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5 Gifts for Neat Freaks

Posted on by Dawn Link Posted in Bathroom, Christmas, Cleaning, Clothes, Gifts, Laundry, Products, Storage — No Comments ↓

5 Gifts for Neat Freaks

Welcome to my annual gift guide for neat freaks! Oh yes, we are a special breed and need special gift ideas. Last year we featured some awesome gifts, and this year we’ve discovered more gift goodness. What gifts do you get for the neat freak in your life? Here are a few ideas that will make both of you happy campers.

  1. Headphone cable organizer – Do you have a music or podcast lover on your hands? This is the gift for them. It is frustrating to deal with headphones, and the tangled mess that goes with storing them. This organizer is attractive and functional!
  2. Boxes with lids – Clean and minimalistic storage solutions is a great gift for someone who just moved into a home. Leave it to IKEA to have inexpensive yet practical storage solutions. This line of FJALLA comes in 4 different box sizes and ranges in price from $3.99 to $12.99. Currently the color selection is white, dark gray, and light green/spotted.
  3. Toothpaste Tube Roller – How cool would it be to have a standing tube of toothpaste or ointment ready to use? Ok, maybe it’s just me but I really hate seeing a tube of toothpaste squeezed in the middle and looking messy. This would solve the issue in any household where someone like me shares a bathroom with others that just squeeze anywhere on the tube to get their toothpaste on their toothbrush.
  4. Laundry Folder – How many of you love to fold clothes? Most people I know don’t. But, what if you had this nifty tool to help you not only fold clothes but fold them in a consistent manner that they are uniform in size and therefore easier to stack and store? This is a fabulous addition to everyone’s laundry room.
  5. Putty cleaner – You have to see it to believe how this ball of putty can clean keyboards, bottom of purses, and all sorts of nasty spots that are hard to reach. There is no cleaning of this item. Once it changes to a color that is on the package, it has served its purpose and it can be tossed.

What are some other gifts that you have given or received that would help a neat freak?

Photo: The Container Store

Do or Don’t – Holiday cards

Posted on by Dawn Link Posted in Christmas, Holidays — No Comments ↓

Do or Don’t - Holiday cards

This is the time of year when people are frantically trying to find the perfect holiday card. Get your family photo taken, or buy holiday card set. Assemble the address list. Address each envelope. Buy stamps. Go to the dreaded post office. It is quite the production!

Do you send holiday cards? I see fewer holiday cards each year in my mailbox. There is nothing wrong with sending cards, especially if you like doing it. On the flip side, there is nothing saying you HAVE to send cards each year. It’s a personal decision and I am going to weigh the pros and cons of sending out holiday cards.

Pros of Sending Holiday Cards

  1. Viewing Photos of Friends and Family – So many of us do not live near our friends and family. This is a perfect opportunity to share select photos of your family. Don’t you enjoy seeing how your friends and families have changed over the year?
  2. Updating Your Address Book – Yes, this is a pro! Each year, you can maintain an updated list of addresses. You can ask for updated addresses, or use a website like Postable to collect addresses. Simply send them a link, and have them type in their updated address! With an updated address book, you’ll easily be able to send birthday greetings or other mail.
  3. Receiving Them – How do you feel when you go to your mailbox and see an actual card from someone? Admit it, it feels pretty special. Maybe you don’t send to every single person you know, but think about the people who could use a smile on their face when they see a card from you. If you can’t manage to squeeze in time this holiday, why not choose another special time of the year like Valentine’s Day or Thanksgiving?

Cons of Sending Holiday Cards

  1. It Takes Time – Especially if you want to add a brief personal message to them. I find that most people will add a note to those people that they do not see on a regular basis. They may even do a form letter to save some time and then add a brief one line or two to the letters on a few select cards. An alternative to the holiday card is to send a New Year’s card. Your card won’t get lost in the shuffle and maybe you have more time AFTER the holiday to leisurely send the cards.
  2. Writing Out Addresses – This can be a long process. Can you send your recipient list to the printer and they can address the envelopes for you? Even if it means printing the addresses on labels and peeling them off and sticking them on the envelopes.
  3. Oversharing – There is nothing wrong with updating loved ones on key events that occurred during the year. Keep it brief and remember that the purpose of holiday cards is to share the love and joy not to share your political opinions and go on and on.
  4. Environment – Let’s face it, sending cards means paper is being used, and to do that, trees are being cut down. To avoid adding to the environmental costs involved with this tradition, one may compromise and send an e-card or post a blanket greeting on social media.

