Back to School Basics: Get Organized in Style

Lowe's offers creative ideas for home - or dorm room - organization

MOORESVILLE, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- As summer comes to a close and first day of school excitement quickly approaches, organization and preparation for the year is a top priority for parents and students alike. Lowe's has what is needed to ensure back to school success this year with stylish storage and organizational ideas that will help your family make room for new school clothes, keep track of homework, chores and to-do lists, and provide any college student with a cheat sheet to dorm room organizing.

Organize in Style

    --  The allen + roth 10' Solid Wood Closet Organizer (item #102967) is an
        all-wood kit that comes standard with the essential pieces to organize
        your closet. Add additional organizers for customizable storage options.
        This closet organizer can also be converted into a bathroom storage
        rack, an entrance-area storage space or even an entertainment center.
    --  When time comes to bring out the coats and sweaters, better organization
        and storage in the bedroom becomes a necessity. Under-the-bed storage
        units (item #340148) with dual flip-top lids are an easily accessible
        way to maximize often under-utilized spaces and to store seasonal
        clothing.

It's a Shoe In

    --  Trying to find enough room in a closet for every shoe isn't easy, but
        the Rubbermaid shoe cubbies (item #283797) are a simple fix to any
        organizational nightmare. The easy-to-install cube can hold up to ten
        pairs of shoes, and its shape allows for easy stacking of multiple units
        in one space.
    --  If there's worry of trying to fit a "shoe obsession" into a dorm room
        closet, consider an over-the-door storage bag (item #221412), which
        provides an efficient use of space for more than 24 shoes. This
        heavy-duty vinyl material is reinforced with a metal frame to provide
        the strength needed to store all the shoes in your closet, without
        crowding the floor space.
    --  Create a fashionable footprint by freshening up your floors with a
        stylish rug. A functional 5x7 foot rug can add a splash of color to any
        space while providing the durability to withstand high-traffic areas and
        protect against dirt. These rugs are great for any budget, retailing for
        around $60.

Stow-away

    --  Back to school time offers a great excuse to organize and de-clutter.
        Consider customizable storage containers of all sizes and colors that
        can complement any home's decor, like the canvas storage cubbies and
        baskets by allen + roth (items # 320867, 320877, 320814). The products'
        unique designs and convenient handles provide functional, stylized
        simplicity.
    --  Messy electrical cords can affect the organized appearance of any room
        and loose cords can create tripping hazards in crowded dorm rooms.
        Provide a clean, finished look by organizing electrical cords on any
        floor or wall surface with a cord organizer starter kit (item #295341).
        Don't forget a surge protector (item #101342) to ensure more accessible
        use of electrical outlets when space is limited.

Organize Your Day, Easier

    --  For a twist on homework, to-do lists and creative work spaces, makeover
        your room with IdeaPaint. This innovative paint product can create a
        high-performance dry erase surface out of a wall, table or door, among
        other options. This product is great for creating message boards in an
        office, kitchen or entryway while providing a unique, stylish and useful
        way to communicate with family and friends.
    --  Lowe's also offers Valspar Chalkboard Specialty Enamel (item # 203261),
        available in black and green finishes. Develop convenient message boards
        in an office, kitchen or home entrance and consider priming your
        message-board with Interior Flat Magnetic Primer (item # 115535) before
        using the chalkboard paint to create a magnetic message board
        conveniently used anywhere in your home.

Fast Food

    --  Don't forget small appliances to store easy-to-reach snacks and drinks
        during the school year. Whether it's used in a playroom or dorm room, a
        compact fridge provides easy access to your favorite foods without
        sacrificing style. Add a compact microwave to create convenient meals on
        the go.

Getting organized during the back to school season will ensure success throughout the year - or at least make back to school a little easier. Lowe's offers more helpful tips and how-to videos to jump start your back to campus organizational efforts this year. Visit http://www.lowes.com/videos for more information on the go.

About Lowe's

With fiscal year 2010 sales of $48.8 billion, Lowe's Companies, Inc. is a FORTUNE^(R) 50 company that serves approximately 15 million customers a week at more than 1,750 home improvement stores in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Founded in 1946 and based in Mooresville, N.C., Lowe's is the second-largest home improvement retailer in the world. For more information, visit Lowes.com.

    Source: Lowe's Companies, Inc.