8 Affordable Ways to Tidy Up

Organize a Junk Drawer

Almost everyone has a junk drawer―a place full of random household items tossed together in disarray. But a drawer full of odds and ends doesn’t have to be disorderly. Organization expert Jodie Watson shows you how to transform your catch-all to an organized area in just minutes.

What You Need:
• Flat surface
• Junk drawer (complete with junk)
• Drawer organizer
• Key tags

Organize Jewelry

There’s no reason to spend valuable time weeding though piles of tangled jewelry. Watch as design expert Gia Russo shows you an excellent way to manage and display your prettiest pieces.

What You Need:
• Modular linen-covered tiles (or a linen-covered pin board)
• Straight pins
• Screw hooks

Store Clothes

Storing off-season garments is a great way to keep your closet uncluttered and your clothing protected. Style expert Sam Saboura shows you the simple steps.

What You Need:
• Canvas or muslin storage boxes
• Cloth garment bag
• Wooden hangers
• Cedar moth repellant

Organize Bills

It’s safe to say that no one enjoys paying the bills, but having a solid system for tackling this task can take at least some of the sting out of it. Organization expert Jodie Watson shows you how to keep bills organized, both before and after you pay them.

What You Need:
• 13-pocket accordion file
• Paper shredder
• Vertical letter rack

Wash Cashmere

Dry cleaning isn’t the most effective way to care for your cashmere―it’s just the most expensive. Style expert Sam Saboura shows you how to keep your cashmere looking like new for just a few cents a pop.

What You Need:
• 2 to 3 shallow plastic or enamel wash basins (or a sink)
• Gentle laundry soap
• Clean white towel
• Mesh drying rack

Organize Kids' Schoolwork

Children inevitably come home from school with scads of artwork and assignments. What to do with it all? Follow these simple steps from organization expert Jodie Watson.

What You Need:
• 1 plastic bin (per child)
• Labels
• Digital camera

Store China and Silverware

Organization expert Jodie Watson shows you the best way to store your fine china and silverware so that it’s protected―and ready to use as soon as you need it.

What You Need:
• Quilted dinnerware storage set
• Acid-free tissue paper
• Bubble wrap
• White chalk
• Cheesecloth
• Zip-top plastic bags

Organize Decor Samples

Save carpet samples and paint swatches to take with you to the furniture store, and you’ll know just what color that new couch should be. Design expert Gia Russo demonstrates a simple way to keep everything organized.

What You Need:
• Accordion file
• Labels
• Marker
• Zip-top plastic bags

From the editors at Real Simple.