How to Organize a Chest of Drawers

Synonymous with the bedroom, and perhaps disorganization, a chest of drawers doesn’t need to be blackhole. Chests usually come in 5, 6, or 7 drawer varieties, with either a single or a double top drawer and can be found throughout the house. Wherever your drawers are, whether the bedroom or the kitchen, they should be kept spic-and-span to maximize efficiency and avoid lost objects. This, however, is probably easier said than done. But a few quick tricks will keep your drawers free of unwanted clutter, and stocked full of the things you use most.

Bedroom Tips

Home to socks and underpants, pajamas and jeans, people often stick every which thing into their bedroom drawers. If it doesn’t need to be hung in the closet, it probably can be found stuffed or mashed into the back of some drawer. This can lead to be bit of a mess. No worries, a few simple tricks will have you unstuffed in no time.

Once every season, empty your drawers to reorganize and reconsider what have; are you using all your white t’s? Have some forgotten pajamas? Take the opportunity to purge and minimize, and keep your chest of drawers from excessive bulge. With seasonal clean-outs, you will be sure that each nook and cranny of this valuable piece of furniture is being used accordingly.

When thinking of where items should be placed in your chest, the most often used items should be the easiest to access. Items such as winter wares or workout clothes can be placed where bending or standing on tip-toes are required. Likewise, consider using the bottom drawer for excess baby clothes, or other items that don’t get quite as much use.

Couples usually prefer a double top drawer, so as to divide at least that section evenly. If you have a single top-drawer, but share it with a partner, consider a drawer divider. For extra storage space, baskets can also top your chest and be used for socks or other small items that aren’t too personal for display.

Kitchen Tips

Chest of drawers located in the kitchen are different beasts entirely; with items ranging from pens to rubber bands to forks to phone books, regular organization is key to keeping household items in check and easily accessed. Instead of keeping everything everywhere, choose organizational “helpers” based on your needs.

Cutlery trays are essential, to keep your forks from your knives and so on. Your excess ice cube trays can double for drawer organizers—easily housing paper clips, rubber bands, and other smaller items.

Entertain often? Consider tagging drawers to help your guests follow your organizational lead. Especially in areas often used during parties, tags could leave no confusion where things go.

If there is a primary chef in the house, they should have a voice in how the kitchen drawers are arranged, as they will be using them most often. Be sure the families understands the system and abides by it, for easy access to all your kitchen goodies.

The key to all organizing is to create systems that work for you and your family. If it isn’t according to your logic, you probably won’t use it. Also, like the ice tray, don’t be afraid to organize with tools that are convenient, even if they are serving a purpose for which they weren’t originally intended.


by Bill William
Looking for a classy contemporary furniture store? Look no further. Beyond Furniture take pride in having unique furniture that takes peoples breath away. Having a house full of furniture from the Beyond Furniture range spells pure class.

14 Things You Just Might Not Think to Clean in Time for the Holiday Guests

Excitement about a future holiday gathering can cause everyone involved to have a one track mind, so to speak when it comes to prepping for guests.  Most hosts will think about the obvious things that need to be organized, cleaned, rearranged, or removed, but sometimes there are those other things that are often overlooked and can reveal problems that you just might not want your guests to know about.

1.  Coat closet.

Who would bother to pay that close attention to a coat closet?  It isn't that one would care that much.  But first impressions are long-lasting, so depending on who is coming over and how much stuff they might be bringing, it would make sense to organize your coat closet and any other.  Coats need space.  Some don't look nice wrinkled.  Others might have unsightly odors, would you want yours tightly squeezed with the stinky coat? 


2.  Walls, living room upholstery and carpets.

One of the first things people notice upon entering one's home are furniture, carpet and sometimes walls especially bright ones.  If there are noticeable stains, they can be an eyesore.  So don't forget to spruce them up.  There are many cleaning products that one can get to clean upholstery and carpet.  Check for items that contain Scotch guard, this will help prevent a stain in case your guests accidentally spill liquids or food on your furniture.

3.  Top of refrigerator and inside it including vegetable and fruit storage drawers.

These drawers are sometimes overlooked because they always have something in them, but when you are expecting company you might want to check them.  Be sure to remove old containers of food, produce bags, etc.  They tend to leave an odor every time the refrigerator is opened and closed.  Consider purchasing baking soda and other types of products that keep down refrigerator and freezer odors that can affect the way your food tastes.

4.  The range hood of your stove.

Dust and grease gets trapped on the top and inside the screen that collects grease.  Take the small screen out and let it soak in a good cleaner that will loosen up grease.  Take a cloth dipped in cleaner and wipe the fan.

5.  Inside your microwave.

Some people just don't think about the poor microwave.  Spill after spill, grease, hair, crumbs--you name it in the microwave.  Just imagine, your host offering to heat your food, and surprise, "What the?  I changed my mind, don't bother heating my food,"  your guest says with a look of disgust.

