Here is another helpful and informative article from Hibbard Construction‘s Newsletter, “On The Level”

Is the solution to your storage problem consist of adding shelves, installing cabinets, and buying wardrobes and armoires?  Well that might be a temporary fix, but the best way to address your storage issues is when you are remodeling your home.

Adequate storage in the home has become a hot topic among designers and remodelers recently.  More and more clients are finding themselves squeezed into homes with smaller square footage and lacking adequate storage space for todays active family lifestyle.

Rest assured there are ways to gain extra storage space that you didn’t even know you had, and the cost of doing it wont break the bank!

Build High Ceilings

If you can’t build out, try going up! Tall ceilings can be used to gain more storage in several rooms. In your closets, higher shelves can be placed above your normal rod for items that are seasonal. Kitchens and Great Rooms can also benefit from higher ceilings because taller cabinets can be installed. Don’t forget the open area above the wall cabinets, which can house anything from a basket of books to speakers.

Add Space in the Walls

Have a recessed cabinet installed! Recessed cabinets are designed to fit between the 16” studs found in most homes. A recessed cabinet can be installed in just a few hours and designed to match the trim already in your home.  Recessed cabinets come in an array of types and styles. Price and quality of materials vary, but the goal is the same: Utilize that space inside your wall.

Add Storage Under the Stairs

If you have stairs, putting deep drawers or cabinet style doors on the side can help you get the most use out of an otherwise waste of space.  You will be surprised at the amount of storage available when you utilize this area.

Plan for Attic Storage

If you are going to have a steep roof or have one already, take advantage of this extra storage space. When you build, make sure the ceiling joists are sized large enough to carry any extra load created from your storage items. ONE TIP – If you install “real” stairs instead of pull down stairs, getting those Christmas decorations down every year will be much easier!

Create Built-in Seating

A mudroom is the perfect place for built-in seating. If you build the seating with a hinged top or deep drawers, you get the perfect place to store your shoes. In a bedroom, you have the perfect place to read a book and hide extra blankets at the same time.

Add an Island

Islands can be great in a kitchen for extra storage, but have you tried one on wheels? If you need more room in the kitchen, you simply roll it out of the way. Have you thought about an island in your closet? If you have a large walk-in closet, why not take advantage of that extra floor space? A small island makes a perfect place for extra storage and you may be able to free up some floor space in your bedroom by not having an extra dresser.

Don’t Skimp on the Garage

With the popularity of SUVs and mini vans, it is important you make sure your new garage will be big enough to hold the family car. For example, the GMC Yukon has a length of 198.9 inches and the Yukon XL has a length of 219.3 inches. If you plan on walking around it after you park, that garage had better be deeper than 20 feet.

An over sized garage will also allow for shelving units to be installed.  This will give you an abundance of storage for your seasonal decorations, camping equipment, and lawn and garden supplies.

All in all, there are numerous ways to gain more storage.  It just takes some creativity and a contractor who can help you identify ways to utilize the space you didn’t know you had!