Declutter my House: Getting Organized

On 07.24.10, In Organizing, By Stevie Wonder

It seems as though every weekend I am trying to declutter my house.  I always seem to have getting organized on my to do list and I have finally learned to make it a priority.   Getting rid of clutter in your home is not always an easy task.  We tend to think we need everything. If we have it, we have it for a reason right? Wrong.  Often times we buy things thinking we may use it and we never do.  The rule of them is usually if you haven’t used it within 6 months donate it, give it to charity or trash it!  It seems though, that most people do not understand how beneficial getting rid of all that extra clutter in your home can be. So here are a few reasons you should make getting organized a priority.

Clearing out all the excess items in your home will give you peace of mind.  When you come home to a clean house everyday you feel less stressed. You can actually come home and spend time with your loved ones instead of having to clean up a mess or feel obligated to get certain tasks done.  Imagine coming home and that “junk room” that you have always had is now clean and organized? Wouldn’t that give you an overwhelming feeling or pride?

Organized means less stress! Think of all the times you have run around your home trying to find something. Maybe it was in the morning before you were going to work and it made you late? Or before you were leaving for a night out on the town and you just could not find that one item you needed.  When things have a place, and you know that they are always there you have few moments of panic trying to locate something.

Overall it makes you happy. Peace of mind, no stress and a clean home make for a happier home.  Once you have a system for things it is much easier to maintain it. If you have put a lot of work into it, be sure to tell your friends and family so you can get a pat on the back. Don’t be shy.  It is also important to let your family know all the hard work you did, so that in the future when they think of leaving something out, or just shoving it in a drawer they will think of how hard you worked.   You can also use this as a good family bonding moment where you and your significant other or your kids get together and get things done!

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Closet Organziation Systems And You

On 06.15.10, In Organizing, By Stevie Wonder

I think that we all have the one closet in our house that has just gotten out of control. It could be the one in your bedroom that has all your clothes in it or the one in the kids playroom that has all the toys. Either way, a closet organization system of some type will drastically improve your usable space and overall organization.

There are many different types of closet ideas out there and it really depends on what you mainly use the closet for. If it is a clothing storage area then you are going to want a closet organization system that will cater to hanging clothes. This will also help you avoid having wrinkles. There will also need to be room for you to store folded items such as sweaters and jeans. Then there is the challenge of housing all the different types of shoes you may have. Now we all know that for a woman this may be a much bigger task then for the men out there. Thankfully there are many different types of shoe storage and shoe organization solutions available.

If you are interested in storing things like games and toys a good solution would be one that contains a lot of shelving. This way you can stack multiple items on top of one another while still be able to see what is there. Another good concept is to invest in some large plastic storage bins. These can easily be labeled and stacked to save room.
Another big factor to consider then organizing your closet is the space that you have to work with. If you have a large walk in type closet then it may be a little easier to find a place for everything. If it is a smaller storage space that you are working with you might need to get a little creative. One common area for a odd shaped closet is under a staircase. These areas are best served using some type of stack able storage containers so that can be stacked into the stair pattern that is made by the staircase. With smaller closets it is important to remember to try and use all available space. This includes the walls, the back of the closet door if possible and sometimes hanging things from the ceiling works.

There are many different types of closet organization systems out there for you to choose from. As previously stated there is no “fix all” for every type of closet. You are going to need to decide what works best for you application and the space you are working with. One of the most popular closet ideas is the metal wire systems. They are very adaptable and are easy to customize. Most of them can easily integrate a bar to hang clothes from along with wire shelves and even wire pull out drawers. One main advantage to this type of organization system is that you are able to see into the drawers. This way you know exactly what is stored inside each one. For a more grand look you can get a wood closet organization system. These tend to be much more costly but give a more finished and refined look and feel. Most of these are supplied by companies that will come in and actually cut everything to fit in your closet.

There are many different closet ideas and closet organization systems out there. Your first step to getting a more useful closet is to determine you budget and get out there to see what will work the best for your application. If its feasible you can just pay a professional to come in and develop a solution just for your closet.

