Finding Storage
by Nikki Willhite - Willhite@aol.com

Description: Tips for finding more home storage.

Sponsors:

If you've read this e-zine awhile, you know that I am continually saying that "the more organized you are, the more money you will save".

I've pointed out how you need to be organized in everything from saving leftovers to organizing coupons and empty packages for rebates. You also need to be able to find everything in your home, so you don't duplicated unnecessary purchases.

Then there is the need to find space for the things you know you will need so you stock up on them when they go on sale.

That's good and fine, but what if you don't have enough storage space? I know what that is like. My husband is working in our main storage space! When we downsized, my husband, who works at home, had to turn our laundry room into his office.

He has all the equipment he would have (as an insurance adjuster) if he worked in a commercial office. He has totally taken over the room, which was intended not only for the washer and dryer, but for the storage needs of the house. (We took the washer and dryer and put them on the other side of the wall, which is in the garage).

Lack of storage space in this house has been a major challenge. However, there are still many ways to find or make places to store things. Some of them are not as convenient, but for those of us who have to "make do", here are some ideas!

*Look up! There is a lot of space that can be utilized for items in high places. Many people do not take advantage of the area above their cupboards. You can remove decorative paneling above cupboards to free up that space. You wouldn't want to put items you use frequently there, but it is easily accessed with a stepladder for large roasters and other items used less frequently.

You can also place shelves around the top of rooms. This is great for kid's rooms. They can display dolls and toys that they want to keep, but no longer want to play with.

*Look under! There are many low areas in our home that we don't often utilize, such as under the bed. Many people feel uncomfortable with low storage- thinking the lower you go, the less sanitary the storage. If you feel that way, you can always buy storage containers made specifically to fit under the bed, that seal up tightly.

*Think behind! Please be careful with this tip. In the last house we lived in, we had a floor to ceiling spice cabinet a little over 2 feet wide and deep enough for things like cans of cocoa. The space was taken out of the wall.

If you live in a house, your walls are either made with 2x4 or 2x6 pieces of lumber. If you take off the wallboard (be sure it isn't plaster), you have all the space until you hit the back of the wallboard of the room on the other side.

You can leave this space open, and use it to store things. In our case, we had doors on top of it to close it up. It was extremely convenient, and took advantage of an unused piece of wall between the oven and counter.

You have to be very careful doing this, as you may find wires, vents, or other things behind the wall. You have to be sure that it is clear.

Another thing we did with one wall was to remove a section between two rooms. Then we put shelves in the opening where we were able to display a few things. Again, watch out for wiring. You may need an electrician.

*Be Creative! We talked before about storing seasonal blankets in pillows instead of filling them with stuffing. What about your suitcases? Are they sitting empty?

You can use trunks as coffee tables, and use them for storage. You can use fabric covered round tables, I'm sure you've seen them, and conceal many items under those tables. You can put fabric skirts around dressing tables and sinks and store things in that area.

Many people collect interesting trunks and round boxes use them for display. Decorating boxes is a hobby. You can find plain boxes at your craft store and cover them with wallpaper, fabric and lots of decorative trims.

*Use your garage! I'm not fond of storing things in the garage, but if you have one, you have space. The best system I've seen if to use numbered boxes. Line them up in a row. Keep a list of everything you have stored in the garage and the number of the box it is in. Put the list on your computer, sort it alphabetically, and then you can find anything you have out there in minutes. It's a pain, but it works.

*Use your attic. This is one of our main storage areas. Our attic is hard to access, but works well for items you need to keep and don't want taking up other storage areas. We have quite a bit of room up there, and it is an odd space, so my husband keeps a diagram of what is up there and where it is. It's not that he is all that organized- he just doesn't want to go up there unnecessarily!

*Finally, take a good look in your closets. Most closets have a lot of wasted space. Think about buying or making a closet system to take advantage of every square inch of your closet. You have more storage space in your home than you know. Take a closer look and you will find it!

Reprinted with permission from:
The Pennypincher
An E-zine for the Frugally Minded

	Enter your search terms Submit search form
	Web www.creativehomemaking.com