Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Life

Category: Organization and Storage Solutions

  • How to Organize a Linen Closet

    Linen closets can be largely forgotten in the rush of fall cleaning or a Marie Kondo-inspired purge. They can easily overflow and grow mold thanks to fluxes in humidity and temperature. As a result of their isolation, they can be viewed as a last resort for discarded but pricey beauty items or threadbare sheets and towels. Take the following steps to create a linen closet that holds everything in perfect organization. 

    Empty and clean

    Closets can seem like black holes. They’re able to store and hide linens and more, but this also means out of sight, out of mind. Lay all items on a bed or sofa. Vacuum the shelves, floor and ceiling. Mix your favorite cleanser or use an all-purpose one to spray each shelf. Be mindful of using enough product in the corners. Spray and wipe with a microfiber rag. Once dry, consider adding shelf liners – acid-free ones are preferred. 

    Sort and purge

    Begin by grouping like items together. Start with blankets and pillows. Move on to towels and bed linens. Once done, evaluate which linens need their walking papers. Toss those that are torn or stained. Any item with stretched-out elastic should also go. It’s tempting to think of repairing or cleaning items, but it may be best to purge them if you cannot do so within a week. Look at how many of each sheet size you have. Aim for three sets of linens per bed and four sets of towels and face cloths per person. Keep two or three extra sets of each for guests. 

    Shelve

    Bulky items such as blankets and pillows should go on the top shelf. Seasonal items such as beach towels and festive tablecloths should go in the back or top of the closet. Place towels front and center for easy access. Fold them in thirds lengthwise and then into a rectangle. Place edges toward the back for a neater look. In a more compact space, roll towels and tie a ribbon around sheet sets. 

    Label

    Linen closets may also be a space that holds quite a few toiletries for the whole family. Bins are a great way to bring pops of color and label items. Each family member can have their own bin. For a rainy-day project, let little ones decorate their containers. Small items, such as travel-size toiletries and cleaning supplies, can be grouped or divided into shampoo, conditioner, body wash and sunscreen by type. The same applies for beauty products and wipes.  The best way to deal with clutter is to prevent it. Organize your linen closet with these tips.

  • Creative Ways to Make the Most of Small Areas in Your Home

    As house prices and overall costs of living increase, space is at a premium. This may be for a variety of reasons, including because our families are growing or we’ve downsized. We all need to find creative ways to make the most of small areas in our homes so we can stay organized. Here are some great storage ideas for keeping things neat and tidy in tight quarters.

    Install Incremental Shelving

    Make use of odd spaces in various rooms to install floating shelves. This works particularly well in kitchens and bathrooms, where there tend to be many nooks and crannies. Small, floating shelves in a kitchen can hold cookbooks, decorative serving platters, cookware or baskets of linens.

    In a bathroom, floating shelves can hold cotton balls and Q-tips so they’re within easy reach but not cluttering up premium counter space. One shelf can hold guest towels. With all the racks and helpful storage devices available, look for ways to create a place for everything.

    Use purpose-made hooks on the inside of bathroom cupboard doors to hang curling irons, hair dryers and ceramic straighteners. Buy some decorative baskets and use them to store towels or toilet paper under a pedestal sink, if you’ve got one.

    Glass shelving is always a good option if you’re concerned shelving will make a room appear smaller.

    Take Advantage of Wasted Space

    Space under stairwells is almost always wasted space, and it’s infinitely customizable. Installing either open shelving or closing it off by adding cupboard doors means you can choose the size and shape of the shelves to hide the things you don’t want to get rid of but don’t need to access very often.

    If your kitchen’s small and there’s no way to install a pantry, you could create one under the basement stairs, or even under the stairs to the second floor.

    The area above the sink in most kitchens is almost always wasted space. If you hang a pot rack above the sink, there’ll be no time lag in getting clean pots put away. This way, they’ll always be accessible, and you’ll open up a lot more cupboard space.

    Other small areas in your home that aren’t being used, including hallways, are perfect spots to station a small storage ottoman or a bench with storage under the seat. If you have a coat rack in your hallway, consider buying a second one and mount it a foot and a half above floor level to use as a shoe rack.

