Letters

Creative storage ideas for cramped homes

  • Scripps Howard News Service
  • Saturday, August 29, 2009 6:24pm
  • LifeLetters

Most of us cannot expand the closets in our homes, so we have to get creative to maximize the space.

Here are some things to think about, especially before school starts and a new round of clutter looms:

  • Use double-hanging sections and every inch of wall space for things such as shoe and tie racks.
  • It’s OK to put only hanging items in a closet. Some closets just aren’t cut out for the full duties of clothing storage.
  • If you have room, an old chest of drawers is handy in the back of a closet. In addition to clothes, you can stow linens or beach towels.
  • If your closet is especially tiny, consider under-the-bed storage, which works especially well for seasonal items.
  • High shelves are a good place to stow things you don’t use frequently. The less often you need the item, the less accessible it can be.
  • Make a list of what you put in long-term storage areas so you won’t lose track of what you have and end up buying duplicates.
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