Say goodbye to the clutter with 365 Quick & Easy Tips: Home Organization. It’s time to tackle your mess and take back every square foot of your home by applying just one, easy organization step a day in each of the 21 most common home spaces, including kitchens, offices, living rooms, guest areas, baby and kids’ rooms, entryways, hallways, utility spaces, garages, closets, and pet areas.
Whether you live in a tiny urban apartment or a sprawling suburban home, this book will help you fall back in love with your space. 365 Quick & Easy Tips: Home Organization walks you through all you need to store your belongings, save space, and get rid of things you no longer need. Learn to organize your pantry, keep seasonal items in designated places, and properly display keepsakes.
365 TIPS: Discover a practical, easy-to-do organizing tip for every day of the year!
TWENTY-ONE ZONES: Tackle clutter by establishing 21 distinct zones in your home, such as the pantry, basement, kitchen, kids’ room, and bathroom.
INSPIRING IMAGES: Filled with stunning and aspirational images of organized spaces that anyone can achieve.
CLEAR STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS: Checklists, detailed illustrations, and expert tips help you become and stay organized.
COMPLETE YOUR SERIES COLLECTION: Take your home organization to the next level with The Complete Book of Clean and TheComplete Book of Home Organizing.
QUICK & EASY TIPS
HOME ORGANIZATION
QUICK & EASY TIPS
HOME ORGANIZATION
Simple Techniques to Keep Your Home
Neat and Tidy Year Round
Contents
KITCHEN
Reinvent Your Kitchen
Think about Your Kitchen in Zones Create Stations
Craft a Cooking Space Stay Spicy
Tighten Your Kitchen Toolbelt Edit Your Prep Zone
Corral Cleaning Supplies
QUICK TIP: Choose Dishware Wisely
QUICK TIP: Sneak in Under-Sink Shelving Double Your Dish Storage
Hang Ten
Build Your Own Pantry
QUICK TIP: Tote Disposables QUICK TIP: Reuse Jars
Make Countertops a Paper-Free Zone Stow Rarely Used Dishes
Store Infrequently Used Appliances End Your Day with a Clean Kitchen
Hide Small Bottles
Keep Your Kitchen Tidy
Embrace a Retro Kitchen Staple Make a DIY Sink Cleaner Behold the Mighty Microfiber
QUICK TIP: Display Most-Used Dry Goods QUICK TIP: Use Baking Soda and Lemon
Keep Counters Looking New Hang It Up
Go Portable
Create Pantry Categories
Restore Order to Your Gadget Drawer
Spruce Up Hardware
Seclude Sharp Objects
Add Color to Cabinets Make Knives Work
Pop in Color and Texture Keep Favorite Utensils Handy
Embrace Island Life
Separate Lids from Bases
Embrace Mismatched Seating Evaluate Your Pots and Pans
Bring Nature Inside
Store Pots and Pans Creatively
Grow Your Own Herbs Consider Storage
Find Space Above the Fridge
Give Your Fridge a Deep Clean Bin Your Cans
Organize Refrigerated Goods Control Your Canned Goods
Deep Clean Your Freezer Start with an Inventory
Categorize Your Freezer Items Store Medicine and Vitamins Properly
Use Drawer Dividers and Bins Designate a Grown-Ups Cabinet
Label the Fridge and Freezer Use Your Doors
Say Goodbye to Freezer Burn Store Food in Clear Containers
Keep Track of What’s Inside Have Fun with Labels
Let Light In Plan for Snack Attacks
Say Goodbye to Linoleum Create a School- Lunch Station
Shop Effectively
QUICK TIP: Stick on Backsplash Utilize Your Freezer
Keep Appliance Parts Together QUICK TIP: Thaw Out! Buy Reusable Products
Wash Your Dishes the Green Way
DINING AREA
Look for Nontoxic Dish Detergents
and Cleaners Design Your Dining Area
Wipe Down Your Stove Hood Make Your Table the Focal Point
Organize Under the Sink Get Creative with Your Chairs
Thoroughly Clean the Kitchen Sink Create a Homemade Cocktail Bar
Keep Your Sink Scuff-Free Showcase Your Collectibles
Tame the Junk Drawer Employ a Dining Sideboard
Shelve or Hang It Slide Out
Fold Down Waste Not
Utilize Your Vertical Space Find Additional Storage Space
PANTRY
Organize Your Pantry Contain with Baskets and
Color-Coded Plastic Bins
QUICK TIP: Stay Focused
Catch Dirt in the Rug Create a Faux Foyer
Repurpose Furniture
Avoid the Morning Rush Add a Buffet
Make Seasonal Swaps Use Bins for Hide-and-Seek
Make the Closet Work Harder Circle Up
Try Floating Shelves Double Up
Create a Mudroom Know When to Fold ’Em
Add Vertical Storage, Baskets, Turn Over a Leaf
and Boot Trays
Get a Leg Up
Make Your Console Table a Star Work with Your Lighting
Stash Old Towels Define the Space
Create an Optical Illusion For Ice, Employ the Kitchen
Work with Your Radiator (or Bathroom)
Empower Kids
Keep a Garbage Can Handy
Instate a Shoe Policy Be Ready to Party
Keep Drinks Cool in the Pool
LIVING ROOM
QUICK TIP: Eat Outside!
Get in the Zone Love Your Layout
Store Outdoor Utensils
Don’t Push It All Against the Wall Create the Perfect Reading Spot Tidy Your Media Center
ENTRYWAY
Cherish Your Memories Set the Tone for Your Home
Make Space for Your Hobbies Establish a Clean State
Strategically Arrange Your Furniture Choose the Right Furniture
Dust and Vacuum Regularly Fake Your Built-Ins
Make Cleanup Easier Get Hooked
Don’t Forget about the Curtains Create a Catch-All
Think about Paint File on the Walls
Be Mindful of Built-Ins Assign Designated Spots
Reorganize Your Bookshelf Corral Coats and Shoes
Distribute Colors Evenly Get One, Remove One Store Your DVDs Put It Back
Group Like with Like
BEDROOM
Refresh Your Bedroom
Take Advantage
Put It All Away
Wash Linens Weekly
Make a DIY Linen Spray
Use the Space Under Your Bed
Add End-of-Bed Storage
The Multipurpose Ottoman
Strikes Again
Climb the Walls Make Room for Dogs
Take a Moment Get Cords off the Floor
Show Off Blankets Use the Perfect Pillow Formula
Make Furniture Do Double Duty Layer in Textured Bedding
Use a Benchwarmer Utilize Nightstands with Drawers
Hide it in the Sofa Sort Jewelry
Get Help from Shelves Get Hooked on Jewelry
Multitask with Ottomans Divide Drawers
Build In Storage Showcase Your Organization
Multitask Furnishings Let a Desk Double as a Vanity
Minimize Electronics Keep a Work-Life Balance
Hide Tech Where You Can Hang an Oversized Mirror
Show Some Leg Keep an Open Mind
Mix It Up
Get Clear
GUEST ROOM
Use a Coffee Table for Balance
Edit the Tabletop Offer the Hotel Experience
Consider a Coffee-Table Tray Tempt with Luxurious Linens
Make Your Bookshelves Pop Stock Up on Toiletries
Hide Storage in Plain Sight Include a Hamper
Choose Sconces Try Something New
Hang Plants from Above Try Twin Beds
Hide Behind the Couch Keep an Eye on Temperature
Make Curtain Height Count Create a Guest Haven
Bring Puddles Indoors Improvise a Nightstand
KIDS' ROOM
Plan a Safe Kids’ Room
Install Utility Lighting
Lights Out
Mix up the Storage
Use an Antique Armoire for Baby
Save Money
QUICK TIP: Repel Bugs
Label, Label, Label
Don’t Go Overboard on Baby
Invest in Good Hangers
Design a Functional Children’s Room
Try a Multibar Hanger
Organize Like a Child
Don’t Be Afraid to Go Custom
Set Them Up for Success
Let Go of Clothes You Don’t Wear
Make a Play Corner
Don’t Overcommit to a Theme
Keep Things in Sight KIDS' CLOSET
Loft the Bed
Tidy Up Kids’ Closets
Snag a Trundle Bed
Keep Tiny Shoes Organized
Keep Art Supplies near the Craft Area
Contain Accessories
Use Ledges
Perform a Seasonal Sweep
Display Your Kids’ Artwork
Make Kids’ Books Accessible
Put Toys into Rotation LINEN CLOSET
Teach Kids to Donate
Clean, Purge, and Set a System for
Your Linen Closet
CLOSET Label and Color-Code to Your
Advantage
Tame Your Closet
Fold Like a Pro Sort Out Your Items
Fold a Fitted Sheet
Maximize Your Closet Space
Make Sure Shelves Adjust Put Shoes on Display
Make Sure Linens Smell Fresh Roll up Accessories
Don’t Waste Door Space Color-Code Clothing
Designate Guest Towels Utilize Every Space
Keep Small Towels Separate Store Clothes Seasonally
Group Sheets by Bed
Find a Place for Your Seasonal Clothes
Nest Sheets in Pillowcases
Don’t Hang Everything Use the Closet Door
BATHROOM OFFICE
Keep Your Bathrooms Clean Create Zones in Your Office
Practice These Habits Daily Let Your Space Do the Work
Empty the Trash If Needed File the Papers and Supplies Away
Think about Proximity Miscellaneous Zones
Keep It Fresh with Essential Oils Enjoy a Pocket-Sized Office Space
Stock Extra Toilet Paper Creatively Pay Attention to Desk Placement
Keep a Plunger Handy Give Yourself the Best Seat in
Keep Extra Towels Outside the House
the Bathroom Organize Desk Drawers from
Incorporate Plants the Inside Out
Lighten Up Consider a “Murphy Desk”
Get Clear Control Paper Clutter
Purge the Clutter Keep a Handle on School
Lose the Cabinets Stay Current
Use All Doors Tackle Your To-Do Items
Go Green with Soap Create a Keepsake Box
Use Metal with Caution Organize Your Files
Add a Pleasant Scent Create DIY Storage Boxes
Hang a Shower Curtain Purge Supplies You Don’t Need
Hang Bathroom Art Wisely Try Pegboards and Wall Organizers
Consider a Styling Caddy Stash Your Printer
Corral Your Medicine Cabinet Hire a Lazy Susan
Keep Bathroom Closets Neat
Make Your Own Natural Cleaners QUICK TIP: Track Your Taxes
Clean Smarter, Not Harder
Use Roll-Away Storage with a Create a Homework Center
Pedestal Sink
QUICK TIP: Binder It
Lock in a Library Corral Craft Supplies Gift Wrap to Go
Create a Tiny Home Office Rethink Your Spaces
QUICK TIP: Let It Roll
Beautify Your Space Include Hooks Wash with Care
PLAY SPACE
Simplify the Laundry System Organize the Kids’ Play Space
Prevent Dryer Disasters Designate Activity Stations Store According to Age
HOME GYM
Use Lids
Keep Boxes Around the House for
Set Up a Home Gym
Easy Transfers
Have a Nightly Clean-Up Party
QUICK TIP: Deal with Gym Odors Keep Things Tidy
Piece the Puzzles
Stock Your Gym Bag Keep It Simple
QUICK TIP: Board the Games
Assemble a Play Table ATTIC
Net a Zoo
Lean In
Pitch a Tent Embrace Plastic Use the Beams
QUICK TIP: Learn Your ABCs
Beautify Your Attic Pare Down Posterity Toss, Donate, or Consign
LAUNDRY AREA
Keep Dirty Clothes in Hampers
Store Other Household Items BASEMENT
Think Outside the Shoe Box
Benefit from the Basement Set Up Forget-Me-Nots
Keep the Utility Zone Accessible Create a Living Zone
Create a Storage Zone Rethink Forgotten Spaces Keep Basements Clean and Dry Practice Caution with Archived Items
QUICK TIP: Mount a Fuse-Box Flashlight
Store Sports Gear Store Until Winter Get the Holiday Hookup Keep Clean
Create a Goodbye Station
CAR
Add a Trash Can Empty the Car Out
OUTDOOR Eliminate Unnecessary Clutter
Vacuum and Clean Your Car Perfect Your Patio
Accommodate Quick Cleaning Go Vertical
Hack the Cupholder
Keep the Glove Box Under Control QUICK TIP: Use the Perimeter
Stock the Car for Emergencies Sort the Trunk into Bins
Invest in Outdoor Fabrics
Consider a No-Snacks Rule Stash Cleaning Supplies Outside Cover Your Fire Pit
Index
Stow Outdoor Furniture and
Credits
Cushions for the Winter Store Splash Supplies
GARAGE
Install Shelving
Take Shelving to the Top Categorize and Containerize Utilize the Ceiling
Label Everything Update Flooring Follow the Safety Rules
QUICK TIP: Store Tools
KITCHEN
REINVENT
YOUR KITCHEN
The kitchen is the heart of the home, and a wellplanned space will streamline food prep, cooking, baking, and cleaning—all while maximizing time and efficiency. Before you start pulling everything out of the cabinets and drawers, begin by writing out a plan. A plan will help you focus on what needs to be done. Consider how many cabinets and drawers you have. What needs organizing? Which areas are used for which tasks? How many gadgets, small appliances, and dishes can you purge, and how much space will result? Once you’ve got your guidelines, it’s time to get started.
CREATE
STATIONS
Consider creating stations around your
THINK ABOUT YOUR
kitchen to make it easy and fun for you and
KITCHEN IN ZONES your guests to enjoy the space. Create sta-
tions based on your own routines—consider Consider what you need from each space in your
a breakfast bar, a coffee bar, a granola or kitchen. Create zones for cooking, cleaning, dish
oatmeal station, or even a cocktail or mockstorage, food storage, and food preparation. You
tail bar.
know better than anyone where you need to keep essentials and what your workspaces are. Set them up accordingly to cut down on time spent searching for things while you’re cooking.
CRAFT A
COOKING SPACE
The area around the stove and the adjacent countertop should accommodate cooking. Knives, cutting boards, and your prep area should all be located nearby so you’re not crisscrossing the kitchen searching for tools and ingredients. Keep frequently used spices, oils, vinegars, and other seasonings handy (but not so close to the stove that they’re damaged by its heat). Your nicest condiments and seasonings will be reserved for special meals, so they can be stored farther away in the pantry.
STAY
SPICY
Spices are the heart (and heat) of any home-cooked meal, and storing them effectively will make your cooking more enjoyable. Create a spice station to organize seasonings, oils, and spice blends. Whether you use matching containers or a hodgepodge of bottles and jars, make sure your spices are stored in containers that are airtight, see-through, and clearly labeled with expiration dates. (Toss out expired spices and condiments—their flavor won’t last.) To make it easy to find what you need, consider sorting by size, type of item, most-used combinations, or savory, spicy, and sweet applications.
EDIT YOUR
PREP ZONE
Take inventory of the supplies and appli-
TIGHTEN YOUR
ances you use most often while prepping
KITCHEN TOOLBELT food and designate a place for the items
most frequently in rotation. Keep cutting
Be judicious when choosing which kitchen tools you boards, knives, bowls, and other prepping
keep or toss. Eliminate duplicates and single-use essentials organized and easy to find
gadgets that collect dust at the back of the drawer nearby. Like your spice station (Item 005),
or cabinet. The same goes for other kitchen acces- this area should be close to the stove so
sories. If it’s stained, broken, or just unnecessary, get you can keep an eye on what’s cooking.
rid of it or set it aside for donation.
CORRAL CLEANING QUICK TIP
SUPPLIES
SNEAK IN UNDER
It’s easy to let cleaning supplies pile up in your under
SINK SHELVING
the-sink cabinet. The easiest way to bring order to the chaos? Use clear plastic bins to create caddies for difIf you have the bandwidth for an
ferent tasks. Dishes get a container with dishwasher
easy DIY project, consider adding
pods, gloves, extra dish soap, sponges, and a scrubber.
shelves to your under-the-sink
Surface cleaners, rags, microfiber cloths, and disinfec
cabinet. Pull-out sliding shelves
tants can be stored together. Storing items in ready
will double your storage while
to-go bins makes it easier to see what you’re missing,
keeping everything close at hand.
and you can grab the whole bin and bring it wherever you need.
BUILD YOUR
OWN PANTRY
Not every home has a built-in pantry cabinet, but not to worry. You can dedicate a standing cabinet to store shelf-stable snacks and ingredients. Shelf expanders and stackable bins will help you make the most of the space you have. And don’t obsess over having a Pinterest-perfect pantry— rather than splurging on matching glass storage containers, you’ll be better off focusing on the storage you actually need, however mismatched your containers may be.
QUICK TIP
REUSE JARS
Instead of spending money on brand-new uniform glass containers, reuse glass jars and bottles with clean lids. If the mismatched lids bother you, cover them with craft paint or cloth. You won’t waste money on containers you won’t use, and you’ll be able to source and replace jars as you need them.
STOW RARELY
USED DISHES
If you have multiple dishware collections, consider keeping just one set of everyday dishes in your precious kitchen cabinet space. A shelf in a dining area or a credenza in the living room can show off everything else. If you have open shelving, use it to store large dishes that you use frequently. A decorative bowl might look beautiful on an open shelf, but if you never use it, it will end up collecting dust and grime.
END YOUR DAY WITH
A CLEAN KITCHEN
Few things feel better than waking up to a clean space. At the end of each day, when dinner is done, take fifteen minutes to give everything a quick cleanup and wipe down: load and run the dishwasher (and empty it the next morning); clean the sink with a DIY cleaning solution (see Item 013); spray and wipe down the countertops, stovetops, table, and other surfaces; put a clean washcloth and dish towel out and toss the dirty ones in the laundry; and take the garbage out and put a new liner in the can. You’ll notice that these easy tasks affect your mood for the rest of the evening— and make heading into the next day’s meal preparations a breeze.
KEEP YOUR MAKE A DIY
KITCHEN TIDY SINK CLEANER
Designate fifteen minutes a day to tidy your Some studies state a higher concentration
kitchen. Follow these steps: of bacteria can be found in the kitchen sink
than in the toilet bowl. Here’s a recipe for
Wash any dishes that are in the sink. an easy kitchen sink cleaner that you can
DIY and use on a daily basis to keep the
Put away anything that doesn’t belong in the germs away.
kitchen, on the counters or out in the open.
YOU’LL NEED
Wipe down bottles and cartons that go from •1 clean spray bottle
the table back to the fridge or pantry. This will •1 part white vinegar
prevent sticky messes and other surprise spills. •1 part water
Sweep up crumbs and wipe down any floor DIRECTIONS
spills—this will make a deep clean much easier Mix the vinegar and water, cap your bottle,
when the time comes. and shake vigorously. Use a
permanent marker to label it “Daily Sink Cleaner”— this will prevent confusion with other sprays and remind you of its usefulness! Simply spray your sink and faucet, let sit for a few minutes, then wipe down. You’ll have a fresher sink in no time.
QUICK TIP
BEHOLD THE USE BAKING SODA
MIGHTY MICROFIBER AND LEMON
One of the best ways to clean your counters is Baking soda may be the unsung hero of
with warm water and a microfiber cloth. You keeping your home fresh and clean. To
never have to worry about your counter type, make an easy pantry-sourced compound,
and the microfibers collect more dust, dirt, and use half of a lemon with some baking soda
even germs and bacteria than an old-school to create an abrasive scrubber. This
rag. They’re effective enough to clean using combo also works on porcelain tub rust
just warm water, so you don’t need abrasive stains and many other seemingly tough
chemical cleaners that could damage your cleaning jobs. The lemon has an added
countertops. To keep them feeling brand new, benefit of whitening areas that are yel-
wash microfiber cloths in a separate load of lowed. You’ll be surprised how easily—and
laundry. naturally—the markings lift off.
GO
PORTABLE
Save time at breakfast or dinner by corralling your family’s favorite condiments on a decorative tray. You can easily move the whole tray from the kitchen to the table and back: Gone are the days of searching for a stray pepper shaker while your eggs go cold. Common essentials include sugar, butter, olive oil, salt, and pepper, but prioritize whatever gets used the most!
