Celebrity interior designer Christopher Lowell shows how to declutter and redesign your home in his book “Seven Layers of Organization.”
Today, as part of a seven-week Tuesday tip series, we address Layer 4: Sort and Contain.
This crucial step breaks your stuff into two groups: items you want to display (colorful towels, perhaps), and items that should be stored out of sight (bulk toilet paper). If this process is difficult, start a third category of undecideds.
It’s time to effectively use all the drawers and closets you opened up when you decluttered. Put remaining items in categories of everyday, occasional and seldom-used or seasonal.
Everyday items, things you use at least three times a week, should be placed in the easiest access points. Nearest is dearest. You should never have to rummage through occasional or seldom-used items to get to everyday stuff.
Use high shelves or harder-to-access points for occasional items. When it comes to seldom-used items, think top shelves, under-the-bed storage, the garage or the attic.
Sarah Jackson: 425-339-3037, sjackson@heraldnet.com.
Check out the Good Life section next Tuesday for Layer 5: Design and Build.
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