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The 3 Most Commonly Used Brands Of Closet Organizers

On 06.02.10, In Organizing, Uncategorized, By Stevie Wonder

Due to heavy competition among home improvement product manufacturers, the rush to put different brands of organizing products for closets and bedrooms on the market has produced a wide array of choices. While competition tends to bring out the best among the manufacturers, the consumers are often left in a quandary as what closet organizer to choose. Fortunately, a simple yet effective trick to probably help the consumer get out from this situation is to get to know what brands are selling like hot commodities.

Being so, the three popular brands that have proven to be reliable and durable are Closetmaid, Rubbermaid, and Elfa. Currently, these are the three industry leading closet organizer brands and their new lines of products provide nearly any function and style that caters to a wide variety of consumer needs and preferences. Generally, Rubbermaid and Closetmaid brands have gained so much following from consumers mainly because of their affordability. Their popular designs are mostly made up high tensile wires which are mostly known as wire closet organizers. For just a little under $100, one can already have a durable closet organizer that can serve the purpose.

Rubbermaid and Closetmaid products are usually carried by retail stores like Target or home improvement stores like Lowes; each store will have specialists who know how to get the most out from the product lines.  Some installation may be required for Rubbermaid’s and Closetmaid’s models, but most of the assembly and construction requires only screwdrivers, a tape measure, and perhaps glue.  Depending on your house’s layout design and space, the assembly is fairly standard, as the closet organizer can fit in nearly any corner or open space.

On the contrary and if you are in the market for a higher end product that can add a high degree of elegance and luxury to your closet space, an Elfa wood closet organizer may be your good bet. Not only are they durable, they also possess a styled design that can spice up the looks of your closet. However though, Elfa brands can carry higher price tags than Closetmaid and Rubbermaid products in many of their closet organizer models. Elfa deluxe models can fetch from $100 up to $400 depending on their sizes and features. Moreover, Elfa closet organizers can also be available at major hardware and home improvement stores.

With the above, if you are currently in the market for a new closet organizer system, consider your budget options. Choosing among the three brands may not be that hard after all.

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Making Use Of Acrylic Packing Tape

On 05.19.10, In Organizing, By Stevie Wonder

Acrylic packing tape is one of the most commonly used packing tapes by companies and individuals alike. It usually comes in a clear color in order not to cover any markings on the box. It can withstand different temperatures ranging from 45-120 degrees.

The tape instantly sticks to the surface and seals it shut perfectly. It is important to be careful in order to stick it evenly on the surface so as to make it more aesthetically pleasing. Acrylic packing tape is one of the cheapest kinds of packing tapes and are available in most supermarkets and stores.

This is usually used for short-term packaging. This means that the contents of the box will be taken out of the box in a short while, usually after being transported from one place to another. It has moderate to great strength and can keep a box closed for a relatively long period of time.

Acrylic packing tapes come in different sizes in order to suit your needs. If you’re not really sure what size of tape you should get, it is better to get the big kind as you can easily cut through the tape to make it smaller. If you’ve bought a smaller tape that’s not big enough to seal the box then you’re going to take a longer time taping as you’d probably be sealing the box a lot more times than you would with a bigger tape.

This product is good for home use as it is sturdy and cheap and it sticks on its own. It doesn’t need water for it to stick or anything like that. You can also tear the tape off the box easier than you would any other tape. If you are looking for a tape that’s strong enough to protect a box but can be sliced through easily then I believe you have just discovered exactly what you need.

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Benefits of Plastic Storage Boxes

On 05.09.10, In Organizing, By Stevie Wonder

This article is going to be about what many consider to be a boring topic… plastic storage boxes. Bare with me. These little wonders are incredibly helpful no matter what you’re currently doing in your life. There is a real, practical application for a sturdy, plastic storage box for everyone.

So lets say you’re getting ready to move, and are deciding how you’re going to get your stuff from your old place to your new place. Cardboard boxes are ok for the general things like clothes and bedding, but there are some other things that are perfect for plastic storage boxes. Your dishes and other fragile items are the perfect candidates for a plastic box. Cardboard just doesn’t cut it, if you really don’t worry about anything breaking en route. And, when you’re done unpacking, you can always use those same exact plastic boxes as long term storage containers.

