Where you “Bin” Traveling?

While I might be on the road more than the average person, I still think it’s helpful to have a travel bin ready to go at all times. This seriously helps to eliminate stress around all things ‘travel,’ whether it is a surprise weekend getaway, or that work conference you completely spaced! Get a large bin and let’s get started:

·       Ok, first off, make sure you don’t just throw it all in the large encompassing bin, let’s organize all of your go-to travel necessities nicely.

·       My second favorite tip (second only to “bins, bins, bins”) is bags within bags. Put all of your travel-size toiletries in categories first, and then continue by placing them in corresponding bags. Easy enough, right?

·       I suggest picking up a travel-size steamer to keep in the travel bin—they are a dream on the road!

·       I carry a travel journal everywhere, and this bin is the place to keep this gem.

·       Include a fan and a cute pair of sunglasses that you know will be comfortable as you travel, but aren’t your prized possession—I know that the sunglasses that I usually lose or break are usually on the road.

·       One of your tiny bags will have your electronic travel needs: headphones, splitter, and the like.

·       Any empty travel containers should go in your bin—don’t hog up the much needed bathroom cupboards with these.

Remember that this bin is meant to make packing easy and much more fun. It cuts out extra time spent looking in all of the nooks and corners for small shampoo, or the high-SPF sunscreen for your tropical vacation in January.

I packed a bin like this for my sweet husband so he knows exactly where to go to find all of his packing necessities. This travel bin has been such a lifesaver on all of the occasions where I’m dragging him along with me last minute.

Stop Putting off your Pantry. TODAY!

Almost without fail, the pantry is the one of the main trouble areas for my clients—surpassing garages, storage areas, and even bathrooms! I charge this avoidant behavior with the frequency that we use the space. Families are constantly in and out of the pantry! With so many hands constantly grabbing for things, it’s unlikely that it maintains any sort of order without a solid system in place.  As usual, I have a list of things to get you started; it’s easier than you think:

·       First off, categorize, categorize, categorize! This should be self-explanatory: all jars together, cans, baking goods, cereal, etc. etc. You get the point. Mulit-purpose bins from The Container Store are perfect for so many items in your pantry. 

·       Separate silverware, straws, plates, cups, and napkins into bins accordingly.

·       Get one bin for dips and seasonings alike!

·       Cans get lost easily if you don’t store them correctly. For the canned items you use most often, use my favorite multi-purpose bins with labels. If you utilize labels, you can even mix different types of canned food. If you have a smattering of different types of cans, use a stackable bin so that you can see what you have on hand easily.

·       Baking items and dry goods such a flour, sugar, and rice will naturally go into larger bins—this goes for any items that you use in large quantities.

·       Plastic bins are a boring, but practical solution for snacks and things you can grab on the go.

·       Get an organizer for your plastic wrap, plastic baggies, and aluminum foil. They will bring so much order to the chaos!

I promise that if you take the steps to invest and incorporate these items into your pantry system, there will be no excuses for your family not to follow suit.

Labels: The Ultimate Organization Tool

You had to have known it was coming. I preach labels nearly every week and I owe it to you all to let you know just how fond of labels, as an organizational essential, I really am. Labels are the seemingly tiny detail that makes all the work of organizing your space worth it in the end. They take organization to extreme daily function, but are typically the last touch that most people don’t bother with at the end of the long process of getting your space in tip-top working order. I know that it takes a long time to complete an organization project and labels are WORTH considering—you’ll be thanking yourself the next time you’re reaching high in a closet in desperate search, or moving around boxes in the dim light of your storage below the stairs. Here are a few suggestions that I find helpful:

·       Get a professional label maker—my favorite is the Brother PT-70SR Personal Handheld Labeler.

·       As far as tape goes, I strongly suggest one that splits down the middle to take the backing off, this is the absolute easiest way to label!

·       Consider getting chalk labels that tie on for baskets or bins that have holes in them. This is also a good for items that you don’t necessarily want seen through the container.

·       Post-its and packing tape work great as labels for storage units, garages, or basements. This includes holiday decoration storage. With larger bins, it helps to have larger lettering so your items are easy to find.

·       Color code! To all of you who want extra credit—colored duct tape works great for this purpose.

Have I convinced you of the transformative power of labeling? Comment below with anything I’ve left out!  

Smart Storage for Excess Toiletries

Most of us collect a surplus of bathroom supplies; either from coupons, Costco bulk, or plain forgetfulness, it just sort of happens. While shopping in bulk can actually be a great way to save money, it does no good if you don’t have a functional system to store, use and rotate your extra supplies. Rather than shoving your goods in any available nook, find a place to designate to your toiletries and avoid overbuying.

Start with a space such as a drawer, a cupboard, or a bin that fits snug under the bathroom sink. Gingerly place all of your extra toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant etc. in the space of your choosing, LABEL that baby and you’re set. Most import, utilize this space! Having all of your items in a convenient space allows you to see what you have on hand, thus saving you those precious pennies. This is such an easy organization project everyone, even beginners can handle this one!