Creative Storage Solutions

When the things in your home start crowding in around you and you're short on cash, it's time to come up with some creative storage solutions. Don't be afraid to think "out of the box". You're the only one who has to know where everything is stored.

- A cedar chest can be used for blanket storage. I don't have enough cupboard space for blankets, and they all fit nicely in the chest. The chest also doubles as a coffee table in the living room. The blankets are easily accessible and can easily be folded up and put away at a moment's notice.

- My daughter and I found an old apple crate (fruit labels still attached) with a shelf built into it at a yard sale for about $5. The crate is a great storage area for books and doubles as a nightstand.

- An old china cupboard displays dishes I didn't want to hide away in the kitchen cupboards and also provides extra storage space for linens and silverware. This cabinet was found neglected in grandma's basement and was brought back to life with a little sanding and new paint. It is now a beautiful addition to our dining room.

- Large plastic containers are great for organizing kids' rooms. My daughter had a lot of "stuff" stashed all over her room, and we gathered it all up and put all her arts and crafts supplies in one big container, and her writing materials in another. Homework is organized in a plastic container set up as a file organizer, organized by subject.

- Look outside for creative storage ideas. We had to clean out our spare bedroom and had no idea where to put our camping equipment. We don't have a garage or a shed, so an old camper shell turned out to be the perfect solution. All our camping gear fit into it with room to spare, freeing up more room in the house.

- Organize seasonal decorations in large plastic containers. Plastic wears better than cardboard and if you buy similarly sized containers, they will stack easily and be easy to store.

- A long flat underbed-type plastic storage container is great for organizing holiday gift wrap. With the wrapping paper I store scissors, tape, gift bags, ribbon, bows, and extra cards. This container fits perfectly under one of our living room couches and all my gift-giving supplies are together in one place!

- Shop for furniture that doubles as extra storage space. We bought a cabinet for my husband's 55 gallon aquarium and the entire bottom part of the cabinet is open for approximately six feet of additional storage space.

About The Author

Rachel Paxton is a freelance writer and mom of four. For more inspirational articles and tips for everyday living, visit her web sites at http://www.creativehomemaking.com and http://www.organized-mom.com

---

Google News Updated : Mon, 06 Oct 2008 14:48:34 GMT Postseason ace Beckett shelled as Angels win 5-4 - The Associated Press The Associated Press Postseason ace Beckett shelled as Angels win 5-4 The Associated Press - 37 minutes ago BOSTON (AP) - Josh Beckett waited four extra days for a chance to show his postseason brilliance. That shine wore off with his very first pitch. Video: Angels, White Sox Each Force a Game 4 AssociatedPress Red Sox's injuries could prove costly vs. Angels FOXSports.com Boston Globe - MLB.com - Newsday - Boston Herald all 2,381 news articles Publ.Date : Mon, 06 Oct 2008 14:11:21 GMT Obama accuses McCain of looking for distractions - CNN Los Angeles Times Obama accuses McCain of looking for distractions CNN - 19 hours ago (CNN) -- Sen. Barack Obama on Sunday charged that Sen. John McCain's campaign is launching "Swift boat-style attacks" on him instead of addressing the country's problems. Health Care: Coverage -- But at What Price? WIS Health Care Destruction New York Times Los Angeles Times - BlueRidgeNow.com - Chicago Tribune - Wall Street Journal Blogs all 1,314 news articles Publ.Date : Sun, 05 Oct 2008 19:30:50 GMT PGA -- 2008 Turning Point Championship Recap - Pro Fantasy Sports SkySports PGA -- 2008 Turning Point Championship Recap Pro Fantasy Sports - 41 minutes ago Hello in the second of the “Fall Finishâ€� series, a unknown rookie birdied the 72 nd hole to earn a hefty paycheck and a spot on the PGA tour for the next two years. Johnson earns first win at Turning Stone Sports Network Rookie posts first victory San Francisco Chronicle WFIE-TV - Chicago Tribune - PGA Tour all 293 news articles Publ.Date : Mon, 06 Oct 2008 14:07:14 GMT Mammals facing extinction threat - BBC News Canada.com Mammals facing extinction threat BBC News - 2 hours ago By Richard Black At least 25% of the world's mammal species are at risk of extinction, according to the first assessment of their status for a decade. Many, many mammals face extinction Los Angeles Times One Quarter of World's Mammals Face Extinction Scientific American Washington Post - Daily Green - eFluxMedia - Boston Globe all 194 news articles Publ.Date : Mon, 06 Oct 2008 12:37:47 GMT Ask.com Sails into Semantic Search to Differentiate from Google - eWeek BBC News Ask.com Sails into Semantic Search to Differentiate from Google eWeek - 1 hour ago By Clint Boulton Ask.com's search engine market share is minimal at best, but the company keeps on plugging away in application development to keep from being extinguished by Google, Yahoo and Microsoft. Ask.com Amps Up Search Again Wired News Ask.com, now with more answers CNET News BBC News - Search Engine Land - Computerworld - Profy all 21 news articles Publ.Date : Mon, 06 Oct 2008 13:04:07 GMT Angelina Jolie Debuts New Movie and New Ink - Actress Archives MTV UK Angelina Jolie Debuts New Movie and New Ink Actress Archives - 39 minutes ago Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt recently attended the movie premiere for Jolie’s new film “The Changelingâ€� directed by Clint Eastwood, and the film wasn’t the only thing on display. Video: Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt at Premiere AssociatedPress Angelina Jolie’s New Tattoo MTV UK eFluxMedia - First Coast News - ChattahBox - hecklerspray all 402 news articles Publ.Date : Mon, 06 Oct 2008 14:09:31 GMT For Some Animals, There's No Place at Home - U.S. News & World Report Canada.com For Some Animals, There's No Place at Home U.S. News & World Report - 1 hour ago By Amanda Gardner MONDAY, Oct. 6 (HealthDay News) -- Exposing your children to the joys of pet ownership may, in some cases, also mean exposing them to infections and injuries. Keep Kids From Exotic Animals, Docs Say NewsNet5.com Doctors: No hamsters or exotic pets for young kids The Associated Press WRCB-TV - Reuters South Africa - The Press Association all 291 news articles Publ.Date : Mon, 06 Oct 2008 13:06:44 GMT Affiliate Data Feeds Amazon Tool

