email Ellen

Excerpted from Top Tools, Tips & Trends by Berit Thorkelson
Winter 2007–2008
Download PDF of article

Space-creating ideas for the bathroom
Typically, it’s the smallest room in your home. So even a little bit of bathroom clutter goes a long way. Professional organizer Ellen Damaschino of Neat (neatorganizer.com) offers some expert tips on capturing more space—or at least feeling like you have.

Contain it. Use baskets or pretty trays on counters to contain items you use every day.

Move up. Choose under-the-sink organizers with adjustable shelves or pullout drawers to maximize space. Try stacksandstacks.com for ideas.

Divide and conquer. Use plastic dividers, such as cutlery trays and expanding organizers, to keep items in drawers neatly segregated. Slim down. If cabinet space is at a premium, unpack goods and place them in small plastic or glass jars from specialtybottle.com. Just make sure to label everything so you’re clear on what’s what.

Feel good. Leave some space for a scented candle, a pretty jewelry box or a dish of favorite soaps from sudsysoapcakes.com to help you enjoy your space. It’s the first place you go in the morning and the last place you visit at night.