I'm certainly keeping my eyes peeled for such a thing. The first filing cabinet my parents had cost them a fiver (less than 10 bucks) and some paint. Now that kind of bargain is what I'm looking for!

Jana - we have problems with coats and shoes and all that too. Our hall is just a bit bigger than the mat - when you open the front door the stairs and door to the living room are right there, so there's nowhere. There are lots of hooks out the back, but the dumbas* who designed our garden made it so that you have to walk across the grass if you want to use the back door. Our back grass is currently under water, so it's not the most convenient route. I just have current shoes out the front (I'm looking for shoe storage which can be put on show) and everything else has to jostle for space on the hooks at the back. It's not very convenient for guests but the kids are learning to take people's coats! Is there anything at all you could move away temporarily to create a bit more breathing space - seasonal things or items worn for specific occasions, maybe.

I really have to get to bed before it's closer to midnight than 11pm, and it's already touch and go!

Kerri.