our guide to The Hill at One North floor plans. It breaks down which layouts offer the most built in nooks and crannies.

For current residents, these tips are easy to implement over a weekend. Start with the balcony bench or the bathroom mirror cavity. You will be surprised at how much space you free up. And if you are planning to rent out your unit, a well organised home shows better to potential tenants. Read our advice on how to maximise rental income from your Hill at One North unit to see how good storage can boost your returns.

Take a fresh look at your unit today. The extra space is already there, waiting for you to use it.