    There’s also usually lots of potential storage space on the back of closet and cupboard doors. Shoe racks and spice holders can be easily mounted there.

    Installing drawers under beds is another great way to keep your closets from exploding and use otherwise wasted space. You may not be able to fit all your out-of-season clothes under the bed, but if you can store even half of them, you’re ahead of the game.

    If you want to take your storage and space solutions to the next level, a loft bed is the answer, especially in a child’s room. The area under the bed becomes a whole new play area. Just don’t forget to buy toy boxes and install some shelving underneath so you can maximize the space gain.

    Hide it in Plain Sight

    Consider mounting storage devices in plain sight. A holder for aluminum foil, waxed paper and cling wrap can easily be installed on the outside edge of your cupboards, and it will make them easier to find when you’re storing leftovers or making lunches.

    Small crates or shelving units don’t have to take up floor space—they can be mounted on walls. If you don’t want to display the things you need to store, invest in some baskets so task-related items stay together.

    If your entryway is big enough for a small table, it’s also big enough for a small dresser, which will provide all kinds of storage for messy but necessary items like hats, scarves, mittens and gloves, while still providing the flat surface you need for items you need to grab as you go out the door, whether that’s your keys,  library books that need to be returned, or dry cleaning that needs to be taken in.

    Since coffee tables tend to be magnets for clutter, think about replacing yours with one that has a little built-in storage for things you don’t want on display when guests are over, but that you still want to be able to find with ease (like the remote controls). A single drawer in a coffee table can help with that. Or you can use a blanket box as a coffee table and provide a home for all your family’s board games. The good news is that while your personal space may be shrinking, there are always great new storage ideas for small spaces.  If you invest in some of them, you’ll be able to get to “a place for everything and everything in its place” in next to no time.

  • Space-Sharing Ideas for Multi-Use Rooms

    In March 2019 the median U.S. home price hit the $300,000 mark for the first time, an increase of seven percent. That means making better use of the space you can afford, because buying a bigger home may not be an option. Here are a few space-sharing ideas for multi-use rooms that may save your family’s sanity.

    Create a Kitchen/Dining Room Combination

    We just don’t live as formally as we used to, and we tend to meet friends for dinner at restaurants. That means dining rooms are often completely wasted spaces, dusted and polished once or twice a year. Why not reclaim this room for another purpose—home office, game or media room, library—and revamp your kitchen so it works as a dining room, too.

    Installing an island with a sink on one side and a bar table on the other means you can entertain your guests while you’re washing, peeling, and chopping vegetables. They can watch you cook, and you won’t have to constantly run back and forth from the living room to the kitchen to make sure nothing’s burning. The bar table works well for on-the-run family breakfasts, too. You can also have a regular height, more formal sit-down table at the other end of the kitchen for when you do entertain; simply direct your guests from the living room to your kitchen/dining room when you’re ready to serve.

    Guest Room/Home Office

    Unless you have guests often, the guest room is another under-utilized area in most homes. If you have overnight guests less than once a month, or for very short stays, it doesn’t make sense to devote so much floor space to a bed that’s rarely used. There are so many sleek, elegant, comfortable and affordable hide-a-beds available these days that it makes a lot more sense to use the guest bedroom as a home office and relocate if, and when, you have overnight guests. Chances are good you won’t be trying to work from home when you’ve got house guests anyway. Fold down Murphy beds are another option, and there are many new models and designs available.

    If, however, you want to keep the guest room as a guest room, you can still create a home office in your guest room closet, if it’s large enough (cloffice is the not-quite-official name for this use of space). Now that printers and routers are wireless, they don’t even have to be in the same room as your laptop. It’s easy to add extra shelving to closet walls. In fact, you might find you focus better when the only visual distraction is your computer screen.

    Laundry Room/Pantry

    Even if you do laundry every single day, you probably spend no more than 10 minutes in your laundry room. That’s why it makes sense to make it a dual-purpose room and install pantry shelving or even an old set of kitchen cupboards that have been repainted or refaced.

    Almost every new washer and dryer is stackable, so take advantage of that and get your appliances installed vertically. You can also buy drawers for under the washer and dryer to safely store detergent, bleach, stain remover, and fabric softener right under the machines (and out of sight).