RESTORE ORDER TO YOUR
GADGET DRAWER
You know what they say:It’s only helpful if you can find it. Assess the contents of your gadget
SECLUDE SHARP
drawer and consider whether
you can use drawer dividers or
OBJECTS
compartments to keep tools
organized. You can categorize Nobody wants an unexpected cut on their finger when they’re
by use, size and shape, or cook- busy looking for a ladle. Consider keeping sharp-edged kitchen
ing versus baking. Don’t forget tools, such as knives, can openers, peelers, mandolin slicers,
to toss duplicates! and even pizza wheels in a separate drawer. If you have young
kids, you’ll want to store sharp tools out of reach.
MAKE KNIVES
WORK
Your knives are one of your most important
KEEP FAVORITE
kitchen utensils, so you should store them care-
fully. A countertop knife block keeps knives pro- UTENSILS HANDY
tected and easily accessible, but it may not be
worth the investment if you lack the counter If you have a set of favorite stirrers or
space. If you have ample cabinet space, consider scrapers, make sure they’re close by. Try
an in-drawer knife block. If you’re short on kitchen storing them in a cute flowerpot or vintage
space altogether, consider a wall-mounted mag- cookie jar to give your counter a little
netic knife strip. It keeps your knives visible, acces- unexpected flair.
sible, and out of the way.
SEPARATE LIDS FROM BASES
Whether you prefer plastic or glass, most food storage containers consist of two pieces: the base and the lid. Gain control of this area by storing lids separately, in a designated basket or tucked inside a hanging door organizer. Maximize the remaining space by sorting and stacking reusable containers by size.
EVALUATE YOUR
POTS AND PANS
Pull out every single pot and pan—including woks, roasting pans, stockpots, and frying pans. Really think about each item and decide how often you use it. If it’s pretty but you never use it, put it in the donate pile. If it’s burnt, deeply scratched (in the case of nonstick pans), or made of aluminum, get rid of it. You only want healthy, high-quality pans in your home.
STORE POTS AND
PANS CREATIVELY
Pots and pans can become the bane of your existence thanks to how difficult they are to keep organized. There are a few methods for storing them: hang them on a rail, slide them into multilevel wire racks, store them on an open shelf, or stack them in a cabinet. Depending on how much money you want to spend, you can even find some fancy systems at home improvement stores. For an inexpensive option, use vertical slotted file organizers (designed for office use) to store baking sheets, racks, and muffin pans.
CONSIDER
STORAGE
You might want to look at replacing an under-stove cabinet with deep slide-out drawers. Stack pans as tidily as possible, grouping like with like. Also consider a mounted pot rack or pegboard system, and designate a shallower drawer for storing the lids.
QUICK TIP
CHOOSE
DISHWARE WISELY
If you’re short on space, avoid splurging on over-the-top dishware. Instead, consider a versatile dish style in a neutral hue that can be dressed up or down depending on silverware, napkin rings, or other table dressings. You’ll save a ton of cabinet space.
HANG
DOUBLE YOUR
TEN
DISH STORAGE
Mugs can be tricky. They’re a pain to stack, and Wire shelf racks will help you get the most out
they take up a lot of valuable shelf space. Conof your dish storage cabinet. You’ll get twice
sider installing simple C-hooks underneath the amount of surface area on each shelf, and
your upper cabinets for efficient hanging mug you’ll avoid a precarious, towering stack of
storage. (They’re quite easy to screw in by plates or bowls. Stack dishware from largest
hand.)
to smallest to ensure a sturdy base.
QUICK TIP
TOTE DISPOSABLES MAKE COUNTERTOPS
Keep disposable or compostable
A PAPER-FREE ZONE
dishware and utensils in a portable
caddy or box. This allows for easy Receipts, bills, catalogs, and other mail can build up eas-
grab-and-go access if you’re dining ily on countertops, cluttering valuable surface area. The
al fresco or doling out dessert at a easiest way to prevent paper clutter is to avoid the
party. Guests can help themselves dreaded “pile.” Make a habit of sorting through papers
to utensils as needed. as they come in to decide what should be filed and what
can go straight to the recycling bin.
STORE INFREQUENTLY USED APPLIANCES
Be honest with yourself—how often are you really using that air fryer? How about your ice cream maker? Specialty appliances can be handy if you have the room to store them, but if you’re short on kitchen space, move the ones you don’t use on a weekly basis off the counter and into a cabinet or pantry.
HIDE SMALL
BOTTLES
Pills, supplements, and vitamins that live outside the pantry don’t need to sit out. Place frequently used bottles together in a basket or bin with a lid for handy access. See Item 071 for more information on how to properly and safely store medications.
QUICK TIP
EMBRACE A RETRO DISPLAY MOST-USED
KITCHEN STAPLE DRY GOODS
Bread boxes are not as in vogue as If you keep frequently used dry ingredients on your
they once were, but consider add- counter (such as flour, sugar, coffee beans, or oats),
ing a sleek, modern bread box or consider investing in matching glass containers.
tin to your kitchen. It’s handy for While fancy containers aren’t necessary for pantry
keeping bread, rolls, and buns containers, clear, uniform countertop storage will
tucked away. look and feel more organized.
HANG
IT UP
KEEP COUNTERS
Removable wall hooks (like M
LOOKING NEW Command hooks) will help you
keep regularly used items off the
Counters are made from a wide variety of materi
counter. Hang up dish towels,
als, so it can be tricky to be sure you’re using the
washcloths, oven mitts, and more.
right cleaner. For example, white vinegar is a popu
Plus, dish towels will air out while
lar go-to cleaner, but it can’t be used on stone
they’re hanging, so they won’t
countertops. The smartest and cheapest way to
acquire any musty odors.
clean any type of countertop? Hot water, a little dish soap, and a microfiber cloth.
CREATE PANTRY SPRUCE UP
CATEGORIES HARDWARE
Keep track of dry goods in your pantry or cabinet Replacing hardware, such as handles and
by using categories. Think about how you cook: If knobs, is an easy way to update cabinets,
you keep all your baking supplies together, it’ll be especially if your home is a rental. Replace
obvious when you’re running low on ingredients. rusty, outdated, or hard-to-use cabinet
The same applies for other categories, including knobs to make your space feel new. When
canned goods, snacks, and spices. You can also you move out, switch the old knobs back in
categorize ingredients by cuisine. Make choices and bring your new ones to your next place!
based on your cooking habits.
ADD COLOR
POP IN COLOR
TO CABINETS
AND TEXTURE
If your kitchen feels dingy or outdated,
repainting the cabinets might be a worthy Find fun ways to add personality and life to a
investment. If you’re a renter, your landlord neutral-colored kitchen. Try adding a stick-on
might be more open to repainting than you faux-tile backsplash to your stove top area, or
might expect—they get an updated space, accessorize with functional accent pieces like
and you can make the kitchen feel like your a decorative tea kettle or cuckoo clock. Con-
own. Make sure you choose a paint finish sider colorful vintage accessories.
that’s easy to clean!
EMBRACE
ISLAND LIFE
Painting your kitchen island is one easy way to add color to an otherwise neutral-colored kitchen. It’s easy to repaint if you get sick of the color, but it still makes a statement. If your kitchen doesn’t have an island, invest in a rolling table or cart. It will give you another work surface and more storage, and you can wheel it out of the way when it’s not in use.
EMBRACE
MISMATCHED SEATING
Perfectly matching furniture is overrated. Mismatched furniture adds visual interest and gives you the option to switch out pieces one at a time without committing to a whole set. You can often find beautiful chairs on the cheap at estate or garage sales.
BRING NATURE INSIDE
Forage branches from outdoors and place them in a vase to create a beautiful (and free) decorative kitchen centerpiece. Their look and scent will move with the seasons, and you won’t have to change them out as frequently as store-bought flowers.
GROW YOUR
OWN HERBS
A light-filled kitchen windowsill is the perfect place for a miniature herb garden—it looks nice and serves a purpose. Many herbs will grow in water, so you don’t need to worry about potentially messy soil. You can also regrow rooted veggie scraps in water, including scallions, romaine lettuce, and celery.
FIND SPACE ABOVE THE FRIDGE
The top of the refrigerator is an underutilized storage space—use it to stow away bins of extra glasses, paper goods, and extra pans. Bear in mind that it’s not an ideal spot for food, as heat will escape from the top of the fridge and can cause things to spoil quickly.
GIVE YOUR FRIDGE A DEEP CLEAN
A clean kitchen just isn’t complete without giving your refrigerator a good once-over. It’s easy, takes less than an hour, and looks fabulous once you’re done! Remove all drawers and shelves, scrub them clean with mild soap and water, and, when they are dry, apply a washable liner to each. It’s stylish and, most importantly, absorbs spills. Replace the linings about every six months.
ORGANIZE
REFRIGERATED GOODS
Use organizing bins on the shelves of your fridge. They’re great for grouping like items such as condiments, preventing leftovers from getting lost in the back, and keeping kids’ school lunches and snacks handy. You can also use containers inside the drawers to keep items like cheeses organized. When it’s time to figure out what you need at the store, it only takes a quick glance to see what’s needed for your shopping list.
DEEP CLEAN CATEGORIZE YOUR
YOUR FREEZER FREEZER ITEMS
Pull everything out of the freezer and dispose Separate all your freezer items into cate-
of anything expired or freezer-burnt. Donate gories based on how often you use them.
anything that’s still good but you know your Implement a colorful bin system to group
family won’t use. Take advantage of this time your items. As a bonus, it will also make
by cleaning the freezer inside and out. your freezer more eye-catching.
USE DRAWER DIVIDERS AND BINS
Once you figure out how many categories you’re dealing with, think about how to divide up the space. You can order bins or fancy freezer dividers online, or be a bit thriftier and make use of plastic reusable grocery bags. You will need at least one divider or container for each category.
LABEL THE FRIDGE AND FREEZER
If you want to be even more organized, you can label each refrigerator and freezer section with a food category. It might seem too obvious, but it will help other family members put food away correctly after grocery shopping, and everyone will have an easier time finding what they need, which means less food waste in the long run.
SAY GOODBYE TO KEEP TRACK OF
FREEZER BURN WHAT’S INSIDE
Now that your freezer is ready and waiting, Don’t let your freezer contents go unused. Use
it’s time to stock up on groceries and kiss sticky notes or another labeling system to keep
freezer burn goodbye.Freezer burn isn’t tabs on what’s inside—without having to dive
inevitable—you can prevent it if you use through the icy depths to find out. This will also
your newly organized freezer to your help other meal planners and helpers know
advantage. The bins will help prevent that where to find the good stuff. (Unless, of course,
frozen meat from languishing beneath a you want to be the only one in charge of where
pile for weeks. Every month, sort through the cheesecake is kept!)
each bin so the oldest items get to be front and center. Go one step further and seal your food in freezer storage bags.
LET
LIGHT IN
Light is important in the kitchen—being able to see what you’re working on everywhere in the room opens up more workspace. Pendant lights are a great way to add pointed overhead lighting, and they’re warmer than fluorescent overheads. If installing new lighting isn’t in the budget, replace bulbs with a warmer light tone (soft white instead of cool white or daylight bulbs) to make the space feel more welcoming.
SAY GOODBYE
TO LINOLEUM
Technology makes the look of wood accessible in a variety of materials like tile and vinyl. Vinyl is affordable, and tile is easy to clean; both are incredibly durable too.
QUICK TIP
STICK ON BACKSPLASH
Renters rejoice! There are more solutions than ever to hide dated kitchen backsplash in your apartment. Look for thin, peel-and-stick removable tile for an easy and affordable way to change the look of your space. And because the surface is tile, you can still wipe it down.
KEEP APPLIANCE
PARTS TOGETHER
Never look for your food processor blade again! Make sure you store all appliance parts together, either inside the appliance itself or rubber-banded together and stowed nearby. A dedicated basket in your cabinet for spare appliance parts is another option.
BUY REUSABLE
PRODUCTS
To clean green, you should really eliminate—or at least lighten your use of—paper towels. Invest in some microfiber cloths and keep them handy. You can also find reusable, environmentally friendly gloves to take care of your hands.
WASH YOUR DISHES THE GREEN WAY
For those with the option, it’s more eco-friendly to wash your dishes in the dishwasher, since it uses less water than washing them by hand. If you don’t have that option, soak your dishes first in hot, soapy water before hand-washing. This will loosen most tough food bits so you won’t need the water running as you wash the dishes later on.
LOOK FOR NONTOXIC DISH DETERGENTS AND CLEANERS
Use natural brushes, silicone scrubbers, or a plant-based cleaning sponge to reduce microplastic pollution. Swap your regular dish soap for a nontoxic plant-based cleaning concentrate. Be sure to avoid synthetic dyes and fragrances, and choose phosphate-free soaps.
WIPE DOWN YOUR STOVE HOOD
A stove hood does a lot to keep a kitchen grime free. Make sure to return the favor by wiping it down regularly! You’ll also want to make sure you clean the vent screens at least every two or three months.
ORGANIZE
UNDER THE SINK
Space is at a premium under the kitchen sink, so make use of every bit of room to store your cleaning supplies.
CONSIDER THE SPACEBefore you sort and clean, look at how the space is organized and how it can be more efficient. Consider stacking bins, trays, or 3M Command hooks for hanging.
SORT AND PURGEThrow away what you don’t use, and sort remaining items by category (sponges and cloths, dish soap, household cleaners, etc.). If you discard anything toxic, consult your local waste management service to find out how to safely dispose of it.
PUT IT BACKWipe down the area and organize your supplies into your chosen containers. Put everything back in an orderly fashion. If you’re using Command hooks, note that they need to set for an hour before you hang anything on them.
THOROUGHLY CLEAN THE KITCHEN SINK
It’s good to clean the sink daily with an easy cleaner (see Item 013) and to follow it up with a weekly scrub. Follow these steps to a happier sink:
STEP ONERinse the dirty sink out really well, leaving no food particles or gunk.
STEP TWOApply a cleaning paste like Shaklee Scour Off, using lots of elbow grease. Paste works better than most powdered cleaners, as it doesn’t make big dust clouds and it adheres well to those vertical sink walls. If you don’t have Scour Off, whip up a homemade cleansing paste using /cup baking soda, a teaspoon of Castile soap, and
just enough water to make a paste.
STEP THREEScrub everything really well, then rinse off thoroughly.
STEP FOURSpray the sink with a natural cleaning spray, then rinse again. Lastly, wipe down with a soft towel. Admire your handiwork and enjoy that sparkling sink!
KEEP YOUR SINK SCUFF-FREE
Pots and pans can leave marks in a white sink. To keep scuffing at bay, place wire sink grids with rubber feet at the bottom of the sink. Also, after cleaning your sink, try applying a thin coat of car wax (a tip from cleaning professionals). A wax-based stainless steel cleaner will help prevent fingerprints.
TAME THE
JUNK DRAWER
What is a kitchen without a junk drawer? Its sole purpose is to contain items you have no designated spot for, so it’s no wonder it gets out of hand in a hurry. Take a few minutes to go through your junk drawer and purge anything you haven’t used in a while or anything that doesn’t serve a purpose. You’ll find that many items can be eliminated. Once you finish purging, remove the rest of the contents and wipe out the drawer. Then grab a few organizers (you can recycle cardboard jewelry boxes or sturdy plastic containers that you may have been saving) and categorize your miscellaneous items. Allow yourself a few minutes each month to go through the drawer and tidy it.
SHELVE OR
HANG IT
Consider every possible place where you can add shelving for pantry essentials. If the containers are attractive enough, your essentials can be on display without feeling like clutter. Just don’t let the shelves get messy or dusty. In addition, risers or additional shelves inside your cabinets are a great solution for smaller items, like canned goods, that can stack two or three levels deep. And racks that fit over cabinet doors are a great way to store spices, tea, and other small items. Hanging baskets can be used to hold fruit, garlic, and other items that would otherwise be taking up counter space.
SLIDE FOLD
OUT DOWN
A lot of kitchens have cutting boards that slide out Many of us have heard tales of
from under the counter and then stow away when no Depression-era relatives eating
longer needed. If your kitchen doesn’t have any, look dinner off of fold-down ironing
into having them installed. It might be well worth it if boards. The more workable ver-
you’re working with very little counterspace. sion of this is a fold-out kitchen
table. This addition can be a great option for adding a work surface or small dining space as needed.
WASTE
NOT
One big challenge in a small kitchen is waste disposal, especially if you separate landfill trash, recycling, and compost. One great solution is a slide-out under-sink sorting system. You can find these bin systems at home improvement stores for under $100, and they’re pretty easy to install. They usually consist of a metal rack and two to four sorting bins. You screw the metal rack into your under-sink cabinet, then mount the bins on the rack and you can then slide each bin in and out as needed. As a bonus, the system can keep pets or toddlers from monkeying with the trash.
UTILIZE YOUR
VERTICAL SPACE
Hang pots and pans overhead, and consider mounting a sheet of pegboard for utensils. Install a small microwave on the wall or in a cabinet to free up counter space. Hanging mugs from hooks along the bottom of a shelf also frees up space and looks fun and cozy.
FIND ADDITIONAL
STORAGE SPACE
Spots that are often used exclusively for decoration can actually become handy storage. The falsedrawer front under most sinks can be replaced with a tilt-out tray that’s great for storing sponges and scrub pads. Even more crafty, Ikea has a cupboard solution that sneaks a drawer into the bottom-ofthe cabinet toe kick space. Attach small jars to the undersides of shelves and cabinets—you can just unscrew them when you need the spice or tea within, then screw them back on. Squeeze tall, skinny shelving units into any space you can. Even if the shelves that fit between your fridge and the wall can only hold a few cookbooks, those are cookbooks that aren’t taking up space anywhere else!If there’s space between your top cabinets and the ceiling, baskets and bins up there can hold rarely used items.
PANTRY
ORGANIZE
YOUR PANTRY
Using a few containers, baskets, and bins, you can break down your pantry organization into categories and make the space work better for you. Start by categorizing the space and the items going into it. Chances are, you’ve got a lot of food taking up a lot of space. Use these groupings to sort out this magnet for madness: baking supplies (if you don’t have a baking station), bulk items (rice, beans, and nuts), canned food, condiments, pasta and pasta sauces, chocolate and desserts, prepackaged food, and snacks.
CONTAIN WITH BASKETS AND COLOR-CODED PLASTIC BINS
Woven baskets are effective organizers for the pantry when you use them correctly. They’re nice to look at, but the large sizes can become so full of food that you can’t see what’s at the bottom. However, baskets work well to store items like bags of food, snacks, prepackaged breakfast items, large quantities of the same item, and extra canned goods. Meanwhile, colorful bins are great for storing reusable food containers and their lids. You can use different colors to separate categories and make daily organizing a breeze.
BIN YOUR
CANS
Organizing canned goods can be difficult to figure out. If you don’t go through a huge amount of canned goods, they don’t need to take up a lot of room in the pantry. Find some plastic storage bins of different sizes online and stack your cans in the bins horizontally.
CONTROL YOUR
CANNED GOODS
Another option for corralling the various cans of soup, sauces, fruits, veggies, and other shelf-stable items is to utilize wall-mounted wire baskets—or an over-the-door organizer (see Item 073). These racks are often found in the closet storage sections of stores, rather than intended for pantry use, but some are perfectly sized for holding a rack of cans—and they’re nice and sturdy, so they can support the heavy weight of all those cans.
START WITH
AN INVENTORY
When you organize your pantry, keep track of what you have by using a pantry inventory sheet. You can keep your sheets on a physical clipboard, hanging a Command hook inside your pantry, or you can use an app or notepad on your phone. With your inventory tracked, grocery shopping will be a breeze.
