Jody Minns's Stories

Thursday, August 13, 2020

Tarek El Moussa’s Biggest Flops From ‘Flipping 101’

Tarek El Moussa has come a long way! After a much publicized divorce from Christina Anstead, he has reinvented his life.

Although El Moussa still flips houses with Anstead, he has a new romantic partner: his fiancee, “Selling Sunset” star Heather Rae Young. He also has a new show of his own, “Flipping 101 with Tarek El Moussa,” where he shows novice house flippers the ropes. The hit show has been renewed for a second season, which will air starting in 2021.

El Moussa’s advice is usually rock-solid when it comes to buying, renovating, and selling homes. But even though this 38-year-old has been in the home renovation game for years, he doesn’t always get it right. Like with any good flipper, his biggest priority is the bottom line, which means that his design choices sometimes suffer. Plus, since he’s advising flipping newbies, he’s hamstrung by the fact that they don’t always listen to his recommendations and, worse, sometimes go against his advice.

Even so, you can learn plenty from El Moussa and his students’ mistakes—and their fixes—from the first season of his new show. Read on about “Flipping 101” flips gone wrong so you can avoid these snafus in your own renovation projects, too.

Dark bathroom tile

Tarek El Moussa’s dark bathroom renovation
HGTV

What was El Moussa thinking when he advised his flippers to install black tiles in this bathroom? It’s not entirely clear, since the black tiles suck all the light out of this large space. Even though some of the other finishes are white, they only serve to highlight just how dark the tiles are. What gives?

The fix: Maybe El Moussa was just experimenting, because he quickly reverted back to white subway tiles with an accent tile inlay in later renovations on the show. The resulting bathrooms were fresh, bright, and inviting, rather than looking like a dungeon.

An overly busy fireplace

El Moussa’s busy fireplace renovation
HGTV

For some reason, El Moussa loves to use geometric patterned tiles as accents in his designs, including this fireplace makeover. But while the tiles certainly added visual interest to the room, they also made the space look busy. Unfortunately, these tiles were just too out there for some buyers.

The fix: In another renovation, El Moussa still made the fireplace a focal point, but he used a warm, faux-wood tile and laid it in an interesting pattern instead. The result was more subtle and nuanced, while still adding drama to the room.

An ornate stair railing

El Moussa’s ornate staircase railing
HGTV

El Moussa usually leans toward clean lines and modern finishes with his design aesthetic. But in one renovation, he picked an ornate and rather traditional-looking stair railing that missed the mark. With whimsical curlicues, this stair railing looks cheap and tacky rather than expensive and luxurious.

The fix: Maybe that mistake was a fluke, because El Moussa returned to his signature contemporary style in other renovations: crisp lines, high-end finishes, and clean and bright decor.

A dark kitchen backsplash

El Moussa’s dark kitchen backsplash renovation
HGTV

The dark blue backsplash tiles El Moussa used in this renovation made the kitchen look dated and dark, despite the contrasting high-end white cabinets and countertops. This kitchen was already small, and these busy blue tiles made it look even tinier. The bold color was a turnoff to some buyers.

The fix: El Moussa reversed course in a later renovation, installing a fun patterned tile backsplash in this kitchen. The bright white and gray tiles helped the kitchen remain light and airy while still feeling luxe and custom.

Bathtubs rather than showers

Sure, bathtubs can come in handy, especially for buyers with children. But in certain situations, like this renovation, they can make an already small bathroom feel even more cramped and outdated, despite having high-end flooring and shower tiles.

The fix: Luckily, El Moussa saw the error of his ways and skipped the tub in another renovation, installing a huge, gorgeous shower instead, which really impressed buyers. His decision to design the bathroom with only a shower—and no tub—really upped the “wow” factor in this bathroom and made a statement.

Gaudy wallpaper

The right wallpaper definitely has a time and place—it can add texture and dimension to an otherwise boring space. But in this master bedroom, El Moussa’s dark, shiny wallpaper accent wall just looked gaudy and out of touch. Was this master bedroom intended to look like a throwback to a 1990s hotel room? Because that’s totally the vibe this wallpaper gave off. Yikes!

The fix: Fortunately, El Moussa didn’t stick with the standout wallpaper idea for long. In other renovations, he opted for classic, neutral paint colors, like this off-white living room. Ahhh, now that’s better.

