Table of contents for Early Spring 2022 in BH&G Secrets of Getting Organized

FRESH START TURN THE PAGE. CLEAR THE DECKS. REBOOT THE SYSTEM. Whatever phrase you use, you know the fantastic feeling that can accompany letting go of the old and bringing on the new. From our latest Clutter Cleanse challenge, page 4, to a weekend bath vanity makeover, page 96, we’ve packed these pages with room-rejuvenating projects and streamlining strategies. And the best part? You don’t need to spend a fortune to completely transform a forgettable foyer (“Make an Entrance,” page 36), a chaotic pantry (“Pantry Power,” page 50) or a blah bedroom closet (“Small Wonder,” page 66). All it takes is a little time, some elbow grease, and the insights from professional organizers and savvy homeowners found here. On your mark… get set… GO! PS: If your fresh start includes…

MASTER CHECKLIST Create a packing list for every family member on your smartphone so you can easily add or subtract based on variables like trip length and climate. Start with musts, such as medications, extra eyeglasses or contacts, and chargers/cords. Then list toiletries, basic clothing, underwear, and something to sleep in. Also include a first-aid kit (ibuprofen, antacid, antihistamine, bandages) and a charged external battery in case your phone is about to die and there’s no outlet (gasp!) nearby. GET DOWN TO IT! On your bed, lay out the clothes you’re considering bringing. Editing is much easier with clothes in front of you, says frequent traveler Erin Phraner, a senior video producer at BuzzFeed Nifty. Weed out whites (except for T-shirts), stain-prone fabrics, and any pieces that wrinkle. For adults…

NEED MORE STORAGE SPACE BY YOUR DOOR? If your home is missing an entry closet or mudroom, don’t despair. We share three ways that clever catchalls can give your gear a home in even the smallest of spaces, like a bare wall by the front door or the nook behind a nearby sofa. RESOURCES BEGIN ON PAGE 93. INSIDE THE BOX BRING THE OUTDOORS IN: A window planter gets new life as a wall organizer. We left ours natural, but you can use stain or paint to achieve your desired look. Mount it to the wall using a French cleat system. 1 IF THE SHOE FITS We attached this window box just above the baseboard to free up floor space and make vacuuming easier. Cut a rubber mat to size,…

“If there is room on the side of the fridge, definitely take advantage of the space for extra canned goods or a step stool to access those high cabinets.”—KAY PATTERSON, PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZER ☑ SURROUND YOUR FRIDGE with cabinetry to create an upscale built-in look. Even a small space can be put to work for storage. The slim cabinet, opposite, features hidden shallow slots for phones, planners, folders, extra paper bags, and more. □ IMPROVE ACCESS to items in the cavernous space above the refrigerator by storing them in a bin (or several), suggests professional organizer Kay Patterson. “You can pull it out and avoid having items trapped at the back of the space,” she says. □ DIVIDE UP the above-fridge cabinet to make it even more useful. Vertical dividers, below,…

WHEN IT COMES TO VANITIES, ONE SIZE DOES NOT FIT ALL. A large vanity with two sinks may be a good solution in a bath shared by several family members, while a floating vanity can help lighten the look in a small bath. Opt for a vanity style that suits your lifestyle, and optimize it with smart storage. DOUBLE VANITY SPACE FOR TWO: A vanity with two sinks allows two people to get ready at once and offers abundant countertop space. A traditional version, right, and a sleeker option, opposite, both offer large cabinets under the sink and drawers in the middle for small personal items. ADVANTAGES: Family members can each have their own sink and countertop space for daily-use items. DISADVANTAGES: The large open space under the sink can…

