How to Use Storage in a Small House

A small home can present issues when you're looking for storage.

Trying to find adequate storage space in a small house can become challenging, especially if your family is growing in size. However, there are many things you can do to maximize the storage space, not only in your closets but also along your walls and in your rooms. Making use of vertical space is a great way to ensure you get the most out of the storage you have in your home.

Things You'll Need

• Clothes rods
• Storage bins
• Shelving
• Vacuum-pack bags
• Vacuum cleaner
• Dressers

Instructions

1. Remove the screws from the clothes-hanging rod in your closet and move it to eye level. This allows you to hang longer clothes such as dresses and pants.

2. Attach a rod approximately 24 inches above original rod and then hang an additional rod at least 24 inches above that rod. These rods work to hang shorter clothes such as shirts. This maximizes the vertical space above your original rod.

3. Purchase stackable storage bins, and stack the bins in your closet until they reach the bottom level of your clothes. This maximizes storage space on the floor of your closet.

4. Install adjustable shelving on open walls. Most home improvement centers sell utilitarian shelving made of metal wire. The shelves secure to brackets that you attach to the wall with toggle bolts. One shelf that goes from floor to ceiling can provide a large amount of storage space.

5. Invest in vacuum packing bags. With the use of vacuum-pack bags and a vacuum cleaner, you can store clothes, bedding, towels and other cloth items you do not use often. Vacuum packing sucks all of the air out of the bags, making the bags much smaller than you could get them without removing the air. This reduces the amount of space needed for storage.

6. Investigate the attic and the basement. If they remain dry, you can use additional storage containers and store your items in those areas. However, if your attic and basement have high levels of moisture, you need to consider mildew and plan accordingly. Airtight storage bins and vacuum bags work in higher-humidity locations.

7. Utilize tall dressers. Dressers allow you to store items and make use of vertical space. They maintain a small footprint on the floor but provide good vertical storage.

References

• Life Organizers; Use Space Effectively; Maria Gracia