Without a home of their own, backpacks have a tendency to end up on the floor in front of the door or at the bottom of the stairs or on the kitchen table or counter. One of the simplest, most inexpensive ways to get kids to “store” their backpacks is to install hooks at their height — in a hall closet (use the back of the door if you can), entryway, or their bedrooms. A sturdy coat rack can also be used to hang backpacks as well as coats.
Stackable crates, cubbies, and shelves with bins are equally good options if you have room in a closet or entryway. The trick is training kids to put their backpacks where they belong.
BAGS, GROCERY (PAPER, PLASTIC, CLOTH)
There’s no need to save every plastic or paper bag. Decide how many is enough and then return extras to the supermarket for recycling. If you save plastic bags, limit the number by storing them in a small container such as a gallon plastic jug with a hole cut in the front or an empty tissue box.
Store them on a shelf in the pantry or laundry room or wherever you most often need them, such as near the cat’s litter box or with your dog’s leash. Or store a few in each bathroom to use as liners for small wastebaskets.
You might even stash a few in your car; stuff them into an empty toilet tissue roll and toss the roll in the glove box. Or hang plastic bags along with a few flattened paper bags in a single bag that you can hang from a hook in a convenient place. Better yet, use sturdy canvas or string bags instead of paper or plastic and store them in your car, where you’ll always have them when you need them.
BANK STATEMENTS
There are several reasons why you may want to store bank statements, the most common of which is documentation for tax-deductible business expenses (though original receipts are preferred). Bank statements may also come in handy if you’re trying to track down a forgotten transaction or clarify a question in your personal or business finances. And if you apply for a mortgage or home loan, you may need to provide two or three recent bank statements as part of the application process.
Many banks offer the option to deliver electronic statements, which you can store on your computer. Store them in folders by year.
If you choose to file paper statements, set up a hanging file folder for BANK ACCOUNTS and then create separate interior folders for each account. File statements in reverse chronological order (most current in front). You should be aware that if you withdraw money from one account and deposit it into another account, and IRS records show only the deposit, the amount deposited might be assumed to be taxable income unless proven otherwise. While you may be able to obtain a copy of those statements from your bank, it’s a good idea to store all bank statements with your tax documents each year.
(see also Tax Records)
BASEBALL CARDS AND OTHER COLLECTIBLE SPORTS CARDS
The first order of business is to protect your investment. Never expose cards to direct sunlight. Store in a cool, dry place. The ideal storage temperature is between 64 and 72°F (18–22°C) with 45–55 percent humidity. High humidity can warp cards and result in mold. Note that a dehumidifier may emit ozone, which can damage cards.
While some collectors store cards in special protector sheets that hold nine cards per page and place them in three-ring binders, most collectors put cards into individual protective sleeves, known as penny sleeves. Though they are very inexpensive, these thin plastic pouches go a long way toward preventing wear and tear; some even have UV inhibitors.
More valuable cards should be stored in what’s known as a toploader, a rigid plastic cover that prevents bending and creasing. Very valuable cards are best stored in a screw-down case of hard plastic. All of these storage supplies are widely available at hobby shops.
To organize a large collection of cards, sort them (with or without sleeves) into corrugated cardboard boxes using labeled sticky notes as temporary dividers. Organize alphabetically by player, by year, or however makes sense to you. A valuable collection should be stored in a fireproof safe or bank safe-deposit box. You can also organize your collection using special card collection software or by creating a spreadsheet.
BASKETS
The cleverest way to store baskets is to use them to hold a variety of items including loose change and other pocket items, mail, shoes, kitchen or bathroom items, toys, and knitting projects. Handled baskets are useful for carting loads up and down stairs and for quick pick-up of a living area.
If you prefer not to use them, display the prettiest ones on a shelf or on top of kitchen cabinets. Baskets you use often for serving breads and chips can be stored in kitchen cabinets along with serving dishes or on top of the refrigerator for easy access.
Unless your basement is humidity-controlled, don’t store anything directly on the floor; place all storage boxes on shelves or pallets. If flooding is a possibility, store everything in watertight plastic tubs instead of cardboard boxes.
Avoid storing newspapers and magazines in the basement, attic, or garage, as paper items will attract spiders.
Store pet food and birdseed in tightly lidded containers to protect the contents from rodents.
