Storage Solutions | Storage | Living Spaces –FS00

Storage space is at a premium for nearly everyone these days. Since 87% of Americans live in small or medium-size homes, finding additional storage has become a hot topic. The good news is that every home, no matter its size, has potential storage space that goes unnoticed. These simple but creative solutions can help you gain extra storage in unexpected places.

Furniture
Look for furniture that serves more than one purpose, such as a coffee table with built-in drawers, a side table that also functions as a display case for collectibles, or chests and tables with enclosed cabinets.
Buy benches and ottomans with hinged tops for out-of-sight and easily accessible storage.
Find an armoire or entertainment center designed to fit smaller rooms and create enough extra space to store everything from old photo albums to linens or electronic equipment. Or look for one that fits into a corner. Multiple drawers and shelves maximize their holding capacity.
Use a sleeper sofa and chair as perfect multi-use furniture in bedrooms or other living areas of your home.
Look for a couch made with built-in drawers hidden beneath the seat cushions.

nd Free Storage Containers
Save your disposable butter and margarine containers to store small items in the kitchen, hobby area or workshop.
Use cans with plastic lids or plastic baby-wipe boxes to hold buttons, threads, nuts, nails, screws, washers and small project items.
Recycle baby food jars and empty mint tins by using them to organize the smallest shelf or drawer.
Cut plastic milk containers in half to hold small toy accessories or puzzle parts in your child's room.
Store paintbrushes (with the brush end up) in tall potato chip containers.
Keep spools of ribbon on a paper towel holder. Cut centers from spools if needed to fit.
Place magazines in recycled laundry detergent boxes decorated with magazine covers.
Keep just about everything in hanging shoe bags with clear pockets.
Use an empty rectangular tissue box as a convenient holder and dispenser for small garbage bags, plastic grocery bags and small rags. Secure it to the inside of a cabinet door with thumbtacks.