RESOURCES For help organizing your home, contact these retailers and professionals for more information about products and services. ON THE COVER Design: Elizabeth Darth and Bhavana Bhimavarapu, Martha O’Hara Interiors, Minneapolis; oharainteriors.com. Cabinets custom—Hipp Cabinetry; hippcabinetry.com. Paint (cabinets) Robin’s Nest 618—Benjamin Moore; benjaminmoore.com [P]. Cabinet knobs Cadet Knob in Flat Black—Emtek; emtek.com. Countertops Honed Absolute Black Granite—Terrazzo & Marble; tmsupply.com. Countertop fabricator—Chain of Lakes Granite Inc.; chainoflakesgranite.com. Cabinet pulls Emtek Jasper Pull in Flat Black—Emtek; emtek.com. Appliances 4.5-cubic-foot Closet-Depth Front Load Washer with Load & Go Dispenser, 7.4-cubic-foot Front Load Gas Dryer with Intuitive Touch Controls—Whirlpool; whirlpool.com. Floor tile Laura Ashley Wicker Charcoal Matte 13-inch Porcelain—Tile Shop; tileshop.com. Backsplash tile Settecento Crayons in Bright White—TileXDesign; tilexdesign.com. Towels Better Homes & Gardens Signature Soft Towel Collection, laundry caddy Better Homes & Gardens Laundry Caddy, dryer…

“When organizing books on shelves, create interest by storing some on their sides and some upright. Intersperse books with art, sculpture, or other decor.”—KAY PATTERSON, PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZER ☑ CREATE READING ZONES. Rather than letting books stack up everywhere, carve out a few dedicated spots for them. Line up the ones you’re eager to read beside your favorite family room chair, opposite, and stash a few on a bookshelf near your bed. When these spaces fill up, you know it’s time to edit. □ KEEP WHAT YOU LOVE and get rid of the rest. “Keep the ones that you continue to read or that you reference often,” says professional organizer Jamie Novak. If there’s a title that you don’t plan to read again but want to remember, Novak suggests taking a…

“Place ‘must remember’ objects in front of or directly next to the door. Make a checklist of to-go items.”—SHERRI CURLEY, PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZER…

CLEAN-LINED AND CLASSIC, this Connecticut kitchen accommodates an amazing amount of gear and activity. While the kitchen’s layout remained about the same, kitchen designer Sarah Robertson maximized efficiency with extra storage. “Every cabinet should be maxed out,” she says. Efficient storage was also important to the homeowners, who keep kosher by separating meat and dairy with two sets of utensils, pots, and dishware (as well as two sinks, prep zones, and dishwashers). The kitchen’s blend of open and closed cabinetry also offers plenty of space for gadgets, collectibles, and entertaining essentials. An emphasis on drawers and pullouts below the counters allows for swaths of windows and a star treatment for the cooktop. The resulting look is airy and clutter-free. RESOURCES BEGIN ON PAGE 93. ONE-HOUR CLUTTER CURE CUSTOMIZE IT Aftermarket…

“Most reach-in closets are about 2 feet deep, so a shallow desk can slide right in. Some fun wallpaper or cute desk decor will make the space more inviting.”—KAY PATTERSON, PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZER ☑ MEASURE THE CLOSET to see if your desk, printer, or filing cabinets will fit. “The foundation of the space begins with a plan,” says professional organizer Ellen Delap. If you want to close the doors on your office at day’s end, ensure that your chair can slide under the desk, opposite. □ ADD LIGHTING above your desk. An existing bare bulb can be replaced with a more attractive multibulb fixture, suggests Delap. Try to take advantage of natural light when you can. “If you have the opportunity to create a closet office across from a window, take…

GARAGE TRANSFORMATIONS Garages are for more than just parking cars. They can double as offices, entryways, and gyms. As these makeovers show, taming this multipurpose storage space offers a bounty of benefits. PROBLEM: SUPPLIES FOR A HOME-BASED BUSINESS WERE SCATTERED THROUGHOUT THE HOUSE. Professional organizer Samantha Pregenzer rounded up the vases, pots, and tubs of a flower-arranging business so it’s all in the garage. Shelves extend from floor to ceiling to give everything its own spot. PROBLEM: THE GARAGE WAS SHORT ON WORK SPACE. Two stretches of durable laminate were mounted to the wall to create an almost-instant counter surface. As added inspiration, this “desktop” looks out on pretty plantings through the window. PROBLEM: FLOWER ARRANGING CAN CREATE CLUTTER. Slide-out drawers underneath the desktop keep florists tape, scissors, and other…