6.  Behind the doors of your rooms and along your baseboards.

When one is vacuuming, he or she doesn't think about those corner areas and so in time they begin to collect all sorts of dust balls and debris.  Take a moment to use a detachable hose connected to a vacuum to suck those items up in corners and along the baseboards.  If you don't have one, use a damp cloth, wipe and pick up with a broom, one's hand or a portable vacuum.

7.  Drawers in your living room area that are easily accessible to your guests.

A stuffed drawer can be an eyesore and also embarrassing if private items are stored in it where all eyes can see.  Open up those cabinets and drawers in the living room, taking great care to remove clutter and put away items that might be considered offensive.

8.  Medicine cabinet.

Expired items, things one never uses, and so much more can be found in a medicine cabinet.  Put the things away you don't want anyone to know about, so that your visitors aren't whispering behind your back, "Did you know she is on that medicine...wow she must be really messed up...I heard..."  Get the point?

9.  Inside and outside bathroom cabinet and drawers.

Host will be sure to have the bathroom fixtures and counter tops sparkling, but forget that sometimes busybodies like to peek in cabinets and drawers.  If something is needed to clean the bathroom or deodorize it after an accident, the guest will have a problem trying to find it if everything is stuffed beyond capacity.

10.  Toilet especially around it and behind it.

How many times have you seen a nasty, smelly toilet?  Sometimes people will remember to clean the seat and the inside, but what about around it and behind it.  Drippings should be cleaned up, they can be seen if the bathroom light hits them right.

11.  Around the shower door and other crevices around the bathroom.

Mold and mildew can hide just about anywhere, but in the bathroom is definitely a sign to guests of uncleanliness.  Purchase mold and mildew cleaners and also bleach.  Before you know it, your whole bathroom will just sparkle.  It doesn't hurt to touch it up with a few bathroom accents or a paint job, if needed.

12.  Dusting including wiping off or changing items that have sat awhile ie.) bedding, drapery, heating/cooling vents, and fans.

Ever been somewhere where you know no one has changed the bedding for months and didn't bother to vacuum?  The dust can be overwhelming and don't mention the dust mites, ugh!  Start taking some items down and washing like the screen covers for the bathroom fan, living room, and kitchen area if need be.  Change heating and cooling air filters, so that your guests who have environmental allergies aren't aggravated.  Steam clean if necessary items like drapery and upholstery.  There are some great, affordable steam cleaners that will help with your steam cleaning tasks.

13.  Patio area.

A great place to entertain your guests when the weather is expected to be nice and also a good place for smokers.  Make it comfortable for your visitors.  Put away unsightly looking things, add a tad bit of holiday decor and seating along with ash trays, and before you know it, you have one nice area to kindly escort some loved ones to.

14.  Basement/Attic.

Who would go up there?  You might think, but sometimes you never know.  Maybe you need someone to get a special something from any one of those places, but there is far too much stuff for that person to get around.  On a cold winter day, a house can get stuffy especially when one hadn't anticipated so many little visitors.  The attic or basement can be a great place for children to bring toys and play without being the center of attention amongst some stressed adults.  Pack up those collectibles, donate some items, organize some of your miscellaneous goods, and make room for the kids, just in case.

Now that you have 14 simple things to check around your home, you just might find a few more.  When your loved ones mean the most to you, it is always best to do more for their comfort, than less.  Cleaning can be overwhelming, but it is better to be talked about for the great time everyone had and how you treated them, then to be remembered for having the unclean, disorganized and cluttered home.

Nicholl McGuire author of When Mothers Cry and other books.  See blog here.

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

Simple Moving Advice: Large Apartment to Smaller One

It's that time of year again to determine whether you will be living in your current apartment or moving. The rent has become unaffordable now that you are no longer receiving the income you once had. As you look around your apartment, you have to make the painful decision of what you will pack and what will be sold, given and thrown away. This is a personal time for you that may be best spent alone before you invite the family over to help you pack.

Begin to make a list or sort the items that mean the most to you by thinking, "If there were a fire what would I absolutely become depressed about it if I lost it?" Pack those things first. For some people it may be their treasured photos, diaries, family videos, certificates, awards, and jewelry. Include important insurance and tax information in boxes or suitcases that will be easy to find and unpack later.

Next, you may want to start with your collection of media removing all items that you don't watch, read or listen to anymore. Try to sell what you can through classifieds, fliers, yard sales, flea markets, and the Internet. What doesn't sell you can offer it to a media exchange outlet that will give you money for your used goods or give it to a donation center. Perform the same sorting method with clothes, shoes, kitchen appliances, living and dining room décor and furniture, and unopened beauty and cleaning products that you never bothered using.

