Conquer Clutter with Neat Storage Solutions
By Kari Buchanan

Whether you live in a tiny studio apartment or a big house, clutter can be a big issue both physically and psychologically. When you purge items you really don’t need and replace them with the right tools to get organized, you’ll feel more relaxed and liberated. Follow these simple tips on using the most appropriate storage products in your home:

Find a product that acts as a central “hub” so you save time. Simple items, like a wire desk organizer or even a homemade slotted mailbox, help you set up a household centre where you can place all your incoming papers. Receipts, bills and magazines can easily be sorted into key categories so you can deal with them more easily. Try labels like “act” for bills, “read” for magazines and statements, and “file” for items you’ve acted upon and read.

Remember to keep a recycling bin close by so you can automatically dispose of envelopes and promotional items you don’t need. Be brutal-- ask yourself if these are things you’ll look at again.

Discover practical items to help containerize and save space. Nothing makes a space feel more cramped than clutter. Be creative and see what you can re-use around the house to fit the bill. Repaint a second-hand end table to hold keys and loose change in the hallway. If your closets are full, use smart stackable boxes or functional bins beside furniture to house important items.

Also be sure to take advantage of vertical space and install additional shelving in nooks and crannies. If you purchase some inexpensive magazine holders and boxes for the shelves, you’ll be sure to achieve a clean look.

Seek out attractive products to make an inviting environment. When shopping for products to help you organize, be sure to pick items that you enjoy looking at. Check out antique malls for interesting items that could be turned into great storage products. Seek out beautiful seagrass baskets or leather boxes; they fit into almost any décor and add richness to a room.

If you’re surrounded by attractive storage items, you’ll be more inclined to use them on a day to day basis and stay organized. Also, you’ll feel good about your home and will want to spend more time in it.

It’s that simple. When you use the right tools and give everything important a home, you will quickly reduce clutter. Cheers to more breathing space!

Kari Buchanan is the owner of Art of Storage, a store dedicated to providing attractive storage products to help people organize and live a better life. Visit www.artofstorage.ca for more information and online shopping.

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