We all have a summer to-do list: Weed the garden, refinish the deck, deep-clean the patio furniture before your big Fourth of July party. But around this time of year, many of us also start putting together a very different type of checklist: the summer bucket list.

Filled with sun-centric activities that will ensure you have an enjoyable season, this bucket list often involves hobbies that can be done in the comfort of your own backyard.

Maybe you want to spend more time reading or cooking your way through an entire cookbook. Whatever your summer goals are, we have some ideas on outdoor decor that can help make them happen. Here are five trending outdoor looks from Instagram this week that will help you check off every item on your summer bucket list.

1. Back porch bistro

For those who love to cook or have ambitious summer cooking plans—you’re going to want a place where you can enjoy those meals. Enter: this back porch bistro look from @homewithrue.

“An outdoor patio with a bistro table sets the stage for long, leisurely conversations and laughter-filled evenings,” says designer Robin DeCapua, of Madison Modern Home. “Invite your friends to cook with you—you’ll need the extra helping hands if you want to tackle that whole cookbook!”

Get the look: Create your perfect back porch bistro with this outdoor bistro set.

2. Patio potting bench

Every great gardener needs a potting bench to organize plants and prepare seeds. We’re particularly taken by this moody-colored potting bench seen in a post by @ohhomelygirl.

“This potting bench is a fantastic example of how to use your outdoor space to enhance your interests and pay attention to your bucket list,” says designer Dani Smith. “It’s perfect if you’re interested in gardening or even love to repot and propagate houseplants—it sets an intention and provides a casual-living aesthetic.”

Get the look: Give your green thumb an outlet this summer with this potting bench.

3. Garden reading nook

Looking for a quiet retreat where you can devour your growing pile of summer reads? Curate a reading nook like the one seen in this post from @cuckoolandcom.

“A comfy outdoor chair, adorned with plush cushions and a cozy throw, will invite you to curl up and dive into your literary adventure,” says DeCapua. “Set up a small table nearby to hold a refreshing glass of lemonade and a stack of books. With your summer garden reading nook, you can indulge in your love of reading while basking in the beauty of nature.”

Get the look: Get ready to have some of your best reading days of the season on this daybed.

4. Backyard fire pit

Need a place to gather around the fire with your brood? Check out this fire pit setup featured in a post from @outdoordesignerstore.

“What I especially love about this gathering area is that it’s the perfect foundation for entertaining,” says Smith. “Just fire up the pit and surround it with cushions, blankets, a lantern or two, a tray with drinks—you can’t go wrong.”

Get the look: Design your perfect summer gathering spot by combining this fire pit with a few of these floor pillows.

5. Poolside Tiki bar

If learning how to shake up some new craft cocktails is on your summer bucket list, you probably want to have a spot to show off your skills.

This poolside Tiki bar, seen in a post from @fincadelicaibiza, is a luxurious version of something you can achieve in your backyard.

“Refreshing drinks, good vibes, and lots of fun—cheers to the perfect poolside Tiki bar,” says DeCapua.

Get the look: Go all in with a thatched-roof Tiki bar or keep it classic with this wooden bar table.

So with the hot months approaching, it’s time to install a sprinkler system—or do some maintenance on your existing one—to ensure your lawn and garden gets all the H20 it needs.

To brush up on the particulars of sprinkler installation and maintenance, read on.

The best time to install a sprinkler system

Photo by Circle D Construction

The best time to install a sprinkler system in your yard depends on your location and climate. But generally, you should put in sprinklers before or after the growing season so flora is not destroyed and there is time for it to grow back nicely, advises David Steckel, an expert from Thumbtack.

“Spring or fall is recommended, or during any sort of major landscaping project,” says Steckel.

The only time you shouldn’t install sprinklers is when the ground is frozen. In cold parts of the country, your sprinkler specialist will want to wait until after things have thawed to make any changes to your irrigation system.

