Find a place for everything with these brilliant storage and organizing ideas for your home.
50 Storage and Organizing Problem-Solvers
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A Fully Enclosed Workspace
When it comes to home office storage ideas, why not think big, and make your entire office one storage space? By turning an extra closet into a home office, you'll have all the storage you could ever need, with the added ability to close the doors when you want it out of sight.
You can also discover the best deals on cleaning supplies to keep your secret storage area clean at all times!
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Bathroom Drawer Insert from the Kitchen
A silverware drawer insert works just as well in the bathroom for organizing toothbrushes, tubes of toothpaste, razors, clippers, lip balm and more. The various sizes of compartments keep items looking neat and easy to find.
In a small bathroom, every square inch counts. Use these clever tips to wring extra bathroom storage from unexpected places.
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Plywood Ceiling Shelves
Tuck medium and lightweight stuff onto shelves suspended from the ceiling. The shelves go into that unused space above the garage doors; you’ll need 16 inches of clearance to fit a shelf and standard 12-1/2-in. high plastic bins. However, you can adjust the shelf height and put them anywhere. The only limitation is weight.
We designed this 4 x 6-ft. shelf to hold about 160 lbs., a load that typical ceiling framing can safely support. Click here for the full plans.
Also if you’re moving or swapping out your summer wardrobe for cold-weather clothes, you’ve got to try these space-saver bags to save you tons of storage space.
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Cabinet Door Storage Rack
Here's a simple project to bring order to the chaos: A door-mounted storage rack that can be achieved with some basic carpentry skills and a few hand tools. You can modify this basic idea to organize other cabinets, too.
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Three-Ring Tool and Appliance File
Store your appliance and tool manuals in three-ring binders so you can find them when you need them. Insert labeled dividers to organize them for quick reference.
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Divide Deep Drawers
Deep drawers often contain a jumbled pile of interlocking utensils. Our solution is a sliding tray that creates two shallower spaces. Make it 1/8-in. narrower than the drawer box, about half the length and any depth you want (ours is 1-3/4-in. deep).
When you position the holes for the adjustable shelf supports, don't rely on measurements and arithmetic. Instead, position the tray inside the drawer box at least 1/8-in. lower than the cabinet opening and make a mark on the tray. Our shelf supports fit tightly into the holes, but yours may require a little super glue. This simple drawer rests on shelf supports.
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Pantry Storage: Spice Storage
Small spice containers use shelf space inefficiently and are difficult to find when surrounded by taller bottles and items. Use a small spring-tension curtain rod as a simple shelf. It's easy to install and strong enough to support the spices. Learn how to make this spice rack in our video tutorial.
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Box Shelves
Cubes are a perfect shape for many baskets and boxes and they create a small enough space for mini collections of books and papers. With these easy-to-construct box shelves, you can create a custom space that is the perfect match for your office decor.
Looking for more styles? Here’s our list of different types of shelves to organize your home and office.
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Open Shelving
Easy to build and endlessly customizable, open shelving is a perfect way to store office supplies off your desk and easy to find. Break up books, magazine holders, and other items by adding a few special objects like picture frames or vases to increase the attractiveness of your shelf and avoid the appearance of clutter.
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Box it Up
Storage boxes are the perfect way to corral a multitude of practical office supplies, like paper, envelopes and extra cords and equipment, out of view. Labels can help you find anything quickly and using boxes to hide the clutter will keep your office work- and study-ready.
Photo: Melina Gillies
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Install Wire Shelves
A professional installer shares his knowledge about how to install wire shelving. Make your job go faster and look better with these tips for leveling, supporting and cutting wire shelves.
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Pack Seasonal Clothing
One simple way to make extra closet space is to store seasonal clothing and accessories somewhere else, leaving you more space for the items you need now.
Put clothes, accessories, shoes and purses in a vacuum storage bag — you’ll be surprised how compact it all becomes once the air is removed. Insert a list of what’s in each bag where you can read it, so you can locate something if you need it unexpectedly.
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Pegboard Cubbyholes
Here's a tool storage technique for all those slender tools and shop accessories. Cut short lengths of PVC pipe (1-1/2-in. and 2-in.-dia. pipes work well for most items) and slide them over pegboard hooks. Then load them up with files, hacksaw blades, zip ties, pencils, stir sticks ... you get the idea.
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Pegboard Specs
All pegboard has holes with 1-in. spacing, but there are two thicknesses and two hole sizes available.
