Space the final frontier: are you conquered by clutter? daunted by disorganization? A careful redesign of your frame shop's storage solutions may be just the thing to help maximize space and minimize hassle

Art Business News, April, 2004 by Tricia Bisoux

Keep it versatile. Double-duty furniture that pairs work surface with storage Is key to the frame shop. Moreover, choosing furniture that is on wheels, or that can "nest" within other furniture, can help you change the configuration of your space more easily.

Keep aesthetics in mind. The backroom of a frame shoo is rarely a Mecca of interior design, but mismatched furniture, inconsistent shelving, and uneven tabletops only add to an atmosphere of clutter and confusion. A comprehensive storage plan that incorporates furniture that works well together creates an environment that's not only functional but easy on the eyes, making it much easier to locate tools and materials.

Consider storage and organization an ongoing project. Breininger emphasized that no storage system is serf-sustaining. "When you plan your day, include an hour for reorganizing--for putting like objects back with like objects, filing away scraps and so on," she said. Building that time into your day and week, she added, saves you time and money over the long run.

If finding the time is a problem, hire a student to do the job. "As a business owner, your time is much more expansive, Breininger said. "It makes sense to hire someone else at $8/hour to come in and put things back together."