Multipurpose utility shelves take the stress out of spring cleaning!
As the weather warms up and the trees start turning green, lots of people are starting to think about diving into Spring cleaning. It seems like that combination of fresh air and sunshine gives a much-needed burst of energy, inspiring folks to want to tackle the bigger jobs around the house that may have been neglected while they were battling winter blahs.
The first task many families look at is sorting through and organizing all the clutter that has built up over the last few months (or years!). Just thinking about getting your home organized can seem daunting at first, but with the right tools and techniques, it really can be a breeze!
One of the most versatile and effective tools for home organization is multipurpose utility shelving. These shelving units are designed to be sturdy, customizable, and easy to assemble and move, making them a great option for any room in your home.
Read on for step-by-step instructions for how to use utility shelves to tame your mess and start the summer off right!
Start with a clear plan for your Spring cleaning project
Before you start installing your shelves, it's important to have a clear plan in place. Take a look at the room or area you want to organize and think about how you will use the space. Consider what items you will be storing on the shelves, and where they will be located. This will help you determine the number and size of shelves you will need.
Writing out a checklist and drawing a diagram of your space will help ensure you don't miss anything in your planning process. Don't worry if you're not a great artist - it doesn't have to be pretty. Finally, pick a day and time and write out a basic schedule - and don’t forget to include breaks!
Measure the space where you plan to put your shelves
Once you have a plan in place, measure the space where you will be installing the shelves. This will help you determine the size of shelves you need and how many you will be able to fit in the space.
Consider the weight of the items you will be storing
When selecting your utility shelves, it's important to consider the weight of the items you will be storing on them. Make sure to choose shelves that are sturdy and can support the weight of your items. You can also use brackets or anchors to provide additional support if needed.
Free up floor space by making use of vertical storage
Utility shelves are one great way to make use of vertical space in your home. Place storage shelves in areas like the garage, basement, or laundry room and store lightweight items that you don't use as frequently on the upper shelves. This will free up floor space and make it easier to find what you need.
You can also consider specialized wall-mounted storage solutions like bicycle racks, tire holders for your summer or winter tires, pegboards with repositionable hangers for tools, or large hooks for outdoor extension cords.
Make it a team effort!
Everything is easier when you work as a team! Choose a day when you and your helpers will have a period of uninterrupted time to devote to the project and share your plan with them to make sure everyone is on the same page. Assigning specific jobs to each person will help everything run smoothly.
Sort your items into keep and giveaway
There's no point in organizing all the stuff you know you don't need! Start your decluttering project by separating out the items into clearly labeled cardboard boxes, including one for donations. Consider organizing the rest by season, room, or how frequently they are used.
If you can arrange to have the donations taken away before you get started on your next stage, even better! That will free up space in your home and make you feel like you've accomplished a pig piece of the task already.
Organize small items in bins, baskets, or storage totes
Using storage bins or utility totes along with your utility shelves will help keep small items organized and easy to find. Plastic bins can be either clear or opaque with advantages to each.
Clear totes let you see at a glance what's inside, but for some people being able to see the contents can feel untidy or even overwhelming.
Opaque bins provide a uniform look without the appearance of clutter and can be labeled with permanent marker or washable paint markers to easily identify the contents.
Canvas bins or wicker baskets are an attractive solution for high-traffic areas like bathrooms or laundry rooms. They will keep your smaller odds and ends out of sight while providing a pretty accent to your decor.
Now all you have to do is get started!
With just a little pre-planning and some lightweight, versatile storage shelves, you can get your home decluttered and organized in no time! By following these tips, you can make the most of your shelves, and create a clutter-free and organized space in any room of your home. With the right plan, the right size, and the right materials, you'll be able to create a storage system that looks great and - more importantly - works well for you and your family.
Are you thinking about tackling your basement or garage this weekend? Do you have any great tips to share? Follow Koolatron on Facebook and Instagram and tell us your thoughts!