Breathing Life Into Dead Spaces

"I don't have enough room!" -- this is a common cry amongst the disorganized. But sometimes, they just aren't looking closely enough. You can find additional storage in the most unlikely places. All of those wasted areas -- ones that can't be used for active living space and seem inappropriate for conventional storage -- are normally considered DEAD SPACE. But you can turn a sow's ear into a silk purse with the right tools and a little imagination.

LOOK, UP IN THE SKY!

Some of the best storage space you will ever find is over your head. What do you do with those high, short SHELVES in the tops of your closets? They're perfect for hats, smaller luggage, and items you don't use very often. What could you easily hang from the ceiling? Cookware, sporting goods, baskets -- just about anything. You can purchase special suspended racks, or create your own with standard supplies for your local hardware store. Keep an eye on those sturdy rafters in the attic, garage, or basement -- great for heavier items. The only rule is BE CREATIVE. A metal pole strung between to beams is custom-made for off-season, dress-up, or vintage clothing -- a large square of netting tacked at the four corners can hold stuffed animals -- and some thick plywood laid across your attic rafters will create an entirely new storage space.

LAYING LOW

Oftentimes, we focus too heavily on storage that is at eye level -- forgetting about the extra space we have near the floor -- under the bed, at the bottom of a closet, along the base of a wall in the garage. However, the last thing you want to do is simply create another pile that clutters up the floor and trips you up. Like any other storage, floor space will serve you much better if you subdivide -- create some structure. Long, flat boxes are great for subdividing the space under your bed. Shoe racks will help you make the best use of your closet floor. And you can create a ton of additional storage in your basement, attic, laundry room, or garage by lining the base of the wall with low shelves, pull-out baskets, and bins.

JUST HANGING AROUND

Another great place to find extra storage space is hanging along your walls. Almost anything can be attached to a wall -- just make sure that you use strong wall anchors if you plan to hang anything heavy. Give your tools and garden implements a permanent home on a peg board in the garage or basement. Hang see-through mesh bags of kids toys -- blocks, balls, army men -- from colored hooks on your child's wall. If your home lacks a hall closet, create one with an attractive coat rack in your entryway. Make room for belts, scarves, and purses along the walls in your closet. Hang coffee cups from the underside of your kitchen cabinet shelves. Or store grocery bags in a holder on the inside of your pantry or kitchen cabinet. All it takes is a little creativity, and a hammer!

SHUT THE DOOR ON THE WAY OUT

And as long as we're hanging things, let's take a look at your doors. Make sure that you attach all organizing paraphernalia firmly -- you don't want your racks or pegs coming loose the first time you close the door. And be careful about hanging anything that is too heavy -- or that will bang into your door and scuff it up. Other than those two rules, your options are limitless. Closet doors are just begging to be used for storage -- to hold a shoe rack, belt hooks, purses, or even a jewelry organizer. Your bathroom door is the perfect place for hanging a towel rack or a bathrobe. Putting a rack with shelves on the inside of a pantry door can sometimes double your food storage. And if your child needs someplace to hang bookbags and coats, why not consider a series of hooks on his or her bedroom door.

MAKING USE OF ODD-SIZED SPACES

One final word on using "dead space" -- don't be deceived by UNCONVENTIONAL storage areas. They may initially appear useless, but you can always do something with your storage. You might be able to fit a bicycle or cleaning supplies in that low closet under the stairs. Or use those tall thin cabinets for cookie sheets and serving platters. Does your pantry or linen closet stretch up higher than you can easily reach? Do you like to shop at Sam's or Costco? How about adding some shallow shelves for bulk toilet paper or extra canned goods? Never be afraid to outfit a strangely shaped storage space with whatever accessories are required to make it useful.

Ramona Creel is a Professional Organizer and the founder of OnlineOrganizing.com -- a web-based one-stop shop offering everything that you need to get organized at home or at work. At OnlineOrganizing.com, you may get a referral to an organizer near you, shop for the latest organizing products, get tons of free tips, and even learn how to become a professional organizer or build your existing organizing business. And if you would like to read more articles about organizing your life or building your business, get a free subscription to the "Get Organized" and "Organized For A Living" newsletters. Please visit http://www.onlineorganizing.com or contact Ramona directly at http://www.onlineorganizing.com for more information.

Batchtown Chicago prom limo .. Lockport Chicago limo O’Hare

In The News:

A virtual private network can help ensure your information remains security and your privacy remains intact. Kurt the CyberGuy explains.

Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.

Artificial intelligence-based cameras are giving air defense operators unprecedented capabilities in monitoring and protecting airspace.

Apple's iOS 18.1 Inactivity Reboot automatically reboots your iPhone if it hasn't been used or unlocked for more than three days, providing better data protection.

An inventor designed rooftop solar panels for a Tesla that draws solar energy while the car is parked, adding travel mileage without plugging in.

There are currently no laws governing what artificial intelligence can and cannot do with the information it gathers; here are 10 things to avoid telling AI chatbots to keep yourself safe.

A credit union with over 240,000 members recently revealed it was targeted by cybercriminals, resulting in a data breach that was part of a two-month attack by hackers.

Scammers have become skilled at creating convincing fake websites that can easily fool unsuspecting users. The CyberGuy offers tips to protect yourself.

Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.

CAPTCHAs, which are used by websites to confirm whether users are people or bots, are harmless, but hackers are using them to infect PCs with malware.

Hackers recently leaked personal information of about 500,000 Americans and stole patient medical records that included lab results and insurance details.

The holiday season sees a rise in mobile shopping scams. Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson helps you learn how to stay safe.

Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson says a VPN enhances online banking security by encrypting data and protecting privacy.

Beware of these six sneaky holiday scams. Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson gives you tips to avoid falling victim.

Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson reveals how to securely back up and factory reset your Android to protect your privacy and data.

Artificial intelligence is making life easier for cybercriminals, allowing them to create elaborate scams to trick people. Kurt the Cyberguy explains how to protect yourself.

Cut through all the digital clutter and delete multiple emails from your Android simultaneously. Kurt the CyberGuy explains how it's done.

Tips to prevent your holiday decorations from being stolen

Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.

Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson lays out the immediate steps you should take if your phone has been hacked and your personal information becomes vulnerable.

Fraudsters are sending people bogus invoices through PayPal as part of a sneaky scam that is going around; here's how to protect yourself from being fooled.

A former Colgate-Palmolive employee was shocked to discover $750,000 had been drained from her 401(k) account. "CyberGuy" offers tips on how to prevent identity theft.

Electric vehicle maker Harbinger recently showed its electric delivery truck can handle icy roads with agility and stability in winter.

To make the busiest time of year more manageable, here are some tricks for tracking your packages, taking quality family photos and curating the perfect Christmas playlist.

Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson explains how to keep your online Amazon gift purchases a secret from loved ones or friends this holiday season.

Breathing Life Into Dead Spaces

Get Organized - Organization