Solving Storage Woes Requires a Strategy

“Out of sight, out of mind” is the easiest philosophy to adopt when you’re contending with a chronic shortage of storage space. But while the quick-fix approach--cramming items behind closet doors and squeezing them into already stuffed drawers--works when company is arriving in 10 minutes, it doesn’t solve your storage problems. It merely camouflages them.

Well-structured storage requires a strategy. Start by measuring all the things you’re going to show or stow--height, width and depth--at the beginning of the project to avoid disappointing surprises. Next, determine exactly what you want your system to accomplish.

There are four main categories of storage functions:

* Organization: Just about everyone can use a little of this type of storage, especially when you need to prioritize and order a considerable number of objects. Prime locations for organizing are the kitchen, home office and closets--where logical, at-a-glance containment is in demand.

* Access. This category has two faces. In some cases, you’ll want easy access to items; in others, you want to limit access by others.

* Display. Best for those possessions you want to show off. As everyone who has grappled with an exploding population of Beanie Babies is aware, collections tend to grow, so try to anticipate this when allocating space.

* Concealment. Hidden behind screens, in drawers and in cupboards--there are numerous ways to keep clutter under wraps. Unlike display storage, neatness doesn’t necessarily count when it comes to concealing items, although organization should be a part of the picture.

To best serve your purposes, you might have to combine storage types. For example, Aunt Hilda’s glass display case full of souvenir spoons collected on her world travels incorporates three functions: display, organization and access. The right display case keeps things visible, neat and free of dust.

Another factor to consider when analyzing storage needs is how often you use the objects in question. Those that are part of your daily routine should be placed at eye or counter height whenever possible, keeping them within easy reach. Items in occasional use can expand out into stooping or stretching territory.

Candidates for deep storage--such as holiday decorations, seasonal sports equipment or luggage--might call for a ladder or a trip to and from the attic or garage.

Incorporating even one of these storage ideas should help, but it does take a little effort. Unlike clutter, storage doesn’t just happen.

Reprinted from Today’s Homeowner magazine. To get more expert advice on improving your home, call (800) 456-6369 or visit the Web site at https://www.todayshomeowner.com.

* Be generous. Buy ample plants and place them closer together than the instructions suggest. This will give you a full, lush look.