Containing clutter

Who's in charge -- you or your stuff? If clutter is a problem in your home, it's time to get organized.

It's no secret that you'll have more success in home multitasking if you take charge of the clutter, instead of letting it manage you. If you don't own something, you don't have to store it or clean it.

Take stock first. Where are you when you need an item, such as keys, cold-weather gear, or the turkey roaster? Look at the process as whole-house organization. By assessing the big picture, you can see where to shift items, functions and storage for better organization.

If space is tight, choose attractive bins and boxes for display on a bookshelf for holding personal papers, bills and projects. Pare down by hosting a garage sale or donating unused items to charity. Some ideas that work:

Organize with Shaker-style pegs at the back door or place hooks to hold keys and garage door openers.

Install floor-to-ceiling metal shelving tracks on one or more walls, or use shelves or ledges for art and framed photography.

For dining room storage, use a built-in sideboard or server for china, flatware, linens and serving pieces.

To maximize space in the kitchen, keep appliances used every day on the counter. Hang utensils from wall-mounted hooks or pegboards, or install a metal grid and hang cookware and utensils from S-hooks.

In kids' rooms, add removable shelves in one end of the closet for toys and games on lower shelves.

In a bathroom, turn cotton balls and cotton swabs into decorative accessories by storing them in sturdy clear plastic canisters with metal lids, arranged on a tray for neat storage.

Look for underutilized areas for more storage. How about the space under stairs? It can store many items. Often pullout shelves for books, files, sports equipment and games work well. Space around windows and doors might prove handy, as will window-seat storage with hinged tops for lifting and storing underneath.

Buy a trunk or an ottoman with a hinged top for extra storage in living rooms, family rooms, dens and home offices.

Control mail, keys and small packages with a hall chest. Use the top drawer or a tray for mail. Use drawers in the chest for books and tapes to be returned to the library or video store.

In a bedroom, use decorative storage cubes with lift-off lids. These work well for bedside tables or at the foot of the bed. Use the space under the bed for heavy-duty plastic or cardboard storage boxes to corral out-of-season items, such as blankets or sweaters.

Maximize a walk-in closet by adding a small chest for lingerie or accessories.

Organize your closet to save time in the morning by grouping clothes by purpose. Arrange business and dress clothes together, casual together and crossover in the middle, to blend with either side. Arrange by color and style, and line up shoes by purpose and color.

From organization chapter in "Making a Home."