COME TO ORDER

HOME O FFICE

Keep clutter at bay by setting up a multi-

purpose work station near your home’s

entry. It’s the perfect spot to hang your

purse or briefcase, charge electronic

devices, and store paperwork. Alve

secretary, $199; ikea.com

b y

t h e

l e t t e r

Stack trays on top for

items you want in sight and in mind—bills

to pay and outgoing mail, for example.

A TO Z

A file box holds materials you need

to access regularly, such as recent receipts

or school information.

CHARGING STATION

A small tray, dressed

up with a ribbon, is a tidy place to stow your

phone, BlackBerry, or iPod.

CATCH-ALL

Try a hardware store

toothbrush-and-tumbler holder (as little

as $5) for pens. Add S-hooks for keys.

PURSE HOOK

A robe hook keeps a bag or

purse in easy reach when you’re on the go.

DESK

Top Drawer

Quarter-sheet pans are perfect dividers for

shallow desk drawers,

right.

Stow extra school supplies for the

kids in one, your bill-paying tools in another, and grab-and-go

essentials—lint brush, lip balm, sewing kit, gum—in the last.

Clever Tricks

lb keep sheet sets together, eineh with a ribbon belt (make your own or use

one you don’t wear anymore). Or fold the pillowcases lengthwise and wrap

them around the folded flat and fitted sheets, as on

page

15.

16

JANUARY 2009

BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS