Do you ever wish you had a bit more storage space?
Sometimes, when that feeling comes up, we don't necessarily need to locate more space, but rather to find ways to maximize the space we do have.
Your very first line of defense is to say
goodbye to your clutter...anything you own that is no longer serving you.
Then, follow these ideas for maximizing your storage space:
Drawer space
Use
dividers or trays to keep items tidy and sorted. You could go the inexpensive route and make your own dividers with cardboard strips to split up drawer space and to keep like-items with like-items. Or you can purchase them from the
store.
Cutlery trays, inserted in drawers, aren’t just for knives and forks. Use them for jewelry, make up and cosmetic brushes, craft items, and more. Be sure to get the ones that expand so they fit properly, don't slide around, and leave no empty space.
T-shirts can be folded and filed upright in dresser drawers, just like you'd file a folder in a filing cabinet. In doing so, you'll save space (up to 50% more space!) and you'll be able to see your selection clearly.
Wall Space
Corner shelves offer additional storage where you need it, perhaps in the kitchen to hold tea bags honey, and a few mugs...or in a bedroom to hold prized
books.
Add shelving to display potted plants all in one place and so they're not taking up surface space on your regular furniture and tables.
Add hooks beneath a shelf. Now you can put items on the shelf...and below it!
A 3-tiered fruit
basket can be hung from the ceiling in the kitchen (to hold kitchen items), in the bathroom (to hold hair accessories and tools), in the craft room (to hold ribbon and fabric)...the possibilities are endless.
Peg boards aren't only for storing tools. Get a pretty one for your utility room, along with some pegboard hooks, and you'll be able to hang totes, hats, umbrellas, and more.
Attach jam jar lids with screws under a shelf or wall unit, put ingredients into the jam jars, and then re-attach them to their lids. (This works in sheds, garages, and craft rooms too.)
Closet Space
A double- or triple-tiered shoe rack offers stacked rows of wonderful storage space for shoes, rather than having them scattered on the floor.
Space-saving hangers increases the amount of clothing you can hang in a small space.
Tension rods add storage you didn't know you had. Add one or two to your bedroom closet under a row of shirts or shorter skirts, to make a "second row" for more clothing...or to hold belts and scarves.
Living Space
Instead of a coffee table, opt for an ottoman that has storage space. Tuck blankets, toys, or your crocheting supplies inside the unit when not in use.
Drape a pretty tablecloth over a side table. Then tuck a basket under the table for extra hidden storage space.
Get decorative stackable baskets, with lids, to hold video game supplies, TV remotes, and more. This will help keep all of your items organized. Plus, since they stack, they won't take up too much floor space.
Cabinet Space
Plate racks and risers allow you to organize dishes and maximize cabinet space that's usually left empty and unused.
Lazy Susans, placed in cabinets, keep items organized, easy to reach, and in one place. Those that are two-tiered also help maximize cabinet space.
Use pan
dividers to keep pans, cookie sheets, and pot lids organized and easily accessible. They allow you to store these items vertically, so they don't take up surface space and you also don't have to move a ton of items to get to what you need, like you would have had to do if they were piled on top of each other.
The insides of our cabinet doors have extra storage potential too. A slim rack can hold foil, plastic wrap, and other food-wrapping items.
Don't forget to carefully measure before purchasing any storage options. You want to be sure it fits, of course.
Hopefully, the ideas above will inspire you to maximize your storage space, using the space you already have, and perhaps a storage helper or two.
