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Part 3: Zone your way out of household clutter

Think of your dream house. How does it look? Is it country or contemporary? Is it neutral or exciting? Is it a romantic cottage or a trendy loft?... Is it cluttered or neat?

You probably didn't say "cluttered"! Most of us have our vision of the "perfect home" -- and it's a place where everything is organized, neat, and uncluttered.

You may not be living in your dream house today, but you can work on organizing your current space so it's neater, more organized, and clutter-free.

Start with the tips on this page, then go on to our Super-Size Tips for Mudrooms on the following page

CLUTTER FREE - Closed storage areas are essential to keeping an entryway, mudroom, or any area of your home looking clutter-free. A coat closet, armoire, chest of drawers, or storage bench are just a few things that can help keep items behind closed doors. However, also consider using built-ins, stock or custom kitchen cabinets, and closet organizing products to help categorize clothing and equipment to give every item a "home".

STORAGE TIP - The key to successful storage is to figure out what categories of items you have to store, how much room you need to store each item, and how to store it all behind closed doors whenever possible.

NO FLY ZONES - One key organizing principle is that each category of items stored needs to be located in it's own "no fly zone". What's a "no fly zone"? It means that once an area is designated as a "zone" for certain items, then no other clothing, supplies, or equipment should be allowed to "fly" in there.

For example, the top drawer of a chest might be the "mitten zone". This means that no catalogs, permission slips, socks, or scissors are allowed in the "mitten zone". A hall closet might be the "kids jacket and boot zone" and the "tennis racket zone" -- so it shouldn't have hockey sticks, luggage, or cameras. When establishing a zone you may need to post signs to help family members keep things in the right zone, at least until they learn what goes where. Proper zone storage will lessen those stressful incidents of "Help! The bus is here in 2 minutes and I can't find my other boot!"

TIP: Revise your Zones as Needs Change - When you find that stray items are showing up in the wrong zones, it may be a sign that the plan needs slight revisions. Make adjustments as things change and as new categories come up. Posting little signs (even post-it notes) can help re-orient everyone to a new zone.

TIP: Plan Space Needs with an Eye to the Future - Another storage principle is to plan ahead for storage needs. You know you'll amass a certain number of family pictures over the years -- so don't choose a teensy drawer as the "zone" for photos. Give this category some room, and plan ahead by buying acid-free photo boxes and albums -- ready to organize your photos.

If you have kids, then plan ahead for storage of artwork and school papers. Designate a "zone" for each child's treasures, essays, and creative endeavors.

SAVED BY THE ARMOIRE - An armoire can hold lots of stuff. It doesn't have to be fancy, but fit it with lots of shelves inside and perhaps a few hooks. Lined rectangular baskets or plastic storage bins are great to categorize smaller items, such as mittens, hats, and scarves. Big backpacks and boots might go at the bottom.

It's also a great place for miscellaneous items like bulky phone books, a stash of school supplies for the kids, and odd things like extra sunglasses, umbrellas, and tote bags. If an armoire is too big for your space then see if a chest of drawers might fit.

SIT ON DOWN - If you have room, even a small bench or chair is useful. Sit down while you put on your boots or use it to set down a briefcase while you put on your coat.

Page 4: Best Mudroom Tips