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Aug 10
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Back to School: College Dorms

By Blog, Checklists, Time Management No Comments

First of all – congratulations on your next big chapter!

 

Whether you’re a new or returning student, I’m sure you are bursting with excitement to get into the dorms and back into student mode!

Right now, you are probably packed full of all these different jitters. Excitement, eagerness, anticipation, and a general zest for life!

But alongside these thrilling emotions come the other half of our nerves. Anxiety, apprehension, fear, and nervousness. You may be asking yourself questions like:

When should I start packing?

What should I be planning to do on move-in day?

What things do I need to do before moving into the dorm?

What are some fun, entertainment things to bring?

How long does it take to move into a dorm?

But before you get too overwhelmed, let’s start with the very basics.

 

Before Anything!

Schools will usually provide a checklist of necessary items to bring for all students who are moving into student housing. If you haven’t received one, reach out to the administration and start from there.

You should also carefully read through your college dorm rules to know beforehand what kinds of things are allowed and what is prohibited. Make sure to check what is already included, too. Sometimes apartments will come furnished, with kitchen appliances or basic furniture. Dorm rooms may include basic things like a desk, chair, bed, and lamp.

 

Lists and Preparations

Okay, we’ve got the basics down and now it’s time to fill in the blanks! Let’s start making a list of necessities – but first, you’ll want to contact your new roommate to discuss who will bring what. The last thing you need is to waste money on duplicates to take up extra space that you won’t have!

Another money-saving tip is after you make your list, make notes of what you don’t already have. Then before you head to the store, check with friends and family members to see if they have any items on your list they would be willing to give or lend to you.

SEKINER
Hook for door

BRUSALI
Shoe cabinet with 3 compartments

ALEX
Drawer unit

Clothing

(Remember not to pack too crazy – college is all about comfort so you’ll likely just be wearing your favourites most of the time)

Must-have

Underwear
Bras/Sports bras
Socks
Pants (jeans, workout, casual)
Shorts (workout, casual)
Shirts and sweaters (bring things you can layer)
Sweatpants or cozy lounge pants
Pajamas
Jackets for fall and winter
Cold-weather apparel (warm hat, gloves, scarf, boots)
Runners, casual shoes, and sandals
Hat and/or umbrella
Belt
Wallet

Nice to have

Formal clothes (if you plan on attending events or interviews)
Purse
Swimsuit
Jewelry
Shower shoes
Slippers
Casual dress
Stain remover pen
Lint brush

Leave at home

Anything you already don’t wear often
Duplicates

Important Documents

(Electronic versions preferred)

Must-have

Credit and debit cards
Driver’s license
School ID (or your paperwork to get one)
Car registration and insurance
Health insurance card
Copy of birth certificate
Copy of social security card
Emergency contact list
Financial aid information
Class schedules
Meal plan card

Leave at home

Hard-to-replace/Irreplaceable original documents

Tech and Electronics

(Check with your roommate for what each of you will bring)

Must-have

Phone and charger
Extension cord power strip
Earbuds
Laptop, charger, and case
HDMI cable
Wall cube for USB cables
Login info for streaming services

Nice to have

Wireless mouse
Laptop stand
Tablet
TV and stand
Video game console and games
External hard drive
Portable phone charger
Printer and printer paper (check with your school, everything may be online)
Alarm clock

School Supplies

Must-have

Backpack
Pens and pencils
Highlighters
Pencil sharpener
Spiral notebooks or binders with lined paper
Binder section dividers
Index cards
Sticky notes
Stapler, rubber bands, tacks, paper clips, tape

Nice to have

Sticky tab page markers
File folders
Small whiteboard and dry erase pens
Paper wall calendar

