Homeowners Bill and Toni Riales have been living in their house for 14 years, and would like to reduce clutter and better organize the storage space in their attic, pantry, and closets.

Watch the full episode here.


Kitchen Pantry Organization

To improve storage in the kitchen pantry, self-adhesive pivoting hooks (3M Command 17067) from The Home Depot were attached to the inside of the pantry door to hold rolls of plastic wrap, wax paper, and aluminum foil.

A paper towel rack and a storage container for plastic bags (SimpleHuman KT1166) were also attached to the inside of the pantry door to provide easy access.

Wire shelving is perfect for well-organized pantries.

To improve the storage of canned goods in the pantry, wire shelves were cut to size with a hacksaw, then mounted upside down and at a downward slope so cans roll to the front as they are used.

Watch DIY Kitchen Pantry Storage Solutions to find out more, and How to Add Roll Out Wire Baskets for another idea to improve the storage space in a kitchen.


Attic Storage Solutions

To better utilize storage space in the walk-in attic, a freestanding metal storage shelf unit from The Home Depot was installed to hold plastic storage containers.

Rugged storage boxes with clear tops, like this one, are perfect for attic storage.

On the other end of the attic, housewrap was stapled to the studs to cover the exposed wall insulation.

Metal closet rod brackets were then screwed to the studs, and a closet rod installed to allow storage of seldom used clothes in zippered hanging bags.

Watch Build a Raised Attic Storage Platform for another idea to increase the storage space in your attic.


Entertainment Center Hanging Shelf

A hanging shelf was constructed to hide the tangle of cords and organize the electronics in the sideboard which serves as an entertainment center in the Riales’ home.

We started by building a three-sided box from 1” x 12” lumber. After the box had been stained and sealed, a piece of 1×12 was attached to the drawer runners on the bottom of the sideboard.

The box was then screwed to the attached 1×12 to hold it in place.

Once the electronic components had been installed on the hanging shelf, plastic zip ties were used to organize the tangle of wires. A 1” x 4” was painted the same color as the walls and installed under the sideboard to hide the wires from sight.

Read our article on DIY Home Theater Installation to find out how to hook up speakers for your TV.


Storage Closet Organization

(©Yury Gubin, Adobe Stock Photos)

To increase the storage capacity in a closet, two 16” wide shelves were cut to run the length of the closet. Wall cleats were cut to length from 1×4 lumber and nailed to the walls to support the shelves.

A 1×4 center brace was installed vertically from the floor and attached to each of the shelves to keep them from sagging.

Watch How to Install Closet Shelving and Installing Wire Track Shelving to find out more.


DIY Revolving Decorative Storage Screen

To convert a set of hinged screens into hidden shelves for storage:

  • Fold a three-screen panel unit into a U-shape.
  • Measure the width and depth on the inside of the screens.
  • Cut MDF (medium density fiberboard) for shelves inside screens.
  • Screws the shelves to the screens with metal brackets.
  • Attach a piece of MDF to the bottom of the screens.
  • Attach lazy susan hardware to the bottom to allow the unit to revolve.

Other Tips from This Episode
Using drill to install screw hook.Simple Solutions with Joe Truini: Installing Screw Hooks

When installing screw hooks in a wall or ceiling, drill a pilot hole slightly smaller in diameter than the shank of the hook. (Watch Video)
Rubbermaid tote held in place by Stayhold Cargo Companion.Best New Products with Jodi Marks: Cargo Storage Solutions

Plastic storage bins, such as Rubbermaid Roughneck totes, are great for organizing. (Watch Video)
Using rotary wire brush drill attachment to remove rust from wrought iron.Ask Danny Lipford: Painting Wrought Iron

Before painting wrought iron, remove any rust and loose paint using sandpaper, a wire brush, or a rotary wire brush chucked in an electric drill. (Watch Video)
Editorial Contributors
avatar for Danny Lipford

Danny Lipford

Founder

Danny Lipford is a home improvement expert and television personality who started his remodeling business, Lipford Construction, at the age of 21 in Mobile, Alabama. He gained national recognition as the host of the nationally syndicated television show, Today's Homeowner with Danny Lipford, which started as a small cable show in Mobile. Danny's expertise in home improvement has also led him to be a contributor to popular magazines and websites and the go-to source for advice on everything related to the home. He has made over 200 national television appearances and served as the home improvement expert for CBS's The Early Show and The Weather Channel for over a decade. Danny is also the founder of 3 Echoes Content Studio, TodaysHomeowner.com, and Checking In With Chelsea, a décor and lifestyle blog.

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