Creative Storage Solutions
Skates, skis, hockey equipment, bulky winter coats, boots … winter gear poses a challenge to even the most organized of homes.
It’s a good time to look outside the closet for some creative solutions to your storage needs. With some creative thinking, you can find more storage space in even the smallest of homes. Here are a few neat ways to help get your house in order this winter:
Look for “dead” space
If closet space is at a premium in your basement, look up. Simple braces installed between the floor joists on your unfinished basement ceiling creates ideal storage space for awkward items such as skis or fishing poles.
Where there are stairs, there is storage space. If the space under your stairs is enclosed, open it up and have a shelving unit installed. If the area opens into an office or family room, make it an extension of that room. Bookshelves, filing cabinets, even a desk, can be built in under a typical stairway. Or create basic storage by installing shelving and closing it off with a door.
A hallway between the dining room and kitchen can be converted into valuable storage and work space by installing a narrow counter, cupboards and shelves.
In most homes, the attic is the largest area of untapped storage space. If your attic is difficult to access, consider installing pull-down stairs to improve accessibility. Inside the attic, go beyond laying down some plywood over the rafters and piling up the boxes. Instead, have shelving units installed, add poles between the rafters to hold garments and hooks for tools and sporting equipment, to create the most efficient use of space.
Organize the existing space
Find more storage space in kitchen and bathrooms by retrofitting drawers and cupboards with some of the space-saving devices on the market. Swing-out and pull-out shelves improve access in awkward cupboards. Two-tier cutlery trays double your drawer space. Hinged platforms hide under your cabinets and pull down to house books, spices and utensils.
In the bedroom, use the space under your bed for extra storage by investing in roll-out drawers. Closet organizers will improve the efficiency of existing closet space.
Build it in
Build in a window seat underneath the living room bay window and use the area underneath for storage.
A room with a window in the middle of the wall lends itself to built-ins. Floor to ceiling bookcases or a combination of cupboards with a small counter topped by bookshelves that extend up to the ceiling could be installed on either side of the window with a built-in window seat (hinged for extra storage, of course) or desk in between.
Creating storage space in your home is an ideal project for the winter months that will improve your mood while reducing the clutter.
Courtesy: Homeservice Club