George Carlin's comment is one of my favorites, because everyone can relate to it.  This is one reason why The Container Store and other companies do so well ($600 million in sales last year). After updating appearance, creating more storage is a major motivator for remodeling an existing home, or building a new home. Every client in the past 25 years has requested more storage. Sometimes it's as easy as designing new built-ins with double rods in an existing master closet to increase the amount of hanging space -- a great D-I-Y project. But most of the time, it requires more thought and effort to create new storage during construction or renovation. Here are a few solutions that might help you:

KITCHEN:

• Silverware:  Two-tier drawers work beautifully.  Basically, it's a shallow drawer inside a standard drawer.  Open the drawer, and slide back the top level, and voila! there's another set of silverware below. Molded plastic units are available ready-made, or custom units can be built.
• Utensils (spatulas, whisks, wooden spoons, etc.):  Most people don't want them visible, but want them accessible.  If you have a "standard" 3" high cooktop (not a downdraft with the pipe in the middle),  you can have a shallow drawer directly under the cooktop that will hold most utensils, except ladles.
• Spices:  Devote one or two drawers with zig-zag plastic inserts, and stop using lazy susans in wall cabinets!  Why?  First, you'll be able to see all of the labels if the spices are lying in a drawer.  Second, being below heat and steam will make herbs and spices last longer (making your food taste better and saving you money) .
• Narrow base pantries:  These units are typically 6" to 12" wide. They're wonderful for storing oil, vinegar, and other condiments.  Next to the sink (where you prepare salads) or next to the cooktop (where you make sauces) are the best locations.

BATHROOM:

• Narrow base pantries:  These make wonderful storage for personal-care products, adjacent to your bathroom sink.  Most bathrooms have narrow drawers overflowing with all the things you use every day.  Wouldn't it be nice to get the blow dryer, curling iron, toothbrush, and hair brush off the countertop?  (SPECIAL HINT: When you remodel the master bathroom, ask your electrician to put an outlet inside the sink cabinet for rechargeable toothbrushes, shavers, etc.)
• Spare tissue and personal hygiene:  If your toilet is in a separate room, a wall-to-wall cabinet above the toilet is great.  If your toilet is not in a separate room, a cabinet above looks awkward (although it provides good storage).  If possible, the cabinet can be partially recessed into the wall so it's not so prominent, but someone has to verify the location of the toilet vent stack .  If the toilet is adjacent to one side of your sink cabinet, a recessed niche can be built into the side of the cabinet; part of the niche can also be a magazine rack.
• Linens:  Very few homes have sufficient linen storage.  One client figured out how to fold towels (even large bath sheets) so they fit sideways in a 12" deep cabinet over her toilet.  Because they moved underwear and other foldable clothing into drawers in their closet, it freed up space in their dresser, where they now keep their sheets and duvet covers.

OTHER AREAS:

• Under Stairways:  In most homes, this area measures 42 square feet, or more. It's perfect to store holiday decorations, luggage, and other things you don't need to access more than a couple of times a year.  It's easy to create an access door to this area.
• Entry from Garage:  Build a niche to drop off keys, sunglasses, purses, phones, and PDA'S, adjacent to a personal coat closet, if possible.  If the niche is large enough, you can also store purses and seasonal attire, i.e., gloves, scarves, and caps. (HINT:  Don't forget an electrical outlet and a computer wire, if possible.)

If you are not planning to build or remodel, but want to use existing space to its maximum potential, consider hiring a professional organizer.  The National Association of Professional Organizers is a great resource for members in your area; http://www.napo.net.  

I can provide plans and detail drawings for all of the custom storage solutions listed above, and I can help you design storage solutions for your home.  Contact me and let's chat about creative resolutions for your problems!

Here is the next installment of hints that began last week.  I guarantee that if you follow the suggestions, you will save precious time, effort, and money!

If you get multiple estimates, talk with contractors honestly about any differences, but do not expect them to whittle away at the numbers to get your project.

Ask for references – former clients, suppliers, trade contractors, and professional organizations.  Check all references (a list of questions is available in a white paper report I’ve prepared -- "How To Find The Right Contractor For Your Project" -- order it today for only $9.95).  

Check the status of the contractor’s license, insurance, and bonding before you hire him or her, and at the midway point of your project.  If there are any claims, verify everything about them with the licensing board in your state. 

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