“Anytime you can have a closet system put in place is a good thing,” says Jennifer Truesdale, CPO and founder of STR8N UP Professional Organizing Services. “You just want to make sure you’re setting yourself up for success.” Her advice? Take inventory of your belongings before drilling any holes. “Design for who’s going to use it and what kind of categories they’re going to have,” she says. Whether that means tall rods for long hanging dresses, shelves for sweaters and jeans, or plenty of baskets for small essentials, once you’ve done the initial work of decluttering and sorting, you’ll have a clearer sense of what will work for you....

Yan Margulis, CEO of Capable Group Inc, says, “I like to use torque wrenches, because they are much faster than using any other wrench. I find it quicker in changing bolts, particularly when I have to do it several times in a row. I also find that ratcheting wrenches tend to slip as I try to tighten or loosen a bolt and need a firm grip on the wrench for sufficient torque....

The best closet fixtures have the right amount of brightness (which is measured in lumens), can be easily installed, and make your closet more accessible. Special features like a motion sensor and energy-efficient LED lights make the Lithonia Lighting LED Motion Sensor Flush Light our top pick for closet lighting. Here are the best closet lighting systems. This light automatically turns on when it detects motion, so you don’t need to worry about fumbling around in a dark, windowless room....

We evaluated paints for plastic based on their adhesion ability, range of colors and finishes, smoothness of application, and ease of use. Here are our favorite paints for plastic. Krylon Fusion All-in-One’s wide colors selection ranges from neutrals to brights to black and white. Choose from matte, satin, or gloss finishes. Several specialty finishes include clear, metallic, hammered, and textured. All dry to the touch in around 20 minutes without running, dripping, or bubbling, and are dry to handle within two hours....

Our top wrinkle-resistant pick, the Ettitude Bamboo Lyocell Signature Sateen Sheet Set, is silky, breathable, and designed with deep pockets that provide a snug fit. Below, these are the best wrinkle-free sheets for every budget. During testing, our home tester was thoroughly impressed with their wrinkle-resistant design. “These sheets can go straight from the dryer to the bed and look good,” she said. This comfy sheet set is available in all standard sizes and a range of colors, including classic white, starlight blue, and striped designs....

Our favorites include Maisonette with their chic, modern pieces, Target, due to their endless supply of cute basics, and Etsy, with its selection of artsy finds from small businesses. Here are the best places to buy nursery decor. Plus, for truly sweet touches, they have collaborations with Disney Princesses, Peanuts and more. There’s always a new collection coming out from Pottery Barn Kids, so be sure to check back regularly for the newest and coolest decor items that you won’t see in any other homes....

When looking for the right storage solution, consider what you want to store, as well as your garage layout, to determine the best type and functionality you need. “The process that I work through with my clients is sorting, purging, organizing, and laying out the space,” said Jessica Terenyi, professional organizer and coach at JK Organizing, LLC. “Also, consider vertical space so that you can clear that floor space.” We spent hours researching the best garage storage systems on the market, evaluating ease of assembly and use, storage capacity, versatility, and value....

We tested and researched the best board games aimed at adults, considering the strategy, humor, and number of players involved in each pick. Based on our insights, Settlers of Catan is our best overall pick. The strategy game appeals to a wide audience, has easy-to-grasp directions, and a high replay value for hours of adventurous fun. Here, the best board games for adults that you’ll want to add to your game shelf....

With those challenges in mind, we tested and researched the best toy options on the market for 2-year-olds, considering the recommended age, safety, educational value, and longevity. Our list includes fidgets from Fat Brain Toys, bath toys from Munchkin, and kitchen sets from Step2. Here are the best gifts for 2-year-old boys and girls. Dimpl toys come in various shapes and sizes, but this basic model is ideal for 2-year-olds developing sensory and motor skills....

The CDC recommends placing infants on their backs for sleeping. “The gag reflex in an infant is sufficient to prevent strangling even if they regurgitate some,” adds Robert Hayden, DC, chiropractor and spokesperson for the American Chiropractic Association. He also says that loose bedding and soft toys should be removed from the mattress, and rails should be tall enough to prevent climbing out of the bed if the infant can stand....