Consult an irrigation professional for sprinkler problems

Some of the most common sprinkler issues include reduced water pressure, inadequate water coverage, timer or wiring issues, and leaks, says DJ Olhausen, a real estate agent with Realty ONE Group Pacific.

These issues can cost you “thousands of dollars in repairs” if they aren’t caught early on, Olhausen says.

But don’t try to diagnose these problems yourself—leave sprinkler system maintenance to the experts.

“Irrigation professionals have the right equipment and know-how to properly repair or install a sprinkler system,” says Dave Holmes, service training manager for The Grounds Guys, a Neighborly company. “We have found that those who install their own irrigation systems often experience stress and concern regarding their systems following the installation.”

Irrigation experts are not just putting pipe in the ground, Holmes explains. They are evaluating your landscape’s plants and grass and providing answers and solutions to what they need.

How to choose the right sprinkler system for you

Photo by Margie Grace

There are a number of ways to get water to your lawn or garden, including sprinkler irrigation, drip irrigation, and surface irrigation. That’s why choosing the correct system for your yard is not a one-size-fits-all solution.

Olhausen tells homeowners to take into consideration the type of climate you’re in, what spray patterns are most ideal for your landscape, what kind of soil your lawn consists of, what your overall budget is, and how your water pressure performs.

You should also think about whether you want an in-ground or above-ground system, and an automatic or manual system.

To the average homeowner, the answers to these questions aren’t obvious. That’s why it’s wise to consult with a professional irrigation company before choosing a sprinkler system.

Sprinkler system costs

Whether you’re installing a sprinkler system for the first time or repairing part of your current sprinkler system, costs vary based on your location and the type of system you have.

The average cost to install a sprinkler system can range from $90 to $800, with more expensive systems costing $1,320 to $5,650, according to Thumbtack. Then, you have to factor in the cost of the actual system.

In-ground sprinkler systems will run about $2,500 to $3,500 for a quarter-acre lot. Drip irrigation systems that are used to deliver water to the plants’ roots and stems cost $1,800 to $2,500 per acre.

Sprinkler repairs, on the other hand, can cost $91 to $300, plus labor.

“In order to save money on future maintenance and repairs, it is important to clean your sprinkler heads and valve to remove dirt, grime, and other residues,” says Steckel. “Also, keep tabs on the water pressure to prevent leaks and check wiring, which may deteriorate due to normal wear and tear.”

Depending on whether you’re an organized queen or a messy queen, decluttering and organizing your space can either be a wonderful or stressy experience.

Luckily, there are certain steps you can take to get the process rolling and see instant results without taking up loads of your time. We know how busy you are, trust.

We spoke to a handful of decluttering professionals to get the low-down on exactly what they recommend their clients get rid of and how to make the process that much easier.

From unnecessary mail and paperwork to expired pantry items, these are some of the easiest — and most impactful — items to throw out, so you can finally start that decluttering journey.

These are all items you can get rid of quickly, so you can make a big ol’ dent in your clutter pile.

1. THROW AWAY CATCH-ALL PAPER STORAGE

Have you been shoving paper into a big accordion file? This is professional organizer Ben Soreff’s most hated office supply, as he finds it too big and inaccessible. “The accordion file and similar catch-all paper storage is limiting and forces you to work with it instead of it working for you.” He says it needs to go in the trash, like yesterday. Go through yours, find the papers you need and put them in something much more accessible, like a file holder for your desk (this cute gold one is Amazon’s Choice (opens in new tab), BTW).

2. GET RID OF INEXPENSIVE REPAIR ITEMS

I’m super sentimental, and hate throwing away broken things. I do always buy replacements for them. Soreff urges his clients to discard all those inexpensive repair items, like a broken coffee pot. This is because these are the types of things that we say we are going to fix but never do. “We don’t want to live in the future or say the word ‘could’ when it comes to organizing,” he explains. Amen to that.

