Storage space is an elusive concept, and the “perfect” amount is often just a little more than we have. The right amount of storage is like a carrot always dangling before us. And no matter what we do, it seems impossible to reach it.

Love, Liz

Many of us equate “space”—such as closets—with storage. “If I just had one more closet,” we say, “then my storage needs would be covered.” Or we buy lots of plastic containers or other items traditionally associated with storage, thinking that if we buy enough of them, our problem just might be solved.

We believe the answer lies not in more plastic containers but in thinking about storage more creatively. Many of us believe that most of our things should be contained and hidden or, at the very least, put away. But you don’t really need to hide your belongings unless you want to. If you’re worried that storing things in plain view will look messy or cluttered, we assure you, there are many ways to avoid falling into that trap. Also, wouldn’t it be great not to have to hunt for your winter coat, your roller skates, or extra bed sheets when you need them? The key is this: You need to create inexpensive, accessible storage solutions. We like to call it smart storage.

Creative Containment

When you have items that you need to store, do you automatically reach for cardboard boxes and stuff them until they are overflowing? While cardboard boxes might be fine for storing some items, they are not a very attractive solution, and for this reason, things stored this way tend to get pushed to the back of a closet where no one can see them—not even you. But what happens when you need something that’s in the box? You’ll have to move all your shoes and other items that get piled up around the boxes, and dig through to find what you’re looking for. Does this sound like your system? But there are better ways to store things!

If you’ve never considered storing your belongings in style, perhaps it’s time! The type of creative containment you opt for depends on several factors. First, you’ll need to consider what you’re storing. Clothing, for instance, should be treated differently than garden tools. Second, consider the location and the environmental factors of that location. If you have an unused computer you’re storing, you’ll want a location that won’t get too cold or too damp, since these conditions could damage the computer. Third, you can begin thinking about the containers you’ll use. Although plastic bins and cardboard boxes can get the job done, consider these more creative alternatives:

For Long-Term Storage:

• Instead of banishing sweaters or off-season clothing to the back of your closet or stashing them in cardboard, try something different. Pick up old drawers at a flea market, paint or stain them to match or complement your bed, then add four rolling casters on the bottom so it can be moved around easily. Store each unit under your bed, and you’re putting a little-used space to a productive use.

• Tired of a linen closet that’s overflowing? Purchase an inexpensive wicker hamper and store off-season linens in a closet. Beach towels can occupy the hamper in the winter, and flannel sheets can hibernate there during the summer.

For Short-Term Storage:

• If you’re short on bathroom space, use decorative hooks to hold baskets or bags full of toiletries.

• Small shelves mounted over doorways or windows can hold items like books and collectibles.

• Shoe bags are versatile receptacles that can store a multitude of things, from Beanie Baby collections to craft supplies to correspondence.

• Small items (e.g., buttons, safety pins, etc.) can be stored in bulk easily. Purchase a few matching glass jars with screw-on lids. Glue the lids onto the bottom side of wall shelf, with the lids in a straight line with a few inches between them. Fill the jars with small items, and screw the jars on the lids. When you need a button, grab the jar and twist, retrieve it, then screw it back into place.

• Another idea for storing lots of small items: Remove the label from an old paint can, paint the can all one color and decorate it with decoupage or paint markers. Use the cans to store belts, game pieces like dominoes, small toys photos-anything! Glue several paint cans together for an interesting storage unit.

Some people set up complete, permanent cooking centers as the focus of their outdoor spaces. Others content themselves with a simple grill. In either case, practical planning makes outdoor cooking efficient and more enjoyable, whether it is for the family or a host of guests.

Decide exactly what features you want in the cooking area. Aside from the grill, do you want an elaborate setup with a sink or a refrigerator? Perhaps a dishwasher? If so, these appliances need to be protected from the elements; place the cooking center in a sheltered location. If you prefer to keep it simple with just a grill, this option still requires some decision making. Do you want a charcoal, liquid propane (LP), or natural-gas grill? Charcoal grills are the least expensive; natural gas ones are the most expensive. The number of burners and features, such as a push-button ignition, increase the cost, too. You can also choose from a number of accessories, such as rotisseries, side burners, smoke ovens, and warming racks.

Then choose a site for the cooking area. It can be placed either nearby or far away from the house. Both locations have their advantages. A cooking area that is near the house benefits from easy access to the indoor kitchen, but one that is positioned away from the house keeps heat and smoke from diners. Remember, elaborate outdoor kitchens need gas, electric, and plumbing lines; it is easier and less expensive to run lines when the cooking area is near the house.

In general, when arranging any outdoor cooking area, make sure that all accoutrements—including serving platters, a spatula, a knife, and a pair of tongs—are readily at hand for the cook by providing plenty of surfaces and shelving. You need to accommodate both raw food and the finished product; a roll-around cart may suffice. Keep the pathway clear from the kitchen to the cooking area. A fire extinguisher nearby is an excellent safety precaution.

Any countertop material should be able to withstand varying weather conditions. Rain, snow, and bright sunlight will fade, pit, and rot some surfaces, so choose carefully. Tile, concrete, or natural materials, such as stone or slate, are good options. (Seal porous stone to prevent grease stains.) Avoid using a laminate countertop, unless it’s in a well-protected area—an enclosed porch, for instance—because exposure to the weather may cause the subsurface to deteriorate. Solid surfacing is more durable, but may also need to be in a sheltered location. Think twice about using teak or other decay-resistant woods for a countertop, as they stain easily and may harbor bacteria.

Decay-resistant wood, such as redwood, cedar, teak, or mahogany, is the right choice for cabinetry, however. Other types of wood should be sealed and stained or painted. Oriented-strand board (OSB), which is made of bonded wood fiber, is also weatherproof enough for outdoor cabinetry.

A deck or patio is used most often as a fair-weather family room. Comfortable seating comes first, arranged for conversation as it would be in an indoor room.

Add to this an area for snacking and outdoor recreation. Consider the activities of your household, how and whom you entertain, what your hobbies are, the age of your family members, and other factors that define your needs. Remember that this is an outdoor room: the more components that can remain in place in inclement weather, the easier for you.

Decide up front whether you need shaded areas, as well as those exposed to the sun. Where you position your space in relation to the shade provided by your house, trees, or other buildings will determine how much sun it gets. Awnings, umbrellas, pergolas, and even built-in trellises are good choices for sun protection on decks and patios, which is an increasingly important consideration for many.

When the same space is used for large parties, it is likely that most of the furniture will be pushed to the perimeters and more furniture will be added so that guests can mingle. Replot your traffic patterns and do a walk-through before the party to make sure everything is convenient for you and your guests.

Provide storage. Make your own bin with a lift-up top large enough to contain the pillows and other nonwaterproof accessories you like to have on hand, or purchase a ready-made unit designed for this purpose. A bin can keep things dry during rainstorms, but don’t count on it to replace permanent storage during winter. It may not be weather resistant enough to protect outdoor furnishings. Keep ease of winter storage in mind when you are deciding on furniture, cushions, umbrellas, extra folding tables, and the like.

Invest in coverups. Vinyl slipcovers and protective cloths are available to place over large-sized pieces of cushioned furniture, and you will not have to move the cushions. They are not expensive and are easy to store.