Once you have emptied out shelves and cabinets, be sure to throw away unnecessary papers, pens, damaged magazines (but try to sell the good ones,) and miscellaneous parts that are broke and you don't have the need for anymore. Oftentimes, companies will specifically make a part for a certain item that can't be used on anything else. Loose change may be found in peculiar places as you pack, jar it and take it to a coin center that will count your money. Most of these machines can be found in grocery stores.

After you have parted with some of your belongings and got rid of the items you considered useless, you will want to decide on whether your new apartment will be able to accommodate the large sofa and chairs or the huge entertainment center you may have bought not that long ago. If you choose to sell it, then you will have additional space in your new place that you may need. However, if you don't, you may have to sacrifice something else. Some people will invest in storage, but is it really worth paying to store items that you just don't know when you will be able to get out? If you are renting furniture then you won't have to bother with storing or selling anything; however, you may want to consider losing the additional expense if you don't have any of the furniture nearly paid off (such as 3 to 6 months left on your bill until you own it.) If saving money is a priority, then avoid storing or renting items.

Think about turning off any unnecessary luxuries and keeping them turned off temporarily such as the cable package with all the extra movie channels or the Internet service. Allow yourself some time to get caught up on other bills before you have your service continued. Check your cell phone plan is it better than most? Could you save money by switching? Make the time to shop at stores that offer rewards for being their customer and use coupons at grocery stores that will double them. These attempts at saving money will provide you with the additional money to get caught up on bills, make small purchases for your new home, and save for emergencies. Make a promise to yourself that you will be more careful with how you spend your money in the future so that you may never have to downgrade to a smaller apartment again, because you can't afford the rent.

The last thing on your "to do" list once you have sorted and packed all the items you decided to keep, should be to purchase the items you will need to help you live organized and clutter free. The following list will help you decide what you will need to buy based on what you may or may not have.

Anything that can be mounted to the wall, get the mounts to do it. If you have no free storage room at your new apartment complex and you have a bike, mount it to a wall to make more room and keep the tires off the floor. Also, purchase a TV mount with a VCR or DVD section like the ones you may have seen at the doctor's office. They aren't cheap, but they will definitely provide you with the additional space that an entertainment center takes up.

Any books, CDs, or DVDs that you kept can be set on a wall shelf. Collectibles can also be placed in a curio cabinet or something similar that suspends to a wall. Photos in boxes may be sorted and placed in large picture frames and hung on walls. Keepsake mementos can be framed allowing you to get rid of old shoeboxes and photo albums. You can also create more space for your media by purchasing a traveling CD case and getting rid of the CD stand along with the jewel cases.

If you don't have a bed rail or box frame with drawers for a bed, then consider buying one. They will provide the extra storing space you will need for your bedroom items. For the bed rail frames, they will set your bed higher allowing space for plastic containers to be stored.

Don't cramp any of your rooms with useless whimsical furniture that can hold or store any additional items. Keep only the tables that can hold a lamp and some magazines or have drawers.

Don't go overboard with décor. Too many collectibles and décor will make your apartment feel crowded. If you aren't use to a lot of décor, don't start. In time you will have to dust those items and if you don't like to dust, don't get them.

Avoid the temptation to unpack anything that you know you don't need to use on a daily basis. Any large boxes that aren't being unpacked, you can always drape them with a pretty fabric (such as curtains) and make them as a corner table or nightstand in your bedroom. Another way to hide unpacked boxes is to suspend a curtain from the ceiling and hide items behind the curtain, now you have just created your own mini storage room.

Consider back of the door organizers for the bathroom and bedroom. Since drawer and shelf space may be limited, you may want to place your smaller items in the pockets. In the bathroom, if there is space over the toilet, use that space for additional shelving to store towels and washcloths. If you run out of drawer room above the sink, use shoebox containers to store additional items or a drawer organizer or bin for easy access to your grooming supplies.

The most chairs you may need for entertaining is two reading chairs in the living room, if you don't have the space for a large couch. This will also provide the space for your computer desk and office chair. Unless you must have a coffee table, keep it only if it has drawers they would be helpful to your storing needs. It isn't necessary to keep end tables unless you have the space for them. They can sometimes be more of a problem then a solution. When guest come over the tables tempt them to want to eat and drink in your living room increasing the risk for accidents that may stain the owner's carpet that you will have to eventually pay for out of your security deposit.
You may or may not have a dining room. If you do, then you will need at least one large cabinet that you could place your collectibles if it has a display case. If you don't have any collectibles to display, then purchase a cabinet with doors that you could store coats, umbrellas, hats and other outdoor apparel and sporting equipment.

Consider packing all of your keepsakes in those empty suitcases you will be storing in your bedroom. Since you won't be doing a lot of traveling, why have them in your closet empty? Organize your shoes with a shoe organizer. As for bulky items, the space saver bags that have been advertised on TV in the past will definitely come in handy.

