How to Disguise Storage Areas

Whether you are outgrowing your home or have relocated to a smaller place, storage and lack of it, often becomes an all critical issue. For some pack rats it's a matter of learning how to let go of unneeded items. Regardless of your situation, however, you can both increase your storage space and disguise storage areas to fit your style. Read on to learn how to disguise storage areas.

Instructions

1. Take a basic inventory of your surroundings and belongings first before attempting to add or disguise storage area. This is a good time to unload unused and unwanted items as well as organize items by size or type. Otherwise you may overspend on storage items and yet remain space deficient.

2. Obtain storage containers that fit with existing furniture and hiding spaces. Key areas to disguise storage include under the bed, closets, nooks, pantries, laundry rooms, and other unused or under decorated space. Measure the storage space and keep this for reference when you shop for potential containers.

3. Double or triple usable closet space by adding shelves and/or a second clothes rack. Consider usability prior to revamping though, to ensure that frequently used items are within reach. Both closets and bathrooms tend to accumulate many unneeded items, from unworn coats to unused linens. Be judicial at making space-saving cuts here.

4. Buy or make decorative containers that may serve to enhance a room yet disguise storage areas. Higher-priced items such as trunks, wardrobes and shelved furniture works well as does its lower cost counterparts. Wooden boxes, baskets and stacked storage serves nicely when items are organized and small to medium-sized.

5. Use fabric where possible to work with existing storage space in an attractive and economic manner. Consider decorative fabric table cloths to disguise storage space and clutter, including stacked boxes, microwave and TV stands, carts and coffee tables. For open cabinetry try adding small curtains. It is easy to make your own for small spaces by using decorative towels or large cloth napkins and minor sewing or darting.

6. Shop for decorative items that serve double duty as potential storage space as you shop for home décor in the future. Know that small spaces add up in your efforts to save space and disguise storage areas.

Tips & Warnings

• Use file cabinets or portable file systems to store papers rather than take up room in drawers and boxes.

• Consider a room divider to disguise storage areas. Measure the area before purchasing.