You might know of rafters as the trusty structures that support the ceiling of your basement. But did you know that the hollow space between the rafters offers the perfect hiding place for seldom-used seasonal supplies? Secure durable shelves to the base of the rafters, then fill them with toys, decorations, and other necessities to keep them off the floor—and out of sight.
Related: 12 Finishing Touches for Your Unfinished Basement
Zillow Digs home in Brentwood, MO
Double your shelf space—and cut closet clutter in half—with this airtight storage solution. Fill plastic bags with bulky bedding and clothing, then vacuum-seal the closed bags with the suction hose of your vacuum cleaner. Now, simply stash the compressed pack on the top shelf of a linen closet where it will occupy little space or attention.
Related: 10 Closet Cures That Cost Less Than $100
Have an awkward alcove beneath the staircase? Put the idle space to work as a sleek cubby-style shelf for books, knickknacks, or entryway essentials. For an extra dose of sneaky storage, set your narrow under-stair shelves on caster wheels, to reveal (and conceal) a secret stash behind the bookshelf, perfect for storing bulky blankets and off-season outerwear.
Related: The Best 9 Storage Spots You Aren't Already Using
Zillow Digs home in Seattle, WA
Don’t have room for a shoe rack? This ordinary wooden staircase offers a space-smart—and stylish—alternative. Each step doubles as a spacious pull-out drawer, large enough to fit homeless boots, sandals, and heels. With this hidden shoe rack underfoot, you’ll have more space at the entryway—and less chance of tripping over footwear on your way up the stairs.
Related: 18 Clever Storage Solutions You Can DIY for Free
You don’t need ample shelf space in the kitchen to DIY this storage station. Simply mount pegboard to one side of your kitchen island, then line with wooden spoons and other lightweight utensils to reduce countertop clutter and achieve a more fabulous and functional focal point for the kitchen.
Related: 11 “Zero Dollar” Ways to Organize Your Kitchen Cabinets
Banish the sight—and scent—of an overflowing trash can in the kitchen with a tilt-out trash cabinet like this creation built by Ana White. The rustic receptacle with a tilt-out door offers not only a hidden home for a standard trash or recycling bin, but a coveted work space up top for set a cooling cookie rack, utensils, or other supplies.
Related: 9 Little Tricks to Make Trash Day Less of a Chore
You know that installing floating shelves provides a prominent perch on which to display plants, decor, or daily supplies, but consider its potential to store everyday items away from prying eyes. This space-smart shelf has a hollow core fitted with drawers—the perfect entryway storage solution for stashing loose change, keys, and mail.
Related: 23 Insanely Clever Ways to Beat Clutter
While this faux electrical outlet may not be able to power your home, it can empower you to keep small valuables safe. Buy or make the vanity vault, then fill it with money, trinkets, or keys and mount it on a wall in the bedroom for easy (and totally secret) access to your prized possessions.
Related: 10 "Under $10" Buys for Your Best-Ever Bedroom
Even if you've got your heart set on hardwood flooring, it's worth considering the alternatives. Sometimes, materials that only look like wood can be just as good as—or even better than—the real thing. Explore your options now!
Enroll now and learn DIY basics from the next generation of home improvement experts