In the kitchen, wall space can also be best used for large skillets and pans. Purchase hooks that can hold items inside the cupboard. The space over the sink could use a nice shelf to hold lighter items. Purchase shelving for seasonings if there is an empty wall near the stove. Extra kitchen utensils can be placed in casserole dishes or other large containers if you run out of drawer room. Keep only your best cleaning products, the ones that can be used on a variety of surfaces. Too many cleaners that only work for specific tasks can take up a lot of space in the bottom of your cabinet. Buy a very large plastic bowl, basket or rack to organize those items. You will need something that can remove all of your items under the sink at one time in case there are ever any leaks.

As you visit various stores, you will come up with more ways to make your apartment more organized and efficient. Remember to take this time to enjoy your new life and appreciate your new home no matter how small it may be. Think of the money you will be able to save in the future, hopefully for a down payment on a new home!

Nicholl McGuire

Tips For Closet Organization

Organization. That's the key to leading a leisurely life. If you have a place for everything and put everything in its place, then you won't have to waste time looking for such things as your car keys, matching shoes for your shirt or dress, or papers that you need for work. And if you don't have to waste time looking for misplaced items, then you won't have to deal with the feelings of frustration or aggravation that always result from such activity!

Today, it is possible to purchase all kinds of shelves, racks, drawers and cabinets for every room in your house. You could always cobble together something on your own, of course, but the quality and utility of it will probably be better from a store-bought item.

Do you have a laundry room, complete with washer and dryer? Is it arranged to your satisfaction? If not, here's a few items designed specially for the laundry room. It all depends on how much space you have, of course, but the right items can at least double your space.

Wire shelving is one way to add that space to your laundry room. If the walls are of tile or for some reason you don't want to attach the shelving to them, you can get shelving designed to fit over the top of your washer. You can also find folding tables, specially designed for the laundry, on which you can sort and fold your clothes, and then fold and put away until next time. A laundry sorter with divisions for colors, darks and whites is also helpful. And of course the laundry room is probably where you store your mops and other cleaning material. Get a wall organizer from you can suspend all these items, and it will improve the look of your laundry.

Once you've finished washing your clothes, it's time to put them away in the appropriate closet. Alas, there's no way yet to teleport the clothing directly, so you do have to make the time for that. If there's enough room in your laundry so that you can fold the clothing into appropriate piles, that makes things easier, of course.

How's your closet? Are your shoes jumbled on the floor in an unattractive mass, and more often than not buried underneath clothing or bags or other items? For the guys out there, are your silk ties and belts mashed together in a single drawer?

Many systems exist to help you take care of your shoe collection, no matter how extensive it may be, from over-the-wall hangers that fit on the back of your closet door, to tilted floor shelves. You can even get a rolling shoe rack that you can slide underneath your bed, which will leave your closet floor completely empty.

Tie and belt racks, designed specifically for the purpose, will ensure that these items stay where you put them, and will make it easier than ever for you to choose the appropriate one. There are swing-out racks so that the ties or belts will nestle against the wall or door, swing out to give you easy movement while you make your choice for the day, and then swing back to give you room once more to look at your shirts or dresses.

Some people don't like to lay their slacks out in drawers. For these people, they can suspend their slacks on hangers of course, in amongst the dresses or shirts, or you can purchase a pants trolley which will roll right into and out of your closet for ease of use. Make sure you purchase a trolley made out of a sturdy metal or wood.

If you've organized your closet and still don't have room, it's time to move some of your clothing to storage. If you live in a location with clearly defined seasons, you can store away your winter clothing until it's needed again, for example. Airtight storage bags are the ticket here.

And finally, don't forget the little things. You don't want moths getting into your clothing! Moth balls, cedar blocks or herbal sachets are of use here, and of course the cedar blocks or sachets will give off a pleasant aroma. If you live in an area subject to damp, you'll want a closet moisture absorber to take care of that problem.

About the Author
Andrew Caxton contributes adding content to http://www.home-decorating-reviews.com. Find more publications about closet organizers at his website.

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.

Kitchen Organization Tips

The American kitchen is busier than ever. We prepare our meals, eat and clean up in a hurry. In such a busy place, organization is key to keeping everything running smoothly.

Just like the office, your kitchen should be organized. If you've never organized a kitchen, it can seem like a daunting process. In such chaos, knowing where to start might even look impossible. Thankfully, there are some simple procedures that you can follow to keep your kitchen clean, tidy, and well arranged.

The first thing you can do to subdue chaos in your kitchen is to identify zones within the space. A kitchen zone is an area where you perform the same task over and over, such as preparation of food before cooking, baking, serving, storage, or cleaning. Once you have designated these zones, it's easy to optimize that part of the kitchen for the activities it plays host to most often.

