Hi Michele,
I just love so many of the homes in historic neighborhoods across the United States. They're so beautiful and have so much character. Storage space, unfortunately, is not usually one of their assets.
Here are a few thoughts I have for you...
1) Explore ways to own less. I know this sounds simplistic, but it's more important now than ever to be discerning about what you must store. You mentioned Christmas dishes as one of your examples.
You might consider plain white everyday dishes that can be used for every day and any holiday. These can be dressed up for Christmas, for instance, by placing a holiday tablecloth underneath them, and perhaps a cloth napkin tied with Christmas ribbon on top of them. No extra dish set
needed.
You also said Christmas décor in your note. Perhaps you might donate a portion of what you have, except for that which you hold most dear, and rethink your decorating. Sometimes a simple string of white lights on your porch, a fresh wreath on your outside door, or a smaller artificial tree (or a real one
that you don't have to store year after year) are changes that look beautiful, but also don't require as much storage space.
2) Look at your walls. So often, wall space goes unused. Think shelves, hooks, and rods. Is there empty space in a few of your closets where you can add an extra rod or another shelf so that any empty space can be better used? There may be space to be used behind doors (over-the-door organizers) and cabinets (organizers that hold plastic wrap and such) as well. Just be sure you
measure properly...remember, you have to be able to shut the cabinet and door!
3) Consider double-duty furniture. Some furniture is both beautiful and functional, such as an ottoman that has storage space inside or a nightstand that has hidden storage in drawers.
Hopefully the above will spark an idea. Also, congratulations on your amazing organizing efforts. Reading about all of your zones, labels, etc...music to my ears!
