BH&G Secrets of Getting Organized

WHEN I MOVED TO BROOKLYN AFTER COLLEGE, I lived in a 5-bedroom, 1-bathroom apartment with five adults and two cats. My room was only big enough to fit a full-size bed, which was lofted, plus a small desk and lounge chair underneath. I loved every inch of it. My own—very tiny—slice of New York City. Four apartments and a cross-country move later, a lack of square footage still inspires me. A nonexistent entry in my current apartment led me to outfit a blank wall with hooks, a bench, and a shoe rack (“Small Made Mighty,” page 30). I especially admire homeowner Ashley Mayes’ philosophy about keeping only what you truly need (“Built for Three,” page 8). Writer Samantha S. Thorpe saw her family’s growing belongings and added an all-purpose space…

CHOOSE A METHOD THAT FITS YOU The perfect time to clean out your wardrobe is whenever it works in your schedule. Approach your closet organization energy in one of three ways. 1 STICK TO THE SEASONS “Spring cleaning” doesn’t have to happen just once a year. Your home routine might function best by timing a closet refresh to each season. One advantage? You’ll likely remember which pieces you wore that season when you’re closer to the time frame. 2 SET A STRICT ROUTINE The goal is to feel good—and that may mean a more frequent refresh than a seasonal shift. Your closet size may also influence your decisions. If you don’t have a lot of space, implement a monthly or one-in, one-out routine—if you buy something new, something else needs…

A FEW YEARS AGO, ASHLEY MAYES CHANGED HOW SHE DECORATES AND ORGANIZES HER SPRINGFIELD, MISSOURI, HOME. “I got over consumerism and the constant feeling to buy or change things,” she says—no small feat for a blogger whose job requires content creation. “As a family, we’re concerned about sustainability. We want to work with our home, not completely gut it.” So she, husband Luke, and their son, Greyson, 13, made three big changes. “It started with only buying pieces I connect with,” Ashley says. The second rule: Give every item a purpose and a place. To begin, Ashley took stock of the linen closet and decided she and Luke didn’t need five sets of bedsheets. She kept two and rehomed the others. “I apply that to everything: dry goods, baking pans,…

SET UP A MORNING ROUTINE THAT ACTUALLY WORKS CREATE TWO LISTS On a sheet of paper, write down the tasks you must do in the morning—brush your teeth, get dressed, drop the kids off at school—and the tasks you want to do—sit down with a cup of coffee, exercise, read the news. MERGE THE LISTS Put tasks in order based on the best flow for your morning schedule as well as the layout of your home. If your bathroom sits closer to your bedroom than the kitchen, first brush your teeth and then make coffee. MANAGE YOUR TIME Figure out how long each task takes—even two-minute jobs add up. Then, based on the time you need to leave your house, work backwards to create your schedule. EDIT YOUR PLAN You…

SPLIT DECISION HELP A SINGLE ROOM PULL DOUBLE DUTY: A tall, open-back bookcase commands compartmentalization. The makeshift “wall” divides a large open space into two functional zones, while also packing in storage and allowing light to pass through. 1 BUILD OR BUY If you’re handy, you can construct a 72×78-inch bookcase from sheets of medium-density fiberboard cut to size and screwed together. The front and back face frames are assembled from poplar 1×4s and pin-nailed onto the shelf. If you’re not handy, no sweat. Look for a sturdy open shelving unit that can stand on its own as a room divider. 2 MAP IT OUT The bookcase acts as a peninsula when positioned with one short end abutting the wall. On one side, create a more formal seating area. On…

☑ DESIGNATE A BOUNDARY Place a rubber mat, multilevel rack, moldproof baskets, or cubbies near your front door to section off an area. Consider your space’s layout and the lifestyle you need to accommodate. Kids might be more likely to toss their shoes into a basket than line them up neatly. □ PUT AWAY RIGHT AWAY Allow only seasonal everyday sneakers or sandals to snag a spot near the door. The bulk of shoes should live in one’s own closet. Wipe down and walk special occasion shoes back to storage after wear. This way, they’re properly maintained and ready for the next event. □ CHOOSE AN ORGANIZER Go vertical to save space within your entry area. Try a narrow shelf that works as a drop zone for mail or a…