- Small hole pegboard is usually 1/8-in.-thick hardboard with 3/16-in.-dia. holes. The holes will accommodate only the smaller 1/8-in. pegs. This thickness is good for small projects and for hanging lighter weight stuff. But for heavy tools — and longevity — go with the thicker board.
- Large hole pegboard is usually 1/4-in.-thick hardboard with 1/4-in.-dia. holes that will accept 1/8-in. and 1/4-in. hooks. This is the type you need for workshops, garages and other heavy-use areas. Some pegboard shelves come with a melamine coating on one side.
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Couch Shelf
Try making a shelf that runs between your couch and the wall. That space can be used as a spot to place a lamp or plants and store the remotes, books and candles.
Photo: Courtesy of littlehousedesign.com
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Baskets and Ottomans
Some well-placed baskets and ottomans will help organize your living room. Store blankets, toys, crafting supplies, movies and even books inside.
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Storage Bench
Storage benches aren’t just for mud rooms and entryways. Try a storage bench in your living room for extra seating and store board games, toys or knitting supplies inside.
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Couch Caddy
Keep everything you need within arm’s reach. This clever Ikea hack couch caddy can hold your remote, a beverage and a magazine or newspaper. Find instructions at instructables.com.
Photo: Courtesy of instructables.com
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Shelving in Small Spaces
Small spaces need creative solutions. Try hanging floating shelves in that small corner space where furniture won’t fit. Or try a corner shelf unit which takes up less room.
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Build Rollouts at Ankle Level
Turn wasted toe-kick cavities into clever flat storage space for serving trays, cutting boards and baking pans. This article shows you how to construct self-contained rollout shelving units that you assemble in your shop and then just slip into place beneath your existing cabinets. We walk you through measuring and building the shelf and carrier units, and then installing them in your kitchen. Even if you've never built or installed a drawer before, this article will show you how.
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Storing in Suitcases? Roll Away
If you already have a few unused suitcases around, they can be suitable for storing seasonal clothes (and won't take up any extra room). Roll common clothes like shirts, sweaters and pants into loose bundles before storing them. They take up less room this way, and can breathe easier.
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Store Spray Paint in a Wine Box
Corral your pile of spray paint in a wine box for storage. The interior dividers in a wine box are sized perfectly for the narrow cans, and the colorful lids remain visible when you look inside.
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Hot Glue Gun Uses: Magnets in the Medicine Cabinet
Reader David Farrand has a great solution for organizing small metal items such as tweezers, nail clippers and more in the bathroom: Hang them on magnets inside a cabinet. If your cabinet does not have a metal surface, attach the magnets with hot glue, one magnet for each metal tool.
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Garage Door Extension Cord Storage
Ever wish you had one more garage wall to hang stuff on? Well, you do. Your garage door is a perfect place for extension cord storage. (Yes, they'll stay put when the door opens and closes.) Install screw eyes diagonally about eight inches apart and thread bungee cords (with the ends cut off) through them for perfect extension cord storage. Now you have a perfect bungee “corral” to hold your extra extension cords.
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Instant Drying Rack
Create space for air-drying clothes in a basement laundry room by tacking a 1x2 board across a few joists overhead. Drive a heavy-duty nail or screw through the board and into each joist; then hook several hangers onto the board for drying clothes.
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Heavy-Duty Utility Shelves
Store-bought shelving units are either hard to assemble and flimsy or awfully expensive. Here's a better solution. These shelves are strong and easy to build and cost about $70. We sized this sturdy shelf unit to hold standard records storage boxes ($4 each). If you want deeper storage, build the shelves 24 in. deep and buy 24-in.-deep boxes. If you prefer to use plastic storage bins, measure the size of the containers and modify the shelf and upright spacing to fit.
Refer to the dimensions shown to mark the location of the horizontal 2x2 on the back of four 2x4s. Also mark the position of the 2x4 uprights on the 2x2s. Then simply line up the marks and screw the 2x2s to the 2x4s with pairs of 2-1/2-in. wood screws. Be sure to keep the 2x2s and 2x4s at right angles. Rip a 4 x 8-ft. sheet of 1/2-in. MDF, plywood or OSB into 16-in.-wide strips and screw it to the 2x2s to connect the two frames and form the shelving unit.