When you embark on a major organization project, be sure to plan ahead. Don't take everything out of the drawers and cabinets unless you know that you have a block of time to be devoted to the project. Invest time in deciding what appliances and supplies will end up in what location. If you have a plan for your kitchen ahead of time, you won't be as likely to feel lost in the middle of your reorganization project. Consider your habits, the flow of traffic through your kitchen, and what appliances you use most often when planning your new kitchen. Then systematically remove everything from the kitchen and sort all items into categories.

You can then go through each category and choose items you want to keep and ones you want to discard. Items that you do not use often should be stored towards the back of the cabinet, or on top, to allow easy access to ones you use more frequently. If you have a hard time remembering what you keep in your drawers and cabinets, consider posting an inventory list on the inside of the doors. Another handy tip is to keep a grocery list on the inside of a cabinet door or on the refrigerator, where you can add to it easily when you think of something that needs to be purchased.

If you have trouble with forgotten items clustering at the back of your cabinet, try installing a Lazy Susan. These turntables will help you easily bring items at the back of the cabinet into view. Specialty organizational tools such as paper bag storage, turntable spice racks, and racks to hold plastic wrap and aluminum foil are available. These can help to save space and alleviate mess, but too many of them or ones purchased without forethought will contribute to clutter. Planning and careful consideration are of the utmost importance when organizing your kitchen. In addition, routine maintenance of the kitchen will lessen the need for major reorganizations. If you keep the amount of clutter in the kitchen low, your job will be easier in the long run.

About the Author
Hunter Pyle wrote this article to give some tips and ideas for organizing your kitchen. Check out Kitchen and Much More for more storage and organization ideas.

Transform Your Space: A DIY Guide to Home Organization

Are you feeling overwhelmed by clutter in your home? Do you dream of a beautifully organized space but think hiring a professional interior decorator is your only option? Fear not! With a little creativity and some guidance, you can tackle the mess yourself. This blog is your ultimate resource for transforming every corner of your home into a haven of organization.

Why Organizing Matters

A well-organized home not only looks good but also enhances your daily life. It reduces stress, saves time, and creates a more inviting atmosphere for family and guests. Whether you’re organizing your bathroom, closet, office, or any other space, the benefits are undeniable.

Room-by-Room Organization Tips

1. Bathroom Bliss

- Declutter: Start by removing expired products and items you no longer use. 

- Storage Solutions: Utilize baskets and drawer organizers to keep toiletries tidy. 

- Vertical Space: Install shelves to maximize storage without sacrificing floor space.

2. Closet Clarity

- Seasonal Switch: Rotate clothes seasonally to keep only what you need accessible.

- Categorize: Organize by type (e.g., shirts, pants) and color for a visually pleasing effect. 

- Utilize Hangers: Use cascading hangers to save space and keep outfits together.

3. Office Order

- Desk Declutter: Clear off your desk and keep only essentials on it.

- File System: Create a filing system for important documents. Use color-coded folders for easy access.

- Digital Declutter: Regularly clean your computer files to stay organized digitally.

4. Drawer Dynamics

- Sort and Conquer: Empty drawers and categorize items. Discard what you no longer need.

- Trays and Dividers: Use trays to separate small items, making it easier to find what you need.

- Labeling: Label drawers for quick identification of contents.

5. Living Room Layout

- Furniture Arrangement: Rearrange furniture to create a more open and inviting space.

- Storage Solutions: Use decorative baskets and ottomans with hidden storage.

- Display Wisely: Showcase your favorite items while keeping clutter at bay.

Getting Started: Your Organization Journey

Start with one room at a time. Set aside a few hours each week to tackle different areas. Remember, organization is a process, not a race! 

Resources to Help You

- Videos: Check out our collection of how-to videos for visual guidance on specific organization projects on this blog.

- Articles: Dive deeper into topics like minimalism, efficient storage solutions, and maintaining your organized space.

- Community Support: Join our blog to share tips, ask questions, and celebrate your organizing victories!

Conclusion

With the right strategies and tools, you can create an organized home that reflects your style and meets your family's needs. Don’t let clutter hold you back—begin your organizing journey today! 

For more inspiration and resources, bookmark this blog and stay tuned for our upcoming posts filled with innovative ideas and expert advice. Happy organizing!

The Home Organizing Team

7 Tips on Organizing an iPhone Home Screen

Does your iPhone home screen look like a cluttered mess? Take the time to organize your phone and save yourself yet another headache. Here are some useful tips.

1. Keep it simple - A home screen should be organized in a way that makes it easy to find what you're looking for. Avoid overcrowding by keeping only the essential apps and folders on your home screen.

2. Group similar apps together - This will help you find what you're looking for faster and also make your home screen look more streamlined. For example, you can create a folder for all your social media apps or another one for productivity apps.

3. Use app drawers - If your home screen is getting too cluttered, consider using an app drawer to keep all your apps organized in one place. App drawers can be accessed by swiping down from the top of your home screen or by pressing the home button twice.

