There are two great storage concepts. One is using vertical space, and when that isn't practical, the other is maximizing horizontal space by "containerizing."
I don't suppose that "containerizing" is a real word, but it should be: it means to corral, box, bag, divide, and/or subdivide objects into groups of like items or things that are used together. Normally horizontal spaces are wicked clutter magnets and notorious space hogs, but some things just don't lend themselves to vertical storage and may, in fact, be better served when they're contained in a horizontal way.
Lidded Storage Boxes
See if using some of these ideas -- as well as drawers, cans, canisters, jars, bags, baskets, buckets, bowls, bins, tins, tubs, plastic food containers, cubbies, boxes, barrels, pouches, totes, trays, crates, carts, or even sleds -- will work for any of your thorny storage spots. And here's a bonus! Some of these containers even do their jobs in a vertical way, too.
Just make certain that everything you contain -- whether vertically or horizontally -- is something that you need, use, or love. There's no sense in creating wonderful solutions to store things that you don't use in the first place.
* First and best: I'm going to give top honors in the containerizing category to plastic dishpans (or, some people know them better as kitty-litter tubs). Whatever you call them, just don't forget to call them into service for holding small toys, pets' toys, hats and mittens, doll clothes, shoes, cleaning supplies, and much more.
My favorite dishpan idea involves children's books: store picture books in them with the covers facing you. Little kids know books by the pictures on the covers, and being able to flip through them without having to pull them off of a shelf because they can't figure out what's written on the tiny little spines should go a long way toward keeping peace and order for the wee bibliophiles in your life. Dishpans are washable, portable, lightweight, and inexpensive.
* Very crunchy: "Crunch cans" are fabric "cans" that squish down to be flat and round when not in use, and then pop back up when needed. They can contain towels, rags, toilet paper, dirty clothes, and much more using a smaller horizontal footprint than such items might need if they were just scattered about.
* Hey, Boo Boo! Now that you're (I hope) thinking about "pic-a-nic" baskets, think a little more broadly about all baskets. Whether they're wicker, plastic, or metal... placed on shelves or the floor... lidded or open... handled or not... baskets of all shapes, sizes, and varieties are just the berries. You can use them for holding the incoming mail, outgoing library books, beauty products, toys, cleaning supplies, a craft project, and just about anything else. They're also nice enough to set out in the open -- no hiding in the closet required.
* Speaking of baskets, laundry baskets can hold lots of larger things that smaller baskets can't. Try them for the obvious (laundry), as well as for toys, recyclables, shoes, ski boots, extra linens, beach gear, and lots more. Like plastic dishpans, they're lightweight, inexpensive, washable, and portable.
* My kingdom for a desktop organizer... If you like to have your frequently used office supplies out on your desktop, or if you have too little room to put them in your desk drawers, desktop organizers may be the answer. They come in a variety of styles, with various combinations of slots, drawers, cubbyholes, and compartments. Just make sure that those drawers and compartments are easy to open, large enough for your purposes, and not more trouble than they're worth. These can also be used at "command central" -- wherever you keep phone messages, the family calendar, and the like.
* Great crate: With the openings facing out, milk crates stack to create sturdy shelves, but of course, they're also great for containing things. Fill them with some fairly heavy loads, such as books, binders, or hanging files, and then stack them with the openings facing up, to prevent the stuff from falling out.
* All hail Ziplocs! What did we do before zip-style plastic bags were invented? You probably already use them liberally, but in case you don't, consider them for small toys, craft supplies, sewing notions, cookie cutters, batteries separated by type, pens within a purse, jewelry within a suitcase, or separating and protecting pantyhose. And don't forget their intended purposes: storing dry foods, little snacks, and frozen goods. And now that they come in several giant sizes, too... bonanza!
* All packed up and nowhere to go: What can you do with your suitcases when you're not on a trip? Try nesting them when possible to save space, but perhaps better yet, put them to work holding out-of-season clothing, extra linens, or blankets. Then, those suitcases can go "subterranean"... (Read on.)
* "Mommy, there's something hiding under my bed..." Under-bed (or even under-couch) storage is often overlooked, but it's certainly a viable location and a viable option. You can fill your empty suitcases with stuff and stick them under a bed -- or alternatively, try zippered bags, lidded plastic boxes, wheeled drawers, or even a child's plastic sled. Pull it out of the garage, wash it up, and slide that baby under the bed, loaded with out-of-season clothes, linens, blankets, or whatever you want out of the way. The under-bed sled is low, so it fits nicely; it's plastic, so it's lightweight; and it has a long handle, so you can pull it out easily when you need to reach something. And, you can hide whatever is under the bed with a bed skirt. (Just don't forget what you've stored under there.)
* Hi-oh, Silver! A silverware tray or drawer organizer is handy for containing and separating the stuff in your junk drawer (though I prefer to think of it as the "administrative sundries" drawer), your tools, paint brushes, hardware, makeup, bathroom supplies, craft and sewing ditties, and, yes, even silverware.
* Can you do the can-can? Large tins -- like the ones that hold monster amounts of popcorn -- or small garbage cans can prevent balls, blocks, and toys with lots of pieces, such as Legos, from invading every corner of the house.
* Fire and ice (cubes): Don't underestimate ice-cube trays. They can hold earrings, pins, or rings in a dresser drawer; office supplies such as pushpins and paper clips in an office drawer; craft and sewing items such as beads, straight pins, or thimbles in a work area; nails, screws, nuts, and bolts in a workshop; coins at your garage-sale cashier's table; or, if well cushioned, small Christmas ornaments. The same goes for muffin tins and egg cartons. (Reduce, repurpose, reuse, and recycle!)
* You old softie: And while you're busy not underestimating ice-cube trays, be sure to appreciate "soft" items: fabric pouches, pencil cases, makeup bags, and duffel bags for storing stuff at home and on the road.
* Tote your own horn: Tote bags are very cool, not only for taking things with you when you go out, but also for corralling things at home. Hang one from an 'S' hook in a closet to store just about anything from mittens and hats to rags, backpacks, and other tote bags. Try pre-packing a dedicated tote with the items you'll need when you're at the pool, gym, music lesson, dance class, or a committee meeting so that it's always ready to grab and go.
* Let's get decorative: Just because storage is storage, that doesn't mean it has to be ugly. Find containers that provide storage and beauty: decorative tins, new or vintage hat boxes, and fabric-lined baskets.
Contain, contain, contain! When "going vertical" isn't an option, create specific homes for things by corralling them in containers and dividing up your horizontal spaces. If what you're storing are things that you need, use, and love, then you'll thank yourself over and over for doing so in efficient and accessible ways.
Special Price!!! Sterilite 66-Quart See-Through Storage Box with Latching Lid, Set of 4
Oct 18, 2011 18:33:59
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Sterilite 66-Quart See-Through Storage Box with Latching Lid, Set of 4 Feature
- Set of 4 66-quart storage boxes with contemporary, see-through design
- Recessed lid contouring for secure stacking during storage
- Ergonomic latches are easy to secure and open
- Integrated handles for easy moving
- Each box measures 24-1/2 inches long by 17-3/4 inches wide by 13-1/4 inches high
Sterilite 66-Quart See-Through Storage Box with Latching Lid, Set of 4 Overview
Store extra bedding, clothing, excess toys, and more in this pack of four 66 Quart Storage Containers by Sterilite. The transparent base helps you easily identify your storage contents inside. Integrated handles make these storage totes easy to transport. Save space and securely stack multiple containers on top on one another with the recessed lid contouring feature.SAVE NOW on the special offers below!
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