Home Decorating Storage Needs

Solving Your Storage Needs

Oh! The Clutter, What to Do?

Does the clutter in your home haunt you? When you walk into a room and really look at it, are you overwhelmed by all the chaos that spills out? Wouldn’t your home feel more peaceful and relaxed if things were stored neatly and easily into their own place? Impossible you say!! Well, it takes a little planning, but if you could control the clutter, wouldn’t you?

Cluttered office before storage solutions

An organized office after storage solutions

Some general storage ideas:

Use open shelves for books, paperwork

Use boxes or baskets to contain the small stuff

Upright magazine organizers corral papers and magazines

When choosing new furniture, consider dual duty pieces like storage ottomans, closed cabinets or drawer units

Install closet organizers, but don’t overdo on the specialized pieces-use units that can store many different items

Use underbed storage bins. These slide out from under the bed and can hold toys, shoes, paperwork, and misc.

Put clothes hampers in each bedroom, bathroom and laundry area. Encourage everyone to use them!

Toy boxes can keep toys out of sight, but be sure to go through them often and sort out the extra stuff Going Green Tip: Donate used toys and books to churches, daycare centers or shelters. Many of them are in need of good used items.

Keep electronics organized with an entertainment center or unit that has closed doors

Consider having shelving units built into leftover corners or “nooks” that are notorious for unused space. (on either side of a fireplace, over a closet, under the stairs, etc.)

In pantries, add stacking units for cans, and bins for small items.

Store “Tupperware” and plastics in a large drawer if possible or put them in a basket that fits in your cupboard

Go through your cupboards, closets and storage units once a year and get rid of things you don’t use. Another Going Green Tip: use up food and mixes before buying new ones and donate those things that you know you will never use. Food shelves and shelters can use your unwanted food!

Throw out papers, magazines and junk mail! Keep things you want in a folder and store away.

Plenty of storage-and it looks good too!

A well-organized craft or sewing room

Consider having photos, slides and film converted to digital and store it in less space. This is a great idea for sharing with family and friends as well. Digital media can easily be copied and given to those who want it.

Display your collections sparsely. Pack some of the items away. Then, rotate the collections from time to time. This will give emphasis to special pieces. Too much out on display just looks messy

Store out-of-season clothing in unused closets if possible. Going Green: again, donate unused or ill-fitting clothing to shelters, thrift stores or people that can use them. Re-gifting is a great way to organize your stuff and bless others!

Sports equipment and seasonal equipment can be stored in a garage or basement but keep it organized on hangers, or in tubs. It will be easier to find and stay in better shape

Tools can be hung on pegboard and organized in tool boxes. Keep paint supplies together in tubs or boxes, and cleaning supplies in their own spot, etc. It takes time to sort and find space for these items, but once it’s done, it feels sooooo good! It’s easy to find everything you need all in one spot when you need it too!

Garden equipment can be hung in a garage, basement or shed. Or use one of those Rubbermaid stands to hold many pieces. You can store these indoors or outdoors. Make use of space on a side yard or other lesser-used spaces.

Hang bicycles on large hooks in a garage or basement. If they’re on a patio, keep them off to one side.