space invasions Interesting Homes. Offices. Playgrounds.
The New Year is the perfect time to get organized. These five simple steps will help you get organized and stay that way. –melody vaughn
1. Start One Place and Finish It
Select one area to organize at a time. As tempting as it may be to organize the entire home at once, it’s not realistic. Focus your attention on the area that gives you the most headaches or the area your guests see the most. This Basic Stack Basket from HOME DEPOT is perfect for sorting or storing small items and is nicely priced at $9.99.
2. Review it All
After choosing the area to get started, go through everything. Release things that are broken or have not been used in two years. Throw them out, donate them to a charity or hold a garage sale … just let them go. For the things you must keep, (like plastic grocery bags) this sleek, stainless steel bag recycle caddy by simplehuman is the perfect accessory. CONTAINER STORE $29.99
3. Take Inventory
After clearing the clutter, look at what’s left. Does it belong there? Is it displayed well? Can you get to it easily? Is the overall space being used well? If not, make the necessary adjustments to keep it neat. These UnderBed bins are the solution to many storage dilemmas. TARGET, from $19.99
4. Add Color
The easiest way to organize your kids’ school and sports gear in your entryway or mudroom is to use storage bins in different colors for each child. Color-code your office filing system. Use red for important hot-button matters, yellow for bright ideas and so on. TARGET $39.99
5. Keep it Visible and Accessible
Now that the clutter is gone and you can use what you have, make sure you can access it. Visibility is key to staying organized, so having a step stool nearby is recommended. Every home should have a step ladder. LOWE’s offer several styles, sizes and finishes starting at $29.99.
