Get organized: Living well in small spaces

Q: What home organization mistakes do people make?
A Holding onto things. The biggest culprit is paper. I know people who've had recipes for 15 years that they've never used. And most people keep stacks of magazines. My rule is, if you haven't read them in three months, send them to the hospital. If you haven't looked at a piece of clothing for a year, send it to a charity.

Q OK, so you've established zones, parted with the insurance policy on the 1977 Gremlin and are ready to organize. What tools do you need?
A A Daytimer -- it's the bible. You need to make time for everything in your agenda -- for meetings, but also for filing and meal planning. If the chaos in your spare room is bothering you, schedule time to organize it.

Q: What are other useful home organization tools?
A I love clear plastic storage bins. You can see the contents right away. You can put wrapping paper in one, and mitts and hats in another, and stack them in a closet or in the basement. I also like clear plastic garment bags. In a small room, you can put sweaters in an airtight bag and gloves and scarves in clear boxes that can all go under the bed.

Q A plastic box is great in a closet, but what about in a living room?
A There are lots of beautiful wicker baskets. In small living spaces, look for items that do double duty. If you don't have a linen closet, for example, use a trunk to store linens and to sit on.

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