Storage Bins
I’ve always believed that you need to tailor your fitted cabinet to its contents. Here are some practical tips for customized storage.
For the kitchen, you’d need to fit the various shapes and sizes of the kitchen equipment and provisions into the kitchen unit. Thus movable shelves, inset racks and pull-out trays can help accommodate the various storage requirements.
When considering fitted cupboards, note the shelf depth and height as well as the dimensions of cubbyholes or closets. The interior specifications of the cupboard should conform to what you intend to put in them or be subdivided in some way by appropriate containers so that you use the storage space to full capacity. So if you line up shoes at the bottom of a cubbyhole measuring 2 feet square, you’re wasting the greater proportion of the available space.
Another aspect to consider is the ease in which you retrieve the content of a fitted storage system. Working walls of cupboards can house a great deal of disparate possessions – everything from entire wardrobes to person paperwork, books and music collections. But for extensive storage systems, you run the risk of not remembering exactly where you store the respective items. Opening drawer after drawer or cupboard after cupboard in order to find an essential document or piece of equipment will rapidly undermine efficiency. A sketch plan or inventory can be an invaluable aid if you tend to forget where you placed your favorite CD (third cupboard on the right or 2nd drawer on the left?)
If you’ve got cabinets with deep recess, ensure its interior is well lit so you can see its contents clearly. Lighting which is triggered by the opening of a door and that are switched off automatically when the door is closed are useful in this respect. This is especially important for a walk-in closet or larder. If an information light is too costly, substitute with a light that’s operated by a switch.
Lester Fong
http://www.unique-home-decor-ideas.com
Author: Lester Fong
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
More and more people are now using their garage as an extension of their house and an extra storage system for all their belongings. Thus, there is no longer room enough for family vehicles and other tools, for which it has been originally designed. When you catch yourself in such a situation, then it is advisable that you invest in some overhead garage storage. With the help of some equipment, you can address the problem effectively. This storage system maximizes the space for further use and frees up your wall and floor the family car and things that it was specifically designed.
By making use of your ceiling to store seldom used items and light objects, your garage floor will then be free from clutter. Another advantage of this innovative solution is its accessibility. All you need is to attach your shelves into your ceiling and a ladder. If climbing on a ladder sounds like a problem to you, then you could opt for a pulley system that is mostly composed of a “4×4″ platform. You could just easily load it and lift it up without the risk of falling from a ladder.
Still not sure what to put on your overhead garage storage? Consider these seasonal items such as your holiday decors, old documents, camping supplies, old clothes, folding chairs, memorabilia and potentially hazardous equipment that you’d like to be out of your children’s reach..
What are the things to consider if you want to install this storage system? Carefully consider your specific requirements, the structural capacity and design of your garage and most importantly, the materials need to carry out such a plan. You need to make sure that your garage is able to handle the extra load or you will end up messing more things up. The material composition of your ceiling will determine how capable it would be in handling additional loads. If it is made with wood or roofing material, then keep in mind to limit it to lighter objects.
Do you want your ceiling storage to occupy the whole area or just a part of it? If you have a high ceiling, then its advisable for you to utilize the whole area for a maximum storage capacity. If you want just a part of it, then choose carefully which spot you want to install it.
Considering all these factors, you are now ready to install your overhead garage storage. You can do it yourself by buying readily available supplies from a home improvement store or better yet hire a professional if you are still unsure of your skills in getting new things done. The most common style is the heavy-duty metal frame rack. This type of ceiling storage system can hold from light to moderate loads. This means that those old documents, camping supplies and seasonal clothing, but definitely not with your bike and folding chair altogether! Another type is with the use of plastic racks that are much cheaper and convenient. It is available in various sizes and shapes. However, if want to make sure of its durability, the first type is much more reliable to use.
Now you are ready to have that excellent overhead garage storage installed! Be sure to sort things out first and do not just get too excited with the idea of getting extra storage and freeing up your garage’s floor for parking. Careful and considerate planning always drives success so take things one at a time and you will enjoy your new ceiling storage system much longer.