4. Use widgets wisely - Widgets can be a great way to add some functionality to your home screen, but use them sparingly. Too many widgets can make your home screen look cluttered and overwhelm you with information.

5. Keep your background simple - A busy background can make it harder to find what you're looking for on your home screen. Stick with a simple background that won't distract from the apps and folders on your home screen.

6. Use wallpapers - Wallpapers can be a great way to personalize your home screen and make it unique to you. There are many different sources for free wallpapers online, so finding one that fits your style should be easy.

7. Use themes - Themes are a great way to change the look of your home screen without having to do a complete overhaul. Many themes come with their own icons, wallpapers, and app drawer designs, so you can really change things up with just a few taps.

Organizing your iPhone home screen doesn't have to be a daunting task. By following these simple tips, you can create a home screen that's both stylish and functional.

5 Things You Can Get Children to Organize

Sometimes we don't think about young children helping us when it comes to organization projects.  So following are some things you can get children to assist you with and reward them afterward with a fun trip, money, or most wanted item.

1.  Organize bedroom dresser drawers (socks, underwears...)
2.  Clear off toy shelves and put items back by type.
3.  Put items back in bins, containers, shelves etc.
4.  Organize desk drawers taking the time to put similar items in each drawer.
5.  Assist with organizing tools in garage, shed or basement. (This is for teens).

Think of some more ideas...Happy organizing!

Spring Cleaning Checklist

Checking in with my fellow organizers.  Have you started your spring cleaning yet?  Well if not, here is a list to help you get started.

1.  Computer document, music, pictures, cookie, temp, and other stuff taking up hard drive space.
2.  Phone storage --dumping useless stuff including apps you don't use.
3.  Digital camera (for the old school) when do you plan on transferring or printing out photos from like 2010?
4.  Vacuuming (and shampooing) all rooms (including vents, baseboards, ceilings, and light fixtures, behind and under furniture).
5.  Wiping walls, doors, knobs and light switches.
6.  Dusting all those dust collectors including shelf units.
7.  Closets (removal of old clothes, useless shoes, etc.)
8.  Cabinets (how many containers, cups, pots, etc. do you really need?)
9.  Drawers (so that's where your stuff has been hiding?)
10.  Paper files (wouldn't it be best just to scan them and then pitch?)
11.  Tools (are you really using all that stuff?)
12.  Books (someone can read those).

Thing of some more stuff you have yet to do...happy spring cleaning!

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

Organize with Cardboard Boxes and Bins

There are plenty of ways to get drawers, closets and shelves organized without spending a lot on plastic bins.  Card boxes are still good selections.  With a bit of fabric, a glue gun, and some time, you can turn any card box into a great organizer.  Depending on your need, you can get card board boxes already cut, visit these sites below for ideas.


1. Paper mart - bin boxes


2. Target - line striped bins for inspiration on creating covers.


3. Uline - cardboard bins wide assortment


4. Amazon - open top bins


5. Pronto - comparison shopping, assorted cardboard boxes and bins from around the web.


Happy Organizing!


Nicholl McGuire

Office Spaces that are functional and not-so functional - tips, advice

 

If this is all you have, then sure, why not buy this desk and if you don't plan on sitting for long, well not a bad chair.  However, we know better even though this makes for a great photo, there is no storage on top of the desk for something as simple as a pencil and definitely no comfy cushion for a sore rear-end.

Although this office space is quite modern, looks clean, well lit, evenly spaced and organized, there is a huge problem, it wouldn't be welcoming to most people who have endured so much due to COVID.  Nowadays companies will need to put more thought and money into physically organizing the bodies of people.  No more piling people up in a room and allowing employees to cough and breathe on one another especially when they are ill.  In this photograph, every other row of desks would need to be removed or spaced out further apart.  A partition between each desk and masks on if visiting one's neighbor.  A sanitation station nearby and a temperature check would have to be taken before any of the employees even set foot in the room!

We know who works here!  What is great about this workspace is it illustrates one's personality well.  Does yours say who you are?  I thought the wheels were interesting at the feet of the desk.  The floor plan is quite simple with useful items nearby and neatly arranged.  However, it is safe to assume that this individual doesn't spend many hours in this room, once again an uncomfortable chair is in view and the space is not set up near any sort of window view.  When you have a room that has no view, so that you don't go mad, you will need to decorate your walls and have music ready to play like this person has done.

Here we have a simple office space, but the first thing that jumped out at me was the wiring--ugh!  On this blog, I have tips about what to do with wiring.  I like the small desktop drawers for the user's convenience and the one's underneath the desk.  I assume that this person may periodically work on electronics at this desk.  The stool is another uncomfortable chair which would require frequent breaks.  This might work for some who just don't know how to take breaks.  If you are like that, you may want to replace an uncomfortable chair with a not-so comfortable one.

