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Dare to Clear out the Clutter |
| ARA Content |
Two Pros Offer Tips for Getting Organized
(ARA) - The change of seasons and the start of a New Year present a perfect time to clear out clutter and get organized. To make the task less daunting, experts Julie Sussman and Stephanie Glakas-Tenet, authors of the best selling book, "Dare to Repair," provide tips for what they consider the three main "dumping grounds" of the house. As motivation, the two women point out that the average person spends approximately 25 minutes every day looking for things they can't find in their own home!
Back Door Storage
For many active families the back door is a heap of shoes, backpacks, pet paraphernalia, cell phones and the like. Little wonder that mud rooms are making a comeback. To give organization to your back door dumping ground, start by lining up everything that is heaped there and then assign each item a type of storage and a place for it. Consider creating a surface for writing notes and laying down groceries, as well as a chalkboard or bulletin board for posting notes and reminders and a mirror for last-minute "touch ups." Turn this information into a rough sketch and a shopping list. Many storage items are designed for easy assembly and installation, so in just one weekend, you can most likely transform your back door chaos into an attractive working space.
Bedroom Closets
After cleaning up the back entry, move onto another high use, hard-hit area -- bedroom closets. To start, we suggest placing last season's wardrobe into plastic storage bins designed to fit under your bed. With more room in the closet, you can concentrate on getting organized and putting every square inch to good use. The best way to maximize closet space is with a closet organization system that includes drawers, shelving and shoe cubbies. Lowe's has these systems in a variety of materials and components to meet your needs. Be sure to measure the closet interior carefully, taking into consideration baseboards, light fixtures, a mirror or anything else that might affect accuracy and installation. A sketch is always a good idea.
Garages
As garages have expanded in use and visibility, manufacturers have responded with an array of new, heavy duty storage options designed for bikes, sporting equipment, tools, toys and practically anything else that gets stored in a typical garage. Because garage floor space is limited, the new storage units maximize walls and ceilings. Wire units and clear plastic containers allow you to see what's stored on the highest shelves. It is always a good idea to have a few lockable cabinets for pesticides and other potentially harmful substances. With these modifications, your garage will be more functional and safe -- and a sight to behold when the doors are open.
For more information about home organization or home improvement, visit Lowes.com/DaretoRepair.
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| About the Author |
©2005 All rights reserved
Courtesy of ARA Content
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