Storage Challenges – What We’ve Been Up To Lately

This week there will unfortunately be no tablescape or decorating post, as my husband and I are currently working on yet another problem caused by rain.

Over the almost two years that I have been blogging, a question that has often come up is… “Where do you store your dishes and other tablescape items?”

The answer is, in short, everywhere and anywhere!! We store the dishes and tablescape decor in the china cabinet, kitchen, pantry, and a few other “in plain sight” kind of places.

Some “in plain sight” storage places.

In the China Cabinet

In an antique cabinet

Above the kitchen cabinets

Napkin Rings and small Tablescape items are in, or on top of this antique curio cabinet.

Miscellaneous Sea Life Tablescape Decor is on the extra shelves in our guest bathroom, they blend right in because the guest bathroom itself also features a seaside decor.

Storage Units

We also have a couple of storage units nearby. Storage units are a common commodity in Texas as the water table is too high to have basements. Because I grew up in Ohio with a full basement, I have not yet learned to limit my collecting to things that will fit in the closets.

To make matters worse, our attics often get to 120-140 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer, so attic storage is not very helpful either, especially for fragile, or irreplaceable items.

So what do Texans do? In short we rent storage units, even some with a little air-conditioning running a COOL !?! 90 degrees. (Which is much better than 140 degrees, after all).

Getting out of the Leaking Storage Unit

However, we have had a storage unit (that we rent) leak in a major way during some of the storms in the past few years. After the unit had been “repaired” it had a second leak. This ruined some of my items again although because most items were in bins, this was not near the catastrophe it could have been. However, it was a royal mess to clean up each time. After the second time, I let my husband know that if it happened again, I thought we should consider getting a different unit, and just give up renting this one. Then this year, in spite of being “fixed” again, we had water damage again.

So we are in the process of taking apart shelf units and moving them to a non-leaking unit, and moving all the stored items. This has turned out to be a major project and is currently taking most of our time.

We have learned something about storage units though… If you ever need to rent one, aim for a completely interior unit (i.e. no exterior walls) and especially no corner units as corner units are notoriously the ones that leak – especially at the facility we use. Interior units seem to also maintain cooler temperatures. Unfortunately in our area we could not find any completely interior units but we have at least gotten rid of our exterior corner units!!!

So this is what we are doing for the next few weeks…

Building Shelf Units…Moving and Reorganizing Dish and Holiday Storage…Cleaning old unit… etc. I am proud to report that we have now gotten to the point where we can put a shelving unit up in under an hour, without needing to read the instructions. Unfortunately, the hour it takes, doesn’t include the buying some new shelves, picking them up, etc. Nor does it include taking down multiple shelving units to move them to the new storage unit and put them up again.

I plan to update this post with the finished storage unit, when we have successfully moved completely out of the leaking storage unit (including taking apart old shelves and moving and reassembling them in a new unit). And I will take pictures again when we have most of the items packed safely and securely in bins. So please stop back to see the finished space

Below are some things we have learned from our storage units, (most things are also applicable to basement storage areas if you are lucky enough to have one) and near the bottom of the post- are some of the storage items we love to use. If you have any suggestions of things you use for tablescape or holiday decor, I’d love it if your would mention those items in the Comment Section at the bottom of the post.

Keeping your items safe – What we’ve learned…

1. Rent interior units
2. Put ALL items in plastic containers with lids
3. Make sure your containers have no “air holes” within at least 10 inches from the ground, as “air holes” become water holes in a leaking storage unit.
4. Ideally, place all bins on a shelf, or at the very least, on a board, pallet or Styrofoam piece that keeps bins off the ground.
5. Double check that your bins are safe from water coming from above AND water rising from below.
6. Most of the storage unit facilities do not insure your items. If insurance is important to you and financially prudent for what you are storing, consider getting insurance for replacement value of these items.
7. If you are paying by credit card “on file” be careful to update your card number, expiration date, etc. when the card renews. Storage units have very liberal laws (compared to apartments) and storage facility owners do not need to make much of an effort to get a hold of you if your unit is unpaid or even if the facility is sold, and therefore your payments are not going through.
8. Place a large poster board or sign inside your unit, saying how to get a hold of you in an emergency.  
9. Use only extra secure locks on doors, such as the round ones which don’t leave much space for someone to “cut” them.
10. Make sure any shelving units you use are stable and heavy duty, and with no risk of falling on you.
11. Never store tile or other extremely heavy items on a shelving unit with wire shelves that bend – even a little. When in doubt, add 1″ plywood on top of wire shelves, resting the plywood on the strong shelf support edges.
12. Make sure your storage facility has a useable bathroom. Organization tends to take a long time.
13. When working in your storage unit consider taking a small cooler and water, snacks and a chair as well as a very stable step stool.

