Thinking Outside the Box

 

 

 

 

 

A quick search online for home storage options brings up a long list of home improvement and décor stores with hundreds of ideas for arranging, storing and organizing all areas of your home.

 

But will a shelving unit actually help you stay organized? What will look good with your home’s existing décor? With an overwhelming amount of options when it comes to solutions to your home’s storage problems, getting clever and keeping it simple will have your clutter contained and efficiently organized now and throughout the holiday season. 

 

Know what storage space you have available before any organization begins. This may involve some preliminary cleaning and decluttering but will leave you with more room. You may uncover shelves that were previously collecting dust or find free space under your bed or above your clothing rack in your closet – identify where these spaces are and what they can fit before you start filling your bins and storing your things.

 

If you have the space, built-in shelving can be a beautiful addition to a room while maximizing the space available. Custom shelves fill a space by marrying form and function; storage options that provide a decorative element while also be satisfying for your organizational needs.

 

 

Function may often trump design when it comes to storage options but finding the right ottoman, bench, or table with hidden storage can provide the perfect piece of furniture to give you the best of both worlds. Storage can be added to underutilized areas.

 

Bookcases and open shelving provide a space to store and organize objects that are used frequently or add to a home’s decor. Matching bookshelves lining a wall provide ample storage while looking architecturally impressive.

 

If you have a need that doesn’t seem to have a readily available storage solution, create it! Try transforming a bookcase or dresser into a shoe rack or linen closet. Get creative with the interiors of existing pieces and customize them to fit your needs.

 

If you find the corners of your home are empty and collecting cobwebs, consider adding corner shelving. It will be a unique design feature allowing you to store or display your items without taking up prime real estate around your room.

 

Similarly, if your house has interesting angles or unused niches, make the most of them by adding custom shelving. Build shelves up and around a desk, doorway or window. Shelving can be open or closed, making your space versatile and functional.

 

Bookcases or built-ins may not be an option for your small space so try a selection of shadow boxes on your walls instead. You’ll save on space while utilizing a unique storage option.

 

 

Bring a dresser into your living room or TV shelving into your bedroom. You don’t have to stick with traditional pieces of furniture if you need more storage in a place that doesn’t normally call for it.

 

A lack of floor space doesn’t have to mean a lack of storage. Install floating shelves to display and house your prized possessions. Need a place to store towels in your bathroom? The space above your toilet is often wasted but could be the perfect spot for floating shelves and your guests’ 

necessities.

 

If your space allows, wrap cabinets around your couch instead of side and sofa tables. This smart storage option provides more space for books, baskets and odds and ends as well as ample surface area.

 

Find ways to utilize ‘dead space’ like narrow openings between your fridge and the wall or the top of your pantry. Building up or thinking thin can create plenty of storage for items that aren’t in regular rotation in your home.

 

The arrival of the holidays usually means more stuff.And with more stuff comes the need for more storage. Seasonal items will need to be kept out of the way most months of the year and new gifts and goodies will be in need of a new home.

 

 

Because holiday items are only hauled out once a year, they spend their time in a musty attic or damp garage. Spring for high-quality totes or packaging that can withstand less-than-ideal conditions for long periods of time. 

 

While not the nicest looking option, utilize plastic zippered bags to keep your holiday decor under wraps. Adding labels to this simple storage solution will allow for easier unboxing every year. 

 

Storing seasonal items all together will make decorating easier once the holiday rolls around. Whether it’s in your attic or under your bed, grouping items together, keeping them out of the way but accessible and labeling bins and boxes can help limit your holiday stress.

 

Putting function first will allow for a more organized abode that can easily fit into your home’s existing esthetic. A little creativity and some out-of-the-box thinking can lead to simple solutions to suit all your storage needs.