Eight Questions to Ask Yourself When Organizing

It goes without saying that there are benefits to being organized.  You can find things easily, save money and have peace of mind in a clutter-free home.  But while we know we SHOULD be organized, for many it’s a challenge.  Most of that stems from the stress of sorting through belongings and trying to decide what to keep and what to give away or sell. 

While the task may seem daunting, especially if you’ve lived in your home over twenty years, if you stay focused you’ll make progress.  And to make the process easier, here are some questions to ask yourself while sorting. 

1.      Do I have more than one of this? If so, why? Do you need more than one?  While you need more than one pair of pants, do you need more than one lawn mower? 

2.      How often do I use this item? Is it something you use on a regular basis, that is, at least once a month?  Or do you dig it out every few years?  If you use something rarely,  like a 50-cup coffee maker, get rid of it.  When you need one for your party three years from now, borrow one from a friend or rent one.

3.      Can this item be easily replaced? If you get rid of your ricer today, can you easily find one at the store tomorrow?  Of course.  But if you get rid of your shop vac, it’s easy to find one, but certainly more expensive to replace it.

4.      Do I know what this is? How many times have you gone through junk drawers only to find something unidentifiable?  If nobody in the house can identify it, get rid of it.

5.      Do I know what this belongs to? You fine screws, lids or keys.  You know what it is, but have no idea what the key opens, or what container the lid belongs to.  You don’t need it if you’re not using it.

6.      Do I like this item?  Sometimes we inherit furniture or knick-knacks from deceased family members.  Or we get gifts from friends.  While we accept it gracefully, in our hearts we really don’t like it.  Don’t let things you don’t like take up precious space in your home.  Your home should only be filled with things you love.

7.      What is the worst that could happen if I get rid of it?  If you shred your bank statements today, or donate the hand mixer, what’s the worst that could happen?  You can recreate bank statements.  You can purchase another hand mixer if you find you need it.  On the other hand, original legal documents are not replaceable.  Be mindful of what you donate or shred.

8.      Does it have a place to live in your home? If you don’t have a cabinet or shelf to store it, then it shouldn’t be in your home.  The floors and tables are not storage units.  If you can’t decide where to put it, then you don’t need it.

While some decisions are easier to make than others, you’ll find over time that making those decisions will begin to live in your subconscious.  When you’re shopping, you’ll hear these questions in the back of your mind, helping you decide whether or not to buy it.

 

Tips for Tuesday

How you organize your shoes (or anything for that matter) in your home, depends on your individual situation.  Closet size, number of pairs, number of family members, habits, religious beliefs, etc., all play a part in how you can store your shoes.

The first step in organizing your shoes is to get all of them out in one place.  Pair them, and sort them by color and/or style (casual, dressy, work, etc.).  Once they are all laid out, you will see how many pairs of black pumps you have, how many running shoes, how many brown leather sandals, etc.  Seeing them all together will help decide what you really need to keep, and what can be donated. 

When deciding what to keep, think about use and comfort.  Just because a pair you bought five years ago is one of your favorites, if you never wear them because they are uncomfortable, then it's time to donate them.  GO through every color and style, and see where you can pare down.  Once you're done sorting, you'll see what's left to go back in your closet. 

Arrange your shoes by the way you would look for them.  For instance, would you look for a black pair of shoes when getting ready for work?  Then keep all your black shoes together.  Or do you think in terms of function?  Would you look for a pair of comfy shoes for work in the morning?  Then place all work shoes together.  Or store them according to where you would put them on.  For instance, boots and running shoes by the back door, and dressy shoes in your closet.

There are many ways to store shoes.  The first of these is on your closet floor.  That isn't to say they should all just be tossed in.  You should purchase a shoe cubby or shoe rack and pair your shoes accordingly.  Always keep pairs together.  If the shoes are small flats, you can place more than one pair in a cubby. 

If you have closets with shelving, keep your shoes on shelves in your closet.  The shelves can be spaced closer together than they would be for sweaters and pants to make the best use of the space.  This also avoids having to stack several pairs on top of each other.