(see also Storage Solutions, pages 153, 175)
Why not keep a basket of your favorite bath salts, eye and neck pillows, candles, and other “pamper-me” items in a basket by the tub for easy access after a stressful day?
(see also Toiletries)
BATTERIES
Store alkaline batteries in a cool, dry place. The average shelf life of alkaline batteries at room temperature is five to seven years. Freezing can prolong the charge of NiDc and NiMh batteries for up to a month. Chilled batteries need to be warmed to room temperature before using. Manufacturers do not recommend refrigerating or freezing alkaline batteries.
(see also Storage Solution, page 267)
Transforming Common Items into Storage Solutions
Put a small one in the trunk of your car to hold maintenance items (windshield fluid, oil, dry gas, and rags).
Keep summer shoes and flip flops in a basket in the mudroom or entryway. At the end of the season, the whole basket goes into storage.
In the winter, use one to hold wet or muddy boots and save yourself some floor cleanup.
Use them in the basement or garage to store sports equipment: one for each sport to hold helmets, skates, balls, protective padding, and so on.
A large laundry basket can hold all your recyclables, or use several smaller ones to sort out paper, plastic, and metal.
Keep one handy for when you’re having company and you want to do a quick cleanup.
Do you load beach chairs, blankets, towels, flotation devices, and other gear into your trunk before every outing to the beach or community pool? Consider stowing those items permanently in the trunk during the swim season. It will save the time and effort of loading and reloading, plus save space in the garage or wherever you’re storing these things now. If you need the trunk space temporarily for something else, take them out.
If you have a home pool, keep clean pool towels and toys in a lidded outdoor storage box or bench. Toys, flotation wings, and beach balls can be collected in a laundry basket or large plastic-mesh tote and left in the pool area or stored by the door nearest the pool. Keep a laundry basket, large canvas tote, or pop-up hamper handy for collecting and carrying used towels to the laundry room.
At the end of the season, deflate and store lightweight pool toys such as rafts in a lidded plastic container, a storage hammock strung up in a corner of the garage or basement, or an overhead ceiling rack.
(see also Storage Solutions, pages 153, 175)
A bank safe-deposit box is ideal for valuable jewelry, rare coins, and other collectibles. It’s also the best place to store original copies of certain legal and financial documents, such as:
Marriage, birth, and death certificates
Settlement and divorce papers
Adoption, custody, and citizenship papers
Diplomas
Property deeds
Motor vehicle titles
Stock and bond certificates
U.S. savings bonds and certificates of deposit
Contracts, including mortgages, deeds, promissory notes, and other legally binding agreements
Military papers
Patents and copyrights
Home inventory list, including photos of each room and purchase receipts
Important data disks
Any items you deem worthy of safekeeping
If you are the primary account holder, it’s a good idea to add a secondary account holder who is authorized to open your box in the event that you are unable to do so. If, and only if, you do this, you may also store the originals of your will and trust papers. Do not store anything in a safe-deposit box that you may need to access in a hurry, such as passports, living wills, health care proxy, and powers of attorney.
You may be able to write off the cost of a safe-deposit box on your income tax returns if the contents include papers relating to income-producing property; check with your tax preparer. You may need a rider on your homeowner’s or renter’s policy to cover the contents of your safe-deposit box; check with your insurance agent.
An alternative to a safe-deposit box is a locking Underwriter’s Laboratory (UL)–approved fire-resistant file cabinet or safe.
Store belts and neckties so that you can remove one and return it without disturbing the others. Store neckties unknotted and in such a way that they won’t wrinkle. While you can roll and store belts and neckties in a drawer, hanging them makes it quicker and easier to put away and retrieve them. An inexpensive solution is to count your belts and ties and tap that number of nails or small hooks into the wall, leaving a little room for additional purchases.
Ready-made organizers include wall- or doormounted racks and special hangers that can hold several dozen belts or neckties; many are designed to store a combination of belts and ties. For a tight space, look for a valet rail that attaches to the outside of a closet-rod mount and slides in and out.
(see also Storage Solutions, pages 101, 224)
Resting a bicycle against a wall is not a good way to store it, as it may be damaged if it accidentally tips over. Safer storage options range from inexpensive hooks and wall mounts to hang bicycles by the frame or a wheel to a pulley system that allows you to suspend them from the ceiling. Another option that works well is a floor-to-ceiling rack that can hold two bicycles.
