Quick Ways to Add Storage to Cramped Homes

There are those of us that are lucky enough to have plenty of space to store all of their household items, whether it is because they live in a detached single family home, a spacious multilevel townhouse, or a simple apartment with ample closet space. Then there are those of us that are not so lucky, living in cramped studio apartments, sharing what should be a single family home with roommates or even another family, or those that have taken in elderly family members. There are plenty of us throughout the country that simply do not have enough space for all of our needs. What is the solution to such a dilemma? Why, the simple answer is: Shelves.

Shelves come in all shapes and sizes and are designed to hold a wide variety of items. One great way to clear up space in the bathroom is to install (I use the term loosely because there is little installation actually happening) an over-the-toilet-étagère. This unique special-purpose shelf is designed to fit perfectly over your toilet seat, providing storage for shampoo, toiletries, towels and any other bathroom items you need to have close-by.

Another great place to maximize your storage capacity in the home is with media storage. From CD cabinets to shelves that are designed to store your favorite DVDs and Blu-Rays, there is a wide variety of options for clearing up the clutter in your living room or media center. The living room is often the first part of your home that guests see upon arriving, so having a messy and cluttered room can lead others to believe you have a poorly-organized home.

The final place that is difficult to organize but is an important part of our daily lives is the kitchen. Often there is simply not enough room to store all of your food and cooking items in the small set of shelving or drawers provided with most homes. A great way to increase your storage capacity in the kitchen is to add pantry shelving to the room. You can place the shelves in a closet or just leave them out in the kitchen – either way you will be clearing up a ton of clutter in the kitchen, making it easier to prepare meals and clean up after.