Getting organized does not have to be an expensive undertaking. Chances are, you have available storage space that you never even considered before, such as over cluttered closets, drawers, and cabinets. Most closets, drawers, and cabinets have the volume to hold twice as much as they are made for. Empty them out and you're likely to be amazed at all the additional space you have created for items that are more useful. If you want some extra storage space in your closet, try hanging your clothes one above the other. While you can buy closet organizers for this, you can also add another rod yourself for less. Another alternative is shelving. Adding shelves wherever you have available space always enhances storage possibilities. Adding ice cube trays to your drawers frees up loads of space. These make great, inexpensive storage containers for smaller items that are normally tossed into junk drawers; you know the ones we all have somewhere in the home.
Other than the obvious storage places, look at the possibilities in which your furniture may offer as well. For instance, does your coffee table have hidden storage space? If not, make use of the space it does offer. I like to place stacks of books and other objects of interest beneath both coffee and end tables. What about unused space under the bed? There are numerous ideas for storage here. Use boxes or unused drawers for storing a multitude of items, from quilts to toys. Ordinary bookshelves can be transformed into side units for an entertainment center, instantly offering space for your ever-growing DVD collection or other knick-knacks. You might even have nooks and crannies age that you haven't even thought of. For instance, I had an open area, similar to that of a window, in the wall dividing the dining area from the living room. While it was simply a decorative feature, I found a more useful purpose for it. We simply closed it off with a fitted piece of plywood, stained to match our existing décor. Then we filled the space with small shelves. I used this for storing small bottles and photos, leaving more space for other things where I once had these.
If you're anything like me, you probably have a heavy supply of magazines or books just laying around taking up much needed space. I like to keep them around for topic ideas after I've finished reading them; however, to save on space, I have since found a better way to keep what I need without the clutter. I simply flip through them one by one, tearing out the pages I want (such as recipes, pictures, or articles). I can then file these pages in a labeled binder for safekeeping, thus getting rid of the remaining magazine. For those I do hold onto, I simply stack them neatly on a stool or in a basket. Whatever the item, there's a place for it. All you have to do is think outside the box. Use your imagination. I have taken piled up artwork from my children and put them on display rather than allowing it to simply collect dust and take up space. Their artwork can be found decoupaged onto shelves or hung as wall borders. I also have many small items in the house, but I try to find creative ways of storing them without taking up any additional space. For instance, I am an avid collector of anything old, with numerous bottles as part of my collection. Rather than have these sit empty I fill them up with small items, such as buttons, loose change, or office supplies, depending on their location. Since many of these are clear, I can easily find what I'm looking for whenever the need arises. I have even used them as containers for plants.