If you don't have a lot of shelving, but have plenty of hanging space, use a shoe organizer that hangs from the closet rod.  You can usually get about 10 pairs of shoes in 8 inches of hanging space. 

Another place to store shoes is on the back of a door.  There are shoe racks and pockets for this use.  Pair smaller shoes together in one pocket.  Be careful with shoe racks that may stretch out the toes of your shoes. 

Under the bed is a great place for shoes also.  There are bins and bags specifically for this purpose with dividers.  Or purchase a low, long bin and arrange the shoes on their sides, toe to heel for maximum use of space.  If you are storing shoes under the bed that you use often, look for a bin or bag on rollers so it is easy to access.

Some people don't keep shoes in their closets or bedrooms, but rather prefer keeping them in the laundry room or garage.  In this case, special shelving can be installed to house the shoes, or purchase stackable shoe cubbies. 

If you have room for a bench, purchase one that has storage and keep your shoes in or under the bench. 

Whatever you decide, it is important that all family members are on board, and everyone puts their shoes away after wearing them.  Because even the best systems won't work if you don't use them.

How many pairs of shoes do you have, and how do you store them?

Storing Off-season Clothes

Tips for Tuesday

It seems like we had our Spring/Summer in March and now it's back to Fall, despite the fact the calendar says "April".  If we pulled out our summer clothes last month, hopefully we didn't store our winter clothes yet, because we still need them.  But when it does finally warm up for good, we'll have to store our sweaters and coats.  Here are some tips for storing your off-season clothes:

·         Clean and repair everything before storing.  This includes zippers, buttons and stains.

·         If it won't fit your children next year, then don't keep it.  Hand it down or donate it.

·         Get rid of stray mittens/gloves.

·         To keep whites from fading, wrap them in white tissue paper, then in a dark color to keep out the light.

·         Store in plastic tubs rather than cardboard boxes to deter rodents and bugs.

·         Furs should be cleaned and stored professionally.

·         Leather shoes/boots should be cleaned and moisturized.  Dry thoroughly before storing. 

·         Stuff leather boots and shoes with newspaper or tissue so they don't get crushed.

·         Clean salt and dirt from snow boots before storing.

·         Clean and moisturize your leather handbags, then stuff them with paper to retain their shape.

·         Cedar lined closets or boxes work well against moths.  If you don't have a cedar closet, then use lavender sachets or moth balls to deter moths.

·         Sweaters should be stored folded rather than on hangers to retain their shape. 

·         Remove clothes from dry-cleaning bags if your storage space is damp (basement, attic).  Moisture may build up inside the bag and cause mold or mildew.

·         Fold wool blankets and store them in a cedar-lined chest.

Organizing Print Photographs

Tips for Tuesday

While many of us have digital cameras, we still have a lot of photos from print days. And lots of negatives. But can we find the photo we want when we need it? Have you put all your photos into albums, or are they randomly dumped into boxes?

Is lack of time keeping you from organizing your photos? Does the thought of taking each photo and slipping it into an album overwhelm you? It shouldn't. There are ways to organize your photographs that don't require hours of your time. So how do you get there?

First, gather all your photos together. Sort them into broad categories, such as vacation, immediate family, holidays, extended family, special events, etc. Or, if you prefer, arrange them chronologically by year.

As you sort, toss any duplicates or blurry photos. If you have two of similar scenes, select the better one and toss the second. Don't feel you have to keep every photo, especially if you don't keep in touch with the people photo, or if the shot isn't flattering. Also, put some aside for friends, family if you think they would like a copy. You can also toss most of the negatives, since technology now allows us to scan photos for reprints. Keep only those you know for sure you will be enlarging or replicating, such as wedding photos. If you do keep your negatives, keep them in their sleeves, and store them flat.

Once they are sorted, identify them on the back with a photo safe pen. Then place them in archival safe photo boxes or albums. Boxes are quick sorts. They usually come with dividers so you can label your categories. Albums will take more time, and don't hold as many photos.

