Tips for adding more holiday storage space

There may be an abundance of holiday cheer this season, but it'll be accompanied by shortages -- shortages of space, that is, for gifts and holiday trappings.

Folks want everything in its place, but is there a place for everything?

While storage systems weren't high on most gift lists, post-holiday organization is top-of-mind for many people. Still, it's no reason to panic, say storage experts from Lowe's Home Improvement Warehouse.

Mark Hillman and John Karlesky say systematized storage is a fast-growing category because Americans are far more storage-conscious now than before. In part it's due to accumulated stuff but primarily it's because organization makes life easier.

New on the market are specialty storage systems to stow holiday decorations and, yes, even artificial trees. Fragile ornaments can be cradled in custom plastic boxes. Other containers solve the traditional tangle of lights with spools to wind lights, garlands and extension cords. Tuck trees in 50-gallon totes.

Karlesky says consumers are eager to achieve some degree of late-year organization, sort of a cross between holiday cleanup and New Year's resolutions.

While the idea of storage can be overwhelming, Lowe's research shows homeowners fare best by taking on small problems first, followed by larger tasks. "If you start with easy storage, like decorative shelving or flat under-bed storage, you get the confidence that hey, I can do something bigger," Karlesky says.