You don't need to renovate or remodel to solve the clutter problem in your home. You just need to try these smart storage solutions.
1. Kitchen Rollouts
There's rarely enough cabinet space in a kitchen. Rollouts, which are pull-out shelves or drawers on a rail system, are an easy way to solve that problem, since they provide additional shelves for your pots, pans, cookie sheets, or boxes of dried goods. The shelves slide out for easy access, so they're great for holding heavy items like a mixer (and because you won't have to bend down so far to pick them up, your back will thank you). Whether you build your own rollouts from plywood or buy them assembled and finished, they will double or even triple your cabinet storage space.
You can also use rollouts for holding recycling bins or trash containers. When shopping, the rollouts are also called sliding shelves, pull-out shelves, or rollout drawers. Make sure to measure your cabinet door width so you'll know what size to buy. Some are pricey, costing more than US$300, but you can find brands for less than US$50.
2. Second-Hand Kitchen Cabinets for the Garage
Forget those mega-expensive garage storage systems. Sure, they look nice, but this is the garage, function trumps aesthetics. An easy and usually cheap way to increase garage storage is to install old kitchen cabinets.
Find previously used cabinets at garage sales, online, or by talking to kitchen remodelling contractors who typically replace them on a regular basis. Second-hand cabinets are usually pretty solid and add a lot of storage space. Level them and screw them to studs, just like you would when hanging them in the kitchen.
3. Portable Kitchen Island
These kitchen butlers, also called utility carts, provide instant storage along with additional kitchen workspace. Wheel them into the kitchen when you need them, use them for prepping food or storing kitchenware, then put them away when you're done. You can even use them on a deck or patio for parties or barbecues.
In addition to the storage space, a portable island can offer a wood surface for cutting veggies and hooks for hanging utensils. Prices range from less than US$100 to a few hundred bucks.
4. In-the-Wall Bathroom Cabinet
Bathrooms are usually cramped, and hanging storage cabinets cut into usable space. One solution is to install a cabinet inside the wall. Be sure to choose a spot that doesn't have plumbing pipes or electrical cables running in the wall. For example, the spot over the toilet usually won't work because of the plumbing, but the wall opposite the toilet or behind the door is often fine. If you're not sure, make a small hole in the wall and look inside with a flashlight to check for pipes or cables. Then cut a hole in the wall between the studs and nail the cabinet in place. The trim around the cabinet gives it a clean look and covers the ragged drywall cut.
In-wall cabinets, or recessed medicine cabinets, start at about US$30 for a basic metal unit with a mirrored front, and can get up to a few hundred dollars for a wood cabinet.
5. Ceiling Pan Rack
Stop stacking and unstacking cookware every time you want to make a family dinner. Instead, install a rack from the kitchen ceiling that will let you hang pots and pans from hooks. In addition to its practicality, a rack adds some decoration to a kitchen (that also means you'll want nice-looking cookware since it will be on display). A wrought-iron rack costs about US$40.
Install it by driving fasteners through the unit into ceiling joists. Most racks hang from chains. You can adjust the chain length so the rack is low enough for you to reach the pots and pans, but not so low that you'll whack your head.
6. Pantry Racks
Boxed and canned goods get pushed to the back of a pantry or cupboard, never to be seen again. Or you stack them up, only to have them tumble out when you bump them. Either way, pantry shelves are a prime opportunity for a better storage strategy.
A simple way to maximize a space and keep it organized is to add a pantry rack that sits on a shelf. Installation is as basic as sliding the rack in place‚ no fasteners required. Some racks have a slight slope so the cans always roll to the front, meaning you'll never have to reach to the back of the cabinet again. And taking inventory of your pantry will be a snap. A chrome rack that holds dozens of canned goods costs less than US$30.
7. Laundry-Room Shelves and Rods
One common way people add storage space to a laundry room is by installing a wire closet shelf, but those often end up sagging. There are better options. Consider a multifunctional storage organizer that includes shelving, a closet rod, and hooks for hanging items such as an ironing board. It will keep all of your laundry products in one convenient location. You'll also be able to hang up your clothes after they've been through the washer and dryer so they won't wrinkle. These units cost about US$81.
8. Closet Wardrobe
Closet storage systems have become increasingly popular over the last several years, and for good reason. They do a great job of maximizing precious closet storage. The problem is that the systems, especially those installed by contractors, often cost a small fortune.
Save money by building your own system from plans online. Or buy preassembled units made from wood or metal. Choose one that offers a variety of options, such as shelves for folded clothes, rods for hanging dress shirts and pants, a place for shoes, and overhead storage for off-season clothing. One of the least expensive models we found, which provides those features, costs less than US$50.
9. Bathroom-Sink Slide-Out Shelf
You might have bottles of cleaners under your bathroom sink that are as old as your house. And over the years they might have been pushed to the back or knocked over, leaking all over the cabinet. Adding a slide-out shelf lets you smartly utilize the under-sink space and quickly see what's stored there.
Take measurements of your vanity so you can purchase a shelf that fits your dimensions and that also won't interfere with the plumbing pipes under the sink. Buy one that has ball-bearing rail systems. They slide easily and can hold a lot of weight. They can cost US$120 or more, but you can build your own.
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