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Oct 17
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10 Smart Home Organization Ideas

By Blog, Expert Articles, Home Organizing, Simple Living No Comments


With the recent years’ influx of “smart homes,” one thing I am seeing a lot more of is smart storage!

 

Since there is less storage space in these small homes, we have had to get really creative with inexpensive, space-saving solutions. Often right down to the nitty-gritty of each drawer.

 

Not only are these little product changes making big storage impacts, but they’re also huge time savers. Bonus points for productivity!

 

These tips are especially useful for smaller spaces but also applicable to larger homes just the same.

 

Since there is no better time to get organized than the present, so let’s get right into these ideas!

Spice Jars

These aren’t only pretty kitchen accessories – they’re super functional and space-saving too!

 

Instead of a drawer stuffed full of spices in plastic bags, or a cupboard of miscellaneous bottles, find exactly what you need with uniform labeled jars. These can be purchased as fancy or inexpensive as you like, with a wide array available both online and in-store.

 

An extra tip: use a small funnel to decant the spices and powders. You’ll save a whole lot of mess!

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Turntables

One of my all-time favorite products are turntables! I love them because they are so versatile.

 

I frequently use turntables in kitchens for oils and sauces, liquor, and breakfast spreads. They are also very handy in bathrooms for skin and hair care products, and laundry rooms for bottles of detergent. These products come in many durable materials; acacia wood, bamboo, and acrylic.

Drawer Dividers

Have you ever run into the drawer-jamming problem of that pesky potato masher getting stuck? I know I sure have!

 

My best solution for organizing kitchen, bathroom, and office drawers is to use dividers or small containers to keep things separate. One option I like are these bamboo drawer tension dividers. If you’re looking for a more sectional type of organization, smaller containers come in just about any material you could wish for.

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Canisters in a Drawer

Say goodbye to reaching your whole arm into a flour bag! A drawer of canisters for bulk ingredients makes cooking and baking simple and accessible.

 

Make sure to first measure out your desired drawer for the dimensions of your canisters before purchasing! Once you’ve got them set, decant your bulk ingredients into them and make sure to label the top of the lids.

Color-Code Playroom

How many times a day do you ask your kids to clean up? Don’t worry, I won’t make you count – but I can guess it’s too many!

 

Turn cleanup into a fun activity for little ones by color-coding toys and books. Tidying time will turn into matching colors and become less of a chore. Plus, they will know where each of their toys are when they want to play!

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Velvet Grid Jewelry Tray

Not only are these smooth jewelry trays gorgeous, but they’re also overtly functional too!

 

I like to use them for jewelry, specifically earrings to organize matching pairs. They also come in different sizes, so they are not always squares but can be rectangles, and there are even designs for rings to be propped up in.

Hanging Files

Useful in homes and work offices alike, this way of filing makes it easy to file papers and even easier to retrieve them.

 

This system is great for businesses. Keep any paper copies of legal documents safely stored in your chosen style of organization. I also use this method for organizing kids’ artwork, greeting cards, and printed photos.

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Cleaning Caddy

Cleaning isn’t at the top of my fun-list, but I can make it a little less of a hassle by keeping products and accessories easy to grab and go!

 

Trade reaching into the back of a cupboard of loose cleaning product bottles for grabbing one easy caddy. My favorite caddy is functional and stylish, with a comfortable handle and durable bin. These dimensions easily fit into most under-the-sink storage spaces and storage closets.

Jewelry Board

One of everyone’s least favorite steps of getting ready is to approach a jumbled knot of necklaces. Often many of us will give up and suffice without one!

 

Keep them separated and hanging with a board attached to the back of a cabinet door, or a standalone hanging organizer. This also helps you to organize them however you please; by color, length, style, material, etc.

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Garage Hooks

Most of us have a space in our garage or equipment shed where we cram gardening tools into one spot and then fight to retrieve one when needed.

