So, before you start worrying about having to move, or build an addition, or rent a self-storage unit, read through this list of cheap storage ideas. You just might find more unused storage in the house than you imagined.
Nooks and Crannies
A good place to start hunting for cheap storage is by reading Top Ten Overlooked Storage Spaces. This article should help you identify some potential storage spaces that you hadn't previously considered.Some of the storage suggestions require a little DIY elbow grease. Taking on small home improvement projects is always a way to cut costs, and it can be just the ticket you need for creating cheap storage. Not sure how to get started as a DIYer? Then take a look at Must-Have Tools for the Home Workshop.
Garage Storage
Garages are often the best place to look for cheap storage. Just take a look around your own garage, identifying all of the empty space you find. Then start plotting how to start filling those spaces with your belongings.Almost every garage has lots of empty space between the parked car and the ceiling. That's where ceiling storage comes in. You can learn about the products and techniques available for this purpose in Before You Buy an Overhead Garage Ceiling Storage System.
Next, take a look at the walls. Chances are you've got dozens of square feet of potential cheap storage waiting to be tapped there. If so, you need to read this article on garage wall systems.
If you have sufficient wall and floor space, and would like to create more attractive storage, or want to be able to put stored items behind closed doors for childproofing purposes, refer to this article on garage cabinets. Garage cabinets can take you out of the cheap storage category pretty quickly, but often a single cabinet will meet your needs.
Basements and Attics
Basements and attics are often the easiest places to find cheap storage. That's only true, however, if they are dry and easily accessible.The best way to start thinking about using your basement or attic for storage is to give both spaces a thorough inspection. Tips on how best to do so can be cound in How To Assess Your Attic Storage Potential and How To Assess Your Basement Storage Potential.
With attics, access is often the biggest problem. Attic ladders are made specifically to solve that problem. Here are some tips on what to look for in an attic ladder.
Basements usually are prime targets for cheap storage, but moisture can make them less than reliable. If you are concerned about your basement, take a look at 8 Common Sources of a Wet Basement and How To Reduce Basement Condensation. Whether or not you need to use your basement from some cheap storage, you still should look into solving moisture problems down there.
And, as with garages, manufacturers have come up with a variety of storage products intended for use in the basement. If you want to look into basement storage options that involve more than some shelves, read this advice on buying a basement storage unit.
Kitchens
Kitchens differ from the cheap storage suggestions above in that every kitchen is already a well-used storage site. The biggest problem in this room often comes down to renewing or replacing the existing cabinets without having to empty your retirement account.If you are in the market for some new cabinets, you should be interested in Best Values in New Kitchen Cabinets. And, if you don't mind doing a little of the assembly yourself -- and saving a load of money in the process -- ready-to-assemble (RTA) cabinets are the way to go. A good place to get started is with the article Before You Buy RTA Kitchen Cabinets.
Before investing in new cabinets, however, ask yourself if you really need to do so. The quickest route to finding cheap storage in the kitchen is to paint, rather than replace, the cabinets. As long as they are structurally sound, some paint (and perhaps new hardware) can radically improve the look of your kitchen. See How To Paint Kitchen Cabinets for more advice.
If you do decide to replace the cabinets, though, don't just toss them into a dumpster. Often, cabinets that are a little too worn for the kitchen will look just fine in a garage or basement. Here is one project idea for recycling those cabinets.
Bedrooms and Closets
As with kitchens, bedrooms and closets are already used for storage purposes. Too often, though, they aren't used very efficiently. Fortunately, there are plenty of cheap storage ideas for making better use of these spaces. Start with 4 Great Bedroom Storage Ideas.For ideas specific to closets, a simple way to find cheap storage is with this closet rod upgrade. Most closets can also benefit from a low-cost reorganization strategy, such as the SPARE Closet System.
And if you would like to take a more formal approach to your closets, closet organizers might be the way to go. Yes, you can spend a small fortune on them, but you don't need to. Fully functional closet organizers can be bought and installed at little expense. See Top Choices in Closet Organizers for suggestions.
In bedrooms, closets and just about any other room in the house, one of the least troublesome and most effective forms of cheap storage can be found in wall-hung hooks. See How To Create a Quick and Inexpensive Coat Rack for ideas and suggestions.
Bathrooms
Finding cheap storage in the bathroom is usually another case of making better use of the existing storage spaces. But not always. Often, additional storage is right in front of your eyes. 4 Simple Bathroom Storage Ideas can help you find it.And, regardless of the size of your bathroom, there is almost always room for one or more shelves. Simple Ideas for Adding Bathroom Shelves provides several suggestions.