How to Take Control of Your Clutter

The best wasy to minimize your mess is to make over key areas where clutter is likely to collect. This video by TheNest.com presents useful suggestions for taming your clutter and reclaiming your space:

Entryway: Put down a cotton rug to collect dirt and water tracked in by shoes and paws. Work the wall with hooks for purses, jackets and the dog leash and open shelving for out-of-season gear and things you don’t use daily. A bench with a comfortable cushion and open cubbies provides a place for taking off shoes and shoe storage; add a colorful carryall to one of the cubbies to keep your mail neat. Organize umbrellas in a sleek stand next to the door. A small dog bed with a graphic print provides an attractive and comfortable resting place after long walks.

Garage: The garage often houses a variety of eclectic items from gardening tools to sports gear. A basic pegboard with hooks can store items such as a level, shovel, extension cords, and a garden hose. Set up stacked cubes to store cleaning supplies and paint cans. Heavy duty wall shelves are ideal for storing sports equipment; colorful locker baskets separate athletic accessories. Create more walking space by going vertical with a wall mounted bike rack. Use a utility cart for garden supplies and essential tools.

Linen Closet: Going from top to bottom, use the top shelf for bulky items like pillows. On the second shelf, place frequently used towels separated by shelf dividers. Organize bedding sets on the third shelf and table linens on the fourth; separate cloth napkins, runners and tablecloths by style in small bins. On the bottom, store seasonal items like heavy wool throws and flannel sheets.

Home Office: Eliminate unused space with desks that face each other for you and your partner. Colorful accessories that contain clutter can be used to delineate personal items. A Hi-Fi Hi-Light for each of you combines lighting and stereo in one functional piece, while a silver mesh basket ladder creates immediate storage and is a stylish and functional addition to your wall. The PS Clock by Ikea keeps you on schedule and provides hidden storage. Slide file cabinets under the desk for convenience and saving space.