Get Organized: Part 5

In the January 2011 issue of Better Homes and Garden, Berit Thorkeloson suggest that you make this year a year to get organized. These expert tips will help you shed all that unwanted stuff as quickly and painlessly as possible. It is also a great way to show your kids how to get and stay organized. Below are 5 more tips:

1. Is your linen closet overflowing? Pare down your stock to three towels and wash clothes per person, two sets of sheets per bed, plus a set of each for guest.  Now you will have more room in your linen closet.

Laura Wittmann

2. Procrastination breeds clutter.  Institute a do-it-now policy for a few highly visible everyday tasks.  For example, loading the dishwasher or folding and putting away a load of laundry before starting another.

Aby Garvey

3. Designate a separate, labeled bag for each regularly scheduled activity, lesson, or sport on your family calendar.  Pack the bags with the necessary gear, and hang them on hooks in a handy spot.  Alicia Rockmore and Sarah Welch.

4. If toys are overrunning yor house, quietly tuck a few of them away in a box.  If kids ask for a specific item, retrieve it.  After a month, donate what's left in the box.  Scott Roewer

5. Attics, basements, and garages tend to harbor lots of items you haven't seen or used in a while, which also makes them prime candidates for purging.  Clear them first so when you tackle your living areas, you'll have storage space waiting.  Debbie Lillard