The weather is warming up which means it’s time to come out of hibernation and get those storage spaces cleaned out and organized.  During the winter months many of us tend to stockpile and squirrel away items in our storage spaces.  In this blog post we are going to address those storage spaces and give tips on how to better organize them for the coming spring and summer months.

1) Divide and Conquer:
a. Separate and sort items based on how they are used (i.e. sporting equipment, lawn and garden tools, or holiday decorations).
b. Once you have sorted your items, you may identify items that can be donated, consigned, or tossed in next week’s garbage.
c. Based on how often you use an item, decide how accessible it should be and assign a specific location.  For instance, holiday decorations are seasonal so maybe they can be stored closer to the back of your storage space.

2) Bins, boxes, crates, hooks, or shelves:
a. Depending on the size, shape, and weight of the item decide how it should be stored in order to maximize space.  For example, holiday decorations such as wreaths for your door might store better and maintain their shape if they are hung on a hook.
b. There are lots of expensive storage options on the market but you don’t have to spend the big bucks in order to get and stay organized.  Check out your local discount stores for inexpensive storage options.  Purchase some birch plywood and shelf brackets from your local home improvement store.  Build your own shelves.  That way you get the size (length and depth) that you need for your items.  If you take your dimensions with you to the home improvement store they will even cut the birch plywood to the exact size you need.  Score!  You just saved time and money.

Now that you have equipped yourself with a game plan and storage solutions, it’s time to recruit help with this organization project.  Get the kids involved.  It’s a great way to teach them the importance of keeping spaces tidy and who knows; maybe the exercise will extend to their rooms!

Tags: birch plywood, plywood, Sustainable