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Storage with a Purpose Out of sight, peace of mind: Can your clutter tonight  Image courtesy "Store It" (Filipacchi Publishing, 2009) Before piling all of your seasonal linens and clothes into a box in a storage closet, consider taking these pre-steps: sort, rearrange, systemize and yes, even throw away. "Organizing is everything you do before you store something," says Mervyn Kaufman, author of "Store It!: Where to Put all the Things You Need to Keep" (Filipacchi, 2009). A huge part of organization is throwing out things that you don't need or don't have a place for. Even well-organized spaces can look cluttered if too many items are packed in. The more you can get rid of, the easier the organization and storage process becomes, says Kaufman, who also authored "Organize It!: How to Declutter Every Nook and Cranny in and Outside Your Home" (Filipacchi, 2006). Here are Kaufman's and Olescia Hanson's, a spokeswoman for The Container Store, tips on how to get things in order at home. Location, location, location Act like an interrogator with every article. "Tweezers shouldn't be in a kitchen drawer. Ask where the piece belongs and if it's not where it should be, then move it to the right location," Hanson says. One size doesn't always fit Is the sentimental value of that prom dress really worth the space it's taking up in your closet? There are various formulas for cleaning out a closet like the one-year rule: If it hasn't graced your body in the past year, trash it. This rule may not be for everyone, Kaufman points out. He suggests deciding which items in your closet someone else can get more use out of than you. Vital visibility Out of sight, but not out of mind. Choose containers that are transparent or easy to label to save valuable time looking for something when you do need it. Whether it's a Lucite container or not, labeling is important, Kaufman says. He suggests including the contents and date of packing to avoid having to drag out containers and unpack them before you know what you've got. All access Keep commonly used items close and daily used items closer. Aim for minimal movement when deciding which drawer or shelf to store an item. From toys to T-shirts, allow kids accessibility to free up precious parenting time. Adaptability Some storage options can actually change with your tastes. Hanson suggests a system similar to The Container Store's Elf line: "It's a modular customized shelving and drawer system," she says. "You adjust the shelving and/or add on drawers as you need, so you never outgrow your organizational efforts." Whatever system you choose, make sure it will stand the test of time. |
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