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   - Purge any items that are no longer needed or in use, determine what is
     left and how it will be used and measure the available space to figure
     out what will fit.
   - When organizing, use a three-box system: "keep," "discard" and "don't
     know." Donate whatever possible from the "discard" pile. Seal the
     "don't know" box and put it away after sorting. If the box remains
     unopened after one year, throw it away.
   - Focus on one room at a time and work only in manageable intervals -- 15
     to 30 minutes a day. Set a kitchen timer. When the bell rings, stop
     working and continue the process the next day.

  When organizing different spaces in the home, consider the following:

  Garage
   - Save valuable floor space by hanging shelves and hooks to store items
     along the walls. Organize the overflow of clutter by using utility
     cabinets for added storage.
   - Keep workshop essentials clean, protected and close at hand with tool
     boxes and chests.
   - Use a storage system made especially for small items, which can easily
     disappear among larger items.

  Closet
   - Frequency of use is a key consideration when organizing a closet. Store
     items that are used at least once a week at a height between the
     shoulders and knees.
   - Keep a folding step-stool in every closet to provide easier access to
     articles stored on top shelves.
   - Use a multi-pocket over-the-door shoe organizer to store hosiery,
     scarves, gloves, belts and other accessories.

  Laundry Room
   - Consider adding wire shelving or installing wall-mounted cabinets,
     which will add space to the room and provide an area to place folded
     laundry. Wire baskets can be used for storing socks and undergarments
     before they are put away.
   - Place a clothes rack by the dryer, and hang clothes as they come out to
     minimize wrinkling and the need for an iron.
   - Keep a plastic shoe box in the laundry room to collect items such as
     lipstick, buttons and money.
   - Keep a small trash can near the dryer to throw away used dryer sheets
     and lint.

  Home Office
   - If there isn't enough space in the house to devote an entire room to
     the home office, tuck a computer armoire into a corner of the living
     room or dining room. For another space saving alternative, convert a
     closet to an office nook by using a combination of shelves, drawers and
     hanging storage.
   - Use memo and bulletin boards to keep family and work schedules posted.
   - Use stackable plastic drawer units to organize printer and copier
     supplies, paper and other office essentials. Look for units that will
     fit on top of file cabinets.