How to Organize Your Storage Space Part I

How to Organize Your Storage Space Part I An organized closet is something everybody wishes they had. Some sit right above the sink; others fit between wall studs beside the sink. Small appliance caddies or a grid system that's attached to the wall can organize your vanity top, so think carefully about what you use frequently in the bathroom as you're planning your storage needs. How to Construct a Built-in Bathroom Cabinet This is one way to increase storage space without taking up any real estate. Adapt your storage plans to the size of your vehicle(s), but remember that you may some day wish to sell your house to a potential buyer who may own two vans. After determining your available amount of storage space, ask yourself just exactly what you require the space for; a workshop, a laundry center, a gardening/potting area? Because most storage problems stem from a lack of floor space, you'll do well to increase storage units above the ground (clean up and look up) whenever possible. Here's a couple of things to keep in mind for an efficient garage layout: 1) use all available space, leaving minimum clearances next to, behind, and above vehicles, and 2) group items that go together-gardening supplies, for example. You can categorize your work areas like this: a laundry center with a sink and cabinets; a property workshop, with places for hand and power tools; a house maintenance center for paint brushes, spare plumbing and electrical parts, cleaners, solvents, and brooms; a garden maintenance area for the lawn mower, rake, clippers, and weeders; a mudroom/closet for boots, rain gear, and other outdoor or seasonal clothes. Position these areas for your convenience. Store canisters, mixing bowls, and small utensils close at hand. Locate the major appliances-sink, range or cooktop, and refrigerator-so the resulting work triangle is out of the main traffic area. The sum of the triangle sides ought to be less than 26 feet. If two or more people are going to share the kitchen at one time, you might need to allow more than the usual 48 inches between opposite work counters. Place tall appliances or cabinets on the ends of a run of counter to avoid interrupting your work flow. Keep cookbooks and recipe boxes nearby. Start your planning by taking graph paper and a tape measure in hand and drawing a basic floor plan of your existing kitchen, measuring as exactly as is possible (within 1/8 inch). This plan sketch will be the basis for developing your ideas. To make the most out of what you're going to be storing, take an inventory of everything in your cabinets now. Four centers are basic to most kitchens: sink, cooking, refrigerator, and preparation. You might also want to include a planning/work center. A lazy Susan will keep your items from hiding in the back corners of your bathroom cabinet. Be certain to measure your cabinet carefully, especially if it is tiered, to allow for drainpipe clearance. Garage Storage As you begin solving the garage storage problem, think "clean up and look up. Overhead storage (shelves, platforms, cabinets, ledges) can be used to generate additional floor space for that laundry center, workshop area or gardening/potting table. Take a look at available space all around, of course. Adding Space Under the Bathroom Sink Most bathroom cabinets have one large space under the sink, often stuffed with layers of bottles, sponges, bath toys, cleaning supplies, etc. One simple solution is to build drawers that wrap around the sink and plumbing. The back of the drawer would be curved to fit snug around the sink when closed. Cut this part from 18-gauge sheet metal and fasten to the sides and bottom of the drawer structure with sheetmetal screws. Next, add wallboard or another wall covering to match existing walls. This area could have a floor-to-ceiling pantry between the refrigerator and adjacent wall. Put plastic wrap, foil, plastic bags, and freezer containers into a nearby drawer or cabinet. If you have enough room in your kitchen, include storage space for small appliances- food processor, toaster, mixer, electric can opener, etc. Simplify your dressing routine-and gain valuable floor space in the bedroom-by eliminating your bulky bureau and adding a brand new drawer system in the closet. Or buy a modular set for drawers. For visible storage, try a system of vinyl- coated wire bins that glide in and out on their own framework. Your first task whether you're modifying your existing kitchen or building a new one, is to begin planning. ) must be laid out carefully to fit your family's needs. Include dimensions of walls, windows, and doors; indicate where your cabinets, appliances and lights presently are. This area will have a wide range, and possibly a microwave or convection oven, and other electric cooking appliances. Keep cooking utensils and pot holders within easy reach. Finally, hang the doors. If you're building a small closet that has ampleclearance in front, a standard interior door may be all you need. Both types are simple to install, as long as your rough opening is square. A standard 2 by 4 closet frame requires some prep work before you can hang the doors. Bifold doors move in metal tracks mounted to the bottom of the head jamb; pivots turn in top and bottom brackets, and a center guide at the top runs in the track. Sliding doors run on rollers inside metal tracks; floor guides keep the doors in line below. Vinyl-coated baskets and shelving offer several advantages: they allow ventilation, they make it easier to find your favorite sweater, and they hide neatly behind the closet doors. If you have the floor space and some basic skill, you can construct a built-in closet that looks as if it's been there since the beginning. You can build a closet out of standard 2 by 4 framing. To frame the doorway, add the header and trimmer studs (be certain to have your doors-and the correct dimensions for the rough opening-on hand before you begin). Size the walls about 1/4 inch less than ceiling height. Once they're built, swing them into place, shim between the top plate and the ceiling joists, and nail the sole plate to the subfloor. Usually made from wood, vanities organize everything from cosmetics to cleaning supplies. Medicine cabinets can do the work of several drawers or shelves. Today's bathroom holds a collection of paraphernalia, from hair dryers to hampers and exercise equipment to magazines and books. How to Organize Your Storage Space Part I Trade News selected by Local Linkup on 03/06/2012