Toiletries and Medicine

Shower caddy or small tote
Shampoo and conditioner
Body wash
Body oils or lotion
Loofah or wash cloths
Hair styling products
Hand soap and sanitizer
Skincare products
Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss
Comb or brush
Hair heat-styling tools (flat iron, curling iron, blowdryer)
Razors and shaving cream
Cotton swabs and pads
Sunscreen and bug spray
Make-up
Feminine hygiene products
Tweezers
Nail clippers, file, buffer block
Nail polish and polish remover
Extra contacts and solution
Eye glasses
Sunglasses
Toilet paper
Deodorant
Hair accessories
Retainer/mouth guard
Bathroom cleaning supplies and air freshener
Prescription medication
Inhaler
OTC meds you use regularly (acetaminophen, cold and flu, antacids, allergy)
Vitamins
Birth control
Sleeping mask

Yamazaki Caddy

Linens and Laundry

Must-have

Sheets
Bath towels, washcloths, hand towels
Pillows and cases
Blankets or duvet
Clothes hangers
Laundry basket
Laundry detergent and dryer sheets
Quarters for washer and dryer or laundry card

Nice to have

Mattress protector
Extra blanket for outdoor events
Clothing iron
Laundry bag for delicate items

Furnishings and Decor

Must-have

Fan or space heater
Under-bed storage pullouts
Additional seating (futon, folding chairs, etc.)
Mini broom and dustpan
Trash can and bags
Light bulbs
Vacuum

Nice to have

Lamp for desk
Wall art
Poster tack to hang things
Area rug
Full-length mirror
Make-up mirror
String lights
Plants or fake plants
Small vacuum or hand vac

Food, Snacks, and Kitchen

Special snacks and food you can only get at home
Cereal and/or oatmeal
Tea bags or loose leaf tea with infuser
Small coffee maker or french press, coffee, filters
Your preferred coffee or tea condiments
Hot chocolate mix
Some easy-to-prepare meal options you can make in your room (ramen noodles, soup, and microwavable entrees stored at room-temperature)
Microwave popcorn
Quick-energy snacks (granola bars, nuts)
Reusable water bottle
Can opener
Toaster
Mini fridge and microwave (if not provided, make sure you’re allowed to have them in your room)
Dishes that you can wash or compostable plates and cutlery
Mug
Travel mug
All-purpose cleaner and rags
Dish soap
Kitchen sponges
Paper towels
Drying towel
Reusable straws and cleaning brush

Recreation

(Search up the fitness and recreational facilities on campus, they may have some of your desired equipment already)

Sports equipment (basketball, baseball bat, etc.)
Yoga mat
Journal
Religious texts
Books or magazines to read for fun
Music instruments
Art supplies
Duffel bag or small luggage for weekend travel
Bicycle, helmet, lock
Skateboard or longboard
Hiking boots
Gym bag
Playing cards or board games
Hand weights

Safety and Miscellaneous

Flashlight
Earplugs
Mini toolkit (screwdrivers, hammer, wrench)
Picture hanging kit
Small first aid kit

Closing Advice

While this list covers just about all you’ll need, remember to jot down anything else that comes to mind. Prepare, prepare, prepare, so your university experience will be as smooth as possible!

Hope to see you back with a successful year under your belt!

Did we miss anything? Comment below your must-haves for any time spent away from home!

 

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Jul 15
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Why the Kitchen is the Heart of the Home

By Blog, Home Organizing, Quick Organizing Tips, Simple Living No Comments

What’s one thing we can all agree on about our homes?

 

It’s that no matter where you live, whichever the size of your house, how many heads are under the roof… The kitchen is the heart of the home 💝

It’s the place where we gather for all things important; breakfast, after-school lunchbox drop off, baking, and hosting social events.

And by optimizing this space in our own unique ways, we can craft a specific aesthetic through a mix of organization and color.

Setting a schedule for decluttering and cleaning will also help your kitchen to become more efficient. It will do so because you will not have to clean irregularly or at a moment’s notice for guests, and there is less of a buildup of “stuff”. 

Download your free Kitchen Cleaning Checklist here.

