By Jenny Stanley, The Family Handyman
Bread Tabs for Labeling Cords
Not sure which cord goes with which electronic device plugged into your power strip? Save yourself the hassle of following the cord from the plugin to the device for each item you need to move by labeling them. Plastic bread tabs are perfect for labeling cords that are plugged into a power strip because they’re sturdy, have enough room to write on and can easily clip around the plugin end of a cord. Plus, they often come in different colors. You’ll be able to easily identify and move your electrical devices.
Instant Drying Rack
Create space for air-drying clothes in a basement laundry room by tacking a 1x2 board across a few joists overhead. Drive a heavy-duty nail or screw through the board and into each joist; then hook several hangers onto the board for drying clothes.
Concrete Form Wrapping Paper Storage
Using a 6-ft. cardboard cement form cut in half, I created two wrapping paper storage containers. I cut the cylinder in half and cut pieces of heavy cardboard for the base of each, attaching them with duct tape. Then I spray painted them to look presentable. — Peter Turner
Joist Space Storage
Don't waste all that space between joists in a basement or garage. Screw wire shelving to the underside of the joists. An 8-ft. x 16-in. length of wire shelving and a pack of plastic clips (sold separately) costs about 20 bucks. Don't forget that wire shelving also shines on walls.
Paper Towel Roll Bag Storage
There are many uses for plastic grocery bags in the workshop. You can use them to seal up brushes and rollers during a painting project, so you don’t have to wash so much stuff between coats. The point is, it’s worth keeping a handful of plastic grocery bags on hand in the workshop, and here’s a great tip for storing them: Stuff as many plastic grocery bags as possible into an empty paper towel roll. Then toss the roll in a drawer or cabinet. The cardboard tube keeps the bags contained, and it’s easy to pull one out at a time when you need it.
S-Hook Hang-Up
Pick up a pack of S-hooks at a home center and turn wire shelving into a rack for cleaning gear.
Office Supply Hanger Hack
All you need to turn your existing plastic, metal or wood hanger into clothes-gripping nonslip hanger is a couple of rubber bands. Just wrap a rubber band around each side of the hanger. It helps to twist it around at least two times and spread it out. That’s it! Instant clothes-gripping hanger.
Catalog Paint Colors
When it comes time to touch up walls that have been marked or scratched, trying to find the correct paint can on the storage shelf is a huge headache. Even if you do manage to find the correct color for a room, the can may so old and rusted that the paint inside is useless. To make shopping for new cans of my existing paint colors easier, I started taking pictures of the labels and uploading them to the cloud, so I can find them later. Then I bring the photo with me to the store, and the associate can whip up a can of the same color using the ID on the label. — JD Williams
DIY Tiered Hangers
Short on space? Use a lightweight piece of chain to stagger hanging clothing in tall closets to maximize space. Just loop the first link of the chain over the first hanger, and hang subsequent hangers on every other links after. Hang up to six shirts for the rod space of one. Want to get into a closet project?
Rubber Band and Paperclip Binder
Store small extension cords neatly with this simple office supply hack: Attach a paperclip to a small rubber band. Then wrap the rubber band around the bundled cord and clasp the paperclip onto the rubber band again.
Lip Balm Cash Stash
This cash stash easily fits in your pocket and will fool any potential thieves. Clean out an empty tube of lip balm or stick of sunscreen using a long nail and cotton swabs. Roll up your bills before putting them inside and then close the lid. This secret hiding place for cash is great when traveling, too.
Stay-put balls
Screw flowerpot saucers to shelves so balls can't roll off. Cheap plastic trays come in sizes to suit all kinds of balls.
Paper Towel Boot Shaper
Insert one or two empty paper towel rolls inside each of your tall boots to help them keep their shape while in storage. When tall boots are back in season, you won’t have to spend time ironing out creases.
Under-Sink Archives
Don’t file away the manuals and spare parts that came with your kitchen and bath fixtures. Instead, put them right where you’ll need them, in zip-top bags hung on hooks at the back walls of cabinets.
Store and Label Fasteners
When disassembling a piece of furniture that needs to be repaired or moved, thread the screws and nails into a piece of rigid foam. Group similar fasteners together or arrange them however it will be most helpful when piecing the furniture back together. You can also write on the foam with a pen or marker to label the fasteners or to make notes that will be helpful when reassembling the piece at a later time.
Move Clothes Masterfully
To save time packing and unpacking your clothes during a move, simply take a handful of your hanging clothes and wrap the tops of the hangers together using bendable electrical wire. Then throw a garbage bag over them, pulling the tops of the hangers through a hole in the bottom of the bag. Tie the garbage bag handles together to keep your clothes extra clean during transportation.Whether you’re toting heavy furniture, packing up fragile items or prepping for the big day.
Ironing Board Storage
Ordinary coat hooks on the back of a closet door keep your ironing board out of the way but close at hand when you need it.Keep your imagination moving and check out these garage storage ideas.
Paint Can Opener on Hand
Always have a paint can opener on hand when you’re ready to start a painting project. Use pliers or a multitool to slightly bend open the loop of the opener. Then hook it onto the handle of the paint can you just purchased.
Add-On Clothes Rod
Here's an easy way to add space for hanging clothes (or at least clothes that don't require a tall space). Hang a second clothes rod from the upper rod with lightweight chain. Attach the chain to screw eyes directly or use S-hooks or carabiners. Carabiners make adjusting the height of the extra rod a snap.
DIY Nonslip Hangers
No more rewashing clothes because they fall off of hangers and onto the floor! Rather than go out and buy expensive specialty hangers, simply apply a bead of hot glue to the top arms of your existing hanger and let it dry completely. The rubber-like dried glue will keep your clothes in place, even when you’re in a rush and can’t decide what to wear.
