After 30 years of living in a four-bedroom, two-story home, Mary and Bill celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary by purchasing a two-bedroom condominium in a senior living community.

Looking forward to their new, maintenance-free home and new friendships, they didn't' realize just how much they had collected over the years. Even after giving away some belongings and selling many at a garage sale, they couldn't find enough space to store the things they needed regularly.

Let's face it. When it comes to discussing our homes, storage is not an exciting topic. People don't talk about storage space in the way they rave about their new heated-tile floors or their recent bathroom renovation. For the most part, we tend to skip the conversations about organizing our utensil drawer or rearranging the linen closet.

Storing equals boring in many homeowners' minds, and "outta sight is outta mind" for those who just can't seem to shut their over-stuffed closet doors. But making the most of your storage space doesn't have to be daunting, especially if you get a kick out of cutting clutter.

So, if the notion of fitting your goods into a small space is making you sleepy, wake up to some storage tips that will get you excited.

De-junk your trunk! Even if storage space is ample, a cluttered area full of useless items and throwaways only makes for more disarray. Decluttering is key to organizing small spaces. Before you store, get rid of things you don't need, use, or plan to use soon. Donating items is a great way to help others in need and the environment.

Baskets, baskets, baskets. Baskets provide a place to put your things and they look good. Try baskets in the bathroom for guest towels and toilet paper. Grandkids can learn to pick up after themselves by placing their toys in big baskets in the living room or bedroom. Use recycled baskets from thrift stores and garage sales to keep small pantry items separated, hold utensils and kitchen gadgets, and organize jewelry in dresser drawers.

Bottle separators. When wine companies ship bottles, they separate them with cardboard dividers to keep them from breaking. Cut the dividers in half and place them in your dresser drawers to separate socks, underwear, and tank tops. Try them in bathroom drawers to separate hair accessories, makeup, or medicines. Use them in your holiday storage for ornaments and other fragile, festive finds.

Tiered plastic shelves. Most department stores and even dollar stores carry tiered plastic shelves. Small, upright ones can be placed inside kitchen cabinets to arrange spices alphabetically, while flat racks can be used inside drawers to keep the paprika and poultry seasoning at your fingertips.

Use that rod. An upright paper towel holder can be converted into an easy spool holder for all of your ribbon. Wrap gifts with ease while concocting beautiful bows from easy-to-see stacked rolls of ribbon.

Recycle for storage. Many gift boxes are too pretty to pitch and sturdy enough for storage. Stack decorated boxes atop armoires to house clothing accessories like belts and scarves. Place others in deep drawers to hold off-season items, small purses or bags, or craft items.

Multipurpose furniture. If space is meager, let your furniture do double duty. Ottomans that open for storage or trunks that can stand in as a coffee table are great storage options.

Hang it up! Hanging pots, pans, and baskets will help keep the clutter above, not on, the floor. Buy a sturdy stainless steel hanging pot rack with extra hooks—and make sure to find the ceiling or wall studs for safe and secure placement.

More armoire. With people splurging on flat-screen TVs, many seniors are getting rid of their large entertainment stands or armoires. If you have an extra armoire available or find one second-hand, use it as a stand-in mud room. Add a few hooks for coats and backpacks, and fill drawers with accessories like gloves and scarves. Add a few baskets to keep sporting gear organized and you have a compact mud room.

Over-the-door hangers. These can hold everything from scarves, belts, and accessories to Fido's leash and collars. In grandkids' bedrooms, hang a shoe rack to organize shoes and to keep sporting gear and other toys within reach.

Sale-a-brate a bargain. Garage sales and yard sales are chock full of storage ideas. Get creative and recycle someone else's unwanted goods to suit your storage needs. Secondhand plastic bins, cutlery trays, baskets, and small tables or cabinets can bring new life to your closets or garage.

Try a few of these ideas and you could be on your way to full-blown storage stimulation! Happy organizing!

---