Mark LundTry Real Simple's easy strategies to help turn your house into a place of order.
Mudroom Stuck in a Rut?
The goal: To create an organizing system even the kids can maintain.
The solution: If the kids use the mudroom to get ready for school, transform the area into a way station. Real Simple organizers turned an Expedit bookcase ($90, ikea.com) on its side, then slid labeled Nostalgisk boxes ($16 for two, ikea.com) onto the shelves. Each child has a column of storage, and extra columns contain miscellaneous items. Lockers roll out for easy access to kids' shoes.
From Real Simple: 17 Kitchen Organizing Tricks
Mark Lund Kitchen a Dumping Ground?
The goal: To create a more functional work area and free up the countertops and other work surfaces for cooking.
The solution: Real Simple turned a makeshift office into command central with an array of wall-mounted tools: a magnet board, a magnetic calendar, a magazine pocket, a mail bin, and a multislot organizer. A rolling file cabinet (it slides into the adjacent pantry when not in use) keeps paperwork in order. With the surfaces clear, the island and the counter to the left of the stove can be used for food prep.
From Real Simple: 20 Home Office Organizing Tricks
Mark Lund Home Office Not Working?
The goal: To minimize the mess and make the office a more orderly environment.
The solution: Start shredding documents to whittle down the mountain of papers. Sort remaining papers into a file cabinet or boxes. A wall of Elfa shelving in White & Driftwood (from $250, containerstore.com) replaces a traditional desk. The extra-long bottom shelf serves as a work space that can accommodate more than one person.
More Clutter Challenges: Laundry Room, Dining Room, Kid's Room
More From Real Simple:
Get Organized Using Everyday Items
12 Secrets of the Closet Pros
Easy Ways to Cut Clutter
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