STORE MEDICINE AND
VITAMINS PROPERLY
Proper medication and vitamin storage is very important. Follow these steps for an organized medication system:
CHOOSE THE RIGHT PLACEKeep medications away from extreme temperature, hot or cold. Don’t store them in the bathroom medicine cabinet—fluctuating temperatures and moisture may damage them. A kitchen pantry far from the oven (and out of reach of children) is a suitable place.
SORT AND PURGE Check all expiration dates and purge expired medications. Look up medications on the FDA website for proper disposal instructions.Gather remaining items and label them by category: children’s medications; fever and pain; wound care; eyes, ears, nose, and skin; allergy and bug bites; bowels and belly; vitamins; and prescription medicine.
KEEP ORIGINAL CONTAINERSLeave vitamins and medicines in their original containers. Some supplements come in dark-colored containers because they lose their effectiveness when exposed to light.
DESIGNATE A
GROWN-UPS CABINET
Many kitchens have at least one odd cabinet out, especially in rooms that aren’t perfect squares or rectangles. These are good for storing medications and non-food substances you want the whole family to be aware—and careful—of. Teach your kids that this cabinet isn’t for snacks and contains medicines and other grown-up items. Make sure it’s part of an upper cabinet (out of very small children’s reach) and that it’s far enough from the oven to avoid heating up your meds (see Item 071). The whole family will know where to find the things that don’t quite fit in with the rest of the kitchen.
USE YOUR
DOORS
You don’t want to forget to use the valuable space on the inside of your pantry doors. Door organizers can be found at most home stores or online. They work great for storing boxed food, sauces, and frequently used canned goods.
STORE FOOD IN CLEAR
CONTAINERS
Clear containers, like the ones from OXO, are excellent for storing pasta, grains, and rice. When you get home from grocery shopping, empty the pasta boxes’ contents into these containers. Cardboard food boxes clutter the space, so using clear containers helps you stay more organized.
HAVE FUN
WITH LABELS
The neat text of a label maker might feel too cold or clinical for the pantry, but it’s not your only option! Try using handwritten labels for a more personal feel. Or use chalk labels, which you can erase and reuse if the contents of the container change.
PLAN FOR SNACK ATTACKS
Set aside some time each week to portion out and pack up munchies. Use reusable containers to store and organize your snacks. Get all of the prep work done at one time. When washed and ready-to-go single servings are available, you’ll save fruits and veggies from rotting in the fridge or on the counter before anyone remembers to eat them. Plus, when your appetite calls, you’ll have a quick answer!
CREATE A SCHOOLLUNCH STATION
Making school lunches can be a headache when all the components are scattered around the kitchen. Designate a drawer or shelf with enough room to store everything you’ll need for assembly. Keep a small cutting board handy for sandwiches. Use smaller containers to separate items like snack and sandwich bags, utensils, tinfoil, Tupperware, and other components. Don’t forget napkins and moist wipes. You can also save space by replacing hard lunch boxes with softer cloth bags (the insulated kinds are perfect) for more compact storage. Designating a special place for everything you need not only makes your morning routine run more smoothly—it also allows your children to help out.
SHOP
EFFECTIVELY
You might think a trip to the grocery store will be the same every time, but with an organized shopping list, it’s faster and easier than ever before. If you have a regular weekly food shopping routine, step it up a notch by prepping your shopping list based on your kitchen inventory. Follow these steps for seamless shopping:
ALWAYS START WITH A MASTER LISTThese are the items you need to replenish every week without fail. Store this on your phone or computer, print out several hard copies to keep in the kitchen, and add to it as needed.
MAKE SPACE Clear out the fridge and food storage areas to get rid of any too-old leftovers and
make room for new purchases. Take stock of your pantry and decide what you need to buy.
HAVE A SEPARATE BULK LISTKeep a separate list for items you regularly buy in bulk, like paper products, bath products, snacks, pasta and rice, cooking oil, trash bags, batteries, storage products, frozen goods, and vitamins.
CONSULT YOUR LISTS Once you’ve got your master list, finalize it before you go to the store. Consult your weekly menu and add any new items you need. Check off items as you buy them. If there is a staple on the list that you don’t need this week, cross it out.
UTILIZE QUICK TIP
YOUR FREEZER
THAW OUT!
For those of you on the go, especially if you have
kids at home, your mantra should be, “Make the For easy reheating, transfer your fro-
freezer your friend.” Soups, side dishes, and des- zen foods from the freezer to the
serts can easily be made in bulk and then stored refrigerator the night before, then
in the freezer until you’re ready to eat. bake in the oven. Add about 10 to 15
minutes if the center is still frozen.
SOUPSMake stocks or soups up to two weeks in advance and store them in 2-cup (0.5-liter) portions for easy, single-serve defrosting.
BAKED GOODSStock your freezer with muffins, pancakes, biscuits, scones, waffles, and other baked goods that can be frozen and toasted up later for a hot, buttery morning treat.
LEFTOVERS Double your recipes and store leftovers in individual packets so that you just have to throw them in the microwave for a quick, easy meal.
DINING AREA
DESIGN YOUR
DINING AREA
The dining room is one of the spaces where we entertain our guests. It’s also an area that shows our true personal style. Whether it’s classic, contemporary, or vintage, choosing the right decor and pieces to fill the space will make it feel more authentic.
MAKE YOUR TABLE
THE FOCAL POINT
The center of the space is the dining table. Make sure the table is the correct size to fit the room. If you have a small room, you will want a smaller table when you’re not entertaining, but you can add a leaf in the middle to accommodate more guests for meals or buffets.
GET CREATIVE WITH YOUR CHAIRS
How many chairs do you have? Depending on the size of your family, at least six chairs at the table and two extras placed to the side should suffice. When you’re not entertaining, you can put a chair on either side of the hutch. Chairs don’t necessarily have to match the table. Think outside the box—you might like a white table and dark chairs, or mismatched antique chairs for an eclectic look.
CREATE A HOMEMADE COCKTAIL BAR
Shake up a fabulous martini by creating your very own cocktail bar. By investing in a few essential tools, spirits, mixers, and glasses, you’ll be able to jazz up your night with dozens of cocktails at your fingertips. It’s not necessary to stock your bar with every kind of liquor available. A bottle of each of the basics and a few mixers will do just fine. Don’t want to purchase everything all at once? Begin with ingredients from your favorite drinks and go from there.
SHOWCASE YOUR
COLLECTIBLES
Whatever it is that you collect, display it proudly in a cabinet or on a shelf. Place the same type of collectibles or décor near each other. Things display more beautifully as a collection than spread throughout your home. If your collectibles are breakable, make sure your cabinets have doors!
QUICK TIP
STAY FOCUSED EMPLOY A DINING
Keep your sideboard exclusively for dining and entertainment stor
SIDEBOARD
age. Remove all other items that
When it comes to organizing the dining belong elsewhere.
area, furniture that comes with a good amount of storage is key, especially if you like to entertain. Using a dining sideboard with shelving, drawers, and cabinets is the perfect way to contain this space, and you can find pieces of furniture in many styles and sizes. Store your seasonal table décor, holiday dishes, and serving trays and bowls in your cabinets. Display your china, cake stands, pictures frames or other décor, and vintage dishes on the shelves. Fill the drawers with napkin rings, cloth napkins, place mats, chargers, tablecloths and runners, extra silverware, place cards, and candles and lighters.
REPURPOSE
FURNITURE
If you don’t have a sideboard, you get to be creative! You might want to reuse a piece of furniture you already own, giving it a fresh coat of paint and a new life in your efficient, organized dining area. Line the drawers and insert bins and organizers to hold necessities for mealtime or entertaining.
ADD A
BUFFET
If you entertain a lot, add a buffet to your dining area. This is where you place food for dinner parties or holiday celebrations. You can also use it to store liquor, wine, and cocktail glasses.
USE BINS FOR CIRCLE
HIDE-AND-SEEK UP
Open shelving on the bottom of a buffet or side- If you’re short on space, you can still create
board isn’t the best spot to keep dishes, especially a dedicate dining area. A round table usu-
if you have pets or small children. Place bins or ally seats more people than a rectangular
baskets in your sideboard—they’ll allow you to one, has a smaller footprint, and can be
use this storage space without risking broken easily moved into a corner to make more
dishware. Use them to store cloth napkins, candle- floor space when needed.
sticks, extra silverware, platters, and other less frequently used dinnerware.
DOUBLE
UP
It’s okay to double-dip on how a space is used. A nice bar or counter can also be a cute diner-style eating surface for two. One hint: choose your barstools well. Without a footrest, you might end up feeling as if your legs are asleep halfway through dinner.
KNOW WHEN
TO FOLD ’EM
Some folding tables are surprisingly chic, so don’t discount this option without shopping around a bit. You can also look into tables that fold down from the wall, Murphy bed-style. You can also install a slide-out table under a counter, which you can eat on or use as an extra serving surface at parties.
TURN OVER
A LEAF
Tables with insertable leaves can be a great option if you have guests over a lot—just be sure you have a good spot to stash the leaves when they’re not in use. Drop-leaf tables are another option, offering up extra dining space in a jiffy.
GET A
LEG UP
If you have a space to store the pieces when not in use, a tabletop with screw-in legs can assemble easily, and the end result can be quite stylish.
WORK WITH DEFINE
YOUR LIGHTING THE SPACE
To help define a small dining space, lighting can Another way to create a space within a
make a huge difference. Try hanging a pendant space is to hang something on the wall that
lamp over the table—especially if the table’s not draws the eye upward and visually anchors
in a designated dining room. This really helps set the table. It might be a big mirror, a framed
the space apart from the rest of the room. If you piece of art, or a funky wall clock. Experi-
rent your home or can’t hang a light for other ment with what works in your home.
reasons, a nice lamp placed high behind the table is an alternate solution.
FOR ICE, EMPLOY THE KEEP A GARBAGE
KITCHEN (OR BATHROOM) CAN HANDY
When entertaining, storing ice and cold drinks Most people don’t keep trash or recycling
can be tricky. Rather than filling a bucket with ice cans in their dining area, but if you enter-
and dragging it to your dining area, fill up the tain often, it can be a wise option. Your
sink (or bathtub) with ice and drinks. They’ll be guests will be able to throw their own gar-
out of your way, and once they’re cold, you can bage away without wandering into your
bring them out to your guests. If you’re hosting kitchen, which will help ease the flow of
an outdoor shindig, see Item 099. foot traffic, keep serving surfaces clear,
and cut down on your cleanup time.
BE READY TO PARTY
It’s always a good idea to keep party supplies on hand for impromptu celebrations. Label a large shoebox “Party Box” and fill it with the necessities. The box should include candles, balloons, streamers, cake decorating items, and any festive banners you might want to pin up. Candles are easy to misplace, so having these in a dedicated spot means you don’t need to purchase them over and over. When stocking your party supply box, remember to shop sales and clearance sections after the holidays. Prices for party supplies hit rock bottom during these times.
QUICK TIP
EAT OUTSIDE!
KEEP DRINKS COOL
IN THE POOL In the summer, one fun idea is to take advantage of
the weather and eat meals outdoors. A picnic in the
When entertaining outdoors, ditch the backyard is a great way to get some sun and avoid a
tiny cooler and pile drinks and ice into a lot of the meal cleanup you’d otherwise be doing. If
kiddie pool—a festive touch for a back- you have a backyard grill or firepit, you can roast
yard BBQ. Kiddie pools are very afford- hot dogs or make s’mores as a special treat. They’re
able, and they provide plenty of space even more fun in the afternoon at home, because
to hold drinks for everyone. Plus, you’ll it’s unexpected!
keep your guests from constantly going inside to your fridge.
STORE OUTDOOR UTENSILS
Disposable paper products and plastic cutlery are often used for cookouts, birthday parties, or times when you just can’t wash another dish. Designate a cabinet or basket in your kitchen to store these items for easy use and cleanup. To avoid being wasteful, consider purchasing reusable melamine dishes in place of the disposable ones, or purchase compostable paper and plastic products so you’re not adding to the landfill. These are made from recycled, biodegradable materials, and you can find plates, cups, utensils—you name it. Another option is to buy a cheap set of “real” utensils and keep them with the outdoor supplies. Include the following with your outdoor entertaining items: plates, bowls, cutlery, napkins, cups, tablecloths, straws, cupcake cups (for snacks), and toothpicks (for finger foods).
ENTRYWAY
SET THE TONE
FOR YOUR HOME
The foyer is the first space you see each time you enter your home. It should greet you—and others—with open arms. Because this space sets the tone for your home, it should be clean, welcoming, and clutter-free at all times. It should also reflect your taste and the general aesthetic of your household. After all, you never know when your next guest will drop in.
ESTABLISH A
CLEAN SLATE
The first and most important step is to deep clean the space. Empty it completely and scrub it down from top (including the crown molding and light fixtures) to bottom (the floors, including grout, if you have a tiled entryway). Make the whole place shine! Wipe down the front door (inside and outside), all moldings, baseboards, chair rails, doorknobs, locks, mirrors, and walls. If there’s a staircase, clean it up, dust the rails and surfaces, and wash any rugs or curtains. Declutter the hall closet if you’ve got one. A clean foyer is the number one priority when setting the tone for your home.
CHOOSE THE FAKE YOUR
RIGHT FURNITURE BUILT-INS
Entryways come in all shapes and sizes, so really Cubby-style built-in shelving is having a
thinking about your space and your needs will design moment, and you can get the same
help inform wise purchases. If you’re short on look without paying for a custom job. Mimic
square footage, a slim console table with storage the appearance of built-ins by installing mul-
is ideal (see Item 118). If you have a small space tiple separate cubby units in your entry-
but high ceilings, consider a tall vertical cabinet way—it’ll look as if a pro did them, and you’ll
that can go flush against the wall. be free to rearrange them as your storage
needs change.
GET
HOOKED
If you can’t fit a full table in your entryway, install wall hooks instead—they’re a great way to store coats, hats, and even bags and backpacks. Although it’s important to love the looks and finish of your hooks, make sure they’re substantial enough to hold weight and a good shape so that things aren’t constantly slipping off.
CREATE A
CATCH-ALL
The best way to prevent paper clutter is to stop it where it starts, so invest in a basket, hanging bin, or tray in your entryway for mail. When mail comes in, look through it immediately to see what needs your attention. Then recycle the rest. If you have space, add a small bin or basket for junk mail that you can take out with the rest of your recyclables.
FILE ON
THE WALLS
Take a cue from the office and look for an upscale, home-friendly version of a wallmounted file organizer. This is a great option if you don’t have room for baskets or bins in your entryway. Fabric wall organizers are perfect for sorting mail, and you can also use them for pet essentials like leashes and baggies.
ASSIGN DESIGNATED SPOTS
Find a few boxes or baskets for all your foyer items, like handbags, shoes, wallets, scarves, hats, umbrellas, sports gear, school bags, books, keys, and mail (see Item 106). Don’t let the tabletop become a catchall space for items people drop on their way in the door—the table will become buried almost instantly, you’ll never be able to find the item you need, and your organized entryway will go out the window. Label each container for categories such as winter wear, rain gear, shopping bags, pets.
CORRAL COATS
AND SHOES
Keep the hall closet free from clutter as much as possible. Designate the space for coats, shoes, and bags only—or implement a system that works for your family. You can also keep a basket and a coat hook near your front door for these items. Another handy way to use your space efficiently is to hang a shoe organizer rack on the inside of the closet door. This will keep shoes off the floor and out of the way. If you don’t mind the shoes but want to avoid the dirt, put down a textured mat for feet-wiping, or a pebbled boot tray to drain water—you can DIY one with some river stones for an attractive, no-puddles solution for rainy days.
CATCH DIRT
IN THE RUG
This is the easiest way to cut down on cleaning time. Invest in a rug for your entryway to catch dirt as it comes in, so it won’t get tracked all over the house. When choosing a rug, stay away from anything too delicate— this item will get a lot of use and will show shabbiness sooner than other parts of the space. Materials like sisal and jute are very durable, and wool is both durable and naturally stain resistant. If you’re especially tough on rugs, look for an indoor/outdoor version instead. An entryway rug works hard, so it should be replaced or deep cleaned every year.
CREATE A
FAUX FOYER
Some living spaces just don’t lend themselves to a traditional foyer, particularly small homes or railroad-style apartments with long hallways and small rooms. In these homes, your best bet might be to break up your foyer into multiple pieces around your house, with each function handled at its own station. Think about how you move through the space when you enter your home and set up stations accordingly.
AVOID THE
MORNING RUSH
Designating a place in your entryway for essentials like keys, wallets, phones, and purses will help minimize frantic searches on busy mornings. Place a key rack or hooks on the inside of the door, or use a small tray on your entryway table. Make a practice of placing critical small items there when you get home so they’re always at hand when you head out in the morning.
MAKE SEASONAL SWAPS
Let yourself off the (literal) hook and let go of the idea that every piece of outerwear must stay in your entryway year round. Instead, get used to doing a seasonal swap to avoid crowding. You’ll thank yourself later when you’re not digging through winter mittens in search of your favorite summer scarf.
MAKE THE CLOSET WORK HARDER
If you have a small coat closet in your entryway, find ways to make the most of what you have. Look for closet rod extenders and hanging canvas organizers to multiply the amount of storage space. Place baskets or bins at the bottom of the closet to turn the floor into usable organizational space.
TRY FLOATING CREATE A
SHELVES MUDROOM
This is one way to add decorative ele- If your indoor space is limited but you do have a
ments to your entryway without losing garage, consider setting up a mudroom area
functional surface area. Floating shelves there. Maximizing how you use this space is key,
are a breeze to install (and relatively especially if you have school-age kids (since
renter friendly) and can be used to display they come with lots of shoes, coats, book bags,
art, plants, and photographs. and such). This mudroom takes less than an
hour to put together and works like a charm.
YOU’LL NEED
• pieces pine board (measure your space to
determine what size you need)
•Nail gun or hammer and nails • 3M Command wood stabilizer strips
(or other variety)
•Decorative trim •Paint and paintbrush •Scotch extreme fasteners • M Command hooks •Name tags
STEP ONEMeasure the space and determine what lengths of wood you’ll need, how many hooks, and so forth. Gather all your supplies and tools and be sure everything is within easy reach.
STEP TWOFasten the pieces of wood together using your nail gun or hammer, then tack on the stabilizer strips. Add decorative trim to the top of your panel.
STEP THREEPaint the wood panel and let it dry.
STEP FOURHang your panel on the wall with the fasteners, or nail it to wall studs. Then apply the Command hooks to the panel or screw in hooks of your choosing.
STEP FIVELabel the hooks with each family member’s name and hang up those jackets and accessories! Remember that the hooks need an hour to cure before you can hang anything on them.
ADD VERTICAL STORAGE,
BASKETS, AND BOOT TRAYS
Wherever your mudroom space is located, it’s important to stay organized. Wall-mounted baskets are great for shopping bags, umbrellas, and other frequently used items. You can also use one as a spot for outgoing mail. A shelf with high-up bins can hold seasonal outerwear for when it’s needed. A nice basket can hold spare kids’ shoes and rain items. It’s also essential to have a boot tray to keep those wet wellies from making a mess.
MAKE YOUR CONSOLE TABLE A STAR
Console tables offer extra storage to fit shoes or even a low wire basket underneath. If you chose a console table with added storage space, look for one with solid doors, so you can add 3M Command hooks on the inside.
STASH OLD
TOWELS
You might be tempted to toss old towels, but if you have kids or pets, they might just be your new best friend. Keep old towels in a bin with a lid, and when wet weather comes, grab one to dry off wet boots, belongings, or a muddy-pawed pet. It will save you time cleaning rugs, tiles, and even the walls.
CREATE AN OPTICAL ILLUSION
Paint can be a clever way to make a room feel larger. If your home’s entryway is more like a hallway, painting the area can create a sense of separate space. If painting isn’t an option, consider using peel-and-stick wallpaper.
WORK WITH
YOUR RADIATOR
Perhaps you have a wall where a console table could fit perfectly, but an old-fashioned radiator is sitting in the way. Make it work by buying or building a radiator cover that’s designed to release heat. Now you’re got a surface that works for you, instead of a radiator that works against you.
