DIY Network

Storage Solutions This DIY kit will demonstrate storage ideas and solutions for your entire home.

advertisement

Features Print Version Email to a Friend Add to My Projects

This DIY kit demonstrates storage ideas and solutions for your entire home. Figure A Figure B

Many of us feel trapped by a rising tide of clutter. Well you don't have to because with an action plan and some simple tools, you can begin to take control.

• Start by identifying places in your house that require organization.

• Now sort and categorize.

• Get rid of anything you don't need and file the rest.

• Use containers that will let you stack and store efficiently.

• Group like items together, and keep containers clearly marked and labels in view.

• In the bathroom, sort items into different categories, such as dental, hair care and medication (figure A).

• Use a label-maker and iron-on fabric labels to identify clothing. This is great for sleepovers or when sending your children to camp.

• Give each child his or her own laundry basket, and have them put their own clothes away. In fact, labeling things in your child's room is a great way to teach organization.

  Note: By creating a natural "home" for things, you'll be surprised at how much cleaner their room will stay.

• One of the messier places in the home is usually the workshop. Get organized by installing a pegboard and hooks to hang up tools (figure B). Keep nails, screws and bolts in compartments -- with the size and length of each clearly marked.

• Despite your best efforts, clutter will continue to grow every day in the form of mail. Instead of flipping through and tossing it aside, create an action file. Divide it into sections for bills to pay, paper to file and things to do -- and sort accordingly. And keep a trash can nearby for that unwanted junk mail.

• Whatever your plan, stick to it. The rewards will be worth it.