In many homes, the garage has become a storage room filled with clutter.  The car can no longer be parked in the garage due a lack of organization.  If this is your situation and you’ve finally had enough, here are some garage organization tips.

1. Clean out the clutter
The first step to getting organized is to cut down on the clutter.  Sort through the items in your garage and get rid of things you no longer need.  Sort the items that remain and decide how to store them.

2. Get some Storage Cabinets
You can buy inexpensive storage cabinets made of wood, metal or heavy-duty plastic.  Decide if you want cabinets with doors or without.  Measure the area in your garage where you want cabinets, then buy the style that works for your requirements.

3. Hang some Hooks
Once your cabinets are in place, hang some hooks on the wall for large tools like rakes, shovels and brooms.

With your cabinets and hooks are in place, you can now store all your stuff.  Remember to put items that you use most often in places where you can easily find them.  When you’re done, you may even want to park the car in the garage.

Wallpaper borders are an inexpensive and easy way to add color and pattern to a room. Borders are traditionally applied where the wall meets the ceiling, but they can be used as a design element at any level on the wall. There are a wide variety of wallpaper borders available both online and in home and paint stores. Installing wallpaper borders is not difficult and can be done by most do-it-yourselfers. If you’re looking for a way to interest to plain or papered walls, I recommend taking a look at wallpaper borders.

Spring is a great time to clean the allergens out of your house. We’re talking about mold spores, pollen and dust mites. It sounds like a big job, but here are some tips to make the job more manageable.

1. Keep the air clear. If you have an air conditioner, use HEPA (high-efficient particulate air) filters. If you’re sensitive to pollen, keep windows closed when the pollen count is high.

2. Clear the clutter. Get rid of old newspapers and clothes. Cut down on the number of knick knacks and other dust catchers. Focus on bedrooms, since that’s where you probably spend the most time.

3. Check the bathroom. This is headquarters for mold. Check for leaking pipes and get them fixed. Clean walls, sinks, surfaces and pipes regularly to fight mold growth.

4. Reduce dust catchers. Vacuum carpeting and damp mop floors frequently. If dust is a real problem for someone in your family, consider cutting down on upholstered furniture and carpeting in your home.

In the April issue of Sunset magazine, 14 design ideas for headboards are featured.  A headboard can be an inexpensive way to add interest to a bedroom.  Today’s headboards are as simple as a fabric hanging or wallpaper panel, or as ornate as a repurposed mantel or door. See all of Sunset’s ideas here.