A Handy Houseful: Storage Solutions

"Sort it, stash it, stow it or trash it."

Are you running out of room? Here's some good news! Your storage capacity need not be determined by your square footage.

How can you keep up with the stuff you keep? Try these tips:

Go Big on Bins.

Sturdy plastic bins are widely available in every possible size to store everything from tiny knick-knacks to king-sized pillows. Purchase a variety to meet your needs in each room, or stack several same-sized bins in the basement. (Don't forget the lids, which are usually included.)

Configure Your Closets.

Customized closets ultimately add resale value to the home. Meanwhile, you can store twice as much in half the space. Create room for your clothing and accessories by adding two-tiered garment racks, adjustable shelving, and even shoe cubbies.

Appropriate Your Accessories.

Hang hooks and corkboard in your closet for scarves, belts, and even fashion jewelry. Add a mirror, so you can coordinate outfits right in the closet. (As a bonus, a mirror creates the illusion of a larger space, so you won't feel cramped in there.)

Clutter-Proof Your Cupboards.

Install shelve-spacers and nesting baskets in kitchen and bathroom cupboards. Put dividers inside drawers. Place small containers inside larger ones to save space. Consider hanging a spice rack to store small containers in the kitchen. Place utensils in a crock on the counter for easy access. Add a key rack and a small catch-all basket by the back door.

Stash Your Staples.

Organize pantry items in matching clear plastic or glass jars. (Squares and rectangles are the most space-efficient.) Discard any stale or expired ingredients and foodstuffs.

Delete the Junk Drawer.

Purchase a small basket or pail for each family member. Place loose items in the container. When it is full, it goes in that person's room for sorting.

Have a Hassle-Free Home Office.

Finish Your Filing: An ascending desktop file rack can hold active folders. Store all others in a drawer or filing cabinet. (A filing cabinet may be placed in the basement, attic, or garage.)

Sort Your Supplies: Clear the decks by removing loose items from the desktop. An office supply caddy or a few matching mugs can hold pens, scissors, and handy tools.

Gain a Well-Appointed Garage.

Rig Up Racks: Tool racks, storage closets, hooks, and shelving units are widely available for automotive accessories, sporting goods, garden equipment, raingear, bicycles, and much more.

Gain Space: A clutter-free garage somehow seems bigger. Besides, who wants to back the car over a rake or bike?

Keep Things Moving, Year-Round.

Invest in Storage: Place decorations and other items in large lidded containers.

Rotate Holiday Items: Designate a closet, shelf, or storage area for holiday items. As each holiday approaches, and you unpack your supplies, store the previous holiday's items in that location.

Time to Toss

How much is extra space worth to you? If you feel somewhat cramped, why not eliminate some clutter? Do you have anything you have not used in the past year? How about something you shave not used since you moved into your current home? Perhaps it's time to donate such items and bless someone else.

By doing so, you will enlarge your generous heart, and you may discover that you actually have a roomier home than you thought!