New Home· Get Organized without Breaking the BankStart the New Year with a fresh new outlook and a resolution you really can keep! Little steps (can we say bins and baskets·) will go a long way to making big organizational improvements in your home. And who wouldn’t like to find their car keys or cell phone without calling in CSI·

The average person spends 55 minutes per day looking for things, says The Container Store’s Mollie Kirby. Save time and sanity by creating designated spaces. Voila, no more hunting for small electronics or small children. Here are some easy ways to get organized without breaking your back or your budget.

Kitchen
The heart of any home, an organized kitchen goes a long way toward keeping things running smoothly.
New Home· Get Organized without Breaking the Bank
Keep only the items you use every day out on your countertops.
Better Homes & Gardens says to designate a drop zone with open storage or cubbies near your primary entrance.
Real Simple magazine suggests confronting the junk drawer challenge head-on with inexpensive organizers. Use mesh dividers, silverware trays or even repurposed bank check boxes to organize the mishmash. The Container Store has lots of sleek options.
Put your instruction manuals in a three-ring binder.
Use an inexpensive chalkboard or dry erase board as command central. Write down weekly schedules, grocery lists and even the Pythagorean Theorem.



Home Office
In a modern home, a place to pay bills or write a note to the teacher is mandatory. Carve out contentment in a workspace that’s organized and helps you to be more efficient.

If you don’t have them already, invest in inexpensive items just for your office – pencil cup, paper clip holder and tape dispenser.
If you don’t have a workspace, turn an unused closet into a small efficiency office. A simple countertop with shelving is all you need. Just close the door when you’re done.
A guest room is also a great spot for a workspace. Consider an armoire that can hide your computer and papers when guests arrive.

Closet
To keep your closet from becoming a dark abyss, consider some ideas that promise minimum clutter and maximum style.

Real Simple says to choose just one type of hanger to avoid a chaotic jumble of metal and wood. Hang garments facing the same way. If you’re really ambitious, color-coordinate or organize by season.
Choose shoe stackers or over-the door shoe organizers to get those stilettos and slingbacks off the floor. You save valuable time when you can find what you need.
HGTV suggests clear containers with picture labels to help young children sort and find their own clothing.
A special rack with hooks to hold belts, scarves and accessories is a great organizational tool, and
In the linen closet, store sheet sets inside one of the pillowcases and you’ll never have to waste time hunting matching pillowcases again.

Added on January 24, 2012

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