Stark black and white decor

El Moussa’s stark black and white kitchen renovation
HGTV

When in doubt, you can’t go wrong with black and white. Or can you? El Moussa’s design choices made this kitchen look stark and sterile. There’s very little warmth, just sharp contrasting colors and harsh lines. The rigid kitchen doesn’t feel like a space where a buyer could actually unwind and relax.

The fix: But El Moussa learned from his past mistakes and opted to go with muted colors and warmer wood tones in another renovation. He used tans, browns, and even a pop of light yellow to help soften this master bedroom and make it feel totally inviting.

The post Tarek El Moussa’s Biggest Flops From ‘Flipping 101’ appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

Wednesday, August 12, 2020

8 Ways Apple Cider Vinegar Can Clean Your Home Like Nobody’s Business

apple cider vinegar cleaner — ThamKC/Getty Images

Health nuts rave about the powers of apple cider vinegar, also known to its fans as ACV. This pantry staple has been used to do everything from treating a sore throat to managing weight. But did you know it also has multiple uses for your entire home?

“Apple cider vinegar is a great, low-cost cleaning product for your home,” says Dr. Amy Myers, a functional medicine physician. “Best of all, it’s free of the toxic chemicals found in many common cleaning brands that can irritate lungs and skin.”

Similar to its hardworking cousin white vinegar, ACV is a big winner for being a multipurpose household product and a natural antibiotic that can kill harmful germs and bacteria. Here are some of the best ways to use ACV in your home.

1. Kill pesky fruit flies

Banish those annoying little flies in your kitchen by using ACV to make a fruit fly trap. Simply fill a jar with a half-cup of ACV and add a few drops of dish soap. Then leave the jar uncovered overnight in the kitchen or wherever the flies congregate. The mixture smells like rotting fruit and is sure to attract them, and the drops of dish soap will sink them as they land.

2. Work as an all-purpose cleaner

A 1-to-1 solution of apple cider vinegar and water can wipe out bacteria and is safe to use in kitchens and bathrooms, on things like stoves, countertops, the fridge, toilets, and bathtubs.

Kathryn Kellogg, who runs the blog GoingZeroWaste, says her homemade apple cider vinegar cleaner has basically replaced other common cleaners.

“I use it on most of the things in my home,” says Kellogg. “My counters, my floors, my mirrors, and it works wonderfully.”

3. Unclog a drain

Standing in a pool of shower water that’s going nowhere is not only gross, but at some point, anyone with long hair will have to deal with a clogged drain. Before calling an expensive plumber, it’s worth attempting a tried-and-true DIY trick.

First, pour boiling water into the drain, followed by one cup baking soda and one cup ACV. Cover with a drain plug, wait five to 10 minutes as it bubbles, then pour more boiling water down the drain. Repeat as necessary, and the drain should unclog in no time.

4. Remove streaks on windows

Toss the blue window spray, and put something more natural and effective into the rotation. ACV can cut the streaks on your mirrors and shower doors with ease.

“Due to its high natural acid content, it has grease-clearing properties and can be used to clean windows and mirrors to a streak-free shine,” says Myers.

5. Clean carpet stains

We’ve all been there: An accident happens, and your once-spotless carpet now has a glaring stain. Fido to blame? ACV is there to the rescue.

Mix a few tablespoons of salt with ACV and rub it into a stain. Let it stand, and then vacuum up the excess mixture.

ACV also works great in water for your carpet steamer. Just mix a quarter cup ACV in 1 gallon of water.

6. Kill weeds

ACV is delicious in salads but can also be useful as an organic herbicide to eliminate those annoying weeds sprouting up through driveways and sidewalks. The benefit here is that ACV is eco-friendly and safe for humans, animals, and the environment.

Spray ACV directly onto weeds, and be careful not to spray on other plants. The weeds will dry up and die after a few days.

7. Refresh the laundry—and the washing machine

Nothing feels better than clean, freshly laundered clothes and sheets. To get your laundry even more germ- and odor-free, pour one cup of ACV into each load.

And, as ironic as it sounds, washing machines can get grimy, too, and be responsible for smelly laundry. To keep your washing machine in top condition, pour two cups of ACV into the washer and run a full cycle, without laundry inside. Say bye-bye to that musty smell!

8. Restore a coffee maker or tea kettle

Nothing ruins teatime like a kettle with chalky mineral buildup. The same goes for coffee makers that can get stained with limescale, which can ruin the efficiency of your appliance and the taste of your beverage.