Finally, keep your boxes and albums in a cool, dry place. Humidity will damage the photos.

Remember, not taking care of your photos can possibly harm them, and they will be gone forever.

Green Cleaning—Uses for Borax

Frugal Friday

So many cleaning products on the market are full of dangerous chemicals that can harm both the environment and your health. They are also expensive. So why not look to the past for both inexpensive and healthier alternatives. Over the next few weeks, we're going to look at ways to use common household products to clean your home. The first of these is borax.

• Put 2 teaspoons in a spray bottle with very hot water to use as a general purpose cleaner.
• Use to clean aluminum, as it is non-abrasive. Rinse thoroughly.
• Soak filters from hoods in a strong solution for 15 minutes to loosen grease and odors.
• Put 1 tablespoon in four cups of warm water to use in your refrigerator or freezer to wipe up food spills.
• Mix one tablespoon with one tablespoon of baking soda as a detergent in your dishwasher.
• Sprinkle borax on carpets, dog beds and other areas where there might be fleas.
• Mix one gallon warm water with six tablespoons borax and a teaspoon of liquid detergent for cleaning your floors and walls.
• Sprinkle it at base of walls to deter mice.
• Sprinkle in your toilet and let sit overnight for easy cleaning of grimy build-up.
• Sprinkle 2-3 teaspoons into your garbage disposal and let sit for 15 minutes. Rinse with hot water to deodorize.
• Sprinkle in stinky shoes and let them sit overnight.
• Add a tablespoon to your washing machine to deodorize your clothes.

Tax Preparation Tips

Tips for Tuesday

It's already March, which means tax day is just around the corner. If you haven't prepared your tax return yet, here is a list of what you will need to prepare the return or bring with you to your accountant.

PERSONAL INFORMATION
Have on hand for each of your family members:
• Name and address
• Birth Date
• Social Security Number
Have on hand the following:
• Name, address, Tax ID or Social Security Number of child care provider
• Amount of alimony paid/received and Social Security Number of recipient

EMPLOYMENT AND OTHER INCOME
• W-2 forms for the tax year
• Unemployment compensation
• State and local income tax refunds
• Rent income from personal property
• Partnership, S Corporation, Trust, Estate income
• Pensions and annuities
• Social Security benefits
• Recovery of bad debts deducted in a prior year
• Alimony/Maintenance
• Scholarships/fellowships
• Jury duty pay
• Gambling and lottery winnings
• Prizes and Awards

SELF-EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION
• Business income
• Partnership SE income
• Business-related expenses (with receipts)
• Employment taxes and other business taxes paid

OTHER FINANCIAL ASSETS
• Interest income statements
• Dividend income statements
• Proceeds from broker transactions
• Retirement plan distribution

HOMEOWNER/RENTER DATA
• Mortgage interest paid
• Sale of your home or other real estate
• Second mortgage interest paid
• Real estate taxes paid
• Rent paid
• Moving expenses

EXPENSES
• Gifts to charity
• Unreimbursed expenses related to volunteer work
• Unreimbursed expenses related to your job
• Investment expenses
• Job-hunting expenses
• Job-related education expenses
• Tax return preparation expenses
• Adoption expenses
• Child care expenses
• Alimony paid
• Medical savings account
• Tax return

OTHER FINANCIAL LIABILITIES
• Auto loans and leases if vehicle used for business
• Student loan interest paid
• Early withdrawal penalties on CDs and other time deposits

OTHER TAX DOCUMENTS AND INFORMATION
• Federal, state and local estimated income tax paid (have payment records or vouchers)
• IRA, Keogh and other retirement plan contributions
• Medical expenses documents
• Casualty or theft losses documents
• Personal property tax information

Remember, if you want to claim it, you should have proper documentation. You should collect these receipts and papers throughout the year in an income tax file. This will make tax preparation much easier when the time comes because everything will be together.

