Tag Archives: under-the-bed storage

Go Under the Bed to Uncover Hidden Storage Potential

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As a professional organizer, I spend a lot of time with my clients exploring measures they can take to maximize the storage space within their homes.  In previous posts, I’ve described the importance of “going vertical” and using the backs of your doors to expand your storage possibilities.  Today, we’ll explore an often untapped area in your home that can serve as extra storage space…under your bed.

Let me begin with the disclaimer that feng shui experts are not keen on the idea of using the space under your bed to for storage.  I’ll leave it to you to determine whether the less-than-optimal fung shui is outweighed by the extra square footage that you will gain by utilizing the space under your bed’s footprint.

Bed Risers

The most common way to render “under the bed” a useful space is to raise your bed off the floor a bit.  I’ve seen people use wood blocks or even cinder blocks to elevate their bed.  Did you know that there’s actually a product that is made specifically for this purpose?

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You can purchase a set of bed risers at almost any of the major retail stores.  They come in varying heights and are typically made of plastic or wood.  The one featured above comes with a bonus electrical outlet.  Fancy!

Captain’s Bed

Looking for a great storage solution for a small bedroom?  Perhaps a captain’s bed is the answer.  These beds boast built-in drawers beneath the frame that make use of the space between the floor and the bed frame.  The captain’s bed can eliminate the need for a dresser or chest of drawers in your bedroom, which will make the room feel more spacious.

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There are so many cute captain’s beds for kid’s spaces available today.  Many of them offer open cubby spaces in addition to closed (drawer) storage, like this one:

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 Murphy Bed

Need a place for the occasional house guest to sleep, but don’t have the luxury of a designated guest room in your home?  The murphy bed is the ideal solution for you.  What is it you ask?  A murphy bed is a bed that is hinged at one end to store vertically against the wall, or inside of a closet or cabinet.
Pull it out when you need it on those few occasions during the year:

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…and push it back up and out of the way when the bed is not in use. Voila – instant square footage!  This particular brand gets an A+ for clever design.  Did you notice that the bed support doubles as a desk/work area?

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Storage Bed

It looks like a typical upholstered bed, right?

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Wait for it…

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Ta da!  How’s that for the unexpected?  a storage bed such as this one can yield up to about 50 extra square feet of storage space.  Not too shabby, eh?

Moral of the story – if you are pressed for space, don’t overlook the wealth of opportunity that lies underneath your beds.  Got another way that you utilize your under-the-bed space?  I’d love to hear about it.  Be sure to leave a comment below.

Want to learn more about Natalie Gallagher and Refined Rooms?
Visit RefinedRoomsLLC.com

Gift Wrap Solutions

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Here we are, 3 days before Christmas, and most of us are surrounded by stacks of gifts that are in need of wrapping. Perhaps this is the only time of year you find yourself knee-deep in wrapping paper rolls, gift tags, and bows. For many of us, we find ourselves frequently accessing the gift wrap supplies throughout the year for wrapping birthday gifts, hostess gifts, Mother’s and Father’s Day gifts and graduation gifts.
 
Whether you use gift wrap supplies regularly or once a year, having an organized storage solution in place for these supplies will enable you to complete the task of gift wrapping as painlessly as possible.  Here are some common types of solutions to consider if you on a mission to organize your gift wrap supplies this year…

 

Rolling Carts

 

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Storing your gift wrap and accessories in a rolling cart enables you to roll it out to the location you want to use it (in front of the t.v. is a great spot for completing a marathon wrapping session), and then easily store it back in a corner of your room or in your closet when not in use.

 

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Vertical Storage Solutions

 
In previous blog posts, I’ve emphasized the importance utilizing vertical space  in your home to increase storage space, particularly the back of your doors.  Consider installing a door storage solution such as the one pictured below in a guest room, craft room, or even in your home office.
 

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This hanging gift wrap storage station is another storage option that takes advantage of vertical space…within your closet. It offers the benefit of portability as well.

 

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Under-the-Bed Storage Solutions

 
Another common place to stow away gift wrap materials is under the bed.  The shape of gift wrap rolls (small and long) make them great candidates for under-the-bed storage.  If this particular storage area of your home has been under-utilized, you may want to use an under-the-bed storage tote for corralling your rolls of gift wrap, as well as ribbon and gift tags.
 

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Have another storage solution that you love?  Please share by leaving a comment below.  Happy Wrapping!
 

To learn more about Natalie Gallagher and Refined Rooms LLC visit www.RefinedRoomsLLC.com.