3. PUT ALL THAT UNNECESSARY MAIL IN THE TRASH

When you don’t go through your mail, it can easily stack up and make your space messy. “The first item I recommend my clients get rid of is mail,” says Lisa Dooley, organizing coach at Your Organized Life. “It tends to pile up and cover all available surfaces.” She recommends gathering and putting aside what needs to be shredded, and create a pile for filing what needs to be filed and acted upon.

4. REMOVE ANY OUT OF DATE FOOD

When sorting through and purging a cabinet or pantry of food, it’s important to immediately throw away cans/boxes/packages of food that have expired. Stacey Agin Murray(opens in new tab), professional organizer at Organized Artistry, LLC, recommends checking the refrigerator and pantry shelves for expired food every time you’re going to the supermarket. “Expired items can be thrown away and then added to the shopping list.” Don’t take any risks with this, because you don’t want to risk your health.

5. BIN CLOTHES LEFT BEHIND FROM AN EX

In the words of T-Swift, you’re never ever getting back together. Or you might, but hanging onto their gross old clothes isn’t gonna make that happen, no matter how much you wish. “It’s challenging for a client to start a new relationship if remnants of an old one are still hanging in their closet,” says Murray. “I often recommend donating the clothing to a thrift shop or charity — especially if the relationship did not end well.” Treat yo’ self get yourself a new hoodie that’s 10x comfier than the one your ex left.

6. BREAK DOWN AND BIN PACKAGING AND BOXES

Sure, those neat little iPhone boxes or expensive cosmetics packaging might seem too pretty to throw out… but what are you really going to do with a closet full of empty packaging? “The number one thing I tell my clients is to get rid of packaging that items come in, as they take up way too much space,” says Marie Jackson (opens in new tab), founder of Organized Marie. “Plus, multiple mismatched boxes isn’t appealing to the eye — our brains love symmetry and that’s what it looks and feels better when items are out of the packaging.” We’re all about that aesthetic, people.

7. YOU DON’T NEED THOSE TOILETRY SAMPLES

Take a look at all those toiletries you get in subscription beauty boxes that you’ll never use yourself. And those miniature hotel toiletries that you pick up every trip, but never then pack for other trips. Yep, they’re clogging up your space big time. “Donate these to local refuge and homeless shelters for pampering,” says Katherine Blackler, founder of SortMySpace Ltd (opens in new tab).

8. SAY GOODBYE TO THOSE “SOMEDAY” ITEMS

Keeping ahold of items, just in case? Blackler says not to do that, y’all. “Someday is not one of the 7 days of the week, so if you can’t give a confident example of when or where you’d use it, consider letting it go.” She especially recommends this if you can re-acquire the items easily enough.

These are all fab places to start with decluttering your space. But want to go all-out on the tidying? Give our 30-day decluttering challenge a try.

Homeowners aim to lighten up their home’s look on the outside, a new survey finds.

The Spruce | Updated on 01/31/23

cleaning a window valence — The Spruce / Nelly Cuanalo

Out of sight, out of mind doesn’t always work when it comes to cleaning. Sure, you can pretend that those areas you can’t easily see or reach are immaculate. But, deep down you know the truth and it is to everyone’s benefit to clean these spots periodically. You’ll reduce dust that can trigger allergies and asthma, kill some bacteria that can cause illness and make your mother proud.

1) Ceiling Fans and Light Fixtures

cleaning a ceiling fan — The Spruce / Nelly Cuanalo

You don’t have to sit on someone’s shoulders to clean a ceiling fan or high-up light fixture (nor is that a good idea). A disposable duster with an extendable handle is a much better way to capture dust and spider webs. Choose a disposable duster over a feather duster because the disposable dusters are made of materials that cause the dust to cling rather than simply be scattered around.

If you don’t have a disposable duster, use a clean microfiber cloth and secure it to a broom or mop handle with a rubber band.

