Learn how to transform your home with organizational systems
By Laura Purvis
Photographs contributed
Now that the Christmas decorations are put away and the new year is here, now might be a good time to think about organization. As you are gearing up to spend more time inside your home, take a look around and see what areas might need a little straightening. “Getting organized” is said to be the second most popular resolution made when the year turns to a new one. Getting organized also makes for a happier, more stress-free life.
As a little more incentive, here’s a list of some of the benefits you will gain from tackling that chore:
-You will be able to relax more. I’ve read that we often waste two hours in a single day looking for something. Organization can help you find things faster.
-You’ll feel better about your home.
-You’ll be healthier by reducing stress.
-You’ll be a better role model for others.
-You’ll save money because many purchases actually never get used because they can’t be found once they’re brought home. You will buy items that you have places for.
Start with your bedroom. Shouldn’t you have a closet that makes you feel better at the start and end of every day? Today, there are closet, shelving and storage systems that will fit anywhere in the home or office. You don’t need a room-sized closet to be organized, and you don’t have to spend a fortune. There are lots of options for small closets and for walk-in closets. And they don’t have to be ordinary. There are inspirational designs for every room or space. The combinations are limitless and there are extensive, stylish design options ranging from traditional to contemporary.
And organizational systems are not just limited to closets. We use systems that provide us the ability to adapt to every need. The endless configuration options achieve multiple uses such as room dividers, a display system, shelving, storage or a fabulous walk-in closet. Whatever the space, we can create a personalized furniture system just for you.
Tight on space? Systems like these can help you transform any space into one that is not only functional, but looks great too. Whether it be a space to entertain the family, putting space under a staircase to good use, or a place for display, there is a system that will work.
Once you have finished with the master bedroom, look at your entry way—the one you use most often. How does that make you feel every time you use it? Then move on to your pantry, laundry, each bedroom, the garage, etc. View them each as an opportunity to make you feel better. Take this opportunity to purge things that you no longer need or that don’t fit.
Before that decision, however, you’ll need to give some thought to such factors as: Are there seasonal changes in the contents to be stored? Are there bulky items? For closets, do you want shoes on the floor or on shelves? Are you aiming to store smaller items like jewelry?
Then there are the measurements: Measure how much space your clothes take up now. Measure both the front and back dimensions of a closet. Be sure to account for the baseboard and any inside trim. Like the proverb says: Measure twice, cut once.
While there are web sites that can help you and there are some systems that can be designed and installed by the more accomplished do-it-yourselfers, you might find it advantageous to use a professional. If you do work with a professional, be sure to have a clear understanding of such things as who will move the contents out of the space being re-done? Who will remove any current molding, baseboard, etc. and repair the damage? In other words, who will get it ready for the installation? Decorating Den Interiors has people that can provide those services as well as the systems.
It may seem daunting, but remember those benefits. Take one space at a time and get it right and move on to the next. And you won’t have to make getting organized one of your resolutions for the New Year.