If you choose plastic bins rather than cardboard boxes, label the plastic with a wet-erase marker. When it's time to relabel the bin, just wipe away the marks with a damp rag. No room for floor-standing shelves? Build this sliding storage system on the ceiling.
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Build Individual Storage Lockers
Make everyone responsible for their own things by giving them their own locker. These cabinets provide individualized spaces for school supplies, equipment and outerwear. And will keep up your mudroom organization.
Plus: Build these great-looking, functional storage lockers
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No Shoes in These Shoeboxes
Fill clear plastic shoebox containers with craft or office supplies, and label the front for easy view. Stack them on top closet shelves. When you accumulate stuff, you accumulate storage bins to store that stuff. Learn how to make your own storage bin shelves.
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Wrap Up Your Wrapping Paper
Use an over the door shoe hanger to keep wrapping paper and supplies in one place and out of the way. Measure the length of your rolls and cut the bottom seams on pockets that need to allow the roll to pass through, leaving the bottom pocket intact. Leave single pockets to sort and store scissors, tape and ribbon.
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Reuse and Recycle Food Tins
Before you throw out empty tea, coffee and cookie tins, give them a quick rinse. Reuse them to uniquely store office supplies, photos and junk drawer items. The square shape is harder to tip than a round pencil cup.
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Mud Room Grab And Go Bags
In your entryway, keep a tote bag for each activity you or your kids regularly participate in. For instance, have one bag for soccer practice and one for band rehearsals. That way you can simply grab the bag and go, with all the essentials inside. Depending on your needs, three other grab-and-go totes you might consider keeping are:
- A car travel/restaurant tote filled with travel-friendly toys, quiet games or projects the kids can do while waiting for dinner in a restaurant;
- Dry-cleaning tote for clothes that need to be taken to the cleaners;
- Library tote for your books and library card.
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BBQ Tool Organizer
If you're tired of your grilling tools taking up valuable space on your grill's side trays, here's the perfect solution: Screw hooks to the underside of your deck railing. Now you can hang each tool on its own hook. It's a great way to keep the tools out of the way, yet right where you need them. You can opt for magnetic hooks, too.
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Behind the Door Storage: Charger and Cord Pockets
Do you get tired of rummaging through drawers and boxes trying to find the right cords and chargers for all of your electronic gadgets? One solution is to use a clear vinyl over-the-door shoe organizer. Make labels for each pocket and put every item in its own spot. Now you can find everything you need without getting frustrated.
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Trunk Organizer
Make an inexpensive trunk organizer with file crates or plastic bins. Use self-adhesive hook-and-loop tape (like Velcro) to secure the bin to the fabric lining of your trunk. Now you have a great place to store car items and haul bags of groceries without them toppling over.
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Under-Sink Storage Bins
What's hiding under your kitchen sink? If the space under your sink is anything like ours, it's an overcrowded jumble of cleaning supplies, sponges and plastic bags. Here's a great way to store these items right on the door of the sink cabinet. Cut a plastic storage tub in half with a utility knife and screw it to the inside of the cabinet door through the plastic lip at the top of the tub. Just make sure you position it so you can shut the cabinet door when all your bags and other supplies are in the bin.
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Closet Storage Ideas: Use Door Space Intelligently
Don't forget the door when counting your closet space! Try an over-the-door shoe organizer on the backside of a closet door to organize scarves, belts and other accessories. Or of course, shoes too!
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Use Slim Bins to Store More
Looking to maximize your shelf space? Look no further. Whether you live in a mansion or studio apartment, keeping dry goods in tall (or flat), skinny containers will help you get more bang for buck. But what about if your kitchen doesn’t have a pantry? Check out these 11 No-Pantry Organization Solutions On a Budget.
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Wire Shelving Rack
You don’t have to buy a fancy rack to store your fishing gear. Screw some short sections of wire shelving to your garage or workshop ceiling. Your fishing rods will be organized and out of the way until you need them.
These 18 life-changing organizing ideas are for hard-to-store stuff.
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Closet Nook Shelves
Salvage the hidden space at the recessed ends of your closets by adding a set of wire shelves. Wire shelves are available in a variety of widths.
Measure the width and depth of the space. Then choose the correct shelving and ask the salesperson to cut the shelves to length for you. Subtract 3/8-in. from the actual width to determine the shelf length. Buy a pair of end mounting brackets and a pair of plastic clips for each shelf.
Want more tips on organizing your closet? Check out these 11 clothes storage ideas.
