Quick Tips for Everyday Organization

Aesthetics and function are important when choosing containers for your things. "You want to make sure you know exactly what you're going to put in the container before you go shopping for it," says Julie Morgenstern, author of Organizing from the Inside Out (www.juliemorgenstern.com). She recommends making things as much fun to put away as they are to take out by using sleek, classy storage that matches the decor of your room or home.

Instead of several shopping trips, reuse items you have lying around your house: Baskets, boxes or shelves can be repurposed with a new coat of fabric or paint. Often, this is less expensive than buying a specialty container and can be just as effective for organizing. The key is to buy containers last, not first, so you know they'll be effective.