storage solutions BATHROOM
Invariably there is never enough room in the bathroom but, as Sam de Mello, founder of Waste of Space, told The Independent newspaper in the UK: “You’ll probably find that at last half the contents of the bathroom cabinet are out of date, so before you do anything, have a good clear out.” A quick and easy solution is to buy a hanging shower caddy (Eleganza, R124 from Builders Warehouse) or switch to a linen wash bag rather than a bulky stand-alone basket. Pellerade’s tip: “Your bathroom can be a storage place too, but don’t be fooled into thinking these new free-standing vanities are good for storage. Rather ask yourself what needs to go into the bathroom. Remember that boys have different requirements to girls, so if it’s a boy’s bathroom you’ll possibly have space to accommodate a linen washing bag in the cupboard.”
GARAGE
With most South African homes having the advantage of a lock-up garage, it’s a temptation to turn this additional space into a dumping ground for everything from sporting equipment to gardening and DIY tools. Begin by throwing out anything you don’t need, then tally the items that should be stored in the garage and make space accordingly. A toolbox is a must, but don’t stop there. Elfa’s peg board and hook system makes perfect sense in a garage or store room. Garden gear is easy to grab and put away when it has an allocated spot on the wall, plus the peg board approach gives you flexibility to reorganise at will. In addition to your hanging solution, shelving in a garage is a boon. You can go with simple DIY steel shelving which will set you back about R664. Stephanie Denton, author of The Organised Life, also offered
the following tips in a recent issue of Secrets of Getting Organised magazine: n Use large, stackable, clear plastic drawers to store equipment. Builders Warehouse stocks a variety of options from a 32cm hobby box (R40) to the Buddi mini 5-drawer unit (R80). Make sure you label each draw. n Hang bicycles on the wall using a wall-mount storage rack. n Group bitty items and sporting gear by using a large plastic bin or you can try a hammock-style net attached to the wall. Pellerade’s tip: “If you’re building, then the best thing is to build in a gap of about 500mm or more and put open shelving both left and right. Make sure these shelves go right to the top and can accommodate all your needs, from chemicals to garden equipment or sports equipment. That little bit of extra space costs very little but makes a huge difference.” n
Notes: Jenny Westoby design jenn@jwest.co.za Eclipse Furniture & Hardware Supplies (0861 325 4773 www.eclipsegroup.co.za)
24 EasyDIY August n September n October 2011