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention to you what to do with your holiday cards. As an organizer, I am aware of any category that can cause clutter. Cards are one of those areas. Do not feel obligated to save every card. I am sure there are a few choice ones that you will want to save but don’t save them if you are just going to throw them in a box and never look at them again. I know a few people who put them away with their holiday decorations and look back on the cards each year. It is ok to let the cards go. I give you permission.

Photo: PinholePress.com 

Tip Tuesday: Ways to Avoid Procrastination This Holiday Season

Posted on by Dawn Link Posted in Holidays, Procrastination — No Comments ↓

Ways to Avoid Procrastination This Holiday Season

The countdown is on. Thanksgiving is over, and the turkey leftovers have been devoured. We are less than a month away from Christmas! As much as we try to plan ahead, it always seems that we run out of time or put big to-dos on the backburner. This holiday season, say goodbye to procrastination and hello to keeping it simple. Below are a few key action words to keep in mind to help you on your merry way.

  1. Plan – That’s right, pull out those calendars! Examine how many events you are hosting at your house. Is there a way to plan the same meal or snacks for each occasion? If you can use the same menu, it will help you plan the grocery list and serving pieces for your event. Sounds minor but every bit of time and planning you do now will help on the day or the event. The subsequent events will be a no-brainer if you can use the same menu and items.
  2. Wrap – I don’t mind wrapping gifts, but I really dislike adding bows and ribbons. My solution for this is to avoid wrapping paper and use gift bags! Stock up on assorted bags so you can cut your time down to the bare minimum by placing the gift in a bag and topping it off with tissue paper. Viola! A pretty gift, and bonus points that you don’t have to find a place to store your wrapping paper!
  3. Simplify – If you find that you are procrastinating, it might be because you are overdoing the holidays. Take a step back, and only do what you really love. Holidays are supposed to be a time to relax, but if you are stressed out over getting the house decorated, planning the perfect meal, and buying tons of gifts for everyone, you are missing the point. Decide now to simplify the stressful parts of the holiday, and focus instead on the meaning of the day and spending time with friends and family.

I hope you will be able to enjoy yourself this holiday season. Avoid procrastination – and they overzealous to-do list – by evaluating what makes you happy and honoring yourself.

Photo: Kaboom Pics

5 Guest Bedroom Must-Haves

Posted on by Dawn Link Posted in Bedroom, Holidays — No Comments ↓

Organizing a guest bedroom

Tis the season for hosting! If your home will serve as holiday headquarters for some friends and family, it’s time to get your guest bedroom ready.

Aside from the standard clean sheets and towels, what else do your guests actually need? Here are some must-haves for the guest bedroom that will make your guests feel right at home.

  1. Luggage Rack – Many guest bedrooms do not have a space for guests to plop down their suitcases. A luggage rack is a great item to have, and they easily fold up when not in use.
  2. Clean, Flat Surface – You know the feeling when you check into a hotel and you have access to a clutter-free desk or dresser top to put down your personal items? Recreate that in your guest room. Make sure there is at least one clear surface to allow your guests to put whatever items they want out to allow them easy access.
  3. Hanging Space – Not all guests will have items they need to hang, but you should have hangers ready and a section of the closet available. If you don’t want to share your closet, you can purchase a fold-up hanging rod.
  4. Drawers – When I travel, I totally unpack to make it easy to find what I need. Empty drawers are a necessity for me. If you have a dresser, try to keep at least one or two of the top drawers empty for guests. If you are tight on space, clear out the nightstand drawers for guests to use.
  5. Bathroom Caddy – Not every house has a dedicated bathroom for guests to use. Often, guests need to share the bathroom with the homeowners. If this were the case, wouldn’t it be nice to have a portable bathroom caddy for your guests? With a bathroom caddy, they can put their bathroom items in the caddy and carry it back and forth as needed.
  6. Mirror – Make sure your guest room has a mirror. Your guest can use it to put their makeup on or do their hair, which comes in handy if the bathroom is a shared space.

Another guest room essential I saw recently – and loved! A small frame featuring the WIFI network and password. When is the last time you stayed at someone’s house? What items did you wish you had available?

Photo: Almost Makes Perfect

Reset Day: Keeping Linens Organized

Posted on by Dawn Link Posted in Bathroom, Bedroom — No Comments ↓

Keeping Linens Organized

Grab a washcloth and the stack falls over, spilling onto the bed linens. The bed linens are also a mess. Actually, the entire closet needs some attention. Sound familiar? This is common in many households so there is no reason to feel ashamed! Keeping linens organized isn’t a hard task.

Last month, we talked about getting rid of unused and damaged items in your home and linen closet, and today we will address how to take it a step further and keep your linen closet from looking like a bomb went off. Let’s get started!

