bearisgray

http://www.tennsco.com/Category/Shelving

I have the z-line shelving

sweetana3

I have tried totes and other methods. Best is the bookcase used with comic book boards. Also rolling underbed chests for things like fat quarters and tools that are not often used.

The totes can become difficult to move as we age or have difficulties and are very heavy when full. I "forgot" what was in them because it could not be seen.

Target and similar stores have inexpensive bookcases to put together. They also had the ones that bins fit into that can be laid on the side or upright to put in closets. Mom used both of these options for her yarn so I got to see what could be done in an apartment.

You also have to consider what alterations would be allowed by the apartment lease.

Downsizing is hard but doable too. I think most of us have fabric that we will not use in years and years or ever. I have a friend that is doing it now. She does not want any fabric in her apartment closet that does not make her happy.

Sharon - NC

Thank you all for your wonderful suggestions and words of encouragement and links to helpful products. I am definitely going to use the tip about having a shelf a foot or so from the ceiling, going around the room. I ordered some comic book boards (had never heard of these, but ordered from Amazon.com). I am going to arrange them in the colors of the rainbow. This makes so much sense to me: I love my fabric, and having it around to look at will be a happy thing! I am going to put some of the bigger pieces on a bookshelf, going up to the ceiling if needed. I am going to use the old 1970's brick and board construction. I can add rows as needed. I also am going to get some flat under-bed boxes to store supplies, batting, etc. I am going to keep whatever fabric I can, and any extras I'll donate to a good charity or sell on here. Again - THANK YOU!!

Tiggersmom

My son has a murphy bed in his apartment for company. It sleeps very well, however, it is heavy and you need a good bit of strength to pull it out and down.

Since you are having to downsize so much I would suggest picking your favorite fabrics and taking those with you. I know by looking at mine I could let some easily go without missing them.

Storage vertical as well as under the bed, in the linan closet, even in the kitchen area if you prefer sewing to cooking. It's your place and You need to be comfortable.

Best wishes on your cancer treatments!

petthefabric

When our daughter was young, we got her a twin size platform bed. The platform was drawers to hold her toys. So my thought is to put a day bed in the living room with a cabinet of drawers under it. The bed would be highter than usual, depends on your priorities.

CindyA

I like amyjo's idea of a day bed. I think they're much more comfortable than Murphy beds and sleeper sofas. Also, I just reduced my sewing area significantly and moved my stash into the big bins and stacked three of them. The problem is that they are pretty heavy when full, so not sure I'd go that route again.

Best of luck to you and hope you quickly get your new home nice and cozy.

dolphinamt

I'm sorry about your health problems. I recently moved into a small apartment and faced the same problem. I ended up buying a platform bed with 4 large draws. It's working out good so far..

Lhayla

I donated bolts of fabric to my local sewing store for the organization, that sews blankets for sick children. The Linus Project. Tax deductable.

omacookie

My prayers are with you and hugs too.

GrammaBabs

Prayers for a good recovery... I recently did my sewing room ,, these are bookcases from ikea only 8" deep... fabulous use of space.. I have the 6ft and 3ft... you can get a lot of fabric stored this way.. as well the shelves to the ceiling,, but be sure to have them anchored well... goodluck