Entrance

Organize high and low. This entry maximizes gear storage with two large baskets nested underneath the bench and a row of hooks along the wall. The baskets can be used for small items such as headbands and gloves; the hooks help keep scarves untangled and wrinkle-free.

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Sliding storage. This cubby has a drawer that slides out to hold boots big and small. It was designed so that even the adult boots can slide out of sight without getting smashed.

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Wide open. Of course, another option is to skip the window treatment entirely. If you don’t really need privacy or light control in the room, a window seat can frame a window beautifully on its own, no shade required.

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This garden corner uploaded by Gail Squires reminds us what summer looks like in tropical, sunny Florida.

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Get to know active vs. passive zones. Active zones are the spots in your home that you pass or touch daily (usually multiple times a day), and include the entryway, top drawers and eye-level shelves and cabinets. Passive zones are the less frequently used spaces in your home, including the guest room, garage or basement, very high and very low shelves, and nooks deep within closets. A common organizing mistake is to clutter your prime active zones with items you don’t frequently need. For example: Don’t keep your spare lightbulbs in the top drawer in the kitchen when you only need to grab one every few months!

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