CLUTTER BUSTER IDEAS FOR AROUND THE HOME

1. It's time to make sure you have a clear space to hang coats. Use an entryway closet for longer-term storage of coats. Use a coat rack for coats you use every day. Make sure that your guests will have somewhere to hang their coats when they enter your home.

2. Many other things besides coats come along with the cooler weather. Hats, scarves and gloves will also need a place to go. I like to use a pantry door organizer for these things. Just hang it on the coat closet door and you'll have all of the baskets you need to keep these small items from cluttering your home.

3. Make sure that there is a specific place to stash keys, wallets and cell phones when you come in the door. If you don't have a shelf or entryway table for these things, they will pile up on your kitchen counters and tables. While you may be able to find these items, they make your house look cluttered and unorganized if they don't have a special place to go.

4. Use flowers, runners, vases, or other decorative items on your tables around the house. This gives the table a purpose, besides looking decorated. If there is a floral arrangement in the center of a table and someone stashes mail there, it will be obvious that it doesn't belong. An empty flat surface is easier to clutter-up because it is so welcoming.

5. Try to get rid of any "junk drawers" in your home. Drawers are great for hiding things away during a quick clean-up. However, the "hidden" factor makes it too easy to allow this precious space to become stuffed with junk. Use small, shallow containers or dividers in your drawers so that it's harder to allow them to become junk catchers.

6. It is much easier to keep your home clean and clutter-free if you walk around and clear off all of the flat surfaces in your home every day. It doesn't take long and it will keep everything looking neat and organized with very little effort. If you notice that one type of item is constantly being thrown on a flat surface, then you'll know which clutter item needs to be organized.

7. Store folded sheet sets inside of the matching pillowcases. This keeps your linen closet looking neat and organized, even if you don't know how to properly fold fitted sheets!

8. Mail is often the culprit when it comes to every day clutter. Make sure that you have somewhere inconspicuous to toss mail until you have time to go through it.

About the Author: Jo Granville is on the staff of Only Hangers, a leading online resource for quality clothing hangers.