PARLOT::Ebooks, Scripts, Websites, and more...

Adsense websites

New Business? Changing Careers? Youve Got a Whole New Ball Game

When you embark on a life transition, the skills that... Read More

The Magnificent 7: Tips for Cleaning Up Clutter

Clutter is postponed decisions®. Here are some suggestions to simplify... Read More

Can You Really Improve Your Organisation Skills

I'm sure most of you have heard of Zig Ziglar... Read More

Organize (and Decorate) Your Home on a Budget with Baskets

What's an item that can help you organize every room... Read More

Choose Spice Racks That Help You Organize Your Home

Today you have almost as many choices of spice racks... Read More

How Long Do I Need to Keep This? - A Guide to Receipts, Statements and Financial Clutter at Home

In most homes, paper causes clutter. And it seems to... Read More

Heres A Great Way To Organize Your Work From Home Office Virtually

How to do keep track of all you have to... Read More

Dont Get Lost In The Shuffle

I have a good friend whom (also being in the... Read More

Be More Productive at Work: Avoid These Eight Traps

Obviously, productivity involves producing. Producing widgets, events, reports, sales. The... Read More

The Most Frequently Asked Questions about Organizing Your Kids Rooms

1. In terms of organization, what is the first thing... Read More

Organize Yourself Otherwise Your Work Could Kill You

We are in a society where people are applauded for... Read More

Without a Plan, You?re Doomed to Failure

"My job is an endless series of deadlines, I am... Read More

Memorabilia -- Use It or Lose It!

What do you do with those special items that have... Read More

After the Clutter: 5 Steps to a New Daily Routine

I've noticed that in the two years since the major... Read More

Balance- What Does It Really Mean?

Balance- what a popular topic these days! Finding a work-life... Read More

Get Organised Before Its Too Late

Last year I attended a presentation from Parenting Expert and... Read More

Organize Your Children & Save Your Sanity

It may be difficult to relate saving money with organization... Read More

Have an Ugly Day

"Do something every day that you don't want to-do; this... Read More

8 Signs Your Home is Out of Control -- and What to Do About It

It happens without warning. One day you notice your home... Read More

Clutter Crisis?

Clutter costs you time, money, space, and peace of mind.... Read More

35 Santity Savers - Get More Productive

Use these 35 sanity savers this year to help you... Read More

Creating The Perfect Closet

Your closet is often the first thing you see in... Read More

Organization Tips - How to Organise Your Computer Files

Everytime Mary had to find a file on her computer,... Read More

Can Someone Step Into Your Job Or Role And Function Effectively?

Working for one of the top Marketers online (David Ledoux)... Read More

Is Your To Do List The Problem?

You start each week with great intentions. You are determined... Read More