EMPOWER INSTATE A
KIDS SHOE POLICY
Make it easy for your kids to help keep the entry- Though the occasional entryway pileup is
way organized by making their most-used items inevitable, make a rule that shoes need to go
accessible. Ensure coat hooks and bins that hold back to their regular homes once a week.
jackets and outdoor gear are low enough for kids Make sure shoes have a regular home in a
to reach. Keep your organizing system simple closet or the garage. Letting shoes dry on a
enough for them to understand so they can put boot tray in an entryway is perfectly accept-
things away on their own. For young kids, use able, but don’t let them languish there.
stickers with pictures to label storage containers. When you keep shoes out of the pile, they
stay cleaner and in better shape.
LIVING ROOM
GET IN THE
ZONE
No matter how large or small a room is, looking at it as a collection of zones is a great way to manage clutter and maximize the room’s functionality. This is true of every room in the house, but because the living room is used for so many purposes, the zone system is perhaps most important and effective here. Before you even start thinking about how to divide up the space, give it a thorough cleaning. Get rid of anything you don’t like or use, remove items that belong in other rooms, take out the trash, and in any other way you can, simplify the space.
LOVE YOUR
LAYOUT
Think about traffic flow in the room and how it’s
DON’T PUSH IT ALL
most used. Can you put your office space in an
alcove or corner where you can tune out the rest AGAINST THE WALL
of the room and really focus? If you entertain fre
In a small space, it might feel tempting to quently, be sure that sofas and chairs are grouped
push all your furniture against the walls. well for conversation. If your living room is long
Counterintuitively, this can make a room feel and narrow, visually divide it into two conversa
smaller. Instead, set up furniture in zones tion zones by using a rug in one space and group
geared toward activities such as watching TV, ing furnishings accordingly.
reading, or chatting with guests.
CREATE THE PERFECT READING SPOT
If your family loves to read, set up a reading corner in the room. Place a comfortable chair and a lamp in the space, with a bookshelf nearby. Display books on the shelf, organized by genre, with the children’s books at the bottom for easy reach. Place a basket by the chair to collect newspapers and magazines for recycling. You can also consider adding a built-in window seat to an otherwise underutilized wall. For a storybook feel, frame a window with bookshelves on either side and a seat in between.
TIDY YOUR
MEDIA CENTER
This space can include TV screens, gaming equipment, tablets, voice assistant consoles, and any DVDs or CDs you may have. Place game equipment in labeled baskets, and put a tray on the coffee table to corral remote controls. It gives the space a tidier look—and you’ll always know where to find all the various electronics. If you’re a record aficionado, record bins or shelves can store the bulk of your collection, while a few of your favorite albums can double as art. Try using easy-to-install ledge shelving to display records, and feel free to swap them out from time to time.
CHERISH YOUR MAKE SPACE FOR
MEMORIES YOUR HOBBIES
Store photo albums and keepsakes neatly Board games, toys, playing cards, knitting projects,
together on bookshelves. Consider replac- and the like can be stored in storage ottomans or
ing old or mismatched photo albums. shelf-friendly baskets. Storing things out of sight
keeps the space looking clutter-free.
STRATEGICALLY ARRANGE YOUR FURNITURE
Where you place your furniture will depend on how your family uses it. If your family loves watching movies and shows, the TV (or projector screen) will be the focus of your living room. Move the sofa and chairs to face the screen, but make sure their occupants can still converse. If your family plays a lot of card or board games around the coffee table, you’ll want to cluster chairs or floor cushions nearby. And if you’re a family of conversationalists, move the couch and chairs to face each other. To streamline the space, store extra blankets or pillows out of sight.
DUST AND VACUUM REGULARLY
Your living room is a hardworking space, so keep it clean! When dusting, start with the highest surfaces and work your way down to prevent dust from drifting onto already clean surfaces. Vacuum your living room once a week—consider investing in a lightweight stick vacuum to make quick cleanups easy. When vacuuming carpets, move in alternating directions, vertically, and then horizontally to lift more dirt and dust. During your seasonal deep clean, move furniture, vacuum the cushions, and use the detailing attachment to suck up dust along the baseboards.
MAKE CLEANUP EASIER
If you have pets or small kids, sofa slipcovers and pillow covers are a blessing. It’s easy to toss covers into the washing machine with a detergent booster to get them clean. Wash them seasonally to help prevent permanent stains.
DON’T FORGET ABOUT THE CURTAINS
Pet hair can do a real number on curtains. Washing them once a season, or at least twice a year, will keep them looking presentable. It also works better than the vacuum’s upholstery attachment.
THINK BE MINDFUL
ABOUT PAINT OF BUILT-INS
When considering painting, think about your room Don’t let built-ins collect clutter. Built-ins
as a whole. If you have plenty of color in your furni- should be curated just like any other shelf,
ture and accessories, go for a white paint or especially if they’re open or have glass
another neutral hue. Use a bolder color to balance doors. Grouping glassware by color or type
out neutral-colored accessories. If your home has can create an orderly, attractive look. If you
trim, paint it all one color to unify the space. No have a dark cabinet, go for a contrasting
matter what, be sure to pick up swatches or test look by filling it with light or white pieces.
paint colors on the wall before you commit.
REORGANIZE
YOUR BOOKSHELF
Gather all of the books in your home and place them in one central location. Sort through each book, categorizing as suits your storage scheme (perhaps by genre or size) and purging those you no longer need. Consider only keeping the books that you will read or refer back to later. Once you’ve sorted through, replace the keepers on your bookshelf.
DISTRIBUTE
COLORS EVENLY
It might be tempting to color-
GET ONE,
block your books, but distributing
colors evenly throughout a book- REMOVE ONE
shelf will help it feel more visually
balanced. For variety, try stacking In the future, when you plan to purchase a
your books in alternating horizon- new book, use the “one in, one out” rule. If
tal and vertical arrangements. In you purchase one, donate one. This elimi-
empty spots on shelves, display nates clutter and alleviates storage issues.
art and other keepsakes.
STORE
YOUR DVDS
If you have a DVD collection, get rid of cases and transfer the discs to a binder or CD wallet that can be easily tucked away on a shelf. Look for a version with transparent pockets and alphabetize your discs so you don’t have to search through your whole movie collection every time you want to watch one.
PUT IT
BACK
Conquer the clutter that builds up in the living room by establishing a family rule to always put things away. Have your kids put their toys away in their designated spots before they go to sleep. Similarly, if you’re knitting while watching a show, don’t just put the project down and walk away. Store your supplies somewhere tidy but close at hand, like in a basket on a nearby shelf.
GROUP LIKE
WITH LIKE
Stash essential items so that you can lay your hands on them easily—without having to lay your eyes on them all the time. Group similar items into categories (remotes, magazines, blankets, neck or back pillows) and store them together in a basket, bin, tray, or caddy.
CLIMB THE
WALLS
If your living room lacks shelves, consider hanging baskets on the walls to hold magazines, charging cords, or other items. If your living room is by your entryway, mount a basket for mittens, hats, and scarves right by the door, so they’re there when you need them rather than scattered around the house.
TAKE A SHOW OFF
MOMENT BLANKETS
Whenever you walk into or out of your liv- Instead of hiding blankets in a storage basket, con-
ing room, take a moment to notice if any- sider hanging them from decorative hooks or a
thing’s out of place and if it’s easy to fix, slim vintage ladder leaned against the wall. Many
just do it right then and there while you’re throw blankets have beautiful detailed patterns,
thinking about it. That means folding the and can add color and texture to your room. This
blanket and stashing it in a bin, reshelving option also saves floor space and allows blankets
books, taking your teacup back to the to air out, preventing mildew.
kitchen, and otherwise keeping chaos at bay, one step at a time.
USE A
BENCHWARMER
Padded benches are often suggested as a ver
MAKE FURNITURE
satile furnishing choice for smaller rooms, as
DO DOUBLE DUTY they take up less space than a couch or love
seat. Many benches also do double duty as It seems as if furniture designers have finally
storage spots, either under a lift-up seat like a realized that people have a lot of stuff—and
traditional piano bench, or behind a chic skirt. that they need somewhere to put it! If stor
Some modern versions simply put the bench age is limited in your house or if you find
on top of shelves or cubicles, so you can disyourself with a lot of items that you use fre
play books or keepsakes low to the ground. quently enough that it would be silly to stash them in the basement or attic, you might be able to hide them in plain sight.
HIDE IT
IN THE SOFA
Cleverly constructed couches offer under-arm consoles for all of those things you don’t want to get up and go fetch once you’re comfy, while other sofas sit on top of slide-out drawers or have under-cushion compartments. If you have a pull-out couch for guests, stash clean linens (in fabric bags) between the cushions. Then you’ll have everything ready if you need to make up a bed for the evening.
GET HELP
FROM SHELVES
Sometimes it doesn’t take much to make a big difference in a piece of furniture’s utility. A coffee table with cubbies underneath it, or an end table with a shelf or two near the ground, can help contain items that get scattered or look messy.
MULTITASK WITH
OTTOMANS
The humble footstool can be a multitasking superhero. There are many models that include storage space in addition to their footrest capabilities—from cubes that open up to stash lots of goodies to more elegant pieces with hidden compartments. And when you suddenly have more guests than chairs, an ottoman makes a great casual seat.
BUILD IN
STORAGE
If you’re lucky, your home came with built-in storage in every corner—but if not, you can add built-in fixtures through means as simple as a bookshelf and some crown molding. For example, if you have a ton of books and no library to store them in, built-in bookshelves can transform a room. Consider slender, floor-to-ceiling shelves with a relatively shallow depth: The minimal footprint preserves floor space and opens up vertical storage for books, media, keepsakes, and baskets that would otherwise take up valuable surface area.
MULTITASK MINIMIZE
FURNISHINGS ELECTRONICS
Get creative with how you use furniture. Stor- A wall-mounted flat-screen TV saves
age ottomans help you stash things out of sight space, and a good laptop can easily replace
and also serve as additional seating for casual a bigger desktop computer. Use your
gatherings (see Item 150). Use a funky chest phone or tablet to stream music to Blue-
instead of a table in order to store extra tex- tooth speakers and you won’t have to find
tiles, or look into coffee tables that lift up to space for a bulky stereo.
become a dining or work table if needed. If you have overnight guests often, consider a stylish futon (they do exist) or pullout sofa bed.
HIDE TECH
WHERE YOU CAN
Hide your cable box and internet router in a decorative box, and then surround the box with books and other knickknacks. Thread power cords along the backsides of bookshelves instead of letting them hang down. Alternatively, tuck electronics away in a cabinet or closet.
SHOW
SOME LEG
The more floor space is visible, the bigger a space seems. Choose chairs, tables, and sofas with legs that elevate them above the ground and avoid old-fashioned skirted designs. Nesting tables with slender legs are a versatile way to save space and expand surfaces when needed. Choose tall floor lamps to avoid using precious table space, or go for wall sconces for the ultimate in space-saving economy.
MIX
IT UP
If you’re in a small space, you might be tempted to keep everything small, but one big accent piece can really give a room character. It could be a big piece of art or an oversized chair. Look for furniture with an eye to versatility. An armoire might make a cool desk, with kids’ toys stored in the drawers.
GET
CLEAR
Glass-topped tables vanish into the room and help things feel less crowded. For a retro look, check out clear acrylic end tables. A couple of cubes can make a small coffee table, double as storage, and be easily stashed away.
USE A COFFEE TABLE
FOR BALANCE
Get creative with the shape of your coffee table. A round or oval table might look right at home in a room with a lot of rectangular, boxy furniture. For maximum versatility, an ottoman with a tray can double as a coffee table.
EDIT THE
TABLETOP
Be intentional about what you keep on your cof- CONSIDER A
fee table—it should reflect you and your inter-
ests. Include a variety of objects in different COFFEE-TABLE TRAY
shapes and sizes: something tall and thin, like a
vase with branches or strawflowers; something Place aesthetically pleasing decorative pieces
low and horizontal, like books or a decorative on a tray. Then when you need to use the
storage box; and other conversation-starting table more functionally, it’ll be easy to move
items like a candle, geode, or other accent piece. the tray or slide it underneath the table.
Avoid clutter, though—remember to leave some space to use the table as a table!
MAKE YOUR
BOOKSHELVES POP
Say no to monotone! Add some interest to your
HIDE STORAGE
shelves by painting the interior surfaces a different
color from the exterior (or adding patterned wallIN PLAIN SIGHT
paper). This will draw attention to the items on the
When looking into storage solutions, shelves and add a nice hit of color to a room.
choose pieces that fit in with the architecture of the room.Painting them the same color as the rest of the room makes them even more subtle, offering sneaky extra storage without visual crowding.
CHOOSE
SCONCES
If you have a corner with a small table but not enough room for a lamp, add a sconce to the wall. They’re easy to install, and they allow you to keep surfaces clear. If you are a renter, look for models with easy plug-in cords so you don’t have to hardwire them into the wall.
HANG PLANTS
FROM ABOVE
Keep surfaces clear by mounting hooks on the ceiling (or a wall grid) for hanging plants. This is also a great way to prevent energetic kids and pets from knocking over your favorite pothos plant.
HIDE BEHIND
THE COUCH
If your couch is located centrally in the room, consider placing a slim profile table or shelf behind it for subtle storage. This is a great place to store books, toys, games, and all of those things you need when you’re lounging on the couch.
MAKE CURTAIN
HEIGHT COUNT
Here’s a clever way to make your living room feel larger: Hang curtain rods higher than the window frames, placing them as close as you can to the ceiling without taking away from their function. This trick draws the eye upward, making your ceilings feel higher.
BRING PUDDLES INDOORS
Curtains sometimes look awkward when their bottoms don’t reach the floor. For an elegant look, you want the curtain to “puddle” on the ground, or at least brush the floor. For the perfect length, buy curtains that are slightly longer than you need, then hem them as necessary.
BEDROOM
REFRESH YOUR BEDROOM
The main bedroom should be a sanctuary: a place for relaxation, not stress. If yours is bursting with clothes, extra linens, work papers, kids’ toys, and other nonessential items, you are likely in dire need of a refresh. Luckily, it won’t take more than an afternoon of your time. Work in one area at a time, clearing out anything that doesn’t belong in a bedroom, donating anything you no longer need or use, and storing anything that needs to be properly corralled. Remember that less is more, and be methodical. Reading chairs, ottoman benches, and door hangers can become magnets for clothes and bags that didn’t make it to their proper places. Move the stray items to their proper homes and watch your bedroom become your domain of peace and calm once more.
TAKE PUT IT ALL
ADVANTAGE AWAY
There will never be a better time to deep clean Once you’ve cleaned your space, make sure
your bedroom. Clean all those spots that go you keep the organization a habit and don’t
neglected—the windows, doorknobs, moldings, let the clutter overcome you! Clutter cre-
and baseboards—and then vacuum and dust. ates anxiety, which is the opposite of
Wash the bed linens, curtains, and bed skirt. peacefulness. By simply cleaning up after
yourself, you will remove the negativity associated with the mess.
WASH LINENS WEEKLY
It takes time and effort, but if you make it a habit to wash your bedding every week, you will slip into those sheets each night with a feeling of calmness and relaxation.
MAKE A
DIY LINEN SPRAY
Use this linen spray to usher all your senses into a restful state. Feel free to use your essential oil of choice.
YOU’LL NEED
•1 tablespoon isopropyl alcohol •20 drops lavender essential oil •Filled bottle of distilled water
In a 4-oz (0.1-liter) spray bottle, combine all ingredients. Blend together by shaking the bottle, and shake well before each use. Spray lightly onto pillows and sheets before you get into bed for a restful night’s sleep.
USE THE SPACE
UNDER YOUR BED
If you live in a small home or you’re lacking essential storage or closet space in your bedroom, you can implement under-bed storage. Many beds come with built-in drawers, but you can modify your existing bed too. Add casters to the bottoms of wooden boxes to create rolling drawers that fit neatly beneath the bed skirt, or purchase flat plastic bins for storing shoes, out-of-season clothes, sheets, and blankets. If your bed doesn’t allow for storage underneath, consider getting bed risers or investing in a bed frame with underbed storage. It frees up space for little-used items like suitcases or memorabilia.
ADD END-OF-BED STORAGE
A storage bench at the foot of your bed is a convenient place to store extra blankets or outof-season items like coats and sweaters. Plus it provides a great place to set out an outfit for the next day or to sit while you put your shoes on in the morning,
THE MULTIPURPOSE OTTOMAN STRIKES AGAIN
Storage ottomans can be used in the bedroom too—place one at the foot of the bed to store extra bedding, and it will become a functional part of your bedroom. Some are even specially designed for shoe storage, with dividers or pockets to hold pairs of dress shoes or sneakers.
MAKE ROOM
FOR DOGS
Have a dog that sleeps in your room? Instead of a bulky dog bed or carrier, get a cushion or crate that blends in with the décor. Nowadays there are versions that look like regular tables or nightstands, with a flat top and a crate underneath. It gives Fido a place of his own without sacrificing on surface area.
GET CORDS
OFF THE FLOOR
Some power strips come with holes in them, USE THE PERFECT
making it easy to attach them to the wall. Con
sider mounting your power strip on the wall PILLOW FORMULA
behind your nightstand to keep it out of sight
There is such a thing as too many pillows— but still close enough to charge any electronics
if you overdo it, they’re a pain to store and you want to keep nearby.
you’ll be moving them on and off the bed constantly. Here’s a can’t-fail formula: two regular pillows with pillowcases, two regular pillows with shams, two European-sized pillows, and a lumbar pillow. This offers just enough volume without overwhelming your bed.
LAYER IN
TEXTURED BEDDING
The secret to that catalog bed look is volume, and you can achieve that by layering your bedding. In addition to sheets and a (thin) quilt, add a fluffy duvet and finish it off with a chunky knit throw at the end of the bed. At bedtime, use what you need and remove what you don’t.
UTILIZE NIGHTSTANDS WITH DRAWERS
Nightstands without drawers are an invitation for clutter. Nightstand drawers offer you a place to stash bedside essentials like reading glasses, lip balm, a book, your phone charger, and more.
SORT
GET HOOKED
JEWELRY
ON JEWELRY
If you don’t have a designated jewelry box (or if
yours is overflowing), the top drawer of your If you don’t have a spare drawer, hang sim-
dresser is a great alternative. Line it with velvet ple hooks on the wall above your dresser
fabric and insert shallow acrylic organizers to or on either side of your vanity mirror and
contain earrings, bracelets, and rings. loop a necklace or bracelet on each. You
could also craft a portable option with corkboard tiles and pins in a frame or use a small section of chicken wire or perforated metal to hold earrings.
DIVIDE
DRAWERS
One large drawer may not be suitable for smaller
SHOWCASE YOUR
articles of clothing. Using dividers or bins, elimi
nate drawer chaos by sorting like items into cateORGANIZATION
gories (shirts, shorts, tanks, socks, pajamas, and
Pick up a small, curved dish for holding so on). The trick is to fold them all in the same
your rings—many have a center spike for manner and into similar sizes, and then put them
just this purpose—and keep one on your away in neat rows, standing up. This is the Kon
nightstand and one in the kitchen, so you’ll mari method, which will make it much easier to
always know where to look. Or repurpose a find what you’re looking for. Additionally, clothing
kitchen item for the dresser top: A tiered will remain organized for longer.
serving platter can make for excellent bracelet storage, making the most of little-used vertical space.
KEEP A WORK
LIFE BALANCE
If you keep your desk in your bedroom, move your work materials out of sight at the end of the workday. Keeping work on full dis
play can impact your sleep, especially if
you’re distracted by paperwork or email when you’re not on the clock.
LET A DESK
DOUBLE AS A VANITY
If you need a multipurpose surface in your bedroom, a floating desk is a space-saving option. The interior of the desk can keep work materials organized, while the top can store perfume, makeup essentials, and the like.
