Organizing a home

Before organizing a home, you will need some tools. You’ll need a vacuum sweeper, broom, dusting cloth, trash cans or plastic bags for cleaning. Boxes and permanent markers will be needed for labeling.

First label the boxes with the words “donate, storage, and keep.” Now you have three boxes and a can or bag for trash. You can also use a bin to add recyclables.

Once the items are separated into the proper receptacle, you can determine if you want to invest in shelves or clear plastic bins for what is kept.

Under the bed is a good place for items that are not used often. With a large closet, you can move a dresser in or add shelving units. A good and less expensive way to go is storage crates that can be stacked against the wall of a closet. Use the top for pants and shirts, the bottom for shoes. Leave an opened space in the middle for dresses or long skirts. Instead of a nightstand with small drawers, get a 2-drawer filing cabinet. You can cover it with a tablecloth or piece of fabric to make it look nice.

Smaller storage crates are wonderful. You can use a couple for mail, one that needs immediate attention, the other for later. Utensil dividers are more than for keeping your silverware in order; they can organize small desktop items such as paper clips and rubber bands.