Before:  This frequent traveler dumped items on return in a seldom-used living area. Soon there was no place at all to relax.

After:  A better way of unpacking directly into closets and drawers tidied this refuge up immediately. Also created a place and a plan so that laundry did not pile up too!

Detail:  Start to finish, less than five hours. Excess items are posted on Freecycle to get rid of them easily and quickly.

Before:  Photo not available.
After: Large IKEA "Billy" unit used to house toys. Notice how the open shelves are low to make it easy for the kids to access items and put them away. Behind doors are more toys and games that need supervision.

After:  Larger heavier boxes are lower but everything is within reach. Shelves are adjusted to accommodate clear plastic boxes. Little people Home and accompanying accessories are on the same shelf for ease of use.

Detail:  Boxes are labeled boldly in English and Spanish. A picture is also added for pre-readers to easily identify their favorites!

Before:  Halloween decorations, gift boxes, and baby items idle in this sitting room. But worse yet, the holidays are just weeks away...

After:  The furniture was rearranged for best use of space and dedicated storage areas were created out of sight. Now there is room for the holiday decorations to be placed as well.

Detail:  Moving the furniture also lets in much more light and makes the room more inviting.

Before:  Too much furniture is in the room and nothing has a dedicated home. The only dining space is covered making it impossible to have a relaxing meal.

After:  Excess furniture is donated and area is purged and tidied. Bookshelves are rearranged and lights are turned on so that the area is well lit.

Detail:  Table is now moved to clear dining area and the room seems to expand in the space!

Before:  Decorations, mail, old toys, sports equipment, and boxes not yet broken down cutter up this space making it unusable.

After:  This is all cleared out, mostly tossed or donated. A mail sorting and processing station is set up in a different room. Now there is room to play family games or enjoy a nice meal.

Detail:  Just finding a dedicated home for things and doing 10 minutes of maintenance a day will prevent this filling up again.