“I don’t have enough room!” -- this is a common cry amongst the disorganized.
But sometimes, they just aren’t looking closely enough. You can find
additional storage in the most unlikely places. All of those wasted
areas -- ones that can’t be used for active living space and seem
inappropriate for conventional storage -- are normally considered
DEAD SPACE. But you can turn a sow’s ear into a silk purse with the
right tools and a little imagination.
LOOK, UP IN THE SKY!
Some of the best storage space you will ever find is over your head.
What do you do with those high, short SHELVES in the tops of your
closets? They’re perfect for hats, smaller luggage, and items you
don’t use very often. What could you easily hang from the ceiling?
Cookware, sporting goods, baskets -- just about anything. You can
purchase special suspended racks, or create your own with standard
supplies for your local hardware store. Keep an eye on those sturdy
rafters in the attic, garage, or basement -- great for heavier items.
The only rule is BE CREATIVE. A metal pole strung between to beams
is custom-made for off-season, dress-up, or vintage clothing -- a
large square of netting tacked at the four corners can hold stuffed
animals -- and some thick plywood laid across your attic rafters will
create an entirely new storage space.
LAYING LOW
Oftentimes, we focus too heavily on storage that is at eye level --
forgetting about the extra space we have near the floor -- under the
bed, at the bottom of a closet, along the base of a wall in the garage.
However, the last thing you want to do is simply create another pile
that clutters up the floor and trips you up. Like any other storage,
floor space will serve you much better if you subdivide -- create
some structure.
Long, flat boxes are great for subdividing the space under your bed.
Shoe racks will help you make the best use of your closet floor. And
you can create a ton of additional storage in your basement, attic,
laundry room, or garage by lining the base of the wall with low shelves,
pull-out baskets, and bins. JUST HANGING AROUND
Another great place to find extra storage space is hanging along your
walls. Almost anything can be attached to a wall -- just make sure
that you use strong wall anchors if you plan to hang anything heavy.
Give your tools and garden implements a permanent home on a peg board
in the garage or basement. Hang see-through mesh bags of kids toys
-- blocks, balls, army men -- from colored hooks on your child’s wall.
If your home lacks a hall closet, create one with an attractive coat
rack in your entryway. Make room for belts, scarves, and purses along
the walls in your closet. Hang coffee cups from the underside of your
kitchen cabinet shelves. Or store grocery bags in a holder on the
inside of your pantry or kitchen cabinet. All it takes is a little
creativity, and a hammer!
SHUT THE DOOR ON THE WAY OUT
And as long as we’re hanging things, let’s take a look at your doors.
Make sure that you attach all organizing paraphernalia firmly -- you
don’t want your racks or pegs coming loose the first time you close
the door. And be careful about hanging anything that is too heavy
-- or that will bang into your door and scuff it up.
Other than those two rules, your options are limitless. Closet doors
are just begging to be used for storage -- to hold a shoe rack, belt
hooks, purses, or even a jewelry organizer. Your bathroom door is
the perfect place for hanging a towel rack or a bathrobe. Putting
a rack with shelves on the inside of a pantry door can sometimes double
your food storage. And if your child needs someplace to hang bookbags
and coats, why not consider a series of hooks on his or her bedroom
door.
MAKING USE OF ODD-SIZED SPACES
One final word on using “dead space” -- don’t be deceived by UNCONVENTIONAL
storage areas. They may initially appear useless, but you can always
do something with your storage. You might be able to fit a bicycle
or cleaning supplies in that low closet under the stairs. Or use those
tall thin cabinets for cookie sheets and serving platters. Does your
pantry or linen closet stretch up higher than you can easily reach?
Do you like to shop at Sam’s or Costco? How about adding some shallow
shelves for bulk toilet paper or extra canned goods? Never be afraid
to outfit a strangely shaped storage space with whatever accessories
are required to make it useful.
Ramona
Creel is the founder of OnlineOrganizing.com
--
offering "a world of organizing solutions!"
Visit OnlineOrganizing.com
for organizing products, free tips, a speakers bureau -- and even
get a referral for a Professional Organizer near you. And if you
are interested in becoming a Professional Organizer, we have all
the tools you need to succeed. (Copyright 2000, Ramona Creel)
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