As I’ve mentioned before, I’ve moved and settled many times. No new space is complete without a variety of shelves – garages, pantries, closets, bedrooms and laundry areas all need them. It’s important that each one fits your aesthetics and vertical space, serving its purpose without being distracting or taking up too much room. I’ve found a few sturdy options that I repeatedly buy.

One of the first things I do in a new place is to put shelves in the bedroom closets. I like the extra storage for games, toys, and off-season clothing. I have found that folding wooden bookshelves are ideal; they’re easy to move and still leave room for hanging clothes.

Casual Home 3-Shelf Folding Stackable Bookcase (27.5″ Wide)-Natural

Plastic shelving is ideal for spaces that get humid, like laundry rooms, sheds and utility closets. Shelves that are deep enough to store totes and bins are especially handy.

Sterilite 5 Shelf Unit, Heavy-Duty Plastic Storage & Utility Shelving Rack

Get enough totes to store save-ahead-clothes for kids and donations.

I recently bought a wire shelf for extra kitchen storage, and I plan to buy another for items I sell on Marketplace or gifts. You can use a plastic serving tray if you prefer to set things on a smooth surface. They come in a variety of heights and are remarkably strong. I have also found that they are fairly easy to assemble, which is always a plus.

5-Tier Wire Shelving Unit, 24” Pantry Shelves Metal Storage Rack

A tall wooden shelf in the dining room is perfect for cookbooks, craft items, coloring supplies, and cloth napkins. You may also want to use small shelves instead of nightstands and end tables. A shelf near the door or behind the sofa is the perfect place to drop keys and mail.