And if you must use a ladder, it’s a good idea to have another person to brace the ladder and come to your aid if you slip or fall. Using a ladder when you’re home alone is never a great idea.

2) Ceilings and Moldings

cleaning the ceiling — The Spruce / Nelly Cuanalo

Take a minute to look up; you may be shocked to see all the dust and spider webs that have taken hold near your ceiling and crown moldings. Use a long-handled duster, clean and dry sponge mop, or broom to whisk down the dirt. Always do this first when cleaning a room so you can vacuum up the fallen debris.

3) Cabinet Tops and Tall Furniture

person cleaning above cabinets — The Spruce / Nelly Cuanalo

When you buy a disposable duster with an extendable handle, be sure to get one with a pivoting head so you can adjust the angle to reach to the tops of cabinets and tall pieces of furniture.

If you have allowed dust and particles of grease to accumulate on kitchen cabinets, use a sturdy step stool and clean with a soft cloth dipped in a solution of two cups warm water, one teaspoon dishwashing liquid and one teaspoon household ammonia. Wipe away the soil and then rinse with a cloth dipped in plain water. Dry with a soft clean cloth.

4) Window Blinds

person cleaning blinds — The Spruce / Nelly Cuanalo

When you dust blinds with a static duster, remember to close them and clean one side and then reverse the direction to clean the other side.

Or, to clean both sides of the slats at once, wrap two microfiber cloths around each end of a pair of kitchen tongs and secure with a rubber band. Then simply slide the tongs along each slat to wipe away the dust top and bottom. Toss the microfiber cloths in the washer and you’re done.

5) Window, Sliding Door and Shower Door Tracks

cleaning window and sliding door tracks — The Spruce / Nelly Cuanalo

Window, sliding door, and shower door tracks attract dust and dirt in amazing amounts and cleaning them can be difficult because of the tight spaces. When it’s time to clean, you may need to remove screens and give them a good cleaning. Then, start by using the crevice tool on your vacuum or making a custom crevice cleaner. Removing as much loose dust and grime will make the rest of the cleaning easier.

After vacuuming, mix a solution of two cups warm water, one teaspoon dishwashing liquid and one teaspoon household ammonia. Use a flexible stiff-bristled brush to scrub out the tracks and then rinse with plain water. You may have to use some vinegar and extra care to remove soap scum on shower door tracks depending on the type of metal.

Here’s an extra tip on cleaning outside window and door tracks: if you have a pressure washer or pressure nozzle for the hose, a good burst of water can often make tracks sparkle.

6) Behind the Toilet

cleaning behind the toilet — The Spruce / Nelly Cuanalo

Unfortunately, the floor and wall behind the toilet are very difficult to reach since most mops and cleaning tools simply won’t fit the space.

This is when it’s time to grab some knee pads and rubber gloves and get down to work. Start by using a dry stiff brush to remove loose dust, hair, and soil (don’t forget the baseboard). The crevice tool of your vacuum is useful to suck away the debris. Then use a soft brush or sponge dipped in warm water and a disinfectant cleaner to wipe down the area including the back of the toilet base. Rinse with a sponge or cloth dipped in plain water and dry with a soft cloth.

7) Refrigerator Coils

Dust and debris on refrigerator coils raise your utility costs and keep your refrigerator from performing efficiently. With just a couple of tools and a little effort, you can clean the coils easily. You don’t even have to unplug the refrigerator.

The coils that condense and cool the refrigerant are located on the back of the appliance or underneath. For coils located on the back, simply roll out the refrigerator and use the vacuum upholstery brush attachment to vacuum away dust.

For models with coils on the bottom, unsnap the ventilated grill. Use a long-handled stiff brush and the crevice tool of your vacuum to remove dust and debris. Use the brush to reach into all corners where dust bunnies may have collected. While you’re there, also clean the condenser fan so the blades are dust free and turn easily. You may need to remove a separate panel on the back of the refrigerator to access the fan.

