Expert Advice to Cut Clutter
http://www.bhg.com/home-improvement/storage/around-the-house/ways-to-reduce-clutter/?sssdmh=dm17.366317&esrc=nwwu35_09&email=1332635259
Can you create more storage and be creative? We asked designers and organization experts for their inventive tips.
Get a Move On
Problem: You waste precious time every morning running around the house looking for the items you need for the day.
Solution: Use a "transfer basket" to gather everything that needs to go out the door the next day -- library books, bills to mail, schoolwork, etc. Haul the basket to your car every morning and bring it back into the house when errands are done.
-- Amanda Catalanotto, professional organizer
Good Looks
Problem: No matter how hard you try, you just can't get rid of clutter around your house.
Solution: You can't hide all clutter, but you can contain it. Look at where it collects and set up attractive ways to deal with it. Place a large bowl on the kitchen counter to collect keys. Leave a big basket by the door for shoes. Check discount stores and office supply houses for patterned folders for storing bills -- or wicker, fabric, and leather boxes to match your decor.
-- Donna Smallin, author of The One-Minute Organizer: A to Z Storage Solutions
Take Inventory Problem: Your closet is overflowing, yet you still can't find anything to wear. Solution: You should have only three types of clothes in your closet -- clothes that fit you, clothes you love, and clothes that always bring you compliments. -- Peter Walsh, author of Does This Clutter Make My Butt Look Fat? Tackle Tough Closets Problem: Your closets are overflowing with an unorganized mixture of household items. Solution: Take a close look at how you're using the top shelf in all your closets. Store yearbooks, kids' memorabilia, or once-a-year dishes on these out-of-reach shelves. -- Marcia Ramsland, author and professional organizer |  |
Book It
Problem: You need wall storage but don't know where to start.
Solution: Create an instant room divider by placing bookshelves back to back as storage for collections, dishes, and, of course, books.
-- Nancy Peham, professional organizer
Open Areas
Problem: The dinner table is so cluttered, it's hard to find room for a dinner plate.
Solution: The dining table is often the place where family members spread out projects. With the right organization, it can still be ready for dining at a moment's notice. Designate a bin for whatever tends to find a temporary home on the table. This can be permanent storage or a way to move things to their rightful room.
-- Meryl Starr, author of The Home Organizing Workbook
Hide and Seek
Problem: You have furniture, but you don't know how to optimize its storage capacity.
Solution: When you shop for furniture, look for pieces with built-in storage, preferably with doors. A nightstand can conceal bed and bath supplies. A dining room console table can stow holiday dishes or seldom-used china.
-- Andrew Flesher, designer
Open and Shut
Problem: You don't have any extra drawers to allocate for a "junk" drawer.
Solution: The backs of many doors can be hidden storage gems. Attach shallow wire shelving to closet, pantry, and basement doors. If there's space, line the adjoining interior wall with narrow shelves and hooks for items such as cleaning supplies, handy tools, or pantry goods.
-- Julie Morgenstern, author and organizing expert
Double Time
Problem: You're working with limited space.
Solution: Think dual-purpose. Look for furniture that works hard: beds and coffee tables with drawers, ottomans with lift-off tops for out-of-sight storage, chests that can stow linens and tableware and also serve as buffets.
-- Betsy Bruce, design consultant
Step Up for Space
Problem: You have limited space in your bathroom, but desperately need storage.
Solution: Use an old wooden ladder as decorative shelves. In the bath, stack it with hand towels and potions. Keep CDs and DVDs at your fingertips in the media room. Or rest small wire baskets for fresh fruit in the kitchen. For added stability on A-frame ladders, drill holes in the side opposite the steps and add dowel rods -- they also make great display bars for hanging objects.
-- Susan Jeffery Lepper, designer
Make Your Mark
Problem: Little people equal big messes.
Solution: Drawers and bins make it easy for kids to put away musical instruments, art supplies, and toys. Baskets and jars for socks, hats, and coins keep the closet tidy. Label everything to help kids stay organized.
-- Amanda Catalanotto, professional organizer
Cut Crafts Clutter
Problem: Your scissors and hole punches are taking over your craft room table.
Solution: Keep scissors handy by looping a cord through the handle and hanging the pair on a cup hook attached to a shelf. Store wrapping paper rolls upright in an umbrella stand or wastebasket. Use fishing-tackle boxes to organize small sundry items such as threads, buttons, beads, and scrapbook embellishments.
-- Sy John Iverson, designer
