Do you feel like your stuff is starting to take over your home? Do you wish you had more storage space in which to keep all this stuff? Join the crowd. More than 80 percent of Americans live in small or medium sized homes where adequate storage space can sometimes be a problem. However, there are many solutions, even for small spaces, that you can implement to maximize your storage space. By utilizing some or all of the suggestions below, you can create more space for that stuff, even in unexpected places.

Furniture That Doubles as Storage

These days, companies are designing furniture with small spaces in mind, meaning that they often come with built-in additional storage. This could include a coffee table with extra drawers, a side table that contains a display case, or an ottoman or bench with a hinged top that hides storage inside. Many couches contain sleeper sofas for overnight guests, or additional drawers hidden underneath the cushions. Buy an entertainment center that not only houses your television but allows for storage of other items such as photo albums or extra linens and towels.

Maximize Closet Space

Closets are obvious spaces for storage, but are you maximizing them? Make sure you are utilizing the space all the way to the ceiling by installing shelves. Here you can store things you don’t need to access often such as suitcases or out-of-season clothing. In fact, use the suitcases to store the clothing instead of storing them empty. Add hooks to the door and walls to hang items such as belts, scarves and ties.For clothing closets, install double rods to give you double the space to hang shirts and pants. Use plastic drawers beneath for additional folded clothing or handbags. Install dividers to keep items on shelves neat and tidy.

Create Bedroom Storage

Buy containers designed specifically to fit under the bed and store items such as out-of-season clothes or gift wrap in them, or consider investing in a platform bed that has storage drawers underneath.In kids’ rooms, install pegs along a wall to hang items out of the way when they aren’t in use. Use a wall hanging with pockets to store items such as crayons and coloring books. A clothes hamper makes an excellent container for toys and stuffed animals.

Create Space in the Kitchen

A Lazy Susan can provide corner cabinets with usable space. Save wasted space in deep cabinets by using pull-out drawers or baskets. In cabinets, use stacking platforms for plates, bowls, cups and pans. A hanging pot rack can also help free up valuable cabinet space. Use a decorative vase or crock on your countertop to hold cooking utensils like spoons and spatulas. Under cabinet bins can hold towels and pot holders.

Reuse Containers for Storage

Save disposable plastic containers and use them throughout your home to hold things such as paperclips, nails, screws or buttons. Empty cereal boxes can be converted to magazine holders, and empty tissue boxes are a great place to keep plastic grocery bags.If you take just a little time to look around your home, you’ll discover there are many places where you can implement storage solutions you may have never thought of. Before you know it, you’ll have all that stuff under control, even in the smallest spaces.