After decades of weeding, wading, and planting, we dig these work shoes the most. 

From top: breathable waterproof boots, sturdy clogs with removable foot beds, and all-purpose boots for cold weather. To protect hands, nothing beats Mud's nonslip, machine-washable gloves. 

Hoser Classic Work Boots $95, muckbootcompany.com; Super-Birki Clogs $79, birki.us; Blundstone 500 $150, zappos.com; the original $6 per pair, by Mud, littlesgoodgloves.com

Clothes and accessories stored for a season or longer need protection from light, moisture, and insects. A box filled with acid-free tissue paper, assorted cedar inserts, and dried lavender makes it easy to prepare items as you put them away.

Don't throw out the foam peanuts or bubble packing material the next time you get a box in the mail; put them to use. 

When filling outdoor planters, sub the packing material for up to half the soil. The plant won't know the difference, the container will be lighter, and you'll use less soil. Place the packing material in a plastic bag at the bottom of the pot, and cover with the soil.

Use bungee cords to keep items from tumbling off freestanding shelves. The cords are especially helpful in high-traffic areas, such as the garage, where shelves might get jostled. Hook a cord across the front of a shelf, or use an extra-long one to wrap around the sides as well. If the cord isn't taut, wrap slack around the leg, then hook the cord to itself.

Setting up a bin in the entryway for each member of the household is a good way to keep this busy space tidy. And with umbrellas, hats, and sunglasses near the door, leaving the house will no longer require last-minute searches. Use an existing wall-mounted coatrack to make this custom organizer. To start, drill a hole in the end of each of two 1-by-4-inch wooden rails to fit the coatrack pegs. Paint rails to match rack; let dry. Hang rails from pegs. Attach evenly spaced wire baskets using screw hooks.