As an interior designer or organizer, you'll use household shelving and racks more than anything else. So many people have trouble organizing their homes: papers, books, keepsakes, winter clothes and kitchen accessories are commonly just strewn about because the owner doesn't quite know what to do with them.

Your designing or organizing business can help. Have your client figure out what is worth keeping and what needs to be tossed, then evaluate what kind of household shelving would suit her best. Consider not just her storage and organizational needs, but the utility, upkeep and appearance of the shelves you plan to use.

1. Make clean lines with metal kitchen storage. Metal is great in the kitchen because it wipes down easily and doesn't really show dust or stains.

2. Use pole shelving in the living room to make a statement. If your client's home can afford some sprucing up using modern styles, try pole shelves and racks on for size.

3. Get junk off the floor and out of the way by using household shelving. These shelves utilize wall space to clear everything off the floor.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Get everything within reach using kitchen metal shelving

The kitchen can turn into one big safety hazard if it's not organized properly. Everything should have its place and your clients shouldn't have to traverse the kitchen to get a stirring spoon to use while making something on the stove. Giving utensils, pots and pans and cutlery permanent homes will make your clients' culinary lives much simpler.

I recommend: Consider the variety of metal shelves and racks from Flywell Display Fixtures. Suggest a kitchen metal shelf in the style of a baker's rack from Organize.com.

Modernize the living room with pole shelves

These types of shelves come in a few different installation designs, like pole-mounted or wall-mounted, and have a more modern look to them because of their simple design style. They can be made of wood, glass or metal and are great for storing books, DVDs and CDs but also function as decor.

I recommend: Check out the pole shelves offered by Infinite Storage Solutions. Elfa Shelving, offered by The Container Store, has a multitude of shelves and racks to offer.

Use a household storage rack to clear clutter from the floor

Storage racks come in all sizes and styles. Determine what's best for your client and then see what solutions might fit their needs. There is a wealth of options just waiting to be discovered.

I recommend: Introduce your client to SafeRacks, an overhead storage solution made for the garage, great for households with limited space. Try out a storage bin rack from Do It Best.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you ever get a client who's an avid outdoorsman, suggest installing fishing pole racks in the garage or shed to ensure that his poles don't get bent or stepped on. If he stores his poles with hooks intact, they could pose a safety hazard and getting them put into a rack will make for safer storage.