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Managing Clutter
Is clutter overpowering your manufactured
home? Here's a list of some things you can do to optimize
the space you have.
> Use
bookshelves as dividers
> Create
a multi-purpose room
> Make
use of screens
> Guest
towel display
> Enjoying
your memories
> Storage
trunk
Use
bookshelves as dividers
You can divide one room into two without
making structural changes by making use of a free-standing
bookcase - and at the same time, gain added space not only
for books but for utilitarian, decorative and collectible
items. For example, a bedroom can be divided to retain the
sleeping area on one side and a study on the other. Since
most bookcases are meant to be placed against a wall, the
backs may be unfinished. Solve the problem by coverage the
back with panels of colorful fabric that coordinate with your
room's décor.
Create
a multi-purpose room
Even available 6 x 9 space can be converted
into a combination office, hobby, sewing and ironing room.
Set one side apart for the office, to include a desk built
of 2x4s and Mylar-covered hard-board. You can store account
books and business papers in stackable plastic vegetable bins
above the desk and in a plastic storage box beneath the desk.
Mylar-covered work surfaces are also used on the sewing/laundry
side of the space, along with additional plastic storage drawers
(using contrasting colors for opposite sides of the room)
for fabrics, patterns and thread. Hang the ironing board from
the wall hooks when not in use; poles can be positioned above
the work surfaces from which to hang laundry.
Make use
of screens
A folding floor-to-ceiling screen can
serve both a decorative and a practical purpose. For example,
a three-panel screen designed with picture frames can display
family memories and conceal storage space.
Guest
towel display
If having plenty of hand towels available
for guests is a problem, here's an idea you may find useful.
Roll up the towels like magazines and store them in a wine
rack. It's a colorful way to display towels and they're always
handy. Depending on the weight of the wine rack you choose,
the rack can be hung from the wall, or simply set on the toilet
tank.
Enjoying
your memories
If you have a drawer or box filled with
memorabilia, but never seem to get around to organizing it,
here's a tip that will make the project fun. Put the items
in a photograph album or scrap book. Whatever kind of book
you use, make sure the pages are acid free so your memorabilia
will be safe.
Not only will assembling the book be
fun, but then you can share the scraps of family history with
guests and friends!
Storage
trunk
An antique trunk is a sure bet for great
storage. Trunks are available at antique dealers and estate
sales, sometimes quite reasonably priced. You might need to
paint or refinish the trunk. If the inside needs attention,
clean it and put adhesive-backed vinyl or wallpaper in as
a liner. Add a couple of sachets, and you can store blankets,
spare bedding for a fold-out sofa, off-season clothing or
hobby and crafts materials. Depending on its size, the trunk
can be used to hold a television, stereo components, plants,
or even as a coffee table.
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