    If you’ve got a laundry room that also serves as a mudroom and back or side entrance to your home, buy a storage bench for near the door and install as many hooks as you can for coats and jackets. Coats are bulky, and only the ones you wear on a daily basis should be taking up front hall closet space.

    Rather than store out-of-season clothes in every family member’s room, create a winter storage area in the laundry room. You can fit a lot of clothes in a blanket box and an armoire, and neither take up a lot of floor space.

    Make sure all your furniture is space-sensitive and create a design strategy that favors dual- or multi-purpose rooms. Take advantage of corners and try to find corner desks or shelving units. Dining tables that expand with leaves and ones that fold down when not in use are always huge space savers. Ottomans and coffee tables are great opportunities for storing occasional-use items like board games and magazines. Instead of just a small table in your front hallway, use a small dresser instead. Be creative and invest in a variety of storage pieces. It’ll be a lot easier to keep everything in its place once you’ve created a place for everything.

  • Four Ways to Display a Collection

    A home should be a unique expression of the interests of its inhabitants. Plates, rare books, antiques are just some of the items one can collect and display. These pieces readily get conversations started and offer the opportunity to showcase them in stylish ways. Read on to discover how unexpected spaces in the home can be the perfect gallery for personal treasures.

    Welsh sideboard

    Practical and stylish, a sideboard offers discreet storage options on an uninterrupted surface. These timeless pieces were once relegated to the dining room, but now can be placed anywhere. Beyond serving food, they also offer a convenient area to display your treasures, particularly plates and vintage silverware. The trick is to select one focal point and keep backgrounds neutral. Collections will shine without overwhelming. If your display is particularly colorful, consider placing against a white or beige wall.

    Pigeonholes of a desk

    A desk can be the perfect place to display a collection. Pigeonholes were once used to store office supplies and papers. They now can provide space for a mini gallery. Start by clearing off stationary and polishing for the cleanest surface. Arrange your collection in a way that pleases you the most and get ready for the compliments.

    Bookshelves

    From masks to statues of all sizes, sculpture is one medium that thrives on proximity. These multi-dimensional works should be viewed from as many angles as possible. Bookshelves provide the perfect space for display, as most are elevated or at eye level. This placement also prevents accidents by keeping too many hands away from creating a hazard. To enhance these bold objects, consider adding the right lighting. A spotlight or single light may wash out intricate details. Diffused light, such as sunshine, works best. If that is not possible, try recessed lighting.

    Built-ins

    Versatile built-ins are meant to be filled with personal treasure. Books, Depression-era glass or action figures can all find a home on them. These small landscapes offer the right amount of space and light to bring dimension and character to a flat wall. For the more creative types, deepen the impact of your display by playing with layers.  Arrange books as a foundation and move smaller décor items to the forefront for a multi-dimensional look that will start many conversations. Love displaying your personal treasures as much as you love collecting them. This article was inspired by the April 1958 issue of Better Homes & Gardens magazine, proving beloved collections are timeless and always in style.  

  • Different Styles of Desks

    While sending texts and emails may have largely replaced writing long letters, a desk remains an essential item in every home.  A great desk can be the focal point of any space dedicated to a hobby, academics or a job. Lucky for every home, there is a wide range of models. The following desk guide and design tips will leave the work behind when adding to your home’s style.

    Secretary

    Ideal for the modern home, a secretary’s desk features a set of drawers for storage, a folding writing surface and a small cubby for display purposes. This classic also goes by the names secretaire, bureau, and escritoire. Whichever name you prefer, this charmer serves many purposes for almost every room. The desk typically comes in low or high heights. A low one would be exceptional in a bedroom, standing next to a leather, velvet or faux fur chair. Nautical themes that harness the wealth of drawers that some believed was a nod to a sea captain’s desk work well with those placed in the living or foyer. Glass-fronted options allow for ample display of vintage finds and essential reading materials. If a study is not available, create a reading nook with a cozy chair that can fit into any corner of your home.  

