Ten Ways to Find Extra Storage Space

Try using these simple ideas for extra storage space next time you wish you had more space in your home!

1. Under all beds – there are several options for storing items in plastic storage compartments that slide under the beds in the house. Use this space – no one will ever know it’s there but you.
2. Pocketed bed skirts - new on the market and the inside of the bed skirt has pockets which don’t show on the outside. Find these useful for lightweight storage materials, such as socks, ribbons, hosiery, etc.
3. Doors - All pantry, linen, utility, coat and bedroom closet doors can have additional space inside closet with elpha shelving products or nail clear plastic shoe hangers ($5 at Target) inside door to store additional items, including medicine, accessories, jewelry, scarves, gloves and wraps, belts, hair and body products, toys, etc. Pay lower prices for elpha like products at Home Depot or Lowe's, rather than Container Store. Also check out Ikea for great bargains on storage material.
4. China hutch – if you are not using the bottom cabinets for storing extra kitchen items, this is a great place to use.
5. File Cabinets – these days, there are a variety of decorative filing cabinets that can serve dual purposes such as end tables, desk extensions or bedside tables.
6. Shoe boxes – decorate a shoe box with your child as a fun art project on a rainy day and use this to store mail, writing cards, photos, or any loose paper item that needs a home. Label each box and categorize similar items for even more organization.
7. Tables – if you have a sofa table or buffet table that is used for decorative purposes, try storing items under the table, then making a floor length table cover with material that is affixed to the top of the table using Velcro strips on all sides to hide the contents under the table. Use this concept for messy shelving units that you want to cover.
8. Baskets – there is a variety of ways to use decorative baskets in all sizes and shapes to store all sorts of items. These can be put in clever areas for decoration and no one will know they have storage items in them. Wicker trunks serving dual coffee table purposes can also be useful.
9. Ottomans – several ottomans in all different shapes now have lids on them so they can be used for both an ottoman, side table and storage. Find these at Pier One, Wal-Mart, Target, etc.
10. Shelving – find an area in your home to install economical shelving to store books, magazines, and other items. Shelves can be built with inexpensive plywood and painted a nice color. Use trim pieces for decorative flair.

Storage can be found in some very creative places in one's home. Use items for multiple purposes. Happy hunting!