Home › Blog › Page 26

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

Tip Tuesday – Tips for Staying Sane During the Busy Fall

Posted on by Dawn Link Posted in Calendars, Fall, Goals, Stress, Time Management — No Comments ↓

Do you feel it? The air is a bit cooler at night, and the fall rush has commenced. Even though it has been years since I have been in school, I still feel the anticipation that rolls around after Labor Day arrives. It seems like there is a renewed sense of urgency in the air when September arrives.

Fall can bring about angst, but there are ways to stay sane as we approach the holidays. Here are a few tips to help you navigate and rev up for what seems like the busiest time of the year.

  1. Update your calendar. I may sound like a broken record, but not using or LOOKING at your calendar (and please tell me you only have one calendar!) is the road to disaster. This time of year is crazy with activities and events, and if you don’t have them in your calendar, you are going to overbook and miss important events.
  2. Say no. We are a YES generation. Our society has taught us that more is more, and saying ‘yes’ is best. But it’s time to start saying ‘no’. Whenever you are asked to attend an event or schedule an activity, look back at your goals. Making sure the task is in line with your goals and time commitments will make it easier for you to say no.
  3. Plan ahead. Remember when you were in school and you had a major project due? To complete your project you needed to note your due date and work backwards. You can do the same thing now. It will allow you to plan out your time so you aren’t stressed out over getting something completed on time. Using your calendar to map out time to ensure that you are inching closer to the end will make you and everyone else around you much happier.

This time of year can be stressful, or it can be enjoyable. As New Englanders, it’s time that we ENJOY these post-summer months. Go apple picking, schedule a time to drive to see the foliage, or simply sit on your patio and drink a hot cup of apple cider.

How do you stay sane during this busy time of year?

Photo: Country Living

Happy Labor Day!

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

It’s time to take a breather. Appreciate what you have done. Respect what others have accomplished. This day is here to celebrate your hard work. Remember the words of Thomas Edison:

“There is no substitute for hard work.”

Photo: theodysseyonline.com

5 Tips for Creating a Homework Hub

Posted on by Dawn Link Posted in Back to School, Children — No Comments ↓

The start of school is around the corner and for some of you it has already started. There’s a lot to get in order before the big day arrives – new school supplies, clothing and schedules! Pretty soon your kids will start coming home with their first homework assignments. Do they have a space to do their homework? Enter the homework hub.

By giving your kids a dedicated schoolwork space, they’ll have a place to call their own. Designate a special nook just for homework—such as a table in a common area or a desk in their room. Make sure the “homework hub” is stocked with everything they’ll need to stay focused and make the most of study time. Below are five tips to consider when bringing to life your homework hub:

  1. Pinpoint the location in your home. Some children will want you close by, so don’t assume a desk in their bedroom is the best location. Create a desk area that is in close proximity to where you will be during homework hours.
  2. Select homework supplies. Stock the homework hub with the supplies your children will need to complete their homework. It may change from year to year as they get older, but having the proper supplies on hand will eliminate any push back in completing their assignments.
  3. Ensure there is proper lighting. Don’t put the homework hub in a dark space. If there is not sufficient lighting, purchase a lamp to enhance their learning.
  4. Create a calendar. Encourage good time management skills by having a calendar available for each child. Working backwards from due dates will eliminate last-minute crunches.
  5. Buy an analog clock. Studies have shown that having an analog clock so children can see the passage of time is better for them than looking at a digital clock.

Setting up your homework hub now will help you and your children start off the school year set up for success!

Photo: Craft O Maniac

Mid-Year Goal Check-In

Posted on by Dawn Link Posted in Calendars, Goals, Time Management — No Comments ↓

It’s August, and the end of summer is approaching! I’m sure your days have been filled with hanging out at the beach, ice cream dates and other fun summer activities. Soak in every last minute!

With the close of summer, the end of the year is on the horizon – and that means it’s time to check in on your 2017 goals!

Have you reviewed yours lately? Are you on target or have you forgotten what you set out to do this year? It’s not too late to refocus, reboot, and achieve those goals! Here are three tips to help you if you are off track.

  1. Look at your goals each day. Perhaps you had these tucked away in a journal. It’s time to bring them out! Put them in a spot you always look at each morning such as the mirror in your bathroom. By doing this, you start the day with these intentions and can adjust your day to make sure your goals are being met.
  2. Schedule time in your calendar. Planning is key. You can’t expect your goals to be met if you don’t actively plan for them. When someone asks you to do something, look in your calendar to see if you have time. Better yet, ask them if you can get back to them so you have time to think about it. If it fits in with your goals and your schedule, go for it! Don’t feel pressured to answer on the spot.
  3. Be realistic. This is the most important of the tips! Since it is August, it is better to readjust your goals to make you feel successful at year-end. You are in charge so don’t feel bad or guilty about altering your original goals. After all, a little progress is better than no progress at all!

What advice do you have to help others stay on top of their goals?

Photo: Bekah Bee

We’re Loving – USPS Informed Delivery Service

Posted on by Dawn Link Posted in Mail, Travel — No Comments ↓

Summer means vacation time for many Americans. Often, this means weeks of uninterrupted relaxation and time with family and friends. In today’s digital world, we can largely stay up-to-date on correspondence via email, but what about snail mail? Many of us, including me, still depend on the United States Postal Service.