Creating an Emergency Hospital Bag

Senior Thursday
As we age, the possibility of having to visit the Emergency Room increases. It may be from an accident, an illness or a fall. Regardless of the reason, the visit can be very stressful. When this happens, the patient often forgets important information, such as phone numbers, medication doses and allergies. Therefore, having a bag or tote to bring with in case of just such an emergency may save your life.

To avoid confusion, pack a tote or bag with vital information. You should include the following:

• List of prescription medications, their strength and doses. Include the prescribing physician's name and phone number.
• List of physicians under whose care you have been. Include phone numbers and addresses.
• Names and phone numbers of family members and friends to notify.
• List of non-prescription medications, such as vitamins and supplements, along with strength and dosage.
• List of medical conditions, history of surgeries and hospitalizations, allergies and vitals (height, weight, blood group).
• Personal identification--name, address, phone number.
• Change of clothing and toiletries.
Because you may not be home when an emergency happens, save a copy of your medical information on a document and store it on a flash drive. Keep this flash drive with you whenever you go out. Mark it as containing your medical information.

What Can You Do in Two Minutes?

Tips for Tuesday

One of the most common excuses for not being organized is not having enough time. But what if I told you that you needed only two minutes to be on your way to getting organized? Mind you, not completely organized, but on your way. After all, it took weeks, months or even years to accumulate your clutter. It won't go away in two minutes. But you can get on top of the situation.

How many times have you had two minutes of free time? Maybe you were waiting for the water to boil on the stove. Or you were on hold with your utility company. Maybe you were waiting for your child during their doctor's appointment. All of these are opportunities to do something useful.

There are lots of little things you can do in ten minutes. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
• Go through your wallet and remove the old coupons and receipts.
• Go through your fridge and look for expired or spoiled food.
• Go through your pantry and look for expired food products.
• Go through your medicine cabinet and look for expired medications.
• Delete some old emails from your Inbox.
• Flip through a magazine and tear out the articles you want to read. Recycle the rest.
• Go through a dresser drawer and pull out clothes you don't like or don't fit.
• Line up the shoes in your closet, and get rid of a pair or two.
• Delete old messages on your answering machine or cell phone.
• Remove expired coupons from your fridge door.

These are just a few things you can do in two minutes. What other tasks can you think of to add to the list?

Paring Down Your Mailbox

Tips for Tuesday

We all want less clutter in our lives. Maybe it's mental clutter from all we have to keep track of. Maybe it's clutter from our children growing up and growing out of their clothes and toys. And maybe it's all those papers and catalogs that find their way to our mailboxes.

What would you say if I told you there are ways to keep your mailbox from getting cluttered? And thus keeping your kitchen counter from getting just as cluttered? I don't know about you, but I'm all for having less to sort through and make decisions on on a daily basis. I have enough to do without determining whether or not I should open and envelope or keep a letter.

So here are some things I've done that have helped curb the clutter in my mailbox.

• Go paperless. Many companies offer e-statements and payment options online now. Rather than getting a piece of paper in the mail, you get an email, reminding you to pay your bill. You can sign in to your account, then set up automatic withdrawal from your checking account, or pay it manually every month. No paper ever comes in or goes out. Most offer this service for free since it costs them less to process the bill and payment.
• Opt out of mailing lists. Watch when you sign up for new offers or visit a new web site. There is often a little box at the end, in small print, that asks you to check if you DON'T want to receive offers from complimentary companies. Many people miss seeing the box, so they are automatically added to the mailing lists of yet more companies.
• Opt out of catalog lists. Once you start receiving mail order catalogs, your name is shared with marketing lists. And once you order from one, the list gets longer. You can opt out of mailing lists through web sites like DMAChoice.org. Just add your name/address to the list, and you will be taken off junk mail lists.

And to curb your mail once it gets in the house, always open it over the recycle bin, and immediately file what you need to keep. Handle each piece of mail only once when it arrives. The next time you touch it should be when you have to act on it.

5-minute Clutter Cures

Tips for Tuesday

Don't let lack of time keep you from being organized. There are many things that take only a few minutes to get aspects of your house in order.