KEEP AN
188 OPEN MIND
HANG AN
In a small space, don’t assume that every
OVERSIZED MIRROR thing has to be hidden in order to maintain
an organized room. As long as everything A large mirror adds light and dimension, helping a
has a designated spot, you can put things room look and feel bigger. This visual trick makes
away even while they remain out in the the most of a small space and is a fun opportunity
open. For example, open shelving (popular to infuse a room with your personal style.
in kitchens and dining rooms) can work in a bedroom too, where you might have stylish wardrobe items that deserve to become part of the décor. Hook your fabulous high heels over picture rails or strips of molding mounted on the wall. Keep your perfume bottles on a decorative tray, or store silk scarves in a colorful, neat stack. If there’s no room in the closet, buy a pretty hamper with a cover, or hang one to save floor space. Figure out what works best for your space.
GUEST ROOM
OFFER THE
HOTEL EXPERIENCE
When setting up a room for guests, you can never go wrong with classic white. Crisp white sheets will make a room feel fresh and welcoming. (For a personal touch, include a decorative blanket.) Add a small bouquet of flowers, branches, or a plant to infuse life into the room.
TEMPT WITH
LUXURIOUS LINENS
High-end bedding like an Egyptian cotton sheet set, especially in white, gives the room a formal, hotel-like feel. Get the highest thread count you can afford and make sure to include at least four pillows.
STOCK UP ON
TOILETRIES
You never know what your guests may have forgotten, so include everything! Consider disposable razors, shaving cream, toothpaste, toothbrushes, floss, shampoo and conditioner, deodorant, soap, lotion, makeup remover, mouthwash, tampons and pads, comb and brush, and cotton balls and swabs. You can find inexpensive travel-size toiletries at big chain stores or dollar stores. Or, when you stay at a hotel, bring home the extra toiletries and add them to your supply.
INCLUDE A
HAMPER
Designate a separate hamper just for guest clothes. If it gets full, offer to do a load, or point them to the laundry room if they prefer. Remember, you want to pamper your guests and make them feel as if they’re on vacation!
TRY SOMETHING NEW
The guest room is an opportunity to explore new design options, so have some fun! Because it’s not a 24-7 living space, it’s the perfect place to take some décor risks. Try a bold paint color or experiment with color combinations and patterns, as long as your choices feel sleepfriendly and soothing.
TRY
TWIN BEDS
Depending on how frequently you have guests (and how many you host at a time), consider using two twin beds instead of a full or queen. It adds playfulness to the space, opens up more decorating options, and can be great if you’re used to hosting platonic pairs.
KEEP AN EYE ON
TEMPERATURE
Guests may get too hot or too cold in the middle of the night, so consider the options you can offer them. For chilly evenings, provide an extra-warm blanket; for hot summer nights, a ceiling fan is always a great addition for good airflow. If you can’t install a ceiling fan, a small tabletop or standing fan will work too.
CREATE A
GUEST HAVEN
If you live in a small home or don’t have a designated bedroom for your guests, you can still pamper them by putting together a guest basket. They’ll feel just as cared for on the pull-out sofa bed if they can tell you’ve prepared and are eager to have them. Offer freshly laundered blankets and sheets, a set of travel-size toiletries, and an extra toothbrush (just in case). If you can, give them a place to keep their things, such as a designated closet or dresser, or set up a luggage rack for their suitcase. An extra chair can perform this job just as well, and will help keep their things from getting underfoot.
IMPROVISE A
NIGHTSTAND
In a one-bedroom apartment or small space where your guests are sleeping in the living room or den, it can be difficult to provide them with the amenities of a true bedroom. Start with the guest basket (see Item 196) and use a folding tray table, chair, or even a stack of big books to improvise a nightstand. (You can strap the books together with a leather belt or nestle them in a box.) Your guests will need somewhere to put their glasses and charge their phone while they sleep, and they’ll appreciate your thoughtfulness!
KIDS’ ROOM
PLAN A SAFE
KIDS’ ROOM
Organizing the kids’ room or nursery begins a little differently than for many other rooms—your first focus is safety, then ease of use, and finally, a decorating scheme. Babyproofing is of primary importance, and the process will change as your child grows. Consulting a professional is optimal, but you can get a head start by kneeling down to your child’s level to find any sharp edges that need to be padded. Anchor all large furniture in place, and install childproof latches and baby gates where needed. When decorating, choose bedding and window coverings first, and adjust paint colors and accessories to suit.
INSTALL UTILITY LIGHTING
The kids’ room is the site of many vital tasks, so a variety of lighting options will come in handy. Install a dimmer switch so you’re less likely to disturb a sleeping child when you check in at night. Make sure there is ample lighting near rocking chairs and changing tables, and always make sure cords are out of reach of the little ones.
LIGHTS
OUT
Babies are incredibly sensitive to light, so consider layering blackout shades with regular curtains. Curtains provide a decorative element, while blackout shades provide function, blocking out the sun during nap time.
MIX UP THE
STORAGE
Large drawers and baskets can make it easy to misplace tiny items in kids’ rooms. Look for drawer organizers and bins that take clothing sizes into consideration. A fresh coat of bright paint on an old dresser can make for a brand new piece.
USE AN ANTIQUE
ARMOIRE FOR BABY
An armoire may seem like a very adult piece of furniture, but an old antique can be fitted up as a perfect closet for baby clothes. Ideal for nurseries that don’t have a closet—or have one that’s so large it’s better suited for storage than swallowing up tiny onesies—an armoire can usually fit multiple racks of pint-sized pieces. You could also use simple tension rods, as small baby clothes don’t tend to weigh very much. Remove the doors entirely for neat, open storage (you could even sort all those cute little clothes by color), or leave them on for a surprisingly sophisticated addition to your baby’s new abode.
SAVE
MONEY
Don’t spend on a separate changing table and dresser—if your dresser has a large enough surface area, you can buy a dresser-top changing pad to convert it into a changing table. When the baby grows out of diapers, remove the changing pad setup and turn it back into a regular dresser.
LABEL,
LABEL, LABEL
Without a good system, the only way to tell apart different-sized baby clothes is to unfold them—and who wants to do that? Label the insides of dresser drawers by clothing type and size. This way, anyone can help with dressing the baby, giving parents a much-needed break.
DON’T GO DESIGN A FUNCTIONAL
OVERBOARD ON BABY CHILDREN’S ROOM
There’s a ton of adorable, tiny baby furniture After babyhood, your children will develop
on the market, but remember that kids will opinions of their own. When decorating
grow out of it quickly. When outfitting a and organizing kids’ rooms, make sure to
room for a baby, invest in pieces that are high involve them throughout the entire pro-
quality and can grow with your child. cess—from planning to implementation.
They need to know that their voices and preferences matter—and it makes a world of difference when it comes to maintaining a clean room later on.
ORGANIZE
LIKE A CHILD
Get down to your kid’s eye level and find out what they see. Can they reach their toys and books? Is everything labeled in an age-appropriate way? For readers, words are fine, but for little kids use pictures or symbols. Make sure you are organizing the space with them in mind.
SET THEM UP
FOR SUCCESS
Clear out anything that is not being used. Arrange furniture to allow for maximum floor space. Get rid of all visual clutter in the room. Declutter closets, drawers, and toys monthly. Set up a homework station in the bedroom or elsewhere (see Item 295). Keep it simple! Remember, less is more. Hang a calendar (let your children pick it out) over the desk and teach your kids to write in project and homework due dates, after-school activities, and lesson times. Make sure they check their calendars every morning and evening.
MAKE A PLAY CORNER
Your kids’ interests and passions should extend to their other spaces around the home as well. Play spaces and study corners should reflect their interests—they’ll take more pride in these areas, and so will you. If you have younger kids who need supervision and they spend a lot of time with you in common areas of the house (such as the kitchen or home office), it’s a good idea to set up a play corner for them in these rooms. Use bins, crates, or lockers to keep a few select toys in this area, and put down a comfy rug or mount some fun wall art to designate the space. This will help them play on their own while you work, cook, or get things done around the house.
DON’T OVERCOMMIT TO A THEME
Kids’ interests change quickly, so avoid making major themed purchases, like a race car bed or princess-themed wallpaper. Instead, opt for less expensive ways to highlight what they love, like a cute sheet set or a piece of wall art. Smaller elements are easier to swap in and out as your children’s hobbies change.
KEEP THINGS IN SIGHT
When designing a space for your kids, remember thatthey’ll use it more than you will. Store toys in easy-to-access bins and wire baskets. Consider using clear plastic containers so kids can find what they’re looking for without having to ask you. Keep the height of shelving at a kid-friendly level so little hands can reach what they need.
LOFT SNAG A
THE BED TRUNDLE BED
Somewhat like a bunk bed, raising your child’s bed Providing two beds in the space of one, a
allows you to maximize space in a smaller bed- trundle bed is a great option for sleepovers.
room (once your kids are old enough to sleep Once kids outgrow the trundle, you can
higher up, of course). Use the area under the remove the mattress and use the under-bed
lofted bed as an arts-and-crafts area, a reading trundle frame to store miscellaneous items
nook, or a homework space. It’s twice the essen- like fresh linens, games, puzzles, and other
tials with half the footprint. toys.
KEEP ART SUPPLIES
NEAR THE CRAFT AREA
If you’ve ever spilled a tube of glitter on your floor, you know that the less distance craft supplies need to travel, the better. Add storage, like drawers or baskets, underneath the craft area. Organize craft supplies by type to make it easy for kids to put things back on their own.
USE
LEDGES
Although they’re probably most often used to display photos, ledges are also a great storage place for favorite books or small toys. Plus they allow for storage in plain sight, making it easy for young kids to find what they’re looking for.
DISPLAY YOUR
KIDS’ ARTWORK
Kids make a ton of artwork—why not put it on exhibit? Use a corkboard to easily hang your children’s artwork from school and playtime. Make sure the corkboard is hung high enough so that kids don’t get their little hands into pushpins or rip down artwork accidentally. Involve your kids in choosing which artwork to hang, and rotate pieces every few months, just like in a real museum.
MAKE KIDS’ BOOKS ACCESSIBLE
If you have a large collection of kids’ books or just want a sturdy option, the IKEA FLISAT standing bookshelf makes books easy to display and easy for kids to reach (and put back). Plus, the wood comes unfinished, so you can customize the shelf with paint to match the kids’ room.
PUT TOYS
INTO ROTATION
Keep your child interested in their playthings by rotating their items in and out, giving them access to their toys a few at a time. Tuck some toys away; then switch in new toys every few weeks. It makes what they already have feel new again, and it cuts down on toy area clutter.
TEACH KIDS
TO DONATE
Before major holidays or birthdays, work with your child to gather toys that they’ve outgrown or no longer play with to donate to a nonprofit or other charity drive. Help your child understand that not all kids have the same access to toys and books. When they understand where their old things are going and why, it will be easier to let go.
CLOSET
TAME YOUR
CLOSET
Your bedroom closet can contain all manner of things: clothes, shoes, bags, and everything else. To keep it organized, take control of the clutter and customize your closet to your specific needs. Make sure to purge beforehand in order to gain valuable space and avoid the headache of organizing things you don’t use. After you’ve cleaned everything out, try to follow the “one in, one out” rule. If you purchase something new, donate something old.
SORT OUT
YOUR ITEMS
Set aside some time to clear out your bedroom closet and sort through everything in it. Divide into four categories: keep, repair, toss, and donate. Sort through duplicates and purge the older items. Identify a spot for everything. If an item doesn’t have a home, make one or purge it.
MAXIMIZE YOUR PUT SHOES
CLOSET SPACE ON DISPLAY
Purchase matching hangers for a streamlined Shoe clutter is one of the hardest things to
look. Maximize hanging space with double rods. get control of—the average woman owns
Some people prefer to hang pants on the top rack well over twenty pairs! There are endless
and tops on the bottom one. Figure out what storage options, so get shoes up off the
suits your needs. Place purses and bags inside floor. Display them on a shelf, in see-through
each other like nesting dolls. Put out-of-season bins or neatly arranged in rows. Clear plastic
clothing into a longer-term storage spot. bins keep the dust off and extend the life of
shoes—you probably spent a fortune on them, so care for them well!
ROLL UP
ACCESSORIES
Things like belts, ties, and scarves can be neatly rolled up and placed together in drawer organizers. This is the perfect accessory solution for those of us with small closets. It also extends the life of silk ties, which can suffer indentations from tie hangers.
COLOR-CODE
CLOTHING
Closet organization doesn’t end after you’ve purged and categorized. Go one step further by color-coding clothing to finish off the space. It’s pleasing to the eye and gives the space a more uniform and streamlined look. A color-coded wardrobe also speeds things up when you are picking your outfit for the day. It makes it easier to find what you’re looking for, especially when you absolutely must locate that special blue sweater.
UTILIZE
EVERY SPACE
For those with a limited amount of space, think about how you can use the overlooked areas in your home as storage. Add hooks, shoe bags, or racks to the backs of doors and install high shelves for items you use infrequently. Think creatively about neglected spaces in your home.
STORE CLOTHES SEASONALLY
When the seasons change, it’s time to pull out the bathing suits and sundresses (or the wool scarves and coats), but unless you have spacious closets, you’re going to have to pack up last season’s gear to make room for the new items. Remember, the cleaner and more organized your storage, the more pleasant it will be to pull back out next year. Your seasonal storage area must be clean, cool, dark, and dry in order to protect your clothing. Avoid areas near heating systems or moisture to prevent fading or attracting insects. In order to make unpacking a breeze the next season, place all of your sweaters in one container, all your heavy pants in another, coats in a third, and so on. Continue combing through your winter wardrobe until everything has been put away.
FIND A PLACE FOR YOUR SEASONAL CLOTHES
Unused suitcases, or even the clear zip-up bags that comforters come in can be repurposed as storage. If you are out of places to hide your boxes or totes, you can stack a few boxes on top of each other and drape a colorful cloth over them, creating an improvised table. Inspect all of your storage containers to make sure they are free from cracks or stains that could allow your clothes to become damaged. You can line your containers with acid-free paper or use cedar chests for storage to keep fabric-chomping insects away. Although you’ll want to keep your seasonal wardrobe out of the way, keep in mind that you still want the clothes to be accessible enough so they’re not a burden to unpack next season. Some storage containers can easily slide under your bed or couch.
DON’T HANG
EVERYTHING
Organize your clothing by category to reduce clutter and keep things neat, and then, decide what you should and shouldn’t hang. Knit tees, sweaters, and jeans are better off folded. Avoid hanging delicate items like woven sweaters, which can stretch out if hung. Take advantage of drawer space as much as you can.
USE THE
CLOSET DOOR
If your closet has a swivel door, not an accordion door or sliding one, use over-the-door hooks to hang scarves and belts. These items fit perfectly here because they’re long but not bulky, so the door will still shut completely once when you’re done dressing.
QUICK TIP
REPEL BUGS
Even without a cedar chest, you can ensure pests stay away and keep your seasonal clothing fresh by adding a sheet of fabric softener, mothballs, or small cedar blocks to your containers.
INVEST IN
GOOD HANGERS
For the most optimal closet storage, buy thin velvet hangers. They’re light, they don’t take up a lot of space, and they’re non-slip, so your clothes won’t slide off of them and onto the floor. Plus, their slim profile reduces the bulky, packed-in look of some closets.
TRY A
MULTIBAR HANGER
If you’re the kind of person who has the same piece of clothing in multiple colors, this is the option for you. Multibar hangers have tiers that clip into one another, creating a waterfall effect. You can always see the top piece of clothing, and the whole group will take up less space on the clothing rack.
DON’T BE AFRAID
TO GO CUSTOM
If you don’t have the closet of your dreams or room for a walk-in, make the space you do have work harder for you. Customizing is a relatively easy DIY project and will allow you to cater to the items you have or wear the most. If you can’t go custom, find a good hanging organizer with separate compartments. Set it up alongside your hanging clothing and use it for sweaters, folded pants, or accessories.
LET GO OF CLOTHES YOU DON’T WEAR
Try this if you have a hard time parting with clothing. Place clothes that you haven’t recently worn in a bag, but don’t give them away just yet. If you find yourself digging through the bag for certain items, return them to your closet. Items that remain untouched in the bag after a month or two get donated.
KIDS’ CLOSET
TIDY UP
KIDS’ CLOSETS
Make it a habit to tidy up kids’ closets on a weekly basis. Tidying allows the kids to see what’s clean, what’s dirty, and what they might want to put together as outfits for the week ahead. Reorganize clothing into categories and hang like items together. Rehang clothes that have fallen off the hangers. Straighten up shoes and accessories. Move sports equipment to the garage or mudroom and winter coats, outerwear, and other gear to the hall closet. Assess the need for clothing, shoes, and accessories often. Haul away anything that is no longer being used.
KEEP TINY SHOES ORGANIZED
Designate a space in the closet for your child’s shoes. Depending on the children’s ages (and heights), it can be a shelf, door organizer, or basket on the floor. Make sure there is enough room to fit all of the shoes each child owns. Teach them to put their shoes away each day and to tidy them weekly.
CONTAIN
ACCESSORIES
Belts, bags, hair accessories, and hats can become a whirlwind of clutter in a child’s closet. Corral these accessories in baskets or clear shoe boxes and label each clearly. Another method is to hang wall hooks on the sides of the closet for belts and bags. There are also special hat hangers that can really help out. Keep everything off of the floor (with the exception of a shoe basket) to minimize clutter and keep the closet looking tidy.
PERFORM A
SEASONAL SWEEP
Remove all out-of-season clothing from the closet. Assess each item’s size, condition, and whether your child still needs it. Label a bin with your child’s name, the sizes that are being stored in the box, and the season. Launder everything and store the bin on the top shelf of the closet or in the attic. If anything is needed, you’ll know where to find it—and if it’s not needed, you can move it to the donation pile or hand it down to the next recipient.
LINEN CLOSET
CLEAN, PURGE, AND SET A SYSTEM FOR YOUR LINEN CLOSET
Ideally your linen closet will be organized into easily viewable and reachable sections. You’ll want to first stand back and observe the current organizational system you have in place. Is there order—or is there chaos? Does it work for you? Setting up a system with functional organization in mind helps keep things tidy without a lot of effort. Next, clear out the closet and start with a fresh canvas. Vacuum and wipe down shelving, walls, and baseboards. Toss or donate things you no longer use and set limits on existing items. Keep only three sets of sheets per bed and three towels and washcloths per person in the household.
LABEL AND COLOR-CODE TO YOUR ADVANTAGE
Using a label maker or tags, create categories. Designate where you are going to place your linens so all family members know where to find things and can put items away with minimal guidance. Labeling also helps keep closets neat and streamlines the space. Here are some categories that can be used in the linen closet: towels, sheet sets, winter bedding, throw blankets, quilts, pillows, curtains, table linens. You can also color-code linens for different areas of the house. For example, assign white for guest towels and gray or blue for family towels.
FOLD LIKE FOLD A
A PRO FITTED SHEET
There are many folding methods Folding a fitted sheet is not as hard as it seems. For true per-
that work. Whichever method you fection, do this on a flat surface, but you can do it standing
choose, remain consistent. Fold all too. First, tuck your hands into the pockets of two corners,
towels and bedding the same way. one hand per pocket. Bring your hands together and flip
By doing this, the closet will become one corner over the other so they nest. Do the same with
more space-efficient and tidy. the other corners, so all four are now nested. Now treat the
nested corners like a point and fold normally. Viola!
MAKE SURE
SHELVES ADJUST
If possible, consider installing adjustable linen closet shelving. Because the items that go into linen closets are stackable and don’t need to hang, a closet with adjustable shelving can make a big difference. You can DIY this with relative ease by installing removable pegs to change the height of shelves whenever you need.
MAKE SURE LINENS DON’T WASTE
SMELL FRESH DOOR SPACE
Maximize storage space on the back of the After doing laundry, make sure your linens are
linen closet door by investing in a screw-in, completely dry before folding and putting them
multitiered, compact wire basket unit. away. Any lingering moisture trapped in the folds
Here you can place odds and ends like can make a whole shelf of sheets or towels smell
extra lotions, shampoos and conditioners, like mildew and must. Try tucking a small herb or
soaps, and cleaning supplies.
floral sachet in with each sheet set to add a nice additional scent.
