Get Organized Before Your Next Remodeling Project

By Margaret Johnson Doran

You are considering a face lift for your home, a remodeling project. Tight space in the kitchen, or cramped sleeping quarters have you at your wits end. You're ready to bring in the wrecking ball.

It's true that remodeling will brighten your outlook on your living space, but before you call the contractor, take time to tidy up. Get rid of the clutter, and you'll see more clearly the size and shape of your rooms. You might unearth expanses of living space even before the first construction dust falls.

First, open up your garage door and take a good look around. Every item that you've been saving because you "might need it someday" is taking up storage space for things you are tripping over inside your home. Ruthlessly dispose of (yard sale or charity donation for things that still have usefulness) unneeded junk. If you are storing belongings for friends or family, encourage them to retrieve their property. After all, they are likely enjoying free space that rightfully belongs to you.

Next, one by one, tackle your closets. Clothes that haven't been worn in two seasons should probably be donated or sold. Toys that your children have outgrown, likewise. Use inexpensive plastic boxes and shelves to arrange your remaining articles for easy access. You'll be glad you did this. An organized closet will bring a little Zen tranquility to your world once the minor chaos of your renovation commences.

In the kitchen, remember that less is more when it comes to cooking. Gadgets, utensils, pots and pans that you don't use are merely in the way when you are preparing a meal. If you do not have a spacious pantry, move seldom used items to a designated area in your newly clutter-free garage. Rearrange your remaining cooking essentials in your cupboards for easy access. Use organizing shelves and racks available at your home improvement store.

If your kitchen is the room up for a redo, paring down your cooking accouterments is all the more important. Your food preparation facilities will be minimal for a while, so keep handy only items you'll need for microwave, hotplate and barbecue meals.

Perhaps your bathroom is on the block for a modernization. Apply the same simplifying standards in this room as you did in your closets and kitchen. Consolidate your grooming gear in your second bathroom, if you have one, while the other is out of commission. If you are remodeling your only bathroom, move everything except toilet paper out, and into a cabinet or box you can keep nearby.

Finally, sit back and take some time to think about your living style during your home makeover. Considering ahead of time the changes in your routine, lack of privacy and the inevitable noise, dust and grit will eliminate some of the surprises that can sap your enthusiasm during your remodel.

Redoing your home should be fun. Getting organized before you begin your project might seem like a redundant chore, but it will save you aggravation along the way, freeing you to enjoy your renovation.

03/06/08  By Margaret Doran