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AS 2008 REVS UP, RESOLVE TO TACKLE YOUR TO-DO LIST

We all have those bothersome around-the-house chores we’ve been meaning to get to for months. Clean out that hall closet. Freshen up the living room décor. Attempt at least a smidgen of organization and planning.

January is a great time to tackle those tasks. You can start the year off on a productive note, and hopefully stay busy enough to avoid cheating on your diet resolution.

Paper Chase

When it comes to bringing order to chaos around the home, the number one task that overwhelms most homeowners is paper management, according to Lorie Marrero, professional organizer and owner of Living Order in Austin and San Antonio. Whether it’s a home office, a coffee table or that countertop in the kitchen where everything seems to pile up, paper clutter is a common problem with an easy solution.

“Designate an in-box for paper and let the whole family know where it is,” says Marrero. “Bring things in from the mailbox or the car to that one spot and then sort from there.”

The sort phase should take place several times a week, she notes, with items going into an action tray, a reference tray, or directly into the trash. Action items are those that need your attention right away, says Marrero, such as bills to pay or forms to fill out. The reference items are those you can file away when you have time.

For homeowners who need more help, Marrero has created the first “virtual team” of professional organizers. Go to clutterdiet.com to sign up for weekly support from expert consultants and community message boards.

Renewing and Remodeling

If all you want is a fresh look for a room, try a new coat of paint, rearranging the furniture or adding some new curtains or throw pillows. However, if you’re looking for a more dramatic change, consider hiring a professional. For design help, check out your local chapter of ASID (American Society of Interior Designers). For remodeling, you’ll want a member of NARI (National Association of the Remodeling Industry).

Kitchens and baths are the rooms that get the most attention when it comes to remodeling as they are the rooms that – when impressively up to date – bring the most return on investment when you sell your home.

If you’re remodeling for yourself, says Peggy McGowen, owner of Kitchen and Bath Concepts in Houston, you’ll want great quality and smart planning that helps to customize the space to fit your lifestyle.

“If you’re remodeling with an eye to sell your home soon,” advises McGowen, “that’s something else entirely.”

For example, it’s easy to give your kitchen a face lift to make it more appealing to potential buyers. While some people might think they need new countertops and appliances, McGowen says you can sometimes get a bigger bang for your buck with just a few minor fixes.

“Paint dingy walls with a nice fresh color, and change out the hardware on your cabinets,” she says. “And if you don’t do another thing, add some good lighting. Install under-cabinet lights—halogen or xenon, not fluorescent – and hang a chandelier over an island or breakfast table.”

Another inexpensive trick: Put in a mirrored backsplash. “In a kitchen without a lot of natural light,” says McGowen, “the mirrors make a huge difference. They reflect light and movement and make the whole space look bigger.”

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