Wade Rolles
Storage Space Ideas for Everyday Living
How is it that we accumulate so much stuff?
When your home is bursting at the seams, it’s time to take stock, clear out, and store the rest. The problem is, what if you lack more space? Literally, your stuff has breached the storage threshold under your roof.
Maybe you live in a small home that wasn’t blessed with excessive attic space. Your closets are few and stuffed with the essentials. You rather your garage house your car and not your crap. Short of moving or shipping all your stuff to goodwill, what are you going to do?
Create more storage.
I know, easier said then done.
There are lots of different options to choose from. You can add shelving and rack storage to your closets, storage in your garage, and even find ways to utilize space in your attic, basement, or even your patio, that could keep things organized and out of your way. The easiest way to do this is with a kit.
For all of you DIYers out there, you are going to love this. The choices are vast, so I’m going to narrow it down for you with a few of my favorite choices.
Closet: From no room to BOOM!
The selections are vast for your closet space. Not only does this allow some creative freedom with this space in your home, but it also allows for some wiggle room with your finances as well.
DIY
Rubber Maid Wire Kits – These are easily to put together with a few basic tools. You can piece meal them together or purchase a closet kit based on a picture.
Small Closet Storage
Large Closet Storage
Overstock.com – Want more DIY? Sometimes you need to search deeper. I found this gem online. If you want the look without the heavy price tag, this may be a good option for you.
John Louis Closet System
Custom Made
Local Closet Company, Handyman, or Contractor – You will pay more, but the look is very elegant which keeps small spaces looking clean versus cluttered.
Make space with a custom closet
Want to design your own? Hire your local skilled handyman and work within your budget and your vision.
Attic: Make the Most of Your Space
That hole in your ceiling leads to a land of storage; however, is it usuable space? If you can make use of this space in a creative way, this may give you more bang for your buck in gaining room for your stuff. AtticMaxx – This is pretty ingenious if you ask me. Depending on what your attic space looks like, this could be the perfect solution. You can check out more information on this kit on their FAQs page.
Attic Storage: Before
Check this out! It may not be storage, but it could give you a whole new perspective on what space you DO have. This is where a professional contractor comes in handy.
Attic: Hire a Pro for this!
Garage: Overhead Storage
Depending on the weight and size of what you would like to organize in your garage, you may be able to get away with similar wire kits as mentioned above. For heartier storage solution, you can turn to wood cabinentry – either in a kit you can do yourself, or something custom built by your favorite contractor or handyman.
Wire Rack Storage
For something a little heartier, yet still wire, you may want to look at The Shelving Store.
Stronger Rack Storage
More Wire Storage
How about some cabinetry options. You can find these in kits, or have them custom made for your space.
ClosetMaid Storage
Sleek Design
And finally, wood shelving:
This takes a little skill…and lumber
When you are lacking side space, you will want to look up. Many garages allow for space above the garage door and hung from the ceiling. Again, you will want to make sure that the option you choose is supportive of the weight of your stored goods. Christmas decorations will not be nearly as heavy as your tools. Reinforcing your shelves will be key to keeping you, your family, and your valuables safe.
Overhead Storage
Increase Your Garage Capacity
My favorite places to find materials and kits:
Cabinets – Home Depot
Shelving, brackets, and accessories – wire or metal – Home Depot, your local hardware store, and Amazon.com.
Other great sites to check out – Overstock.com and the sites that are linked to the above photos.
With any project, make sure that you consult a professional contractor or handyman. You may find the time you will spend may be worth having an expert tackle it for you.
I hope this was helpful to you. I’d love to hear your feedback and your questions. Comment below and I will surely get back to you!
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The Light Bulb Comparison Chart: How to choose your new bulbs
Sooo…did you run out and change your light bulbs? Let me put your mind at ease for just a moment. Incandescent light bulbs are not BANNED and you will not incur any penalty for using them. In fact, there are still plenty of incandescent bulbs available to you. However, you will no longer be able to find the 60 and 40 watt variety, and by the end of this year, you will be out of options for 100 watts or more. The less popular wattage incandescents will still be around until 2016, however, they will cost you much more than before. Why? All in the effort to save energy. So do yourself – and the planet – a favor. The next time you need a new light bulb, make the switch. Not sure which type of bulb is right for you? Let us help. Use this light bulb comparison chart to help you make your decision:
A few other notes to help you make your decision – Check the labels!
- You want to look for wording like: “Equal to 60 watt incandescent” so you know what you are replacing.
- The label “Warm White” and “Soft White” are going to have the incandescent bulb glow. It may also say 2700K or 3000K.
- The term “Cool White, “ Daylight,” and “Bright White” are brighter, colder, and harsher. These may be good for areas of high traffic in your home or office. These may also list the numbers 4000K or 5000K.
- K = Kelvin (the color temperature)
- You may also see the term ‘Lumens.’ This refers to the amount of light that you want. More lumens mean brighter light than lower lumens. The same wattage of a bulb can have different lumens.
We hope this helps guide you to make the change without too much anxiety. If you have any questions or need more guidance, just drop us a line at wade@h2handypro.com What types of bulb are you going to use? Which areas of your home are you going to target first? Leave us a comment below. We would love to hear. For more lighting options, check out our Pinterest page right HERE.
Out with the old, in with the new: Your incandescent bulb replacement options
Have you heard? Your standard incandescent light bulbs are phasing out of production this year. Home Depot reports that they have about a 6 month supply left (as of January 2014), so if you really think you need them, you better get out there and stock up.
In effort to save energy and keep this earth turning, the EPA “light bulb” law went into effect in 2012 with the removal of bulbs with 100 watts or more. This year, the 60 and 40 watt variety are going by the wayside. The energy sucking incandescent bulbs are now being replaced by higher efficiency bulbs, including:
- LED
- Halogen
- Compact Fluorescent (CFL’s)
You may be worried about the cost of this change, as you surely got a dose of sticker shock the last time you looked at light bulb choices. It’s hard to justify paying $30 for a CFL or LED light bulb versus 50 cents to a dollar for an incandescent, especially if you are replacing bulbs throughout your entire home.
The good news is, the costs are coming down and the savings seems worth it. You can now get a LED bulb in different levels of brightness and warmth for $10! AND, if you use a LED bulb in your home, it could last up to 60,000 hours compared to 1,000 hours of an incandescent bulb. That can save you around $200 in replacement bulbs!
My Favorite Option
Let’s get with the times and embrace the change. Personally, I am a fan of LED lighting over incandescent for a few reasons.
- Their brighter, blue hue – very clean and clear.
- You also have a choice of warmer hues too.
- They are more durable with a life expectancy of 23 years with normal use.
- They are certainly more efficient, therefore, better for the planet.
- They just became more affordable.
Now that the LED bulbs are more affordable, I am definitely in favor of using LED lights throughout the home.
We only have a few months left before 40 and 60 watt incandescent bulbs will no longer be available. Make sure you take steps now to change out the bulbs in your home. If you need help or have questions, you can leave us a comment below or drop us an email at wade@h2handypro.com
Here is a light bulb comparison chart to help you make your decision.
We would love to know about your choice for light bulbs. Which option will you choose the next time you need to replace an incandescent? Please comment below.