Skip to main content
Tag

organizing your home

Essentials for Your Summer First Aid Kit

By Blog, Expert Articles, Quick Organizing Tips No Comments

The last time I opened my summer first aid kit, I was seeking relief from mosquito bites.

 

Fumbling through the zippered sections as my bites ached for an itch, I found nothing but expired tubes of AfterBite and Polysporin, a pack of bandages, a cold pack, and teeny tiny scissors that might be better suited for a mouse with a sewing hobby.

 

Luckily I found some aloe vera gel in the bathroom that would do for the time being as I went to the store to replenish this rather empty summer first aid kit.

 

On my drive, I couldn’t help but think – in a real emergency, this outdated kit would be useless!

 

To help make sure you can avoid this same situation, I’ve compiled all the basics that Red Cross recommends we have on hand, plus some extra summer essentials.

 

FREE DOWNLOAD

Summer First Aid Kit Checklist

Get familiar with basic first aid care
and be confident in any home emergency!

Download here!

Continue below to learn about all the necessary things, including specific summer essentials, you’ll need for your own kit!

 

Checklist of Summer First Aid Kit Essentials

 

Medicines + Topicals

 

Two 81-milligram tablets of chewable acetylsalicylic acid (Aspirin) can be life-saving if taken within the first hour of a heart attack. However, make sure to call 9-1-1 first and follow their instruction – it’s not safe for everyone.

 

This is an absolute must if someone in the household has allergies or you have any kids over for playdates.

 

Include a liquid kind for small children and babies.

 

 

Bandages + Dressings

 

In a variety of sizes.

 

 

Sterile Supplies

 

To be used for cleaning out wounds or treating dehydration.

 

Utensils

 

Store some extra batteries in a sealed bag.

 

Store some extra batteries in a sealed bag.

 

 

Emergency Contacts + Instructions

 

  • Emergency phone numbers for 9-1-1, local poison control centre, and personal doctors
  • First aid manual
  • Emergency home and office phone numbers for family members, friends, and neighbours who can be contacted for help

 

Download your copy here!

 

The easiest way to create your own summer first aid kit is to start with a basic, pre-made kit and build off of it.

 

Make sure to get all of the supplies first, before buying a container. You will need to measure the bulk of things and make sure they can all fit into the container.

 

If you’d like it to be more organized, opt for a bag with zippered compartments or a bin with sections. When in an emergency, this will enable you to find what you need as quickly as possible. You can also use a container that has a top lift-out section. This makes for great storage of smaller items in the top part and is equally as useful for storing larger items in the bigger section underneath.

 

It’s a smart idea to quickly check through your first aid kit each month for any expired or damaged products to keep everything in good working order.

 

Would you feel uneasy about using the items in your summer first aid kit during a real emergency? Sign up for some training classes with a local service that offers first-aid training! There’s no better way to prepare for emergencies than by taking a course from a professional trained in the field.

 

There are many organizations around the world that offer this training that can be completed over a weekend. Some of these are Red Cross, National Safety Council, and St. John Ambulance.

 

Once you are familiar with basic first aid care, you will be confident in almost any home emergency!

 

Did you have an AH-HA! moment while reading the summer first aid kit checklist? Comment your epiphanies below!

 

 

 

 

 

Like this article?

You’ll love this one👇🏼

8 Ways to Get Organized In One Hour Or Less

50 Things To Declutter Right Now

By Blog, Checklists, Home Organizing, Quick Organizing Tips No Comments

There is no better way to welcome a fresh, new year than to get out with the old to make room for the new!

 

This article will cover 50 things you can declutter right now (feel free to add to the list!)

 

Life changes a lot over the span of the year. You are no longer who you were last year, and that goes for your family too!

 

We all outgrow things, go through consumables, and items get old and need repair or replacement. These are just the natural aspects of life, and this list is for you to keep on top of them!

 

Here are 50 things to Declutter Right Now:

Ready to roll up your sleeves and get down to work? 😁👍🏼

 

Before you start on these 50 items, here are just a few words of my advice.

 

You may find yourself distracted while decluttering and reorganizing. This is totally normal, and while you’re still getting the hang of it this is commonly experienced!

 

The best ways to avoid the distractions and mistakes that will lead you to the trap of Yo-Yo Organizing are in this freebie download below!

3 Home Organizing Mistakes

 

While working virtually with those who have a new year’s goal of wanting to get organized and with clients on-site in their homes, I always see the same frustrations. So I want to help you avoid getting discouraged by these common mistakes!

 

Read through these 3 most common organizing mistakes and learn how to avoid them to ensure your success while you use these 50 ideas to declutter right now!

 

 

Did we miss anything? Comment below!

 

 

 

 

Like this article?

