In more conservative times, some buyers may be looking for smaller and more efficient homes. A typical older home may be a total 950 to 1100 square feet and offer little room for storage. Condos and lofts are becoming more popular as people seek a practical lifestyle, but still have a lot of stuff. Well, have no fear, storage solutions are here! Smart storage helps keep you organized and in reducing clutter. Here are several steps to a clutter-free home.
First, go through all your closets and find all the things you truly don't need any longer. Now is the time to get rid of that old sweater your Aunt got you back in the mid 70's. Make this a family event and it can turn into a closet party with a fashion show of people trying on all the items in the closet to see if things still fit (or can actually be worn in public!) Once you've decided what stays and what goes, take the items you no longer want and donate them to Goodwill or a local shelter. Don't forget that items you donate are tax deductable.
Next it's time to indentify storage areas:: an attic, the garage or even that unused closet in the baby's room. Measure the space so that you can maximize the purchase of plastic storage contains from your local Target, Bed, Bath and Beyond, or Wal-Mart. Storage devices these days are designed very well for small places and with attractive designs. Specialty stores such as The Container Store offer storage solutions in design options that were preciously unthinkable! Plus, they come with so many great features, its fun to shop for something that sounds so mundane! Sweater boxes for under-the-bed storage actually have wheels on them for easy access, and that's only one example of convenience design for storage solutions.
Other items to consider are wire racks, shoe racks and hanging bags. Don't forget your large travel luggage to store seasonal items too such as summer or winter clothes. Many kitchens and bathrooms need attention. Such items can include spices, art supplies, and spare toilet paper. Plastic containers, mini-drawers, and zip-lock bags are great for these things. They even make organizers for Tupperware (or other food storage brands) so those pesky lids won't fall out of the cupboard on you anymore. Don't forget the office area. Maybe even a better designed desk with a hutch to organize pens, staples, sticky notes and paper. It's amazing how significant a difference the purchase of a cubby-hole storage desk, like a hutch, can make in your life. Again, stackable plastic bins might be the perfect choice. Or even baskets. Be creative.
If you still need more storage space maybe it's time to get a few new furniture pieces. There are many types of coffee tables and end tables that double as a treasure trunk. Need a foot stool? Well, there are foot stools that also act as storage devices for throw blankets and family heirlooms. A large basket that you received as part of a gift over the holidays makes a great magazine rack. Anything attractive that can reduce your clutter piles will add creativity and peace of mind to your lifestyle. Storage is a constant and ongoing process, and the more you get immersed in it, the more interesting and creative your storage projects will become. Before long your friends will be coming to you for your all your storage secrets!