DESIGNATE
GUEST TOWELS
No one wants to do a last-minute load of laundry just before visitors arrive. Designate a set of towels for guests only (it helps to pick one color, for ease of organizing). They’ll stay pristine and fluffy, and you won’t have to worry about scrambling to accommodate unexpected guests.
KEEP SMALL GROUP SHEETS
TOWELS SEPARATE BY BED
Don’t separate bedsheets into fitted, flat, Washcloths and hand towels can get lost in the
and duvet. Instead, sort them into sets that shuffle; store them separately from large towels
facilitate making the bed. A set might so they’re easy to find. Fold these smaller towels
include a fitted sheet, a flat sheet, and two into squares and store them in neat stacks. They
pillowcases. This makes it easy to see can share a shelf with backup items such as extra
which sheets you have available for each paper towels, tissues, and toilet paper.
bed, and when you need to change the sheets, you can grab the set and go.
NEST SHEETS IN
PILLOWCASES
Use pillowcases or shams as handy storage for their corresponding sheet sets. Put folded sheets at the bottom of the pillowcase, and then fold neatly in half and stack. If you have mismatched sheets, use a label and a clothespin to specify which sheets are inside.
BATHROOM
KEEP YOUR
BATHROOMS CLEAN
Being organized doesn’t just mean clearing the clutter from drawers and closets. It also means implementing a daily and weekly cleaning routine. Get into the habit of quickly cleaning the bathroom each morning after you’ve gotten ready for the day. It only takes a few minutes and it’s well worth the time and minimal effort. When you return home in the evening, your clean bathroom will be calling your name—perhaps to indulge in a stress-relieving bubble bath.
PRACTICE THESE HABITS DAILY
Wipe counters and sinks. Quickly mop up any toothpaste messes or countertop mishaps, and remove the toiletry clutter that’s bound to accumulate. Put dirty clothes in the hamper. Keep your sinks, toilets, and showers clean daily with the natural cleaning solutions found in Item 272.
EMPTY THE
TRASH IF NEEDED
Don’t necessarily wait until the trash is full before emptying it as with other rooms. Bathroom trash cans may not fill as quickly as some others, but they can be full of messy or bulky things like sticky containers.
THINK ABOUT
PROXIMITY
Placement is key when keeping the bathroom clean. Place the daily shower cleaner in the shower, the toilet cleaner near the toilet, and the sink cleaner below the sink. If it’s close by, you’re more likely to use it.
KEEP IT FRESH WITH
ESSENTIAL OILS
Keep your lavatory smelling fresh by adding a few drops of pure essential oil to a cup of baking soda and placing it behind the toilet. You can also add a few drops to the inside of the cardboard toilet paper roll each time you change it. Finally, add a drop to the trash can when changing the bag. Essential oils work like a charm, and they’re much better than chemicals.
STOCK EXTRA TOILET PAPER CREATIVELY
Don’t hide extra toilet paper under the sink. If more toilet paper is visible, your family and guests will be more likely to replace an empty roll on the toilet paper holder. Consider using a tall glass vase or a basket to make extra rolls look more appealing.
KEEP A
PLUNGER HANDY
If you have guests coming over, make sure there’s a plunger (and plenty of toilet paper) in the bathroom. You don’t want your guests to get caught without one when they need it—it’s embarrassing and unpleasant for both of you.
INCORPORATE
PLANTS
KEEP EXTRA TOWELS Take advantage of the moisture in your bath-
room and add plants that thrive in wet envi
ronments. Plants in the fern family will do well OUTSIDE THE BATHROOM
in a humid bathroom, and they’ll look beauti
Moisture can work against you in the bathroom,
ful too—so you’ll both be happy.
and excess moisture can make linens smell musty or even mildewy. Folded towels are a particular risk since they can’t dry out fully. Store folded towels in a linen closet or bedroom and bring them to the bathroom as needed.
LIGHTEN
UP
Some people intentionally go for dark, bold colors in a small space to make a dramatic statement, but your best bet for maximizing space is a soft, light palette, with just a few pops of color. Use your towels and a few small pieces of art to add zing to an otherwise serene color scheme. Natural light always makes a space seem bigger, but if you can’t bring sunshine in, use accent lighting with natural-spectrum bulbs. A fixture swap can make a big difference: Think about wall-mounted sconces on either side of a vanity. And if you have a single fixture, find something fresh for the spot that reflects your personal style.
GET
CLEAR
Introduce as much glass and as many reflective surfaces as you can to open up your space. Swapping out an old-fashioned opaque shower stall or shower curtain for a sheet of clear glass can make an amazing difference (and force you to keep that shower sparkly clean!). Maximize your mirrors, too—just don’t install one directly across from the commode.
PURGE THE
CLUTTER
Go through every single thing in your bathroom and determine whether or not you really need it. Be ruthless. No matter how expensive that moisturizer was, if you don’t use it, it goes out. Look at expiration dates and ditch anything past its prime. Keep only the items you need. For things like cotton swabs and cotton balls, store the big packages in a closet and keep just a handful in the bathroom, in small containers.
LOSE THE
CABINETS
Open shelving takes up less space than cabinets. If your towels are color coordinated, they add to the décor. Special shelving racks that fit over the commode make use of often-ignored space. And a slim shelf (such as a spice rack) might be a perfect solution for toiletries. Use basket and bins to contain any items you don’t want on permanent display. Another trick is to use a storage ladder, which adds a fun, contemporary feel and allows you to customize how and where to stash items you need.
USE ALL
DOORS
Use all available doors for storage—hang towels on the back of the entry door, and store the hair dryer on the back of the cabinet door. Use adhesive hooks or over-the-door systems to hang your robe or towels. You can also hang a mesh shoe organizer over the door. These inexpensive organizers work great for bottles, cleaners, and brushes.
GO GREEN
WITH SOAP
Invest in a refillable glass soap dispenser— it looks pretty on the sink top and is easy to refill with your favorite liquid hand soap purchased in bulk. Plus, you cut down on single-use plastics—it’s a win-win!
USE METAL ADD A
WITH CAUTION PLEASANT SCENT
It’s not uncommon for metal baskets For a luxurious feel, hang a bundle
and organizers to get rusty over time, of eucalyptus behind your show-
especially in the high-moisture environ- erhead, so it’s out of the way of
ment of a bathroom. When you’re water and nestled against the
searching for bathroom caddies and shower wall. Steam from the
organizers, look for stainless steel, bam- shower will create an incredible
boo, or plastic options. aroma, and it looks elegant too!
HANG A
SHOWER CURTAIN
An outdated tub or shower can be easily dressed up with a stylish shower curtain. After using the shower, close the curtain fully to allow the folds in the liner to dry, preventing mold or mildew.
HANG BATHROOM
ART WISELY
Avoid hanging irreplaceable art or photographs in the bathroom. Moisture can quickly damage even framed pieces—for special items in your collection, it’s just not worth the risk.
CONSIDER A
STYLING CADDY
Give hairbrushes and other styling tools a home in an easy-to-move caddy stored underneath your bathroom sink. It can transition from under the sink to the counter quickly, but it’s easy to pack and stow away to prevent clutter. Using a silicone mat for hot tools helps keep your bathroom countertop safe from heat damage.
CORRAL YOUR
MEDICINE CABINET
How many of us have opened our medicine cabinet to be greeted by a cascade of falling pill bottles, loose Band-Aids, and the like? Prevent this by storing stray items in small acrylic boxes by category. Using clear shelf dividers can double your space. Be careful when storing medication in the bathroom—for tips, see Item 071.
KEEP BATHROOM
CLOSETS NEAT
The bathroom closet might be solely used to store personal care products. Contain products using clear shoe boxes and labels. Corral these categories: first aid, ice packs and heating pads, nail care, travel accessories, dental, shaving, lotions, cotton swaps, tampons and pads, hair care, and bath items.
MAKE YOUR OWN
NATURAL CLEANERS
Household essentials such as baking soda and vineshowers daily to keep soap scum at bay. For best gar have a wide variety of applications, including as results, begin with a clean shower when using a natural cleaners. Follow these instructions to make daily cleaner.
and use homemade cleaning solutions for your bath
. Be careful not to use vinegar on natural stone NATURAL TOILET CLEANER Sprinkle baking or oil-rubbed bronze fixtures, as it can damage soda into the toilet, spray a generous amount of
porous stone and finishes. full-strength vinegar around the toilet bowl, and
let it sit for several minutes. Scrub with a toilet
NATURAL SINK CLEANER Sprinkle baking soda brush. You can also use an old pumice stone—it around the sink interior and scrub with a wet works great for toilet stains. sponge. Or mix a solution of 1 cup vinegar, 2 cups
water, and 10 drops lemon or lavender essential oil to create a multipurpose cleaner.
NATURAL SHOWER CLEANER Use a damp cloth soaked with vinegar to clean shower doors. Finish with a dry microfiber cloth. Scrub shower walls with a wet sponge covered with essential oil-infused baking soda to loosen soap scum. Add a drop of liquid Castile soap for extra cleaning power. You can also make a divine-smelling daily shower cleaner by mixing together 1 cup vinegar, 2 cups water, /cup rubbing alcohol, 10
drops peppermint essential oil, and 10 drops
orange essential oil in a spray bottle. Spray down
CLEAN SMARTER,
NOT HARDER
Keeping your bathroom properly ventilated will save you time cleaning long term. Run the fan while you’re in the shower and keep the bathroom door open post-shower or bath to let out moisture. This will cut down on mildew growth, meaning less scrubbing later. When you use your toilet brush, rinse it and then position the handle between the toilet seat and the bowl, with the brush hanging over the bowl to dry. This will prevent the brush from retaining bacteria, so you won’t have to buy a new one multiple times a year.
USE ROLL-AWAY STORAGE
WITH A PEDESTAL SINK
A pedestal sink might seem like a storage dead zone, but tucking a roll-away organizer underneath can be a game changer. It provides plenty of drawers for frequently used toiletries, but you can remove it from the bathroom if you have guests visiting or just need more space.
OFFICE
CREATE ZONES
IN YOUR OFFICE
The home office is a versatile and multiuse workhorse of a room, responsible for everything from bills to day jobs to blogger duties! With so much going on and the amount of time you’re likely to spend in this space, you’ll want to set up an organized room that will stay that way. Divide your space into several zones: work, mail, bill payment, filing, office supply, planning, books, and school.
LET YOUR SPACE
DO THE WORK
Your work zone will be at your desk. It includes your computer, lamp, printer, tax organizer, and desktop files (your most-used papers that don’t stay in a drawer long enough to live there). Your mail zone and bill zone live nearby. The mail area should include bins for incoming and outgoing mail, as well as stamps, envelopes, address labels, packing tape, a postage scale, a stationery set, and any other correspondence needs. All things needed to pay bills go in the bill payment zone. This likely includes the bills themselves, a calculator, your checks, a budget binder, and an account and password log.
FILE THE PAPERS
AND SUPPLIES AWAY
Your filing cabinet (a paragon of home organization!) goes in the filing zone, as expected. Your office supply zone holds extra printer paper, printer ink, pens and pencils, staples, paper clips, binder clips, tape, file folders, labeler and label tape, and other office needs.
MISCELLANEOUS
ZONES
The planning zone provides a home for any family calendars, personal organizers or planners, and related supplies (extra inserts, stickers, washi tape, etc.). Professional and business books should have their own space in your office. And don’t forget the kids! The school zone includes any school paperwork and can also incorporate a homework station (see Item 295).
ENJOY A POCKET
SIZED OFFICE SPACE
If your home office shares space with another room or sometimes has to serve another function, make the space as versatile as it needs to be. Use labeled baskets to store supplies and paperwork and place them under your desk or on a shelf for easy but convenient access.
PAY ATTENTION TO
DESK PLACEMENT
Believe it or not,where you place your desk in your office can impact your productivity. You might find you don’t like to work with your back to the door—it makes some people feel anxious or uneasy. Likewise, you might not like to face a window if it gets too much sunlight and is too hot in the late afternoon. Try a few different placements for your desk and see what works for you.
GIVE YOURSELF THE BEST ORGANIZE DESK
SEAT IN THE HOUSE DRAWERS FROM THE
You’ll probably sit in your desk chair more INSIDE OUT
than any other chair you own, so invest in
We all know the annoyance of arranging one that supports your back and spine. The
your desk supplies and closing the drawer, height of your chair should be adjustable
only to have everything slide around and should allow your feet to rest flat on the
immediately. To avoid this, use adhesive floor or on a footrest while you work. Your
mounting putty to secure small boxes or thighs should be parallel to the floor, and
desk organizers inside your drawers. your arms should rest gently on the chair’s
Mounting putty is removable, making armrests with your shoulders relaxed.
repositioning a breeze.
CONSIDER A
“MURPHY DESK”
“Murphy desk” might not be a technical term, but you get the idea—a small desk that folds up to fit into a cabinet or closet (or folds up and hooks to the wall) will help to save space in a small room, a shared office, or an apartment.
CONTROL PAPER
CLUTTER
Paper clutter is the number one problem of messy home offices and it can be overwhelming and daunting to tackle. But once you get a handle on it, curbing paper clutter is a breeze. Take control of incoming paper with a daily system. You should always immediately recycle or shred any junk mail. When bills come in, either pay them right away or place them in a bill organizer. If you deem a paper keepsake worthy, place it in a designated box (see Item 288). Important papers that need to be filed should go into a “to file” folder—but only if you don’t have time to file them right away. Then, once a week, go through and file everything in this folder in its proper place.
KEEP A HANDLE ON SCHOOL
School papers can take over your home in an instant. Prevent this from happening by taking five minutes each afternoon, as soon as the kids get home from school, to go through each of their backpacks. Respond to items that need your attention, recycle trash, file artwork (see Item 288), and make sure kids are aware of any homework.
STAY TACKLE YOUR
CURRENT TO-DO ITEMS
Keep only the most current periodicals in Anything that needs your attention or
your home. If you get a physical newspaper, response should go into an action folder.
read it each day and then place it in a desig- Once or twice a week, go through the folder
nated recycling basket. If you don’t have time and do what needs doing.
to read it, recycle it—it’s old news. Once a new magazine arrives in the mail, toss the previous edition.
CREATE A
KEEPSAKE BOX
When you have kids, the artwork, paperwork, pictures, and keepsakes are guaranteed to pile up. You want to wrap up their memories and cherish them forever, but it can be difficult to keep it all corralled and organized. It’s essential to set up an organized system so you can file away the keepsakes in an orderly fashion. Assign a large filing box with a lid for each child and add and label as many file folders as you need for the different categories (such as birthday cards, report cards, artwork, grade levels, academic awards, sports, etc.). As years pass, you’ll be able to look back through the memories with ease—and the good stuff won’t be lost in the shuffle. Be mindful about what you save; not every doodle or art project should make this save pile!
ORGANIZE
YOUR FILES
If you are the type of person who likes the feel of thumbing through papers and filing away work, you’ll appreciate a well-organized filing system. If, instead, you are up to speed on digital record-keeping and own a document scanner, then digital organization is the way to go. Whichever you choose, keep a handle on paperwork by taking action as soon as it arrives. Look over all documents and statements to make sure they are correct. Then shred anything you have online access to, or file away those items that you want to keep on hand. Set up a filing system using color-coded hanging folders and maintain it by purging irrelevant documents at least once a year (before tax season is a good time).
CREATE DIY
STORAGE BOXES
Pretty boxes, baskets, and organizing bins can get pricey. Consider covering cardboard gift boxes or recyclable containers with decorative paper and using them for storage instead—most rectangular boxes can be wrapped just like a gift, so it’s an easy DIY. For a cleaner finish, use double-sided tape.
PURGE SUPPLIES
YOU DON’T NEED
Do you need a hundred pens? Or will twenty good pens suffice? What about four different kinds of white-out or that kitschy tape dispenser that doesn’t really work? Assess what you need and what you really use on a day-to-day basis and donate the rest.
STASH YOUR
PRINTER
Many printers are quite bulky, so if you just
TRY PEGBOARDS AND
need a standard black-and-white printer,
WALL ORGANIZERS consider getting a small, compact model. If
you need a larger printer with more advanced Hanging things on the wall, and over your desk
features, store it somewhere inconspicuous in particular, is a convenient option for office
and out of the way, such as under a desk or spaces that are short on storage. Peg boards
on the bottom shelf of a bookcase.
accommodate several elements, like clip-on hanging containers and paper organizers, that are as cute as they are functional.
HIRE A LAZY SUSAN
This handy spinning kitchen organizer can function well in an office setting too. Fill a small one with your mostused office supplies and keep it on a desk or shelf for quick access. You’ll be glad to no longer be knocking over your pen cup while reaching for your stapler.
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TRACK YOUR TAXES
Create file folders to keep track of your taxes during the year. Place the file folders in a mobile file box and keep the box within arm’s reach of your work area. If it’s out of sight, unfiled paper will surely pile up, so placement is key!
CREATE A
HOMEWORK CENTER
A homework station is a great idea if you have school-aged children. It allows them to complete their schoolwork and study for upcoming tests in a comfortable and quiet area and work on any projects with all of the necessary tools at their disposal. Set up the desk against a wall or window with good light. Make sure there are enough power outlets for all the electronics and that the chair can move easily on the floor surface. Set up a few cubbies, paper trays, and stacking pencil cases to hold extra supplies and keep things as tidy as possible. Keep in mind that each child works differently—some kids like to be where their parents are and others need their own space.
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BINDER IT
Take ten minutes to create a parent’s school binder to keep track of important paperwork needed throughout the year. Make a separate tab for each of the following: school calendar, school information (address, phone number, principal, etc.), teacher information (name, phone number, email address, etc.), lunch schedules, bell schedules, bus schedules, sick notes, handbook and policies. You could also choose to use a folder instead of a binder.
LOCK IN
A LIBRARY
For the bookworms out there, an at-home library is a dream come true—and it doesn’t necessarily require a free room. All you need is a corner of an office (or living room, or even hallway), a few pieces of furniture, and your favorite books. Place two (or more) matching bookshelves against an empty bit of wall, tuck them behind a sofa, nestle them into a corner, or mount open shelving on an odd wall space. Plop your comfiest armchair next to a bright, focused floor lamp or set up a small table and a few chairs for a work surface. In a small home, mount narrow shelves in a long hallway and add a window seat for a space-saving option. Now it’s time to settle in and get lost in a favorite!
CORRAL CRAFT SUPPLIES
Crafting supplies are one of the hardest things to organize and keep organized. If you’re lucky enough to have a designated craft room, you’ve fought half the battle by carving out the space— but either way, you’re probably dealing with piles of scrapbook paper, yarn, sewing patterns, art supplies, or quilting fabric. Get control of your supplies by purging what you no longer use and implementing a category system for the rest. Whether you have an entire room or simply a closet, the process will be the same. You’ll start by clearing out the space entirely: Purge what you don’t need and then clean up the space. After you’ve cleaned, set up your systems and containerize! You can use whatever suits your fancy (mason jars, filing cabinets, bins, etc.). Once your categories are set, label the containers and put everything away.
GIFT WRAP
TO GO
For many people a gift wrap station isn’t possible. Thankfully, organizing retailers like The Container Store stock small, space-friendly, and portable options that can fit neatly inside a closet. These organizers keep all of your wrapping supplies corralled without taking up a ton of space. Just remember to clearly label each of your categories: ribbons and bows; tapes, scissors, and glue; pens and markers; gift bags; and tissue paper. Store those gangly wrapping paper rolls in a drawer, a long narrow plastic bin, or a plastic organizer. A spare trash can, basket, or umbrella stand can also work wonders.
