DIY Home Improvement Tips » Organizing & Storage

Finding Closet Organizer Systems That Work For You

James Halpert — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 04:01:57 +0000

Most closet organizers systems are made of wooden or metal materials. There is nothing wrong with installing a wire closet organizer but there are also many other alternatives that can give you more function and storage for your money. For instance, closet organizers that combine wooden drawers with wire shelving or hanging space are much more attractive and useful. The key to getting a system that works for you is to first determine what functions are most needed in your closet. Do you need a shoe rack, tie rack, belt holder, or sock drawer? All are important but not for everyone so it is crucial that you look for a system that best fits your storage and function needs because the main purpose of a closet organizer is to introduce you to organization. What would be the point of installing closet organizer systems if all you are going to do is throw your stuff anywhere there is an open space rather than in its specific place.

Closet organization does not have to be painstaking. You should begin by removing everything out of your closet to determine what you need most. Hanging space is easy to achieve but storage space is sometimes more difficult. Shelves can give you a surface to place plastic bins containing some of your smaller items like socks and accessories. Sweaters can be folded and placed on a shelf. Shoes can be placed on a rack up high or on the floor. Stackable plastic bins work well for clothing you don’t use often. You can place the bins up high or at the bottom depending on how much space you have. There are tons of storage products to choose from. Clear plastic bins work well because you can see the contents and are perfect for storing shoes and clothing.

When shopping for a system always look for one that can remedy more than one type of storage problem in your closet. Make sure to choose durable materials like wood or metal because plastic that is not durable will begin to crack or warp when supporting heavy items for a long time. The internet is full of organizational resources and tips. Check them out before getting discouraged about your lack of closet organization.

Garage Cabinets and Storage – Reduce Clutter and Add Function

James Halpert — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 01:28:59 +0000

Many garages never have the pleasure of storing a vehicle. Most are treated as a catch all place for things that no longer fit in the interior of your home or are no longer being used by your and your family. If your garage is no longer being used for the purpose of storing vehicles and as a place where you can complete projects like changing the oil in your car, or building a bookshelf, then it may be time for you to clear out the clutter and create an area where you can store what you do need. Garage cabinets and storage systems come in all kinds of materials, sizes, shapes, and utilities. Some garage cabinets have a specific purpose while others are versatile with adjustable shelving designed to fit just about anything you can find in a garage.

Garage storage cabinets that are intended for multiple purposes are easy to find because there are so many variations to choose from. Most are made of metal or wood because they need to be sturdy enough to withstand many years of use and the weight of heavy tools and equipment. A metal garage cabinet can be used to store things like cleaning supplies, paint buckets, garden tools, and even seasonal items. A wooden garage storage cabinet can be used to store crafting supplies, woodworking tools, or specialized tools like saws, drills, and sanders. The great thing about organizing a garage is that you will probably find things you didn’t even know you had stored in heavy duty plastic storage boxes. It is highly likely that you will also find two or three of the same thing because you thought you didn’t have it so you when out and got a new one. Reduce clutter by keeping the newer item and get rid of the old.

Purchasing a storage system for your garage is well worth the investment but if you are unable to purchase factory built cabinets because of budget reasons, you can always opt to build your own with the help of the internet. If you have the lumber left over from another project and are experienced with woodworking, then you are a definite candidate for building your own cabinets with the various available garage cabinet plans on the internet. Some plans are so specific that they tell you exactly what to go buy in order to complete the project so if you already have some of the supplies you should save quite a bit of money on the project. The possibilities are endless when it comes to garage storage. The internet is full of helpful tools to get you on a path to better organization of all areas of your home.

Garage Storage Cabinets – Creating a Place for Everything

James Halpert — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 01:06:24 +0000

The garage tends to be a forgotten space in many homes because it typically only serves as a place to store vehicles, lawn equipment, old furniture, and seasonal decorations. The installation of garage storage cabinets can change how you see and use what is typically the largest room in a home. There are many types of cabinets to choose. Most storage cabinets are made of either wood or metal. Most storage cabinet systems intended for the garage are designed specifically stronger than other types of cabinets. You should have no problem storing large tools, yard equipment, and most importantly all those hazardous chemicals typically found in a garage. Items like gasoline cans, oil, cleaning solutions, and plant fertilizers should all be safely stored away and possibly even locked for the safety of children and pets.

Installing a garage storage cabinet system is fairly easy even if you decide to go with upper and lower cabinets. If you prefer a more open storage area you can choose to install shelving or particle board over lower cabinets. The shelving can be used for items you use more frequently. Particle board can be used to install pegs that can hold tools and supplies you use frequently when working on car, yard, craft, and home improvement projects. A wood storage cabinet system fits many different design styles and depending on the stain or color you choose, it can also be a way to add personal style and character into the space. Metal storage cabinets tend to be more utilitarian in appearance which works well in a modern design or theme.

Before you shop for any cabinet style, type, size, or material for your garage, it is important to measure the wall space you have available in the area where you want the cabinetry to be located. Keep in mind that the cabinets should not affect your ability to drive you car into the garage or block walking access within the space. Pay close attention to how the cabinet doors, garage door, and access doors will affect the placement of your storage system. It is recommended that you choose cabinets of various sizes to fit all kinds of things including items with long handles like brooms, rakes and shovels. Bulky equipment such as hedgers, saws, and even large drills take up an awkward amount of space and are quite heavy so they will need to be stored in a safe and secure area.

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