  1. Tame your sheets – I love to keep sheets stored together as sets in a pillowcase, especially when your household has different size beds. Simply take one of the pillowcases and place the folded sheet set inside. Next time you make your bed, you aren’t scrambling to find the fitted and flat sheets as well as the matching pillowcases.
  2. Create labels – The power of the label! As I’ve shared, my favorite organizing tool is the label maker. Once you get your linen closet the way you want it organized, the best way to keep it that way is to label the shelves. When you or someone else has to put items away, there is a higher probability of keeping your closet the way you want it be organized.
  3. Use bins or baskets – If you are like most people, you keep more than towels and sheets in your linen closet. Many people store pain medication, Epsom salts and other health and wellness products. Nothing is worse than waking up sick in the middle of the night and not being able to locate an item to alleviate your issue. If you store like with like in bins or baskets (labeled of course), it will be really easy to retrieve what you need. Storing your first aid, pain meds, and any other category all together in one bin will not only help you find what you need, but hopefully eliminate duplicate purchases.
  4. Place cleaning supplies on a lazy susan – For some of you, your linen closet is big enough to also contain cleaning supplies for the bathroom or that level of your house. One way to corral the items is to use a lazy susan. Cleaning products are used regularly, and a lazy susan will allow you to easily locate what you need without have to dig.

Do you keep other types of items in your linen closet? If so, what tips do you have for keeping your linen closet organized?

Photo: Beneath My Heart

My little joys

Posted on by Dawn Link Posted in Bedroom, Kitchen — No Comments ↓

My little joys

All of us have our thing around the home. Some people can’t operate if their refrigerator isn’t perfectly organized. Others can’t stand even the tiniest bit of dust on a surface. My little joys? A clean kitchen counter, free of any clean or dirty dishes and crumbs. I have an open floor layout so my living room, dining room, and kitchen are all one big room, meaning my kitchen can be seen as soon as I walk in the door. When I enter my home and see a clutter-free and clean kitchen, I am a happy camper.

The other thing? Making my bed. I love when I enter my bedroom and my bed has been made. I feel calm when I can go into my bedroom and see the bed nicely made and ready for me to jump in at night. I rarely leave the house without making my bed. The only exception is on those rare occasions when I have forgotten to set my alarm. I wake up in a panic and have to leave as soon as possible, leaving the bed undone. Don’t you hate mornings like that?

My balcony is also my happy place. I am fair skinned and I try to avoid sitting in the sun. My balcony never gets any direct sunlight, which means I can relax and soak in the fresh air all I want! As a matter of fact, I am sitting out here as I write this today. The other great part of my balcony is that it is fully screened in. Therefore, there are no bugs, which is another huge bonus for me. I can also have dinner out there by myself or with a couple of friends. It is not a huge balcony but perfect for intimate settings.

What is your thing, and what areas of your home make you happy?

Photo: RealSimple.com

We’re Loving – Using Turntables for Storage

Posted on by Dawn Link Posted in Back to School, Bathroom, Laundry, Storage — No Comments ↓

Using Turntables for Storage

Lazy Susans, aka the turntable, have been living in our hearts and kitchens for years. Smaller turntables are used for spices, and larger ones for cereals and other kitchen goodies. But it’s time that we look past the kitchen and use these brilliant storage solutions for other places in the home. Here are a few other ways you can use turntables for storage.

  1. Homework Supplies – Place a turntable in the center of a homework table and store those must-have homework necessities. You can use jars or any recycled can (bonus: fun project for the kids to decorate) to hold pens, markers, colored pencils, and any other school supplies. Designating one jar for each type of supply makes it easy to grab, and more importantly, easy for clean up! Also, you can use this idea for your arts and crafts.
  2. Bathroom Essentials – Housing all your tall bottles of lotion, nail polish remover, hair spray and any other toiletries can allow you to freely access the item without forgetting you have it. How often do you forget something is in your bathroom cabinet because you simply can’t dig behind the clutter?
  3. Laundry Room – Place a turntable on the laundry room shelf to store your detergent, stain remover and other laundry room essentials.

These are just a few alternative spots in the home where the turntable can be useful. You can also try doubling up on these turntables in the kitchen. Using two turntables can maximize your storage space. The first level can house oils and vinegars or other tall items. The second level can be used for spices or shorter items.

What other areas in your home do you use a lazy susan?

Photo: www.containerstore.com

5 Secret Storage Spots

Posted on by Dawn Link Posted in Bedroom, Kitchen, Storage — No Comments ↓

Storage. This is a mighty must-have in any home, and many people are of the mindset that the more storage, the better. How about secret storage spots? In many New England homes, especially those that are older, storage is limited. As a certified professional organizer with 20 years under my belt, I have worked with many clients who have small or tight spaces. These solutions may not make any Feng Shui specialist happy, but sometimes you need to work with what you have.

