After Your Move

Neat as Nick

To be as neat as Nick, it is necessary to designate a closet or room for storage of frequently used items around the house. These items can range from a mop and bucket to a jar of nails. Many times the closet contains so many junk items that it can be hard to reach the needed ones. In order to keep the utility closet organized, take time to clean out what is old or useless and replace it with the following 10 items that should be readily available to assist in any household chore.

Mop - Make sure that there is a fresh mop to clean up spills. Once the mop has been used, let it dry before putting it away to avoid mildew growth and odor.
Bucket - A sturdy, plastic bucket with a good handle is essential. Cleaning is easier when you can mix cleaning agents and water in a bucket that can travel from room to room.
Broom & Dustpan - Broken glass and crumbs can be swept up easily into a dustpan using a hard-bristled broom. Plastic dustpans are a good choice to avoid scratching delicate flooring.
Fire Extinguisher - Each home should have a fire extinguisher and the utility closet is an ideal place to store it. Knowing where the extinguisher is during an emergency can mean the difference between minimal and maximum damage.
Shelf Liner - helpful to have a supply of multi-purpose, non-adhesive shelf liner. Duck® brand offers shelf liner in a variety of designs and colors for every need. Use the shelf liner in drawers and shelves, including the utility closet, to create a protective barrier between the items and the surface. It is easy to clean, and its non-slip backing helps keep it in place.
Duct tape - This is a staple item for all households. Duck® brand has a wide range of duct tapes suitable for any job. When you need a quick fix, it's helpful to have duct tape on hand.
Light Bulbs - It's always an inconvenience when a light bulb burns out and there's no replacement. Stock up on a variety of light bulbs with various watts to accommodate any lighting needs as they arise.
Extension cord - Many indoor and outdoor projects require the use of power tools. By having different length extension cords readily available, getting around the yard and home is easier.
Super Glue - Broken objects can be pieced back together using a few drops of heavy-duty glue. One to try is Loctite® brand Super Glue. Its precise applicators allow glue to be applied accurately on several types of surfaces.
Flashlight - It is smart to keep a flashlight in the closet so you know exactly where to find it. It will come in handy, especially during a sudden power outage.

Of course, each individual's utility closet will be set up differently, but the items mentioned above will prove to be useful in many situations, and require minimal storage space so you will have plenty of room left for other necessities. Check out your local home center to find a variety of these items.