Friday, June 17, 2011

How to Organize Home


Did you resolve to get organized this year? Getting organized has been the number one item on my list for as long as I can remember. With Emily Wilska's book, Organizing Your Home: Decluttering Solutions and Storage Ideas, maybe just maybe it will finally happen.

The book is lavishly and colorfully illustrated. Each page has photographs of relevant products and specific items you're likely to need to store or display items in your home. The book begins with a brief introduction with ideas on what could be creating your disorganization and a brief overview about clutter control, systems and maintenance. The author then dives right in and goes room by room, closet by closet, and even drawer by drawer throughout your house.

In the kitchen Wilska looks at common trouble spots including in the kitchen cabinets, under the sink, and on the countertops. Suggestions include pullout trash cans, door-mounted storage, hanging racks and shelf expanders. Special consideration is given to maximizing food storage in the refrigerator and freezer. And who doesn't need help organizing her recipe collection? You'll find tips for taming that mass of clippings and cards too.

Bathroom storage is thoroughly covered. The author looks at how to deal with your medicine cabinet, the linen closet and even the tub and shower. An entire section is devoted to towel racks. If you don't have a linen closet doesn’t despair -- the author has some good ideas to compensate.

Clothing and accessories organization and storage is addressed in the section on bedrooms. Whether you are blessed with a large walk-in closet or have to resort to stashing clothes in under bed storage you'll find ideas to maximize your space. Wondering what to do with that jumbled pile of shoes? You'll find some great products here - shoe drawers, shoe cubbies, floor racks and over-door racks.

From the attic, to the cellar, and out to the garage storage remedies are mapped out for every space in your house. What sort of impression does your house give when visitors come calling? Is the entryway cluttered? The hall closets a jumbled mess? The mudroom more than muddy? Clear the clutter with these tips and feel proud when you open the door to guests.

The rest of the book deals with specific items that create challenges for many of us. Music, movies and video games can be streamlined with these tips. Kids' toys and schoolwork each get a section. Holiday supplies, luggage, tools, crafting supplies, and memorabilia all merit coverage. And if you're a bulk shopper who's stashing great hordes of paper goods and more you'll find some methods to tame the madness. There's even a section on organizing inside your car.

If you're like me you've probably bought a number of how to get organized books. Emily Wilska's Organizing Your Home may just be the last one you need to buy.