Maximizing Storage – here’s what we are doing to maximize our storage space

1. Use Tall and Deep shelving units to maximize storage and use the full height of your unit.
2. Purchase shelving units that will fit wall to wall without gaps (unless those gaps provide places to stack certain boxes on top of each other). note: the “bins on top of each other idea” only works well if all boxes are used at the same time. For example, Christmas ornament plastic bins can be placed on top of each other because you probably get them all out at the same time and return them all to their storage spot together as well.
3. Label everything for the season (if applicable) and with bin contents listed.
4. Build your shelves for the bins you plan to use for storage on each shelf so as not to lose usable space.
5. Put your heaviest items on the lower shelves and your lightest on the highest shelves.
6. Keep a safe sturdy step stool each building where you have a storage unit.

Bins and storage items I like

The below are shelving units and storage items that I keep coming back to, as they seem to be the most suited for my items and/or the most versatile for reuse.

Plate, mug and Stemware storage from Container store – the only downside to the below is that they do stain, and during our leak, a few got dirty water stains.

Plate Storage

Cup/Mug Storage case

Stemware Storage

When we move into the new unit, most of the fabric covered boxes like those above will be put inside plastic bins like the black Sterilite bins below.

Sterilite 40 Gallon Bins – I only found these available locally at some Kroger Stores. However, they are also available on Amazon if you don’t mind waiting a few days for your bin.

Note: the long plastic bins above and below (many at 36″ long) are the ones we have found to be the best use of space even though they are a little longer than the 24″ depth shelves. To use them safely, we place the shelving units about 5-6″ from the wall and place the wheel side (if your bin has wheels) towards the back-hanging over the shelving unit about 5-6″, which makes these bins then hang over about 5-6″ in the front. Getting the wheels off the shelf in the back, helps the bin be more stable on the shelf (i.e. it’s not likely to roll off). Having them stored in this way (perpendicular to the wall behind the shelf) maximizes storage on the shelves we use. Originally we had tried placing them on the shelves parallel to the back wall, and we were sad to see so much wasted space.

From Lowe’s – the below 25 gallon bins are my favorite large bins for light to medium weight items such as tablecloths, table decor and some holiday decor. I love that they have 4 latches to keep them securely closed.

The below bins are also from Lowe’s and stack perfectly with the bins above. These 13 gallon bins are a perfect size for rectangular placemats and work well for cloth napkins too.

The below 33 gallon Iris wreath boxes are from Macy’s and are perfect for most round, square, star, and unusually shaped placemats.

The below shelves from Home Depot are our “go to” size and kind for our storage unit. However, if this size doesn’t work for your space, there are many other sizes in the Husky Industrial storage shelving.

Note : As with all shelving units, it is ideal to anchor these units to the wall, but we have never had a storage unit where the management allows that. Because of this, we have not anchored ours. However, we do check to make sure they are very stable on the flat floor, and we never allow ourselves or anyone else to use the shelving units as “ladders” or climb on them in any way. Instead, we keep a step ladder or two in the storage unit. (and because my Dad was in charge of safety at the company where he worked – we always buy the exact same 3 step ladder, so when we can’t see our feet over the box we are lifting down, we always know the number and spacing of the steps on the step stool).

The below 45 gallon wheeled bins are available at Amazon, and are my “go to” bin for medium and large holiday storage and also for snow village boxed houses and accessories.

Thanks for stopping by and please come again to check out our progress on the storage areas!

Other Posts I Hope You Will Like

My latest tablescape post was the following – which was so fun to do!!

Tablescape Celebrating the Paris Olympics

Then after I photographed and published my Olympic tablescape, I saw an adorable Equestrian Barbie and horse on eBay, which I ordered – so I will be going back to my post next week and adding a few new photos that my Equestrian – Cross Country Olympic event. Here’s a sneak peak at our new Olympic Gold winner.

The below is another recent post.

Poolside Dining with Pink and Purple Posies

and if you are new to the website and haven’t seen this, you may enjoy…

Romantic Lakeside Dinner for Two at Sunset

Link Parties

Following is a list of websites I really like!  They are listed under the day of the week where they also host a Family Friendly “Link Parties” aka “Blog Hops”.

If you click on the name of the blog (in blue) on the evening of the day of the week they are listed under, it should take you to the Link Party, where many bloggers have joined with them to share their own ideas.  I love how the link parties connect you with both a great blog, and other blogger’s ideas as well!  Many thanks to all these bloggers for bringing so many ideas to all of us!!! 

