Closets, Storage & Organizers

Instructions Step 1: Remove the door from its frame Take the door out of its frame and lay it across two sawhorses to keep it steady and level while you work. Step 2: Remove hardware Remove all of the door’s hardware, including doorknobs and hinges, using a screwdriver. Step 3: Sand the door Use a …

Instructions Step 1: Maintain a schedule Maintain a written weekly schedule of responsibilities for everyday responsibilities. Routines aid in accomplishing tasks quickly and efficiently, allowing you to stay focused. TIP: Encourage everyone in the house to use checklists to join you in getting the family’s act organized. Step 2: Throw things out Throw things out. …

Instructions Step 1: Examine the makeup Examine the makeup and throw away any makeup that is expired, smells funny, has changed color, or has dried out. Also throw away makeup that you won’t use. TIP: Old makeup can build up bacteria and germs that can cause infections, like pink eye and skin breakouts. Step 2: …

Instructions Step 1: Toss the junk Before you do anything else, toss out anything and everything that is beyond repair, hopelessly outdated, or you know you’ll never use again. Donate whatever is still in working order — and don’t forget to get a receipt for the tax deduction. Step 2: Use hooks Place hooks on …

Instructions Step 1: Check your use of space Check your vanity for poorly appropriated space. If your home or apartment is lucky enough to have a vanity with cupboards, organize so you utilize the space well. Step 2: Get organized Get organized. Start collecting storage bins or creating cinch bags that match the decor in …

Instructions Step 1: Keep fruits and vegetable separate Keep fruits and vegetables separate. Different gases are produced by fruits and vegetables, which cause others to deteriorate. Step 2: Store leftovers Store leftovers in airtight, leakproof containers. TIP: Make sure any containers you purchase or use have a tight seal, and throw away old storage containers …

Instructions Step 1: Avoid cabinet Avoid using the medicine cabinet. There is too much moisture in the bathroom. Store your medications in a cabinet or drawer in another room instead. TIP: Avoid a location above the stove or sink. Step 2: Keep out of sunlight Keep your medications out of direct sunlight and away from …

Instructions Step 1: Remove nonperishable items Remove items that don’t need refrigeration. Food items such as tomatoes, onions, and potatoes can be kept at room temperature. Step 2: Group taller items together Group taller items toward the back so you can see the items in the front. TIP: Stand all bottles upright to prevent spills. …

Instructions Step 1: Dump it out Dump everything out. You heard us—just pull the entire drawer out of the dresser and upend it. Step 2: Toss the junk It’s called a junk drawer for a reason—a lot of it is just plain junk! Throw away anything that’s broken, missing a piece, or a complete mystery …

Instructions Step 1: Assemble shelving Hang shelves to help clear clutter from bench and floor space. Store like items together, such as lawn and garden tools, home repair equipment, and auto repair supplies. Step 2: Install peg board Install a pegboard near your tool bench, and then hang small hand tools, like tin snips, handsaws, …

Instructions Step 1: Measure the drawer Measure the inside height, width, and depth of the inside of the drawer. Step 2: Measure and cut paper Measure and cut the wrapping paper or contact paper to fit the inside bottom of the drawer. Adhere it with the double-sided tape. Step 3: Cut a strip of cardboard …

Instructions Step 1: Buy devices with retractable cords Buy devices with retractable cords so only the amount of cord needed is visible. Step 2: Use cord ties Use cord ties to bind cords together. TIP: You can also use cable ties, clips, and Velcro fasteners. Step 3: Hide in cord tubes Hide multiple cords in …

Instructions Step 1: Set up Set up three boxes: ‘garbage,’ ‘donations,’ and ‘I’ll think about it later.’ Step 2: Sort Sort through boxes, closets, and shelves and get rid of as much stuff as possible. Be ruthless! The worst that can happen is that you’ll throw out something you’ll have to buy again. Step 3: …

Instructions Step 1: Organize by genre Organize your books by genre. Separate fiction and non-fiction works, then subdivide each of these categories. Non-fiction, for example, could be further broken down into reference, travel, and self-help. TIP: Consider purchasing home-library software. Step 2: Organize by library classification Organize your books according to library classifications. The Dewey …

Instructions Step 1: Review Empty the contents of every box and bag in your attic. Put aside anything you can’t imagine you’ll ever again use, need, or want. TIP: Before you throw out anything that is really old—a postcard, fishing gear, toy trains—check on the internet to make sure you’re not tossing a valuable collectible. …

Instructions Step 1: Pare down Throw out long-expired food before it poses a national health threat, and donate anything you dislike. TIP: If you’re unsure whether to throw out an item, ask yourself if you’d trust it to use in a recipe, or if you’d go out and buy a new one. Step 2: Store …

Instructions Step 1: Make figure eights Arrange the cord in figure-eight loops, leaving about two loops worth of uncoiled wire to wrap around the middle. Step 2: Wrap the middle Wrap the remaining cord around the middle of the figure eight a few times. Step 3: Push it through the loop Push the loose end …

Instructions Step 1: Contact the pros For referrals, contact the National Association of Professional Organizers (found online at www.napo.net), or just type ‘professional organizer’ into a search engine. Step 2: Ask about price Ask about price. Fees vary widely based on geographic location, experience, and the type of services provided. Most organizers charge an hourly …

Instructions Step 1: Gather products Gather all your cleaning products together in one container before you start cleaning. TIP: Put on some high-energy music to set the pace and keep you going. Step 2: Remove and shake Remove any dustcovers you have on stored items, shake the covers outside, then toss them in the washing …

Instructions Step 1: Identify wall substance Identify what kind of wall will hold the rod—drywall, masonry, or concrete. Step 2: Mark location Figure out where you want to hang the rod, and mark the points with a pencil. TIP: Have someone hold the clothing rod in different locations to determine the ideal place to install …

Instructions Step 1: Identify your walls Identify whether your closet walls are drywall, masonry, or concrete. Step 2: Choose hooks Choose hooks according to the composition of your walls and how much weight you want them to hold. Ask at your hardware store for advice or research them online. TIP: Hooks that must be hammered …

Instructions Step 1: Measure space Measure the space available for shelves. Step 2: Identify wall substance Check if your walls are made of drywall, masonry, or concrete. Step 3: Locate a stud If your walls are drywall, locate a stud – the frame behind the drywall. You can use a studfinder (available at hardware stores) …

Instructions Step 1: Empty closet Empty the closet. Take everything out and put it on a large, clean surface with enough room for you to move things around and create separate piles. The top of a bed or dining table is ideal. Step 2: Separate winter & summer clothes Separate your winter clothes from your …

Instructions Step 1: Have a sale If you want a little extra cash, take the items in best shape and have a garage sale. Step 2: Look at your stuff Look at your stuff and ask yourself, ‘Does having this make me happy right now?’ Disregard if the possession meant something to you in the …

Instructions Step 1: Follow the two year rule Put aside everything you haven’t worn in two years. Trust us, you won’t miss it. Studies show if you haven’t worn something in two years, you’ll probably never wear it again. In fact, we wear the same 20% of our clothes 80% of the time. Step 2: …

Instructions Step 1: Remove everything Take everything—except big items like computer equipment—off and out of your desk. Step 2: Clean it Wipe the desk down with a wet cloth. Step 3: Toss it Toss everything that is useless or outdated. Pitch pens that don’t work. You only need to keep credit card receipts until your …