How to Create Extra Storage Space

If you are running short on closet storage space, here is a good storage idea. Lots more storage space can be found if needed - just look around or in this case, under.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• clear space under a bed
• flat plastic storage containers with wheels
• tape measure
• bed lifts - purchased or
• make your own with
• extra lumber
• saw
• paint to match decor

1. Start out by evaluating your storage needs. Do you need to create extra storage for kids books, toys, clothes, electronics or video games? Are your closet organizers not sufficient? Or maybe as an adult you need extra room to store blankets, family photos or off-season clothing.

2. 

   Look under your bed. Whatever the storage need may be, hopefully the space under here is currently unoccupied. A full size bed can normally house three 40"x20"x6" rolling storage containers.

3. Using your tape measure, measure the height of the space under your bed. Measure from the floor to the bottom of the board that runs down the side. Some beds will be tall enough to allow for the six inch height of the containers. Some will not. Those beds that are not tall enough will need to be lifted to accommodate the storage.

4. 
   Purchased bed lifts

   There are two easy things you can do to lift the height of the bed. The first thing you can do is buy plastic or wood bed lifts from a home organization store. The second thing you can do is make your own lifts.

5. Measure the diameter of your bed feet and take note of the shape of the feet. This step will help you when shopping for or making the lifts.

6. If you decide to make your own, refer back to the measurement you took on the height of space under your bed.

7. Cut four blocks of wood with your saw that are both correct in height and width according to the measurement of your bed feet. You want the bed feet to be able to fit on the block and have at least an extra two inches all the way around the block.

8. Paint the blocks of wood if desired.

9. Fill the storage bins, organizing as you go. Roll them under the bed and you're set! Kids can easily roll out the containers and the lock down feature is easy for kids to get into.

[klnygaard]

on 10/20/2008 great article

[PaulMcDaniel]

on 10/20/2008 Great suggestions! Thanks!

[bar10dr98]

on 10/20/2008 great idea!

[TiffanyB]

on 10/20/2008 Great ideas.