CREATE A TINY
HOME OFFICE
In even the smallest home, the creative problem-solver can find some office space. Think about what you need—will you be using the area to pay bills and check email, or to run a home-based business? The first can be done in very little space, but anything’s possible. You could set up your office in the guest room and keep desktop items minimal so that it’s easy to clear out when company arrives. A hall that’s long and not too narrow can probably accommodate a slim desk and some storage bins. The desk chair tends to be the thing most likely to get in the way, so use an easy-to-tuck-away stool or borrow a kitchen chair when needed.
RETHINK
YOUR SPACES
Think about underutilized corners in your home. You can set up a small desk facing
into a corner and use vertical space (hang- QUICK TIP
ing racks, floating shelves) to minimize the footprint. If there are odd nooks or alcoves,
LET IT ROLL
you could fit a small desk and some vertical
storage into one of these spaces and hang a Consider using a rolling storage unit
curtain over it when not in use. And if you with an attractive wood top as a mobile
don’t have a nook, make your own by office. You can store your supplies in it,
removing the rod from a closet. Then you use the top as a desk when needed, then
can close the door and hide your office stash it all and roll the unit to the living
away when not in use. room to use as an end table.
PLAY SPACE
ORGANIZE THE
KIDS’ PLAY SPACE
Kids love to have their own space, and organizing their play space is a perfect activity to do together. Since it involves their toys and their designated space, they’ll want to be part of the process. And in addition to teaching them the value of cleaning up after themselves, it’s a great opportunity for learning activities such as sorting, counting, sharing, and grouping.
DESIGNATE
ACTIVITY STATIONS
Set up an easel and paints on an
easy-to-mop floor, put games on a table surrounded by cushions, and clear a flat surface for playing with blocks. Think about how the space will be used and plan accordingly.
STORE
ACCORDING TO AGE
Younger children like to open bins and boxes on the floor or low shelves, while older children can use drawers, higher shelves, and closets. Try to keep everything within easy reach and avoid boxes that are too large. Toys buried at the bottom of a bin can’t be seen and rarely get played with. This is also a great opportunity to instill the love of labels at a young age! For kids who can’t read yet, use photographs or illustrations of a container’s contents. When your child can see what’s supposed to go in the box, they’re more likely to put it in the right place.
USE
LIDS
Sometimes, without lids, when it’s time to clean up, kids will just throw toys into the closest bin, not the designated one, and soon the containers are overflowing. You can find boxes with lids just about anywhere, and this small investment will save you much time in the future.
KEEP BOXES AROUND THE
HOUSE FOR EASY TRANSFERS
Even if you are fortunate enough to have a separate area where your kids play, toys have a way of showing up in the darndest places. Keeping a bin handy will make the nightly toy roundup a snap.
KEEP
THINGS TIDY
HAVE A NIGHTLY Check the toy bins about once a month. No
matter what you do or how many lids you
CLEAN-UP PARTY have, a stray toy or two will inevitably get
thrown into the wrong bin—and before Children need to be shown that cleaning up isn’t
you know it, the box labeled Barbies is now a chore—it’s another way of having fun. Put on a
everything but Barbies.
favorite song and have the kids gather and put away toys until it’s over; or, while watching a favorite show, have them race to clean up during the commercials. Turning cleanup into a fun activity will help give chil
dren pride in their space and establish a routine.
PIECE THE
PUZZLES
Puzzles can get out of control so quickly—and the many sizes of boxes can be a pain to organize. To keep things stackable (and help prevent lost pieces!), grab some small, lidded containers and transfer each puzzle to its own one. Cut out the puzzle image from the box (there’s usually a small one as well as the big cover shot) and throw it in with the puzzle pieces or tape it to the lid.
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BOARD THE GAMES
Store board games separately from other toys. We keep ours under a coffee table. When the kids want to play a game, it’s right below the table they are going to play on. It’s convenient and simple organizing.
ASSEMBLE A
PLAY TABLE
If you’re short on space but want a place for your kids to play with art supplies, puzzles, and games on their own, use flat-topped rolling storage cubes to create a piece-by-piece table. You can attach casters to existing storage cubes or grab some wheeled ones. Make sure there are no overhanging lips or raised details that will prevent them from aligning smoothly. Attach some heavy-duty Velcro strips to the corresponding sides of each cube and put some brightly colored labels on the four corners that will meet in the middle. Store the cubes along the perimeter of the room when not in use—they can hold games, bins, or books—and roll them together when your kids want a workspace.
NET A
ZOO
A homemade or store-bought hammock is the perfect place to keep stuffed animals—it makes it easy to put away the toys (don’t hang it too high!) and it feels like a home or bed where the animals go to sleep at night. If you’re a knitter, whip one up with some spare yarn and chunky needles, or simply string up some spare fabric or tulle in a storage corner. You’ll save valuable floor space to boot.
PITCH
A TENT
If your home doesn’t have a separate room available for all of the Legos, games, dolls, puzzles, and everything else, there are plenty of ways to separate out some kid-owned space. One enchanting method is to rig up a tent in a corner of the living room, den, bedroom, or even office—wherever you have the floor space. Purchase a premade model or simply stretch some lightweight fabric between a couple of extra chairs and add colorful streamers or fabric strips. String up some battery-powered LED twinkle lights (that don’t get hot) for extra charm. Now you have a cozy play space for young kids, and it will keep toys and accessories neatly tucked away and out of sight.
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LEARN YOUR ABCS
If you have preschool-age children and enough storage space, round up twenty-six bins and label each with a letter of the alphabet and sort toys accordingly. It’s a learning tool and organizational system
in one!
LAUNDRY AREA
KEEP DIRTY CLOTHES IN HAMPERS
Is your laundry room (or closet or corner) a catch-all place? It’s time to get organized, right down to the dust bunnies. Wherever your washer and dryer live, the space should be clutter free and functional. Try not to keep piles of laundry in the laundry area. Instead, keep hampers in each bathroom or bedroom and bring them in when it’s laundry day.
STORE OTHER
HOUSEHOLD ITEMS
If you store other household items in the laundry area, stay organized by keeping them in containers, labeling them, and revisiting them every so often to keep them in check. Some items that might live in this space: tissues, paper towels, toilet paper, sewing items, lightbulbs, tools, cat litter, cleaning wipes, floor cleaners, laundry detergent, soaps, and dryer sheets.
THINK OUTSIDE THE SHOE BOX
An over-the-door shoe organizer can hold so much more than shoes. It’s perfect for stashing spray bottles and cleaners—keeping them out of the way but still visible so you always know what you have. Plus, you can keep dangerous chemicals out of reach. In the slim space behind the door, store your broom, mop, dusters, and ironing board, along with all your ironing supplies.
SET UP
FORGET-ME-NOTS
Set up a few baskets or containers to hold lost items found in pockets and left behind in the dryer. Give them some labels so your family always knows where to find the lost coins, lip balms, and buttons.
BEAUTIFY
YOUR SPACE
Your laundry area should put a smile on your face. Glass apothecary jars with lids are a great option for storing bulk detergent tablets, pods, and powders—they are visually appealing and allow you to see how much soap you have left. Consider painting the space a bright color or outfitting it with cheeky laundry-themed artwork.
INCLUDE
HOOKS
A set of hooks is a good investment for your laundry area. They will allow you to hang sweaty or damp items like workout clothes and towels, preventing a whole laundry basket of clothes from growing mildew.
WASH WITH
CARE
If you really want your laundry area to be a haven, decorate it! Adding personal touches such as a family photograph can brighten the space. Organization and efficiency will only be aided by your enjoyment of the room as a whole. You’re making it more usable by making it a place you want to be (and maybe laundry won’t feel like such a chore for other family members, too).
SIMPLIFY THE
LAUNDRY SYSTEM
If your laundry sorting process is too compli
PREVENT DRYER
cated, your less-cleaning-inclined family mem
DISASTERS bers won’t do it properly. Make it easy by clearly
labeling hampers or bins—one for white clothes,
On some machines, you can use a dry-erase one for dark clothes, one for delicates and hand
marker to jot a quick note to yourself about washing, and one for dry cleaning.
which items shouldn’t go into the dryer. A simple “blue sweater” will remind you when switching loads to fish out that delicate blend. Test the marker on an inconspicuous part of your machine first!
HOME GYM
SET UP A
HOME GYM
If you don’t have time to drive to the gym or you keep making excuses about why you never go, try setting up a gym in your home. It takes less effort than you’d think to squeeze in some exercise. You only need a few things—and you can use as few or as many of these supplies as you want: towels, yoga supplies, weights, resistance bands, whiteboard (to jot down your workout schedule), speakers, a stand for your phone for playing videos or music.
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DEAL WITH GYM ODORS
The major problem with a home gym is the funk! Here are a few tips to keep in mind: Wear antiperspirant; it prevents sweating and reduces moisture. Wash your workout clothes as soon as you’re finished. If your clothes really stink, soak them in vinegar before washing. Air shoes out after workouts and wash monthly. Open windows to let fresh air in.
STOCK YOUR
GYM BAG
If you don’t have the luxury of a room specifically for workouts, you can take it with you via a well-stocked gym bag. You’ll need these essentials when you’re on the go, so keep them neatly organized and accessible in the same place. And make sure used clothes go into the laundry right away! Keep these items in your bag: gym shoes and extra socks; antiperspirant; travel-size bodywash, shampoo, and shower shoes; towel and washcloth; reusable water bottle; disposable bags for stinky gym clothes; earbuds; extra set of clothes; protein bar; sweat towel; hair ties and brush; lifting gloves.
KEEP IT
SIMPLE
If you don’t have room for a treadmill, elliptical, or other piece of machinery, you’ll be surprised at the kind of workout you can get using just a few resistance bands. They offer many of the same benefits as weight training, but they’re a lot lighter, making them easier to move around the house or throw into a gym bag. They’ll cut down on your equipment needs, and you can store them almost anywhere—hang them on the wall behind a door, fold them into a box, or keep them permanently in your duffel bag. The possibilities are endless—and you might find you have room for an organized, efficient home gym after all.
ATTIC
LEAN
IN
Attics are a blank slate for any new system, won’t get in anyone’s way, and are good for long-term storage—in short, an organizer’s dream come true! If you have an attic with sloped ceilings or triangular spaces under the eaves, you can purchase (or create) specially designed storage bins with slanted sides to fit into these tricky spaces. Some can even be built into the wall or ceiling to provide extra drawer and cubby storage solutions.
EMBRACE
PLASTIC
Cardboard boxes, even the sturdy ones, will lose their shape and become damaged with frequent use. Instead, choose sturdy plastic containers, which provide a better seal and are easy to move from place to place. If you store holiday decorations in your attic, maintain a separate section for their annual usage.
USE THE
BEAMS
Those pesky exposed beams across the ceiling and up the walls can actually provide useful, efficient storage space. Make them work for you as shelves for books, which will benefit from being in the dark environment of many attics.
BEAUTIFY
YOUR ATTIC
If your attic gets good light, let it in, clean up the space, and repaint. If the room looks and feels inviting, you are less likely to fill it with clutter, and you’ve added a new room to your house! Some attics may require a little more sweat and effort, but there’s nothing like turning an unused, dusty space into a cute, useful area for your family.
PARE DOWN
POSTERITY
Kids’ art projects, old school books, former hobbies, unused sports equipment—it all finds a home in the attic. To keep the hoarding tendencies at bay, sort through the whole kit and caboodle and be strict with yourself. Keep only important items with real sentimental value. Plan to properly archive these (which you should do now) or pass them down to the next generation. This will restrict your keepers to family heirlooms and select art or school projects that really reflect their creator (if you can’t put them in a book and page through them in one sitting, there are too many!).
TOSS, DONATE,
OR CONSIGN
Get rid of any damaged items that a local thrift store or donation station wouldn’t accept. If they won’t accept an item, then you shouldn’t either. Donate anything you no longer use but that someone else might enjoy. Consigning is a project in itself, so if you don’t have the time to devote, simply donate those things as well. You’ll make someone’s day when they grab it as a bargain.
BASEMENT
BENEFIT FROM
THE BASEMENT
Basements, especially unfinished ones, can go years without an organization plan in sight. Consider utility, storage, and living zones as you plan out how to use this space. If you’re lucky, you might have room for all three zones—but choose a plan that works for you.
KEEP THE UTILITY
ZONE ACCESSIBLE
The utility zone of your basement is where the essential basement fixtures are located: the furnace, water heater, circuit breaker, and other household command centers. You can’t always control where these are located—they might be completely spread out—so your job is to make sure they’re always accessible. You’ll need them in emergencies or when maintenance workers come through. Use rolling shelves if you can’t avoid blocking them in.
CREATE A
LIVING ZONE
If you have a finished section of your basement (maybe a media room or guest space), this is your living zone—somewhere the family gathers. It might also be a dedicated-use space, such as a play space, craft area, or workshop.
CREATE A
STORAGE ZONE
If you’re lucky enough to have an extra storage area in your basement, use it! The storage zone will divide into smaller zones as you categorize everything that remains after you purge unnecessary items. This is the space for furniture, bicycles, tools, and vacation or camping gear.
RETHINK
FORGOTTEN SPACES
Utilize space that’s often forgotten by adding storage in unexpected places. Try to think outside the box as to how odd solutions might work for you. If you’ve got stairs, install shelves underneath them to hold totes or bins. Some staircases may even have built-in closets or cupboards that can be put to all sorts of uses. For the ceiling, if you have enough space, use overhead racks and bins to get bulky items like artificial Christmas trees or bicycles out of the way. These also work for items that don’t need to be readily accessible, like those sentimental clothes and books you’re saving for your grandchildren. Don’t forget about the walls—if you’ve ever tripped over a bike, you know that a wall-mounted bike rack is a great method for freeing up floor space.
KEEP BASEMENTS
CLEAN AND DRY
After sorting your basement’s contents and organizing everything that will be staying put for longterm storage, be smart about how you store these items. Use clear plastic containers that allow you to see what’s inside, and set up a dehumidifier where possible—it will help control odors and prevent moisture buildup, which can damage your items. If you’re storing furniture in the basement, drape drop cloths or blankets over them and keep them from touching the walls (which can harbor moisture). If you have an aboveground basement with windows and good air circulation, this may not be necessary. Follow your nose!
PRACTICE CAUTION
WITH ARCHIVED ITEMS
You likely know someone who was greeted with ankle-deep water in the basement on the morning after a heavy rainstorm. Some areas are prone to flooding, and sometimes there’s not much you can do about it—except protect your sentimental and valuable items. Don’t set anything that could be harmed by water on the floor, and store any books, records, paper products, photos, textiles, or stuffed animals somewhere else (like the attic). If you need to put them in the basement, try ceiling-mounted racks with attachable bins, or keep them elevated with stacked cinder blocks. And stay away from cardboard containers!
QUICK TIP
MOUNT A FUSEBOX FLASHLIGHT
You’re bound to blow a fuse at some point, so grab some Velcro or magnetic tape and mount a flashlight right next to the fuse box. You’ll know where to find it in the next blackout.
OUTDOOR
PERFECT
YOUR PATIO
If you’re lucky enough to have an outdoor space like a patio, porch, or deck for entertaining, it’s time to get things in order to make sure you’re ready. The perfect storage solution can sometimes be as simple as finding a new piece of multipurpose furniture to create spaces for things that previously didn’t have an assigned home. If you grill often, repurpose a teak ladder as a shallow shelf and add hooks for BBQ implements or garden tools that need to be kept handy. Or use a wicker end table with a glass top to hold plants, drinks, and trays of food. A wallmounted wire organizing rack can hold incoming mail on a front porch. Hide clutter with outdoor cabinets and storage units. There are endless options—find what works for your space.
GO
VERTICAL
Even if you don’t have a huge yard with lots of garden space, vertical patio gardening provides endless options and helps to avoid the traffic hazard that too many potted plants can cause. Incorporate vines, hanging plants, and mounted planter boxes along fences to open up walking paths and decorate the vertical surfaces.
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USE THE PERIMETER
L-shaped benches against a wall will keep your guests comfortable while leaving the center space free for tables, fire pits, and grills.
INVEST IN
OUTDOOR FABRICS
Outdoor furniture is built to withstand the elements, but be careful when choosing your cushions. Even if you don’t sit outside very often, you’d be surprised what sun, rain, and general exposure to the elements can do to even the toughest fibers. Look for outdoor furniture-specific fabrics, which generally undergo a special chemical treatment to increase moisture resistance. If needed, hose fabrics down weekly, or deep-clean with a mild soap and water. Avoid detergents and hot water, which can compromise the protective materials. Store cushions in a covered area, and if they get caught in the rain, stand them on end to help them dry more quickly.
STASH CLEANING
SUPPLIES OUTSIDE
Keeping outdoor surfaces consistently clean and clear helps prevent a huge cleaning project at the end of the summer. Store some cleaning products and rags in an outdoor-friendly bin for easy access to give surfaces a quick wipe down as needed.
COVER YOUR
FIRE PIT
Over time, water and ash sitting in your fire pit can turn into lye and eat straight through its metal bottom. Luckily, this is easy to prevent. Once ashes cool, sweep them out of the pit. Alternatively, invest in a tight-fitting cover that can keep out the rain.
STOW OUTDOOR FURNITURE
AND CUSHIONS FOR THE WINTER
It can be a pain to clean and store outdoor furniture once the weather gets colder, but taking the time to do so will prevent weather damage and other wear and tear, adding years to the life of your furniture. Remember that outdoor furniture can be pricey—you’ll be thankful for your hard work when you don’t have to buy a new chaise lounge next year.
STORE SPLASH
SUPPLIES
If you have a pool or waterway nearby, you’re likely stocked to the gills with floaties, toys, swimming aids, and other accessories. Mount hooks or wire baskets onto an old pallet or large piece of wood for a towel organization system that can move inside or outside as needed. Keep it in the garage or shed when not in use or during the off-season, and take it outside for the start of summer and pool parties. It can serve as a handy drying rack for wet suits and towels. It’s also important to make sure any baskets or bins used for storage have good-sized holes or mesh in the bottom to drain water, and ensure your hooks (or any other places you store wet items) aren’t too close together, so that air can circulate. The key to avoiding mildew is allowing air to get in and around items.
GARAGE
INSTALL
SHELVING
The garage—or any utility space—can become a storage ground for clutter. Keep floors clear of items by installing vertical shelving systems or building your own. Choose from metal, wood, or plastic, but if you live in a humid area and your garage isn’t insulated, watch out for the moisture that wood can absorb. Make sure to anchor all shelving into the wall studs to prevent accidents and injuries.
TAKE SHELVING TO THE TOP
Garage shelving doesn’t need to feel fancy—inexpensive wire racks or makeshift plywood shelves will do the job. Because aesthetics aren’t a top priority here, don’t be afraid to build garage shelves up as high as you can. Store rarely used but necessary items on upper shelves, and keep more commonly used things toward the bottom.
CATEGORIZE AND
CONTAINERIZE
A garage is a great place to store not only tools and automotive gear, but also off-season items like sports equipment, camping supplies, gardening tools, vacation essentials, and anything else that can be put away for a long period of time. Large totes fit well on most shelving units and can hold many things. Small containers are great for items such as rolls of adhesive, flashlights, tape measures, and other small tools. Categorize and containerize to keep your garage tidy.
UTILIZE THE
CEILING
The ceiling is wasted space that most people don’t think about incorporating into their garage storage. Hang bikes from utility hooks or add shelving over the garage door to store holiday decorations.
LABEL
EVERYTHING
Take organization one step further and label all containers, big and small. Use a label maker, hanging tags, chalkboard paint, or a vinyl lettering machine—whatever your preferred system might be. Labeling alleviates the need to search box after box to find what you’re looking for. This can be especially useful in the garage, where things can go to live for a long time before they’re sought after again.
UPDATE
FLOORING
Complete your garage overhaul by giving the floor a fresh coat of paint. Home improvement stores carry DIY garage floor painting kits so you can tackle it yourself. Or make it snappy and call in a professional.