But beyond just the look of a kitchen and pantry, what often stands out most is the feeling we get when we step in 😌 This is something we can curate, too.

Personalize. Add color. Textures. Are you looking for warmth and liveliness? Or cool tones and calm relaxation?

All styles are welcome here, and I invite you into my guide for optimizing your kitchen space.

Our Influence from Kitchens

Let’s talk about efficiency.

If the kitchen is not efficient, we will not be efficient in the kitchen either. It’s important to understand the flow of how a kitchen works, and then to dive into the fun decorating part!

You will soon be able to minimize cooking time and maximize family time with these optimizing tips.

🥣 Cooking

Near your stove and serving stations, the closest drawers can be used for cooking and serving utensils. These can be sectioned with either acrylic or wooden drawer dividers.

This way, you’re not running to the other side of the kitchen for a wooden spoon as your pasta boils over!

You can also keep your plates and meal dishes in a closeby cupboard or drawer for easy serving. Use plate dividers if you’re going to store them in a drawer to avoid chipping.

🥂 Beverages

A convenient location for drinking cups is your cupboard next to the fridge.

If your beverage zone (coffee, tea, drink mixes) is also in this area, at-home and to-go mugs can live here as well. Try a few ideas of arranging them in a decorative way!

💦 Kitchen Sink

Have you heard the saying “everything but the kitchen sink”?

People often forget that under the kitchen sink can be a very useful storage spot, if fitted correctly. Utilize a cleaning caddy and small shelving unit to maximize the space.

Here you can store your kitchen cleaning products, extra sponges, garbage bags, and a compost bin.

💐 Decor

Undoubtedly the best part of styling any home, decorations!

You will want to limit the number of decor pieces on counters. Be cautious to not clutter surfaces, make sure you refresh often (seasons, holidays, change of taste), and dust frequently.

A fun way to make your kitchen more of a social hub, is to incorporate interactive decor pieces. This allows guests to interact with the room itself, therefore feeling more at ease and engaged.

Share more of YOU in your kitchen

Become the home where everyone who stops by wants to be invited in. The comfortable one where kids will not feel distracted or embarrassed by clutter.

One where you wake up and smile, already looking forward to brewing your morning tea 🍵

What features are you most proud of in your kitchen? Share with us below!

 

 

 

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Jul 11
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The Perfect Staycation – 6 Local Ideas This Summer

By Blog, Inspiration, Simple Living No Comments

Happy Summer!!

 

With all this lovely sunshine ☀️, I’m right in the mood to plan some adventures – and where better to begin than in my own backyard?

Let’s get right into it!

What IS a Staycation?

A staycation is an alternative to the traditional vacation. Staycation quite literally means a stay-in, vacation!

This allows you to be fully present without the many additional stresses of travel, and to spend quality time alone, or the people that really matter in your life 🤍

It can be easy to take your most important relationships in life for granted, including the one with yourself. When you’re caught up in work and life tensions, you can often overlook the small joys in life with those you love.

These kinds of vacations are great because they are totally customizable. You can make it an expensive, pampering, luxury stay, or as different and unique as you like!

A vacation often requires an extensive plan and a long journey. If you’re headed to a more remote place, sometimes you’ll need to plan even multiple methods of travel. And maybe learn a little of another language! 😵‍💫 This can easily turn overwhelming. With that being said…

Welcome to the staycation!

 

Benefits of a Staycation

Planning this type of vacation usually involves staying at home and visiting local attractions. Some people may also choose to stay at a local hotel.

With a staycation, you won’t have to worry about catching a tour bus or flight on time. And you will save several thousands of dollars. Even more ideal if you have a large family! 💸

You will be able to enjoy more time with yourself. There isn’t any packing to do, just relaxing, and you can forget about the extra suitcases needed for babies, toddlers, or multiple kids to manage.