 

Let’s cut that unnecessary frustration out and hang these tools up! With these easy-to-install hooks, you will be able to see where each item is and take them down without a problem. With materials ranging from plastic to durable metal out there, you can even hang heavier equipment too!

With all these smart storage tips, what will you do with your extra space? Do you already use some of these ideas in your home? Comment below!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Ultimate Guide: My Kitchen Organizing Process

Oct 07
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5 Trending Color Palettes For Your Next Organizing Project

By Blog, Home Organizing, Inspiration No Comments

These timeless fall trends won’t have you chasing new decor pieces every season 🍂 To create a warm and cozy space all you need is to pick a vibe, then stick to a color scheme.

 

After implementing these decorating ideas, your home’s look will be sure to stand the test of time!

 

Read more on this below! 👇🏼

Deep + Earthy

(mossy green, warm browns, off-white, tan, olive green)

 

When I see these colors combined, I feel like I’m walking into a library with a hot cup of tea ready to flip through some art history books! Bring this cozy vibe into your humble abode by incorporating deep, natural colors.

       • Keep throw blankets in a woven basket

       • Use dark-stained wood for your kitchen and pantry products

       • Give center stage to a patterned area rug

       • Look for wooden furnishings, or pieces with wood features

       • Space out furniture so the dark colors don’t appear cramped

These rich, luscious tones are especially complimentary to an abundance of houseplants!

Delicate Wallpaper

(dramatic prints, maximalist decor without going overboard)

 

The great thing about wallpaper is that you can switch up your decor and furniture pretty easily as long as you stick to the color realm of the paper! This season, subdued florals and bright-but-bold shapes are super in.

       • Use single colored organizing products to avoid clashing

       • Pairs with neutral furniture and throw pillows with bright color pops

       • Boxes with lids, chests, and drawers are great storage options

       • Off-whites and creams compliment busy patterns

       • Avoid shelves as storage, you will want most items out of sight

       • Unique light fixtures bring depth to wallpaper patterns

And remember… less is more. Be mindful not to overindulge in decor and keep clutter to a minimum.

DECOMOMO – 3 Foldable Storage Bins with Lids and Handles

Coastal Grandmother

(cool pastels, linen, ocean blues, navy, tan)

 

Now this one may sound a little “out there” but bear with me! Try to imagine a white sand beach house, a delicate charcuterie board and champagne, or a light and breezy home.

       • Wicker, wicker, wicker! For baskets, chairs, and storage ottomans

       • Modern, chic, purposeful decor

       • Plants with white flowers pair very well

       • A light-colored area rug or flowy curtains are great accents

       • Storage can be more “open;” under-the-coffee-table baskets, bookshelves, or floating shelves

But the greatest accent of all would be open windows on a beautiful, breezy day!

Natural + Stone

(coppers, multi-color stone, pistachio, tile pattern, muted browns)

 

Before you think this one practically speaks for itself, this year we’re adding a twist! Adding a dash of the above aesthetic, a pinch of leather rustic… and voila! This palette can be as fun as you like, since brightly patterned tilework is booming this season.

       • Tile can be used on floors, walls, and even pasted on side tables!

       • Stick with one non-natural color and surround it by naturals

       • Use white, sandy, or dark brown colored bins or containers

       • Cabinets with glass fronts create a beautiful combination

       • Display your kitchenware visually by hanging or stacking

Though natural and stony looks are normally quite classic, don’t be afraid to jazz it up with some daring hues!

Romantic Elements

(moody and romantic with warm royal, berry, and jewel tones)

 

Want to feel like you’ve been pulled back in time to a Victorian-era office study? This warm vibe of precious jewels with deep and mysterious touches will tuck you in and make you feel oh-so cozy.