But chemical-based mineral removers aren’t necessary to get rid of hard-water stains. Fill your coffee maker or tea kettle with two parts water and one part apple cider vinegar, and turn them on. Let the appliances run, and the descaling magic will happen.

The post 8 Ways Apple Cider Vinegar Can Clean Your Home Like Nobody’s Business appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

How To Sharpen Garden Tools | DIY Basics

‘Good Bones’ Reveals a Cool Alternative to Open Floor Plans That You Must See

On “Good Bones,” Mina Starsiak and her mother, Karen Laine, are always experimenting with new designs—and in their latest Indianapolis renovation, they reveal a clever alternative to open floor plans that could catch on fast.

In the episode “The Boho Bungalow,” Starsiak and Laine take on a dilapidated home in a neighborhood that’s known for its growing artists community. They’re hoping to give this home a fun, alternative vibe.

Check out how they pull off this boho-chic makeover, and learn some clever home improvement tips, along with an ingenious alternative to an open floor plan that you might like to try in your own abode.

Consider different siding options

When Starsiak shows Laine the home for the first time, they discuss updating the exterior.

The house has an outdated red and yellow color scheme, so it’ll definitely need some new paint. But beyond that, Starsiak also wants to replace the home’s lap siding with vertical board and batten.

“I think the board and batten, honestly, looks higher-quality in the vinyl than the lap siding does,” Starsiak explains, as she draws up plans.

So, the team works to replace the siding and give the home a fresh look. When paired with a new color and new porch railing, this house looks brand-new.

Lots of shapes give a home a boho style

When Starsiak shows Laine the interior of this home, Laine is unimpressed. The living room looks fine, but as she explains, it’s dull.

“Walking in,” she says, “this has beige carpeting, and nothing really to recommend it.”

So, the mother-daughter team decide to dress the home up with what Starsiak calls a “boho-eclectic kinda vibe.”

They end up giving the entire first floor new life by dressing it up with geometric patterns and lots of different shapes. The rugs have a geometric style, and even the tile in the bathroom plays into the theme.

This shower tile supports the geometric theme.
HGTV

The design ends up being just enough to make the living space look interesting, without making it feel too busy.

Can’t knock down the wall? Deconstruct it instead

Before: The living room felt closed off from the rest of the home.
HGTV

Before renovation starts, Starsiak and Laine acknowledge that this old home has an antiquated layout.

Every room on the ground floor is closed off, and while they’d love to break down some walls and give the space an open concept, Starsiak knows she has a limited budget and can’t afford to take down walls.

Luckily, Laine comes up with the idea of deconstructing the wall between the living and dining rooms, removing the drywall and exposing the studs.

“I would like to start a trend of deconstructed houses,” Laine says, “to expose the inner workings of the house a little bit, add a little artistic flair.”

While Starsiak isn’t so sure about the project at first, in the end, the wall looks outstanding. The design allows for a lot more light to go into the dining space.

Then in addition, the shelves Laine installs are incredible. Not only are they a convenient spot for storage, but they also provide an opportunity to display plants and bring color into the space.

“It turned out really cool,” Starsiak says of her mom’s design.

Small kitchens can bring big style

There’s no doubt about it: This kitchen is small.

Unfortunately, there’s not much Laine and Starsiak can do about it. Expanding the space would be expensive, so they’re determined to work with what they have.

Starsiak and Laine decide to take a risk with a busy boho backsplash. Since the footprint is so tiny, the multipattern black-and-white tiles don’t seem overwhelming.

With plain white cabinets and butcher-block counters, the space still feels light, bright, and beautiful.

The finished product looks amazing. Starsiak and Laine are happy with the backsplash, and Kiella seems to love the kitchen, despite the size.

“I wanna cook right now,” she says when she walks in.

Flooring doesn’t have to be perfect to be beautiful

When Laine pulls up the carpeting in the upstairs bedrooms, she’s surprised by the flooring underneath. The floors aren’t perfect, but they might be perfect for the boho style Starsiak and Laine are going for in this house.

“I feel like we could do some fun stuff and just like embrace the distressed nature of them,” Starsiak says after examining the floors.

So, Laine and the team sand the floors, and when the work is done, both Starsiak and Laine love the look. The uneven texture adds to the room’s artistic charm.

How do this home’s good bones clean up?

While Starsiak and Laine may have taken some pretty big design risks in this boho chic home, the risks pay off.

The eclectic style works well, and, paired with the deconstructed wall and unique flooring, the home feels warm and creative.

