1980s Inspired Organizers that are still doable!

Don't let the overpriced, modern day, sleek looking organizer (with barely a hint of unique color or print) fool you! A classic 1980s organizer, is just as functional, if not better!  Let's take a look back down memory lane, shall we at these 1980s inspired gems?

You are welcome to buy any one of these by clicking on the image to support this blog, thank you!

Ambesonne Rose Washing Machine Organizer, 80's Romantic Style Roses Bouquet in Pastel Colors Print, Anti-slip Fabric Top Cover for Washer and Dryer, 47" x 18.5", Rose Multi-color

Geestock Plus Size Leopard Fanny Packs PU Leather Bumbag Women Belt Bag Cute Waist Pack with Adjustable Belt for Rave, Festival, Travel, Party (L)

Cosmetic Bag Memphis Hipster Style 80s-90s Makeup Bag Travel Toiletry Bag Cosmetic Train Case Make-Up Tote Organizer

Travel Packing Cubes Late 1980s Japanese Wheel Of Fortune R2 And R3 By Travel Organizing Cubes Packing Cubes Travel 4 Piece Suitcase Organizer Lightweight

Crayon Scribbles Neon Colors Retro 80s Leak-proof Reusable Insulated Cooler Lunch Bag - Picnic Hiking Beach Unisex Lunch Box

80s Memphis Pencil Case Big Capacity Canvas Multi-function Pen Bag Zipper Student Stationery Organizer Pouch Cosmetic Bag

Moslion Music Travel Makeup Train Case Vintage Cassette 80s Revival Mix Tape Disco Dance Hipster Cosmetic Organizer Toiletry Bag for Makeup Brushes Tools

ALAZA Audio Tapes 80s Makeup Cosmetic Case Organizer Portable Storage Bag Travel Makeup Train Case with Adjustable Dividers

Colorful 80s Retro Memphis Geometric Abstract in 1980s 1990s Square Pill Box Decorative Boxes Pill Case Medicine Tablet Holder Wallet Organizer Case for Pocket Or Purse

Laundry Basket Audio Tapes in Retro 80S Style Music Black Large Collapsible Dirty Laundry Hamper Bag Tall Fabric Storage Baskets Folding Washing Bin Hand Clothes Organizer for Laundry Room,Dorm 53L


These are great conversation starters for anyone who loved the 80s!  Enjoy!

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

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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.