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How to Store Everything

Learn How to Store Everything in Your Home

By , About.com Guide

One of the main contributors to accumulating household clutter is not knowing how to properly store your items. Here's a comprehensive list of how to store just about everything.

How to Store Backpacks

Backpacks from joannagoddard.blogspot.comBackpacks from joannagoddard.blogspot.com

A few options for back pack storage:

  • Store backpacks on a large hook near the entry way of your home.
  • In a cubby near the entry way of your home.

Organize, Store, Donate or Recycle:

How to Store Baseball Caps

hat rack From absolutelybeautifulthings.blogspot.comhat rack From absolutelybeautifulthings.blogspot.com

I've always struggled with baseball caps because unless you're wearing them, they are really not that cute to have hanging around. I like the idea of hanging baseball hats together on the inside of a closet door for easy retrieval.

Organize, Store, Donate or Recycle:

How to Store Bathing Suits

Striped Bikini from Top ShopPhoto / Top Shop
California Closets Ginny Snook Scott recommends you store bathing suits in, "A drawer and/or pull-out basket."

Organize, Store, Donate or Recycle:

How to Store Boots

Frye Sandra BootPhoto / Frye

Store boots based on the type of material they are made of, and the activities they represent to you. read more in the Boot Storage Guide.

Organize, Store, Donate or Recycle:

How to Store Cashmere Sweaters

Clothing Organizer & Dividers by Slide N StaxPhoto by Slide N Stax

I like this clothes organizer by Slide N Stax because it will protect delicate cashmere from your closet shelving, and helps to maximize space below the rod as well as above.

Organize, Store, Donate or Recycle:

How to Store Comforters

Grey Storage CubePhoto / The Container Store

I have always wanted to find a plastic bin large enough to store my comforter with zero results. No big was ever quite the right size. The best option I've found is a collapsable storage cube. The nice advantage to the storage cube is that it can be easily collapsed and folded when not in use. Win-win.

Budget option:

Jumbo comforter bag.

Organize, Store, Donate or Recycle:

How to Store Cords

Medium Command HookPhoto / 3M

I used to store out-of-use cords in zip loc bags, but hooks are an even better use of space because the cords can remain individual and tangle-free. Label them, and hang.

Organize, Store, Donate or Recycle:

How to Store Documents

Ikea office storageIkea office storage

Paper management and paper clutter, paper is a beast. Having a proper storage system is key. I recomend a separate desk top file box, as well as a archival filing cabinet. (More on Paper Management).

Desktop File: I love this Stadium File with graduated file pockets.

File Cabinet: The Bisley system, sold at The Container Store, is sturdy and attractove. They feature large and small filie cabinets in several colors.

Organize, Store, Donate or Recycle:

How to Store Flip Flops

Flip FlopsPhoto / Havaianas

For in-season, California Closets Ginny Snook Scott recommends you stack on top of each other (heel-to-toe reversed) and place on a shelf for quick access to the pair. "If you don’t stack them together, you will always be trying to find the matching pairs!" she says.

Out of season, store these in a plastic bin labelled.

Organize, Store, Donate or Recycle:

How to Store Gift Wrap

Gift Wrap Work StationPhoto / The Container Store

Store gift wrap in a container with room for ribbons, scotch tape, scissors and gift tags in on of two ways:

Organize, Store, Donate or Recycle:

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