By Mary Lynne Murray
Reprinted from the Contra Costa Times, August 3, 2002
"Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful
or believe to be beautiful." -- craftsman and poet William
Morris
A SMALL LIVING SPACE can be a powerful motivator for keeping
possessions in order. Before looking for more space, start where
any prudent organizing plan begins -- by clearing clutter.
Clutter has a knack for building up overnight and, unlike other
possessions, it cannot be organized. Sort and purge, then organize
what's left. Start in the room where you spend the most time.
Get serious and commit yourself to a reasonable goal -- perhaps
one hour a day, five days a week. Remember that results will be
in proportion to your effort.
Here are some specific ways to maximize space, many of them capitalizing
on vertical storage.
Double cabinet space by using vinyl-clad steel storage racks.
Cupboard storage capacity is tripled, and less lifting is required
from the top to get something from beneath. Use tiered shelves
for spices and canned goods. You can see everything from front
to back, since each shelf is slightly higher than the one in front.
A wire grid system is an adaptable storage option with baskets,
hooks and clips to hang on the wall. Need to clear counter space?
Hang paper towels under cabinets, on a wall, inside a cupboard
door or on the refrigerator using a magnetized holder.
Use tiered multi-hangers for pants and skirts (get the swing-arm
type for easier access). A portable closet-rod doubler will boost
space for short garments.
Hooks are another way to use vertical space. They come in all
sizes and finishes and are great for towels, bathrobes, belts,
umbrellas and bags. Heavy-duty hooks can hang bikes, step-stools
and tools. Attach a small stick-on hook (for shower cap, hair
dryer, etc.) on the inside of the vanity door under your bathroom
sink. 3M hooks are strong, and can be removed with no surface
damage. Use hooks to hang mugs inside cabinets. Hooks of varying
sizes can also be slipped into door hinges for more hanging space
with no holes in the wall.
The backs of doors have unexpected storage possibilities. Over-the-door
racks with shelves can serve as a media library for CDs, videos
and paperbacks. Racks with multiple hooks can hang robes or coats.
Want to hang lots of towels? Do so with an over-the-door towel
rack. Sporting a baseball hat collection? Cap racks hold 16 from
a door, wall, ceiling or closet rod. Shoes can also be stored
in over-the-door bags.
Rolling storage can be the salvation of small space dwellers.
Utility carts are furniture on wheels, offering versatility and
easy movement. Solid-top carts can support a microwave above and
baskets below to hold food staples in the bottom. A file cart
is a rolling office with room for hanging files and baskets on
top or below for supplies. Rolling chests are also useful in both
bedroom and bath.
Containers designed for under-bed storage (made of heavy-duty
nylon, vinyl, cardboard or plastic) make an out-of-the-way home
for gift-wrap, off-season clothes, shoes or linens. A favorite
of interior designers, bed-frame risers also add storage space
between the floor and your bed by lifting it 5 to 6 inches. A
dust ruffle hides it all.
Instead of an airy coffee table or nightstand with a single surface,
look for one with doors, shelves or drawers to store items you
use in the living room, family room or bedroom. Storage beds are
designed with the mattress on a drawer-filled platform. Sofa beds
and inflatable mattresses provide instant added sleeping space,
but take little or no room when not in use.
Use a laundry stand with mesh bag and drawstring. The stand fits
in narrow spaces, and the bag removes easily for trips to the
laundry room.
Pick your favorite material, and there's a shelf for you. Choose
from wood, wood laminate or metals finished in white, black or
silver. Many of the new freestanding units assemble fast with
no tools, look good and can go with you when you move.
Concerned about aesthetics? Consider stackable cubes (17 by 17
inches) that snap together and have doors. Screens can also be
used to conceal things or to separate a room into different uses.
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