8) Dishwasher Filter

cleaning a dishwasher filter — The Spruce / Nelly Cuanalo

Most dishwashers have a filter that catches food particles and prevents small objects from being flushed away. Cleaning the filter regularly is the best way to have both sparkling clean dishes and no bad odors. Check your appliance manual to locate the filter–usually on the floor of the dishwasher–in your model.

For easy access and cleaning monthly, empty the dishwasher and remove the bottom rack. Use a soft, damp cloth to clean around the area. Some filters cannot be removed, only lifted, so be sure to clean under the cap. If you have a removable filter, unscrew and soak in warm soapy water then wipe down with a soft cloth to remove debris before replacing.

To remove any interior build up in your washer and deodorize, pour one to two cups of distilled white vinegar in the bottom of the empty washer and allow to sit overnight. Replace the bottom rack and run a short cycle in the morning for a fresh smelling dishwasher.

9) Garbage Disposal

cleaning the garbage disposal — The Spruce / Nelly Cuanalo

With all of that water traveling through, you would think in-sink garbage disposals wouldn’t need to be cleaned. But just one whiff of a dirty one and you’ll know that cleaning is necessary.

Start by using the disposal correctly by running it with a full stream of cold water and allowing the water to run for ten seconds after turning off the disposal to flush all the debris away. If you smell bad odors, either grind some citrus peels while running cold water or add some ice cubes sprinkled with baking soda and grind with cold water.

NEVER place your hand or a scrubbing brush down into the disposal unless the electricity has been turned off–not just the switch–on the electrical breaker. At that point, you can use a stiff scrubbing brush and baking soda to give the interior a good cleaning. Switch back on the electrical breaker and run the disposal with plenty of cold water.

10) Heating and Air Register Covers

cleaning vent covers — The Spruce / Nelly Cuanalo

If your HVAC register and air return cover look like they’re wearing a heavy winter coat, it’s time for some heavy duty cleaning. If possible, remove the vent–usually just a couple of screws–and take the covers outside to spray away the mess with a water hose. Or, you can rinse in a sink or soak in some hot, soapy water because the dust often contains accumulated grease particles from the kitchen.

To prevent this mess, use the upholstery brush attachment of your vacuum to clean the vents and change or clean the filters at least monthly. You’ll have cleaner air circulation and your HVAC system won’t have to work so hard.

11) Computer Keyboards

cleaning a laptop with compressed air in a can — The Spruce / Ana Cadena

Think about what you touch before you use your computer keyboard; not to mention all the things that land on it when you’re double-tasking a meal and work.

For safe cleaning and getting into all those nooks and crannies, disconnect your keyboard from the computer or turn off your laptop completely. Turn the keyboard upside down and give it a good shake over a trashcan.

Next, grab some compressed air and use it with the keyboard tilted at about a 75-degree angle so the dust and small particles can be easily blown away. Finish by dipping a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol to clean between and the tops of keys. Grab a new swab as each one becomes soiled. This will remove body soil and grime and disinfect any hidden germs.

Cleaning the keyboard once a week is a good goal. If someone has a cold or virus, it should be cleaned after every use.

While you’re cleaning electronics, don’t forget your cell phone and those accessories like a computer mouse and earbuds.

familyhandyman.com | Updated: Aug 26, 2021

Save time, money and energy this spring with simple cleaning tips to get your home organized. Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. (Family Handyman may earn a commission from your purchases via the links below.)

1 / 10

Sliding Pegboard Storage System

Colder, less productive months are a great time to organize all of your tools so that you know where they are when you actually need to use them on outdoor projects. This organizer takes workshop storage to a whole new level, employing both sides of seven pieces of pegboard, all housed inside a compact box.

2 / 10

Clean Your Grout

Cleaning the grout between the tile in your home is a great project you can definitely tackle before the official start of spring cleaning. Make a note to save your worn-out electric toothbrush heads, because they’re great for cleaning the grout between your shower tiles. Just apply a little bit of dish detergent to the head of the brush. This technique works especially well on corners.