Starsiak buys this home for only $11,000 and ends up putting $89,000 into the renovation.

While she and her mother don’t find a buyer right away, they list the home for $120,000, which would give them a $20,000 profit if they can fetch a full-price offer. Stay tuned.

The post ‘Good Bones’ Reveals a Cool Alternative to Open Floor Plans That You Must See appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

Tuesday, August 11, 2020

We’re All (Hopefully) Washing Our Hands—but Is Your Soap Actually Spreading Germs?

You’re in a public bathroom when you see it: A bar of soap next to the sink, just to the right of the faucet, still sudsy from the last person to use it. Yuck.

Is it really possible to get clean from rubbing your hands with a communal bar of soap? Wouldn’t it be more sanitary to use liquid soap? And sure, public bathrooms are gross by nature, but is your bar of soap at home really any better?

And what better time to answer these questions than during a pandemic, when we’re all (hopefully) being extra diligent about washing our hands. To get you the sudsy scoop, we talked with experts to learn if bar soap can spread germs, along with everything else you need to know before you lather up at the sink or in the shower.

Bar vs. liquid: Which soap is better?

Don’t freak out if your only option is bar soap. Maybe it’s not your top choice, but it’s not a bad one.

“Any type of soap should suffice, as long as you spend at least 15 seconds washing your hands,” says Dr. Nadia M. Khan, an internal medicine specialist at Central DuPage Hospital in Illinois.

That said, you might want to opt for liquid soap if you have the choice; it has a few advantages over bar soap.

“Bar soap is definitely messier to use and can potentially harbor more bacteria if it’s sitting in a pool of water—a risk you don’t run with liquid soap,” says Dr. Peterson Pierre of Pierre Skin Care Institute in California. “However, your hands are washed and rinsed off in the end, so the germs are simply washed away, regardless of which product you use.”

More reassuring news: Studies have shown that your bar of soap probably won’t transfer bacteria. Even if you come into contact with a bar of soap that’s contaminated, you don’t need to panic.

But keep in mind, liquid soap dispensers can be hot spots for bacteria in their own right. Ultimately, the question of bar soap versus liquid soap comes down to personal preference.

Is it safer to use a household bar of soap than one in a public bathroom?

If your only option in the gym bathroom is a bar of soap, it’ll still get the job done, even if it grosses you out.

“In a public bathroom, there is potential for other people’s bacteria to live on the surface, but only if the bar is wet and soapy for much of the time,” Khan says. “In the process of cleaning your hands with it, however, the surfactants in the bar of soap will wash any of these bacteria away.”

Same goes for a bar of soap in your bathroom at home.

“A bar of soap in a home bathroom is quite sanitary,” Khan says. “Some bacteria may live in the bubbles created on the surface of the bar, but these are your own or your family’s microorganisms, so they cannot make you sick.”

Is antibacterial soap better than regular soap?

You would think so. But “there is actually no additional benefit to antibacterial soap versus regular soap,” Khan says. “They each have surfactants that break down and wash away bacteria and other grime on skin.”

Those surfactants are what help soap spread and cleanse your hands or body each time you lather up. Whether your soap is labeled “antibacterial” or not, the important thing is that you spend at least 20 seconds rubbing your hands together.

“Soaps are designed to mechanically wash and rinse germs away,” Pierre says. “Even if your soap isn’t antibacterial, it’s still getting the job done.”

What about bar soap in the shower?

“The main caution is to keep the bar as dry as possible in between uses to minimize bacterial buildup,” Khan says.

The same advice goes for any other bath tools you use in the shower with soap, like loofahs, sponges, brushes, and washcloths.

“They should be thoroughly washed and dried in between uses, otherwise they can harbor lots of bacteria,” Khan says.

OK, so how does soap actually clean?

Oil and water don’t mix, and when you’re washing up—whether you’re cleaning your hands, your body, a dirty dish, or a load of laundry—you’re trying to combat oil and grime in some form or another. That’s where soap comes in.

The chemical makeup of soap helps it remove grease and stains much more effectively than water alone. That said, if you find yourself in a situation without soap, it’s still better to wash up with only water than to skip washing your hands altogether.

In short: When in doubt, any type of soap will do the job (and washing with water is better than not washing at all). Whether you’re a lifelong germaphobe or just doing your part to help reduce the spread of COVID-19, there’s never been a better time to review the CDC’s full guidance for washing and drying your hands.

