If you're like most people, you probably feel like you don't have enough storage space in your home. Things have a funny way of accumulating and filling up empty space. Whether you live in a small cottage or a five-bedroom ranch, our real estate agents have some tips to increase your home's storage.

1. Get Rid of Unused Items
   When you live in a home, you'll find unused items stored in your cabinets, closets, attic, and garage that are taking up valuable storage space. It's time to do some cleaning and gain more storage space for items you really need. When you find something you no longer use, ask yourself three questions: Do I need this? Is this in good condition? Does this have any value? If you answered no, get rid of it.

2. Buy Sliding Racks for Kitchen Cabinets
   Kitchen cabinets fill up quickly with pots and pans, dishes, food items, and cleaning supplies. Over time, it's difficult to keep your cabinets neat and organized. By installing sliding racks inside your cabinets, you can increase storage space and find things when you need them. Home improvement stores carry a variety of handy pull-out racks for cookware, storage containers, pantry items, spices, and kitchen linens.

3. Create Storage Under the Sink
   Kitchen sink cabinets are filled with cleaning supplies, sponges, dishwasher soaps, and buckets. Bathroom sink cabinets are often used to store hairdryers, shampoo, beauty essentials, and towels. To increase storage under your sinks, buy a two-tier, expandable shelf organizer with movable shelf panels and a cut-out for pipes below the sink.

4. Use Storage Containers
   Storage containers come in an assortment of materials, colors, and sizes. For larger, bulky items, clear plastic containers come with fitted lids and handles for easy lifting. For smaller items, colorful baskets and collapsible totes are easy to move around, adding decorative appeal to any room. Most containers have handy labels that make it easy to find things without a lot of effort.

5. Hang Hooks and Shelves on Walls
   Walls take up large spaces in every room, so why not use them to increase your storage space. In addition to hanging wall sconces and paintings on your walls, consider hanging decorative hooks and wall shelves.

• • Decorative Hooks – Wall hooks are perfect in the entry for coats and hats; in the kitchen for cooking utensils and oven mitts; in the bathroom for towels; and in the garage for extension cords and tools.

• • Wall Shelves – Hanging shelves on the wall is a great way to increase storage for books, decorative accessories, family photos, and plants. Just make sure the shelf is securely anchored into a wall stud for good support.

6. Add Seating with Built-In Storage
   If you have a big family or love to entertain, it may be difficult to find enough seating. Chairs can be heavy and hard to move around, but benches and ottomans are lighter with casters. Benches and ottomans with built-in storage under the seat provide a place to store things and even hide them when unexpected guests arrive.

7. Store Things Under the Bed
   Most beds with mattresses and boxsprings have space under the bed that's never been used. This is a lot of wasted space that can be used for storing seasonal clothing, shoes, bed linens, photographs, books, and many other items.

If you're interested in buying or selling a home, contact us for information on properties and prices in desired areas.