What you just viewed are just some examples around the web of people's office spaces.  When you think of adding some final touches to your own home space consider what you still might need to make the best use out of your work space.  Maybe it is something to organize the little things you use for the top of your desk.  You might need a better office chair.  You may be worried about getting sick at work because your company is not really doing all they could to keep you and your coworkers safe.  Whatever might be a concern, make plans to address.  

Check out other useful articles on this blog:

Organizing Around Appliances, Unsightly Equipment, and Other Things that Ruin Decor

 Apartment Moving

Hoarding Again? Do You Just Have Too Much Stuff?

Nicholl McGuire is the owner and contributor of this blog.  Check out, What Else Can I Do on the Internet? for other inspirational things to help organize your life!

The Power of a Brainstorming To Do List

Penning anything you plan to do in the future in a list form is a very powerful move, because what it does is cause you to focus on only what specifically needs to be accomplished and you find that you feel empowered because of it!  Sometimes you just don't need or want an abstract view on what you are hoping or planning to do.  You just want to do them!

Brainstorming what needs to be done will help you eliminate what doesn't really need to be done right now.  Break tasks into small groups and subgroups then start doing them!

So what I came up with is an example of how you might want to get some things out of your head and on to paper in an effort to get tasks completed.  A To Do List of any sort is nothing more than a simple tool to help you brainstorm your needs from your wants.  It helps you become less stressed and makes you feel like you are doing something useful in your personal life.  So allow this  brainstorming exercise to motivate you to create effective task lists for all sorts of things you want to get done at home and elsewhere.

Let's say, you want to do the following things around your home: organize and clean your kitchen and living room and do some rearranging in the bedrooms, but you are having problems getting some things done.  Consider listing your tasks in the form of questions, rather than simple phrases.

Kitchen

What do I need to buy for myself, the children, and my partner?  List each person you are buying for and put their needs under each heading.

What has yet to be cleaned?  List the items in your kitchen that appear unsightly.

When was the last time I sorted old items stored away in cabinets, drawers and the refrigerator, what needs to be thrown away?  Note each place that you need to check and then start throwing objects away.

Add more to your brainstorming To Do list.  Highlight or star what is most important to you include your starting and ending dates if possible.  So that you will feel moved to begin.

Let's say you are asked to help someone get organized, but this person seems to have a problem getting started.  You can organize a brainstorming To Do list for that person in the form of questions.  Mention most important duties to complete first.

Livingroom

When was the last time you vacuumed?

Is your carpeting filthy?

Have you noticed an odor coming from your furniture?

Take a look at your drapery and blinds, are they dusty?

Could your wall decor use an uplift? 

What is the condition of your walls?  Is a paint job needed?

Bedroom

When was the last time bedding and window curtains were laundered?

What is the smell like in your bedroom?  Do your carpets need to be shampooed?

Now what you would do is continue with your questions.  Then you would add a new category and add the tasks that need to be accomplished elsewhere in the home or elsewhere maybe they are smaller or larger tasks ie.) Home Office--what files to keep and what files to throw away, Garage--what to give away, Basement--what repairs need to be made, Back Yard--what landscaping needs to be done, Front Yard--what treatment should I buy to keep weeds away, etc.  Notice each task starts with a question that will cause you to think about other things you need to do.

Let's say that you want to do something as simple as organizing some needed tasks for a variety of business projects.

XYZ Campaign

Make follow-up phone calls to do on Monday.

Market website on Tuesday include....

Speak with person about....schedule meeting for Friday.

What have I yet to do about...email campaign?

What still needs to be done with...?

When do I plan to get XYZ project completed and sent to client?

You list and you question what still needs to be done.  Then you start working on those items that are priorities.  Ask yourself each day, "What do I hope to get accomplished with my business?  What might anger me by nightfall if I don't get it done?"

Set target dates, include times and enlist help if necessary and note your thoughts.  If you aren't good at list-making or think this might be too tedious, maybe you can give a relative or friend an appointment book to help you pen your thoughts.  Tell him or her what yo have already done, what you hope to do and what are your present goals.  This person might be able to help you brainstorm.

When asking for help from others, be sure that you are clear about what it is that you want and be respectful of their time.  Someone or a group may not be happy to learn that you will be using their services most of the day or night.  So be clear as to what it is that you want and agree to a set a window of time dedicated exclusively to one or two tasks rather than five or 15. 

Also, check your budget and begin to put small amounts of money aside for your household fund.  Know when school breaks are and pay children to help.  Find out who might need some additional funds and ask this person to help you. 

When you start with brainstorming a list of things to get done, you are beginning to sort out your important tasks from your unimportant ones.  Therefore, you will be better able to reach goals.


Nicholl McGuire maintains other blogs including: Parents, Babies Children, When Mothers Cry and Laboring to Love an Abusive Mate

Organize Shoes, Coats As Visitors Arrive

One of the things that can make such a nice looking home have that disorganized feel is when you first walk in and see coats and shoes near a door way piled up.