Unless they are tax-deductible business expenses, statements for cable, telephone, electric, garbage pickup, water, sewer, and other services and utilities can be shredded as soon as they are paid. There is no legal or tax reason to save these billing statements, as they do not prove payment. Your canceled check proves payment. And you can find the check number in your check register or on your bank statement.
If you are more comfortable saving utility statements, store them for one year only in a 13-pocket accordion file with 12 monthly pockets and a pocket for holding unpaid bills.
Even personal credit card statements don’t need to be saved except to prove a business expense, in which case they should be stored with current-year tax documents. However, if you want to save credit card statements as proof of payment in lieu of a receipt, store them in a hanging folder labeled Credit Cards with separate interior folders for each CREDIT CARDS. File in reverse chronological order (most current statement in front). Remove and shred statements at the end of each year or two or at your discretion.
(see also Storage Solutions, pages 15, 196)
As bills arrive, either pay them immediately or store them in a designated holding place such as an accordion file or folder labeled BILLS TO PAY. Store only the bills and payment envelopes; toss the outer envelopes and any inserts.
Wherever you pay bills, designate a nearby drawer or cabinet shelf to store the “tools” you need to pay them, including check register, checks, envelopes, stamps, return-address labels, pen, calculator, and stapler. You also might want to keep a letter opener handy for opening bills. If you tend to pay bills at work or outside your home, consider setting up a portable bill-paying file with everything you need, including the unpaid bills.
Or you could go electronic: Online bill paying eliminates the need to file bills altogether. Have bills sent to you electronically and pay them online through each company’s Web site. You also can set up bills to be paid automatically through your bank or bill-paying service directly to the phone company, utility company, or other entity.
You’ll save on stamps and checks — and you’ll save time, too. Another plus: Studies show that banking online can help decrease the risk of fraud and identity theft by more than 10 percent.
Store in a tightly sealed container to keep out hungry rodents. Empty bags into a recycled cat litter bucket with lid or a small metal trash can with tightly fitting lid. Label the container. Keep a scoop in or on top of the container for easy refilling of feeders.
Store original and certified copies in a safe-deposit box or fire- and burglar-resistant safe. (A baptismal certificate may be accepted as proof of birth in the absence of a birth certificate and in situations where the original birth was not recorded.)
(see also Storage Solutions, pages 15, 32)
Never forget a birthday or anniversary again! There are many free birthday and anniversary reminder services available online. You can also enter important dates into the contact manager you use on your computer.
Do you need a portable storage system? Look for mobile filing carts, carts with drawers and shelves, and kitchen carts that you can store out of the way in closets or under desks and wheel out when you need them.
These units are also perfect for extra bathroom storage or for holding sewing and craft supplies, kids’ toys, socks and underwear, and extra pantry foods. Tuck one into a corner of a closet for handy access to pet accessories, hats, and other items.
And there’s the traditional way of recording birthdays and anniversaries, in a perennial birthday book for easy reference. You can also make notations on the appropriate dates in an annual calendar. At year end, transfer notations from one calendar to the next.
(see Quilts/Comforters/Blankets)
(see Clothing: Blouses and shirts; Clothing, Out-of-Season)
Roll up and store — individually or with related documents — in labeled cardboard tubes. If you’ve got a number of them that you need to access regularly, store rolled blueprints and plans (minus the tubes) in a mobile bin with tall compartments especially for rolled materials.
Or roll them up and store them in a cardboard wine or liquor box with divider inserts. Another option is to store blueprints and plans flat in stackable storage-shelf units made for this purpose or on an open shelf no taller than shoulder height.
(see Sports Equipment and Gear)
Organize books in a way that makes sense to you; after all, it’s your collection. You might take a cue from libraries and bookstores, where nonfiction and fiction books are stored in different sections. Fiction is then arranged alphabetically by author. You could also organize by genre, such as historical fiction, romance, and mystery. Nonfiction books are typically organized by subject — gardening, parenting, travel. Use bookends as needed to create separate sections.
Arranging books so that the spines are aligned with the outer edge of the shelf will prevent dust from settling on shelf edges.
Keep children’s books on the lower shelves or in bookcases in their rooms. Cookbooks are best stored in the kitchen, where they will be handy when needed.
