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Storage Solutions

Maximize storage spaces in your home.

By , About.com Guide

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Storage solutions will vary depending on the room, the size of the space you have and the type of items you are looking to store. Here is a guide that goes through your home room-by-room and shows you the best storage solutions and how to choose the right one for your home.

Bathroom and Linen Storage Solutions

Silver Mesh Vanity Organizer by Design IdeasPhoto / Design Ideas
Linen Closet and bathroom storage is about finding ways to corral clutter and keep things as neat and tidy as possible to offer you a morning "launch pad" to get ready for the day, and a relaxing environment to get ready for bed in the evening. Linen Closet & Bathroom Storage Solutions:

Closet Storage Solutions

Photo / Martha Stewart Omnimedia

Closet storage solutions are key to creating more useable space in a closet. Think of all the dead areas that could be made more useful with the following: hangers, Shelf dividers, double hangs, valet hooks, and plastic storage containers. Closet Storage:

Garage Storage Solutions

Gladiator Cadet Garage Storage System SetPhoto / Gladiator

Make the best use of your garage space by organizing in zones and utilizing the walls and overhead storage. I've listed my favorite picks including options for:

  • Bike storage
  • Shelving
  • Cabinets
  • Overhead storage

For more on garage organization try these resources:

  1. Organize Your Garage: it's important to know how much 'stuff' you are storing before choosing, purchasing and installing a garage storage system.
  2. Plan Garage Storage: How much space do you really have? Can you re-purpose an old cabinet for the job?
  3. Purchase A Garage Storage System: Set a budget, compare prices and install your new system.

Here are my picks for the best Garage Storage Solutions.

Kitchen Storage Solutions

Kitchen Cubby StoragePhoto / The Examiner

Whether you've got open shelving and two kitchen islands, Ala Martha Stewart or about 6 inches of counter space like I do, kitchen storage solutions come in handy if you choose the right ones for your particular kitchen. They are: roll out storage, pot racks, food storage containers, spice racks, junk drawer dividers.

Kitchen Organization &Storage

Mail & Paper Storage Solutions

Desk with Lamps from Hither and ThitherPhoto / Hither and Thither
The first steps in finding storage solutions for paper work is to pare down your piles of paper as mush as possible. Then, a simple filing cabinet or plastic file box with hanging file folders is the best way to go.

Overhead Storage Solutions

MonsterRAX Overhead Garage Storage RackPhoto / MonsterRAX

If you have the space, this may be the most useful kind of storage solution because it capitalizes on what would be a "dead" space. Look to install overhead storage in the following areas:

  • Attics
  • Basements
  • Kitchens (pot racks are a great example of overhead storage)
  • Garages

Here are my picks for the best Overhead Storage Solutions.

Shoe Storage Solutions

Petra Bindel via desire to inspire

Solutions to store your shoes and boots. Helping your store you shoes via:

shoe racks, shoe boxes, shoe shelves, and shoe closets.

You can mix and match based on the sizes of your storage space and your shoe collection.

Here are my picks for best Shoe Storage Solutions.

How to Store & Organize Shoes:

Small Closet Storage Solutions

Galvanized Cubes the Container StorePhoto / Container Store

Here's a hint: These storage solutions are just for use in a small closet. CLosets of any size and shape can always benefit by maximizing storage. Keys points are to make sure you are utilizing the floor, closet door and top-of-the-closet with items like: closet door shoe racks, cubbies and cubes, and hangers and hooks.

Small Closet Organization & Storage Solutions:

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