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Most of us do not have an abundant supply of extra closet space, empty chest of drawers, or lonely shelves in our kitchens or linen closets. However, most of us do have items that need to be stored somewhere for seasonal, personal, or sentimental reasons just so we can get to the things we need daily.

Having a good organizational plan for storage is a must. Tucking all of the excess items in cardboard boxes to stick in the attic is never a good idea. Attic fluctuating temperatures can cause problems with some items and it makes retrieval difficult if you have several boxes tucked away.

The best solution for storage is to utilize what you have available. When possible, store items in the rooms they will be used in. Who would ever think to look for the cookie press in a box in the linen closet? A box of your home movies will be damaged if stored in the attic. Extra linens should not take up room in your clothes closet.

KITCHEN storage solutions:
*Seldom used appliances such as crock pots, blenders, large plastic bowls, or pressure cookers can be used to store small items taking up space in your kitchen drawers. Store the cookie cutters, icing decorator tips and bags, corn on the cob holders, and nut crackers inside these big appliances.

*Baskets, ceramic pots, or other decorative items on the tops of your cabinets can be functional for storage also. A large ceramic vase can be used to store wooden spoons, spatulas, and large knives. All those cookies tins you received as holiday gifts can be used inside the cabinets to store dried beans, dried season mixes or store small utensils in them. Use a wide plastic pitcher to store all the lids to the plastic containers you have stacked together.

*If your cabinets are tall and most of the upper regions are being wasted, install hooks to hang coffee cups or measuring cups.

DEN or FAMILY ROOM storage solutions:
*The antique chest you are using for a coffee table, can store photo albums, boxes of pictures, blankets, magazines, Christmas wrapping paper or ornaments, candles or other seasonal decor.

*Store the board games under the sofa or the over stuffed chair, just drag out occasionally to dust good underneath.

BEDROOM storage solutions:
*Store your luggage under the bed to free up space in your closets. This luggage can also be used as storage.

*Purchase large shallow plastic bins to store shoes, seasonal clothing items, wrapping paper and bows, and
children's art work underneath the beds. Using these areas as storage especially in your children's rooms prevents them from hiding their clutter under their beds.

CLOSET storage solutions:
*Invest in hangers for hanging several shirts, skirts or pants on one hanger.

*Utilize special hanging units such those made for shoes, caps, handbags or sweaters to store other items such as umbrellas, art supplies, toys, or seasonal linens.

*In linen closets, store the seasonal items on the very top shelves, the sleeping bags and air mattresses on the floor area.

*In the coat closets, make sure to go through these every season and donate those coats that are no longer being used.

BATHROOM storage solutions:
*Install decorative shelves over the toilet to store extra bars of soap, shampoo, lotions, or candles.

*Use large baskets or basket planters to store rolled up towels, extra toilet tissue or soaps and lotions.

With a little thought and imagination, you can probably find several items in your own home that can double as storage solutions. If you are forced to turn to cardboard boxes, make sure you label the boxes and list everything inside for ease of retrieval.

Learn more about this author, Madison Briggs.
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