Carrie Higgins - Organization Hacks: Over 350 Simple Solutions to Organize Your Home in No Time!

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Adams Media

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Copyright 2017 by Carrie Higgins.

All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this book or portions thereof in any form whatsoever. For information address Adams Media Subsidiary Rights Department, 1230 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020.

First Adams Media trade paperback edition DECEMBER 2017

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Interior design by Erin Alexander and Colleen Cunningham

Interior illustrations by Nicola DosSantos

Cover design by Erin Alexander

Cover photographs by Erin Alexander

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data has been applied for.

ISBN 978-1-5072-0333-0

ISBN 978-1-5072-0334-7 (ebook)

Many of the designations used by manufacturers and sellers to distinguish their products are claimed as trademarks. Where those designations appear in this book and Simon & Schuster, Inc., was aware of a trademark claim, the designations have been printed with initial capital letters.

Readers are urged to take all appropriate precautions before undertaking any how-to task. Always read and follow instructions and safety warnings for all tools and materials, and call in a professional if the task stretches your abilities too far. Although every effort has been made to provide the best possible information in this book, neither the publisher nor the author is responsible for accidents, injuries, or damage incurred as a result of tasks undertaken by readers. This book is not a substitute for professional services.

For my tribe,

Abby, Ben, and Casey...

for more reasons than could ever fit on this page.

So much gratitude, so little space! First, thank you to those whove both inspired and believed in me, including my parents, friends, and family. Heaps of thanks to those who shared their favorite hacks whether it was while brainstorming around the kitchen table or in general being an organization rockstar (Nicky, Rachel, and Kelli Im looking at you). Several hacks in this book came from brilliant friends who blog, specifically Diane of InMyOwnStyle.com, Jocie from OneProjectCloser.com/TheBetterHalf, and Sandra of SawdustGirl.com. In addition, Wagner SprayTech generously provided a spray tent and home decor sprayer to facilitate easy painting of several larger projects. Many thanks to Rebecca Tarr Thomas, Zander Hatch, and the team at Adams Media for endless patience and support helping to turn this book into a reality. To the Making Lemonade blog readers and community, thanks for allowing me to do what I love and call it a job; your incredible support is both humbling and deeply appreciated.

This book would not have been possible without the support of my incredible husband Casey who pitched in and cheered me on without complaint. I thank my lucky stars each day for you. To my amazing children, Abby and Ben, who exuded excitement and offered help, whether in the form of dance parties, snuggles, or being an assistant while I worked on projects: Im deeply thankful for you and your willingness to embrace challenges. I did this for you and hope I made you proud.

Imagine your perfect life: You have more time for the things you love. You have a little extra money in your pocket. Theres less stress in your life. There isnt nearly as much chaos swirling around you as there seems to be now. While you might not achieve perfection, the organization hacks in this book can help make all these wishes come true. Youll save time by quickly finding any item you need; be more efficient when deciding what to wear each day; spend less money replacing lost or improperly stored items; and enjoy a calmer, more peaceful environment once you ditch the clutter and chaos.

Throughout this book, you will find three types of hacks: the short hack, the DIY project, and the list. The short hacks in each chapter are simple ideas that quickly solve a problem. One or two of these hacks alone may not do much, but as you implement more of these and begin getting into an organized mindset, the benefits will quickly add up. The DIY projects are more in depth than the hacks and can be tweaked to fit different rooms and spaces. Each DIY project should be able to be completed in under three hours, with most of them taking far less time. Finally, the lists shine a spotlight on several ways to hack a featured item or several ways to tackle a specific problem. Use these lists to find the tip that works best for you, to brainstorm the best way to execute an organization hack, or to come up with your own unique use for handy items.

Each person is different, which means theres not a one-size-fits-all method of organizing. To that end, you may notice several hacks to choose from that are focused on one common organization problem. Sometimes you want a quick fix; other times you dont mind taking on a larger DIY project. Choose the one that best fits your schedule, habits, and routine. Combined, this format of short hacks, DIY projects, and lists that are tailored specifically to each area of your home provides one powerhouse of an organization plan!

Laying the groundwork for organizing is almost as important as the actual projects. Before you begin, ensure success by taking a moment to set your organizing vision, review the list of basic organizing necessities, and learn the Ten Commandments of Organizing. Each one is important, but together they create a framework that will help you set yourself up for continued success.

The first thing you want to do is to consider the end goal. Take a moment and jot down why you want to get organized. What does an organized home look like to you? What does it feel like? What will happen when you get organized? Considering these questions is important; these reasons will give you a clear goal to work toward and a reminder of the end goal when youre in the thick of it. Organization comes from having a clear and executable plan. Once youve laid out your goals, youre ready to begin to gather supplies.