There are many techniques to finding the space to store needed items. Whether you are just downsizing or struggling to create a pantry in a house with no closets, here are a few ways to find a place to put your stuff.
USE SPACE BENEATH FURNITURE
Skirted Storage
A skirted table can hide a myriad of things in almost any room of your house. Secure a plywood top over a base such as a small bookcase, low filing cabinet or an upside down trash container. Drape a decorative cloth over the board that is long enough to reach the floor. Beneath the skirt there is storage space for books, boxes, craft supplies, television, etc.
Beds, Tables, Chairs
Storage can be created using plastic boxes or baskets. Place baskets under tables and in open cabinets for miscellaneous storage. These are great for shoes, out-of-season items, sports equipment, etc. Place a label on the end of the box, listing the contents. If your bed is too low, it can be made higher by "building" taller legs with plumbing pipes or ready-made bed risers.
REPURPOSE ITEMS
Doors
Storage can be found on the back of every door. Hanging shoe bags, shelves, or racks can be used for everything from toiletries, to office supplies.
Closets
Two-drawer filing cabinets easily fit into most closets, and the top can be used as a shelf. The space remaining above can be used to hang short clothing.
Lidded Furnishings
Choose a bench with a hinged lid for the end of a bed, under a window, or table seating. Lidded cubed ottomans can also provide extra storage as can a chest used in place of a coffee table. Use the space to store blankets, sheets, dishes, linens, out-of-season items, or toys.
REPURPOSE SPACE
Look Up
Few people utilize space higher than 5 feet. Consider installing shelves 12" to 18" below the ceiling. Mount shelves above the windows of the room. Use this to display things you don't use regularly but love to look at such as plants, hats, or photos. Use museum wax to anchor your collectibles in place.
Hooks
Hooks mounted on walls can be used to hold buckets and bags for everything from laundry to tools and toys.
Shelves
Make sure your shelves are spaced properly. If all the shelves are arranged at 18" but stored items are 8" high, you're missing out on about 10" of storage space. Reorganize this by adding shelf supports and new shelves.
Halls
Install shelves or hooks along one side of a wide hallway or above door height. If you have space at the end of the hall, use it to house a small desk and chair. Add shelves above the desk for supplies or books.
Unused Corners
Corner cabinets and shelves are great for unused space such as on a stair landing. A corner can also house a file cabinet. Since most file cabinets are also metal, take advantage of strong magnetic holders and hooks for storage on the exposed sides.
Beneath Stairs
An assortment of wooden nooks, hooks, cubbies, drawers and shelves can be custom fitted to suit your needs. This can be finished with cabinet doors or curtains.
Between Wall Studs
Shallow recessed shelving can be created between wall studs. In most homes, studs are spaced 16 inches apart. These shelves average about 3 ½ inches deep.
USE SPACE BENEATH FURNITURE
Skirted Storage
A skirted table can hide a myriad of things in almost any room of your house. Secure a plywood top over a base such as a small bookcase, low filing cabinet or an upside down trash container. Drape a decorative cloth over the board that is long enough to reach the floor. Beneath the skirt there is storage space for books, boxes, craft supplies, television, etc.
Beds, Tables, ChairsStorage can be created using plastic boxes or baskets. Place baskets under tables and in open cabinets for miscellaneous storage. These are great for shoes, out-of-season items, sports equipment, etc. Place a label on the end of the box, listing the contents. If your bed is too low, it can be made higher by "building" taller legs with plumbing pipes or ready-made bed risers.
REPURPOSE ITEMS
Doors
Storage can be found on the back of every door. Hanging shoe bags, shelves, or racks can be used for everything from toiletries, to office supplies.
Closets
Two-drawer filing cabinets easily fit into most closets, and the top can be used as a shelf. The space remaining above can be used to hang short clothing.
Lidded Furnishings
Choose a bench with a hinged lid for the end of a bed, under a window, or table seating. Lidded cubed ottomans can also provide extra storage as can a chest used in place of a coffee table. Use the space to store blankets, sheets, dishes, linens, out-of-season items, or toys.
REPURPOSE SPACELook Up
Few people utilize space higher than 5 feet. Consider installing shelves 12" to 18" below the ceiling. Mount shelves above the windows of the room. Use this to display things you don't use regularly but love to look at such as plants, hats, or photos. Use museum wax to anchor your collectibles in place.
Hooks
Hooks mounted on walls can be used to hold buckets and bags for everything from laundry to tools and toys.
Shelves
Make sure your shelves are spaced properly. If all the shelves are arranged at 18" but stored items are 8" high, you're missing out on about 10" of storage space. Reorganize this by adding shelf supports and new shelves.
Halls
Install shelves or hooks along one side of a wide hallway or above door height. If you have space at the end of the hall, use it to house a small desk and chair. Add shelves above the desk for supplies or books.
Unused Corners
Corner cabinets and shelves are great for unused space such as on a stair landing. A corner can also house a file cabinet. Since most file cabinets are also metal, take advantage of strong magnetic holders and hooks for storage on the exposed sides.
Beneath Stairs
An assortment of wooden nooks, hooks, cubbies, drawers and shelves can be custom fitted to suit your needs. This can be finished with cabinet doors or curtains.
Between Wall Studs
Shallow recessed shelving can be created between wall studs. In most homes, studs are spaced 16 inches apart. These shelves average about 3 ½ inches deep.
Here are included a couple of short videos with additional tips on finding ways to create storage with limited space.
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