STORAGE IN THE HOME, OFFICE AND GARAGE - 2

NEW STORAGE SPACE, STORAGE PLACES and METHODS

New cupboards, shelves or units can't usually be dumped in the middle of a room, except for island units - which are suitable for kitchens as the top is also work surface.

Remember that stored items should be near the place where they will be used.

CHILD TOY STORAGE

Large plastic or wooden boxes from DIY or furniture stores are very useful. These often come in a variety of attractive colours and so can be stacked.

Keep toys together by type, eg, building blocks, farm and jungle animals, etc. Rotate the boxes so your child has a new toy theme every now and then - too many toys at once causes boredom and irritation as the children get overloaded with options.

PLACES FOR NEW OR EXPANDED STORAGE

GENERAL ROOMS

Wall alcoves.
Under the stairs.
Above wall cabinets.
Reorganised base cabinets (eg in a kitchen).
Under existing wall cabinets (hanging storage).

THE HALL and HALLWAY

Hall way shelving from floor to ceiling - can be useful for books (or even CDs if you have an iPod or similar and do not play them much) which do not have a lot of depth.
A storage loft, built above stairwells or in other large volumes, is a bit like a mezzanine for boxes, and can look a ugly, but is useful for larger items like empty suitcases.

BEDROOM

Reorganised closets (new shelves, slots).
Back of doors.
Under beds.

BATHROOM

Rearranged bathroom cabinets.
New cabinets with mirrored fronts, dual purpose.

ATTIC

Behind attic knee walls.
In window wells.
Attics can be dusty so put small things into sealed boxes.
Label these boxes or you will forget what is in them.
Make sure you can see the whole room from the entry hatch.
If you have a lot of things stored, make a list of locations so you don't forget where things are.

GARAGE

Along garage walls.
Hanging shelves over the car or at the side. Make sure they won't fall down!

USEFUL WAYS TO STORE ITEMS - CARTS

These are simply boxes on wheels, with or without doors. They are an easy DIY enthusiasts' project as they are smallish and all you need to do is make sure the right angles are correct.

Places for carts:

Underbed - simply make a flat wheeled box with small sides, and add a handle to suit.
Kitchen - also known as a butcher's trolley, these need to be quite stable for safety. A worksurface can be added to the top.
Understairs rollout bin or box - can be rhomboid to fit in the awkward spaces under stairs.
Also hides any rough looking utility boxes at the back, but make sure there is easy access. Fuse boxes should not be hidden by these sorts of bins and boxes.