The Jewel Box® Home: Let's Get Organized! Storage Part Two!

Help me!!! I'm trapped inside this house and I can't get out! Well, maybe it's not that bad, but the weather here is just awful. We had our first blizzard in over 25 years, with sub zero temperatures and a biting wind. Needless to say, we are all occupying ourselves indoors these days. This situation has it's upside in that I am giving my little cottage some much needed attention. My closets slowly re-organized themselves last week and now I'm turning to the kitchen and bath and other problem areas of my house. Junk drawers, bathroom cabinets, computer stations, craft cabinets-they're all getting a taste of my cabin fever!

Here are some helpful hints for some clever storage solutions for a small home that I am attempting to take advantage of this winter.

Take advantage of the backs of doors!
The backs of doors can be painted with metallic paint and hung with magnetic towel hooks and removable bins. Store shampoo, towels and toiletries in bathrooms. Hang jewelry, store cosmetics and accessories on the backs of bedroom doors.

Photo Courtesy of Better Homes & Gardens

Use computer armoires to hide unsightly technology.
These are also great craft cabinets. Just close the doors for instant clean up!

Use transitional spaces.
Those unused areas like small hallways between garage and kitchen or the narrow space next to the back door are perfect spots for a nice cabinet to hold sports gear, cleaning supplies or a message center.

Assign each family member their own space.
For a family bathroom or mudroom, keep personal items organized with a portable tote or basket for each family member. These can easily be stored in a linen closet or under the bathroom sink after use.

Photo Courtesy of Better Homes & Gardens

Use your drawers!
Installing a simple peg-board in an existing drawer can allow for more storage for dishes and tableware. Since the pegs are adjustable, this drawer can be flexible for your unique needs.

Photo Courtesy of Better Homes & Gardens

Store more in your cabinets by using your vertical space.
Adding hanging baskets on the backs of cabinet doors gives you storage options you didn't realize you had.

Photo Courtesy of Better Homes & Gardens

Slip it under the bed.
Store winter sweaters, blankets, and luggage in bins under the bed.

Hang it up!
Hang a pot rack over the sink to wash pots and hang to dry! Stylish and convenient, a pot rack adds to your kitchen's decor.