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Organizing and Storing

© Wendy Waid

Living in an apartment definitely has its perks, such as no lawn care and free maintenance. But, you don't get tax benefits from donating your junk to goodwill and your taxes usually don't cover recycling pickups at your complex. Local recycling centers are hard to find. You can't have a garage sale and none of your friends are having one. Some local pawnshops and clothing resellers will buy your old stuff so check your phonebook. And the option of paying for a storage rental isn't all that appealing. So, what do you do with all your stuff? It's time to get realistic and organized.

First, you need to make a commitment to get rid of anything you truly don't need. Even if you don't get a tax benefit, donate those old clothes and useless tools lying around your closets to local charities. Most apartment dwellers move every few years, so why drag along unwanted junk? There are many local organizations that will gladly take your donations, including the Salvation Army, Goodwill, your local church, the local schools, a local shelter or halfway house, and more.

According to Organized Solutions ( http://www.wco.com/~dpmiller ), clutter is your number one enemy. Keep wastebaskets in every room within easy reach. Avoid the habit of dumping junk mail on counters and coffee tables. Is your closet full of presents you hate and never use? Give them away! Don't let guilt fill your tiny closets with stuff you don't even like. Running out of room but you just can't throw out some of your belongings? Start putting up shelves and hooks. Check out Container Store ( www.containerstore.com ) for some shelving ideas and supplies.

You can put together some really cheap and easy shelves yourself by visiting your local hardware store ( www.homedepot.com or www.lowes.com ). Make extra closet shelves by getting three wall-shelf metal brackets and a 5-foot x 6-inch board of wood. All you need is a drill and screwdriver and you're set. Most hardware stores sell pre-painted shelving units that you can mix and match.

The Dollar Stretcher offers some space-saving tips at http://www.stretcher.com/stories/970929b... . Fill unused, empty suitcases with extra stuff (like blankets). Use baskets as storage containers, such as to hold your sewing supplies and yarn balls. Smaller baskets hide easily behind doors and under end tables. If you haven't already invested in some furniture, think about dual-functioning pieces such as a bed with storage underneath.