• Buy a universal remote so you don't waste time looking for the right one.
• Corral each person's shoes into their own laundry basket. They may not be lined up in pairs, but at least they will be in the same basket.
• Turn those stray socks into dust rags. They fit perfectly over your hand!
• Set out a tray or basket for each person's keys, sunglasses, phone, pocket change when they walk in the door.
• Even junk drawers can be organized! Use dividers or small containers to categorize small items.
• Have a basket at the top/bottom of the staircase to hold items that need to go up/down on our next trip.

Hoarding and the Elderly

Senior Thursday

WHAT IS HOARDING?

Hoarding is the name given to behavior that is characterized by:
• The acquisition and failure to discard a large number of possessions that are useless or of limited value
• The accumulation of belongings to such a degree that they impact functioning and/or preclude the activity for which the space was designed; for example-- a bed cannot be slept upon or a tub cannot be used for bathing because they are used for storage
• When the quantity of items creates a potential hazard or puts people at risk

Hoarding does not begin suddenly. It takes years for items to accumulate to such a degree that they constitute hoarding. Some believe that hoarding increases among older adults as compensation for accumulated human losses. Others believe that hoarding only seems to be a bigger problem among the elderly because they have had more time to accumulate. As more and more cases of extreme hoarding in older adults come to light, hoarding among the elderly is being recognized as a significant problem.

Hoarding becomes a greater problem as individuals age. Floors in hoarders’ homes are normally covered with debris, and as balance and mobility decrease, the hoarded belongings become a significant risk factor for falls.

Most older adults have multiple chronic conditions that are impacted by hoarding as well. Medication compliance among hoarders is poor because pill containers get lost under mounds of clutter and pulmonary conditions are exacerbated by the dust. Frail older adults may be unable to receive needed assistance because most home care agencies will not provide services in hoarding situations until the unsafe conditions are remedied.

If you know an elderly person living under these conditions, call Prima ByDesign, Inc. (847-955-1822.) We can help declutter the senior's home, and perform a Senior Safety Home Assessment. Help prevent accidents.

Caring for Your Jewelry

Tips for Tuesday

Last week we explored several creative options for storing your jewelry. Today, we are going to talk about caring for your jewelry. If gold and stones aren't cared for properly, they can break or get damaged. You don't want that to happen to your expensive pieces.

Even costume jewelry needs care so it lasts as long as it is in fashion (or comes back in fashion again.)

Here are ways to keep your jewelry looking its best:

• Check your jewelry every time you wear it for damaged links and faulty clasps. Have rings checked by a jeweler twice a year for loose stones.
• Fasten chains when you are not wearing them so they don't get knots.
• Sprinkle costume jewelry with baking powder, then gently brush with a soft toothbrush.
• Soak valuable jewelry in a solution of dishwashing liquid and water in a bowl for a few minutes, then brush gently with a toothbrush. Dry thoroughly with a hair dryer.
• Emeralds, pearls, opals and turquoise should not be cleaned in this solution. Emeralds should be professionally cleaned. Opals, turquoise and pearls can be rubbed gently with a chamois cloth.
• If you take your rings off when you wash dishes, keep a large safety pin near the sink. Place the rings on the pin, then fasten the pin to your clothes.
• Restring broken necklaces with fishing line, as it is very sturdy.
• Chains knotted? Place them on wax paper, put a drop of baby oil on the knot, then untangle them with pins or needles.
• If rings are stuck on your hands, lather them up with soap, or soak hands in ice water if they are swollen from the heat.

Caring for your valuable possessions will guarantee they will be with your family for generations.

Creative Storage Solutions for Jewelry

Tips for Tuesday

Do you have a drawer or box full of jewelry? Is it a tangled mess, making it impossible to find what you need? And when you find it, is it easy to disentagle it from the other pieces?

Yes, it's easy to just throw what you've worn for the day into a drawer. But it's NOT easy finding it again when you need it.

Here are some creative storage solutions to keep your jewelry tangle-free and make it easy to quickly find what you need.