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Before I jump into the varying dimensions and brands out there on the market, lets tackle the budget part. This is going to cost you some money. Now don’t get scared. It’s not going to cost as much as you think. For a larger sized plastic storage box (it looks similar to a small tub and is about 70-qt), you can spend anywhere from $50 on the lower end to $89 for a four piece set. So for about $150, you can have enough plastic storage boxes for your important materials. And, if you’re looking for an even better deal, head down to your local thrift shop and see what they have in stock. You could save up to 65%.

Now you have to determine what sizes you’ll want to get for your needs. If you’re going to be using your boxes specifically for storage, you should get a big plastic storage box. As large as possible to fit everything that you need in it, without having to worry about if you’ll have enough room or not. So if you have large comforters you no longer use because it’s summer, you can store them in the box. Or, if you need to clean out your winter clothes for the summer, you can put them all in a couple of large boxes and not have to worry about moths or insects destroying them.

Now it’s time to talk about brands. The first thing I have to say is that you don’t have to purchase a Rubbermaid plastic box if it’s not right for you. I know there is brand recognition, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the best plastic storage box for you. So to find a quality storage box for you, you should touch and feel the box to get a good feeling of how sturdy it is. Now imagine all of the things that will be in there; can it support the weight of the stuff you’ll put in there, will you be able to move it around with stuff in it, will it fit inconspicuously in your garage or storage area.

So there you go. Ditch the crappy cardboard boxes and buy a plastic storage box. It will last a longer, and you’ll be able to do so much more with it. Quick suggestion… if you’re looking for some good deals, remember to check out your local thrift shops.

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Choose a Cross Cut Paper Shredder for Fun and Security

On 04.29.10, In Organizing, By Stevie Wonder

A cross cut paper shredder is more than a fun device for making confetti for office parties. While all those tiny scraps of paper fluttering through the air can add to the festivity of a special occasion, they serve an important purpose as well.

That purpose is to protect the confidential documents or sensitive papers of a business or an individual.

Regular paper shredders cut documents into strips that would be difficult to reassemble. But the task wouldn’t be impossible. Any unscrupulous person who wants badly enough to reconstruct a strip-shredded document can, with a lot of patience, probably accomplish the task.

However a cross-cut paper shredder accomplishes the goal of complete obliteration of the documents without any extra effort on the part of the operator.

Using dual drums, the cross-cut shredder chops paper into rectangular or diamond shapes in one swift move and then drops those tiny bits in a gentle snowfall into the shredder’s basin. The act of emptying the bin further scrambles the pieces, making it impossible to reassemble them.

A few features of newer shredders include paper jam prevention, ease of use, and noise reduction. These features are sure to be appreciated by the shredder user. Today’s shredders are also safer than their predecessors. Many have sensors that shut down the device when the operator’s hands get too close to the paper entry. They also can be locked to prevent children from turning on the shredder. Narrower paper entry areas also make it difficult for unsuspecting fingers to be pulled into the shredder.

Of course, cross-cut paper shredder operators should continue to follow safety guidelines for their specific units. These include not wearing loose clothing while operating a shredder and keeping hair and jewelry away from the paper entry or blades. The same advice holds true for any type of office machinery.

Today’s cross-cut paper shredders are also more energy efficient and economically priced than earlier model shredders. Longer-lasting, they would make a sensible addition to the modern office—whether in a downtown high-rise or a spare bedroom serving as a home office. It’s all about security, after all.

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What Are Your Closet Organizer Options?

On 03.03.10, In Organizing, By Stevie Wonder

Here is something interesting, there are special stores that will design a closet according to the storage you need. After you have approved the custom walk in closets design, the store will send someone to your home to put the closet in for you. Buying a closet system this way is more expensive than getting a kit but it might be worth it if you have something specific in mind for your home.

Having paid your extra cash you will have a customized system that no one else has, and it will fit perfectly into the space you have available. The kits are easy enough to use and not too difficult to install especially if you have some basic handyman skills. They do however lack the amenities that most of the custom closet organizers possess. You can always add more accessories to the kits and make your closet even better, it really just depends on how much storage your bedroom requires.