       • Classic storage pieces like wardrobes, chests, and dressers

       • Medium brown to black wood for furniture and storage bins

       • Style with plants of low saturated colors (greys, browns, whites)

       • This theme is quite dark; add interest with uniquely shaped decor

       • Utilize glass and gold accented products for your kitchen and pantry

       • Draw the eye around with black and gold photo frames

Autumn brings so many beautiful changes and choices. And a great way to welcome the season is to spruce up your mood and decor at home😌

 

I’m undecided on a favorite palette, comment yours below!

 

 

 

 

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How to Create A Cozy Fall Closet

Sep 27
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Going Paperless is a Process: How to Eliminate Office Clutter

By Blog, Business Organizing, Home Office Organization, Organizing Paper Files No Comments

Is going paperless a realistic goal for you? What’s the reason you want to go paperless?

Is it to be more mobile, work from anywhere, get rid of the stacks of papers, or have information on demand from your computer?

Whatever it is, take a few minutes to decide what going paperless will look like for you. Paper organization is a process; getting clear on your vision from the start will save you a lot of time!

Making the decision to go paperless is a great step in the right direction. But it isn’t a single step… going paperless is a process.

Even after I thought I had cleared everything, I still find it is important to keep going back in and clearing more out! Staying organized is about staying on top of your systems.

What’s Your Goal for Going Paperless?

Initially, my goal in going paperless was to be completely mobile. To be able to do business and work from anywhere in the world.  My goal expanded to giving team access to documents, videos, and photos.

In this transition I had to learn new technology, set up new systems, and schedule time in my calendar for this goal. I also had to be ruthless with myself on what books, papers, magazines, articles, office supplies, and binders I really needed to keep in my office.

At the end of the day I would ask myself, what do I really need to have on hand and just a moment away? Can I access my information online or on my computer quickly? What needs to stay in paper format?

These are questions you must ask yourself, too.

Why Keep Paper in a Digital World?

This is a question that everyone is going to have a different answer for.

How comfortable are you with learning and using technology?

Some prefer the touch and feel of paper and others just want it completely out of their life so they don’t have to manage it at all. In all my years of organizing offices, homes, and small businesses, I have yet to see a completely paperless office. So get clear on what “paperless” means to you.

Where Do I Put Papers I Keep?

Depending on how much paper you have left after deciding what stays and goes, you may want to use binders kept on a shelf or in a smaller filing cabinet.

Create a space for your “Project Files” and your “Reference Files.”

Project files are active and need to be close at hand. Reference files contain information that you may need to refer to from time-to-time. You can keep those in a filing cabinet, binders, or your office.

I went from four lateral filing drawers down to two small file drawers – and it feels great! In those two filing drawers are only what I need in paper format for a few current projects, a few business reference files, and personal documents. Whenever I can, I purge a file or eliminate a project folder.

The paper files in my cabinet are not papers that I want to scan, but those that I want to have in their original formats. I may change my mind one-day, but for now I’m happy with this.

Project management apps to help you go paperless with all the projects you’re working on are:

  • Asana
  • Trello
  • ClickUp
  • OneNote
  • Evernote
  • Monday

My personal favorite is Asana and it has given me the freedom to share projects with my team which gives me peace of mind that tasks aren’t slipping through the cracks.

For simple to lists, planning a celebration, and errands, my personal preference is GoogleKeep.

Get Clear On Your Vision for Paperless

Going paperless is a process and it doesn’t happen overnight. Just like building a home!

You first have a vision and draw up a plan, then hire a contractor to build your home. After many, many months of making a lot of decisions and following through on completing task after task, you finally have reached your move-in day. And you get to walk through your front door into your new dream home!

So, what is your vision for going paperless?

Paint that picture in your mind, write out your desired outcome, and schedule time to follow through with it. Then complete all the tasks it will to take in organizing your space so you have less paper!

 

If you want to take it a step further or need some more guidance, my Organize Your Household Papers will give you a jump start on organizing your paper in your office, home, and life! You’ll get all of my trade secrets and the steps to set up your organizing systems. Really everything you’d need to be organized and manage the paper files taking up too much space in your life!

 

 

 

 

 

 

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