What to Consider, and How to Plan

Are you going to go for more of a family setting, a romantic couples-oriented stay, or do you relish some solace alone? Tropical or home-style oasis? Do you want to decorate, or just declutter and relax in your newly calmed space? Decide on the purpose, and you can create any theme imaginable!

You also have the option to stay in your own city or visit a nearby one. Your stay-in vacation can really be that – staying in – or you can plan to visit some local attractions and events.

Be a tourist in your own city!

6 Ideas for the Perfect Staycation

 

1. Get Outside

A great way to soak up the sunshine and connect with those you love is to plan a local hiking trip with your sibling or best friend. If you’re not a rigorous hiker, you could also go walking around a new neighborhood to see some different sights!

Planning a picnic with family or friends is always fun too! 🧺 Each person can bring a different dish potluck-style or you can create your own charcuterie boards.

It’s also super trendy right now to decorate your picnic blanket with pillows, a small communal table, flowers, and the like 🌼

Being influenced by new recipes will also help you improve your own cooking skills. And who doesn’t love to be surrounded by delicious food, favourite people, and beautiful scenery?

2. Restyle your Home

Curtains are an easy decor change, but one that makes a lot of impact! Consider swapping to something more light and fresh, or if you’re going for a tropical theme, colorful and citrusy!

You can also rearrange your furniture (I love this!) to create small conversation nooks. Make sure to allot plenty of walking space in between pieces. Move furniture away from the windows to let in more natural light and create a sense of “breezability.”

 

3. Declutter to Reduce Stress

Staying inside when your house is cluttered and cramped with “stuff” – not relaxing.

Putting on some jazzy music, pouring a glass of wine (this is vacation right?😉), and sorting that procrastinated mountain of mail – verrrry relaxing.

Sort through the pieces of decor you feel need a refresher and set them aside to be replaced or moved to another location in your home. Also sift through your miscellaneous everyday items and your closets for linens, board games, and storage.

Think of a lovely resort – it’s not filled with clutter and unused items. It highlights complimentary decor pieces that have a relaxing, inspiring feel. And gives you plenty of open space.

While you’re relaxing at home, work on creating that sense of lightness and openness you’re craving – so you can keep it all year long.

4. Host a Wine Tasting

A really fun, social idea!

Invite some friends over and have each couple bring one bottle of wine that is cheaper, and one more expensive. Place them in paper bags (to hide the labels), then everyone can try them and choose favourites, before revealing which was the finer wine 😄

This event needs a couple pre-event materials like a corkscrew, two decanters, wine glasses, simple palate-cleansing snacks, and if you’re feeling crafty, wine glass charms! These charms would even be an extra little fun activity to make.

Want to host an even more memorable night? Make a charcuterie board or appetizer plate.

Alternatively, if you live near some wineries, most tour companies offer a package for a guided (optionally romantic🌹) “Staycation-Themed” wine tour.

 

5. Indoor Oasis at Home

Do you have a spare room at home?

This could be a blank canvas for you to create a fun, tropical indoor oasis – all year round. This is also a great activity to get the kids and whole family involved!

Some great additions could be hammocks, tropical plants, a misting machine, painting patterns or using wall stickers. And for reading materials, travel magazines and books!

A great spot to decompress from work and it will help you feel like you’re a million miles away.

                       

 

6. Try Out a New Restaurant

What about checking out that new place on the corner you see every day on your drive home from work? The one that is always busy, full of people laughing, and pumping out great music!

This is a fantastic (and delicious!) way to support a local small business and try something new at the same time.

Or head out appy-hopping on a downtown street with yummy tapas-style restaurants.

Try a few dishes at each place!

 

So What Will Your Staycation Plans Be?

Start planning your staycation now while the ideas are flowing! You deserve it 😌

Make a list of all the local attractions that you have always wanted to enjoy. Search up the new restaurants and entertainment venues in your area. Check your city’s local events calendar!

And savour going easy on your mind and body.

 

Comment below to share your relaxing summer plans!

And which staycation tip will YOU try out?

 

 

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