Three Organization Projects: Kitchen, Closet and Bedroom

Three organization projects to provide added space in the kitchen, closet and under the bed.

Figure A

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Adding Pantry Space

In this project, a former laundry area is converted to a pantry. Coated-wire shelving is utilized.

Measure for the height, depth and length of the pantry. With a carpenter's pencil and level, measure for the top hang track (for your shelving system). It's always a good idea to plan for the amount of drawers, storage bins or sliding shelves and baskets you'll need.

Be sure to mount the hang track to the studs. Once the hang track is in place, hang standards next. Standards are used for hanging the brackets. Never hang the standards any more than two feet apart — any further and your shelves could sag. Hang the standards, check for plumb, then secure. Once the standards are in place, attach the brackets for the shelf locations.

Figure B

After the brackets are in place, snapping in the shelves is a breeze. Your final task is assembling the baskets at the pantry base. This type of shelving can cost in the neighborhood of $500, but only takes around three hours to install.

Figure C

Organizing a Closet

The same type of storage system used in the pantry can be installed in the closet, with varying accessories. Remove old shelving, spackle the holes and then paint the closet. Once you've measured for the new shelving, install wall clips for the shelves.

Figure D

One thing to keep in mind: When installing wall clips, always add one clip to the footage for the necessary shelf. For instance, if the shelf is six feet above the floor, use seven clips; if the shelf is four feet up, use five clips, etc. Once the wall clips are ready for the shelves, simply snap them in place. Firmly secure the support brackets. A shoe rack is a welcome addition, as well as J-hooks that allow clothes hangers to slide freely across the entire span.

Figure E

Under-the-Bed Storage

Record the distance from the floor to the bed frame, then subtract one inch. Also measure the length and depth. Essentially, with these measurements, you will build a box to serve as storage underneath the bed. Plywood is the best choice. You will also need a circular saw and table saw.

Figure F

The table saw is key for cutting a dado groove in the drawer sides so that the drawer bottom fits tight. Utilize carpenter's wood glue and a pneumatic nailer to attach all sides. Use 220-grit sandpaper to prepare the wood for painting. Attaching a drawer handle and glides will enable you to pull and push the drawer with ease.