Most of us, at some time or the other find that we have more things in our possession than we have space for. No matter how big your house is, there is never space to store everything that you own. Either it is in the way or cluttering up the area or just an eyesore that you cannot get rid off.

It is perhaps the easiest excuse in the world to say that you would have been better organized had you had more closet space, or a built-in garage or a bigger attic! This may or may not happen, so why wait for such a time? Would it not be far better to open a closet with neatly stacked piles where one look helps you to find what you want and when you are done using it goes back in the same neat, organized way? Here are some storage tips and strategies that will help you to keep what you want with more space.

First and foremost, the one thing that you absolutely must do is to throw away, give away or move the unwanted stuff out of the room. In all probability, if you have not used those items in the past few years, you are, perhaps never going to do so in the future either. So get rid off the excess baggage.

Once that is cleared and you have only the essentials, look closely around the room to check for hidden storage spaces that you may have previously missed. Check out if there are any open or empty spaces inside, under and above your closets and cupboards. You could put up shelves along the wall and just below the ceiling to display collectibles, photos, hats etc. A shelf above the window is too high for everyday use, but good to stack stuff that you want to display.

For an inexpensive storage solution for books and decorative items you could put up standard open wall shelves of any size. A structured wall unit is more comprehensive and can accommodate an entertainment centre, electronic equipments, books and show pieces. Custom made shelves and cabinets are apt for people planning to stay long in their homes. This way all their needs can be taken care as per the items they possess. You can even increase storage space by enclosing shelves and cupboards behind doors or closed bases with drawers beneath table stands.

Maximize your shelf space. It is not only important to make shelves to store your stuff, but these spaces should be used to full advantage. For example if the books you are storing are only 8” to 9” in height but the shelf in double that height, that extra amount of space is getting wasted. It is thus essential to reorganize your shelf space to maximize your storage. Similarly, extra closet space can be accommodated with a small filing cabinet or chest of drawers that is occupying extra space on the outside.

The next step would be to choose furniture that helps you to expand your storage space. A skirted table can hide many things that you want but not necessarily displayed out in the open. You can use any table you have or simply put a plywood top over a base such as a bookcase or a low filing cabinet. Use the space below to store stuff like books, boxes, arts and craft supplies etc. This can be covered with a long tablecloth with trimmings.

When you’re shopping for furniture, think of how best you can use the piece. An armoire offers lots of shelves and storage space without looking boxy and intrusive. A chest of drawers doesn’t have to be large, but can provide more storage than a side table. A coffee table with drawers can hide things that a glass-topped table cannot. A long chest at the foot of a bed or under the window can serve as storage for blankets, sheets and other linen and still look decorative. Beds or rather the space under the beds are good storage holes for flat boxes, sports equipment, holiday decoration and other things.

There is always space for everything. Maximizing your storage space only takes a little effort, initiative and reorganizing!

William Brister
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