You can actually find these link parties any day of the week, by clicking on the website name below, but once you click, you may need to scroll thru a few entries to find the link party you are looking for. 

Sunday 

Life as a Leo wife (Nikki), Eclectic Red Barn (Beverly),  Décor Craft Design (Mel) ,A Labour of Life (Linda),  Ducks ‘n a Row (Sinea),  Love My Messy Messy Mess (Katie)   host “Happiness is Homemade” Link Party.  I love checking out the home decor, holiday decorations and current projects of all the hostesses as well as the ideas from their link party ! 

Life and Linda hosts “Love Your Creativity Link Party”.  I love checking out Linda’s gorgeous holiday decorations and tablescapes, and her chandelier decorations are a beautiful finishing touch!!

The House on Silverado  hosts – “Sundays on Silverado” link party. I am fairly new to Niky’s site but am loving her holiday decorating and her new grandma stories!!

Ridge Haven Homestead  – “Sunday Sunshine” Blog Hop.  In addition to the blog hop, I am enjoying reading about Laurie’s homestead, the “off the grid” lifestyle they are living and the cabin they are building. 

April J Harris – hosts Hearth and Soul Link Party monthly on the first Sunday of the month. I am enjoying reading about April’s traveling adventures, as well as her projects at home!  

Monday

Life Tales Books Blogspot  hosts Will Blog for Comments Link Party. Jennifer is a Photos and Story Treasures Consultant, and I am enjoying her ideas on photos and memory books, as well as her link party!  

Holly-Pink Lady(Holly) and Sunshine and books blog (Sarah) host “Hello Monday Link Party”. In addition to the link party, I am enjoying Sarah’s book recommendations, and Holly’s recipes and party ideas.  

Between Naps on the Porch hosts  “Metamorphosis Monday” posts, which are all about “Befores and Afters”. I love seeing Susan’s amazing home projects which are very inspiring!! I always come away with some great ideas from her posts and from those who have linked up!! 

The following link, Senior Salon Pit Stop will get you to the link party on Esme’s site as well as getting you to some great recipes and other ideas!

Charlene at A Pinch of Joy hosts “Busy Mondays”. Charlene’s website is all about home decorating, and holiday decorations and recipes. The first two things are things I love to do and the Recipes are things I like to eat!

Good random fun blogspot hosts The Good.Random.Fun. link party  Tamar’s website has some great photography, interesting places to visit, and thoughts on many things. Recently, I enjoyed reading about Hanukkah celebrations! 

Beverly at Eclectic Red Barn, Nicky at  Life as a Leo Wife, Michelle at  Moms are frugal and a few other hostesses host “You’re the Star Blog Hop” I love checking out these websites and the link party for holiday decor, crafts, money saving ideas and tablescapes. 

Tuesday

A Stroll Thru Life   hosts  the “Inspire me Tuesday” link party. Marty has an eye for design and decorating, and turning your house into a home. I always enjoy reading about her projects. 

Eclectic Red Barn (Beverly)  and Penny’s Passion (Penny) host the “Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop” which often opens on Tuesday evenings. I have enjoyed Beverly’s Red Barn project and her projects and decorating . Penny’s website has both projects and recipes I have enjoyed reading about – and more – see “Thinking Out Loud” under “Thursday” in this list. 

Jenerally Informed  hosts the “Happy Now Link Party”. Jen from Jenerally informed and Leslie from playmates to parties host “happy now” which brings many craft and decorating ideas and recipes for fun holiday foods. 

Perfectly Imperfect-LWL hosts the “Tell It To Me Tuesday Link Party” which brings many decorating ideas, recipes, and ideas for family activities. 

Kim and Cassie from Lou Lou Girls host the the “Fabulous Party”. Lou Lou Girls post unique recipes, family activities, DIY and party ideas! 

Marci at Stone Cottage Adventures hosts “Tuesdays with a Twist”. Marci posts on gardening, sewing, recipes, crafts and books! Marci’s link party contains many other fun ideas as well. 

My Wee Abode (Julie) hosts the “Tuesday Turn About” Link Party. Julie is turning her small home into a charming coastal farmhouse home. Her website and link party include great home decorating, DIY, craft projects and recipes.

Wednesday

Karin’s Kottage hosts the “Karin’s Kottage Link party”.  I am also enjoying keeping up with Karin’s Italian Palace remodel! as well as her decorating ideas, crafts, grandchild activities and home projects. 

