Clutter Control

So you're finally living in the house of your dreams. And it cost you next to nothing. All you had to invest in was enough resolve to get rid of clutter.

Now, when you go through your home, you experience a calm feeling. Gone are the days of emptying the refrigerator in search of the remote control.

But wait.

Your sense of satisfaction might be justified, but getting rid of the clutter is only part of the job. Those precious items you held onto won't stay in place forever. You may need some snazzy organizing cubes, containers or other tools to keep your house looking good.

Jennifer Truesdale, of STR8N Up Professional Organizing Services, says its important for homeowners to wait until they have eliminated the clutter before thinking about buying containers. After their homes have been purged, they can get a clearer picture of the sizes and types of containers they can use.

Containers help to keep items sorted and easy to access, Truesdale says, a member of the National Association of Professional Organizers, which observes Get Organized Month in January.

In bathrooms, for example, she would use one container for health products, another for make up and two for separating children's and adult medications.

"Once items are placed in containers, label them so you can identify what's in them quickly. Finding them quickly helps with time management and household efficiency."

It helps homeowners to avoid looking for things they know they have "somewhere."

So what kind of storage is out there?

There's colorful kid storage to contain books, games and toys in their bedrooms and playrooms. Sleek hooks and racks can be just what's needed to keep clothing in a bedroom hanging where they belong. Cabinets that have been refaced, but not replaced might need some of those pullout racks for areas under sinks where cleaners are stored.

Pretty jars and boxes initially selected for design, are perfect for containing a million different small items that are easily misplaced around the house.

While the a remote control caddy may be out of vogue, there's a good chance your family could use a re- charging station.

You can find containers for organizing your household at discount, big box and home stores. But don't forget to check online stores, such as organize.com, and getorganized.com.

Homeowners who love a clean contemporary look can find plenty of organizing tools in stainless steel.

Those drawn to naturals will find containers made of bamboo and an array of grasses.

And then, there are plastic gadgets designed to help you keep tract of just about everything in the house.

Reach Wevonneda Minis at 937-5705 or wminis@postandcourier.com.