We’re nearing the end of January…the month synonymous with renewed organizing vigor, but I’m hoping to keep the streak going…at least until mid-February! This month’s issue of Family Circle has a great round-up of blogger’s best organizing tips…and I was thrilled to be included!
I knew it was coming, but it’s always a shock to see your name and face in print!
I guess all my anal particular tendencies paid off, because they included five tips from me! And the frosting on this cupcake was seeing so many of my friends in the article, too. To help inspire and motivate, I thought I’d share a few of the tips, directly from the article. Click the links for each blogger’s full post on the topic, and resources for finding the supplies.
A clear plastic shoe box (like these) is just the right size to contain single-serve foods like yogurt, applesauce and pudding on a shelf in the fridge. ~ Cassie, Hi Sugarplum
Create extra space under the kitchen sink by hanging spray bottles from a tension rod (I use this one) mounted inside the cabinet. Sponges,
scrubbers and drain stoppers can go in a wire basket installed on the
door with inexpensive Command hooks. ~ Cassie, Hi Sugarplum
Weed through holiday decor and give away what you no longer want. Wind lights and garlands around paper towel or wrapping paper tubes to
prevent tangling and pack everything into space-saving stackable plastic storage bins. ~ Cassie, Hi Sugarplum
Almost-empty gallon containers of paint take up valuable real estate on
garage shelves, so pour the surplus into labeled Mason jars. Arrange spray-paint cans in the pockets of a hanging shoe organizer. “This system makes it easy to see what colors you have for
touch-ups.” ~ Cassie, Hi Sugarplum
Donate that pile of movies your family doesn’t watch anymore. As for the
remaining favorites, toss the plastic cases and slip the discs into DVD and CD sleeves. “File them alphabetically in a cute bin that you can
tuck away on a side shelf,” ~ Cassie, Hi Sugarplum
Instead of folding sheets, roll them into bundles and stow, along with pillowcases, in labeled canvas bins (these may be the cutest ones ever). ~ Carmel, Our Fifth House
End needless hunting for pantry staples by grouping like foods—soup,
beans, crackers— in transparent bins. Chalkboard labels make it a cinch to switch up
the categories. ~ Courtney, A Thoughtful Place
Neaten up the mess on the highest shelf in your coat closet by stashing
small, seasonal items—such as hats, gloves and beach gear—in the
cubbyholes of a standing shoe organizer (like this). ~ Sarah, Thrifty Decor Chick
Don’t go shopping without a mini accordion file (this is a good one) of store coupons sorted by your favorite retailers. ~ Megan, Honey We’re Home
Free up space in the kitchen by installing peel-and-stick steel sheets
on the backs of cupboard doors.
Adhere magnetic tins and containers to hold spices or small junk drawer
items like rubber bands, safety pins, notepads, pens and scissors. ~ Dina, Honey & Fitz
Keep a large clear plastic file box
for each of your children, with folders labeled by school grade filled
with important pictures, report cards, documents, journaling pages and
more. “It becomes a box of memories for them.” ~ Michelle, 4 Men 1 Lady
Trays are a secret weapon for bringing order to any surface. Bright lacquer pops in a room, while clear acrylic or Lucite lets
you see what you’re storing. Give a tray extra personality by lining it
with patterned wallpaper. ~ Cristin, Simplified Bee
Put old china to good use. Keep
jewelry tangle-free in a variety of small bowls lined up in a drawer. ~ Kristin, The Hunted Interior
Replace traditional holiday
wrappings with one giant roll of Kraft paper. A variety of ribbon and
twine changes the look for any occasion. “You’ll save money and free up
space,” ~ Stefanie, Brooklyn Limestone
Tame the toiletries in your family’s bathrooms by cutting a shoe pocket organizer into thirds and screwing each section to the inside of
vanity doors. “All three bathrooms decluttered for under $20!” ~ Courtney, A Thoughtful Place
To reduce nightstand chaos, stow books and magazines in an easy-to-reach basket on the floor. ~ Megan, Honey We’re Home (I’d love this one…on sale, too!)
Prevent “my house is a mess” stress when unexpected guests drop by. Set
aside a bin or basket in clutter-prone rooms so you can corral stray
stuff at a moment’s notice. ~ Emily, Emily A. Clark
Aren’t these all great tips? There’s about 20 more in the article, so definitely worth checking out! Thanks to Getting Organized Magazine, also, for including our Command Center in their latest issue!!
What are your best organizing tips? Leave them in the comments…I need all the help I can get!