How do increase storage space in your house ?

Question

I live in downstairs in a house built in the 1920's. As a result, there is little or no closet space either upstairs or downstairs.

There are plenty of windows and wood flooring. This makes it both wonderful ( I love the sunlight because it brightens up the place and the view is terrific) and not so wonderful( the sun makes it hot at times). I live in the South and that makes it difficult at times to put things near windows because of the heat.

Have you got any ideas ?

Answer 1

I live in Texas. It is very sunny here also. I use the vacuum storage bags for blankets, out of season clothes, & other soft items. I can stack them in a much smaller space that a box takes(I put them under my beds.) When you need something, you only have to unzip it, take out an article, re-zip & re-vacuum the air out. These great bags are great for traveling also. Take a lot less space & keep your clothes wrinkle free.

Answer 2

The best thing I know of to increase storage space is..Get rid of EVERYTHING that isn't absolutely needed:) Donate your older clothes & shoes that aren't worn very often..as well as old books, magazines, everything that you don't need. If you can, find a cedar chest, a trunk or something that sits low so you don't have to block your windows~ they will hold a lot of things. If you do have unused wall space, they make some great upright storage units that you can really pack alot of things in. And try shelves! You can put a lot of your pretty things up & out of the way, while still being able to show them off. I hope this helps a little:)
Good Luck!

Answer 3

Go vertical. If you have wall space to hang shelves, you can use those for storage.

My sister had a similar problem in her house. Old house, no coat closet. We hung single hooks on the wall behind her door for coats, book bags, etc. It keeps everything neat and the hooks themselves are almost like art.

If that doesn't work for you, then search second-hand shops for armoirs. They make great storage pieces and can be outfitted for almost anything -- closets or even a pantry.

You may also want to see what furniture you have, or could purchase, that could serve a dual purpose. For instance, I needed more storage in my living room for blankets and games, etc. so I purchased a vintage 4 drawer chest. I put the TV on top of the chest & use the drawers for storage. Looks nice & it really cleared up some of the clutter.

Good luck!

Answer 4

Overhead storage works a treat - keep it away from the windows as it darkens the room and makes it appear smaller than it is - try to stick to one wall only and make sure everything is painted in light neutral colours - works for me

Answer 5

Choose a section of your home where you can keep shades down on your windows and place as much shelving around this section as possible.

Answer 6

We use big flat tubs under our beds. Also we found we could really get rid of a lot of stuff! I recommend reading a good organization book too.