If you're like most Americans, one of your concerns may be lack of storage space. For added space, sometimes all you need to do is utilize what you have.

For example, as we pointed out in the past, you can add an extra clothes pole to your closet for under $15 and double its storage capacity. Doing so might eliminate the need for a dresser, and result in a more spacious bedroom.

If you haven't installed shelves in your garage, you haven't taken advantage of a tremendous storage resource. Also consider the subarea or the attic for shelving.

For garage shelfs braced brackets can be used. Or, if you're handy, you can make your own brackets and save money. First, use a level or measuring tape and straight edge to pencil in a horizontal line the full length of the shelf that you intend to install. This line marks the bottom face of the shelf. Make sure that the length of the shelf is such that the ends align close to existing wall studs. Don't extend the shelf beyond the end bracket more than a few inches. Doing so can result in broken shelving, particularly if you use particleboard instead of plywood.

Install a three-inch-wide piece of plywood under the line. This is the shelf-back support strip. It gives the shelf stability and helps hold it to the wall.

Next, use screws to install your shelf brackets at every other stud (one at each end and one in the middle). Use screws. They hold better than nails, and they're easy to remove in the event that a mistake is made. There should be at least two screws connecting each part. Fortify with alphatic glue.

You can save money on the cost of shelf-support brackets by building your own.

First, lay out your project on a sheet of half-, five-eighths-or three-quarter-inch plywood. We suggest using three-quarter-inch material because it's the strongest of the three. You'll need to pencil in shelf width and length, hook-strip length and width, angle-bracket size and the dimensions for angle-bracket backing. All you have to do is copy the pattern in the adjacent drawing. Once the parts have been laid out with a pencil, simply cut along the lines.

Glue the angle-bracket backing to the angle bracket and make the connection permanent with two screws. Doing it this way eliminates the cost of expensive and time-consuming clamping.

Install the brackets with two screws to every other stud, lay the shelf on the hookstrip (rear-support strip) and brackets, and use screws, at least two at each connection.