You’ll love this one👇🏼

30 Inspiring Organizing & Decluttering Quotes

75 Creative Ways to Use A Label Maker

By Blog, Checklists, Quick Organizing Tips No Comments

Is a label maker worth it?

 

I say… label makers are one of the most useful tools ever made!!

 

Beyond labeling in the kitchen or whichever common area first comes to your mind, these organized little machines are ready to help you in every room of your house (and office too!).

 

But before you go buy the biggest, fanciest label maker, first ask yourself these questions to determine the right one for your needs.

 

Which one to buy?

Ask yourself these questions:

 

  • How many font options would you like?
  • What size of labels will you need to print?
  • How much room do you have to store it?
  • How simple it is to learn and use?
  • Does it use batteries, a rechargeable battery, or plug into the wall?
  • Are the tape cassettes easy to find?

 

Advice For Buying A Label Maker

 

In my opinion, the Brother brand label makers are the absolute best. I have gone through many, many different brands and styles of label makers over the years, and Brother brands have never let me down.

 

They’re simple to use, it’s easy for me to find tapes in person or online, and the overall quality is just top-notch!

 

However, I use a couple of different label makers depending on my client’s style. I’ll list them below and tell you some of the differences between them, too!

 

Label Maker Comparisons

 

The first, Brother P-Touch PT- D610BT, automatically cuts and trims the edges of the label so I don’t get a huge empty white space on either end. It also fits a larger label tape for bigger prints.

 

The second, Brother P-Touch Cube Plus PT-P710BT, uses larger tapes (24mm) which allows for large, easy to read, and beautiful labels in a pantry, linen closet, or on storage bins. The 24mm black tape with white font has quickly become my new favorite choice of tape because it actually has the look of a custom label!

 

 

Both of these label makers use laminated tapes. Using laminated tape is KEY for making professional-looking labels.

 

I prefer to stay away from the cheap paper tape that lower models use. This type will curl up once cut and leaves a lot of white residue when you peel the label off. Yuck!

 

So now that you have an idea of WHAT you’re shopping for…

 

Head out for the fun part! Or stay in and shop with your fingertips (our fave!)

 

Our Favorite Label Makers

(Remember to only buy what fits YOUR needs!)

 

 

How to Organize Your Entire House
with a Label Maker:

 

1- Office Cords and Plugs

  • Routers
  • Printers
  • Monitors
  • Laptop chargers

2- File Folders and Cabinets

  • Color code for more organization

3- Binders

  • Spine
  • Tabs
  • Pockets

 

4- Receipts Area

  • Bin / Basket / Container
  • Binder clip

5- Notebooks

  • Meeting notes
  • Reference notes
  • Specific projects

6- Drawers

  • Drawer dividers / containers
  • Office supply sections

7- Highlighters

  • “Important dates”
  • “Priority to-do’s”
  • “Goals”
  • Color code tasks for different people

8- Miscellaneous Cords

  • Phone charger
  • Laptop charger
  • HDMI
  • Ring light
  • Names on chargers for each family member

 

9- Bulk Office Supplies

  • Items taken out of original packaging

10- In-Tray

  • Sections for mail, paperwork, different kinds of documents you receive

11- Linen Closet Shelves

  • Towels
  • Sheets by size
  • Guest
  • Satin pillowcases

 

12- Laundry Excess

  • Items decanted / taken out of original packaging
  • Detergent
  • Softener
  • Bleach
  • Dryer sheets / balls

13- Laundry Baskets

  • Lights
  • Darks
  • Whites
  • Delicates

 

14- Board Games

  • Storage shelves of games
  • Age range
  • Type of game
  • Kid-friendly

15- Hobby Section

  • Shelf in closet
  • Project boxes
  • Drawer / Cupboard in storage furniture

16- Kitchen Cooking Utensils

  • Whisks
  • Tongs
  • Spatulas

 

17- Spices

  • Decanted items
  • Mixed bottles, give uniform labels
  • Easier to read

18- Snack Zone

  • Kids
  • Sweet and salty
  • Healthy

19- Baking Supplies

  • Bin of baking supplies
  • Sort by holiday

 

20- Health Section

  • Protein powders
  • Smoothie additives
  • Supplements

21- Meal Prep Jars

  • Salads
  • Smoothies
  • Juices

22- Frozen Items

  • Smoothie ingredients
  • Meat
  • Soups
  • Expiry dates on homemade items

 

23- Allergy Notes

  • Mark with yellow or brightly colored label tape

24- Bulk Decanted Items

  • Flour
  • Sugar
  • Oats
  • Coffee
  • Dried nuts

25- Fridge Shelves

  • Condiments
  • Proteins and cheeses
  • Fresh produce

 

