17 Simple Storage Projects You Can Accomplish This Weekend

Entryway Catchall

Quickly boost entryway storage with the simple addition of baskets (similar to this extra-large Better Homes & Gardens Natural Maize Colored Striped Basket, $40, Walmart). Use the open bins to sort items like shoes, scarves, and gloves so you can grab what you need and get out the door. Tuck the baskets under an entryway table or against a wall to keep them out of the traffic flow.

Storage Seating

If you're short on bedroom storage, look for furniture that does double duty. Place an upholstered ottoman at the foot of your bed to add handy storage and seating. Fill the inner storage compartment with extra linens and blankets or out-of-season clothing.

Vertical Arrangement

The wall next to your desk can hold more than a calendar. Instantly expand storage space with a hanging arrangement that combines paper organizers, pen holders, and mail catchers. Taking these items off the work surface gives you more space to complete tasks and cross items off your to-do list.

Creation Station

Transform a blank wall into a kid's art center that combines storage and creativity. Cover the area with chalkboard paint and mount a roll of kraft paper at children's eye level. Add a magnetic strip for detachable marker and crayon tins and an upper shelf for messier crafting supplies. Open frames attached to the wall showcase their latest paintings or chalk drawings.

Space-Saving Spices

Upgrade your spice drawer with proper labeling and clear containers to make cooking more seamless. The uniform jars easily fit in square storage boxes inside the drawer to prevent tipping or spilling. Add labels on the tops so you can find what you need at a glance. Use different colored labels to separate spices into further categories, like cooking or baking.

Editor's Tip: Whole spices stay fresh for up to two years while ground spices have a six month shelf life.

On the Right Track

Take advantage of forgotten space on the back of a closet or pantry door for storage. Attach a wire organizing system ($156, containerstore.com) with interchangeable baskets in a variety of sizes. Adhesive hooks and a repurposed magazine rack hold aprons and paper bags when not in use.

Charging Zone

Store all your electronic devices in one easy-to-access spot. Designate a specific area on your counter or in the entryway for a charging station. To streamline plug-ins, install a USB charger outlet (found at most home improvement stores) and use a paper organizer to safely hold charging devices.

Magnetic Management

Stop searching for misplaced bobby pins, tweezers, and nail clippers. Attach a magnetic strip to a wall or the inside of a cabinet door to quickly access those easy-to-lose metal items. Add stick-on organizing pods for other small items like lipsticks and brushes.

Portable Containers

Speed up cleaning time by designating containers and buckets to a specific person or activity. Choose containers with handles that can easily transport between rooms and hide the clutter tucked away inside. Label each one so all family members know where things should go.

Cart Keeper

Short on counter space? Employ a rolling kitchen cart (similar to this Better Homes & Gardens Entertainment Cart, $110, Walmart) to hold appliances, boost prep space, or easily transport dinner courses from oven to table. Store extra bowls or linens on the lower shelves for easy serving and cleanup.

Roll Storage

Fasten a spring tension curtain rod inside a bookshelf, cabinet, or rolling cart to help organize hard-to-store items. This storage project is perfect for holding rolls of tape and ribbon at-the-ready so you can simply cut off the amount you need. If your collection grows, add more storage by staggering two rods on top of each other.

Frame Solution

Tired of tangled chains and misplaced makeup? Repurpose picture frames into jewelry and cosmetic storage with a fresh coat of paint and a decorative metal sheet. Push small S hooks into the metal sheet to hang necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. Get a similar look with magnetic chalkboard paint. Then, stick magnetic strips to the bottom of makeup containers to secure them onto the chalkboard.

Shutter Storage

Outfit an old window shutter with S hooks to hold office and craft supplies. Corral small items like scissors and writing utensils in colorful hanging buckets. The stacked horizontal slats allow you to adjust the hooks and arrange all of your items to the perfect reaching height.

Repurposed Pipe

PVC pipe is strong, affordable, and comes in a variety of sizes, which makes it an ideal material for inexpensive DIY projects. Use it to create an organizer for kitchen utensils, craft items, or office supplies. After cutting and spray-painting the pipe, secure the pieces upright on a sturdy board to form individual holders.

Double-Duty Kitchen Storage

Quick updates can transform a jumbled junk drawer into an organized catchall. Remove five of the most frequently used items, and store them on the counter in a utensil holder (like this Better Homes & Gardens Abbott Stoneware Utensil Holder, $13, Walmart). Then store the rest in drawers with divided organizers. Get more use out of deep drawer space with a stackable gliding organizer. Assign a spot for each utensil so you can spend less time rummaging through a mess and more time cooking.

Within Arm's Reach

Simple solutions can add much-needed storage space to a small kitchen. Outfit the side of an island or work cart with a towel bar for easy cooking cleanup. Beyond a towel, the bar can double as a place to hang cooking utensils, pots, pans, or extra aprons.

Refresh Flea Market Finds

Find a new use for antique shop scores. Here, a plate, cake stand, and small bowl keep makeup, brushes, and jewelry nearby for busy mornings. Increase the structure's stability by gluing each item to the plate.