First, determine which room/area you want to organize, and this will help you figure out which system will work best for that particular space.

Secondly (VERY IMPORTANT), take measurements before you buy anything! It saves you time, money, and major aggravation! For example, if you’re looking for shelving for a closet or laundry/utility room (often small spaces), measure the heighth/width and depth. Take the written dimensions with you when you shop for storage, and you’ll know what can work and what definitely won’t.

Check online first for options to get an idea of what you’re looking for, as far as price, style, versatility, etc., and you’ll be a more informed customer when you hit the stores. Even if you decide to order shelving systems online, I would still recommend that you check it out in person at a store to get a better feel/understanding of what you’re purchasing. (Not all storage systems are equal!)

I’ve used a variety of storage systems for clients (and myself and family), but here are a couple that are my faves:

Chrome (also comes in white or black) Shelving:
* Why it’s great – cost-effective, various sizes, easy to assemble (all you need is a mallet!), adjustable (shelf notches at every inch), durable (not the lame, old aluminum units that always bend and sag after a while), maximizes space very efficiently
* Best areas for use – closets, garages, laundry/utility rooms, dry patios
* Drawbacks – industrial look, which may not be ideal for certain room styles; outdoor areas exposed to rain can cause chrome units to rust
* Where to find it – Target (my personal fave), Lowe’s, Home Depot, Sam’s Club and many other home stores

Elfa Shelving Systems:
* Why it’s great – excellent quality, versatile for most spaces, many options for sizing, accessories to store specific items, and modern, efficient look to it.
* Best areas for use – closets, home offices, garages, kitchen storage areas
* Drawbacks – pricier than many other systems, often requires installation into wall studs (meaning the installer should know what they’re doing with that drill!)
* Where to find it – The Container Store and a few places online. The employees at The Container Store can help you with the layout, dimensions, options, even installation.

A few other tips:
* Measure the size of your largest items to store before assembling the shelf heights, and plan for those to go on the bottom shelves. Gravity has a way of reminding us why this is a good idea…
* Zoning laws – Group like items to store together in the same area so it makes it easier to find them when you need them.
* Use clear plastic storage bins to contain small objects, and to help other family members understand (and efficiently use) your system, label your zones.

Finally, pat yourself on the back on a job well-done, and relax for a while!

Until next time….happy organizing!