It has happened to all of us. You come home every day to the same old house and probably do the same things when you get there. Maybe kick off your shoes, leave your keys or purse in the doorway, and read your mail. Then you pour yourself a nice cold glass of your favorite drink and suddenly you are surprised… There are things everywhere on your stairs, you don’t have enough space to store (or even hide) everything, and all the ideas you have. to solve this problem are too much work or too much…

… BORED!!

Today’s article was written to inspire you to think outside the box and maybe even find some uses for things that have been taking up garage space for years. Here are some unexpected and fun ways to reclaim space in your home.

1. Have you ever considered that your stairs are a waste of space?

Well, they are, unless you’re also using them for storage. Consider turning your steps into drawers! Pull out these drawers to store shoes, out-of-season clothing, or just about anything that will fit in a 6-inch tall drawer! Maximize your storage space even more by adding storage shelves under the stairs. These can be used for books, decorative items or… you could even turn them into a fabulous wine rack.

The only limit when it comes to stair storage is your imagination!

2. We do not usually recommend a specific product but…

Ikea has created a box spring that is more than just a waste of empty space. This clever item is also a place where you can store winter blankets! When it’s time to flip the mattress, voila! You can take those blankets out of storage at the same time. Also consider ottomans that have storage areas inside to store blankets or other items you use in your living room or family room. It’s a great way to keep them close at hand AND out of sight!)

3. Private place for Kitty in Plain View.

If you have a cat, a litter box is an unavoidable and unsightly addition to your home. Consider hiding the litter box inside an old cabinet. Simply cut an opening, place the litter box inside, and now kitty has a private place to take care of her business.

There’s a shelter in Colorado (photo left) that took this clever idea to the next level. To honor its founder, who also plays in a rock band, the shelter repurposed an old electric guitar amp. Inside was the perfect cat bed. If you’re into rock and roll, consider using a really big amp to hide that sand tray. And here’s a little-known litter secret. Pine pellet litter DOES NOT SMELL – at all. So if you’re worried about having a telltale odor giving away your smart cat spot, Pine Pellet Litter will solve that problem instantly!

4. Turn an old playhouse into an outdoor space

Once the kids move out, what are you going to do with that old playhouse? Well you could use it to store tools (boring) or you could repurpose it into a mini retreat room! Add outdoor furniture, some rugs and cushions and you’ve created a nice “secret” space of your own. However, if it’s a tall enough structure, consider using it for outdoor entertaining. Add a small bistro table and chairs if it’s small or a larger table if space allows. What a lovely place to have tea and enjoy your garden!

5. Do you have children at home or grandchildren who visit you regularly?

What kid wouldn’t love a wall that’s a giant chalkboard or magnet? By adding a magnetic area to a wall in a child’s room, kids can have fun playing with magnets without making your refrigerator look cluttered. Painting chalk paint on a wall allows for a lot of creativity without the mess of a giant chalk easel. Both of these features can be enclosed in a frame if neatness counts, or can simply be freely formed on the wall. These also allow you to create special messages for children (such as a greeting or “lunch menu”) in a fun and engaging way.