When you first moved in, finding a place to store everything was not a problem. Now you find yourself constantly rearranging your belongings so you can squeeze in one more thing. It’s time to take a good look around the house and identify ways to put the unused space in your home and on the grounds to better use. Here are some tips for maximizing storage options that will help you do just that.
Rework the Closets
The closet space in your home was built using an old construction guideline that has not served you well. That guideline is to install one rod and one shelf per closet. This worked well in the days when the typical closet needed to accommodate longer garments like gowns and provide overhead space to stack hat boxes. Unless those are staples of your wardrobe, it’s time to rework the storage options in your closets.
Remove the current rod and shelf. Reposition one rod so that it’s slightly higher and place another one that’s lower. Make sure there’s enough room in between so that shirts and jackets can hang on the upper rod without touching the lower one. That second rod will be the spot for hanging your slacks and jeans.
Overhead, install at least two shelves. Consider using modular shelving that you can adjust with ease. That makes it easier to store just about anything you need and utilize the vertical space more efficiently. Once you make these changes, you’ll be amazed at how much each closet will hold.
Tackling Space Issues in the Kitchen
The storage options for shelving in the kitchen is not unlike the one in the closets. You have too much wasted space in between shelves. Consider removing the old shelving and replace it with adjustable shelving. You’ll find that it’s easier to include at least one additional shelf in each cabinet. Organizing everything from canned goods to pots, pans, and the day to day dishware will be a snap.
While you’re in the kitchen, take a good look at the amount of unused space over the cabinets. Do you have at least six or so inches between the ceiling and the top of the cabinetry? That’s space you can put to good use. Small appliances you rarely use, cookbooks you consult only once or twice a year, and a number of other items can be arranged in the space.
Create a list of what is stored overhead and mount it on the inside of one of the cabinet doors. That eliminates the need to go on a hunting expedition when you do need something you’ve stored overhead.
Using under Bed Storage Options
The only thing that’s happening under your bed right now is dust bunnies are proliferating. How about using that space to store some of the things that are cluttering other areas of the house? Invest in under bed storage containers that come with handles. Fill them with whatever you like and label the outside so you know what’s in each unit. Use this space for everything from out of season clothing to board games or even seasonal decorations. Everything is still easy to reach but it’s out of sight.
A Different Way to Dress the Windows
If your ceilings are at least ten feet high, there’s a lot of valuable storage options for over the windows. Think about adding a shelf that rests just above the window casing. It’s fine to allow it to extend a few inches beyond each casing edge. Use that space to arrange books, some type of potted silk greenery, and maybe a set of candles. Finish off the look with a pair of simple drapery panels that you can open and close at will.
Along with freeing up more shelf space elsewhere in the house, you create an attractive focal point in the room. The arrangement will help to draw the eye upward, which also gives the impression of a more expansive space.
Finish the Attic
If the attic is not finished, now is the time to install flooring and shelving in the space. Anything that does not require storage in a climate controlled environment can be tucked away neatly. By organizing the space properly, it will be easy to go up to the attic, find something you need to use, and put it back once you’re done with it.
Rent a Temporary Storage Structure
You are remodeling one or more rooms and the contents need to go somewhere. Instead of trying to shoehorn furniture and other belongings in various parts of the house, why not put your yard to good use? Renting a temporary storage structure and having it set up in the back yard makes a lot of sense.
Temporary storage structures of this type can be rented for reasonable rates. Opt for one that comes with an aluminum frame to provide stability. Vinyl material to fit over the frame creates a space that offers protection even when a storm moves through the area. Many of these temporary units come with vinyl floor panels, so your belongings never touch the ground. Use the unit as long as you like, then return it once you move your things back into the house.
Don’t Forget the Garage
What would happen if you were to mount an adjustable shelving network along one of the uninterrupted walls in the garage? Think of what could be done with that storage area if you invested in clear storage boxes. It would be easy to fill the boxes with like items, print out lists of contents to affix to the side of each box, and have everything within easy reach. Since those boxes come in all sizes, it won’t be hard to find ones that are a perfect length and height for each shelf.
Even in small homes, there is usually some amount of wasted space. Your goal is to identify those areas and figure out a way to utilize that space to better effect. Be creative as well as practical when maximizing storage options, and you’ll never have to worry about running out of storage space again.