CASE FILE: Home Improvement

Subject: Fritz Haarmann Known for: The Butcher of Hannover Estimated victims: 24 to 27 Operational period: 1918–1924

Living in tight quarters—such as a modest attic flat in Hannover—requires an eye for efficiency and a strict refusal to let anything go to waste. When space is at a premium, you cannot afford to be sentimental about clutter.

First, consider the layout. If you have an item that is simply too bulky for your closet, do not let it crowd your living area. With the right tools and a little patience, even the most awkward shapes can be broken down into compact, easily stored segments. A high-quality bone saw is not just for the kitchen; it is a vital implement for spatial reorganization. Once properly partitioned, you will find that an astonishing volume of material can fit neatly under the floorboards or inside a single steamer trunk.

Second, manage your acoustics. In a crowded tenement, privacy is paramount. To prevent neighbors from overhearing your late-night projects, invest in thick, heavy wool blankets. Hanging these against the walls will muffle any sudden, sharp noises. It is also wise to synchronize your loudest, most strenuous tasks with the local transit schedule; the heavy rattle of the midnight streetcars covers a multitude of domestic disruptions.

Third, prioritize sanitation. When working in confined quarters, spills and organic odors can quickly become overwhelming. Keep plenty of cold water and coarse salt on hand—hot water only sets a stain into the wood. For persistent smells, a thorough wash with vinegar and a fresh coat of whitewash will keep your workspace looking and smelling like a perfectly legitimate home business.

Lastly, remember that home security starts with community relations. Be helpful to your local precinct and act as their eyes and ears on the street. If you are known as a cooperative, friendly neighbor, no one will think twice when they see you making regular evening trips to the local river with a heavy burlap sack.

File closed. Results pending.