Solutions for Three Age Old Storage Problems
There are two ways to solve a storage issue, the creative method and the traditional method. The creative method tends to be the less expensive storage solution, and the one that may just bring an age old storage problem to an end.
Wrapping Paper
I hate storing wrapping paper – it becomes wrinkled and crinkled and is never where I need it to be. But the cheap side of me loves those 50% off post holiday sales, so I keep on buying.
Creative Solution
Use an old trunk as a coffee table, if it’s too short, find legs for it – they’re easy to find at hardware stores and not difficult to mount. Make sure it’s long enough to hold your wrapping paper, and you have a great multi-tasking storage option for not only wrapping paper, but other clutter as well.
Traditional Solution
There is such a thing as a wrapping paper storage container, I actually have one, but it’s too short for the larger rolls. It’s also not the most attractive storage piece, as it’s plain white plastic. There are others available, flat ones that can be shoved under beds, but they can be inconvenient since most people don’t wrap in the bedroom.
Books
Creative Solution
Stack them up – use as table legs, or as the tables themselves. Use them on shorter end tables to hold a lamp up and off the surface to give a studious look to a den. If you have a major issue with book storage, like most avid readers, donate them to either a local library or rummage sale and take the write off.
For a solution to the real book lovers out there, this is a fairly dramatic step, but one we are seriously considering for my mother, who has one room nearly overflowing with hardbacks: Buy an electronic reader. They have a new technology that makes the screens look more like a book page. It’s also much lighter than lugging the latest James Patterson in your suitcase, and even better, it can hold up to 1,500 books!
Traditional Solution
Bookshelves, of course – organize them and stack them in there. A solid bookcase of books can look too heavy in a room, so arrange accessories on shelves as well to lighten the load.
Coats, Mittens, Scarves and Boots
Creative Solution
They worked back in school, so give them another go – lockers can go from the entry to the mud room and keep winter clothes and dirty shoes out of sight and out of mind. Make each child responsible for the upkeep of their locker, just like they do at school. Another option for a more formal home is an antique armoire – chock full of storage space and with a pair of doors to hide it all away to boot.
Traditional Solution
Hall Benches offer a host of storage options including cubbies and hooks, along with a seat to take off shoes. They come in handy but don’t always completely hide the clutter that comes with winter wear.