  1. Kitty Corner Hiding Spots – I had a client who lived in a one-bedroom condo and needed to store her luggage. Her closets were typical New England size – small – and she didn’t have any storage space outside her condo. I looked at her couch, which was positioned kitty corner with two walls behind it and asked her if anything was behind the couch. She said no, and I started to smile. I asked her if she would be opposed to storing her luggage there. She loved the idea and no one was the wiser!
  2. Under the Bed – This is really going to bother a Feng Shui specialist, but sometimes it is the only option. Purchase bed risers so that larger under-the-bed storage containers can fit under the bed. I have seen clients store off-season or rarely worn clothing, as well as wrapping paper and wrapping supplies. Don’t knock it if you are tight on space!
  3. Look up – If you’re lacking space on the lower level, there’s always space above! A great example of this is above the kitchen cabinets. Is there enough space for you to buy a container to your liking that ideally would also have a cover to it to minimize grease and dust from getting on your items? I have seen many kitchens that utilize this extra space, and with the right storage container, it looks great.
  4. Coffee Table or Ottoman – Don’t overlook this common piece of living room furniture! Sometimes in order to have a functional home, the furniture we select must not only serve the intended purpose, but it must also allow for storage! I currently have a wicker chest in my living room that acts as a coffee table, but also hides the bedding for my sleeper couch. I also have an ottoman that I use for storing games and extra remotes that aren’t used daily.
  5. Pullout Pantry – The space next to your refrigerator can be oh-so valuable. With the right handy person, you can construct a pullout pantry to store everything from condiments and peanut butter to vitamins. Most of us have this annoying small space between our fridge and it is a hidden storage space that we all should use and love!

What are your favorite secret storage ideas?

Photo: www.Potterybarn.com

Do or Don’t: Magazine Subscriptions

Posted on by Dawn Link Posted in Magazines — No Comments ↓

Reading can be therapeutic and relaxing, especially in short form via magazines. I love my magazines. I have a number of magazine subscriptions, and yes, I still receive the paper versions. I am in front of my computer and iPhone so much during the day that it feels great to curl up with a magazine and get away from technology for a moment. My first job was working at Time Inc. and perhaps that is where I get my love for printed magazines.

The most important question to ask yourself is this: do you read your magazines? I make sure that I am reading the magazine and not just letting them pile up collecting dust and creating clutter in my home. As busy as I am, I am able to keep up with four magazine subscriptions. I recently chose not to continue with one subscription as I was finding that I was constantly behind and it seemed to come faster than I could read them. In my case, that magazine was becoming a burden rather a joy.

When working with a client and this question comes up, I always ask them to show me where they keep any magazines that they have. If there is a large pile, we go through them so I can see the different magazines and the dates on them. If they receive a news magazine and it is older than 2 weeks old, it is indeed old news. If they find that they can’t keep up on a particular magazine, then I do suggest they cancel the subscription or prioritize another magazine that is more important to them. It’s a matter of balance. Your pile of magazines should bring you pleasure, not make you feel guilty.

If you find that you’re not keeping up at all with your magazine subscriptions, you can always buy them as a special treat for yourself. I know a number of clients and friends that will only buy a magazine if they are traveling or if they see it and see an article that interests them.

What are your thoughts about magazine subscriptions? There is no correct answer. Instead, it is a personal decision and actually a lifestyle decision.

Image: pixabay.com

We’re Loving: Under Sink Storage Solutions

Posted on by Dawn Link Posted in Bathroom, Kitchen — No Comments ↓

Just throw it under the sink. That seems to be a common thought among homeowners looking to hide the “stuff” cluttering their homes. But this couldn’t be further from the truth. If there is one area in the house that creates the bigger challenge of storage, it is under the sink. It’s not the easiest to organize, and it can be a challenge to create storage under your kitchen or bathroom sink due to pipes getting in the way. In the kitchen you may also have a garbage disposal taking up some serious prime real estate. Below are a few helpful tips to setting getting over your under the sink woes.

  1. Hang a tension bar. This is a magical tool. Hang a tension bar in the front of the cabinet and hang cleaning bottles from the bar. They are off the lower level, creating more storage space, and can easily be seen and moved.
  2. Don’t forget about the lazy Susan. For those items that you use on repeat, place them on the lazy Susan. This ensures that those items are easily accessible and can be seen.
  3. Pullout Baskets. As we age, it becomes more difficult to bend over to grab items, let alone see what is in the back of the cabinet. Installing pullout baskets or shelves solves this dilemma. I love my pull out shelves and I can’t imagine my life without them.

What are your favorite storage solutions for under the sink?

Image:RealSimple.com

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