An interesting alternative to book shelves (for paperbacks only) is a go-anywhere, invisible shelving system that creates the illusion of a line of books hanging unsupported on the wall. If you don’t have space to display books, make a decision to give away the ones you will probably never read again or sell them to a used bookstore for cash or credit.
(see also Storage Solution, page 60)
Store wet or dirty boots on a plastic shoe tray near the entry. Clean and put away boots in the off-season.
Boot trees are the best way to retain the shape of boots and eliminate creasing. Trees feature an expanding bracket that provides the right amount of tension to keep boots standing while allowing air to circulate. Alternatively, you can stuff boots with tissue paper and cardboard forms. You can also purchase clear plastic stackable boxes made specifically for boots.
(see also Leather Items)
Transforming Common Items into Storage Solutions
Infrequently used suitcases are a great way to store seasonal clothes and linens. Label the address tags with the contents or the owner of the clothes for quick identification.
A hard-sided suitcase can hold holiday decorations.
Tuck gifts and other surprises into a suitcase to foil snoopy kids and spouses.
Stack two or three vintage suitcases to make a bedside table that also holds seasonal linens or infrequently used clothing items.
Antique cosmetic cases make a charming container for jewelry, treasured letters and cards, and other special items.
Smaller suitcases are great for yarn and fleece storage, as well as other crafts supplies.
If storage space is not an issue, go ahead and save all the boxes you want. But unless you have an immediate or foreseeable need for the boxes, such as an upcoming move or shipping a number of holiday gifts, the best place to store boxes in is your recycling bin. Store whatever boxes you decide to save in the attic or on high shelves or atop cabinets in the basement or garage. If space is limited, fold boxes flat, tie them together with twine, and tuck them away behind shelving or alongside cabinets.
Exception: You may want to save the original boxes and packing materials for electronics equipment such as stereos, televisions, computers, monitors, and printers as well as electronic games and keyboards. The original packaging provides maximum protection should you need to return an item by mail for warranty service or to transport it to a new home. Stack them in a corner of the attic or crawl space; if you must store them in the basement, put them on a pallet or a couple of 2×4s to keep them off the floor so they don’t get damp.
Ask yourself: Do I really need to save this brochure or flyer — or just the pertinent information? Toss the paper whenever you can. File brochures you want to save so you can find them again. For example, you might set up a hanging file folder for TRAVEL & ENTERTAINMENT with interior folders labeled LOCAL, OUT-OF-TOWN, and VACATION for storing information about restaurants and places of interest.
(see also Local Area Information; Storage Solution, page 168)
If you have room in your everyday storage areas, you can store extra paper towels, toilet tissue, toiletries, canned goods, and other items there where they will be convenient when you need them. If not, designate a single space where you can store all the things you buy in bulk from your favorite wholesale store: in the garage or basement, laundry room, or an extra closet.
A freestanding shelving unit makes a good mouse-and moisture-proof storage space. Arrange it like a mini-store where you can go to replenish supplies. Consider removing multiple items, such as boxes of cereal or bottles of juice, from their outer packaging for easier access and to keep the bulk storage area neat and tidy.
(see also Toilet Tissue, Extra Rolls)
If you save business cards, you need a simple way to store them so that you can find them again or at least find specific contact information. The simplest way is to scan the cards into your computer contact management program, such as Outlook or ACT. There are several scanners made specifically for this purpose.
Once scanned, there’s no need to save the physical cards, as you will be able to sort and search contacts and even forward contacts to others via e-mail.
If you prefer to store the actual cards, there are a number of options. Card file books are useful for storing a relatively small number of business cards. You can have different books to separate types of contacts, such as household service providers and business contacts. Another option is a binder with protective pages designed to hold business cards and dividers to sort alphabetically or by type. But if you want to file alphabetically, a business card file box is the simpler solution.
(see also Storage Solutions, pages 188, 196)
Keep the spare buttons from new clothing in their original plastic or paper envelopes and either staple the sales tags to them or attach a label with a description of the items, such as “Ann Taylor navy jacket size 8.” Keep them in a designated container (a clear plastic box or ziplock bag is a good choice) near your sewing supplies.
A clear plastic hardware drawer organizer is a great way to store a large stash of loose buttons. Organizing by color will make it easier to find just the right button.
If you don’t mind going on a treasure hunt when you need a button, just toss them all into a lidded tin or jar or a ziplock bag and store them in a labeled bin or basket near your sewing supplies.