    Writing

    A writing desk is perfect for those who prefer a minimalist approach. While not known for expansive storage, this open desk has a large top/counter that is perfect for spreading out, if a laptop is the computer of choice. The conservative style works just as well in a bedroom or living room. To add visual interest, consider using a patterned or boldly hued rug. Create a gallery wall that inspires. Include framed motivating quotes done in calligraphy and photographs of famous authors to act as muses. Plants are also a great way to inspire the written word. Choose leafy selections that will not get in the way of your craft.  

    Executive desk

    An executive desk offers an abundance of drawer storage and surface space. They also provide a canvas for intricate designs and grandeur on their panels. Their timeless appeal encompasses an array of styles and shapes. They can be rectangular, L- or U-shaped. Choose gold trim and light work for a look that would fit in on Mount Olympus. Go for dark wood if the rest of the room is kept all-white or neutral. One way to add a touch of style with this type of desk is to play with lamps. Choose one in an unexpected color to showcase creativity or a unique shape, such as an oval or a salt lamp.

    Roll-top desk

    Featuring a moveable top crafted from horizontal wooden slates, the roll-top desk is a delight. Small cubbies or drawers are hidden by the covering, giving the homeowner privacy in their affairs. It is also an ideal canvas for a bold or varnish. Consider bright shades like apple green, rose gold or Living Coral. If feeling adventurous, paint the desk one color and the hood another. Put down a tarp to catch debris from sanding and cleaning the desk. Apply primer from the top down. Once dry, use latex enamel paint, avoid painting the track or slates. Find the right desk for your home, inspired by the April 1958 issue of Better Homes & Gardens magazine.

  • How to Organize Your Closet Fast When You Move into a New Home

    There’s no better time to organize a closet than when you move into a new home, if only because you’ll get a fresh start. While it may be tempting to simply throw things on hangers and put them into your new closet, taking a little time to consider what you own and how it should be arranged will make your life a lot easier. Below are a few tips to quickly and efficiently organize your new closet.

    Start organizing before you move

    The most cluttered places in a home are the last ones a homeowner will pack. Due to leaving these spaces until the last minute, people will simply throw things into a box and they take everything to their new home.

    Rather than wait until the moving truck arrives, plan ahead and pack up your closets and cluttered spaces at least a week before your move. Be strategic. If a pair of shoes is sitting in a dusty heap in the back of your closet, chances are you won’t wear them again. Same goes for your kids’ soccer equipment from 10 years ago, that extra yoga mat you no longer use or the clothes that haven’t seen the light of day in over a year. Set aside two boxes. In one box, put items you no longer use. In the other, put things you know you’ll use in your new home. Challenge yourself by seeing if the objects in each box can take up the same amount of space.

     

    Figure out what you want to keep in your closet

    Figuring out what you want to keep in your closet might seem like a no-brainer, but it’s actually easier said than done. Some closets are used just to store clothing, while others are for coats and sports equipment. Others may need to be more multipurpose. Install shelves in your closet to store various items, making sure to keep seasonal or rarely used belongings to the higher shelves. Once you’ve figured out what should be in your closet, stick with your plan. For example, if your closet is only for clothes, you’ll need to find another home for your linens and extra bedding. All too often, we put things in closets that don’t really belong in them, leading to the space becoming cluttered.

     

  • Don’t Let Chores Pile Up: Maintain your house in half the time

    Preventive cleaning was once as popular as the hula hoop and Audrey Hepburn, proving a clean house is the most timeless accessory to a happy home.

     

    A house that needs cleaning is an unwelcomed distraction from living life to its fullest. Piles of dirty laundry or chaos in the living room can dull the day’s accomplishments. Clean homes make it easier to find lost items and allow the mind to relax. Below is a list of preventive tasks that can be accomplished daily or weekly to make sure your home always shines.

     

    Preparation

    Keep microfiber cloths, your favorite cleaners and whatever else you need in buckets or decorative baskets in high traffic areas. With these kits readily available, 10 minutes of spot cleaning can make a difference. Select optimal times for you and family members to dedicate to cleaning. It can be once a day, week or month. To make chores a bit more fun, create a playlist or use this time as an opportunity to completely disconnect.

