On Organizing Your Dirty Yard Tools and Other Stuff

What to do with all that dirty stuff?  I have visited homes where it was clear the families just didn't know how to organize their dirty stuff or didn't want to bother.  There were tools in dining rooms and shovels with mud still on them stored in basements.  The grime that had fallen off had been tracked in their entry ways and livingrooms.  Dirty tools and other stuff needed their place.  Why would someone sit at a diningroom table staring at their dusty saw lying on the floor or walk past a nasty broom everyday not too far from the refrigerator?  I vowed when I got my own place, I was going to make sure that not only were my favorite items neatly put away, but also all things dirty!

Small Power Tools

A shelf space for small tools is ideal!  However, when there is no shelf space you have to figure out what to do to organize these items. Lying a tarp, plastic runner or something similar to protect flooring is better than not placing nothing at all if you are currently working on a project.  Place the items on top of the covering and drape over until your project is complete.  You can find a corner spot in a basement or in a garage until you have a cabinet to place them on.  You can also purchase large plastic bins or use boxes to store away.

Dirty Landscaping or Yard Tools

From snow shovels to wheelbarrows, people have become very creative over the years using wall hangers to organize these items.  They are typically stored in garages, basements, and sheds.  There are so many options for tool hanger storage and various name brands.  Purchase items that have hooks so that they are easy to hang.

Dirt, Salt Pellets

Buckets work wonders!  Rather than leaving these items in bags where they can tear and cause an even bigger mess, use buckets.

Messy Stuff

You know how it goes you use something and it drips down the sides.  There are a variety of reusable trays that you can use to place items in.  I have used large plastic bowl and basins (think large enough to soak both your feet) to hold any item that comes in a spray can or bottle.  Then I placed them inside and then stored away neatly in a cabinet.  Smaller items I place in a plastic grocery bag or freezer bag in case they start to drip after use.  When the children were younger, I child proofed the cabinet.  This way I didn't have to worry over someone getting in there or something being knocked over and permanently ruining my shelf space.  I also used shelf liners as well just in case someone didn't put my items back in the basin.

Vacuums, Mops and Brooms

These items should never be stored near a place where food is being prepared or eaten.  For starters, they can have an odor and look unsightly.  So I usually look for a nearby place to store these like a broom or coat closet.  If I don't have one of those, I store these items in the basement.  The mop goes in the bucket.  The broom is turned up if it is exclusively used for the kitchen area.  Vacuums are frequently emptied and placed out of site either in a closet or upstairs away from entry view in a hallway.

Where do you keep your dirty items?  Feel free to share in the comment section.  Thanks for ready and happy organizing!

Nicholl McGuire Author of What Else Can I Do on the Internet? and the owner of this blog.

Shoe Organizing: What to Do About Those Shoes?

You may have a lot of shoes along with everyone else in the household.  I solved the problem of having shoes piled up in my doorway simply by purchasing a shoe rack.  However, over the years, we outgrew the shoe rack and needed to replace.  We also went in and out of more than one door, so additional shoe racks were purchased.  Then one broke and now we are back down to one.  

What happened to the rest of the shoes?  Well we discovered that a purging process needed to take place.  Those shoes that were barely worn or the children out grew were either sold or given away.  Other shoes that were considered “good shoes” were neatly placed in a box or bag and stored on shelves inside their closets and others placed under the bed in storage.

Since our shoe organizing project, I have noticed that other families at various places I worked, more specifically rental communities, shoes were sometimes stored on shoe racks near doors like my family, but other times shoes were still piled up by the door or near bedside.  So here are some additional ways you can organize shoes:

Over the closet door organizers.

On shelves inside closets.

In a basement or garage area in a bin, box, on a shoe rack, or a shoe cabinet.

Under a bed in a storage bag or each set wrapped in plastic shopping bags.

In an attic in a chest stored inside individual bags or boxes.

We use odor sprays and fabric softeners to keep the inside fresh.  We have water and stain repellant to keep the exterior of shoes looking fabulous.  Before shoes are stored long term, like winter boots or tennis shoes, they should be cleaned: outside, inside and soles.

Shoes like cell phones collect so much bacteria.  Storing them beside a bed or uncovered under a bed is not sanitary.  Also, keeping them placed by doors without using a product to keep the odor under control may be a turn-off for visitors.  Not only do you use a product inside the shoes, but also consider a plug-in fragrance placed near them.

Happy shoe organizing! 

Nicholl McGuire is the owner and contributor of this blog.


SONGMICS 3-Tier Stackable Metal Rack Flat & Slant Adjustable Shoe Organizer Shelf for Closet Bedroom Entryway 29.1 x 12.2 x 24.7 Inches Bronze ULMR03A

Packing Cables & Chargers | How to Keep Your Electronic Accessories Orga...

