Beer Bottle Collection (Metro)
Who would ever guess that an innocent beer bottle collection would condemn a home, break down a marriage and cause depression? … Not Bob.
The collection started with plenty of excitement. The shelved parameters of the rooms quickly got filled to capacity with beer cans. Apparently, at the beginning it had a real eclectic look. The collection continued to grow throughout the years and throughout the house to the point where there was virtually no more living space.
I asked Bob one question. Did you actually drink all that beer? The answer was, “Yup most of it” That was the icebreaker and we went from there.
With limited room to work we started with a logical plan of action.
Step 1- Attack the garage to create storage space for items we need to filter out to house.
It’s time to sell the 1979 Thunderbird Vehicle. Purge garbage and recycling.
Purchase solid but inexpensive shelving units to temporally house beer collect for sale.
Hire labour to move all beer collectables and place on shelves. Collect all gardening items from various areas all over the house and create one permanent zone in the garage.
Step 2- Basement recreation room now emptied.
Reclaim the space for living. Create zones for office, sitting and music.
Step 3- Laundry room
Quit beer-making projects for now. Clear out clutter. Clean up the room by adding laminate flooring, painting the walls. Use existing shelves to house hardware, shoe care, light bulbs, seasonal clothing in bins, cleaning products.
Step 4 – Bedrooms
Remove the dusty walling hanging rugs from above the bed. Start by sorting all items that are on floor surfaces, dressers top. Continue the sorting process in the drawers and closets. Remove several pieces of furniture to open up the space. Considered built in units for maximum storage potential. Filter out all paperwork, hardware items and anything else that does not belong in a bedroom. Try to make nice with the wife.
Step 5 – Kitchen
Remember cleanliness is next to godliness. For instant space remove large bulky appliances and platters that are rarely used and place in basement storage. To utilize every drawer, repair broken drawers, and dump your junk drawers. Use the counters for food prep not storage. There will be plenty of space in the cupboards to store pantry and dishes once we pare down the assorted plastic containers and grocery bags.
Bob’s spirits are high again; he has worked hard with the organizing team by his side to reclaim his space. Bravo! Time to celebrate with a nice cold beer, on second thought better not.
Brenda Borenstein is your Professional Organizing Guru. Look out for her column every second Thursday in the Metro in the Homes section. For more tips and ideas please visit her Website www.organizedzone.com or call 416-665-2165. She has organized hundreds of homes and says, “There is nothing I haven’t seen and nothing that can’t be overcome.”