Problem: Article: Storage ottomans and benches often cost approximately the same as less functional versions of the same furniture. They can double as tables as well as storage. Line it with hooks and hang coats, hats or even pots and pans. Hang metallic objects like knives, office supplies, tools and jewelry on them. You can buy a metal wall-mount or a wooden mount that doubles as a bookshelf. Remove the door or install a pet door into one side of a bottom cabinet.
Summary: Replace ottoman, coffee tables and benches with models that have interior storage. Place bookcases behind the sofa, next to beds and next to furniture. Turn a hallway into a storage space. Install magnetic strips in the kitchen, office, shop or bedroom. Hang your bike on the wall to free up your entryway. Modify a cabinet to contain a pet bed or litter tray.

Problem: Article: Washing towels by hand saves money, uses much less energy, and doesn't wear them out nearly as quickly as a washing machine. However, while hand towels are relatively easy to wash in a sink or bucket, large towels will become quite heavy when they absorb water, and will take a large amount of work and time to clean. For large towels, the equipment mentioned below is recommended, especially the agitator. However, instructions for washing using only your hands are also included. Depending on how large your load of towels is, you'll want to use one of these containers. First, make sure the container is clean by scrubbing with plenty of soap and hot water. When you put the towels in, make sure they are all spread out and not knotted or bunched together. A kitchen sink or heavily used bathtub may require stronger cleaning methods. Allow bleach or other cleaning products time to do their work, then rinse off thoroughly before using the container as a laundry tub. You can use cold or warm water; there is no need to make it scalding hot. Add a small amount of mild detergent. A typical 5 gallon (20 L) bucket requires about a tablespoon (15 mL) of detergent, while a bathtub may require 4 tablespoons (60 mL). Use your judgement and add more detergent if the towels are particularly dirty. Use eco-friendly detergent if you will be dumping the water outside. Always use mild detergent to protect your hand if you don't plan on wearing gloves. Try to use it whenever washing towels, since they tend to be easily damaged by harsh detergents. Borax will soften your water and make it easier for the detergent to do its work. It is safe and easy to add to your hand washing session, although you should keep it out of reach of pets and children. Try adding one tablespoon of borax per gallon of water (15 mL borax for every 4 L water). You can increase this amount if you are having trouble removing stains, but it's wise to start with a small amount so there is no chance of staining or damaging delicate items. A large or muddy load of towels should be left to soak for 40 60 minutes, while a lightly used load that fits in a bucket may be ready in a few minutes. This soaking will save you a lot of effort by removing a portion of the dirt. Heavy towels are difficult to agitate by hand, and most easily done using a storebought manual agitator. You can also make your own by purchasing a brand new plunger and cutting holes in the rubber for water to squeeze through. Using your agitator, spend about two minutes (roughly 100 strokes of the agitator) squeezing the towels and pushing them against the walls of the tub. If you are washing hand towels, you may be able to imitate this process by hand. Wearing rubber gloves, squeeze the towels together and against the side of the tub. Large cotton towels will be difficult to wash this way, and if you do not have an agitator tool you should expect to spend much longer than the times listed here to get them fully clean. If you own a clothes wringer, you can put each towel through it and wring it by turning the handle with as much pressure as you can. Otherwise, twist each towel by hand in both directions, trying to squeeze as much of the water out as possible. Use rubber gloves if you want to keep your hands clean. You can either move the towels to a new bucket of cold water, or empty the container and fill it again with fresh cold water. Rinse the towels in the running water as you fill the bucket. Let soak five minutes before continuing. Again, you'll spend about 2 minutes or 100 strokes of the agitator pressing the towels against the walls and base of the container and pushing them around. The water should get less dirty this time around, and contain fewer soap bubbles. Repeat the process just as you did after the initial agitation. Rinse the towels under running cold water. Wring the towels dry by twisting and squeezing them by hand or in a wringer. Soak them in a fresh bucket of cold water for five minutes. Agitate them for about another two minutes. One more round should be sufficient for most towels, but heavy or heavily soiled ones may take several more sessions. When the towels are ready, the water should be free of dirt and soap suds. Leaving soap suds on the towels will make them stiff, starchy, and bad at absorbing water. When the towels appear clean and completely free of suds, twist them through the wringer or using your hands. Do this several times to remove as much water as possible. See the section on Drying Towels for information on how to dry your towels using air, skipping the dryer steps. If you need them dried quickly, you can of course follow those instructions in the same section for using a dryer machine.
Summary: Learn the benefits and costs of washing by hand. Spread out the towels in a clean sink, bathtub, or bucket. Fill the container with water and a little detergent. Add borax for more effective hand washing. Let the towels soak depending on dirt and size of load. Press and move the clothes around vigorously. Wring out the towels. Rinse the towels under fresh cold water and let them soak in it for 5 minutes. Agitate the towels in the same way as before. Repeatedly rinse, wring, soak, and agitate the towels until they are clean. Wring the towels out as thoroughly as possible. Hang the towels up to dry.

Problem: Article: Though you may think you don't have experience in sales, you actually might! If you've given presentations or speeches or were a member of the debate team or student government, you're likely comfortable talking to others. Similarly, if you've participated in a fundraiser or are able to persuade people to do something your way, that experience will help you in your career. If you've been a coach or teacher or are great at managing time effectively, those skills give you a leg up. Salespeople need to be able to communicate clearly with a wide range of potential customers and clients. Make eye contact with someone when holding a conversation. Listen carefully to the person speaking to you and try to put yourself in their shoes. Use body language, like gesturing while you're speaking, to convey positive energy. Keep an open stance with your arms relaxed at your sides to send the message that you are friendly and approachable. To be a great salesperson, you must believe in yourself! If you start to feel self-conscious, tell yourself that you are confident and capable. Remind yourself of your strengths and skills, and do your best to be positive and optimistic. Set small, realistic goals and reward yourself when you reach them. For instance, you might make a goal to sell a certain number of items per month. Alternatively, you may set a goal to find 5 new leads each week. Unfortunately, rejection goes hand in hand with a sales job. You'll need to learn not to take rejection personally. Don't let it get you down or affect your next sales pitch. Instead, understand that rejection is par for the course and try to use it to improve your sales skills. Persistence will help you face the day-to-day challenges that arise with a career in sales. Don't give up, even if it seems like the odds are stacked against you. Sometimes, you'll put a lot of work into a deal that goes nowhere. Remain positive and continue to work hard. Remind yourself that another opportunity is just around the corner.
Summary:
Scrutinize your relevant skills. Improve your communication skills. Increase your confidence. Learn to handle rejection. Be persistent.