Organizing Sanitary Napkins, Tampons

There is no worse feeling then to be seated comfortably on the toilet only to find that you don’t have adequate supplies nearby.  Women all over the world find themselves in this difficult situation every now and again.  There is no one on the other side of the bathroom door that can bring their sanitary napkins or tampons.  They may have forgot to restock--uh oh!  A roommate may have taken the last one--oh no!  So how does one organize very important items for a very private matter conveniently and discreetly?

Drawers, Bins and Boxes

Consider placing them in a nearby drawer preferably by the toilet.  Organize by size or colors.  Do not overfill otherwise the napkins and possibly the tampons will fall behind the drawer into the cabinet underneath. 

Plastic drawers and bins or a fabric box (not see-through) placed underneath the sink by the toilet also is convenient.

Shelf Space over the Toilet

If you don’t have drawer space near the toilet and a box or bin takes up too much space underneath the bathroom sink, consider hiding them discreetly in a decorative box or bin on shelf space over the toilet.

Narrow Containers

A narrow container that is typically used for storing grains, cereals, or juice can be placed underneath the bathroom sink.  Think in terms of shapes and how much space you have when selecting containers.  Narrow containers are great space-savers and shaped perfectly for placing in cabinets.

Over the Door Hanger with an Attached Storage Bag

If there is no nearby shelf space and underneath the cabinet is maxed out, napkins and tampons can be stored in cosmetic bags then placed in a storage bag pocket.

No Shelf, Cabinet or Drawer in Guest Bathroom and Door Hanger Doesn’t Fit Door

A guest bathroom that doesn’t have drawer or cabinet space and a door hanger is out of the question, but does have an open space underneath the sink can be utilized.  Purchase a bathroom sink curtain and drape around.  Place sanitary napkins and tampons in a bin or container then place out of view behind the sink curtain.  You can also purchase an appealing plastic, three-drawer storage in a solid color.

Keep in mind the type of organizer you select will be based on how much space you have available and the supplies you use.  For instance, if you use sanitary napkins you would need something bigger, but if you use tampons your organizer might be quite small.  Remember, the smaller your organizer, the more often you will need to fill it up.  Happy organizing!

Nicholl McGuire is the owner of this blog and the author of What Else Can I Do on the Internet? and Black Friday, Cyber Monday Strategies to Use Year Round.

On Organizing a Tall Dresser

A typical bedroom has one or two nightstands, a vertical dresser (usually about six drawers), and a horizontal dresser with a mirror.  However, an individual or couple on a tight budget or who just doesn’t have many things avoids crowding one’s bedroom with large furniture.  So in this case a bed and a tall dresser might suffice with under-bed storage.  The tall dresser might be a focal point, impressively crafted with quiet, decorative knobs and slides smoothly as the user opens and closes it.

Inside is of most importance.  It is where the action happens.  If organized carefully and practically, it is a useful tool.  Not only beautiful to view on the outside, but smells and looks good on the inside too!

Photo by Justin Schüler on Unsplash

Take a look at all items that are still useful, those that are no longer befitting due to size, and others that need to be tossed.  Clear out all drawers.  Grab your air freshener, favorite perfume/cologne, or potpourri to freshen up the drawer.  Spray sparingly.  Potpourri is placed in a vented bag and left in drawer.

The Organizer should consider placing dividers inside the drawer first to store multiple items in a single drawer.  Underwear is neatly sorted and easy to view.  No more looking for socks under piles of bras and panties! 

Shirts and pants are folded.  Usually these items are stored in separate drawers due to space.  Drawers are never overstuffed; otherwise the furniture might wear faster and damage to the bottom due to weight.  Many items are lost behind the drawers as well.

Fabric bags that zip or are fastened closed are great for storing small items or favorites inside the drawer.  Jewelry boxes, pencil box size bins, and plastic fruit baskets are good for keeping other items such as: buttons, pens, sewing kits, stain remover pins, etc. in place.  Think:  all minute things related to clothes should be kept close--within reach.

A tall dresser is not limited to clothes.  The bottom or top drawer might hold clothing accessories, miscellaneous items, keepsakes, or treasured tools for hair, crafts, or practical household items.

If you plan to move out at times, you might want to place furniture sliders under it.  Sometimes items fall behind, so you may want to place a decorative item(s) to prevent anything stored on top from getting lost.  Also, be certain that your tall dresser doesn’t block the outlet, but if it does, you can connect an extension cord behind it before you flush it to a wall.

Nicholl McGuire, wife, mother, author and inspirational speaker.  When she isn't actively helping others with their life challenges, she owns, manages and contributes to this blog and others, see below:
thingstodobored.blogspot.com
parentsbabieschildren.blogspot.com
workplaceproblems.blogspot.com

On Organizing Your Medicine Cabinet - A Shopping List for Essential Items

The medicine cabinet has been the go-to place for those things that you just might not want to ask the lady or gentleman of the house for.  It is like a welcoming spot for the guest who has pain, something irritating or other issues.  So why not be sure to have it stocked?  The following is a list of must-haves for the medicine cabinet.  Most items you can find at the dollar store.

