To prevent sagging, consider both the material and the span of the shelf. Using sturdy materials such as plywood or solid wood can provide better support than particleboard. Additionally, limiting the shelf span to 36 inches or less can reduce the risk of sagging. For longer shelves, incorporating center supports or brackets can offer additional reinforcement.

We use storage in nearly every room of the house, so it's no surprise that we lose track of things from time to time. The best way to organize storage is to declutter each year to cut down on auxiliary items that can be donated or tossed. Once you decide what's worth keeping, create an inventory list for all boxes you won't open for at least six months.

Custom furniture can provide more efficient storage and maximize resources.

Whether it’s less expensive to build or buy a closet depends on both the type of closet and whether or not you’d be constructing it yourself. The cost of custom closets built by a pro ranges from $1,300 to $3,800, but you may be able to DIY it for as little as $400. By contrast, prefabricated options go as low as $200 and up to $3,000, so it’s almost always less expensive to go this route.