Being accurate and detailed with your measurements are a must. As the professionals say, “Measure twice, cut once.”
I focus mainly on functionality and flow when I’m redesigning a room — if it functions efficiently and feels good then I know I’ve done what I set out to do.
I like to start with a favourite or unique piece for inspiration. Then I begin the elimination process. Some items might be too bulky, too sleek, too colourful or too bland — or they may simply no longer work in the space.
I then take a physical tour of the home to see what excess furniture, artwork, china or linens I might just have to borrow for our newly decorated room. Hence my motto, “Shop at home first.”
So now some of the initial prep work has been done and finally you are at the buying stage. Remember to bring your measurements, a digital camera for photos, and of course, be mindful of your budget. (Being accurate and detailed with your measurements are a must. As the professionals say, “Measure twice, cut once.”)
Planning your layout on paper is key. I’d also go the next step and label your space with painter’s tape on the floor and walls.
If you’re moving furniture by yourself, use your head before your back. I use foam and plastic sliders call Moving Magic (about $15), a.k.a. my moving men. Simply nudge the disks under the corners of your items, then a slight push and the items move without any real strength. The greatest thing about these disks is you can use them on a variety of surfaces for example carpet, ceramic, hardwood and linoleum.
When you have a lot of furniture to move around the house, invest in your health and hire a mover for an hour or so. It’s money well spent, I promise. A company I call often is www.rentason.com; they’re polite, eager to do a good job and for about $25 an hour you save your back and have everything moved to the right place.
Brenda Borenstein is your professional organizing guru. Look for her column every second Thursday. For more tips and ideas, visit www.organizedzone.comor call 416-665-2165. Brenda has organized hundreds of homes and says, “There is nothing I haven’t seen and nothing that can’t be overcome.”
