Awkward space filler

December 1, 2014 7:49 PM

I've recently moved to a new apartment, which is low on storage. It has one small clothes closet, and this closet-esque room. It's been referred to as a "pantry", but we're keeping the litter box in there. I just moved one of these tables in so that we can use the space over the litter box. That space is a little over 29" x 29" x approx. 70". Does anyone have suggestions for shelving units or organizers that I can safely stack on the table to maximize storage there for light dry goods and miscellaneous stuff?
posted by ignignokt to Home & Garden (10 answers total)

Best answer: I have the Ikea Algot system in every space that's at least 22" wide in my house, and it's been fantastic if you are willing to bolt things to your wall.
posted by Nimmie Amee at 7:51 PM on December 1, 2014

Response by poster: I'd love it if I could just find something to sit on top of the table, but I am definitely willing to break out the studfinder and screws. Are you talking about the wall-mounted ones?
posted by ignignokt at 7:59 PM on December 1, 2014

I have that thing (the wall-mount version) inside a similar cubby space where I live, and it works great. I didn't bolt it to the wall, just because I'm lazy. It stands fine by itself, and doesn't seem unstable.
posted by Susan PG at 8:10 PM on December 1, 2014

These stacking baskets are a classic for a reason. Other keywords would be "stackable bins" and similar. Definitely look for mesh or clear plastic so some light will filter down to lower levels.
posted by Mizu at 8:13 PM on December 1, 2014

I did exactly those ones you linked to, and they are fantastic.
posted by Nimmie Amee at 8:17 PM on December 1, 2014

Plastic storage drawers? You can get some at Target for like $20.
posted by AppleTurnover at 8:49 PM on December 1, 2014

These ikea sortera angled bins could work. I think there's another larger size, but I didn't see it on the web site.

In case it's unclear - they stack on top of each other, but you can access the front flap when stacked.
posted by mercredi at 9:20 PM on December 1, 2014

I always start at stacksandstacks.com, which has organizers for just about every kind of thing on every scale I've ever wanted organized. Here's just one of many categories that might work for you.
posted by acm at 8:38 AM on December 2, 2014

I'd totally go with Elfa or Elfa-like shelving. You attach just the top rail to the wall, and then hang rails down that you can attach shelves to. I've got pantry shelves on the wall of my kitchen like this and it's great and customizable.
posted by kbuxton at 1:15 PM on December 2, 2014

Response by poster: I ended up ordering the Algot shelves, and I'll update with how they work out. It is great to know about the many other shelves and shelving resources, though! There's a lot of storage solutionizing that needs to be done elsewhere in the apartment, so I'm sure we'll end up hitting those up, too.
posted by ignignokt at 8:04 PM on December 2, 2014