| Storage space is an elusive concept, and the | | | | location and the environmental factors of that |
| "perfect" amount is often just a little more than | | | | location. If you have an unused computer you're |
| we have. The right amount of storage is like a | | | | storing, you'll want a location that won't get too |
| carrot always dangling before us. And no matter | | | | cold or too damp, since these conditions could |
| what we do, it seems impossible to reach it. | | | | damage the computer. Third, you can begin |
| Many of us equate "space"-such as closets-with | | | | thinking about the containers you'll use. Although |
| storage. "If I just had one more closet," we say, | | | | plastic bins and cardboard boxes can get the job |
| "then my storage needs would be covered." Or | | | | done, consider these more creative alternatives: |
| we buy lots of plastic containers or other items | | | | For Long-Term Storage: |
| traditionally associated with storage, thinking that | | | | Instead of banishing sweaters or off-season |
| if we buy enough of them, our problem just | | | | clothing to the back of your closet or stashing |
| might be solved. | | | | them in cardboard, try something different. Pick |
| We believe the answer lies not in more plastic | | | | up old drawers at a flea market, paint or stain |
| containers but in thinking about storage more | | | | them to match or complement your bed, then |
| creatively. Many of us believe that most of our | | | | add four rolling casters on the bottom so it can |
| things should be contained and hidden or, at the | | | | be moved around easily. Store each unit under |
| very least, put away. But you don't really need to | | | | your bed, and you're putting a little-used space to |
| hide your belongings unless you want to. If you're | | | | a productive use. |
| worried that storing things in plain view will look | | | | Tired of a linen closet that's overflowing? |
| messy or cluttered, we assure you, there are | | | | Purchase an inexpensive wicker hamper and store |
| many ways to avoid falling into that trap. Also, | | | | off-season linens in a closet. Beach towels can |
| wouldn't it be great not to have to hunt for your | | | | occupy the hamper in the winter, and flannel |
| winter coat, your roller skates, or extra bed | | | | sheets can hibernate there during the summer. |
| sheets when you need them? The key is this: | | | | For Short-Term Storage: |
| You need to create inexpensive, accessible | | | | If you're short on bathroom space, use |
| storage solutions. We like to call it smart storage. | | | | decorative hooks to hold baskets or bags full of |
| Creative Containment | | | | toiletries. |
| When you have items that you need to store, do | | | | Small shelves mounted over doorways or |
| you automatically reach for cardboard boxes and | | | | windows can hold items like books and collectibles. |
| stuff them until they are overflowing? While | | | | Shoe bags are versatile receptacles that can |
| cardboard boxes might be fine for storing some | | | | store a multitude of things, from Beanie Baby |
| items, they are not a very attractive solution, and | | | | collections to craft supplies to correspondence. |
| for this reason, things stored this way tend to | | | | Small items (e.g., buttons, safety pins, etc.) can be |
| get pushed to the back of a closet where no one | | | | stored in bulk easily. Purchase a few matching |
| can see them-not even you. But what happens | | | | glass jars with screw-on lids. Glue the lids onto the |
| when you need something that's in the box? You'll | | | | bottom side of wall shelf, with the lids in a straight |
| have to move all your shoes and other items that | | | | line with a few inches between them. Fill the jars |
| get piled up around the boxes, and dig through to | | | | with small items, and screw the jars on the lids. |
| find what you're looking for. Does this sound like | | | | When you need a button, grab the jar and twist, |
| your system? But there are better ways to | | | | retrieve it, then screw it back into place. |
| store things! | | | | Another idea for storing lots of small items: |
| If you've never considered storing your belongings | | | | Remove the label from an old paint can, paint the |
| in style, perhaps it's time! The type of creative | | | | can all one color and decorate it with decoupage |
| containment you opt for depends on several | | | | or paint markers. Use the cans to store belts, |
| factors. First, you'll need to consider what you're | | | | game pieces like dominoes, small toys |
| storing. Clothing, for instance, should be treated | | | | photos-anything! Glue several paint cans together |
| differently than garden tools. Second, consider the | | | | for an interesting storage unit. |