Get organized for 2013

A new year is here and there’s no better time to get organized and get rid of stuff that’s no longer needed and taking up precious space.

Here are some suggestions that can help with de-cluttering:

Purge, purge, purge. If you don’t use it, get rid of it. Plan a garage sale, but remember they take time and effort. Sometimes it’s faster and easier to give items to charity or make them available through a web-based service such as Craigslist or the Buy and Sell.

Recycle your clutter. It may be tempting to toss your clutter in the nearest waste bin, but with a little extra effort you may be able to discard it so it won’t burden the environment. More and more, there are recycling programs available through municipalities or other organizations. The Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation is a nonprofit organization that operates Call2Recycle. This is a program devoted to helping recycle batteries and cellphones free of charge. Visit www.call2recycle.ca for drop-off locations. Also consider donations to the Habitat for Humanity ReStores when you have quality building materials that you no longer need. (Visit www.habitat.ca.)

Categorize before you organize. Separate items such as tools, gardening, automotive, sports equipment and camping equipment.

Label containers so you know their contents. Taping photos of the contents or keeping a record in a binder will you find items when you need them.

Maximize your vertical space. Once you’ve organized, install cabinets, hooks and racks, and purchase clear bins for an easy way to find your items. Built-ins, such as cabinets, shelves and overhead units, are especially helpful in keeping items accessible and off the ground. Some companies custom build organizers, shelving units and cabinets to maximize your space.

For more home improvement information, to send Shell an email, or to watch Shell’s AskShell webcast go to www.AskShell.com.