Regardless of the size of the home, it often feels like storage space is at a premium. Some DIY storage projects are quite simple to take on and can easily improve the organization of a household, while others are more in-depth and will require some carpentry skills. The best projects will really depend on the homeowner or renter's needs, so the best tip for DIY storage is doing a careful analysis of what needs to be stored, where, and for how long. The best way to start preparing for such a project is to clear out cluttered spaces and get rid of things that are no longer needed.
Many storage issues result from clutter, and by clearing out a space before a DIY storage project, it is likely that plenty of space will be freed up just by throwing out things that are broken or no longer useful, giving away items that are no longer needed, or selling valuable items that are no longer needed. Not only will this help free up space, but it will also help prevent a safety hazard. Once the space has been cleared out and unused items are properly disposed of, do an analysis of what is left over and think about how often these items are accessed.
For items often used, DIY storage projects should focus on easy accessibility. Items that are seldom used can be stored in more out-of-the-way places, such as in an attic or crawl space. In a garage, tools are often the biggest clutter culprit, so for easy DIY storage, consider hanging pegboard. This will allow the tools to be hung on a wall out of the way from frequently traveled areas and off workbenches. Industrial metal shelves are great for larger power tools, though such shelves can take up quite a bit of space in the garage. Bike hooks or utility hooks are great for getting that pair of skis off the ground, or for hanging garden tools such as rakes and shovels.
Inside the home, the bathroom and kitchen are usually the rooms most in need of additional storage. It is a good idea to clean out drawers and cabinets to free up space, then reassess storage needs. In the kitchen, try to clear off countertops first. Instead of using a wooden knife block, consider a magnetic strip that mounts to the wall and stores knives out of the way. Hang pots and pans over the sink to get them out of cabinets; this is a great way to let the pots and pans drip dry after washing, too.
