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Micro-Space Storage
by Nita Jackson
I'm not talking about futuristic living in outer space but living in a small space on earth!
If it is available make a priortiy of utilizing under bed storage. Measure under bed area so you have clearance and use those measurements when you shop for containers that will fit. You might consider moth proof containers. A good rule of thumb is minimum of three containers so that area doesnt become one giant black hole to sort through. Do the best you can to make sure there is nothing blocking the ease of access to that area.
Pare down on clothing. Pick 2 coordinating colors of basics (ex; navy,tan). Try to have no more than 2 of each of these - pants, jackets and sweaters, skirts, dresses, shoes. (This does not include your 2 favorite jeans and tennis shoes) . Limit oneself to 8 warm weather tops and 8 cool weather tops (long and short sleeves included). Remember to go along with your two coordinating color family basics. To keep wardrobe from being boring you can use a layered look of both seasons.
In a small space one cannot afford to be ecclectic with any thing other than a few accessories like jewelry, scarves and maybe a vest or two. Look at some of the most famous fashionable women like Carolyn Bessette Kennedy and her famous mother inlaw. They wore basics and that look is still considered very chic. Choose your favorite jewelry design and make that "your" famous signature peice.
Stackable milk crate storage can go to the ceiling! Secure pieces together with plastic wire ties (you can find them near cable tv section in your nearby super store). Ties can be cut if you need to change configurations the height or width.
One over looked storage area is the cutain rod! Of course you don't want to hang anything too heavy there. Maybe an empty back pack or even a food basket!
Don't under estimate the power of your car trunk! There you can store winter boots, older reference books, luggage and a myriad of anything else that is necessary.
I think one over looked storage area is the ceiling! The beauty of ceiling storage is it's inexpensive and easy. You can get plant hooks just about anywhere along with chains, S-hooks and eye hooks of various thickeness's and lengths. If you can't drill, try liquid nail for ceiling hooks. With four plant hooks, 4 eye hooks, 4 pieces of chain and a board you can work storage wonders!! With a eye hook in each corner of the board, attach chain and hook on to plant hook on ceiling. Often you won't have to do either if you have metal dividers with ceiling tile. They make special hangers for those already. You may need a metal or plastic anchor (or molly bolt) so you can be free of the worry something crashing down on your head!
Don't over look the space above the door. I have book shelves over our doors here at home and the are functional as well as pleasing to the eye. Easy shelf recipe: two plant hanger brackets, they come in various sizes, one board (no wider than the bracket itself). To install brackets you may need an anchor or molly bolt. Align brackets to side and top of door molding (do not go above door molding as you will use door molding to help support board).
Ever seen those figurines that stack one inside the other? Use the principle of storing something inside something else. Store clean socks inside unused shoes, mittens inside hats, and extra sheets and blankets under the mattress. Put your detective hat on to look for more oppportunties to use this type of storage.
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