• Use small finger-tip or dessert bowls to hold rings
• Thoroughly wash a stryofoam egg carton and use it for earrings, rings or pins
• Use an upright paper towel rod to hold bracelets
• Use a tiered dessert or cake stand for necklaces
• Paint and frame a screen or radiator grille, then hang necklaces from hooks, or stick earrings through it
• Purchase a hanging organizer with clear plastic pockets
• Use an over-the-door pocket shoe organizer for scarves
• Decorate and use a tackle box for earrings
• Purchase a cork board and decorative push pins, then hang your necklaces from the push pins

Never display your expensive pieces of jewelry. And never store them in the right-hand top drawer of your dresser. That is the first place thieves look for them.

Networking Tips

Writer Wednesday

An important aspect of being successful in business is networking. As an author, you are in business for yourself. You are constantly selling ideas to publishers, or books to readers. Therefore, you must network in order to braoden your exposure.

Here are some tips for effective networking:

• Always carry your business cards with you.
• Never waste an opportunity to network, whether it's at the grocery store or at a dinner party.
• Keep talking to people you meet until you find something you have in common. This will break the ice.
• Keep your ears open for possible writing, speaking or workshop opportunities.
• Never gossip about anyone in the industry. Someone they know may be within earshot.

Streamline Your Life--At the Mall

Tips for Tuesday

You work, your children are involved in after-school activites, your house doesn't clean itself. So how do you get it all done? In addition to daily tasks, there are special occasions and holidays that always pop up, creating even more work for you.

These events usually require a trip to the mall, whether it's for a gift, new clothes or something needed for school. To make your trips easier, keep these tips in mind:

• Make a list before you go so you don’t forget anything.
• Make sure you have the receipt with you for any items you are returning. Some stores require one. Others will give you the last sale price no matter what you paid.
• Return catalog purchases to the store to avoid shipping fees and waiting in line at the post office.
• Buy movie tickets online to avoid standing in line.
• Buy presents on sale when you see them throughout the year. Post-holiday sales are a great time to stock up on next year's presents at a fraction of the cost.

Handy Uses for Tea and Teabags

Frugal Friday

Tea has been around for centuries. We know the benefits of drinking it. Green tea has healthy attributes because of its antioxidants. Herbal teas can calm you. Peppermint tea soothes an upset stomach.

But did you know that tea and tea bags have other uses around the house? Here are some ways to use it outside a teacup.

• Soaking your hands or feet in tea water takes away odors such as onion or sweat.
• Water your plants with weak tea once a week to perk them up.
• Cold teabags make great compresses for sunburn.
• Put cold, weak tea in a mister and spray it in musty rooms. Use fragrant teas for best results.
• Cut apart an unused teabag to use for mending a broken fingernail. Just trim to size, stick to the break with clear nail polish, and finish off with two more coats of clear polish.
• Soak white clothes, silk flowers or netting in weak tea for an antiqued look to your wedding attire.
• Soak black or brown clothes in tea water to revive the color.
• And if you don't use them for any of these, place them in your composter for your garden.

What handy uses do you have for teabags?

Streamlining Your Life--At the Grocery Store

Tips for Tuesday

Grocery shopping is time consuming. You need to plan your menus, write your list, look for coupons, drive to the store, look for items that are on sale, wait in the checkout lines and put everything away when you get home. There are some things you can do to make the trip easier.

• Create a pre-printed grocery list either by aisle or food group. Print one out as soon as you return form the store. Hang it somewhere handy in the kitchen. Then check off items you use up or know you'll need the next time you shop. Make your own, or print one from online, such as this one from OrganizeTips.com--http://www.organizetips.com/grocer.htm
• Clip coupons from your Sunday paper every week and file them by category. Check your shopping list for coupons before you go to the store.
• Make up your menu for the coming week so you know which ingredients you'll need to purchase.
• Economy-size packages may not always be the cheapest. Check unit pricing for the best deal.
• Avoid grocery shopping altogether by using a grocery delivery service. The same goes for prescription medications.