When guests come over for a visit, be sure that you have a place for all their stuff.  Empty out a closet, a cabinet space, or drawers.  Box your personal items and temporarily set them in another room until your celebrations are over.  Visitors will ask that ever-popular question, "Where can I put this?"  What the "this" is have a place for it from a hat to a bag.

Consider purchasing a coat rack if closet space is limited.  Also, get a shoe rack.  There are other racks for things like umbrellas.  Some shoe racks double into shelf spaces too which would be great to collect your visitors' miscellaneous things.

A throw rug near an entry door is a must-have.  You never know what people might carry on their shoes.  Encourage guests to bring favorite slippers or have a few readily available if you are concerned about dirt all over your freshly shampooed carpeting.  Have shoe covers available just in case you have an unexpected maintenance issue and a worker has to come over to fix something wearing dirty boots.

 

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.

Shoe Closets - To Clean Up the Scattered Room

How many shoes do you have? You maybe have a few different pairs of work shoes, dress shoes, sandals, sneakers, winter boots, and running shoes lying around your house. Now just multiply that by the amount of people in your house. Things could get out of hand quickly. Rather than tripping over your extra footwear, what if you have one place to put all your shoes. Shoe closets aren't only a stylish way to arrange your shoes, these organization units also make more space in your house.

Elegant Organization
There are lots of kinds of shoe organizers available on the market: flimsy door-hangs, cheap metal shelving, and plastic boxes that could stacked up. Some of these organizers are hidden in the tops and backs of closets or hidden under clothe racks because they're clunky, unsightly, and inconvenient. In fact, lots of these units make more hassles and fuss than they're worth. In addition, they consume a lot of space in your closet that can be placed to better usage. That's why the shoe closet has become popular, especially to shoe collectors who spend lots of money in gorgeous footwear. Why not show this investment in a fashionable cabinetry system.

Types of Design
Shoe closets have a wide variety of sizes and shapes. Certainly, if you have a huge collection of expensive shoes, you can devote lots of money to a reach-in or walk-in closet for your footwear. But since this could get a bit expensive, you might have to change your meaning of a shoe closet. It can be a small wood cabinet placed with cubbies; it can be an antique chest with gliding drawers or shelving for instant access; or it can even be a bench which opens to reveal an organized stacking system. If you own walk-in closets, these gorgeous storage units can be placed inside them to free space in the rest of your house. In either way, shoe closets are a great way to arrange your shoes, whether you like them stored or displayed in a beautiful piece of furniture.

Other Tidy Advantages
Shoe closets aren't only meant for shoes. Now that you own more storage, you could also place other clothing accessories and items in these units. Also, these items come with options: shelving that could be organized, angled shelves that could literally display your quality shoes, and some walk-in closets could be concealed into the walls. Personalizing the look of your closet is half the excitement, and it's so affordable depending on its size and the material. Take note, both men/women own shoes for each type of occasion or event, so these closets could even help you arrange by climate to avoid the irritation of ransacking and rummaging through pairs of footwear.

By Jack Kolbow

5 Things You Needed to Do Like Yesterday to Keep Place Clean & Organized

Once you clean and organize a room or closet, it can be very tempting not to do much else for a long period of time to the room.  But in order to maintain the cleanliness and organization of an environment, you must keep watch for anything that might be a potential problem and to remember to put things back that you use.  Posting notes to remind family members, workers, etc. --anyone using the space--helps.  Also, checking behind those individuals visiting the room while making necessary adjustments will keep it nice.

In case you have yet to do the following, you might want to:

1.  Tell your kids to clean up their rooms including under their beds and closets where strange odors and things like to harbor over time.  Check your space as well.

2.  Check in and around your house for traces of problematic insects or rodent issues.  Cold weather can bring unwanted guests indoors--ugh!  Move furniture periodically and vacuum.  Open up closets, cabinets, drawers, bins and boxes.  Move items from walls to see what lurks behind your stuff.  Pick up paper, books, and food items sitting on the floor.  Lift up rugs and runners too and vacuum.

3.  Look for holes in walls, around baseboards, in cabinets, and elsewhere simply by bending down and moving items from these areas.

4.  Wipe down areas that have traces of dust, food, and other unsightly markings.

5.  Items that have fallen down, no longer work, appear out of place, or just don't look or feel right, remove or rearrange.  Sometimes decorative items can bring an unsettling energy to your atmosphere making you feel like you don't want to work in the environment--do away with such items or store them away out of sight.

Now that you have five tasks to do, make a point to do them while you are moved to do them.  Take a moment to pause from your Internet surfing and start walking your office space, apartment or home looking for problems.  Happy cleaning and organizing! 

Ideas on Organizing Kitchen Drawers and Cabinets