Monthly Archives: July 2024

– Use shredded paper from your shredder to cushion gifts instead of tissue.  Makes great packing for moving and mailing as well.

– Take a rainy or snow day off and sort old photographs by family member/friend groups.  Label the back with acid free pen so you and your family can always identify who’s who.  Not a great photo of Uncle George?  Why keep it?  Trust me, he won’t mind if it gets tossed.

– BOOM Box (Broken, Odd or Missing) box to be stored in garage with objects waiting to be glued, found or fixed.

– JUICE Box (Just Unused Inputs Cords and Electricals) box will contain all those cables and cords so they don’t die tangled in some drawer or forgotten in outlets.  It helps to label these cords so you will always know to which device they belong. 

We’ve all heard it, “I really want to do this with _______ space.”  “Someday this _________ space is going to be _________.”  “If I only had time, I would redecorate this _________ space.”  Fill in the blanks, either you or someone you know labels this _______ space this way.  The real problem is commitment, or a lack thereof.  Areas get out of control when we don’t designate a specific use and follow through with it.  If the space should be an office, get a desk in there.

Then make the space inviting to encourage use and, no more excuses, you’ve done it! 

Dresser drawers are hard to keep neat if you stuff the garments in and hope the drawer closes.

Roll garments like t-shirts, pajamas, activewear.  Move off-season clothes out and into bins on top shelves.  This also allows you a day to purge the unwanted.  Jeans work well folded on shelves (think “like in a store”) and drawer dividers can segment socks, underwear, bras and cami’s.  Bins don’t have to be clear plastic, check out decorative fun bins and baskets at The Container Store.  Your closet can have a new look without spending much money and happiness will replace the “drawer depression”. 

The kitchen is a room where one must function efficiently.  Arranged into work zones, this will be the case.  Store items where you use them, (bakeware near the oven, glasses near the refrigerator, flatware in a drawer near the dishwasher)… extra steps are great for exercise, not kitchen functionality.  Big kitchen?  Set up designated areas for frequent activities, (coffee prep, entertaining prep, baking area).  Not so big kitchen?  Try a mobile island for extra counter workspace. 

Is there a remodel in your future?  Why not take the time to really plan how you want to function in that new space.  Glass front cabinetry is beautiful, but not if you are trying to hide a mess.  Those corner cupboards can be a waste of real estate with a lazy Susan… or not… try “v” shaped drawers in those corners… no more digging in the back dark corners of the cupboard.   Consider pull-outs for all lower cupboards for easy go-to and storage. 

Bedroom storage a problem?  Purchase a decorative basket and fill with your colorful blankets, neatly folded, or purchase a bench with built in storage for the foot of your bed.  Newer nightstands have built in charging stations which eliminate cords and cables around the head of your bed. 

Built-in units, more expensive, but O! so efficient!  Open shelving surrounds you with the things you love to see and closed cabinetry and drawers below allow for exceptional storage.  Plan it, do it, love it!