1) aspirin
2) acetaminophen and/or ibuprofen
3) hydrocortisone
4) hemorrhoid cream
5) acne cream
6) muscle rub
7) antibiotic ointment
8) clotrimazole
9) scar gel
10) cocoa butter
11) nail clippers
12) pony tail holders
13) bobby pins
14) bandaids (assorted sizes)
15) shampoo (trial or travel size)
16) conditioner (trial or travel size)
17) alcohol (transfer into smaller bottle, label)
18) peroxide (transfer into smaller bottle, label)
19) cotton balls or q-tips (small jar)
20) baby powder
21) body spray

Consider purchasing the small sizes of the tube products and displaying vertically in a container rather than laying flat on the shelf.  Your display should look like flowers sticking out of a pot.  You can manage this arrangement if you adjust one of the shelves.  Tools can lay flat on the shelves that don't have much space overhead such as nail clippers and a nail file.  Be sure to disinfect after guests visit.  Check to see if your cabinet will need to be re-stocked.  Don't put anything expensive in the cabinet that you think someone might steal like a thermometer.

Other items you may not have thought of to add to your medicine cabinet:

Blackhead and splinter remover tools

Eye wash cup set

Here is something handy for the top of the sink, over the toilet or under the cabinet to store other small items.

Other styles below:

Cotton swabs and balls

Cotton swab dispenser

Have fun organizing your medicine cabinet and your guests will thank you!

Nicholl McGuire is the blog owner and the author of What Else Can I Do on the Internet?

Making Life a Bit Easier...some of my favorite organizers for small things, dirty clothes and books

18 gallon bin by Sterlite

These bins have been great tools to help with local and major moves across country.  We reinforced with packing tape around the sides.  Great for books!  If you store open liquid items, be sure to secure in plastic storage bags.  We also use to store items in the garage and no dirt or insects bother to get in.  We also use an insect repellent on the outside and install an electric repellent in the storage areas.  Click on the one below:

This is one of those classic desktop 4 drawer plastic organizers (length 14 inches high and about 3 inches in depth) that you don't see everywhere.  Nowadays there are more of these drawers without the swinging handles and there is an additional drawer.  I use them for pencils, pens, stapler, etc.-- small office items, greeting cards, stamps, miscellaneous stuff.  Need one or a few? See here.

Laundry storage cart with wheels

What I love about this laundry organizer is no need to sort before you wash your clothes--a great time-saver!

Check out an organizer similar to the one photographed. Heavy duty 4 bag...  

As seen in photo this 6 foot black book case - always will be one of my favorites!  Children are much older now so no worries about them climbing the shelves--they did in the past with another, so I had to get rid of it :) 

Those navy blue toy bins with the Pixar car images came from a toy organizer they once had.  You can see a similar car bin plastic organizer--this is great for storing those toy men and cars.  They learned early (2 and 3 years) to pick up their items off the floor.  The photograph above is the 11 year old's handy work. 

Plastic storage locker bins and plastic rectangular storage tray baskets. 

You can find these at Dollar tree!

Here's to your success organizing this year and staying organized!

Nicholl McGuire, Blog Owner

So Over the Holidays - Decluttering Time!

The boxes, bags, red and green bins, saved gift wrap, holiday decor...is it necessary to keep year after year even when you don't celebrate anymore?  "But what if," your mind says and there you go saving things you just don't need.

I recalled looking for places to store my items and others back when I used to celebrate as many holidays as I could without a care for space.  I had my share of items in closets, drawers and even under the bed, but that all changed when I set out to learn more about each holiday.

The issue of where to place something was no longer a struggle.  I have one bin for birthday stuff now since I still have a couple young children who don't want to do away with all holidays just yet.  I have a small shelf space under a cabinet for some New Year's items.  One of my children tried to persuade me into buying Xmas decor, nope.  My response, "Make your own or take your allowance and buy some."  I guess his request wasn't that important because he smiled and went off to another aisle in the store.  Another child couldn't care less because he didn't want to be called upon to do too much of anything related to holidays.

When I reflected on the years of money spent on the holidays, the eye rolls from partners' when I asked for their service or financial assistance, I realize it wasn't worth the headache afterward.  It wasn't just about organizing clutter but organizing finances too!  No help in sight, so I stopped carrying that burden.

As you look around for yet another place to store an item this year, ask yourself, "Do I really need this?  Is it worth the time, space and energy?"  If you are truly dedicated to making some changes in your home organizing, you will find that many things just aren't worth keeping.

Here's to a wonderful year of being clutter free!

Nicholl McGuire is the author of What Else Can I Do on the Internet? and the blog owner.