CONNIE OLIVER: Hooked on handy home storage solutions

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 07/04/2012 (4988 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

FINDING handy storage solutions for the home can make the tasks of daily life a little easier. Having a convenient place to store items that you use regularly helps keeps the home running efficiently.

Since the invention of sliced bread, I can’t think of anything more helpful in the home than the common hook. This simple curved shape can be used to solve so many storage problems that it’s worth a thorough review. Seriously though, the right hook will not only help you keep organized it can also add a decorative touch to the decor.

Good

Simple suction-cup hooks from a dollar store are cheap and handy in so many areas of the home. Use them to hang an inexpensive shower curtain liner around the shower stall wall or tub surround to keep it from getting soap buildup. For daily use, this handy tip keeps the area clean and low maintenance. One suction cup hook every third hole along the curtain should suffice. When company comes, simply remove the curtain and suction hooks and your shower or tub surround is just like new.

Replace the inexpensive liners from time to time to keep the area fresh. These liners can usually be washed in a gentle wash cycle if you prefer to reuse them. You can also use these hooks to hang other light shower items like a squeegee or nylon body scrubber.

These inexpensive suction cup hooks come in various sizes and are handy in seasonal situations to hang light decorations on a picture window. I use larger hooks on the side of my microwave (which sits on a cart) to hang my oven mitts and apron. I also use them to hang small decorative items like sun catchers directly onto a windowpane. No need for nails or sticky mounting tape, which is a good idea if you’re renting.

Cup hooks are also a great item to have on hand. In the kitchen you can use larger hooks to hang pots on the underneath of upper cabinets. Use an L-shaped hook in the same manner for use as a banana hanger. This is a handy tip if you’re short on counter space. S-hooks are another junk drawer item I always try to have on hand. They can be used to hang small decorative items on a curtain rod (tassels for example), to hang pots from a pot rack, or to hang light items on the shower rod.

Better

Magnetic hooks are a great solution in the kitchen to hang heavier items on the fridge. You can purchase strong magnets that can hold a few pounds or less strong ones that are good for hanging smaller items on the fridge. So, depending upon your particular kitchen dynamics, you could create a hanging pot display on the side of your fridge or hang smaller items like kitchen shears in a handy location. If you have a metal storm door, you can use magnetic hooks to hang a curtain, coats or other small items like pet leashes, car keys and so on.

Over-the-door hangers are a great temporary storage solution for inside a closet or on a bathroom door. Be wary of the space allotment between the top of the door and the doorjamb. Sometimes, the hangers will impede the door closing if there isn’t enough space in this area. A wreath hanger can be used in the same manner if you happen to have one on hand from Christmas.

Best

Decorative hooks, which usually have to be installed, are worth the cost and effort in the right situation and can hold heavier items like coats. The right style of robe hook on the back of the bathroom door, for instance, is not only handy but can also compliment the bathroom decor.

Single hooks are great for small spaces but there are also lots of great shelving/hook combos that might work well in an entryway, for example, for coats and hats. These combo items, which are available in an array of materials, styles and sizes may include a mirror, photograph inserts or other decorative elements that may suit your specific space and needs.

Try something unusual

You may choose to use something unique to add your own flair to your decor. I still want to install dock cleats for use as coat hooks at the cottage, for example. You could also use things like old cutlery, bent into a hooked shape, as a decorative hook or other fun items like horseshoes, vintage hardware (like doorknobs) or what have you.

When you can’t stuff one more item into a closet or cupboard, try using hooks to hang your daily use items out in the open. You’ll get hooked on the convenience.

connieoliver@shaw.ca