Found Space
Do you ever feel like you have a nice, big house, but nowhere to store things? Have you downsized, moved to a small condo, and feel like you don’t have any closet and cabinet space? It’s possible that you really do have enough storage – you just need to make better use of it. With a few helpful hints and some inexpensive products, you will find that you can make much better use of the space you have.
For example, look for hidden space behind closet, pantry, and cabinet doors. Vertical wall space in a closet, pantry or garage can also provide great storage opportunities. By using some of the products listed below, you will be able to greatly increase your usable storage space.
Hanging shoe racks – These wire racks mount on the back of your closet door and are great for freeing up floor space in your closet. Shoes are neater and easier to find.
Hanging shoe bags – These inexpensive bags can be purchased at the big box stores or at organizing stores and can be used to hold more than shoes. They are also useful for holding toiletries (in the bathroom), children’s socks and underwear, scarves, dolls and doll clothes, teas, laundry products, and office supplies. Clear plastic hanging shoe bags make it easier to find things than opaque bags, but select a style and design that works for you.
Wire baskets– If you need more space in your bathroom, pantry, or office, consider purchasing wire baskets that can be attached to the back of a door or the back of a cabinet door. These baskets can hold canned goods, cleaning supplies, toiletries, office supplies, and condiments. Larger versions of the basket sets can be attached to an unused pantry or garage wall to provide more storage.
Stacking shelves or undershelf baskets – If you don’t have enough shelves in your cabinets to make efficient use of the vertical space, consider using stacking shelves or undershelf baskets to double the useful space.
Baby food jars – Baby food jars (or other small jars) are great in a craft room or workshop to organize small items such as nails, screws, nuts, washers, etc. Just nail the lid of the jar under an overhanging cabinet, fill the jar, and screw the jar to the mounted lid. Items are easy to see and handy when you need them.
Under-bed storage containers – If you have seasonal or bulky items to store, consider using plastic or vinyl containers that fit under a bed. Blankets, sweaters, and wrapping paper are ideal candidates to be stored under a bed in sealed containers until they are needed.
Pegboard – If you are running out of horizontal space, think vertical and make use of the walls with pegboard. The uses for pegboard are infinite! Hang garage tools, craft tools, jewelry, tack room supplies, pots and pans – just let your imagination wander. Pegboard can be dressed up or down and there are a multitude of hooks to choose from.
Wire grid systems – Wire grid walls may be my new, favorite product. Grid walls come in various-sized panels of 3” steel wire grid that can be attached to studs. An assortment of hooks, baskets, and shelves can be attached to the wire grid to hang large items such as hoses, weed-eaters, saddles, extension cords, etc. Grid walls have a similar function to pegboard, but can hold heavier items.
With a little imagination and a few inexpensive products, you can practically double your storage space! So, get creative and get organized!
