Are your closets and drawers overflowing with stuff? Is it because you have too much stuff and insufficient storage space? Or is it because you have ineffective storage space? Take a closer look at your existing storage space and brainstorm space saving strategies. While you are it, chuck out the things you don't need and make more space for your favourite possessions.

Most of us just utilize cupboards and closets for storage without giving a thought to other innovative ways of creating extra space within the house. Walls and nooks and crannies have huge potential but are often overlooked.

If you feel like you're running out of space, here are a few simple ideas and tips for utilizing your space more effectively.

Install Shelves
Installing moveable shelves in your closet allows you to move them up or down a notch so you can utilize every square inch to the fullest. If there's plenty of space above your hand bags but no place for your woollens, moving the handbag shelf just a notch will provide sufficient place for the woollens. Use corner shelves inside closets and also on bedroom, bathroom and kitchen walls to hold knick- knacks that you would need to use daily. Elegant shelves in the living room can be used to display smaller treasures and assorted knick knacks.

Utilize Your Wall Space
Look around your rooms and you are sure to notice a lot of bare walls that are not used for anything. Think of ways you can use your walls to display your possessions while saving you precious storage space. In the kitchen, install a square metal mesh on one wall and use colourful hooks to hang your handled pots and pans. A tool rack installed on the wall behind the door is a perfect way of keeping it out of sight when not in use and very handy to get to when needed. What's more they save you tons of drawer space.

Use Drawers on Wheels
Make full use of the space between your bed and the floor. If you can, fit in drawers that slide in and out from under the bed. If getting a drawer constructed is too complex, get huge baskets on wheels that can be slid under the bed and out of view when they are not in use. These drawers are great for storing bulky comforters and blankets;

Use Multifunction Furniture
If space is a constraint, buy furniture that serves the double purpose of storage too. If you are thinking of buying an ottoman, buy one that has storage. Ottomans are versatile, they can be utilized as foot rests or tables and make excellent storage. Sofa-sleepers that can be used for sitting on during the day and sleeping at night, clear up space for a decorative camphor chest that looks fabulous and can be used to store your stuff.

Be a Savvy Decorator
Buy stackable storage boxes, fill them with your rarely-used extras and cover the filled and stacked boxes with an elegant tablecloth. Re-arrange the boxes for a new look; change the cover from flowery to a single bold colour and utilize the top surface to display anything you fancy. It makes for a versatile and astute storage option in any room.

Clear the Clutter
The best way to increase your storage space is to throw out unnecessary long-forgotten stuff that is never going to be used and is yet taking up precious storage space. Whatever it is, if you do not need it, throw it out. You'll be amazed at the extra space this will automatically generate.