Always looking for a place to keep those magazines you haven't read yet? Tired of searching for your children's favorite toys amid the mess in their rooms? You're not alone. When asked what they would most like to change about their homes, the common answer from respondents is, "more storage."

Many new furniture designs include extra shelves and hidden compartments to meet increasing storage needs, but if replacing your furniture isn't in your budget, adding one or two space-saving pieces can be a big help.

Before shopping, think about your storage needs and measure your space. Ideally, you want a piece that maximizes storage without overwhelming the room.

Don't be afraid to bend the rules a little. For example, place a dresser in the dining room to organize table linens and dishes or set an armoire in an entryway to house coats and shoes.

You can also create more space in every room of your house with just a few simple, cost-effective solutions. Here's how:

Up, up, and out of the way. Shelves that reach all the way to the ceiling can really increase your storage space. Place items that aren't often-used on upper shelves.

Don't forget near the floor. The area beneath your kitchen or bathroom sinks can be ideal storage space. Use stackable bins with lids to keep items organized.

Or the back of the door. Used by every member of your household, the bathroom can quickly become cluttered with shampoo, lotions and cosmetics. Give each person a wooden hanger to hold his or her own towel and washcloth. Slip a cloth bag on the hanger to carry brushes and toiletries. When not using the bathroom, each person can keep his or her hanger on the back of their closet door.

From the garage to the kitchen. Pegboards have long been a clever storage solution for hanging tools in the garage or workshop. You can adapt this idea as a way to store your cooking utensils, measuring cups and other kitchen tools. Simply paint a pegboard and mount it on your backsplash or inside a cupboard door. This is also a great idea for children's rooms.

Pretty pots. A ceiling- or wall-mount pot rack is an attractive and practical way to store your favorite cookware.

And pretty boxes. Forget storing items in plain cardboard boxes; look for storage boxes with colorful designs that you can mix and match for an interesting arrangement. Trunks and storage ottomans are other appealing options to help clear the clutter and reclaim your space.

Goran Jovanovic

YOUR World Class Realty Team

Keller Williams Elite

Direct: 954-243-7570

www.goranflorida.com