LIFE

Getting organized in 2018

If getting organized is tops on your New Year's resolutions list, local organizers say putting simple systems in place to get organized -- and stay organized -- is a key to success. And always purge what you don't use first.
If getting organized is tops on your New Year's resolutions list, local organizers say putting simple systems in place to get organized -- and stay organized -- is a key to success. And always purge what you don't use first.
Matthew Williams/Artisan
In their book "Remodelista: The Organized Home" (Artisan), Remodelista.com editors Julie Carlson and Margot Guralnick offer a host of ideas about creating an organized home without sacrificing style.
In their book "Remodelista: The Organized Home" (Artisan), Remodelista.com editors Julie Carlson and Margot Guralnick offer a host of ideas about creating an organized home without sacrificing style.
Matthew Williams/Artisan
Carlson and Guralnick of Remodelista.com recommend creating a utility drawer in your kitchen or entry for “toolbox basics” such as batteries, masking tape, rubber bands and regularly used tools.
Carlson and Guralnick of Remodelista.com recommend creating a utility drawer in your kitchen or entry for “toolbox basics” such as batteries, masking tape, rubber bands and regularly used tools.
Matthew Williams/Artisan
A "before" image of a basement local organizer Donna Lindley of Organize Your World in Rochester Hills was asked to tackle. Lindley said cluttered basements are a top request from clients (getting organized with paper clutter is the No. 1 request).
A "before" image of a basement local organizer Donna Lindley of Organize Your World in Rochester Hills was asked to tackle. Lindley said cluttered basements are a top request from clients (getting organized with paper clutter is the No. 1 request).
Donna Lindley/Organize Your World
Lindley put in place a simple system of storage to get the basement in order. "We try to understand what clients have done in the past, what has worked and what hasn't. From there, we try to keep it as simple as possible because it's too complicated, it's hard to maintain," she said.
Lindley put in place a simple system of storage to get the basement in order. "We try to understand what clients have done in the past, what has worked and what hasn't. From there, we try to keep it as simple as possible because it's too complicated, it's hard to maintain," she said.
Donna Lindley/Organize Your World
A "before" shot of a cluttered garage. Lindley's mantra is "a place for everything and everything in its place." "So often, clutter accumulates when there isn't a place for it," she said.
A "before" shot of a cluttered garage. Lindley's mantra is "a place for everything and everything in its place." "So often, clutter accumulates when there isn't a place for it," she said.
Donna Lindley/Organize Your World
After. Lindley says even when you have a system in place in a particular area to keep it organized, set aside time for it.
After. Lindley says even when you have a system in place in a particular area to keep it organized, set aside time for it.
Donna Lindley/Organize Your World
A great organizing tip: Use clear bins so you know what you have and label each bin.
A great organizing tip: Use clear bins so you know what you have and label each bin.
Randall Benton, TNS
Rather than store medicine in your medicine cabinet -- which Remodelista's editor say isn't good for medicine anyhow, which should be stored away from moisture -- Carlson and Guralnick suggest using it for makeup, grooming and jewelry.
Rather than store medicine in your medicine cabinet -- which Remodelista's editor say isn't good for medicine anyhow, which should be stored away from moisture -- Carlson and Guralnick suggest using it for makeup, grooming and jewelry.
Mathew Williams/Artisan Books
The pantry is another common problem area in many homes. A professional organizer can help you declutter and create solutions for long-term improvements. The National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals helps connect people with local organizers.
The pantry is another common problem area in many homes. A professional organizer can help you declutter and create solutions for long-term improvements. The National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals helps connect people with local organizers.
Dreamstime, TNS
An organized spice drawer makes it easier to see what spices you actually have.
An organized spice drawer makes it easier to see what spices you actually have.
Randall Benton, TNS
Home de-clutterer Dorothy Breininger works to organize children's books in the home of a client in Ladera Heights, Calif. When it comes to downsizing your belongings, famed Japanese organizer Marie Kondo suggests starting with your clothes first and then tackling books.
Home de-clutterer Dorothy Breininger works to organize children's books in the home of a client in Ladera Heights, Calif. When it comes to downsizing your belongings, famed Japanese organizer Marie Kondo suggests starting with your clothes first and then tackling books.
Jeff Gritchen, TNS
A tension rod from a hardware store helps keep lids in place.
A tension rod from a hardware store helps keep lids in place.
Matthew Williams/Artisan Books
Carlson and Guralnick suggest a wall-mounted pegboard and IKEA desk for a simple but orderly work station or home office. The pegboard is from Kreisdesign.
Carlson and Guralnick suggest a wall-mounted pegboard and IKEA desk for a simple but orderly work station or home office. The pegboard is from Kreisdesign.
Matthew Williams/Artisan Books