Find and Create Extra Space in Your Home and Garage

Let's face it; very few people have all the storage space they need. That's seems to be why so much of our "stuff" ends up in the garage or basement or even in rental storage units. When it comes to finding a home for everything, you have to get really creative.

Before running out and renting a storage space, take a good look around your home. Look for un-used spaces that can be accessed without a major hassle. Then take a second look and jot down spaces that could be utilized with a means of access, such as the attic.

The attic is an excellent place to store seasonal supplies and even clothes or smaller furniture pieces. Of course, you will need easy access. If you don't already have stairs to the attic, consider installing a set of folding steps that will give you the convenience of stairs, yet fold up into the ceiling when not in use. These steps are not very expensive. Check with your home improvement store. The cost is generally less than two hundred dollars and they can be installed in a weekend.

If your home has two stories, check out the space under the stairs. If you don't already have access to this area, you are losing considerable storage space. Even if you can't install a full size door, consider purchasing a door and cutting it down to size. Place shelving or hanging racks for easy location of items.

If your garage is large, consider boxing in a section of it, adding a door, and installing shelving. This will keep your extra possessions hidden, but still get them out of the house. Or, you could purchase hanging shelves that will hang up over your head. Some of these shelves can be lowered with a pulley.

The laundry room can also be a great place to add storage shelving or cabinets.

Other storage areas can be found with shelving above windows, perhaps running around the room. You can store books, photos, and other personal items there.

Or look for empty wall space, such as the area over a staircase going down into the basement. You may be able to frame out a storage space over the staircase. Access it easily with surplus cabinet doors.

Use old trunks as furniture pieces and store those precious quilts of Grandma's or even your prized collection of baseball cards. Don't be afraid to use cabinets and shelving in your family room or den to store movies, books, or games.

If you use a room as a home office and it has a closet, maximize the storage space in it by building shelves and storing office supplies, school supplies, and even gift wrapping supplies in it.

Box up seldom used items and store in the more difficult to access areas. Be sure to store any items that could be damaged by moisture or pests of any kind in sealed containers.

So before you waste money renting a space, make use of all that empty space in your own home. You might be surprised at how much space you find.