Two sons with a stomach virus a week apart, a bunch of doctor appointments for various members of my family, a lot of cooking recently and a ton of extra laundry -- due to the fact that we got SNOW!
I know those of you reading from up north are not impressed, but boy were we. We just barely ever see snow and it's a big, exciting event when we do. For those of you sick of snow, please forgive my enthusiasm. Good news - Spring is on the way!!! 2 weeks!!
Today I want to get back to our Saving Series. We've already talked about saving money so today I thought we would chat about saving space. I'll give you a few of my ideas for saving space in the home if you promise to share yours. Deal??
*My number one way to save space is to get rid of clutter. The less stuff you have the less space you need to keep it. If you really want to make your home more spacious and peaceful get rid of as much junk as you possibly can. Donate things your family doesn't need. Make a run through the house with a garbage bag and get every bit of trash out of your home. Eliminate the piles of junk mail, stacks of school papers, newspaper, magazines and other space stealing items. Keep only what you need in your closets, cabinets, and drawers. If you have two of something, give one away.
*A fun way I like to save space in my children's rooms is to put a shoe storage hanger on the back of their doors for little toys and cards and trinkets. No matter how hard you try kids will have little things they want to hang on to. Instead of piling them up here and there, hang them on the back of the door. This is perfect for Barbies, or Ninja Turtles, or anything really. My boys used to keep all of their super heroes hanging on the back of their door along with Hot Wheel cars and other such items. My girls have one now that holds some dolls, stuffed animals, card games, and the like. These shoe holders keep stuff up off the floor and the clear pockets make it easy for them to find what they are
looking for.
*I saw this picture of some bookshelves behind the door the other day and loved it. This is a great space saving idea. I'm always looking for creative ways to save space in kids' rooms, especially since our kids share rooms.
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| From here - http://www.yellowblissroad.com/diy-space-saver-bookshelf/ |
*Another way I like to save space in the kids' rooms is to hang clothing instead of having a large chest of drawers. Some of the kids do have a chest in their room but we keep very little in those (and they're small). By only keeping a few necessities in each drawer we are able to keep the drawers tidy. Not having a huge dresser or chest of drawers in their rooms allows for some extra space as those pieces of furniture typically take up a fair amount of room. We hang everything - pajamas, jeans, t-shirts...everything! Hanging things in the closet frees up some very important floor space.
For saving space in your kitchen I like this idea from clickypix. Putting cork on the inside of your cabinet door is genius! You can tack recipes and notes up and keep those things off your counters. You can keep your measuring items (like pictured here) and free up some space in your drawer - plus it is so easy to put your hands on the one you need. I love this!
I also like this idea for gift wrap storage from - http://beacont.com/the-apartment-closet-ideas-for-a-small-area/creative-diy-small-space-saving-closet-organization-ideas-for-small-homes-apartments/. I have a similar set up in the master bedroom closet. If you need a place to keep tissue paper, bows, and gift bags that is tidy and easily accessible, this is perfect! Everything is corralled in one place - plus you can see what you have and easily get to what you need.
I adore these storage containers that slide nicely under the bed. They're perfect for extra sheets and blankets and comforters if you don't have a linen closet. They're also perfect for out-of-season clothes, beach towels, and 100 other things.
The space under your bed is perfect for a little bit of out of sight storage. Just don't crazy and start sticking everything under your bed.
Here are a few more ideas.
- Buy a coffee table that opens up for storage and keep board games inside.
- Get a big basket to place in the floor of your coat closet for gloves, scarves, and hats in the winter and flip flops in the summer.
- Hang shelves in the garage to increase your floor space. Hang bikes too.
- Stack all of your Tupperware containers into one large container so they all take up less space in your cabinet.
- Keep one basket on your kitchen counter to catch the incoming mail. Empty it frequently.
- Hang an extra shelf above the highest shelf in your closet for extra storage.
- Take pictures of the kids' extra special craft projects. It's easier to keep the picture than it is to store the project.
- Be very particular about anything you bring into the house. When stuff comes in, stuff goes out. New shoes? Donate some old ones. The kids get a new stuffed animal? Choose an older one to give away.
- Hang some shelves or baskets on the wall above your toilet. This is a great place to keep towels and other bathroom items.
Okay, now it's your turn. What are your favorite ways to save space in your home?
Great ideas! Thanks for passing them on. I like the idea of getting rid of a dresser and hanging more in the closet. That would be really helpful for my son. I'm glad your family enjoyed the snow. Yes, we've had quite enough of it up here in New England. Can't wait for spring! :)
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