Now if you want to go the cheaper route and find something at your local home improvement store then you may want to look into Rubbermaid organizers. They can be of great use for any closet in your home, or even for a garage. Do not limit the use of Rubbermaid closet organizers to just closets. They will also work well in a craft room to hold all of those boxes of parts that you have to have on hand. In the nursery, install a system so that all of babies shoes, clothes, diapers and other necessities are handy and easy to reach. In the laundry room, you will have a place to hang clothing fresh from the dryer as well as store all your cleaners.

The Rubbermaid closet organizer is a sturdy system and prices begin at around sixty dollars. Rubbermaid has given each of these organizers a lifetime guarantee so you can be sure that you are getting a quality item. Look for these closet organizers at your favorite home improvement store as most of your local retailers will stock these, but remember that you can also look online if you just have to get the best prices and range of choice.

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A Confetti Paper Shredder Can Protect Your Identity

On 03.03.10, In Organizing, By Stevie Wonder

Being a victim of identity theft is a growing problem in this technological age, but there are many thing you can do to reduce the chance of this happening to you. Even though education can be a crucial component in putting a stop to this crime, a great conventional paper shredder is among the most critical but disregarded items you should use to keep yourself as safe as possible.

It really is bewildering to see the quantity of credit card applications, invoices as well as bills we receive in the mailbox every day. The majority of this “useless mail” is thrown into the trash without an second thought. Some people will even tear quickly tear these letters in half, thinking that this might be an effective way of protecting themselves.

Your trash is usually the first place an identity thief is going to look for the required information. They simply adore it. In fact, it actually takes mere seconds for the thief to dig through the trash and get hold of your sensitive data. This may be from your own rubbish bin seated along the curb or a bin lying beside a desk all the way up to a dumping area behind a building.

Documents torn in half could be quickly pieced back together and used as necessary.

To solve this problem, the only real solution is to shred all offending mail. Particles of confetti paper shredder are extremely difficult to put back together. The majority of thieves choose to take the easy approach and are not going to take the time to attempt to fix reconstruct something that has been destroyed in this manner.

An increased security level for shredders causes them to attempt to shred paper bits into ever smaller pieces. Security level 4 and above paper shredder ensures that it is very unlikely that your details will ever be recovered. Paper shredders vary in dimensions from a tiny shredder meant to destroy letters to a heavy duty paper shredder made to shred large amount of paper daily. There is no doubt that you can find a shredder in the market that could perform to your requirements.

Costs of paper shredders have decreased over time and they can now be found at extremely cheap prices. There are absolutely no excuses not to purchase a paper shredder to ensure that your own identity is secure. Begin shredding now!

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Wardrobe Organization Made Easy

On 02.15.10, In Organizing, By Stevie Wonder

There are more options than ever now when it comes to organizaing your wardrobe – which is just as well, since we have more clothes and closet items than ever before in our history! Many peoples closets suffer from not just a lack of disorganization but a real lack of space. Simply put, there is too many clothes and too little closet to accommodate them.

There is hope though – in fact, it’s easy to organize your wardrobe if you simply take the effort to do so. Let’s take a look at 4 options on the table you could pursue as a way of making your wardrobe organized and accessible.

Closet Organizers

Closet organizers are probably the first thing that comes to mind when people imagine sorting through and organizing their closet. And for good reason too – there are dozens of awesome wardrobe closet organizers out there that can make a real difference, despite being simple and cheap. This includes such things as attachable shelves, additional closet rods, shoe organizers, and jewelry armoires. Basically any item that ends up in a closet – rightfully or not – has some type of organizer tool available to better store it.

Rubbermaid Closet System

Rubbermaid closet systems are similar to the above category of closet organizers, but these truly are closet systems, not just an individual tool or shelf. Installing a Rubbermaid closet system means you get a new closet from the ground up, with multiple shelves, racks, and areas to sort and hang your wardrobe necessities.

JLH Closet Kits

John Louis Home’s closet line is another serious reinvention of the closet organizer. These closets feature multiple storage areas, shelves that stand as tall as a person, built in shoe organizers – the works!

Stand Alone Closets

Another fantastic option is to simply buy what functions as a second closet – in this case, a stand alone closet. This includes both armoire furniture cabinets, wardrobe closets, and portable closets. The only catch? You have to have the space available somewhere to place these stand alone closets! But if you do, they make for a fantastic second closet storage area.

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