Streamline Your Tasks Around the Home

Tips for Tuesday

Does your life seem busier than ever? Take all your day-to-day tasks, add in the hours you work outside the home and the hours you spend driving your children around, and you are left with precious little time to yourself. Here are some tips to help you streamline your life, get things done more quickly, and have more time for yourself and your family.

AROUND THE HOUSE
• Keep new garbage bags at the bottom of the cans for quick replacement at take-out time.
• Keep a vacuum cleaner and cleaning supplies on each level of the house so you don’t have to drag everything up and down stairs.
• Keep vinegar in a spray bottle for quick clean-up of windows, drains, etc..
• Bring a basket or box along while cleaning to collect items for other rooms—put stray items away when you get to that room.
• Line roasting pans with foil for easy clean-up.
• Cook in bulk and freeze extra servings for busy evenings.
• Use clear containers whenever possible for easy viewing of contents.
• Label any non-transparent boxes in storage so you know their contents without having to open them/
• Purchase a programmable thermostat to save time switching settings back and forth, and to save on heating/cooling bills.
• Tape your repairman’s phone number to furnace, water heater, etc., so you don’t have to search for it in an emergency.
• Program frequently-used phone numbers into your home and cellular phones.
• Keep a supply of greeting cards on hand for unexpected events such as illnesses and deaths.

Maximize Your Space

Tips for Tuesday

Even though houses seem to be getting bigger and bigger, we've accumulated so much stuff, even large rooms and closets can't always hold what we need. In that case, the best solution is to get rid of some of your stuff.

There are instances, however, where the house or apartment is just plain small, and a challenge for the home owner. But there are ways to maximize the space to make it a comfortable but functional living area.

• Go vertical. Use wall space all the way up to the ceiling. This might be shelving or tall cabinets. When storing your possessions, containerize smaller items, and label all bins.
• Use multi-purpose furniture. Purchase storage ottomans for the family room. Use a file cabinet as an night stand in the guest room. Use a tall, narrow dresser in the bathroom to store toiletries.
• Use the attic. Install a floor, then add storage units such as bins, portable closets and hooks.
• Overhead storage. This can be utilized in the basement or garage. If your basement isn't finished, install hooks/rods in the rafters and hang items like wreaths, holiday decorations and off season clothes. For garages, use hooks in the rafters, or install drop-down shelving over your cars.
• Use nooks and crannies. Corners are great for storing less-used items. Or build shallow nooks into your walls to hold magazines, display collectibles or store bottles/cans.
• Use the space under your stairs. If you have any stairs in your house, there is space beneath them. Make a bookshelf, install a closet, or use it for seasonal storage.

Staging Your House to Sell--The Interior

Moving On Mondays

Once a potential buyer gets past your front door, you must trust the house to sell itself. In order to do that, you need to take away anything that is you, and replace it with decorating and items that are neutral. You want your home to look like a store display, so the buyer can envision themselves living in that space with their items, not yours.

Here are some basic tips for interior staging.

• Lighting--The house should be bright and cheerful. If there aren't overhead lights, then add floor or table lamps so every corner is lit. Use maximum wattage for your bulbs. Open blinds and draperies. Leave the lights on when you go out, just in case someone comes by to look at it while you're working.
• Painting--Cover any dark or bright colors. That doesn't mean everything has to be white or beige. Go with natural tones like green, taupe, blue or gray.
• Repairs--Thoroughly explore your house, looking for any little thing that needs repair. This might be holes in screens, carpet stains, broken tiles or leaky pipes. While none of these alone would prevent a buyer from making an offer, added up, they may make the house next door look better.
• Furniture Placement--Start with a focal point in every room. Then arrange the furniture around that focal point. Add in art work and accessories for a splash of color. Group displays in odd numbers--three to five of each.
• Clean, clean, clean--This can't be stressed enough. You may think a house can be easily cleaned, so the buyer should look past the dirt. But if the competition is showing at its best, your house may be passed on, even if priced lower. Potential buyers will be wondering how well the rest of the house is taken care of if you can't even clean it.