Calling all pack rats: Are you ready to conquer clutter once and for all? The National Association of Professional Organizers (www.napo.net) offers these handy tips.


Kid’s Room

·       Place bins and boxes on lower shelves so a child can put away the toys.

·       Label storage so it’s easy for children to put items where they belong.

·       Provide low hooks to hang up sweaters, pajamas, jackets, book bags, etc.

·       Take children with you when you go to donate unused items. This helps them learn to part with things.

Closets

·       Pull out everything you haven’t worn in the past year.

·       Display what you want at your fingertips and store the rest on top shelves or in drawers.

·       Make sure you can see what you have in your closet.

·       Consider installing good lighting. 

·       Hang like items together — shirts, pants, dresses, etc.

Kitchen

·       Consolidate things that work together, such as baking pans, electrical appliances, plastic containers (with lids), and pots and pans.

·       Use drawer dividers to keep utensils in order.

·       Rotate food staples out of your pantry.

·       Feel the flow of activity. Place glasses near the sink or refrigerator. Put snacks in a convenient drawer or cupboard.

Garage

·       Decide how to use the space. Is it a workshop? Is it a storage center?

·       Toss things that don’t work!

·       Sort, purge and properly store treasures.

·       Consider floor-to-ceiling shelving, racks, stackable drawers, hooks and pegboards.