5 Keys to home organization focus on emptying the junk drawer
WASHINGTON - How to hide clutter in plain site and six home storage hacks developed by space-starved Manhattan apartment dwellers are among the Houselogic.com's latest ideas for home organization. 
 
The National Association of Realtors, thetrade association for real estate brokers, notes that everyone has one drawer in their home that serves as a catchall: the junk drawer. But some people have a junk cabinet, or even a junk room. What if you just can't find space in your home to keep everything as neat and tidy as you would like?
This month's Every Square Inch! spotlight from Houselogic.com, a comprehensive website for homeowners from the National Association of Realtors, features five articles offing advice on how to organize your home and creative ways to take advantage of underused or misused space.
 
Here are a few tips from HouseLogic on how consumers can make sure not a single inch of space in their homes is wasted.  

7 Sneaky Storage Ideas to Hide Your Clutter in Plain Sight

Even after you've purged your home of everything that you don't need, want or use, somehow you still have items that don't have an obvious storage space. Follow HouseLogic's steps on how to get your clutter out of sight, including creating new storage under stairwells or replacing a bed's box spring with drawers or a lift-up mattress.

When Getting Organized Goes Wrong 

You want to get your house in order, but everything you do to get organized just doesn't seem to work or stick. HouseLogic explains the most common pitfalls in which would-be organizers find themselves, such as trying to buy their way into organization by relying on expensive storage units and containers instead of taking the time to sort and discard clutter.

6 Small-Space Storage Hacks from Desperate New Yorkers

No one knows how to get the most space out of a tiny room than studio apartment dwellers. HouseLogic spoke with a Brooklynite apartment dweller for tips to banish clutter, including thinking like a spy to find secret hiding spots in your home's nooks and crannies to store belongings. 
 

Now-You-See-It, Now-You-Don't Pantry 

Finding extra space in your kitchen can seem impossible, but sometimes you just need to figure out how to make use of the space that that doesn't seem usable. Check out HouseLogic's DIYable pull-out pantry, which can let you store canned foods and spices in the space between your refrigerator and the wall.

6 Creative Ways to Put a Shoe Organizer to Work 

Of course, you can use a shoe organizer to store your flats and sandals, but did you know that they are also perfect for keeping all of your odds and ends in order? HouseLogic suggests six ways to repurpose a hanging shoe organizer, including storing and sorting computer cables, chargers and accessories, as well as creating a gift wrap storage station.  
 
For more information on how to make your space as organized and efficient as possible, visit HouseLogic.com. HouseLogic is a free source of information that helps consumers make smart, confident decisions about all aspects of home ownership. Made possible by Realtors, the site helps owners get the most value and enjoyment from their existing home and helps buyers and sellers make the best deal possible.
 
The National Association of Realtors, "The Voice for Real Estate," is America's largest trade association, representing more than 1.1 million members involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries.
 

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About the author
Bill Esler | ConfSenior Editor

Bill wrote for WoodworkingNetwork.com, FDMC and Closets & Organized Storage magazines. 

Bill's background includes more than 10 years in print manufacturing management, followed by more than 30 years in business reporting on industrial manufacturing in the forest products industries, including printing and packaging at American Printer (Features Editor) and Graphic Arts Monthly (Editor in Chief) magazines; and in secondary wood manufacturing for WoodworkingNetwork.com.

Bill was deeply involved with the launches of the Woodworking Network Leadership Forum, and the 40 Under 40 Awards programs. He currently reports on technology and business trends and develops conference programs.

In addition to his work as a journalist, Bill supports efforts to expand and improve educational opportunities in the manufacturing sectors, including 10 years on the Print & Graphics Scholarship Foundation; six years with the U.S. WoodLinks; and currently on the Woodwork Career Alliance Education Committee. He is also supports the Greater West Town Training Partnership Woodworking Program, which has trained more than 950 adults for industrial wood manufacturing careers. 

Bill volunteers for Foinse Research Station, a biological field station staddling the border of Ireland and Northern Ireland, one of more than 200 members of the Organization of Biological Field Stations.