How to Squeeze Every Inch of Storage Space into Your Home or Office

How do can you get more storage in your existing home or office space? The trick is to build it in everywhere. Here are a few tips for getting the maximum usage of the space you have available by creating storage nooks in places you may tend to neglect.

The first thing to do is hunt for existing space you may have overlooked. There are so many nooks and crannies around your home or office just waiting to be exploited for extra storage. Take a walk around and look for these common areas.

Stairway Space

Stairway space is a bonus. You can easily stack storage containers under the stairs with existing access ways. Even if your stairs don't have storage under them today, you can change that tomorrow. Build shelving and pull out drawers right into the wall under the stairs to make the most of the space.

Narrow Spaces

Don't forget to check for narrow spaces behind or along side furniture and appliances. It's a perfect place for trays, cookie sheets, cutting boards, folding chairs - anything that is slim and stands upright.

Bed Storage

Your beds have an excellent built in storage capacity. Neatly fold sheets, pillow cases and spare blankets and storage them between the mattress and box springs. They will be right were you need them to change out the linens and will stay neatly pressed when stowed in this space.

Under the bed is another great place to store items - but, it's even better if you put the four legs of your bed up on risers to lift the bed up higher for added space. A quick bed skirt is all you need to hide a multitude of items and the raised bed surface suggests just a hint of royalty may sleep there.

Built In Storage

There are so many options for built in storage around the home. You can build in entire wall units - even around windows (don't forget to include a window seat for more storage). Check passage ways for narrow places to build in or build knee walls to partition off larger rooms with storage access from both sides.

A favorite tip for shallow pantry storage is to remove the dry wall to expose the studs in your walls, frame them in and add shelving with cabinet doors. You would be amazed how many canned goods you can hold in an 18" x 60" opening - or two built side by side. This idea can even be used in the bedroom to house all of your jewelry. Be creative and use a framed picture instead of a cabinet door to disguise the location of your stashed gems.

Often over-looked, the area around your ceiling (just above your doorways and windows) offers a ton of potential storage space. Run a continuous 12" to 16" inch shelf around the entire room and place square baskets or decorative boxes on the shelving. You can add plants and accessories to bring character and interest to the space, too.

If you're building new, try building false floor storage units into your closets. Not only will you increase your storage space, but you can also create another place to stash valuables.

Furniture and Traditional Storage

Whenever you purchase a new piece of furniture, look for items like storage benches, ottomans and table bases. Then remember to add decorative touches with storage baskets, stacked/graduated hat boxes and fancy containers to place in corners or beside large pieces of furniture.

There are so many ways to incorporate more storage into your home or office. Taking advantage of hidden spaces, creating built in areas or selectively purchasing furniture pieces can boost your storage capacity and give you ample place to stow your prized possessions just about anywhere.