'Home Improvement' Category

Do not make extensive changes to a new yard for a year or so until you understand the landscape’s peculiarities. Use a garden journal to record what you learn about the soil, drainage, shady areas and any hot and cold spots. Use the first year to experiment. Plant a few annuals, perennials, some vegetables and some plants in pots. [...] Read More

Basements, like garages are magnets for household overflow, especially if the space is unfinished and dry. A basement can be turned into a useful storage space with freestanding plastic or metal shelves, temporary wardrobes and stackable storage boxes. [...] Read More

Narrow 3 1/2 inch-wide shelves installed between open studs will hold quart cans of paint, jars of fasteners, garden sprays and other supplies. Using a 1x4 first make 3/4 inch blocks to support the shelves. Attach the blocks to both sides of the stud with glue and 1/2 inch screws. Cut the shelves to fit between the studs then place them securely on the blocks. [...] Read More

The garage tends to become a catch-all space for extra stuff but the time and thought you put into organizing it is an excellent investment. You walk through this space everyday on your way to your car so garage clutter is an inconvenience and a possible source of danger. [...] Read More

You are most likely facing a moth infestation if you discover holes and white larvae in stored clothing. Sort through the affected items and throw away anything you cannot salvage. Take the rest to a dry-cleaner letting the staff know about the infestation. [...] Read More

Out-of-season clothing, books, photographs and linens all require special attention when you put them away. There are many other household items that need storage space beyond the everyday clothes and accessories. These include the out-of-season clothing, special occasion and heirloom clothing that are made of delicate or valuable fabrics, table and bed linens, holiday decorations, books and papers, photographs. [...] Read More

Putting a little extra effort into caring for your table linens will pay off. They will last longer and look fresher for many years. Before storing table linens, wash them to remove any dirt or stains. Repair any tears or holes so they are ready to use when you pull them out of storage. [...] Read More

Pay particular attention to those made of beading, chiffon, rayon, silk or taffeta when preparing old or favorite clothes for storage. Here are some key points to remember about caring for these delicate fabrics. [...] Read More

Whether you are trying to give order to a pile of wet winter gloves or stow your shorts and sandals for next summer, how you store them will affect how long they last and how accessible they are when you need them. [...] Read More

Design your closet around a list of all the clothes you need to store. When allocating individual articles of clothing to spaces, put like items together so that you can see, for example, all of your blouse choices hanging in one place, all of your pants choices hanging in another. Keep all your sweaters together, folded and stacked on open shelves. [...] Read More