It’s no secret that I hold a firm belief that good decor can dramatically improve one’s mood and general outlook. Of course, you don’t have to take my word for it. There are several mental health studies that link depression with cluttered surroundings . Personally, one of my favorite ways to bust a bad mood is to do some straightening up.

There’s no doubt that proper organization is a large part of any design plan. There are many steps you can take to transform your unkempt abode into a clean zen retreat. Check out some of my tips streamlining things in your home:

- Schedule annual (or biannual) overhauls. When I was growing up, my mother called this “Spring cleaning”. This ritual can be as thorough as you’d like, but regularly cleaning storage spaces like the attic and basement keeps them from becoming overstuffed.

- Clean out your holiday decorations. These seasonal adornments often remain in nooks and crannies way past their prime. Know when it’s time to let go of your patriotic decor.

- Purchase appropriate trash bins and recycling containers. Attractive and high capacity waste bins will encourage the family to put trash in its place.

- Recycle, recycle, recycle. Turn unneeded items in art or make donations to your local Goodwill. Also, take the time to sort your paper, plastic, and aluminum from other refuse.

- Make lists. Spend a month making lists of the items you use on a regular basis. To make things easier, split them up into kitchen items, clothing, and cosmetics. At the end of the month, keep the things you’ve used and consider disposing of the things you haven’t touched.

- Use it or lose it. I have a whole stack of art and other accessories I would love to incorporate into a room one day, but it’s unlikely I will ever get around to using them. If you can’t find a place to hang that wall mirror or display the platter you got on your vacation overseas, give it away and let someone else enjoy it.

- Plan and implement an organization strategy. This can include buying racks and shelving for closets or getting drawer organizers for the kitchen utensils.

- Read my post on attractive storage . Aside from learning about my love of coat racks , you could pick up some quick tips on how to manage in small spaces.

- Archive, scrapbook, and display your prized possessions. Organizing your family photos into books will protect them from damage and allow you quick access to your memories.

Keeping things in their place is an essential part of maintaining an attractive home, but straightening up is harder than it sounds. Honestly, clutter is the bane of my existence. I tend to prefer a sparse design aesthetic, but I also have a penchant for collecting shoes, books, coats, and tchotchkes. I have so little “out of the way” storage that it’s hard to keep things looking crisp. So, what’s a girl to do? Store things with style, of course.

Losing the Bulk
The first step in developing storage solutions is always to get rid of the unnecessary. If you haven’t gone through your closets, garage, basement, or attic in a while, chances are that you could stand to shed a few things. Start by sorting things into “keep” and “lose” piles.

There are many ways to get rid of unwanted items, so there is no excuse to throw everything away! Be kind to the environment by donating, selling and recycling as much as you can. Garage sales are a pain to set-up, but they can bring in some much-needed redecorating cash. If you don’t feel up to the challenge, find a local charity to give the items to. Some will even pick it up free of charge.

Decorative Junk
Don’t start shoving that “keep” pile into boxes just yet; there are plenty of ways to maximize your space if you know where to look. While things like Christmas decorations and luggage should stay tucked away, many items can be incorporated into a practical home layout. Start by looking for obvious things to unpack. Use that box full of books to fill the built-in shelving. Buy coat racks for your winter wear instead of overstuffing your closet. (Wall-mounted coat racks have the added advantage of saving floor space.) Look for places to hang unused art and pictures. Using these items wisely can improve your space if used correctly.

All too often, priceless collectables and family heirlooms often get stuffed under the bed and out of the way. Get your treasures out of the closet. There are a millions ways to showcase and display even the most odd collections. Try framing your grandmother’s quilt and making it the focal point in your bedroom. You can even make your action figures into a high-style architectural feature with lighted display cases. A wall mounting coat rack can even be used to showcase your hats and scarves.

Hiding in Plain Sight
Have you put away as much as you can, but still find yourself buried in clutter? Now it’s time to start adding practical decor. If you find yourself with a surplus of stuff and a deficit of space, look for multifunctional furniture. Many ottomans and coffee tables feature secret places for toys, magazines, and other things that end up on the living room floor.
Some baskets and colored boxes are decorative enough to leave out, and if placed on shelves or inside cabinets, they don’t give away what your hiding inside. When paired with similar magazine holders and organizers, these solutions can even become a style statement.
Go out and buy a coat rack, china cabinet, and a few new baskets. Once you get the hang of making storage a part of your home design, you may find your crawl-space empty.