Organization Tips
Was your New Year's Resolution this year to get organized? We can help you keep your new years resolution this year by giving you some simple tips to use the space you have more efficiently. Many of these ideas are low or no cost to you! All it takes is a little time and determination to get your life organized (and trust me, it's worth it!).
- Insufficient or ineffective storage? There is a big difference between the two. Insufficient storage means you do not have enough space to store your belongings. Ineffective means you have enough space, but you are not using it to its full potential. Most closets and cabinets have the volume to store twice as many items as they were designed to hold. Look around your house for other nooks and crannies that you can use to store items.
- Add-a-Rod. If you need extra storage in your closet, and it has at least 2 walls, put in a second closet rod. One should be at head-height for your longer items (dresses, pants, ect.). On an opposing wall, put one rod up high (for non-season items) and a second below the middle rod, for in-season shorter items (shirts, blazers, ect.) This utilizes tons more space, and eliminates the need to store your more seasonal items elsewhere.
- Install shelves. Most wall shelving units allow you to move the shelves up or down a notch. For instance, if you have 3 inches above your cleaning supplies, adjust the shelf to close the gap, and give your other shelves some extra room. If all of your shelves have excess room, close the gaps, and add another shelf in the row to maximize your space. This works especially well in kitchens and laundry rooms. For knick knacks, try installing corner shelves, which are visually appealing and great for displaying small treasures!
- Use storage totes and other space-saving devices. Totes are a great way to store seasonal decorations, toys, and other items. Under the bed containers can be used for linens, blankets, and rarely used clothing, and spice racks in the kitchen for your cooking spices and other small containers. You can also buy can dispensers, some of which can hold up to 40 cans at one time, and for your living room, purchase a coffee table with hidden storage! Be creative!
- Don't forget about wall space. If you have a place with lots of empty wall space, consider going vertical with your storage. Use pegboard with hooks to hang tools in the garage or pots and pans in the kitchen. Use decorative shelves to display items (as described above).
- Put frequently used items within arms reach. If you use it often, store it in an easily accessible place! This also goes for organization. Put linens in the bedroom, toilet paper in the bathroom, scissors in the kitchen, ect. If you use an item in multiple rooms, consider buying duplicates to reduce the chances of that item getting lost.
- Keep your desk clear. If your desk is clear, you will be more productive. If you don't already, invest in a filing cabinet (a 2 drawer is fairly inexpensive) and file all paperwork. Excluding tax returns and other important financial documents, you can shred bill statements and other information after 18 months. If you want to keep them longer, scan them into your computer, and save them on a CD or Zip drive, as it takes up much less room. Organize desk supplies in drawers in utensil containers, or make your own!
- Rearrange your space. Every family has different needs. For instance, if you never use your dining room, convert it into a home office. Or, turn that large unused room in your basement into a playroom for the kids (it also keeps their belongings more organized and confined to one area. Just because a room has a label does not mean you have to use it as such! If the arrangement of your furniture is not working in your living room, consider arranging it so it does, even if it means getting rid of a piece or two. The more stuff you have in a room, the smaller the room will appear and feel.
- Rotate your items. If you have an overabundance of knick knacks you just can't part with, try switching them out every month. Divide your collection in two, put half (neatly!) in storage, and display the other half. At the beginning of the month, switch the collection. Not only will you get to enjoy all of your knick knacks, you will give your room a fresh look every month!
We carry organizational tools such as shelving, organizers, plastic totes, pegboard, hooks, and anything else that you need for your organizing project. Happy New Year, and Happy Organizing!
