Ask the Expert

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette storage shed illustration.
Arkansas Democrat-Gazette storage shed illustration.

Before nestling in for the long winter months, I'd like to clear out clutter to open up my home's living areas. I realize part of this is finding efficient ways to store the things I want to keep but don't need everyday. What do you suggest?

When it comes to storage, the places in a home -- aside from the more obvious closets, drawers, cabinets, and areas beneath beds -- that are the most effective areas to focus on to keep infrequently used or seasonal items are basements, garages, attics, and backyard sheds.

"My motto for storage is to plan the system around access," says professional organizer Becca Clark, owner of Creative Convenience (convenientlyorganized.com) and Your Best Move (www.yourbestmovear.com). "Put things that are used most in the best spots and move the lesser-used items higher up, lower down, or way in the back."

For example, those with bad knees shouldn't use under-the-bed storage for gift wrap if they expect to need it every week or two. Instead, put holiday decor or out-of-season clothes there.

Here in Arkansas, most residents don't have basements, so options are limited.

Garages and sheds usually store yard-related or sports equipment, while attics and basements are often used to hold holiday decorations and sentimental items.

Making the most of these spaces takes organization and planning.

Attic

This is the space many homeowners turn to for additional storage space, since it is usually easily accessible and is a protected area.

Often, the attic space becomes a catch-all, hodgepodge storage area with no real organization. Clear stackable bins clearly marked with contents will help maintain order in this space.

"When using attic storage, keep summer high temperatures in mind," advises Clark. "Don't put candles or delicate items in the heat. Clothing breaks down soon if it's stored [in heat] for

longer periods and be very aware of pests that are attracted to attic spaces. Mice can quickly destroy your treasures."

Take care to avoid using totes that are too heavy or big to easily carry up and down the attic stairs.

Garage

In this area, cabinets and shelves along the walls can offer a lot of storage space. In smaller garages, shelving combined with bins or totes can offer an organized storage area with easy access.

"Plan your garage system in zones, keeping all tools and equipment for a particular activity [sports, toys, gardening, woodworking, car maintenance, etc.] together in one area," Clark suggests.

Also keep in mind the age of the user, leaving items used by children lower and within easier reach, she says.

Don't forget to look upward for overhead storage and add hooks and racks that can attach heavier objects to the ceiling.

Shed

This is a space that's great for storing lawn care equipment and pet carriers. While this space won't stay as clean as a garage, it can remain neat and orderly with smaller freestanding shelves or racks.

Hooks or a mounted peg board can hold a variety of tools. And don't forget re-purposing small jars to store items like nails, screws, bolts and nuts.

Safety precautions in these areas need to be kept in mind, Clark says.

Use closed storage that can be locked for chemicals or poison, she says.

Basement

Those in Arkansas fortunate enough to have even a partial basement need to be sure to regularly check this space for leaks due to foundation damage. In this space, shelving can be added along the walls to hold large or small bins or totes, which should be labeled for easy access.

"Don't use cardboard boxes for anything important, especially in basements," Clark cautions. "They do not keep out dust, bugs or dampness. The tiniest amount of moisture can wick up through cardboard and quickly ruin everything inside."

Clark adds that she has seen many unhappy clients open cardboard boxes only to discover their items are wet, moldy and unusable. She suggests investing in plastic bins.

-- Linda S. Haymes

Do you have a decorating or remodeling question? We'll get you an answer from an authority. Send your question to Linda S. Haymes, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, P.O. Box 2221, Little Rock, Ark. 72203 or email:

lhaymes@arkansasonline.com

HomeStyle on 11/07/2015

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