When the things in your home start crowding in around you and
you're short on cash, it's time to come up with some creative
storage solutions. Don't be afraid to think "out of the box".
You're the only one who has to know where everything is stored.
- A cedar chest can be used for blanket storage. I don't have
enough cupboard space for blankets, and they all fit nicely in
the chest. The chest also doubles as a coffee table in the
living room. The blankets are easily accessible and can easily
be folded up and put away at a moment's notice.
- My daughter and I found an old apple crate (fruit labels still
attached) with a shelf built into it at a yard sale for about $5.
The crate is a great storage area for books and doubles as a
nightstand.
- An old china cupboard displays dishes I didn't want to hide
away in the kitchen cupboards and also provides extra storage
space for linens and silverware. This cabinet was found
neglected in grandma's basement and was brought back to life with
a little sanding and new paint. It is now a beautiful addition
to our dining room.
- Large plastic containers are great for organizing kids' rooms.
My daughter had a lot of "stuff" stashed all over her room, and
we gathered it all up and put all her arts and crafts supplies in
one big container, and her writing materials in another.
Homework is organized in a plastic container set up as a file
organizer, organized by subject.
- Look outside for creative storage ideas. We had to clean out
our spare bedroom and had no idea where to put our camping
equipment. We don't have a garage or a shed, so an old camper
shell turned out to be the perfect solution. All our camping
gear fit into it with room to spare, freeing up more room in the
house.
- Organize seasonal decorations in large plastic containers.
Plastic wears better than cardboard and if you buy similarly
sized containers, they will stack easily and be easy to store.
- A long flat underbed-type plastic storage container is great
for organizing holiday gift wrap. With the wrapping paper I
store scissors, tape, gift bags, ribbon, bows, and extra cards.
This container fits perfectly under one of our living room
couches and all my gift-giving supplies are together in one
place!
- Shop for furniture that doubles as extra storage space. We
bought a cabinet for my husband's 55 gallon aquarium and the
entire bottom part of the cabinet is open for approximately six
feet of additional storage space.
About the Author:
Rachel Paxton is a freelance writer and mom helping other moms to
organize their families and their lives. For other organizing
hints visit Organized-Mom.com or sign up for her newsletter by
sending a blank e-mail message to Organized-Mom-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.
