Sensible Storage Solutions

Kyboshing Clutter In The Home

If you feel anxiety instead of inner peace when you try to relax in your home, the chances are you are ready to investigate the large selection of versatile storage products.

The Holiday Season often takes its toll in more ways than just an expanded waistline – for some, generous gifts result in a living space that exceeds its capacity for “stuff”.  De-cluttering is a valuable exercise, and although it may be time consuming, the personal fulfillment you are guaranteed to get from it, is immeasurable!

The first step is to start small: begin sorting in one area of the home and divide your clutter into 3 piles:  to keep, to store, and anything you wish to recycle, give away, or throw away.  Then you need to evaluate your storage options, and below are some suggestions to help you do just that!

Bedrooms

Your quality of rest can easily be compromised by unharmonious conditions in your bedroom.  Poor closet storage results in drawers that no longer close, difficulty in finding gear, and all too often, a pile of clothes on the floor.  This can be easily remedied with a custom-closet organizer in a box. Its easy installation and ability to expand to fit almost any closet configuration has made it a really popular option in many homes.  Rest easy with these top tips on restoring organization to your sanctuary:

• Make use of under-the-bed storage bins.
• Plan your closet storage to the ceiling to maximize your space.  A high up shelf is ideal for items you wont use on a regular basis, like out of season clothing or travel bags.
• Use shoe racks.
• Shelf organizers make it easier to find things.
• Ties and belts fit nicely behind closet doors as they generally hang flat.
• Sliding wire shelving units provide additional shelving space.

Bedroom Storage (view all)
Closet Organizer - Maple $98.95 at  The Home Depot	Black & Decker Closet... $48.99 at  Canadian Tire Corp	Nested Storage Boxes, Blue $20.00    $29.95 at  The Home Depot

Kitchen

The kitchen, for many of us, is the most used room in the house.  So often it is the go-to place for family gatherings and because the open-plan designs regularly have islands with stool seating areas, and/or a family room attached, inconvenient clutter tends to gather here.  Kitchens are also seldom equipped with a storage system guaranteed to suit all individual needs.  With the investment of a few inexpensive storage accessories, and some space saving tricks, you will create the recipe for perfect harmony in your kitchen:

• Fit deep under-sink cupboards with a recycling centre, a garbage can, and a wire sliding drawer for easy access to your cleaning supplies
• Move well used utensils such as wooden spoons and spatulas into attractive canisters on your counter top.
• Use pot-racks suspended from the ceiling or mounted against the wall to store pots and pans.
• Fit corner cabinets with lazy Susan carousels.  They also come in handy for quick access to ingredients like herbs and spices.
• Under-cabinet racks are handy for displaying stemware, while making room in your cupboards.
• Tray racks are easy to install: they stack trays and large serving platters in a perpendicular fashion instead of piled on top of each other.
• If the kitchen serves as the entrance to your home from the garage, provide a row of hooks to hang coats and bags out of the way.
• A napkin rack makes a perfect place to store mail, bills, to do lists and also to keep blank paper on hand.
• Mount a white board or corkboard on the wall to keep track of schedules, shopping lists etc.

Kitchen Storage (view all)
Vacu-Seal Starter Kit $29.99 at  Canadian Tire Corp	Dewdrop Paper Towel Holder,... $19.99 at  Canadian Tire Corp	Plastic Sink Front Trays &... $15.99 at  The Home Depot

Functional Décor

Have you ever noticed how dealing with the clutter around your home, goes hand in hand with the chaos of your day to day life?  Research has proven that you open yourself to chaos outside your home, when you live in a constant state of chaos within your four walls.  Why not take back control now? Take heed of these helpful storage and organizational tips to reclaim your living space:

• Install display shelving to get full appreciation of your ornaments.
• Store miscellaneous clutter out of site in nesting boxes on bookshelves.
• Use the functionality of an ornamental trunk to store seasonal gear at the front door, while doubling its use as a seat for putting on boots.
• Opt for benches or ottomans with built-in storage – they are a great spot to store many things but in an area where you might entertain, think about keeping your photo albums on hand, or warm throws for cold winter nights.
• Bookshelves not only display books in an orderly fashion, but also provide a safe place to display ornaments.
• Side tables, sofa tables and coffee tables often have drawers that are useful for keeping a myriad of items.

Shelving (view all)
5-Shelf Resin Storage Unit $55.86 at  The Home Depot	Dolle Glass Shelving Kit... $89.99 at  The Home Depot	Dolle Wood Shelving Kit... $55.99 at  The Home Depot

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