Using Containers Effectively

Using containers is one of the best ways to create and maintain organized spaces.  Items on shelves, in cabinets and even in drawers should be arranged so they do not fall on other items, move around in the space or mix with other items. 

There are some guidelines to remember in choosing containers.

• Use the most attractive containers in places where they are on display or seen. Decorative boxes and baskets are options for containers that will be seen by everyone.  Those containers used in closets, cabinets or drawers need not be as attractive or expensive. 
• Keep like items together in containers.  Do not mix types of items such as pens with paper clips or earrings with bracelets.
• If there is more than one of the same type of item, containerize them together.
• Separate items from each other in a drawer or cabinet with dividers or containers.
• Group small items on a shelf in containers.  Sauce packets in a pantry and rings in a jewelry box are examples of items that could be grouped together and contained.
• Containers should fit the space and hold the designated items in an orderly fashion.  Using the same size, style, etc. creates a more attractive system.
• Measure spaces and items before purchasing any containers.
• Use square or rectangular containers whenever possible as they are more space efficient than round or oval ones.
• Clear plastic containers are the most versatile and functional because you are able to see the contents clearly.  Label containers that are opaque.
• It is preferable to used stacked drawers units rather than stacking more than 3 containers together.  It is too difficult to get to the items in the lowest container.
• Use trays or shallow boxes to contain items on dressers, vanities, counters, etc.  It makes cleaning those surfaces quicker.
• Consider recycling boxes and other containers in the home for a new use rather than purchasing new containers the same size.

In today’s organizing happy world, there are containers available in every size, shape, color, material and price.  There are even stores and outlets opened specifically for selling containers and organizing supplies.  With so many choices, there should be something for everyone.  Make using containers a habit and your organizing and cleaning tasks will be much easier.

Organizing Fabrics

The goal in any fabric organizing system is to have the fabrics available to see without moving them around, to have the fabrics contained so they don’t fall all over the place when securing what you need, and to have the space be reasonably attractive.
It appears that regardless of how you get them, most fabrics will need to be refolded to be organized efficiently. Even fat quarters are folded in a plethora of ways depending on the store that sells them. While you can purchase plastic templates for doing this, I suggest you create templates that are suitable for your particular spaces.

Pieces larger than on yard can effectively be stacked on shelves. Most shelving in closets or bookcases is 10” to 12” deep, making it perfect for one fourth of your fabric width. I would make a template for it 1” less than its depth, about 6”-9”wide for smaller yardage and 12-15”” wide for larger yardage. This width can be adjusted to the width of your shelves so you can maximize the number of stacks in the space. Be sure to allow room for the fabric itself and “breathing” room between stacks. If you buy it on the bolt, you can leave it on that and save a shelf or space just for bolts.

For maximum visibility on the shelf, leave the fabric folded with the selvages together so it is about 20”-22” wide and wrap it around the width of the template. Place the selvage edges on the bottom edge of the template so only the selvage half of the fabric will actually be on the template as you wrap. Using a flat surface makes the process easier as you can keep the fabric straight while you are wrapping.

When the fabric is completely wrapped, fold the half of the fabric not on the template over the fabric that is on the template bringing the edges even. Place the fabric on the shelf with the selvage end against the back or wall. You will have a nice round, folded edge on the front that allows you to identify and see more of the fabric. You can leave the template in place or pull it out and use it for the next fabric.

Similar templates can be made for containers that hold fabric pieces smaller than one yard. Measure the height and width of the container leaving space for the fabric around it. Wrap the fabric so that you have one last fold for the edge you will see. This may take some trial and error at first but allows you to see more of each fabric placed in the container.

No doubt many of you out there have huge fabric “collections” and this strategy may be too time consuming to consider. Depending on your satisfaction level with your system, you may not want to try this, you may want to begin this system with new pieces or you can start with one area and gradually do more. We each have systems and preferences that work best for us.

Your Home--A Resort!

If you have toured a Model Home or vacationed at a Time Share or Vacation Home, you understand how simplicity gives a feeling of relaxation, calm and peace. Realtors know buyers want to see open spaces free of clutter because it has an inviting presence. The rule, “less is more” definitely applies to all of these living spaces.
It is possible to make your home that place of tranquility by keeping it simple.

• Remove objects that you no longer use or like.
• Eliminate items that are duplicates, in disrepair or soiled.
• Keep visible loose items in attractive containers.

These can help make your home more attractive and easier to clean and maintain. It can be a place you enjoy with freedom to create, relax, be inspired or energized.

If you are stuck on what to do, ask a family member, friend or even a professional organizer for ideas and strategies to make your home more like a resort. You will be glad you did.

 

 

 

Organizing Holiday Clean-up

Some tips to make holiday clean-up orderly:

• Only save what you love, use and have room to store.  Pass on, sell or donate the rest.
• Make sure all items are clean and in good repair before storing.
• Use specialty containers to protect breakable items or those difficult to store. 
• Label all containers so they can be easily located next year.
• Consider color coding containers for holiday and seasonal items. 
• Hang bows in bags on hooks rather than stacked in boxes to preserve their shape.
• Plan a clean-up time when others can help you and consider making it part of the holiday traditions.
• Add food, music, games, etc. to make the task more pleasant.
• Resist the urge to buy more holiday items just because they are on sale.