5 Storage Ideas You Didn’t Think About
Whether you have a compact apartment or a sprawling house with a spacious yard, you probably still wish you had more room for easily accessible storage. Almost everyone has that one junk drawer or packed closet that defies your organization attempts, but you can tame the clutter when you get creative with other places that haven’t yet been filled. You might have more room than you think when you make the most of these overlooked storage spaces.
1. Keep Looking Up – Most storage solutions have their feet firmly planted on your floor. Bookcases, bureaus and chests are always a valid option for carving out more storage, but going vertical opens a whole new dimension for attractive storage. Shelves can line walls almost to the ceiling. Put items you rarely use such as your Thanksgiving turkey platter on display on upper shelves and save lower ones for items you use daily. Another possibility: tall, narrow storage cabinets that make the most of a room’s upper reaches. By removing or reducing the footprint with vertical storage, you gain more floor space.
2. Open Doors to New Storage Space – Kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms are notorious for not having enough room, but they all have at least a door or two on which to hang storage equipment. A spice rack inside a cabinet door lets you keep favorite flavors within easy reach while making room on shelves. Because the rack won’t let smaller bottles hide behind larger ones, your herbs and spices also stay organized. The same principle also works in bathroom and bedroom closets with over-the-door systems such as the Closet Mates Connectable Storage center. Keep jewelry, shoes, handbags and other accessories visible so you’ll wear them more often by storing items in mesh or clear plastic.
3. Go Diagonal – How do you fit a 20-inch utensil into a drawer that’s only 12 inches deep and 10 inches wide? If you remember your geometry classes, the answer will come easily to you. By dividing the drawer diagonally, you create a storage solution that’s as elegant as it practical. Instead of keeping small and large items in a tangle in your kitchen drawers, arrange diagonal dividers and use the smaller compartments for items that otherwise get lost in the shuffle. Never dig through a pile of wooden spoons and tongs to get to your measuring spoons again!
4. Use Wall Space – If you’re willing to tackle a minor construction project, you may be able to find space for irregularly shaped or small items between the studs in your walls. Unless your home has thick walls or an unusual layout, you won’t have room for deep bookshelves, but you can probably fit a medicine cabinet, built-in spice rack or wine storage in a wall. Removing plaster board, installing shelving and framing the new custom storage area isn’t a job for novice do-it-yourselfers, but with the proper home improvement tools, it’s a one-afternoon job.
5. Take It With You – Sometimes, you have plenty of space, but it isn’t convenient to use. A multi-purpose room should have options beyond over-stuffed cabinets and closets. With rolling storage systems, you can put spaces to different uses. Store your sewing equipment in a rolling cabinet and bring it out only when you’re working. Keep a computer or television on the cart for easy removal when it’s time for the kids to do their homework.
Image Credit: Home and Bathroom
