A GON Reader Asked:

Hi Maria! I would LOVE to hear more about storage options for homes with no basements OR garages.

I currently live in a historic Nashville neighborhood (but I am from Milwaukee, so I'm very fond of both basements AND garages LOL), and I consider myself to be incredibly organized...but this lack of storage is killing me. I've devoted an entire spare bedroom for 'basement' storage stuff (Christmas decor, holiday dishes, etc.). It's all shelved, boxed, labeled, numbered and cataloged (so I can just go to my spreadsheet, type in 'Pyrex,' for example, and it will tell me which box the Pyrex is stored in).

The outdoor equipment is also sectioned/organized and housed in a small shed (the HOA has regulations on size/how many out buildings). However, we have a child now...and this 920 square foot cottage is getting smaller by the minute).

Thank you so much for the great content,

--Michele

Maria Gracia Responded:

Hi Michele,

I bet your home in your historic neighborhood is just lovely. Older homes often come with so many wonderful amenities, but storage space is often not one of them. First off, it's really important to be incredibly discerning when it comes to what you feel you need to store. Generally items in storage are tucked away and rarely, or never, used. So, be very strict about what's worthy of your limited storage space and what is not.

I love the current organizing systems that you mentioned you're doing. They are awesome! Here are some storage hacks you may be able to use:

1) Nest it: Anything that 'nests' (like one bowl inside another bowl, inside yet another bowl) will save on cabinet space.

2) Use your suitcases even when you're not traveling: If you have an empty suitcase that sits empty most of the year, use it as a 'drawer' when you're not traveling.

3) Shelving is key for homes with little to no storage. To keep everything looking neat, use matching baskets and containers on shelves, and keep items contained in these containers and baskets.

4) Use slim shelves on wheels. These have helped many people gain extra storage without the need for extra storage space.

5) Add shelf helpers. When used in cabinets and on closet shelving, shelf helpers can double, or even triple, your cabinet space. They help to make use of 'empty, unused' space.

6) Store under the bed. Do you have under-the-bed storage space? If so, you can get yourself underbed storage containers to stow away some of your things.

7) Buy furniture that has storage space within it. When furniture has storage space, it serves a bigger purpose. Think of an ottoman with a top that lifts up to reveal a storage space. I have one of these and I can store items in it, without the need for more storage space. It's a beautiful piece of furniture and functional as well.

8) Hang what you can. Purses, scarves, ties, belts, etc. don't necessarily need to be taking up space in drawers. If you have empty wall space in your closet, they can be hung.

9) Tuck under a table. If you have a decorative tablecloth that reaches to the floor on any table, you can actually store items under that table, and nobody will ever know.

Hope you are able to use one or two of these ideas! Keep me posted on what you do!

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___ 1. Do today's task on my November Monthly Organizing Checklist. The November 18 TO DO focuses on food in your refrigerator and freezer. Visit GetOrganizedNow.com to access my November Monthly Organizing Checklist.

___ 2. Use a container or basket you already have to store something. What do you have in your home that could be contained? Perhaps small packets of taco mix and gravy that always seem to get lost in your cabinets? Maybe your everyday cosmetics? Maybe your child's hair ties? Find a container or basket you already own and use it to contain these items in one place.

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'Proper storage is about creating a home for something so that minimal effort is required to find it and put it away.' (Geralin Thomas)

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Maria Gracia
Get Organized Now!
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