Our site provides information on bedroom closet organizers, walk in closets and various other types of closet designs along with garage storage systems. Let us provide all your storage information.
By Naomi Smith
Author: Naomi Smith
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Between homes a lot? Living in cramped quarters? Self-storage is a great way to stow your stuff during semester breaks, trips abroad or frequent relocations. It’s also a convenient solution to “where am I going to put this?” when you’re living in a dorm, fraternity or sorority, or sharing an apartment or house. Actually, you’d be surprised how well a storage unit suits your lifestyle.
Here are 15 tips for college students considering self-storage:
1. Proximity – Look for a facility that’s close to campus. Check to see if units that are a farther distance from the entrance or on a second or third floor are less expensive.
2. Climate control – This keeps the temperature and humidity in the unit similar to the temperature in your home. In many cases it’s an unnecessary expense for college students, unless you will be storing things that have a lot of value such as computers and electronics, photos, antiques or expensive clothes.
3. Easy access – Facilities that stay open later and have gated access with keypad entry are often more convenient for students.
4. Choose your size – Before deciding on how big a unit you’ll need, see if you can find other students to share a space. The storage facility manager may know of someone, or where to find “storagemates”. If your stuff fits in about 5-10 boxes, you’ll probably need a 5 x 5 or 5 x 10 unit. Use Extra Space’s size estimator.
5. Every square inch – Make good use of limited space by setting up floor-to-ceiling shelving in your self-storage unit. Shelves of any kind are okay as long as they are not attached to the walls, ceiling or floor.
6. Get in early – For a small, refundable deposit, you can often reserve a self-storage unit in advance – before the facilities close to campus fill up.
7. Sturdy stacking – Hunting for free boxes can be a big headache, especially if you don’t have a car to transport them. Storage facilities often sell quality boxes that are collapsed for easy transport and will hold up during frequent moves. When packing textbooks, keep boxes small and be sure to limit the number of books to 4-5 – otherwise they’ll be too heavy.
8. Lean and green – Recycled plastic bins are an option to boxes, and are more durable, stack well and can be used for years. If bins seal tightly, leave them open a crack to allow air to flow — and be sure everything you pack is dry. Wrap your belongings and fill extra space in boxes with socks, towels, pillow cases, clothing and paper towels (which can be used to clean later). For boxes and packing materials, ask your storage facility manager if other customers may be discarding theirs before buying your own.
9. Know what you can and can’t store – Plants, perishable food and flammable or toxic materials cannot be stored. Remove batteries from electronics to avoid acid damage.
10. Track as you pack – Keeping a list of what you’ve packed in numbered boxes will help you unpack quickly and make sure everything makes it in the move. Take pictures of valuable items next to a newspaper showing the date.
11. Save on the moving truck – Some storage facilities allow you to use a truck for free, or rent it for a small fee. Some “big box” home and garden stores rent trucks by the hour.
12. Cart it around – Storage facilities frequently have push carts and dollies for your convenience.
13. Convenient parking – Save on parking permits, meters and tickets – park your car in an outside lot or drive-up unit within a storage facility. You can also store your car if you’re going to be travelling.
14. Cross country – If you’re trying to figure out the logistics of a move, keep in mind that if you provide your movers with keys, they can come to the unit, load your belongings, and deliver them without you needing to be there.
15. Insure your stuff -Self-storage facilities require proof that your belongings are insured. If you don’t have coverage through a renter’s or homeowner’s policy, most facilities offer low cost insurance that you can add to the lease. Read “Insuring Your Stored Items”.
Ask your storage facility manager if you have any questions about how you can use your storage unit – they’ve heard everything.
Jim Stevens works for Extra Space Storage a team of experts in the self storage industry. Collectively, they have been helping consumers and business people find and efficiently utilize offsite storage units as a company for more than 30 years.
These experts know how to do things like store furniture and valuable possessions until they are needed as well as excess business inventory and give storage advice on surviving a move to a new house.
Author: Jim A Stevens
Article Source: EzineArticles.com