PROBLEMS ■ The den had become a catchall for clutter, making it hard to work in and unappealing for gatherings. ■ The room lacked defined areas for the family’s favorite activities. ■ Storage was sorely lacking and needed to be part of the room’s overall plan. SOLUTIONS An extra room can be a blessing and a curse: The additional space means a place to put all the items a family of five (plus Grandpa!) needs, but it can easily become a clutter heap. The Castile family called in a pro to help them transform their extra room into a bright, multipurpose space they could enjoy. Designer Cathy Kramer took on the project and set three goals: declutter, add organized storage to make sure everything had a place, and create different…

PROBLEMS ■ The small kitchen lacked adequate counter space in the main work zone. ■ Freestanding garbage and recycling bins were awkwardly located in the pantry. ■ Narrow, fixed pantry shelves made for inefficient storage. ■ Dated bifold pantry doors created an unattractive space. SOLUTIONS WITH THREE HUNGRY TEENAGERS in the house, Katherine and Steve Bayens knew their inefficient kitchen pantry wasn’t working for the family. With designer Cathy Kramer’s help, they transformed the pantry into a combination storage area and snack-prep station. Now the space boasts a handy countertop; drawers for snack-making utensils; hidden pullout garbage and recycling bins; outlets for frequently used small appliances; and deep, adjustable wire shelving. The new setup makes food preparation and cleanup easier for the teens. And if they do leave a mess,…

“The key to a calm bedside space is to edit constantly. Clear the area regularly—every evening or at least once a week.”—JANINE ADAMS, PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZER ☑ BE CREATIVE when thinking about storage near the bed. If you don’t have space for a traditional nightstand, opt for a headboard with built-in storage or install floating shelves next to the bed. The ladder-style shelves, opposite, extend up the wall to take advantage of available vertical space. □ STORE WHAT YOU NEED, and that’s it. “The goal in your bedroom is rest, therefore keep only what is conducive to a good night’s rest,” says professional organizer Ellen Delap. Do you use the item while you are in bed, or do you need it in case of an emergency? If not, plan to move…

JANINE ADAMS Certified Professional Organizer Janine Adams has been helping clients in St. Louis get organized since 2005. She is the owner of Peace of Mind Organizing, whose organizing team helps clients create dramatic changes in their homes. She blogs regularly at peaceofmindorganizing.com and organizeyourfamilyhistory.com and, with life coach Shannon Wilkinson, cohosts the podcast Getting to Good Enough about overcoming perfectionism. JANINE ADAMS, CPO, PEACE OF MIND ORGANIZING; ST. LOUIS; PEACEOFMINDORGANIZING.COM ELLEN DELAP For 20 years, Certified Professional Organizer Ellen Delap, owner of Professional-Organizer.com, has worked one-on-one with clients, streamlining their environment, creating effective strategies for an organized lifestyle, and helping them realize their organization and productivity goals. She specializes in working with individuals with ADHD. Ellen has been featured on the Smead podcast; in articles with the Houston Chronicle,…

VANITY REVAMP Update your bathroom with unique storage solutions that create more space for organizing everyday essentials. SMART UPGRADES This homeowner maximized storage space by making a few clever additions to her basic vanity. 1 GO VERTICAL If you don’t have room to build out, build up. A tall cabinet (originally part of a closet system) fits perfectly between the two sinks, creating new storage in the same footprint. 2 ADD HOOKS Hooks on the sides of the cabinet keep hand towels right where they’re needed. 3 INSTALL SHELVES New shelves beneath the counter, perfect for storing extra toiletries, make the most of a formerly empty area. 4 REFRESH FLOORS A DIY paint job gives an old vinyl floor a designer look without breaking the bank. The homeowner used trisodium…