HOW TO SOLVE A SHORTAGE OF STORAGE
Mike Croxall President, Home Builders Association of Greater Chattanooga
Finding storage solutions for things like blankets, books, seasonal clothes and countless other items that often take over your living areas can seem challenging.
But there are many practical and attractive ways to incorporate storage all throughout your home. Under-Bed Compartments
A surprising number of people underutilize one of the best storage locations: beneath the bed. Especially for smaller bedrooms, under-bed storage can free up valuable floor space and make way for other furniture like a chaise or a fulllength mirror. Large plastic bins are usually an economical alternative, but they can be unsightly if they peek out from beneath your bed. Consider fabric-lined baskets, or industrial-style metal or wood boxes that roll on small castors. When buying new furnishings, look for beds with built-in storage drawers or cubbies. Built-in Shelves
Free-standing bookshelves serve a function, but built-in shelves can be “wow factors” that significantly enhance the character of a room. Either bordering a fireplace or large window, built-in shelves are a great investment with a dual purpose of adding storage and providing an area to display photos and décor. A cabinet maker or other woodworking professional can build one to fit your home’s unique dimensions. Or a local remodeler can help you with design and installation. Wall-Mounted Storage
Your walls are meant for more than just hanging pictures, paintings and mirrors. They can also function as places to hold day-to-day items like umbrellas, bags and coats near an entryway. Mounting shelves, drawers or mirrors with hooks can be functional and fun. Or get creative with unique items found at
antique shops or yard sales that could serve as hanging devices, even if that is not their primary purpose. Just make sure you are securely and properly affixing items to your wall to avoid damage. Always use the studs in your wall or the appropriate hanging hardware. If you are unsure, have a handyman or contractor help you, especially for larger items that could cause harm to a person or damage to your home if mounted improperly. Garage and Large Items
When there is extra space in a garage, shed, basement, large closet or even an underused room in your home, remember there are numerous shelving options to help you optimize the vertical spaces. A shelf bisecting an otherwise open closet can give you twice the space. And shelves with totes, baskets or doors are functional and can add charm to the room. Adding storage can help breathe new life into your home. And if done well, those solutions will be long-lasting features that typically offer a solid return on your investment if you ever decide to sell your home. To locate builders or remodelers in your area who will help you identify design ideas that are perfect for your home, contact the Home Builders Association of Greater Chattanooga at www.hbagc.net or 423-624-9992.