Switch plate covers are exactly what they sound like: small covers that fit snugly over your light switches to hide the wiring behind them. Switch plate covers—also called switch plates, or switch covers—belong to a bigger class of fixtures known as wall plates. Other wall plates include outlet covers, coaxial plates, and phone/data plates. But the ones you’ll see most frequently are switch plate covers and outlet covers. Switch plate covers are available in a variety of different materials, sizes, and colors, so rest assured knowing the classic white plastic you’ve seen everywhere isn’t your only option....

Using Foley’s expert insight into temperature-regulating bedding, we researched various styles and textile technologies that promise a comfy nighttime temp. Our top pick is the SleepSmart Basketweave Blanket from Pottery Barn, which calls on patented performance yarns to wick away sweat and prevent a drastic increase in body temperature. These are the best cooling blankets currently on the market. The latter is a cutting-edge textile that promises to keep your body at an ideal temperature while you doze—37....

Speaking on the benefits of cordless leaf blowers (specifically battery-operated options), Deane Biermeier, a member of The Spruce Home Improvement Review Board, says: “Although cordless leaf blowers are less powerful than corded or gas-powered models, there is virtually no maintenance to perform other than charging the batteries. They’re perfect for clearing leaves from small yards or yards with very few leaf-shedding trees.” We tested 27 electric leaf blowers (including 17 cordless) in Des Moines, Iowa, where we methodically evaluated each unit’s ease of assembly and use, battery life, noise levels, and effectiveness....

We tested several top options and spent ample time researching numerous other toiletry bags on the market, considering the materials used in the design, size, organizational attributes, and TSA stamp of approval. Based on our findings, the BÉIS The Hanging Cosmetic Case is our favorite for organized travel. This budget-friendly case is as aesthetically pleasing as it is durable, while offering plenty of room for your travel essentials. Here, the best toiletry bags for taking your favorite products on the go....

We compiled pointers from Herrera, then researched aesthetically pleasing illumination options with plug-in, battery-powered, and hardwired designs. Our top choice is the Philips Hue Shape Light Base Kit, a flexible tape-style strip with six color modes and smart controls. Scroll down for the best under-cabinet lighting available today. The Bluetooth-enabled design can be paired with a smart home assistant, like Alexa, Apple HomeKit, or Google Assistant. You can control it with voice commands or through the Philips Hue mobile app....

This year’s sale is currently happening but ends tonight. There are seemingly hundreds of deals, so if you’re not sure what to shop, or where you can save the most, here are the top products our readers loved and bought last year. This 100-percent linen upholstered frame with an adjustable tufted headboard is both stylish and traditional. Crafted from solid wood, you can pick this up in four fabric colors for up to 80 percent off....

What Plants Represent in Feng Shui It seems that everyone these days, including feng shui practitioners, loves indoor plants! In feng shui, they represent growth, new beginnings, and vitality. They also represent the wood element in the five elements system. Caring for another living being and watching it grow can also teach us many lessons about compassion, generosity, abundance, and the natural world. What Your Workspace Represents in Feng Shui In feng shui, your workspace represents your career....

Understanding how long appliances should last helps you maintain them for their proper lifespan—without unnecessary repairs for machines that legitimately should be replaced. Regularly clean the grates with warm water and mild detergent.Do not use abrasives on the gas range top or grates.Avoid inserting sharp objects into the holes in the burners, especially items that can break off such as toothpicks. Electric Ranges Similar to gas ranges, electric ranges are relatively hardy appliances that can be expected to last up to 13 years....

I’m a houseplant lover that has ordered from dozens of online retailers. Since The Sill is one of the top online retailers for houseplants, I decided to give it a try to see if it’s worth all the hype. What Is the Sill? One of the most popular online houseplant retailers, The Sill launched in 2012, so city-dwellers could enjoy the benefits of indoor houseplants. The company describes itself as “a modern plant destination for the modern plant lover....