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Martha Stewart's Homekeeping Handbook: The Essential Guide for Caring for Everything in Your Home

Home Comforts: The Art and Science of Keeping House

Good HousekeepingThe Complete Clutter Solution: Organize Your Home for Good

My Home Workbook: The Essential Home Owner's Record-Keeper for Costs, Repairs, Finance Details, Improvements, Renovations, Monthly To-do Lists, Chores, Phone Numbers

Previous:
How to Purge Clutter

Next:
How to Keep Your Home Organized

How to Make Space for Keepers

Once you’ve carted off your trash and donations, it’s time to organize the remaining items and designate storage areas for them. Separate the keepers into piles according to kind or purpose. Logical groupings might include books, DVDs, remote controls, photos, and linens. Now consider where you use the items most, who else in your home uses the items, how often they’re used, and the ideal spot for them.

How to Find the Ideal Storage Area

Think imaginatively and contemplate storage locations other than where you’ve typically stored each item—keep in mind the organizing vision you created earlier. Look for the following when finding an ideal storage area for each item:

There’s a good chance you’ll actually put the items there.
The designated spot is large enough to hold the items.
Storing items in that space is unlikely to cause injury to other members of your household (including pets).
The space meets all storage requirements listed on the item’s label.
Storing the item there doesn’t create visual clutter.
The area’s accessibility corresponds to the frequency with which you use the items that are stored there.

A Note on Storage Containers

You may discover that your built-in cabinets, closets, and shelves won’t hold everything or simply aren’t the best location for certain items. In these cases, consider portable storage devices such as canisters, pegs, racks, stands, bins, baskets, boxes, or even permanent, built-in storage units. When considering a storage container, give thought to:

Purpose
Position
Material it’s made from
Whether it’s open or covered
Whether it’s transparent or opaque
Budget limitations

Plastic is the most versatile storage choice—Rubbermaid and other companies make flexible but sturdy containers that look good and protect against water, dust, and pest damage. Wood and cloth baskets can be used for decorative accents but aren’t good for long-term storage. You can choose between opaque and transparent storage units unless a particular item is light-sensitive and must be kept in a dark box. Finally, label each container to indicate what’s inside.

Acknowledgments & Disclaimer