Sherri's Helpful Hints

Storage Ideas

Everyone can use more organization in their lives - at least most of us. Additional wall storage can help bring that organization into your home. And original and unusual wall storage ideas can help organization ideas become décor pizzazz! Here are some ideas to get you started:

1. If you have old fruit crates or soda pop crates, attach them to the wall to become a wonderful storage unit to display books or knicknacks. You can paint the units to match your décor or leave the original labels and wood to create a rustic and unusual centerpiece of your room.

2. Do you have an old garden bench or one of those wooden benches which are frequently beside dining tables or in entry halls? Try attaching it upside down on the wall. Use the shelf created by the bench top to display collections. Just think of using a white distressed bench as a shelf for teddy bears in a child's room.

3. Old wooden hangers can make beautiful storage units for jewelry, ties, and even shoes. Paint the hangers a solid color and let dry. Then add decorative touches such as hand-painted flowers or stripes. Or wrap the hangers with strips of fabric using glue to adhere the strips to the wood. When the hanger is completely wrapped, cover with a decoupage finish. Attach to the wall with painted or plain hooks.

4. Want a wonderful idea for towel storage in a bathroom? Try attaching a window box or planter to the wall and fill with folded towels and washcloths, soaps or creams. Add trim and paint to make a unique storage unit.

5. Need an easily accessible place to store your pots and pans? Attach a narrow wrought iron curtain rod with decorative finials to the wall. You can hang the pans from S-hooks which are hooked over the rod. A great idea!

Use your own imagination to turn everyday objects into storage areas. You might come up with the perfect solution to your organization needs.

De-Clutter Your Life!

You might find these top ten tips useful for clearing your clutter:

1. Clean before you clear your clutter

Dirt is different from clutter. Cleaning away the dust and grime first lets you see the clutter clearly, and stops the clearing from being such a dusty job.

2. Never attempt clutter clearing when you're angry

Strong emotions get in the way of thinking clearly. To clear clutter you need an objective eye (which is one reason why it's useful to have a coach).

3. Start with the small stuff

To get past the feeling of overwhelm, start with your junk drawer - we all have at least one. You'll feel great when it's done! And remembering that feeling will inspire you to move on to the bigger stuff.

4. Don't be too hard on yourself

It may take two or even three sweeps to clear the clutter. But do put a time limit on it.

5. Clear out anything not used or loved

Under normal circumstances, if you have not used an item in the past year, then you will not use it again.

6. Set yourself a time limit

This is a great tip for dealing with anything that's unfinished or needing repair. Set yourself a period of time - maybe six months - to get it finished. If by then it's still unfinished, it has to go!

7. Don't put up with other people's clutter

We've all fallen for this one! Looking after other people's belongings is fine but only for an agreed period of time.

8. Recycle stuff that's "too good to throw out"

It's very difficult for most of us to simply throw something away - so recycle it to friends, hospitals, schools or charities who will actually use it.

9. Keep the balance - "one in, one out"

Once you've cleared, how do you maintain that clutter free state? Make a rule that you clear space for whatever you bring into your home by clearing out something else. So when you buy a book, for example, you have to get rid of one you have already.

10. Get started!

The moment you start, changes will occur. You'll feel lighter and empowered to continue. Other members of your household will be motivated to clear their clutter. Your home will feel the benefits and appear full of positive energy.

These top ten tips for clearing your clutter have been reproduced by kind permission of Julie Smith who is an authority on this subject as she is a "clutter coach"!. If you want to know more please visit her site at lifespaceconsulting.com