     

    Kitchen

    The kitchen is the heart of the home and one of the most used spaces. Keeping it clean is not impossible when care is given to maintenance. To pass the white glove test, take care of spills and messes as you cook. Rinse pots and pans after use if they cannot be washed right away. Line the stove and oven with tinfoil for quick cleanups. Dust cookbooks and countertop appliances every day just as you do the counters. Additionally, line cabinets with paper to toss out weekly or monthly.

     

    Bedroom

    Your bedroom is a haven for sleep and relaxation. Always make the bed upon waking or shortly afterward. Doing so makes the room look pulled together and starts the day with a sense of accomplishment. Place a hamper where needed and do laundry at least once a week. If cleaning the ceiling fan has gotten away from you, place an old towel directly beneath the fan to keep away dust bunnies. Keep framed art clean by misting a paper towel and wiping the glass rather than directly spraying it to prevent seepage around the edges. Use a lint roller to dust lampshades.

     

    Living room

    Clutter clogs the flow of any room, but it is quite noticeable in the living room. If you have yet to toss out items that do not bring you joy, make it a priority to chuck or donate non-essentials and have a place for everything. Place baskets strategically throughout the room for toys, remotes and whatever else tends to collect. Vacuuming and dusting the living room at least once a week puts an emphasis on picking up stray items. Get into the habit of neatening up at the end of the evening as part of a winding down routine to banish clutter.

     

    Bathroom

    Keeping the bathroom clean requires organization. Having dedicated spots for makeup and grooming tools reduces clutter. Wet wipes under the sink will clean toothpaste and soap splatters on faucets, mirrors and countertops. It is best to leave bar soap in the shower rather than placing it on the sink to avoid messes. Keep a shower cleaner in a caddy nearby for a quick spray of the tile and liner when done bathing. Wipe down the sink after every use. Deep clean the tub and toilet at least once a month to prevent smells and stains.

    Stay on schedule when cleaning your home to always be ready for company and much more. Inspired by the September 1957 issue of Better Homes & Gardens magazine.

  • Top 4 Pantries to Model Your Own After

    Without a pantry, kitchens can quickly become a space full of cluttered countertops and minimal cooking space. Pantries are perfect for storing everything from bulk ingredients to small appliances, as well as any extra items you come home with after finding a great deal at the grocery store. If you’re ready for a little home improvement that will enhance the aesthetics and increase functionality while also adding value to your home, here are some pantries to inspire.

     

    Use organizers

    Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need an abundance of extra space to reap the benefits of a pantry. Just add shelves to the back of your cupboard doors to store everything from spices to condiments. You’ll make space on countertops, cupboard shelves and drawers, which can be used to store other items.

     

     

     

    Think barn doors

    If you’re looking for a pantry that will receive compliments from your guests, hide it behind barn doors. This rustic, humble aesthetic is certain to increase the value of your home.

     

  • How to Organize the Perfect Pantry   

    Is your kitchen pantry in need of a little love? With constant shuffling and the addition of new items, it can be easy for the pantry to become difficult to navigate. Pantry chaos can make finding what you need a challenge. However, these quick and easy solutions will help you stay organized and create an easy-to-use pantry. Restore order in your kitchen and cut out chaos with our tips to organize the perfect pantry!

    How to Organize the Perfect Pantry

    Want more clever home hacks and tips? Check out Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate video tips & guides on YouTube!

  • 10 Quick Kitchen Storage Updates

    Your kitchen is the hub of your home. It’s not just the room where meals are prepared, and as such, it deserves some fresh design ideas. Great kitchens also have the potential to bring more value to your property if you decide to sell in the future. A great way to start is by enhancing your kitchen storage capabilities and layout visibility for ease of use!

    Here are the best kitchen storage options that can instantly bring value, appeal, and practicality into the space, regardless of how small the dimensions and budget may be.

    10 Quick Kitchens Storage Upates - bhgrelife.com

    Install Pull-Out Shelves

    A kitchen update that has taken the interior design industry by storm is pull-out shelves, placed inside your cabinets, so you don’t always have to reach far inside for materials. This little addition to your cabinets can even be done without a contractor if need be. With one little tug, you’ll be able to reach all the items in your cabinets. Talk about smart storage!