Plan Ahead for Storage Needs

When looking for your perfect home plan or considering a custom design or remodel don’t forget about planning for your storage needs. If there is one thing people are good at it is collecting clutter and it leaves us wondering, “What to do with it all?” It is time to take the stress out of finding space for your treasures and plan for storage solutions to meet the needs of you and your family.

“A place for everything and everything in its place”, a good rule to live by: assuming that you have the right amount of storage for your home. The experts at Associated Designs, Inc., home design specialists in Eugene, Oregon, first start by taking a look at the size of home you are looking to build. Rick McAlexander, president, explains that the opportunities for storage vary greatly with the size of home being designed. Keeping the storage areas proportional to the rest of the home is key to functional and tidy living. Showcasing all the necessary areas within a home to consider the Oakshire 30-770 has them all. This design features; an entry closet, linen closets, pantry, mudroom, and plenty of cabinet storage in the large utility room. Along with planning for the actual spaces here are other tips to consider capitalizing on those spaces.

The entry closet gives the homeowner the first bit of storage. Entry closets are great for seasonal outerwear ranging from light jackets to winter scarves and mittens. Adding hooks to the interior side of the door would lend additional storage by keeping your “go to” items up front to just reach in and grab.

Close to the bedroom or bathroom areas, the linen closets help to keep things close to where they are needed. Aside from storing additional bedding and towels, a linen closet is also and an excellent place to keep cleaning supplies and extra bathroom staples close by and out of site from visitors.

Next on the list of necessities is a kitchen pantry. Having a pantry offers the extra storage needed to keep countertops clear and can offer an easier view of staples you like to keep on hand. Increase its functionality by is installing shelving at different heights, adding racks or a hook system to the door along and use of baskets to corral loose staples such as onions and potatoes.

Utilizing the transition between the living area of the home and the garage with a mud room creates a very versatile space. The mud room is a great option for active families who need a “drop zone”. Backpacks and lunch pails can be conveniently stored before or after school. If your children are active in sports this area is a great place to remove and store muddy shoes. Optimize the mud room with a cubby system for individual family member’s belongings will keep items organized. Consider adding a bench, not only for the benefit of having a seat to put on or remove shoes but you can capture additional storage under the seat for larger or odd sized frequently used items.

When it comes to the garage, storage options are numerous. Cars, tools, sports equipment and other odds and ends that don’t fit in the home create a high demand on garage storage. To help the garage live up to its high demands consider some of the following tips.

• Most people don’t realize how much overhead space a garage can offer. By installing basic pulley storage system, you can keep seasonal items and the family canoe from occupying valuable floor space.
• Fully utilize wall space. A peg and hook system can double or triple the storage space in the average garage and keep the yard tools well organized.
• A work bench keeps tools and equipment organized and ready to use when you are want to work your next project.
• Cabinets, shelving and sports containers can increase storage of skates, boards, helmets, balls and more. Corner containers or closets can help keep things tidy and organized.

When it comes to planning for storage it is important to consider your needs during the design process. Once your plans are picked or finalized there are many additional tricks, tips and specialized products that will help your well-designed home support your lifestyle while keeping your home clutter free.

As seen on Newswire