The post We’re All (Hopefully) Washing Our Hands—but Is Your Soap Actually Spreading Germs? appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

Chip and Joanna Gaines Unveil Decor You Can Buy for Just 2 Bucks (and Up)

Chip Gaines and Joanna Gaines — Daniel Zuchnik / Contributor / Getty Images

Need a little something new for your home to brighten your mood? You’re in luck: Chip and Joanna Gaines have just unveiled their fall line of home goods at Target, and their price is more forgiving than ever.

The wildly successful duo from HGTV’s “Fixer Upper” have added another batch of tabletop pieces, rugs, kitchenware, and furniture to their Target line, Hearth & Hand with Magnolia. The collection features more than 100 well-priced finds with dozens at $50 or less. A few, like some faux flowers, will set you back just $2.

Plus, your living space will soon be due for an updated autumnal palette. Ready to shop the looks? We asked a couple of interior design pros for help in selecting the best of this new line.

Fig candle

Plummy sweet fig is a quintessential fall scent.
Target

Karen Gray-Plaisted of Design Solutions KGP raves about Chip and Jo’s scented candles—and this season’s collection is no different.

“The candles I’ve bought from this line in the past are absolutely fabulous since they have a great scent and burn nicely, plus this jar in particular is so stylish,” she says.

This fig light is a soy wax blend that will stay lit for 45 hours in its industrial cement container ($13).

Dried wildflowers

Choose from two sizes of faux thistle and sedum in chic amber vases.
Target

These pretty faux stems work well as solo arrangements or popped into a Mason jar alongside fresh dahlias or zinnias. Their off-white hue also gives them a wintry look so you can keep them around when the snow starts to fly.

Pick the size that fits your mantel, or get a trio—they’re that affordable ($6 and up).

Amber glass vase

Amber glass and an antique shape make a winning combo.
Target

Drew Henry of Design Dudes votes for this pretty vase on a dining table or sideboard.

“It feels very warm and adds a great punch of color, and the liter measurements on the outside give it a fun touch, which allows it to work in both rustic and modern designs,” he says.

Choose from three sizes, and then display single blooms in each, such as fall hydrangeas that contrast with the brown shade ($15 to $25).

Stoneware mug

Enjoy your joe in two tone choices, light blue or coppery pink.
Target

Henry also digs these geometric mugs, especially for couples who can’t agree on a single type of home decor.

“I see a lot of clients who fight between modern and farmhouse styles, and I think this coffee mug design beautifully ties both looks with subtle elements,” he says.

Bonus: These color-blocked cups are safe for the dishwasher and microwave ($5).

Dash throw pillow

Lean into this soft, natural cotton pillow.
Target

Gray-Plaisted made a beeline for this great-looking throw pillow, in part because its “clean, simple lines can complement a variety of decor styles.”

The gentle price is also a winning factor, and the texture of the main fabric helps it stand out from the bulk of your couch accessories ($20).

“And I love that the ‘dash’ comes in green and pumpkin brown, which are the perfect shades for bringing warmth into any room,” she adds.

Welcome mat

Change out your mat at least twice a year for a new front door look.
Target

Doesn’t everyone agree with this mat’s sentiment?

“This is a great item to put out if you’re selling your home, too, because buyers will get a subliminal message that this has to be their new house,” says Gray-Plaisted.

Made from durable coir (the outer husk of a coconut shell), which shakes clean easily, this well-priced mat is a must-have this fall ($13).

Fringe rug

Pick from sage-green or burnt-orange shades.
Target

A new throw rug can brighten a room in no time, especially this woven pick that sports variegated stripes. Several sizes are available, including a skinny runner for your hallway or a smaller rectangle that’s ideal underfoot at the kitchen sink ($20 and up).

Edge stitch tablecloth

It’s time to upgrade your Thanksgiving table.
Target

Setting a pretty buffet at the holidays is made infinitely nicer with a crisp new tablecloth on top. This one is crafted from machine-washable cotton and features a delicate border of rounded stitches. Looking for a complete table set? Add the matching napkins to your cart ($25).

Tiered serving trays

Sleek tabletop pieces like this save space.
Target

You can plate double the appetizers or petite desserts on a two-tiered ceramic tray set like this one. These platters are dishwasher-safe, and the wide shape offers lots of room, making it easier to serve from than the more common round tier stands ($35).

