• Limit the number of shoes you own to the amount of space you have to store them. When you buy a new pair, one of the old ones has to go.

• A cover made of bright fabric can give new life to an old futon and add a splash of fun to your room.

• Ironing can be easy if you have an organized four-step system: 1) Start with the back, 2) move on to the collar, 3) press the front panels and, finally, 4) the sleeves. With very little effort, your shirts can look as neat as your rooms.

• Look for ways to maximize function and storage by finding multiple uses for things you already have. That basement foosball table can double as an ironing board as well as provide toy storage with some well-placed bins.

• Look for interesting ways to use items designed for one particular purpose to perform different functions. For example, with a little creativity, a kitchen rack makes a great desk organizer.