Will you be traveling this summer and expecting an important piece of mail? If so, there is a new service for you called USPS Informed Delivery Service! The United States Postal Service has been photographing our mail for years. With this new service, you can now view what mail parcels are being delivered to your physical mailbox. This is certainly advantageous for those who travel a lot or want to be sure they are getting the mail they expect.

This is a free service, all you have to do it sign up on their website. It is now available in most zip codes. Just enter your zip code to see if you are eligible. If so, once enrolled, you will receive an email each morning with images of what you can expect in your actual mailbox each day. Currently the system only works for letter size mail but they hope to add flat size pieces like catalogs and magazines in the future. How cool is this?

Photo: USPS

PURGE! Cleaning Out Your Bedroom Closet

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

The closet, whether a huge walk-in or a tiny apartment closet, can be the holder of everything. And I mean EVERYTHING. It’s the go-to place when folks are looking to hide an item that they can’t get rid of, but they don’t want showcased in the home. Cleaning out the closet is not the most exciting task in the world; however, the benefits outweigh the burden of doing this.

I recently moved and settled into my new home. The move was a rush due to circumstances out of my control. My bedroom closet was never fully settled and I really avoided using it. The closet just felt like a dumping ground and there was no order to the space. I finally took the time this past month to reclaim the closet and make it my own. Now, I’m happy when I enter the closet! Below are tips to make the process easier to tackle.

  1. Break Down the Process – Break the project into chunks of time. We all lead busy lives, and it may be hard to devote an entire day or weekend to the task. Plus, this project takes time, and you want to dedicate enough time to do it completely.
  2. Think about Your Clothes – Take out your hanging clothes. Yes, it can be a messy task but it’s best to take all of them out. (If you have way too many hanging clothes, try to do it by categories like all of your pants or tops.) Then, evaluate what you currently own.
  3. Try on Your Clothes – Again, not the most exciting task, but it’s time to be honest with yourself. We all have clothes hanging in our closet that, for whatever reason, we can’t purge. Whether the piece of clothing holds a memory, or you desire to fit into that item one day, all it is doing is taking up precious space in your closet and your mind. Time to let it go!
  4. Say Goodbye to Tattered Items – Now is the time to let go of the items that are torn, stained, or just not flattering.
  5. Organize Your Clothes – After you tackle these first four steps, you’re ready for your remaining items to reenter the closet. You may want to put your clothes back by category, or take it a step further and organize by color. Choose whatever organizational method makes you happy or helps you more easily get dressed.
  6. Shoo the Shoes – These can take up a lot of space. Do they fit and are they comfortable to wear? Get rid of old scuffed up shoes and shoes you haven’t worn in a few seasons.
  7. Purge the Purses – Purses can hold sentimental value. I wore this clutch to my best friend’s wedding. My husband got this for me for my wedding anniversary. Evaluate which ones you use and like. Donate the others.
  8. Sort Through Everything else – What other categories of items are in your bedroom closet? If you store your jewelry or hats in your closet, do the same thing by looking at each item and making a decision. If you have random items or misfits that don’t belong in your closet, create a pile and find its proper home, or simply let it go.

Trust me, when it is all done, you will be elated and your bonus will be time saved each time you need to get ready to leave your house. What item did you find in your closet that you simply forgot about? Share in the comments!

Images: The Container Store

Tip Tuesday: Moving this Summer? 5 Ways to Declutter and Downsize Your Stuff

Posted on by Dawn Link Posted in Downsizing, Moving, Summer — No Comments ↓

We’re smack dab in the middle of summer. Yes, this means it’s beach season. But it also means it’s moving season. The real estate market is in full swing, and there’s a chance you’re in the middle of a big summer move.

 

Moving can be stressful, but I look at it as a wonderful opportunity to pare down possessions. I’ve helped many clients prepare for a move, both locally and across country. Decluttering and downsizing seem like an overwhelming task to tackle along with all the other details surrounding a move, but it can be done. Here are 5 ways to help you downsize and declutter your stuff.

  1. Have a Plan – Select a date for when you want to be finished, and work backward from there. You may have to move out of your home by a certain date, and if you know that great. If not, put a date on the calendar. Knowing your end date will keep you on track and motivated. In addition to your finish date, put in your calendar the blocks of time you will devote to decluttering and stick to it.
  2. Schedule Charitable Donations – Schedule a few dates now for a charity to come pick up your items. Again, having these dates and a goal in mind will encourage you to let items go, knowing they will be picked up and go to a new home.
  3. Sell What You Don’t Need – If you have time and really want to hold a yard sale, summer is a great time to do it. If it will stress you out, don’t do it! Charities are a good fallback to offload useable items. You could also see if one of your older children would enjoy posting and selling items on Craigslist with the incentive of them keeping a portion of the proceeds. Caution, this is time consuming and may not yield you a lot of money.
  4. Know the Room Size – No matter how hard you try, you won’t be able to fit a nine-room house into a four-room condo. Select your favorite pieces. Then decide if there is a family member interested in the pieces you don’t want or plan on donating/selling those items that you won’t be taking.
  5. Be Honest with Yourself – Now is the time to be brutally honest with yourself on what items you really love and use. You can always take a photo of an item that you cherish but just won’t fit into your new space. Don’t move items just for the sake of sentimental value. You will end up regretting the decision and your new space will be overrun with nonfunctional pieces.

Downsizing and decluttering are not an easy task, but in the end you will feel lighter and be able to enjoy your new home!

Image: Real Simple

Top