Counter stool

Enjoy these Shaker lines in two tones, natural wood and black.
Target

A sturdy perch is invaluable in the home, whether you slide it up to your breakfast bar, place it in a corner for extra seating, or use it as a plant stand. Solid wood construction and floor protectors on each leg make this simple stool durable and safe for any floor type ($60).

The post Chip and Joanna Gaines Unveil Decor You Can Buy for Just 2 Bucks (and Up) appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

Monday, August 10, 2020

9 Things Every Closet Needs To Stay Organized Once and for All

closet organization — Julien McRoberts / Getty Images

Organizing your closet is among those tasks that remains wedged on people’s to-do lists for years. Well, there’s no time like the present to tame this monster, right?

The first step, though, is to make sure you’ve got the right organizing gear where you can stash your clothes, shoes, and other stuff to keep it from tumbles into chaos again.

To help, we rounded up some essentials that every closet needs to stay tidy and well-organized for the long haul.

1. Organizer kit

An organizer kit lets you create your dream closet.
walmart.com

Your closet can never have too many racks and shelves, but many closets aren’t set up to maximize the space.

A closet organizer kit ($83.99, walmart.com) lets you add a double layer of racks and shelf space, says Janet Lorusso of JRL Interiors. You can customize the layout and create your dream closet with a place for everything.

“Anything that gets the closet more organized is a big time saver and a great addition to any home,” says Cristina Miguelez, remodeling specialist at Fixr.

2. Tiered shoe rack

This shoe rack holds nine pairs of shoes.
wayfair.com

All closets need a shoe rack (or several). These four-tier racks ($25.99, wayfair.com) hold nine pairs of shoes, and you can buy several, to hold all your footwear.

The racks are versatile, so you can fit more shoes into a small space, Miguelez says. They would also work well in a mudroom or entryway, she says, “where you need to make quick shoe changes and don’t want shoes cluttering up the floor.”

3. Shelf dividers

Dividers keep sweaters in neat stacks.
wayfair.com

Even if you’re lucky enough to have shelves in your closet, you may find it tough to keep clothing in neat stacks. Metal shelf dividers ($12.99, wayfair.com) can be placed anywhere on a shelf to tidy up the stacks.

“This is a great way to neatly contain stacks of folded items on closet shelves, so everything stays in its own lane and doesn’t topple,” Lorusso says.

The dividers would work well for sweaters and sweatshirts, and for sheets and towels in a linen closet, she says. They could also be used to create slots to store pillows or purses upright.

4. Hanging jewelry organizer

These little shelves display earrings, necklaces, and other jewelry.
anthropologie.com

Having a place to store your favorite necklaces, earrings and other jewelry is an essential for any closet.

A hanging earring or necklace rack ($38 to $42, anthropologie.com) will keep your go-to pieces neatly arranged and easily accessible, so you can see what you have and grab what you want.

5. Over-the-door hooks

Display hats, scarves, bags, or belts on an over-the-door hanger ($19.99, wayfair.com).

It has nine hooks, so everything is easy to access and well organized, and you can place the organizer on any standard-sized doors.

This is a truly functional piece, and its simple design would blend in with many different decor styles.

6. Hanging organizer

hanging shelves — Hanging shelves
wayfair.com

No shelving in your closet? Add storage with a hanging organizer ($44.99, wayfair.com) with shelves. These organizers work well to hold things that aren’t used daily, like Halloween costumes, Miguelez says.

7. Laundry sorter

Having a place to toss dirty laundry will keep it from piling up on your closet floor.

A three-bag laundry sorter ($46.99, wayfair.com) lets you sort your lights and darks as you go about making laundry day a cinch.

This hamper also has wheels, so you can easily transport your laundry to the washing machine. The bags are also removable and washable.

8. Storage boxes

Add these to your drawers and shelves to store small items neatly.
walmart.com

A set of storage boxes ($19.99, walmart.com) can be used to organize drawers or shelves and give things their own little slot.

Miguelez says they also work well to store items under the bed to get them out of sight.

“Nothing says organized like drawer dividers,” Lorusso says, adding, in a reference to Marie Kondo, the organizer guru, “If these happen to fit your drawers, you can happily KonMari all your underwear and socks.”

9. Scented sachets

Closets can sometimes take on a closed-off, musty smell.

Keep everything smelling fresh by adding a few scented sachets ($18.55, walmart.com) to your closet.

This set comes in six different fragrances, including lavender, jasmine, and rose, so you can switch them out.

The post 9 Things Every Closet Needs To Stay Organized Once and for All appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.