Staying clutter free: An expert's advice

There’s barely enough space in most New York City apartments for the people living in them, let alone all of their stuff. But clutter doesn’t have to be inevitable. Lisa Zaslow, the founder and organizational guru behind Gotham Organizers, offers some quick tips for staying organized in even the tiniest of spaces.  

• Utilize prime real estate right: There are areas in every home that are more valuable than others. Put the things you use most in places that are easy to reach and easy to see (usually somewhere between the height of your shoulders and your hips).
• Find extra spaces: You may not think you have any more places to store things, but you do. Keep off-season clothes and other things you won't need to get to often in boxes under your bed, for example. Put things (you don't use as often) on even the highest shelves in your closet. And don’t forget about that cabinet on top of your fridge.
• Don’t hoard: No, you don’t need to keep all your empty computer and electronic boxes unless you plan to sell them at some point in the future. And be realistic about it. Are you really going to do that?
• Start small: Store short hanging clothes, like shirts and skirts, together in your closet, and instantly free up a space underneath where you can put in a dresser or stacking shoe shelves. Or use bag organizers to free up drawer space in your kitchen. Little things often go a long way in a small space.

For more read, “Professional organizer Lisa Zaslow shares the secrets to staying clutter-free.”

In Case You Missed It: Every so often, BrickUnderground digs through the archives to find the best advice our experts have shared through the years.

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