3 / 10

Behind-the-Door Storage

The space behind a door is a storage spot that’s often overlooked. To take advantage of this neglected space, build a set of shallow shelves and mount it to the wall.

4 / 10

Clean Vinyl Flooring

Sheet vinyl “resilient” flooring is so easy to clean that it may never require anything beyond damp mopping with a cleaner intended for vinyl floors. But if your floor has marks or stains that still won’t come off, you can use stronger stuff.

Isopropyl alcohol, sold as a disinfectant at drug stores, is a mild solvent. It’s the best cleaner for heel marks and works on other tough stains too.

5 / 10

Clean the Dishwasher Filter

When your dishwasher no longer gets your dishes clean, a food-filled filter is most often to blame. If it’s clogged, water can’t make it to the spray arms to clean the dishes in the top rack. The fix takes two minutes. Simply pull out the lower rack and remove the filter cover inside the dishwasher. (Check your owner’s manual if you can’t spot the filter.) Then use a wet/dry shop vacuum to clean clean off the screen. While you’re there, slide the nearby float switch up and down. If the cover sticks, jiggle it up and down and clean it with water.

6 / 10

Clean the Clothes Dryer Filter

A common cause of poor drying is a clogged lint filter. The filter may look clean, but it may actually be covered by a nearly invisible film caused by dryer sheets. This film reduces airflow and forces the thermostat to shut off the heat before your clothes are dry. Test your filter by pouring water into it. If the filter holds water, it’s past time to clean it. Scrub the filter in hot water with a little laundry detergent and a stiff kitchen brush.

7 / 10

Attach a Towel Bar to the Laundry Sink

Get those messy rags out of the sink and onto a towel bar so they can actually dry and make your laundry room organized. Shop for an easy mounting towel bar that you can shorten if you like. We cut the bar with a hacksaw so it would fit nicely on the side of the sink. While you’re at the hardware store, buy stainless steel mounting bolts, washers and acorn nuts to mount the bar. We used 7/8-in. No. 8-24 bolts.

8 / 10

Dust Your Blinds

Dusting mini blinds is a pain. It’s difficult to thoroughly wipe both sides of the slats without bending them in the process. A pair of kitchen tongs makes it a lot easier. First, cut a rag (microfiber works best) in half. Then, use twist ties or rubber bands to secure the rags around the ends of the tongs. You can close the tongs around each slat and wipe away the dust.

9 / 10

Create a Grab & Go Cord Rack

This project takes just one hour and provides a simple way to hang up a variety of things, such as extension cords, rope or air hoses. Most importantly, it keeps them up and out of the way.

10 / 10

Organize Your Dish Drawers

These drawer inserts come complete with movable pegs, allowing you to customize the arrangement to fit your dishes. By keeping your dishes at a convenient-to-reach height, they are easier to get at and put away.

Drywall repairs are something that every homeowner has to tackle at some point. But DIYing it doesn’t have to be messy or painstaking. Check out Realtor.com’s 2-minute step-by-step video!

If you hate digging around crammed kitchen cupboards to find the right pot or pan come dinnertime, a hanging pot rack could change your life. Really.

Hanging pot racks are a major space-saver in a kitchen, freeing up cupboard room while also keeping your most-used items—your cookware—easily viewable and accessible. Just reach up, grab one, and you’re good to go!

Still, before you jump into the pot rack way of life, you should assess how much you like to cook and how often you actually do so. If your meal planning routine consists of spaghetti on Monday and then six days of takeout, you probably won’t get much use out of this kitchen feature.

You also need to allocate enough space—and the right spot—for a pot rack. Choose wrong, and it could be more of a headache than it’s worth.

So before you add to cart, here are some questions to ponder, as well as a rundown of the various pot rack styles available.

