Calling all pack rats: Are you ready to conquer clutter once and for all? The National Association of Professional Organizers (www.napo.net) offers these handy tips.

Kid’s Room 

• Place bins and boxes on lower shelves so a child can put away the toys. 
• Label storage so it’s easy for children to put items where they belong. 
• Provide low hooks to hang up sweaters, pajamas, jackets, book bags, etc. 
• Take children with you when you go to donate unused items. This helps them learn to part with things.

Closets 

• Pull out everything you haven’t worn in the past year. 
• Display what you want at your fingertips and store the rest on top shelves or in drawers. 
• Make sure you can see what you have in your closet. Consider installing good lighting. 
• Hang like items together — shirts, pants, dresses, etc.

Kitchen 

• Consolidate things that work together, such as baking pans, electrical appliances, plastic containers (with lids), and pots and pans. 
• Use drawer dividers to keep utensils in order. 
• Rotate food staples out of your pantry. 
• Feel the flow of activity. Place glasses near the sink or refrigerator. Put snacks in a convenient drawer or cupboard.

Garage 

• Decide how to use the space. Is it a workshop? Is it a storage center? 
• Toss things that don’t work! 
• Sort, purge and properly store treasures. 
• Consider floor-to-ceiling shelving, racks, stackable drawers, hooks and pegboards.