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We're always looking for new ways to save space and add some breathing room to our home. Fortunately, many of the concepts of Universal Design apply to home organization and storage. Storage systems can be built to adapt and adjust to changing lifestyles, ages and abilities. Remember that many of these adaptations are suitable for children's rooms as well.
Tips on Home Organization
Providing ease of use for all occupants of the home is one of the major tenets of Universal Design. To achieve this, whether in the kitchen, bath, laundry room or closet:
- Adapt cabinetry, shelves and doors to right- and left-handed users.
- Make the areas easily visible within any line of sight.
- Construct the components to be accessible from a seated or standing position.
- Keep the elements simple. Everyone should find them easy to open and reach across with minimal effort.
- Accommodate differences in hand size and grip strength.
Placement
To avoid the need for bending over or extensive reaching, the optimal space for easy access is no lower than 27" and no higher than 48" from the floor. This includes the placement of electrical outlets and light switches.Closets
Place clothing rods and shelves at eye level for easy viewing and access by wheelchair. By using adjustable-height closet components, you can change the configuration as needed. The best measurements are from 3' to 5'5" high. Pull-down closet rods can also aid in accessibility.
Use lever-style or d-shaped door handles for easy opening.
Cabinets
Incorporate easy-to-handle cabinet hardware. Handles that are d-shaped are easier for users with limited hand strength.
For pantries, full-length shelves allow access for wheelchair users and maximize your storage space. Lazy Susan's in corner cabinets will also make the best use of available storage area and allow simpler access to items. Use pullout shelves wherever possible.
Lowe's is grateful to the Center for Universal Design for their assistance in the preparation of this series of articles.
Tools, products, materials, techniques, building codes and local regulations change; therefore, Lowe's assumes no liability for omissions, errors or the outcome of any project. The reader must always exercise reasonable caution, follow current codes and regulations that may apply, and is urged to consult with a licensed professional if in doubt about any procedures. Please read our terms of use.