The best place to hang a pot rack

Photo by Timeless Kitchen Cabinetry

Most kitchens only sport a single window or two, so don’t block the only natural light you get by hanging your pot rack here. You’ll also want to avoid hanging a pot rack over the stovetop, because this is a recipe for all kinds of grime.

“It may seem convenient to put a pot rack over the stove, but doing so can cause grease to build up on your cookware,” says Andrea Correale of Elegant Affairs Caterers.

One of the best places for a pot rack is over a kitchen island. Or if you don’t have an island, hang the rack over the portion of the countertop where you prep food.

Height is another variable you’ll want to get right. Make sure that the pots are low enough to be within easy reach, and won’t require you to climb up on a chair every time you boil eggs.

Still, the rack should also be high enough not to cause head bonks or obstruct your view.

What to hang on a pot rack

Photo by Farm Fresh Therapy

Pot racks aren’t just a way to save cupboard space, but are also an excellent opportunity to highlight your collection.

“Use a rack to show off your more stylish cookware in an elegant, creative way that matches the rest of your kitchen decor,” says Correale.

You could match a stainless-steel rack with your stainless fixtures or appliances, or install a rack made from copper piping to match tones in your cabinets.

Photo by Krieger + Associates Architects, Inc.

That said, make sure the bottoms of your pots and pans are super clean, or you really shouldn’t hang them up, says Darla DeMorrow of HeartWork Organizing. No one wants to be faced with scratched or sticky pot bottoms every time they enter the kitchen.

Photo by Mike Smith / Artistic Kitchens

Correale also warns “not to overload a pot rack, since laden racks can make a kitchen look crowded, and too many pots may be too heavy for the hooks to manage.”

If you never use that 12-inch egg poacher, why is it getting prime real estate on your rack? Save this hanging device for everyday pots and pans you constantly reach for, like the little guy that holds two fried eggs, the oatmeal pot, or your trusty cast-iron skillet. Occasional-use items should be stashed in the pantry (we’re looking at you, turkey roasting pan).

Pot rack styles to consider

Rectangular, circular, metal pipes, a wooden board with simple hooks, and more—all are worthy pot rack shapes and materials. Here are some different versions, as well as the pros and cons of each.

Brushed stainless steel

Twelve hooks and a lifetime guarantee!

(Bed, Bath & Beyond)

Not only can you dangle your cookware from this attractive, brushed stainless-steel rack, but you can place cookbooks and lids on the upper shelf ($120, Bed, Bath & Beyond).

Half-circle bronze rack

This pick also comes in polished copper or stainless steel

(Amazon)

An oil-rubbed bronze option from Cuisinart looks classy and professional, so you know it can handle your old skillets. And the six hooks slide around the semicircle, making it easy to grab the pan you need ($60, Amazon).

Wooden ceiling rack

Birch wood and steel combine to create a strong rack

(Wayfair)

An open-grid rack like this one offers lots of ways to display your pots, and the top shelf is available to hold those lesser-used pans. This product also comes with extra hooks, so you can sneak in a few more ($81, Wayfair).

Wall-mount rail

Order two of these so you can also display utensils.

(Wayfair)

Saving space—and money? This easy-to-mount wall rack has room for 10 pots and supports up to 25 pounds of weight ($24, Wayfair).

Pegboard

Photo by CG Allan Interior Architecture + Design LLC

Or go for the classic Julia Child style: a pegboard. Child was famous for her large board, which featured the outlines of every pot she owned, so she knew where to hang them when not in use.

“A pegboard is an underutilized hanging tool, and it makes sense in smaller kitchens or ones with empty wall space,” says DeMorrow.

Standing pot rack

It’s convenient, but it does need assembling.

(Wayfair)

Not every pot rack needs to be suspended. There are versions, like this one, that sit on the floor against a wall or tuck into corners, too ($340, Wayfair). Correale favors the standing type, since, he says, “It’s easier to reach and clean and you can move it around the kitchen as you please.”

