Expert: Jamie Novak - 10/21/2007

Question
Help! My boyfriends mom is coming to stay with us for 3 weeks. We have a small home and she will be staying in the loft of it. Its a very open area. Any ideas on how to make this more private for her? I also have to have things neat when shes here and my daughters toys are everywhere.

Answer
Jackie,

I’m not sure if you got my original reply, so I’m sending it again. Sometimes emails just disappear.

Loft areas can be great, but I agree when you have company they can be too open to be comfortable. I have a few ideas for inexpensive temporary screening off of the area.

Depending on how the walls are set up you can use a shower curtain rod (the spring loaded type) to hang a curtain or blanket from the ceiling to the floor.

This can be pulled back during day hours and slid back for the night or privacy.

You can also see what you already have in your own home, for example, moving a bookcase away from the wall and swinging it out can make a wall.

You might also find it works well to collect large boxes from the grocery store, have your daughter decorate them and stack them as a wall.

As for the toys, I think every Mom can relate to toys being everywhere.

If you are looking for a temporary solution you can pick up the ones she uses least often and box them up for after your company leaves.

You might also find creative storage such as under the bed, baskets under the coffee table or living room end tables. I also like to hang a clear plastic over the door shoe holder and instead of filling the pockets with shoes use them for toys. If you hang ti low enough she’ll be able to get her own out.

I hope this helps. I’m here if you have any more questions. Plus you can find other great toy and paper solutions at www.JamieNovak.com

Have a clutter-free weekend and enjoy your company. Jamie