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Joist Space Storage
Don't waste all that space between joists in a basement or garage. Screw wire shelving to the underside of the joists. An 8-ft. x 16-in. length of wire shelving and a pack of plastic clips (sold separately) costs about 20 bucks. Don't forget that wire shelving also shines on walls. Learn the best practices for installing wire shelving here.
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Tidy File Center
Countertops are a landing pad for paper—mail, news clippings and other assorted notes. Get that mess off your counter with folders and a file holder. The one shown here (from an office supply store) mounts with screws or double-sided foam tape. If you don't have suitable vertical surface, get a file holder that sits on the countertop. It will take up less space (and look neater) than a stack of papers. If you're short on space and could use a home office, read up on how to turn your closet into a makeshift home office!
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Decorative Backsplash Rack
Backsplash racks offer easy access and stylish storage. Most versions take just a few minutes to install. Backsplash racks have a few disadvantages, though. All your kitchen utensils have to look good since they’re on display. And if you ever decide to remove the rack, you’ll be left with screw holes in the backsplash. Not a big problem with drywall, but ugly and unfixable in tile.
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Monkey Bars Wall Unit
When you need storage above your wall unit, Monkey Bars has the solution. Engineered of steel for durability, the system offers custom solutions to get tools and materials off the garage floor and out of your way, but still within reach. You can modify the hook-and-bar system to fit changing storage needs in the future.
Check out 14 more overhead garage storage products.
Image courtesy of Monkey Bars.
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DIY Tiered Hangers for More Closet Storage
Short on closet space? Use a lightweight piece of chain to stagger hanging clothing in tall closets to maximize space. Just loop the first link of the chain over the first hanger, and hang subsequent hangers on every other links after. Hang up to six shirts for the rod space of one. If you're up for a bigger project, you can build your own melamine closet storage system.
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Skinny Laundry Room Cart
A lot of laundry rooms have a narrow wasted space either next to or between the washing machine and dryer, and it's usually a hideout for socks and lint. To take advantage of this space and organize your laundry room, build a simple plywood laundry room cart on fixed casters to hold detergents and other laundry supplies.
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Storage Bin Index
Like a lot of other people, my wife and I love large plastic bins. But remembering what's inside each bin is tough, and reading a small label is nearly impossible when your bins are stored high on garage shelves. We solved both problems by labeling our bins with large numbers. Each number corresponds to a page in a binder that lists the contents of each bin. It's simple to change the list, and it's a heck of a lot easier to find what you need by checking the binder than by rummaging through each bin.
— reader Gerald Naumann.
Editor's Note: When it comes to bin I.D. tags, we like adhesive storage pouches that let you slip index cards in and out easily. You can find these at office supply stores or online retailers.
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Kitchen Storage Rail
Make space in your kitchen by installing a stainless steel rail from which you can hang kitchen utensils, coffee mugs, pots, pans, and more. This is a great storage solution if you have unclaimed wall real estate. It doubles as a great place to arrange and/or dry dishtowels and oven mitts.
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Instant Laundry Room Cubbies
If you don't have cabinets or shelves in your tiny laundry room, buy inexpensive plastic crates at a discount store and create your own wall of cubbies for some small room organization. Screw them to the wall studs using a fender washer in the upper corner of each crate for extra strength for DIY laundry room shelves. The crates hold a lot of supplies, and they keep tippy things like your iron from falling over. Here are some more ideas for small space storage solutions.
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PVC Curling Iron Holsters
Hate the messy look of curling irons lying on the vanity or the toilet tank? Here's a tip for you. Use hook-and-loop tape to attach five-inch lengths of 2-in. PVC pipe to the vanity door to hold the curling irons. Do the same thing with three-inch pieces of 1-1/2-in.-dia. pipe to hold the cords. Just measure your curling irons to see how long your "holsters" need to be. Let your curling irons cool before you stow them away.
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Toss Old Clothing
Clothes you haven't touched in two years need to go. The two-year rule accounts for warmer-than-usual winters or unseasonable summers when you may not wear something you'd usually wear. It also accounts for clothes you've been saving for chores like yard work or painting, without letting you hold on to these items indefinitely. If you're not willing to take the time to try something on to confirm that you still love it, then you can let it go. Learn about Swedish death cleaning and if you can apply some of the principles. Just be careful what you donate, there are a number of items you should think twice about donating.
