The Organized Home Manifesto

We believe in better living through organization. Here are eight ways to get there.

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Buy fewer (and better) things. Resist impulse and stopgap purchases. Instead, zero in on quality.
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Donate the stuff you don’t use. That includes unwanted gifts. Let someone else put your castoffs to good use.
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Shop your own house. A surprising array of storage challenges can be solved with a well-made basket, tray, or hook—chances are, you already own most of the supplies that you need.
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Steal ideas from organizational masters. Experts, such as hoteliers and shopkeepers, know how to come up with novel, affordable approaches to storage.
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Ditch the plastic. Seek out products made of sustainable natural materials, such as wood, glass, and ceramic. They’re better for the planet, and you won’t have to stash them out of sight.
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Know what you’ve got. Ample storage is not necessarily a good thing. We’ve been conditioned to think that huge closets are desirable, but the truth is, they can encourage you to avoid pruning your belongings (and to lose track of what you have).
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Establish habits and routines that simplify your life: always keep your keys and eyeglasses in designated spots.
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Relax and make yourself at home. Too much enforced order is uninviting for occupants and guests alike; rooms are for living.