Dan's Papers - September 21, 2007

That's it! You've had it. You refuse to trip over that pile of clothes another day! There won't be one more morning of stepping in something sticky on the bathroom floor. No more planning to meet friends in the driveway for fear they'll see that mail pile three feet high. It is time to get organized. Try these storage ideas and get a hold on that clutter in your life now.

The first thing you need to do is take inventory of your needs. Society tells us that more is better, so you are not alone in your struggle. Millions of people nationwide are stuck in a junk trap; although their houses are brimming, they keep buying! It is beneficial to start organizing one room at a time. Remove everything from a single room and decide what you will keep and what you will throw away. Have a shirt you haven't worn in six months? A book you got through fifty pages of and decided you hated? An ugly, (albeit expensive) vase from your ex-mother-in-law that makes you gag? A plane ticket from a trip you took four years ago? If you are no longer using something, or find items that were missing (but not missed) for a month, or you don't like a piece anymore, stop holding onto it! Today's the day to throw it out (or give it to a local thrift shop). Imagine what you would like your room and house to look like and keep that image in mind as you sort. And remember, do not buy anything new without taking something old out.

In rooms where floor space is at a minimum, such as the bathroom, or a small, heavily furnished studio, look to the walls. Vertical storage units are for you and look great too! Try a simple, modern unit with a number of shelves. Purchase baskets or containers of the same style to place on each shelf for a modern look, or go eclectic by mixing and matching. Attach hooks or bars to get towels off the countertops and floors in bathrooms and kitchen. For a quick fix that is great when renting or for use on tiles, choose a simple hook with an easy removing strip, 3M's Removable Utility Hooks with Command Adhesive. For more permanent, fashionable styles, try Pottery Barn's gorgeous accented bars and hooks in finishes ranging from nickel to copper. These hooks also work well in foyers that frequently have coats, scarves, or hats strewn on the floor; try a series of three to five in a row for a uniform look.

Another great trend for storage is a trellis display. This is an easy do-it-yourself project. Simply buy a garden trellis and sand, prime, and paint in a color to complement the room. Add wooden pegs, like drawer pulls, where the wood intersects. Screw this to the wall and you are ready to go! This is a great way to store handbags or hats. Children like it in their rooms too.

Kitchens are often a site of clutter, so make an effort here. Notice a lot of post-it notes with dates and phone messages? Opt for a large calendar the whole family can use. Also, purchase a wipe board so messages are easily added and removed. Food hard to find? Go for uniform storage containers. This allows you to store cereals, grains, dried fruits, nuts, and pastas to maximize your cabinet space. For spices, try Kamenstein's Magnetic Tins ($39.95 on Amazon.com for a set of 12). Perfect for a fridge, it becomes a pretty, accessible display for your key ingredients. Also, install dividers in your cabinets. Instead of storing pans, boards, and baking sheets awkwardly at the bottom of a cabinet, place them tightly upright for easy grabbing.

Another great method of storage is to discover duel functions. Have a window with a gorgeous view you never use? Create a built-in window seat. Hire someone to create a box to fit the space or do it yourself. Pad the top of the box and line with a pretty fabric. Like to read in bed or just have lots on your side table? Choose a headboard that provides storage and you'll gain extra space.

Remember, a decluttered home is happier. Fight the urge to buy that which you don't need, throw out the stuff you have and don't use, and keep your eyes open for creative ways to store that which you love.