All homeowners face the never ending battle against clutter. And when we find a winning strategy, we share it with fellow readers. Here are some of our best tips!
20 Best-Ever Storage Tips
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Mobile Tool Rack
If you see an old golf bag at a rummage sale, grab it. It will make a great tote for lawn and garden gear.
Plus: Get more tool storage hacks here.
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Hang Ladders Low
Most people hang ladders high on the wall. But often, lower is better. It makes ladders easier to grab and, since ladders are skinny, this will leave floor space open for parking cars, bikes or the mower. Learn how to organize your garage in one morning here!
More Shower Shelves
Those shelves that hang from a shower pipe are fine, but you have only one shower pipe. To hang more shelves, mount cabinet knobs on the wall using No. 8-32 hanger screws and screw-in drywall anchors.
For more bathroom storage ideas click here.
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Pocket Storage
Hang-up shoe organizers are the fastest way to add easy-access storage just about anywhere. Plus pocket storage can organize just about anything. Find them at discount stores.
For more easy storage ideas click here.
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Kitchen Organization: Racks for Canned Goods
Use those leftover closet racks as cabinet organizers. Trim the racks to length with a hacksaw and then mount screws to the backside of the face frame to hold the racks in place. The backside of the rack simply rests against the back of the cabinet. Now you can easily find your soup and check the rest of your inventory at a glance with this pantry storage solution.
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Measuring Cup Hang-Up
Screw a couple strips inside a cabinet door, add some hooks and you've got a perfect roost for measuring cups. Just make sure your cups won't bump into the shelves.
For more inside cabinet door storage ideas click here.
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Add-On Clothes Rod
Here's an easy way to add space for hanging clothes (or at least clothes that don't require a tall space). Hang a second clothes rod from the upper rod with lightweight chain. Attach the chain to screw eyes directly or use S-hooks or carabiners. Carabiners make adjusting the height of the extra rod a snap.
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Simple Storage Spools
Cut up cardboard to make handy spools for holiday lights, string or cords.
For more holiday storage hacks click here.
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Hang a Bike on the Wall
Need to hang a bike but can't reach the ceiling? Bike hooks meant for ceilings work on walls, too. Just drive the hook in at 45-degree angle.
Plus: 4 quick and simple DIY storage projects
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Preserve Lawn Supplies
Lawn products like seed and fertilizer soak up moisture in damp garages. To keep them fresh, store them in giant zip-top bags (available at discount stores). Learn how to grow a lush lawn here.
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Cabinet Slots
A metal file organizer is perfect for storing flat kitchen gear like cutting boards or cookie sheets. To keep it in place, set it on a pad of rubbery shelf liner.
Plus: 9 Simple Cabinet Repairs
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Make the Most of Skinny Spaces
In a small kitchen with little storage space, you can make even narrow filler spaces work harder by installing a vertical pegboard rollout. Kitchen designer Mary Jane Pappas typically recommends 18- to 30-in.-wide rollout drawers for cabinets: 'Any larger and they're too clumsy. Any smaller and too much of the space is used by the rollouts themselves.' But there is one type of rollout that makes good use of narrow spaces, even those only 3 to 6 in. wide. Pappas says that pullout pantries– single tall, narrow drawers with long, shelves, drawers, baskets or even pegboard – can be an efficient way to put skinny spaces to work. Shown is the 434 Series 6-in. Base Filler with stainless steel panel from Rev-a-Shelf, the perfect pull out drawers for cabinets.
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Stay-put balls
Screw flowerpot saucers to shelves so balls can't roll off. Cheap plastic trays come in sizes to suit all kinds of balls. Want more storage tips?
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Joist Space Storage
Don't waste all that space between joists in a basement or garage. Screw wire shelving to the underside of the joists. An 8-ft. x 16-in. length of wire shelving and a pack of plastic clips (sold separately) costs about 20 bucks. Don't forget that wire shelving also shines on walls. Learn the best practices for installing wire shelving here.
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Closet Nook Shelves
Don't let the recessed space at the ends of a closet go to waste. One of our favorite ways to maximize the closet space you already have is to install wire shelving to hold blankets, towels or bedding. Find out how to declutter your closet.
Wire shelves are available in a variety of widths. Measure the width and depth of the space. Then choose the correct shelving and ask the salesperson to cut the shelves to length for you. Subtract 3/8-in. from the actual width to determine the shelf length. Buy a pair of end mounting brackets and a pair of plastic clips for each shelf.
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Tight-Space Shelves
Wire pantry shelves aren't just for pantries. They're perfect for any wall where full-depth shelves won't fit: garages, laundry rooms, utility rooms, etc. The perfect space-saving shelves solution.
Need more room for your stuff in general? Here are simple storage solutions for small spaces.
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S-Hook Hang-Up
Pick up a pack of S-hooks at a home center and turn wire shelving into a rack for cleaning gear.
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Instant Mini Bins
Plastic junction boxes for electrical work are cheap and easy to mount anywhere. Get them at home centers.
Plus: Build your own customizable garage storage wall.
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Fast Shelves
Those plastic crates sold at discount stores make great (and colorful!) shelves. Mount them on walls, using screws and fender washers at the upper corners. Screw to studs where you can; use screw-in drywall anchors where you can’t.
If you want to build your own shelves, learn how to build DIY box shelves here.
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Create Secret Storage
Whether you purchase boxes made to look like books or use our instructions for creating your own, carving out a secret hiding spot in your office is perfect for valuable items or smaller office supplies—not to mention chocolate!
FAQ
What’s the bets way to maximize small spaces?
According to professional organizer and founder of Calm Spaces Keena Lee, the best way to maximize small spaces is to “take advantage of your doors.” She explains, “I see so many small apartments and condos with nothing on the doors. At a minimum, your doors should have hooks or over-the-door storage units. You can get pockets, cubbies, baskets, medicine cabinets, and even jewelry armoires made to go on the back of your doors.”
What’s the first step to getting better organized at home?
The first step in getting a better organized at home is to declutter. Organizing without decluttering can feel good at first, but over time, your spaces will become messy again and you will waste time dealing with items that you don’t even actually need. Decluttering before organizing makes organizing easier in the first place, makes your rooms feel peaceful, and leads to systems that are more easily maintained.
Are there budget-friendly ways to create more storage?
There are many budget-friendly ways to create more storage. Consider upcycling items you already own for free storage, such as using cardboard as spools or crates as wall shelves. In addition, items like shoeboxes or empty jelly jars can be used to corral and organize items. The possibilities are endless.
What’s the best way to keep storage solutions looking neat over time?
Keeping your storage solutions looking neat over time involves ongoing maintenance. Plan to tidy up your storage areas regularly and don’t forget to declutter at least seasonally as well.
About the experts
Barbara E.Tanaka is the Strategic Home Design and Organizing Advisor at Real Estate Bees. She is a professional organizer who specializes in designing functional and practical spaces by decluttering and rearranging her clients’ homes.
Kenna Lee is the founder and chief product officer of Calm Spaces, a professional organizing firm serving clients in the San Francisco Bay Area and Atlanta, GA. She holds a Certificate in Essentials of Organizing from NAPO, a Foundation Certification in Chronic Disorganization, and a Certificate of Study in ADHD from the Institute for Challenging Disorganization. She also has a Specialist Certificate in Brain-Based Conditions, and a Specialist Certificate in Life Transitions. She excels in working with high-net-worth households, people with ADHD, and clients navigating major life transitions and is a sought-after expert on clutter, overwhelm, and organizing with empathy.
