Outfitting your basement and attic with efficient storage can be life-changing. Not only will you get more living space, but it can also give your home an edge over others when it comes time to sell. Try these ideas to get the most storage out of your home, while freeing up more floor space.

* Conceal the mess with built-ins — Expand your idea of built-ins: They’re not just for your upstairs living room, and this value-adding upgrade is easily DIY’ed. Break out your power tools or work with a carpenter to craft wall-to-wall shelving for this useful storage idea.

* Cover with a curtain — Let’s face it: Your off-season storage tubs will never be glamorous. But they can stay out of sight, even if you don’t have to budget for built-ins. Dividing a basement room in two gives you the best of both worlds: The bonus living space of a finished basement and a dedicated storage area. It’s also money-smart because you’ll get those finished-basement benefits without the wall-to-wall costs. The key? Visual separation between the two. Choose a heavy curtain

to keep out the basement

chill.

* Take advantage of rafter space — Don’t let imposing rafters limit your imagination: This awkward space is eager for a smart storage solution. Long, wall-to-wall shelves provide plenty of horizontal space for those pesky must-haves you don’t need every day, like picnic supplies, seasonal dishes and niche cleaning supplies, leaving your other spaces neat and tidy.

* Stuff the awkward spaces — Figuring out how to best take advantage of your attic’s slanted ceiling feels like a particularly frustrating game of Tetris. Use your imagination to fit just the right storage items in this unusual space. Kids’ clothes and accessories are a perfect fit for this mini built-in space.

* Stack beneath the stairs — That behind-the-stairs space can be tricky to fill: nothing quite fits right. But a modular basement under-stair storage idea fits any sloped space, no matter the size. Use wooden crates or build your own stacking boxes to fit all your storage needs. Paint the back of the boxes to add color and interest, or to clarify whose stuff goes where.

* When all else fails, leave it to the organization professionals — If it’s within your budget, contact a professional who specializes in organizing. They can either organize your space for you or provide you with creative ideas on how you can best declutter and create specialized areas for your things.

Michael Stevens is the 2023 president of the Youngstown Columbiana Association of Realtors.