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Sunday, April 14, 2002

The children's place

1. Have bins and boxes on lower shelves so that a child can put away the toys. Have the child label the bins and boxes.

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

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

4. Encourage your children to choose their outfits for the next day before they go to bed.

Garage, storage can work for you

1. Determine how you wish to use the space. Is it a workshop? Is it a storage center? Is it a sporting goods center? Is it both? Stick to the floor plan.

2. Get rid of things that are broken or don't work.

3. Sort, purge, then decide the proper storage containers for what you must keep. Clearly label the tops and the sides of the containers.

4. Consider floor to ceiling possibilities for shelves, racks, stackable drawers, hooks and pegboards.

Love your closets

1. Go through your closet today and pull out everything you haven't worn in the past year. Clothes tend not to improve with age.

2. Decide what you want at your fingertips and what can be hidden away in containers under the bed, on top shelves or in drawers.

3. The closet should be bright and inviting. You should be able to see what you have in your closet. Consider installing good lighting.

4. Hang like items together -- group shirts together, pants together, etc.

Customize your kitchen

1. Things that work together should be stored together -- such as baking pans, electrical appliances, plastic containers (with lids), pots and pans, and large platters and bowls.

2. Drawer dividers are a must to keep utensils in order.

3. Rotate food staples out of your pantry. Create menus to use dated canned goods.

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

Source: National Association of Professional Organizers