Inexpensive Storage Ideas

There are many ways to make effective storage without breaking the budget. With some planning, a little creativity and today’s endless supply of affordable products you can get organized and make use of even small spaces. Getting organized with efficient storage not only saves time, it makes life less stressful, increases productivity and can save you money in the long run.

The first step is to assess your storage needs. If you feel like you’re home is overrun by unused items consider “weeding” out. It may be time for a tag sale or to donate old, unused items that are taking up space.

If your still short on storage after cleaning out closets it’s time to make a plan of attack. Go through your home and note areas where things just don’t seem to have a place. Prioritize these spaces for how you use your time, or better yet, how you would like to use it.

Once you’ve gotten an idea where you need more storage, try a bit of organizing. It could be that you’ve got the space and storage you need but aren’t utilizing it to its fullest capacity. Start with the room at the top of your list and think about how you use the space. Are the tools you need accessible for the work or play that the room is meant for? Do you have enough work space when these are handy? What in the room do you see as the biggest deterrent to an efficient work flow?

The Kitchen

With the medley of items, products and functions that the kitchen holds it is easily the room most likely to need a bit of organizing. At the same time, the bevy of products on the market that are geared to making the kitchen more efficient can add to clutter and disarray.

Do a quick scan of your cabinets to see where things get lost. Note what are your most used items be it dog food, cereal or coffee. Getting a handle on even small every day functions will get your days off to better start.

Buy storage containers for things you use everyday like coffee, tea, cereal and pet food. Stackable, uniform shapes are best. Buy clear storage containers for bulk items like cereal, sugar and baking goods. This will help keep cabinets organized, keep food longer and prevent spills and insects.

Entryways & Mudrooms

The entryways to your home are often the clutter spots. In a way this is a good thing. Shoes, kid’s toys, pet supplies, jackets and warm weather gear are better left where you need them. Still, the first and last thing you want when you enter and leave the house is mess.

If this room is on your attack list there are easy inexpensive solutions. If you’ve got a coat closet, consider customizing it completely. Wire rack systems are easy to find, easy to install and customize. If you’re crunched on closet space consider adding a cubby system with hooks for jackets. Everyone in the family gets their own space for the things they take on and off every day. You can likely tackle this project yourself or, for a small investment, have a carpenter do it for you with inexpensive standard materials.

Another solution for stuffed mudrooms is to buy an inexpensive tall bookshelf and customize it with storage containers. A bookshelf with removable shelves will allow you to create hanging room for jackets by taking the shelves out and adding a few decorative hooks.

Home Office

These days, more and more people are working from home. This has benefits and drawbacks. One of the biggest challenges is separating work and home. If you’ve got a home office you’re challenging productivity if you’ve got too many distractions. At the same time, it’s easy to let work overflow into your personal life.

Luckily, there are many ways to keep yourself organized when working at home and many products to help you stay organized. Invest in storage solutions that you can close or put away at the end of the day.

IKEA is the one of the least expensive sources for home office storage solutions with a wide variety of products or just for ideas. But keep in mind that the store is set up to tempt you. Shop online as much as possible and don't go without a list.

Garage & Cellars

One of the biggest storage mistakes people make in the garage and cellar is not utilizing the height of the rooms. These spaces are often higher than typical living space and this should be used for storage.

Garage & cellar shelving systems are inexpensive and require little if any installation. Most are compactable and can easily be taken apart and stored when not needed. Shelving is as simple as it gets. It gets clutter off the ground and doesn't require extra space to open if used near cars.

Buy shelving and then invest in clear storage containers that fit the shelves you purchase. Buy in sets that include large and small containers to accommodate a variety of items. Be sure the containers close tightly and are stackable to take advantage of height.

*Note: The information in this article is general advice and not meant as a substitute for personal guidance from a financial advisor, real estate professional or legal counsel. Although the author is a licensed realtor, the advice given in this article does not constitute any client contract or agreement between the author and the user. The author is not responsible for any losses, damages or claims that may result from your decisions.