No matter how much we like our home in every other way, a lack of storage will always make us cranky. After all, as George Carlin said, "A house is just a place to keep your stuff while you go out and get more stuff."
In the spirit of every person everywhere who wants more and better places to put all their things, no matter whether they live in a New York studio or a mega-estate, here are a few ingenious storage ideas.
1. Frame a doorway, said Sunset magazine.
"Bookshelves surrounding the entry from a living room to a dining room make creative use of what might otherwise be under-utilized wall space."
Storage-rich bookshelves are also great for lining a hallway or flanking a desk or bed, and you can get an inexpensive pair for under 150.
2. Take advantage of under-the-bed space
As long as youre hitting up IKEA, pick up a few under-the-bed storage boxes. These can be used for extra bedding, off-season clothes, and anything that you dont need to see or use regularly. "Hide what you ra>
3. Take it to the stairs
The area under the stairs is wasted space that can serve a myriad of storage needs. And it doesnt have to be open space to do it. Check out this bookcase and this doghouse, both of which could be created by cutting into the existing wall.
You can even turn the stairs themselves into a linen closet.
"Look for available wall space in high-traffic areas throughout your house," said HGTV Remodels. "Utilize an awkward space under stairs for cabinets, desk space or shelving for storing various home and work essentials.
Check out more ideas here.
4. Take advantage of other unused space throughout the house
If you have unused space in a corner, shelves can provide extra storage. Buy a few attractive baskets or containers and people will never know this was need-based.
A wide staircase can host its own mudroom and look good too.
5. Get the garage in order
If your garage storage is lacking, invest in some wall-to-wall shelving units, and thenlook up. Ceiling-mounted storage is perfect for stuff that you dont need frequent access to. Its also a great place to put Christmas decorations since you are only taking them down once a year.
Speaking of Christmas trees...we love this idea for putting the tree away fully decorated. If you have an attic or another place you can store it standing upright or hanging upside down, this may be a timesaving and space-saving answer for you.
Of course, it does take the fun out of decorating the tree. But just think about the mess youll avoid
