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Create More
Storage Space in Your House
Everyone dreams of an organized home where everything is
in its place and easy to find. But even in newer homes
where builders have included walk-in closets, kitchen
pantries and bathroom linen closets, many families still
find themselves surrounded by clutter. Growing families
especially seem to find keeping their living space
clutter-free a major challenge. Without enough storage
space to put things in or on, cluttered surroundings can
make life uncomfortable and even dangerous.
Fortunately, most homeowners actually have space they can
organize in a more practical or useable way. Closets, for
instance. With a little planning and the right kind of
closet organizer, you can easily double your closet space
at no great cost. It's really not how much space you have
that counts; it's how you use it. Sometimes all it takes
is an extra road and some shelving to sort out a messy
closet. Visit some storage experts to get ideas. Many will
custom design and install organizers and units to fit your
closet space perfectly.
Homeowners who lack closet space can look at installing
free-standing or built-in closets and wall units. These
units can be custom-made or bought as a unit, often at
reasonable prices.
In the bathroom
There are plenty of ways to find more space in your
bathroom. The easiest is to install a wall-mounted
cabinet, some storage gadgets like shower caddies, a shelf
or two and some wall-mounted hardware such as toothbrush
and soap holders, towel bars and hooks and so on.
You may have to sacrifice that flower arrangement you have
hanging on the wall above the toilet. That is the perfect
space for the wall-mounted cabinet to store toiletries,
cosmetics and whatever else is strewn around the sink and
counter. Just be sure to leave enough space above the tank
to take the lid off. Also ensure the cabinet is no more
than six to eight inches deep.
Use the window sill, if you have one, for toiletries and
decorative items. Use trays and boxes to store cosmetics
and other small items. These storage items will make it
easier to find your things and keep the room looking more
orderly.
Around the kitchen
If yours is an older kitchen without all the sliding
drawers, pull-out shelving and fancy gadgets of the new
models, there are still ways to solve your storage
problems. Begin by eliminating anything stored in a
cabinet or drawer that you rarely use. These items can be
placed in a cupboard in the basement or some other
easily-accessible space away from the kitchen.
If you have any corner cupboards, consider installing a
revolving shelf unit inside. For easy access to the back
of deep cupboards, try adding slide-out shelves. These are
convenient and easy to install yourself. Mount a rack on
the ceiling to store or hang pots and pans. If your
refrigerator is not build-in, . use the space on top for
shelves or store trays and platters.
Throughout your home
The same storage strategies used to unclutter bathrooms
and kitchens will work throughout your home. Most homes
are filled with overlooked storage spaces. All you need is
a sharp eye to see them.
A closet, for example, can be built in a free corner of
any room. Other, less obvious spaces include window wells,
the area behind attic knee wells, the backs of doors,
under beds, along walls, over the car in the garage, under
stairs and in wall alcoves.
To avoid piling things up, use many small shelves and
compartments. They look neater and make it easier to put
things back in place. Try to store objects where you use
them the most. Keep frequently-used items between
knee-level and no more than 10 inches above your head.
For safety and convenience, store heavier items below
waist level. To gain more space for the things you use
every day, put rarely-needed and out-of-season items in
clearly labeled boxes or bags and keep them in your home's
less accessible storage areas.
Make the most of mirrors
Sometimes it's the illusion of space you are after; this
is where mirrors are handy. Wall-size mirrors, for
example, can make a room look twice its size. On a closet
door, a large mirror can stretch the length of the room.
Mirrors can also lighten up and add atmosphere to any
room. |
