Thursday, July 25, 2013
Make the Most of Vertical Space
By
Susan Stewart
When working with small spaces, it is imperative to make use of
vertical space. If you can't go out, you've got to go up! Choose a
product that is attractive, and your organization is now doing double
duty as wall decor. Here are 3 tips for making the most of vertical
storage.
1. Pick the color intentionally, not spontaneously. Many people choose a product spontaneously because they like a color they see in the store. When they get home and realize it doesn't match the room they want to put it in, they become frustrated. A little planning can go a long way here. Think through where you will use it and choose your color accordingly.
2. Do not let pockets, baskets, or any container become a "catch all" or that is exactly what it will do. Containers that become "catch all's" are containers that gather dust. No one wants to sort through miscellaneous junk to find what they are looking for. Instead, give things a home and be consistent about placing that particular item (and only that particular item) in that spot. You can still use baskets or containers for these homes.
3. Too many sticky notes or things on a bulletin board or magnet board makes clutter. People tend to post notes as a reminder but when a board is covered with notes, the note doesn't get seen. Using a to do list for lists works better and easier to read. Use the board for morning reminders or motivating quotes.
1. Pick the color intentionally, not spontaneously. Many people choose a product spontaneously because they like a color they see in the store. When they get home and realize it doesn't match the room they want to put it in, they become frustrated. A little planning can go a long way here. Think through where you will use it and choose your color accordingly.
2. Do not let pockets, baskets, or any container become a "catch all" or that is exactly what it will do. Containers that become "catch all's" are containers that gather dust. No one wants to sort through miscellaneous junk to find what they are looking for. Instead, give things a home and be consistent about placing that particular item (and only that particular item) in that spot. You can still use baskets or containers for these homes.
3. Too many sticky notes or things on a bulletin board or magnet board makes clutter. People tend to post notes as a reminder but when a board is covered with notes, the note doesn't get seen. Using a to do list for lists works better and easier to read. Use the board for morning reminders or motivating quotes.
Susan Stewart is a professional organizer and the founder of
Perfectly Placed Professional Organization and Design in the Phoenix
area. Perfectly Placed specializes in bringing peace and order to busy
families through organization. You can find out more about Susan and
Perfectly Placed at her website: http://www.perfectlyplaced.org/
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Susan_Stewart
Organizing For College
By
Susan Stewart
It's back to school time and some of you will be sending a young
adult off to college this year. If you are in this position, it may seem
like an overwhelming task so here are a few tips to simplify it for
you. I'm calling it the 3 C's to an organized dorm room.
1. CATEGORIES: This works for ANY room by the way, and not just dorms. Set up the dorm room in zones and store things accordingly in that zone. In a dorm room, your categories may be grooming, dressing, studying, sleeping & eating. Putting things away is easier when you have decided what and where the zones are. Keep in mind that your space is small so bringing only seasonal clothing and making use of vertical space here is also going to help.
2. COMBINE: You will want to combine your efforts with your roommate. Check ahead of time with what they are bringing so you don't end up with duplicates. Some items to share are a mini fridge, microwave, TV, game system & furniture. You'll also want to choose items with multiple uses. For example: an iPhone can be a phone, calendar, iPod and map. Attractive message boards, hooks and shelves serve dual purposes combining utility needs with decoration.
3. COLOR COORDINATE: This is going to come more into play for the ladies than the men but it still stands true in both places. A dorm room is a small space and small spaces look less cluttered when things are containerized and are color coordinated. That's why photos in a catalog look so good. Pick 2 or 3 colors and stick with those throughout the room when picking storage pieces, decor, bedding, etc.
Happy packing and don't wait until the last minute!
1. CATEGORIES: This works for ANY room by the way, and not just dorms. Set up the dorm room in zones and store things accordingly in that zone. In a dorm room, your categories may be grooming, dressing, studying, sleeping & eating. Putting things away is easier when you have decided what and where the zones are. Keep in mind that your space is small so bringing only seasonal clothing and making use of vertical space here is also going to help.
2. COMBINE: You will want to combine your efforts with your roommate. Check ahead of time with what they are bringing so you don't end up with duplicates. Some items to share are a mini fridge, microwave, TV, game system & furniture. You'll also want to choose items with multiple uses. For example: an iPhone can be a phone, calendar, iPod and map. Attractive message boards, hooks and shelves serve dual purposes combining utility needs with decoration.
3. COLOR COORDINATE: This is going to come more into play for the ladies than the men but it still stands true in both places. A dorm room is a small space and small spaces look less cluttered when things are containerized and are color coordinated. That's why photos in a catalog look so good. Pick 2 or 3 colors and stick with those throughout the room when picking storage pieces, decor, bedding, etc.
Happy packing and don't wait until the last minute!
Susan Stewart is a professional organizer and the founder of
Perfectly Placed Professional Organization and Design in the Phoenix
area. Perfectly Placed specializes in bringing peace and order to busy
families through organization. You can find out more about Susan and
Perfectly Placed at her website: http://www.perfectlyplaced.org
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Susan_Stewart
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