If your horizontal space is lacking for storage, think "Vertical!" Take a look around your home, dorm room, or whatever the case may be, noting every empty vertical space you can find. Fill those empty spaces with clear storage and organize until your heart is content.

The Container Store, Rubbermaid, Ikea, Wal-mart, etc. each carry their own line of clear, shoe-boxed sized storage containers with lids, over the door shoe organizers (cloth with clear pockets), and other storage. My personal favorites are The Container Store's Shoe Boxes because they are durable and stackable.

* Over-the-door shoe organizers can be multifunctional, and are perfect for organizing small items such as school/office supplies, mail, hair bands/bows, baby socks, etc. Store them on the back of a door for out-of-sight, yet accessible solution. * If you have 8-10' or even higher ceilings, consider purchasing adjustable wall shelving systems, and mount them floor to ceiling on any empty wall. * Use the clear shoe box containers to organize and store anything small enough to fit inside. Stack them two-three high on the wall shelving system previously mentioned and group by categories. * Install shelving above your clothes in your closet, and stack clear containers there.

For a frugal option, re-purposing common household containers like butter tubs and baby wipe boxes can be a free storage solution. They are stackable, as well. Just be certain to label them on the outside for quick reference.

Utilizing unused horizontal spaces such as under the bed, under the kitchen or bathroom sinks will also work. Simply use smaller containers and stack them bottom to top.

If you have yard space, consider a storage shed for items used rarely. We actually put 6' tall, free-standing shelving in our 8 X 10 shed and used clear containers to organize the kids' toys for storage, yet accessibility out of the house. The shelving could also be placed in an out-of-the-way area in your garage. In both cases, though, be certain to secure the shelving so that so that little ones do not get hurt.

Every morning, the younger kids get a cloth grocery bag and venture out to the shed to "shop" for the toys they want to use that day. In the evening, they are responsible for cleaning up their toys and placing them back in their proper bins out in the shed. I came up with this idea after stepping on one too many Hot Wheels or Legos with bare feet in my near-comatose pilgrimage toward the coffee pot.

Maximal storage in a small space is possible. Simply utilize empty space and a little imagination to find what works for you.