Using Cabinet and Closet Doors for Storage

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Rent To Own.ph: The backs of our closet doors are forgotten opportunities! Check out these simple ideas on how to utilize them and create a wonderfully organized space!

In small spaces, a lot of things go on behind closed doors, but how often do we really think about the doors themselves? While we're all familiar with over-the-door organizers, few of us really consider the the possibilities that the back of the door can offer as an useful area. But in a small space, using the door can give you that extra little bit of room and functionality.

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In the medicine cabinet, small items like makeup, Q-tips, ointments, and nail polish can be stored in small containers like the MagnaPods shown here. (Or if you don't have a metal-door cabinet, consider adhering similar containers, likethese from the Container Store, to the inside of the door.

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In the kitchen cupboard, use the back of the door to keep all your spices close by and well organized. Arranging them like this eliminates unnecessary cabinet rummaging.

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And for a simple (and in my opinion, genius) solution for those who don't want to put holes in the cabinetry, you can use magnetic paint to make spice tins adhere easily.

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The door offers even more space for dry goods, as shown in this well-managed pantry. Or, if you don't need extra space for storage but would like an area for menu planning or for a shopping list, the pantry door offers a perfect location.

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Chalkboard paint can help you make the most of your doors.

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The Family Handyman has help step-by-step instructions for making your own steel-and-whiteboard message board on the inside of a cabinet door.

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It's possible to maximize the space for cleaning supplies if one forgoes a trash can in favor of attaching a garbage bag to the door. Especially in a kitchen, where trash gets smelly quickly and needs to be taken out often, the small size is not prohibitive, and it takes up less under-counter space.

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Over-the-door jewelry and shoe organizers are the most famous of the door storage options, but they certainly aren't to be slighted.

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And if one is feeling particularly creative, with a bit of chicken wire and some S-hooks, the back of the door itself can be converted into jewelry storage.

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I love the idea of inspiration boards, but in my tiny office space, I always feel that they look cluttered. This project, which uses foam-core and fabric, would work wonderfully as an inspiration board surface. I could have all my beautiful decorating pictures at the ready, but when I wanted the space to look tidy, the cabinet could close, and they would all disappear!

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 And who doesn't love the multifunctionality of pegboard?