The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.One can procrastinate over tidying for many reasons – a favourite, as it tends to defer the effort indefinitely, is to conclude that there's no point until I buy that magic laundry rack/under-sink thingy/swishy wall-hanging clutter-holding gadget. But with these bargain DIY versions, there's no excuse…
Get your coat hanger
Spotted on the DIY section of the Norwegian style blog briggslekehus.blogspot.co.uk, a simple bedtime reading tidy (and page-marker): just hang a wire coat hanger from the headboard (or a wall nail). Great for small spaces. Rubbish for Kindles.
Block watching
Recycled Home (Laurence King, £14.95) is a brilliant new book by Rebecca Proctor. Love her tip for turning old wooden printing blocks (the sort with letters on them) into toothbrush holders: just drill a cavity in the top. Lie toothpaste, separately, across a wider block. Repro blocks can be had for £3.50 from notonthehighstreet.com.
Tin side out
Dorothee Becker's 1960s-designed Uten.silo – a multi-compartment wall-hung storage object – is a classic, and costs £200. Make a free one by glueing tin cans on to a sheet of metal. See Meg Spaeth's blog for instructions: elsiemarley.com/three-kids-in-a-room-part-two.html.
Good for the sole
Shoe mountain by the front door? Stash footwear inside chopped-up PVC pipe, glued together honeycomb-like. Get a DIY-y pal over if you need help fixing them to the wall.
Wire extinguisher
Tidy cables on home desks by attaching a row of bulldog clips to the back edge, silver bits outwards – to loop cable ends through. Images and more links to illustrate all these are on my blog. Just search for "DIY tidy ideas".
Find Kate's blog on affordable interiors at yourhomeislovely.com
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments