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Declutter It!

Time for Storage

by Julie on March 25th, 2007

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For me, this is the most fun part of organizing. The shopping part!

One rule though: Before you go shopping, look around your house for storage items that you are not using. Most likely we all have a bin or two laying around that we had every good intention of using (guilty here!)

Time For Storage

First divide the items by the tasks and activities for which you use them. For example: The kitchen may be used for cooking and paperwork, the bedroom may also be the in-house cinema.

Go through each pile and combine each items that you use for each tasks, such as all the bill-paying supplies. As you make these piles, write down what they are and what is in each pile to help you choose appropriate containers.

Also consider where you will use each pile of items. Where will you perform the task of bill-paying? What furniture or appliances do you need close at hand?

Seperate items by frequency of use. For example items in your bathroom like toothbrushes, make-up, jewelry are all used on a daily basis. These are frequently used items. Items like nail kit, hair color, shaver cleaning kit are used less frequently.

Make a sketch of the room and arrange the templates around until you feel the right balance has been achieved. Make the sketch on graph paper and use make 1 square equal to 1 sp. foot. Remember to sketch in any built-ins, windows, doors, etc…

Before shopping for containers, determine a budget.

Take your inventory sheet and measurements to the store with you.

Consider buying furniture that serves as storage also; armiores, end tables, storage ottomans, benches…

Use the large industrial size bins for big, lightweight items like sweater, blankets, beach gear, etc… They are not good for smaller, heavier objects.

Also consider if items are best stored in open or closed containers or open shelves. Open storage is best for items that are uniform in appearance like a dozen matching washcloths or a set of gleaming copper pots.

Clear containers are best for bedroom closets and playroom cupboards. They are also usually less expensive.

Opaque containers look dressier and help the space appear neater. They are a good choice for table tops, desks and public rooms.

Even after everything is organized the space can still look cluttered because of mismatched furniture or eclectic accessories. Store similar collectibles together for a cleaner, tidier look.

Painting the walls and updating the flooring can also give the space a fresh start.

Next stage: Keeping the Clutter Away for Good

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POSTED IN: Organizing Basics, Storage

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