Helpful Tips

Blog by Marty Bautista

Greenbrae, California

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Posted at Helpful Tips by Marty Bautista

Aug. 25, 2008

Tagged with: conquer clutter, pack rats, professional organizer

Calling all pack rats: Are you ready to conquer clutter once and for all? The National Association of Professional Organizers (www.napo.net) offers these handy tips:

Kid’s Room

· Place bins and boxes on lower shelves so a child can put away the toys.

· Label storage so it’s easy for children to put items where they belong.

· Provide low hooks to hang up sweaters, pajamas, jackets, book bags, etc.

· Take children with you when you go to donate unused items. This helps them learn to part with things.

Closets

· Pull out everything you haven’t worn in the past year.

· Display what you want at your fingertips and store the rest on top shelves or in drawers.

· Make sure you can see what you have in your closet.

· Consider installing good lighting.

· Hang like items together — shirts, pants, dresses, etc.

Kitchen

· Consolidate things that work together, such as baking pans, electrical appliances, plastic containers (with lids), and pots and pans.

· Use drawer dividers to keep utensils in order.

· Rotate food staples out of your pantry.

· Feel the flow of activity. Place glasses near the sink or refrigerator. Put snacks in a convenient drawer or cupboard.

· If this is becoming too much of a struggle then maybe it is time to let an expert redesign your dream kitchen. My favorite is Susan Lund, owner of Spacial Design 415.457.3195

Garage

· Decide how to use the space. Is it a workshop? Is it a storage center?

· Toss things that don’t work!

· Sort, purge and properly store treasures.

· Consider floor-to-ceiling shelving, racks, stackable drawers, hooks and pegboards.

If the task is feeling a little overwhelming, it is a good idea to hire a Professional Organizer to help you. Professional Organizers do this all the time and they know what works. They have great insight as to what systems have worked for others and what will work for you. They can help you go through the emotional challenges associated with all that stuff.

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