Storage and Closets
Finding space for life´s little pleasures
Aside from throwing stuff out or giving it away, sometimes it´s necessary to rethink home storage options. While many homes have adequate closet space, many don´t.
Closet and storage designers can help
Don´t know where to start? A storage designer can help you define storage needs and get your possessions organized. You´ll want to check references and credentials and find a good fit for your needs, but in the long run, a pro can help you simplify your life so you can do what you enjoy. Whether you select a designer who puts together closet organizing systems or an interior carpenter who specializes in custom built-ins, there is a professional who is suitable for your project.
Tips for getting started
The following tips will help you get organized and plan a few storage projects:
- Plan your storage needs. This may require editing your stuff. You probably have things you´ve forgotten about and thinning those out will free up space and clarify how you might develop more useful storage areas.
- Planning and decluttering go together. Start small.
- Keep like items together. Start with one area like the hall closet, one task-based project like all sewing supplies, or one class of stuff like papers. For example, focus on organizing ALL your papers; toss, file, and then store. Once you finish one type of item, move on to the next. Different people organize differently and there is one best way for you, but there´s no silver bullet.
- Label everything. It really helps find stuff later. You will not remember, even though it seems obvious at the time. Label files, boxes, and even shelves.
- Store items near the point of use. It´s common sense of course, but sometimes not that easy. Add storage where it´s inadequate. If you need towel storage in the bathroom for example, add a linen tower or shelves.
- Find a place for everything to live. This is really important; otherwise stuff floats around the house because it doesn´t have a closet or storage area it belongs. This makes it hard to clean, because there´s always something laying around.
- Teach the kids to put stuff away and give them designated spaces for stuff. Take a lesson from their classrooms. Most schoolrooms are well organized, so keep your eyes peeled for solutions you can take home with you. It´s an easy way to reinforce tidy habits at home. Kid-friendly built-in storage is a great way to make it easy on everyone.
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