Organize your Communication Zone
Find a place for everything you dump as you walk in the door or grab on the way out.
Organize storage for cell phones, mail, purses, keys and other small items.
Purses, keys and little stuff:
Pick a piece like this buffet, which has ample storage space.
- Arrange little bowls or trays on top to hold change and keys, and bins underneath for papers and magazines.
- Hang a mirror for a last look before leaving.
- Ask your kids to put anything needing your attention in a designated in-box.
- Store purse must-haves--tissues, lip balm, sunscreen--here, along with a lint roller you can use on your way out.
Balcony oval mirror, $199; at CrateandBarrel.com.
Mail station:
Shred junk mail daily. Keep a small cordless vacuum on hand to pick up dirt and mud that's tracked in.
Mailmate junk mail shredder, $49 after rebate; at Staples.com.
Recharging dock:
Create a charging station--mount a power strip in the back of the buffet drawer and drill a hole through the back of the piece for the cord. Dock cell phones, MP3 players and other electronics.
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