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For example, a room without clutter will appear larger and more inviting. In addition, some of the available storage solutions can be decorative furniture pieces.
Of course, the home storage solution you choose will depend on the type of items you want to store and the frequency with which you need to retrieve them.
Before I provide you with a list of potential home storage solutions, let's first have a heart-to-heart chat about the things you can't seem to part with.
If you answered yes to any of the above questions, then you my friend are a closet pack rat? Yes, its true!
But don't worry, I feel your pain. I too sometimes battle with the temptation to keep things that I "may" need in the future. But in the vast majority of cases, the items have simply wound up gathering dust and taking up space.
So here's your first task before you select home storage solutions for your items. Go from room to room, including the closets, garage, attic, and basement and pull out all those items that you are holding on tofor no good reason.
My rule of thumb is that if you don't foresee wearing it or using it within the next 12 months, then seriously consider giving it to someone who would enjoy it more. Obviously this excludes important papers and key reference materials.
All is not lost, however. You can earn money from your discarded items by having a garage sale. Or, you can simply make a charitable donation to a non-profit organization such as a church or a shelter. Be sure to get a receipt so that you can deduct the value of the items on your next tax return. Once you've eliminated the things you don't need, consider these home storage solutions for the items that you keep:
Home Storage Solutions - Furniture
Armoire - You can find armoires in many styles and storage configurations. They will add beauty and presence to any room. In general, I would recommend using an over-sized armoire for storage rather than two small pieces of furniture. From a home interior decorating perspective, your room will appear much bolder and interesting. Chest of drawers - If you need to separate items by type, then a chest of drawers would be a good choice. As with an armoire, I recommend that you get one that is large with deep drawers.
Storage chests/trunks - These are good for storing bulk items such as quilts and blankets. Of course, you can use them to store toys, books, or just about anything else. Many of the trunks can also double as coffee and end tables.
Home Storage Solutions - Closet organizers I recommend that you visit your local hardware store and check out their offerings for closet organizers. If you have the heavy wire type configuration in your closet, like I do, you'll find additional wire baskets and shelving to expand your storage space.
Home Storage Solutions - Shelves
Pre-built shelves - The great thing about shelves is that you can take advantage of a wall's vertical space. Many are quite decorative and can be used to store or display personal items and collectibles.
Bookcases - A custom built bookcase can be used to make a statement or be the focal point of a room. However, there are many quality assemble-it-yourself options. Bookcases can also be used to store sheets, towels, and other linens. Curio cabinets - They are great for displaying collectibles and personal items. Many come with adjustable shelves, lighting, and decorative molding.
Home Storage Solutions - Baskets, Bins, Other They come in many shapes and sizes. I recommend that you look for bins and containers that can slide under beds and tables. Also consider modular containers that can be stacked to take advantage of vertical spaces. Large baskets can be very decorative while storing toys or other small items.
About The Author: Michael Holland is the author of "The Awaken Your Interior Designer! Collection." His web sites, http://www.home-decorating-made-easy.com, and http://www.kids-rooms-and-crafts.com offer lots of FREE home decorating tips and ideas.
Feedback
By mildred
01/14/2006
storage-My house was built in 1929 when clutter was unheard of! So I place my dresser's in the bed rooms accross the corner of the room -mking lots of storage behind it.
By kcmomshopper (Guest Post)
03/11/2005
Anyone ready to purchase a closet organizer.
DO NOT PURCHASE ONE FROM OLIVIA"S BOUTIQUE.
I purchased it from HSN and it was a piece of junk!!
Looked very pretty at first, but started sagging after a few months and now my clothes are falling out all over the floor!
BUYER BEWARE. NO WARRANTY ON THIS PRODUCT@!@#@$$@
DO NOT BUY IT!! I LOST $50.00
By Debra in Colorado (Guest Post)
04/30/2004
Micheal great article! but let me add a few frugal tips also. Do you have a chest of drawers that in the last move the drawers got distroyed? Add shelves to the inside and mount some doors on the front, Viola new storage. Doors can be found in all shapes and sizes at your local Used building supply. A couple coats of paint and your in. Yard sales are the place to buy baskets and bins and other storage you just need to think out of the box, Old toy boxes can be renewed to hold blankets, Old casserole dishes with or without lids can hold craft supplies or drawing materials. Mugs with lids also can hold craft supplies. That old toy box if constructed of wood also could be used for Magazine and book storage.
Old bookcases and waterbed headboards can be stood on end for books or turned sideways and mounted on walls for storage. Old kids lunch boxes make great storage for office supplies and can be quite cute in the home office. Old liquor boxes can be cut down and taped to make magazine organizers. Paint or paper if you are of the mind. In the garage the square pails that laundry soap comes in make great storage for your lawn tools. Coffee cans and baby food jars can be recycled into storage for nuts bolts and odds and ends. Egg cartons can be used for jewelry or office paper clips and the like. Paint can be your best friend when trying any of these ideas, They just seem to make things seem fresh and new. So again I say think out of the box.
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