Decluttering Under-layout Storage

Open floorspace below the Welztalbahn

The Welztalbahn layout frame is supported by only 4 legs, one in each corner of the layout. When I built it, I wanted to minimize obstructions under the layout to maintain maximum flexibility for moving about under the layout, as well as storage. That turned out to be a good idea. However, over time storage took over all open floor space under the layout. In the last year it got so bad, that I'd have to remove boxes from the layout room just to run a train. The activation energy to do something with the layout became too high and I didn't do anything, apart from storing more stuff in the layout room. Instead I focused on the Untergroeningen segments, which was good an enjoyable, but I do want to operate again at some point, too.

To reign into the clutter I had to move all the stuff stored under the layout somewhere else, sort through it, combine and optimize and then put it back. Which I did this week. I didn't take a photo before I started, but the photo above was taken when everything stored here had moved elsewhere. I used the opportunity to rearrange supplies, kits, project boxes, etc. to meet the storage needs I have today, instead of from 10 years ago when the layout was under construction.

Compact long-term storage

I'll have to see how well this is going to work, and I may end up rearranging a bit more, but for now I'm very happy that things I need access to are within easy reach, while other stuff is safely packed away.

Projects are easily accessible