Calling All Pack Rats

Are you ready to conquer clutter once and for all? As the official house dog of tinderhomes, I've made my share of messes. The National Association of Professional Organizers (www.napo.net) offers these handy tips.

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.
- Hanging like items together, shirts, pants, dresses, etc.

KITCHEN
- Consolidate things that work together, such as baking pans, electrical appliances, plastic containers (w/ 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. Places glasses near the sink or refridgerator. Put snacks in convenient drawer or cupboard (ideally at "dog-height") ;)

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 & pegs

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 (draw or/take a picture for the label so "pre-readers" can help with the clean up.
- 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.