Skinny shelves create valuable storage

I never seem to have enough storage space for all the stuff I keep in my garage, basement and workshop. And as a result, the chaotic clutter has made it virtually impossible to find anything. (Sound familiar?)

The other day it took me 30 minutes to collect the tools and supplies I needed to repair a broken drawer slide. It only took 10 minutes to complete the repair! Talk about frustrating.

Fortunately, I found an easy way to solve some of my storage concerns: I installed 2x4s between the studs of an exposed wood-framed wall to create storage shelves.

I cut the 2x4s to fit tightly between the studs, and then secured them by driving 3-inch drywall screws through the studs and into the ends of the 2x4 shelves. (Predrilling the studs makes driving the screws much easier.)

Now you wouldn't think that 3 1/2-inch-deep shelves would hold much, but you'd be surprised. Nearly every can or bottle I have fits perfectly on the shelves, including spray paint cans, bottles of household cleansers and boxes of nails.

Plus, these are just the sorts of items that are typically the hardest to find because of their small size. But by storing them on the 2x4 shelves, they're neatly organized and clearly visible.