The Garage

This is often the most neglected area in the home. Michael Chalmers of GarageTek says, “It is another room in the home, but it is underused and the most abused. It is also the most seen by others.” Consumers would be amazed at what can be done in this area to add space, organization, and ease of use. Take a look at this garage system made of fire rated, waterproof PVC. It can be customized to fit your needs, whether you need space for children’s toys, a workshop, gardening tools, or a fishing rack.

Appliances

Nearly everyone has seen the new stackable washer and dryers. But did you realize they use only half as much floor space as a regular washer and dryer and can still handle a large load like a bedspread or a rug? Many people have them in cabins and second homes where space is a premium. Others like them in their everyday living because they can install them closer to the dirty laundry. This allows them to do a load of laundry at the end of each day without trudging up and down stairs.

How about considering a trash compactor? They take up about the same amount of space as a small cabinet and they can compact trash to one quarter the size it originally was. Many people don't have garbage collection at their cabin, choosing instead to bring it home with them.The trash compactor brings the trash to an amount they can put in the back of the truck. It is also great for the environment. Take a look at this model available at Warners’ Stellian Appliances throughout the metro area.

Freezer/Refrigerator

Consider wire racks found at storage stores. They can house pop, juice, and other small items in half the space by stacking them.

Closets

Start by getting rid of the clothes you don't wear. One trick is to hang all clothing items with the hangar turned around to face out. As you wear things hang them back up the normal way. After one year (which gets you through each season of clothing) any hangars still facing backwards tells you it's an item of clothing to get rid of. Then arrange your wardrobe by type for ease of use.

The trend in designer closets has shown us how invaluable shelving can be. If you have his and her reach-in closets, consider dedicating one closet to varying levels of dowels for hanging clothes, and one with just shelves and drawers. It is amazing how much can fit into an area made of shelves. In areas like laundry rooms and garages, consider shelving units on wheels. It is easier to access them and the area behind them. It is also easier to clean around them.

Kitchen

Roll out shelves in pantries and cupboards not only save space, but they enable you to see all the way to the back. You won't forget about items stored out of sight, nor will items fall out.

Group things together as you would use them. For example, pots with their lids, cutting boards, knives and other food preparation items together and close to the sink. Keep pot holders and kitchen utensils close to the stove. Pantries should be close to the refrigerator. This will make items easier to find when preparing food and easier to unload when unpacking groceries.

When purchasing storage containers buy square or rectangular shaped. Also be sure they are stackable.Your refrigerator and the cupboard of storage containers will both be neater. Consider transferring food products right to these airtight containers after purchase since they can usually be stored in a smaller, more organized space than the original packaging.

Home Office

Bring the mail to a certain place each day. Dedicate a space to this task that is complete with a trash can and a recycle bin. Try to handle items only once; open them, determine if they should be filed, thrown, filled out, etc. Then put them directly into the proper place.This will eliminate the stacks of paper that can accumulate and will help eliminate loss of important documents.

Create notebooks with clear sheet protectors to store take out menus, magazine articles, recipes, coupons and other frequently used papers.

Be sure to label everything!

By Nancy Henke