Free-standing pot racks also seem sturdier since they have little shelves for each item, which means you don’t have to worry so much about how heavy your pots are, she adds.

1. Back porch bistro

2. Patio potting bench

3. Garden reading nook

4. Backyard fire pit

5. Poolside Tiki bar

The best time to install a sprinkler system

Consult an irrigation professional for sprinkler problems

How to choose the right sprinkler system for you

Sprinkler system costs

1. THROW AWAY CATCH-ALL PAPER STORAGE

2. GET RID OF INEXPENSIVE REPAIR ITEMS

3. PUT ALL THAT UNNECESSARY MAIL IN THE TRASH

4. REMOVE ANY OUT OF DATE FOOD

5. BIN CLOTHES LEFT BEHIND FROM AN EX

6. BREAK DOWN AND BIN PACKAGING AND BOXES

7. YOU DON’T NEED THOSE TOILETRY SAMPLES

8. SAY GOODBYE TO THOSE “SOMEDAY” ITEMS

Homeowners aim to lighten up their home’s look on the outside, a new survey finds.

1) Ceiling Fans and Light Fixtures

2) Ceilings and Moldings

3) Cabinet Tops and Tall Furniture

4) Window Blinds

5) Window, Sliding Door and Shower Door Tracks

6) Behind the Toilet

7) Refrigerator Coils

8) Dishwasher Filter

9) Garbage Disposal

10) Heating and Air Register Covers

11) Computer Keyboards

1. STORE HOUSEHOLD ESSENTIALS

2. HANG POTS AND PANS

3. DESIGN VERTICALLY

4. ABOVE CABINET STORAGE

5. ADD POP-UP SHELVES

6. REPURPOSE CRATES

7. DOUBLE CABINET SPACE

8. ORGANIZE COOKBOOKS

9. USE CONTAINERS WITH HANDLES

10. STACK-UP POTS

11. ADD CLEAR CONTAINERS

12. USE TIERED ORGANIZERS

13. ADD A KNIFE DRAWER

14. USE WIDE CUSTOM DRAWERS

15. ADD A BUILT-IN MINI FRIDGE

16. CONCEAL TRASH

17. USE A NARROW DRAWER FOR SNACKS ONLY

18. CUSTOM PEGBOARD

19. KEEP TO-DO LIST ON A CHALKBOARD

20. ORGANIZE WINE COLLECTION

21. INSTALL A FAUX DRAWER

22. USE PULL-OUT CABINETS

23. CLEAN UP YOUR CLEANING SUPPLIES

24. ALTERNATE BETWEEN CLOSED AND EXPOSED

25. COLOR COORDINATE

26. USE VERTICAL SEPARATORS

27. USE STACK AND PULL BOXES

28. USE A LABEL MAKER

29. HANG A CORK BOARD

30. TRY ENMESHED CLOSURES

31. REPURPOSE FILE BOXES

32. ORGANIZE BY ACTIVITY

33. LABEL YOUR CONTAINERS

34. STORE DINNERWARE IN DRAWERS

35. USE PEGS

36. ADD A LINER

37. TRY A TOWEL BAR

38. ADD A PULL-OUT DRAWER

39. USE EVERY INCH

40. STORE SMALL ITEMS IN BINS

41. SPIN YOUR SPICES

42. ORGANIZE WITH A PLATE RACK

43. CONTAIN CUTTING BOARDS

44. NESTLE WINE GLASSES

45. THINK OUTSIDE THE CABINET

46. SPICE UP YOUR CABINET FRONTS

47. CHOOSE AN UNEXPECTED COLOR

48. MIX UP YOUR DISPLAY

49. STORE UTENSILS TO SAVE COUNTER SPACE

50. CONCEAL A PAPER TOWEL ROLL

51. USE GLASS DOORS TO SEE EVERYTHING EASILY