1. Overhead storage First, use the height of the room to free up floor space. With help from a carpenter or builder, safely attach cupboards, or a bookcase, to the wall.

2. Grouping To avoid the shelves looking too busy and cluttered, group similar items such as files and books. Uniform files look neat lined up side by side, and books of a similar height together look aesthetically pleasing.

3. Balance Generally, place larger, heavier items on the bottom shelves, and smaller, lighter pieces on the top. In your placement, pay attention to the weight and the symmetry, so the display doesn't look top- or side-heavy.

4. On the other hand… For saying all that, sometimes you're best off selecting storage that hides what you have, as with raised cupboards.

Homeowner Jo Verhoeft bought a complete fitout for the study - wall cupboards, desk, drawers and pinboard - for just $200 from eBay. The Expedit bookcase (1.49m square), $219 from Ikea is a very affordable way of introducing storage shelving into your home.

Get the October 2010 issue of real living to see Jo's Verhoeft's beautiful home. It made the cover!