Stowing it Away: Where to Put It

The longer we live in a home, the more belongings we accumulate. Each day it may seem that our home organizing is a little less effective than it was the day before. Stuffed closets, crammed cabinets, and a basement jammed full of who-knows-what, but there is still more we want to stow! All those piles can be pretty daunting. Of course, if we've got money to burn, we can always buy a larger house or build an addition, but most of us are looking for a less expensive solution. Fortunately, the problem of clutter can be tackled. The key to better home storage is to take it one step at a time.

Home Storage Tactic #1: Streamline Your Belongings
Most of us feel saddled with too much stuff, but feel overwhelmed by the challenge of having to make all those tough decisions that go along with paring back. You can simplify the task by mentally separating your things into categories. Use broad categories so you end up with no more than ten groups of things. Your list might go something like this: "Keepsakes, books, magazines, clothes, construction materials, files, toys, and furniture."

As you go through each category, you may find that your resolve starts slipping. If this happens, take a moment to reflect on the reason. There are many reasons why we are reluctant to get rid of old things. They may spark good memories, or we might think they would prove valuable to others. Sometimes, we simply remember how much we paid for the item. Other times, we think we just might need the item in the future.

Think about what is holding you back. If memories are the reason, pick a few items that best evoke a set of memories — kind of like designating ambassadors from another time in your life. By narrowing the quantity of memorabilia, you'll find it much easier to take good care of the few special items you choose to keep. Choosing someone specific to give the things to can also make parting easier. Perhaps there is a family member, neighbor, or friend who might appreciate the item? And if you end up giving it to charity, you not only enjoy the pleasure of giving to those in need, but also stand to earn helpful tax deductions.

Home Organizing That Will Increase Your Home Storage Space
Once you've trimmed down on possessions, it's time to look at your four basic home storage enhancement options: reallocating spaces, improving infrastructure, opening new spaces, and moving things to remote storage.

Some home storage spaces are very handy and easy to access. The odds are good that you've got some low priority items occupying some of this prime real estate. For example, do you have cans of soup in the basement and the large turkey platter in the top cabinet in the kitchen? Home organizing is more than just taking things out of a cabinet and rearranging them; unless you use the platter often, you should switch where you store these items. As you move things, keep in mind that some items are more vulnerable to hazards like basement dampness and attic heat.

Utilizing Home Storage Equipment
You can also increase the convenience and capacity of many home storage spaces with relatively inexpensive enhancements. Lazy Susans, pullout shelves, and special trays can make kitchen cabinets much more useful. Utilize file cabinets rather than shelves or boxes to make papers and files more accessible and compact.

Small Alterations Make A Big Difference in Home Storage
Attics can be made more useful with added flooring, better lighting, and pull-down stairs. Get more effective use out of the basement by installing shelves and improved lighting. Also, consider improving basement air circulation to help guard against moisture damage. Add shelves, extra rods, and bins to increase the usable space in closets. While super-efficient systems are sold and installed by closet specialists, you can also buy a full range of accessories at the local hardware store and install them yourself or with the help of a handyperson.

Most houses have additional, untapped storage areas. Do you have access to every part of the attic? Is there a hollow bulkhead over the kitchen cabinets that can be opened for additional storage? Is there space in your garage or carport for a storage loft? Walk around and through the whole house, specifically scouting for new storage opportunities in existing spaces. Remember, your home organizing issues might seem out of hand, but the clutter monster can be tamed! It's just a matter of approaching the matter systematically and establishing broad priorities up front.

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