26- Utensil Drawer

  • Serving spoons and forks
  • Steak knives
  • Kids cutlery

27- Pantry Shelves

  • Dried foods
  • Pasta
  • Rice
  • Extra seasonings

28- Tea Collection

  • Different types of tea
  • Brands

 

29- Cleaning Products

  • Under the sink bottles
  • Items no longer in original packaging

30- Additional Drawers

  • Organizational products with drawers

31- Playroom Supplies

  • Figurines
  • Lego
  • Small part toys

 

32- Kids’ Craft Supplies

  • Construction paper
  • Crayons
  • Coloring books

33- Label By Child

  • Separate toys
  • Split things evenly

34- Toy Bins

  • Stuffed animals
  • Contents by type

 

35- Bookshelves

  • Reading age of books
  • Fiction / Non-fiction
  • Per child

36- Garage Storage Bins

  • Big, easy to read

37- Seasonal Decor

  • Holiday
  • Special occasion
  • Tradition
  • Indoor / Outdoor

 

38- Camping Totes

  • Cooking supplies
  • Tent and sleeping setup
  • Games
  • First aid

39- Emergency Kits

  • Fire evacuation
  • Earthquake
  • Lockdown

 

40- Medicine and First Aid

  • Cold and flu
  • Allergies
  • Bandages
  • Kids products

41- Beauty Supply Bins

  • Nail care
  • Skincare
  • Hair products
  • Hairstyling tools

 

42- Expiration Dates

  • Makeup
  • Hair products
  • Shower products
  • Decanted items

43- Drawer Containers

  • Cotton swabs
  • Cotton pads
  • Exfoliation pads
  • Dental care

44- Cleaning Products

  • Toilet cleaner
  • Shower cleaner
  • Countertop disinfectant
  • Items no longer in original packaging

45- Family Member Bins

  • Per family member
  • Guest use
  • Excess supplies

46- Towel Hooks

  • Per family member
  • Guest use
  • Hand and face towels

 

47- Skincare Fridge

  • Sections for different product types
  • Order of routine

48- Shower Caddy

  • Per family member
  • Sections for different types

49- Product Bottles

  • Shampoo
  • Conditioner
  • Liquid soap
  • Items no longer in original packaging

50- Traveling Containers

  • Shampoo
  • Conditioner
  • Liquid soap
  • Skincare
  • Cleaning products
  • Jewelry

51- Makeup Brushes

  • Types of brushes
  • Per family member

52- Jars of Decanted Items

  • Soap bars
  • Epsom salts
  • Dishwasher tabs

53- Mirror Cabinet Shelves

  • Sections by skin, hair, dental, etc.

54- Bath Toys

  • Bin for bath toys
  • Per family member

55- Magazine Holder

  • Types of magazines
  • Content
  • Kids or adult material

56- Dresser Drawers

  • Shorts
  • Jeans
  • Sweatpants
  • Workout clothes

57- Under-The-Bed Drawers

  • Socks
  • Shoes
  • Extra pillows

58- Bedroom Cords

  • Chargers
  • TV
  • Lamp
  • Cable box
  • Clock

59- Closet Shelves

  • Summer / Winter storage
  • Sweaters
  • Pants

60- Nightstand Drawers

  • Sleep aids
  • Lavender / Calming spray
  • Lip balm
  • Sleeping mask

61- Vanity Drawers

  • Powdered makeup
  • Eyes
  • Lips
  • Brushes

62- Storage Furniture

  • Bins
  • Baskets
  • Containers
  • Cabinets
  • Desks
  • Wardrobes

63- Remotes

  • Cable box
  • TV
  • Media streaming box
  • Videogame console

64- Plant Markers

  • Use laminated labels
  • Names
  • Caring instructions

65- Learning Language

  • Label commonly used items around home / office with new language
  • Teach little ones reading and names of items

66- Reminders

  • For self, kids, spouse
  • Do dishes
  • “Put away shoes”
  • “Clean up toys”
  • “I love you”

67- Gift Tags

  • Personalize gift tags

68- Table Setting Place Cards

  • Holidays
  • Dinner parties

69- Charcuterie Boards

  • Types of cheese, meat, cracker, dried fruits, spreads, etc.

70- Hooks

  • Keys
  • Hats
  • Purses
  • Scarves
  • Reusable bags

71- Books

  • Without name on spine
  • Journal years

72- Videogame Storage

  • Console
  • Type of games
  • Kid-friendly
  • Per family member

73- Photo Albums

  • Printed photo books name / year
  • Spine
  • Sections of photos inside

74- Recycling Bins

  • Paper
  • Glass
  • Bottles

75- Kitchen Books

  • Cookbooks
  • Recipe books
  • User manuals
Disclosure: When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. This keeps Simply Productive 100% reader supported and free of ads or sponsorships.
Thanks for your support!