French Ethereal hosts a “Share Your Style”  link party where decorating, recipes, fashion, tablescape styles are all shared. 

Esme Salon recently began hosting a “Wordless Wednesday” photography link party – I can’t wait to link up!

Creatively Beth  hosts the “Creatively Crafty” Link Party. Beth’s website contains wonderful craft posts, including amazing up-cycle, from scratch, and Dollar Store Crafts. Beth’s link party contains a variety of family friendly posts including recipes, crafts, and holiday decor. 

Ridge Haven Homestead hosts the Homestead Blog Hop.  I am also enjoying reading about the off the grid home that Laurie and her family are building. 

Karin at Fifth Sparrow No More, hosts “Whimsy Home Link Party”. Karin posts about Finding the Beauty – in decorating, travel and faith and family! 

Cecelia at My Thrift Store Addiction hosts “Vintage Charm” link party. What Cecelia does with her thrift store finds is so creative!

Lydia at  Pandora and Max hosts the “All Seasons” Link Party. Lydia’s recent blog entry was all about her trip – and the sunsets are a “must see” – fabulous!

Thursdays

I often participate in Between Naps on the Porch Tablescape Thursday. I have been following Susan for quite a long time, and absolutely love her Tablescapes!!! I also love the ideas shared on her Tablescape Thursday link party! 

Katherine’s corner hosts the  “TFT – Thursday Favorite Things” blog hop.  I love the assortment of wonderful decorating, recipe, tablescape, and inspirational ideas found here. 

Southern Sunflowers   hosts their “Home Matters Link Party” at 8 CT on Thursday.  I have really enjoyed linking to their link party and the various decorating, recipe, tablescape and craft ideas found on this website and their “Home Matters” Link Party. 

Penny’s Passion  hosts the “Thinking Out Loud Link Party” which often begins on Thursday. Thinking out Loud is a great post published each Thursday, and covers many interesting topics. Today the topic was “elf on the shelf – for empty nesters” and I love the traditions Penny has started in her home. So cute!

Roentare.zenfolio blog hosts a photography link party each week.  The photography is absolutely gorgeous, as are the places he and his wife photograph! 

Good Random Fun  hosts the “Little Things” link party, which I enjoy. Its a place for sharing and reading about lots of different topics and ideas. 

Marsha in the Middle and Melynda, from Scratch Made Food for Hungry People, and Lisa, from Boondock Ramblings host “Weekend Traffic Jam” which goes live on Thursday at 8:30 pm CT. Marsha posts about Fashion and the link party contains holiday decorations, fashion, and recipes (to name a few of the family friendly links). 

Friday

Stephanie at Crazy Little Lovebirds hosts the “Crazy Little Lovebirds link party.” It is a gathering for home decor ideas, recipes, tablescapes, reflections, etc. I am enjoying being a part fo this group. 

Building Our Hive hosts the “Funtastic Friday” Link Party which includes recipes, home decor, tablescapes, crafts, travel and other family friendly posts. 

Cindy at County Road 407  hosts the “Farmhouse Friday” Link Party, which begins at 6:30 am CT each Friday and features home decor – all styles; holiday decorating, tablescapes, crafts, etc. 

Andrea at The Cottage Market hosts “A Morning Cup of Joe” link party. Both the website and the link party feature DIY projects, Recipes, home decor, crafts and holiday decorations. 

Erika at A Little Bit of Everything and Andrea at Momfessionals, host “Friday Favorites”. Both websites and the link party feature family activities, home decor, fashion, entertaining, recipes, and holiday decorations and traditions. 

At Lou Lou Girls Kim, Cassie and Amber bring lots of good recipes and family activities to us and also host “Fabulous Friday” a link party that brings us recipes, holiday decor, family activities and many other family friendly ideas! 

Carol at Answer is Choco hosts BFF Link Party. Carol’s website contains lots of ideas about crafts, scrapbooking, recipes and many other things!

Saturday

Pieced Pastimes  Hosts “Saturday Sparks Party”  which includes home decors, recipes and holiday fun foods, tablescapes, crafts, etc. Among the many things I appreciate at Pieced Pastimes is the first picture of many posts, where Suzanne shows her current view at home (in New Hampshire) I love her wonderful view in all weather!

Pam’s Party and Practical Tips hosts the “Dare to Share Saturday” Link party – which includes some great party ideas, recipes and crafts!

Wishing you a great week!!!!

Comment Section Below

I treasure your comments! I’d love it if you would share your comments about this post, your storage experiences, or your thoughts of the Olympics, or really anything that’s on your mind. Thanks so much for stopping by!!

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