1. Maximize Closet Space
Closets are often underutilized, in large part because standard closet design is not very creative. The typical closet has a single rod, with a single shelf above it. Shoes cover the floor, clothes of various lengths hang from the rod and assorted knickknacks rest on the shelf. The result is that many square feet of potential storage remain empty.Closet organizers are a great way to make better use of closet space. You can hire professionals to handle this job, but you really don't need to. See Top Choices in Closet Organizers for information on the many products available for the DIYer. An even simpler solution to closet inefficiency can be found in Add Storage By Raising Closet Rods.
Before beginning a closet makeover, however, it might pay to develop a systematic approach to the matter. Specifically, consider the SPARE Closet System.
2. Get Under the Bed
There are over 30 cubic feet of storage space under my queen-sized bed. That's just enough room to store all of our suitcases. Add together the space beneath every bed in your house, and you may the equivalent of a good-sized (empty) closet down there. Under-bed containers are a great way to start making use of this space. Some can just slide in and out, others have wheels for rolling and outfits like Ikea offer under-bed sliding drawers.You can even add space beneath the bed by putting the bed legs on plastic bed risers, available at Walmart, Target and other retailers. You can hide the risers behind a long bed skirt.
3. Use the Walls
Some people like to cover their walls with framed photos, posters and paintings. That's nice. But if bedroom storage space is tight, you might want to give some thought to putting shelves on the wall. One easy, inexpensive and highly adjustable way to do this with metal standards and brackets. See Installing Wall Shelves with Standards and Brackets for instructions.Bedroom and closet walls can also be filled with hooks for hanging clothes and other objects. Suggestions and instructions for doing so can be found at How To Create a Quick and Inexpensive Coat Rack.
4. Go Seasonal
Seasonal changes bring with them clothing changes. If your bedroom closets, dressers and trunks are overflowing with garments year 'round, why not develop a system for rotating clothes in and out depending on seasonal needs.If you like the sound of this plan, but don't know where the out-of-season clothes might bo, take a look at Top Ten Overlooked Storage Spaces. Two often underutilized storage spaces are the attic and the basement. And most of us could make better use of garage storage (see 9 Steps to a Well-Organized Garage for tips on how to do so.