FOLLOW THE
SAFETY RULES
The garage can be a treacherous place, filled with all the flammable fuels, large machinery, and sharp tools that we don’t want to keep in the house. Keep your lawn mower, weed whacker, and other machinery (and tripping hazards like rakes) away from kid-friendly zones and high-traffic pathways. Store flammables and chemicals according to directions. Read warning labels carefully. Chemicals and paint should be secured away from children. Store sharps out of reach of children. Always keep dangerous chemicals in their original containers. Always keep a working fire extinguisher in the garage. They expire, so be sure to check the date, mark your calendar, and replace it when needed. You’ll also want to install a carbon monoxide detector.
QUICK TIP
STORE TOOLS
There are many ways to sort your tool storage. Mount a pegboard on the wall to neatly display tools and tidbits. Add a coat of spray paint and trim for a more custom look. Use classic mason jars for smaller items—they’re perfect for just about any type of project. Put nails and screws on display, feed twine through a hole in a lid, or store a dozen sticks of glue—the sky’s the limit! Last but not least, stackable, clear shoeboxes can store all types of tools, sharps (such as box cutters), and other handy items.
STORE
SPORTS GEAR
Rig up a few bungee cords to create a ball storage system, or throw basketballs into a net that cinches at the top. Get bats, rackets, clubs, sticks, and other gear off the floor and onto the wall using hooks or brackets.
STORE UNTIL
WINTER
Keep snow boots, shovels, holiday decorations, and sidewalk salt in a designated area. Make sure breakable items are carefully wrapped and secured inside labeled plastic bins. Always place larger and heavier items on the bottom of a stack and lighter bins on top. And remember that overloading containers can lead to dropping them!
GET THE
HOLIDAY HOOKUP
Wrap Christmas lights, tinsel, and other tangle-prone garlands around plastic hangers or sturdy pieces of cardboard before putting them into storage for the next eleven months. You’ll thank yourself later when trimming your tree doesn’t get delayed by an hour-long detangling party. You can also buy holiday-light storage reels to serve the same purpose. If you have multiple sets, label each garland with its destination to save time (for example, “banister,” “porch column,” “front tree”). For ornaments, store small ones in egg cartons (the sturdy plastic kind are best) or apple crates. Old wine and beer crates are great for storing larger ornaments. After the holiday is over, make a list of things you need to buy next year. Better yet, run out and grab them now! Those post-holiday markdowns can’t be beat.
KEEP
CLEAN
It takes a little extra effort to keep garages and other areas that see a lot of outdoor activity clean and protected from the elements. Sweep floors with a push broom and wipe down sills and frames to keep cobwebs at bay. Clean screens with warm water and all-purpose cleaner, using a scrub brush to get into the mesh as well as the frames. Then hose them off and allow to air dry. If you have a large deck or porch, or a drain in your garage, a power washer can be a great investment for blasting away mildew, dirt, and stains—just be sure not to use it on untreated wood. Watch for loose nails, fill holes with putty, and make sure to reseal your deck and floors when needed. Wash light fixture covers every month, as insects tend to collect inside, and dry thoroughly before you replace them.
CREATE A
GOODBYE STATION
Set up a “goodbye” station in your garage for any items that are on their way out. This will help you keep track of these items and remind you to take them to their assigned new homes. Separate them as follows:
DONATE: Items you are donating SELL: Anything that you will be selling in
your upcoming garage sale
RETURN: Store-bought items that need
to be returned—make it a mission to return BORROWED: Items that need to return
them all within a week! to their rightful owners
CAR
ADD A
TRASH CAN
Maintaining a clean car can seem impossible when we have crazy, busy days—or, of course, kids! Use a small or medium trash bag to line a large plastic cereal dispenser (with a lid). Keep it in the car to use as a trash can. The lid prevents trash from spilling out and making a mess, and it’s way better than garbage being spread across the entire back seat. Empty the bag every evening.
EMPTY THE
CAR OUT
The number one way to keep the car tidy is to empty it out completely every time you return home. Make it part of the routine for the whole family, and teach kids to be responsible for removing their own things.
ELIMINATE VACUUM AND
UNNECESSARY CLUTTER CLEAN YOUR CAR
Take an inventory of everything that’s being Take pride in your car—there’s a good
kept in the car full time. Is it all being used? chance you spent a fortune on it! And a
Remove anything that isn’t a functional part sparkly clean car feels as good as a clean
of traveling. By removing excess items, the house, with much less work. Vacuum,
car will stay tidy. clean the windows, and wipe down the
interior regularly.
ACCOMMODATE
QUICK CLEANING
Convenient, portable cleaning supplies, like wet wipes and a microfiber duster, can make all the difference when it comes to keeping your car feeling fresh. If you’re waiting in the car for even a small amount of time, make the most of those few minutes by wiping down your dashboard and doing some quick dusting. Making these small cleaning tasks into a regular practice can save you time during a seasonal deep clean.
HACK THE
CUPHOLDER
Between dust, crumbs, and other foods spills, cupholders can be tedious to clean. Place silicone cupcake liners in your car’s cupholders to create a barrier against hard-to-clean messes. Once they are dirty, remove the cupcake holders, give them a wash, and return them to the car.
KEEP THE GLOVE BOX
UNDER CONTROL
From old insurance stubs to mechanic receipts, the glove box attracts paper clutter like a magnet. Clear out papers you don’t need and place important items, such as your registration and proof of insurance, in a plastic sheet protector or a folder. When your new car registration and insurance come in the mail, swap out the old paperwork immediately. Your car manual and other important car reference materials should be the only other papers inside.
SORT THE
364 TRUNK INTO BINS
STOCK THE CAR
Keeping a few plastic bins in your trunk will help you keep
FOR EMERGENCIES the space organized, no matter what you’re transporting,
from sports equipment to camping supplies to groceries.
While on the go, you’re bound to
Consider including a few empty bins so you have addirun into a few accidents or emer
tional storage on hand if necessary. gencies. Prepare ahead of time by putting together emergency kits for the car. You never know when a need will arise, so it’s best to be ready for the unexpected. Just remember to remove temperature-sensitive items from the car during periods or seasons of extreme heat or cold.
EMERGENCY KIT
•Personal care kit (hand sanitizer,
tisues, tampons and pads, lip balm, lotion, sunscreen, trash bag, water bottle, blanket, extra money, nonperishable snacks)
•First aid kit
•Potty training kit (wipes, extra
clothing diapers, pull-ups, plastic bag)
CAR CARE KIT
•Jumper cables
•Flashlight and extra batteries •Duct tape
•Multipurpose utility tool •Flare lights
•Tire sealant •Gloves
•Tow rope •Shovel
CONSIDER A
NO-SNACKS RULE
It sounds harsh, but if your family leaves behind trash or other messes after they snack in the car, it might be smart to make the car a food-free zone. You’ll avoid the constant buildup of crumbs, wrappers, and spills. Of course, exceptions can be made for certain occasions like road trips, but on a day-to-day basis, it will make a huge difference.
Index
A shower curtains, 267 medicine cabinets, 270
accent pieces, 156. See also smelling fresh, 254 repainting, 034
centerpieces soap dispensers, 264 storage under, 023
accessories storage under sink, 274 cable boxes, 154
in closets, 224, 237 toilet paper, 255 caddies, 269
in kitchens, 006, 017 trash, 252 calendars, 208
activity stations, 302 bedrooms, 168-188. See also guest cars, 356-365
appliances rooms; kids’ rooms; linens care kits, 363
freezers, 043-048, 079 bedding, 179 cleaning out, 357-360
parts for, 051 cleaning out, 168-170 clutter in, 358
refrigerators, 040-042, 046 desks, 185-186 cupcake holders, 361
small, 027 dog beds, 176 emergency supplies, 363
armoires, 202 drawer dividers, 183 glove box, 362
artwork jewelry storage, 181-182, no-snack rule, 365
in bathrooms, 268 trash cans, 356
from children, 216 mirrors, 187 trunk, 364
attics, 324-329 nightstands, 180 catch-all, 108
beams, 326 ottomans, 175 centerpieces, 038. See also accent
ceiling, 324 pillows, 178 pieces
cleaning out, 329 place for everything in, 188 chairs
donating stuff in, 329 power strips, 177 for desk, 281
organizing, 328 space under bed, 173 dining areas, 082
storage, 325 storage benches, 174 children. See also kids’ rooms
vanities, 185 artwork of, 216
B
beds books, 217
backsplash, 050
in guest rooms, 194 decorating with, 206
bars, 083
loft beds, 212 entryways and, 122
basements, 330-336
storage under, 173 school papers, 285
benefits of, 330
trundle beds, 213 teaching to donate, 219
flooding in, 336
bench warmers, 147 cleaners
keeping clean and dry, 335
blackout shades, 200 baking soda and lemon, 014
living zones, 332
blankets. See also linens for bathrooms, 272
storage, 333-334
in guest rooms, 195 for countertops, 030
utility zone, 331
showing off, 145 dish detergents, 054
baskets, 067
board games, 308 for kitchen sink, 013
catch-all, 106
books storing, 057
in entryway, 117
for children, 217 closets, 220-249
for guests, 196
color-blocking, 137-139 in bathrooms, 271
in living rooms, 143
bookshelves, 137-138 bugs in, 230
for lost items, 315
as built-ins, 151 cleaning out, 220
bathrooms, 250-274
in kid’s rooms, 217 color coding clothes, 225
art for, 268
painting, 161 customizing, 233
brightening up, 259
boot trays, 117 donating clothes, 234
cabinets, 262, 270
buffets, 087 door storage, 230, 245
caddies, 269
bugs, 230 in entryways, 114
cleaning, 251-253, 261, 272,
built-ins hanging clothes, 229, 231,
273
for entryways, 104
closets, 271
in living rooms, 136 in kid’s room, 235-238
doors, 263
storage, 151 for linens, 239-243, 244
eucalyptus, 266
rolling up accessories in, 224
glass in, 260 C
seasonal clothing storage,
metal in, 265 cabinets
227-228
organizing, 250 for adults only, 072
shoe clutter, 223
plants, 258 in bathrooms, 262
sorting items, 221
plungers, 256 for filing, 277
space in, 222, 226
clothing, 231-232 E flooring, 349
color coding, 225 electronics, 153, 293 goodbye station, 355
donating, 234 entryways, 101-123, 363 holiday supplies storage, 353
hanging, 229 built-ins for, 104 labeling things in, 348
seasonal, 238 catch-all, 106, 107 safety in, 350
storing, 227-228 closets, 114 shelving, 344-345
coats, 109 console tables, 118 sports gear storage, 351
cocktail bars, 083 deep cleaning, 102 storage containers, 346
coffee tables, 154, 158-159 design, 101 tool storage, 350
collectables, 084 essentials in, 112 winter storage, 352
consoles, 118, 148 file folder organizers in, 107 garbage
containers furniture, 103 in bathrooms, 252
clear, 074 lack of, 111 car trash cans, 356
in garage, 346 optical illusions in, 120 in dining areas, 097
in kitchens, 020 organizing, 109, 122 in kitchen, 063
reusable, 076 radiators, 121 gardens, 338
cooking space, 004 rugs, 110 gift wrapping stations, 298
countertops, 030 seasonal, 113 glove box, 362
crafts shelving, 115 goodbye station, 355
area for, 214 shoes, 109, 123 guest rooms, 189-197
storing supplies for, 297 storage, 117 baskets, 196
cupcake holders, 361 wall hooks, 105 blankets, 195
curtains, 134, 166-167 eucalyptus, 266 decorating risks, 193
hampers, 192
D F
hotel experience, 189-190
decorative items, 159-160 fabric, 339
linens, 190
desk chair, 281 fans, 195
nightstands, 197
desks, 185-186, 283 file organization, 107, 277, 289
temperature, 195
dining areas, 080-100 fire pits, 341
toiletries, 191
buffets, 087 floor space, 155, 208
towels, 246
chairs, 082 folder organizers, 107
twin beds, 194
cocktail bars, 083 freezers
gym bags, 322
collectibles, 084 deep cleaning and categoriz-
gyms. See home gyms
defining space, 095 ing, 043-048
designing, 080 food for, 079 H
doubling up space of, 090 freezer burn prevention, 047 hallways. See entryway
folding tables, 091 furniture. See also beds; chairs; tables hammocks, 310
garbage cans, 097 accent pieces, 156 hampers, 192, 312
lighting, 094 armoires, 202 hangers, 231-232
repurposing furniture for, desks, 185-186 hardware, 033
dual purposes of, 146, 152 herbs, 039
shelving, 088 elevated, 155 hobby supplies, 130
storage, 085 in entryways, 103 holiday supplies, 353
tables, 081, 089, 092-093 in kids’ room, 205 home gyms, 321-323
dish detergents, 054 in living rooms, 126, 131 keeping simple, 323
dishes murphy desks, 283 odors in, 321
choosing, 023 nightstands, 180 set up, 321
disposable, 026, 100 ottomans, 175 homework stations, 208, 295
storing, 024 for outdoors, 342 hooks, 031, 105, 317
dog beds, 176 repurposing, 086 hotel experience, 189-190
donations, 219, 234, 329 storage benches, 174
I
door storage, 073, 263 vanities, 185
ice storage, 096 drawer dividers, 045
G islands, 036
drinks, 099
gadget drawers, 016. See also junk
dry goods, 029 J
drawers
dry-erase markers, 320 jewelry storage, 181-182, 184
garage, 344-355
DVDs, 140 junk drawers, 059. See also gadget
ceiling, 347
drawers
cleaning, 354
K reusable products, 052 blankets, 145
keepsake box, 288 seating, 037 bookshelves, 137-138, 161
keys, 112 sharp-edged tools, 017 built-ins, 136, 151
kids’ rooms, 198-219 shelving, 008, 060 cable box and internet box,
armoires, 202 sinks, 013, 056, 057-058
artwork, 216 slide outs, 061 cleaning, 132-134, 144
books, 217 smart technology, 050 coffee table trays, 160
calendars, 208 spice stations, 005 coffee tables, 158-159
changing tables, 203 stations, 003 curtains, 166-167
closets, 235-238 storage, 021, 040, 065 decorative items, 159-160
craft areas, 214 storage containers, 020 electronics, 140, 153
decorating, 198, 206, 210 stove hoods, 055 furniture for dual purposes,
dresser drawers, 204 tables, 062 , 152
floor space, 208 utensils, 019 furniture placement, 126,
furniture selection, 205 vertical space, 064
homework stations, 208 wall hooks, 031 grouping similar items, 142
ledgers, 215 zones in, 002 hobby storage, 130
lighting, 199 knives, 017-018 layout, 125
loft beds, 212 lighting, 163
L
organizing, 207 making look bigger, 155
labels
play corners, 209 media center, 128
in dresser drawers, 204
safety in, 198 organization, 141
in garage, 348
shades, 200 ottomans, 150
in kitchens, 075
storage, 201, 211 painting, 135, 161
for linens, 239-243
toys, 218 photo albums, 129
in play spaces, 311
trundle beds, 213 plants, 164
laundry areas, 312-320
kitchens, 001-079. See also reading spot, 127
baskets for lost items, 315
appliances; dishes; pantries sconces, 163
decorating, 316, 318
accessories, 006 shelving, 149
dry-erase markers used in,
baskets, 067 storage, 162, 165
320
bread boxes, 029 tables, 157
hampers, 312
under cabinets, 023 zone system in, 124-126
hooks, 317
cabinets, 034, 072 living zone, 332
organizing, 319 centerpieces, 038
shoe boxes, 314 M
cleaning and organizing, 001,
storage, 313 media centers, 128
011-012, 014, 041-048,
ledgers, 215 medication, 028, 071
053-054
libraries, 296 medicine cabinets, 270
cleaning countertops, 030
lighting microfiber, 014, 052
cleaning supplies, 008
in kids’ room, 199 mirrors, 187
color and texture, 035-036
in kitchens, 049 mudrooms, 116. See also entryway
condiment displays, 015
sconces, 163 mugs, 025
cooking space, 004
linens murphy desks, 283
dishes and glasses, 010
in bedrooms, 171-172
dry goods display, 029 N
closets for, 239-243
food cans, 068-069 natural cleaners, 272
donating, 234
gadget drawers, 016 nightstands, 180, 197
folding, 241-242
garbage, 063 no-snack rule, 365
grouping, 248
growing herbs in, 039
for guest rooms, 190 O
hardware, 033
smell of, 244 office, 275-300
islands, 036
spray for, 172 craft supplies, 297
junk drawers, 059
storing, 249 desk chairs, 281
knife storage, 018
lists, 078 desks, 280, 283
lights, 049
living rooms, 124-167 to-do items, 287
microfibers, 014
accent pieces, 156 drawer organization, 282
mugs, 025
under-arm consoles, 148 file organization, 289
paper sorting, 026
baskets, 143 filing cabinets, 277
pills and vitamins, 028
bench warmers, 147 footprint of, 300
prep areas, 007
gift wrapping station, 298 pills, 028, 071 soap dispensers, 264
homework stations, 295 planning zone, 278 spice stations, 005
keepsake box, 288 plants, 164, 258 sports gear, 351
Lazy Susans, 294 play spaces, 301-311 storage benches, 174
library in, 296 activity stations, 302 stove hoods, 055
paper clutter, 284 age appropriate storage, 303
T
pegboards, 292 board game storage, 309
tables
periodicals, 286 cleaning up, 305, 306
changing tables, 203
printers, 293 hammocks, 310
coffee tables, 158-159
school papers, 285 in kids’ room, 209
console tables, 118
sharing space with other labeling bins, 311
decorative items on, 159
rooms, 279 organizing, 301, 307
in dining areas, 080-081,
small, 299 puzzle organization, 308
089
storage, 300 storage bins, 304
folding tables, 091
storage boxes, 290 tables, 309
fold-out kitchen tables, 062
supplies for, 291 tents, 311
glass-topped, 157
tax folders, 294 pools, 099, 343
leaves in, 092
wall organizers, 292 porcelain cleaners, 014
for play spaces, 309
zones in, 275-278 power strips, 177
profile tables, 165
oils, 254 printers, 293
with screw legs, 093
old towels, 119 puzzles, 308
tax folders, 294
one in, one out rule, 139, 220
R tents, 311
optical illusions, 120
radiators, 121 to-do items, 287
ottomans, 150, 175
reading spots, 127 toilet cleaners, 272
outdoor fabric, 339
refrigerators toilet paper, 255
outdoor space, 331, 337-343
cleaning and organizing, toiletries, 191
cleaning supplies storage, 340
-042 towels
entertaining in, 099-100
labeling food in, 046 for guests, 246
fabric for, 339
space over, 040 old, 119
fire pit, 341
rugs, 110 separating, 247
furniture and cushion stor
storage, 257
age, 340 S
toys, 218
patios, 337 sconces, 163
traffic flow, 125
pool supplies storage, 343 sheets
trash. See garbage
vertical gardens, 338 folding, 241-242
twin beds, 194
grouping by beds, 248
P
storage, 249 U
painting
shelves under-arm consoles, 148
bathrooms, 259
in bathrooms, 262 under-sink shelving, 008
guest rooms, 193
in entryway, 115 utensils, 019, 100
living rooms, 135
in garage, 344-345
pantries, 009, 066-070 V
in kitchen, 060
categorizing, 032 vanities, 185
in linen closets, 243
containers, 074 vertical gardens, 338
in living rooms, 149
labeling in, 075 vitamins, 028, 071
pull-out, 008
medication and vitamins
under-sink, 008 W
storage, 071
shoes wall organizers, 292
school lunch stations, 077
in closets, 223, 236 wallets, 112
party supplies, 098
in entryways, 109, 123 winter storage, 342, 352
patios, 337
shower cleaners, 272
peel-and-stick removable tile, Z
shower curtains, 267
zone system, 124-126
sinks
pegboards, 292
cleaners, 013, 057, 272 periodicals, 286
pedestal sink, 274 pets
shelving under, 008 dog beds, 176
storage under, 274 hair, 134
slipcovers, 133 photo albums, 129
smart technology, 050
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