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Sherry Borsheim

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Oct 17
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10 Smart Home Organization Ideas

By Blog, Expert Articles, Home Organizing, Simple Living No Comments


With the recent years’ influx of “smart homes,” one thing I am seeing a lot more of is smart storage!

 

Since there is less storage space in these small homes, we have had to get really creative with inexpensive, space-saving solutions. Often right down to the nitty-gritty of each drawer.

 

Not only are these little product changes making big storage impacts, but they’re also huge time savers. Bonus points for productivity!

 

These tips are especially useful for smaller spaces but also applicable to larger homes just the same.

 

Since there is no better time to get organized than the present, so let’s get right into these ideas!

Spice Jars

These aren’t only pretty kitchen accessories – they’re super functional and space-saving too!

 

Instead of a drawer stuffed full of spices in plastic bags, or a cupboard of miscellaneous bottles, find exactly what you need with uniform labeled jars. These can be purchased as fancy or inexpensive as you like, with a wide array available both online and in-store.

 

An extra tip: use a small funnel to decant the spices and powders. You’ll save a whole lot of mess!

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Turntables

One of my all-time favorite products are turntables! I love them because they are so versatile.

 

I frequently use turntables in kitchens for oils and sauces, liquor, and breakfast spreads. They are also very handy in bathrooms for skin and hair care products, and laundry rooms for bottles of detergent. These products come in many durable materials; acacia wood, bamboo, and acrylic.

Drawer Dividers

Have you ever run into the drawer-jamming problem of that pesky potato masher getting stuck? I know I sure have!

 

My best solution for organizing kitchen, bathroom, and office drawers is to use dividers or small containers to keep things separate. One option I like are these bamboo drawer tension dividers. If you’re looking for a more sectional type of organization, smaller containers come in just about any material you could wish for.

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Canisters in a Drawer

Say goodbye to reaching your whole arm into a flour bag! A drawer of canisters for bulk ingredients makes cooking and baking simple and accessible.

 

Make sure to first measure out your desired drawer for the dimensions of your canisters before purchasing! Once you’ve got them set, decant your bulk ingredients into them and make sure to label the top of the lids.

Color-Code Playroom

How many times a day do you ask your kids to clean up? Don’t worry, I won’t make you count – but I can guess it’s too many!

 

Turn cleanup into a fun activity for little ones by color-coding toys and books. Tidying time will turn into matching colors and become less of a chore. Plus, they will know where each of their toys are when they want to play!

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Velvet Grid Jewelry Tray

Not only are these smooth jewelry trays gorgeous, but they’re also overtly functional too!

 

I like to use them for jewelry, specifically earrings to organize matching pairs. They also come in different sizes, so they are not always squares but can be rectangles, and there are even designs for rings to be propped up in.

Hanging Files

Useful in homes and work offices alike, this way of filing makes it easy to file papers and even easier to retrieve them.

 

This system is great for businesses. Keep any paper copies of legal documents safely stored in your chosen style of organization. I also use this method for organizing kids’ artwork, greeting cards, and printed photos.

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Cleaning Caddy

Cleaning isn’t at the top of my fun-list, but I can make it a little less of a hassle by keeping products and accessories easy to grab and go!

 

Trade reaching into the back of a cupboard of loose cleaning product bottles for grabbing one easy caddy. My favorite caddy is functional and stylish, with a comfortable handle and durable bin. These dimensions easily fit into most under-the-sink storage spaces and storage closets.

Jewelry Board

One of everyone’s least favorite steps of getting ready is to approach a jumbled knot of necklaces. Often many of us will give up and suffice without one!

 

Keep them separated and hanging with a board attached to the back of a cabinet door, or a standalone hanging organizer. This also helps you to organize them however you please; by color, length, style, material, etc.

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Garage Hooks

Most of us have a space in our garage or equipment shed where we cram gardening tools into one spot and then fight to retrieve one when needed.

 

Let’s cut that unnecessary frustration out and hang these tools up! With these easy-to-install hooks, you will be able to see where each item is and take them down without a problem. With materials ranging from plastic to durable metal out there, you can even hang heavier equipment too!

With all these smart storage tips, what will you do with your extra space? Do you already use some of these ideas in your home? Comment below!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Ultimate Guide: My Kitchen Organizing Process

Oct 07
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5 Trending Color Palettes For Your Next Organizing Project

By Blog, Home Organizing, Inspiration No Comments

These timeless fall trends won’t have you chasing new decor pieces every season 🍂 To create a warm and cozy space all you need is to pick a vibe, then stick to a color scheme.

 

After implementing these decorating ideas, your home’s look will be sure to stand the test of time!

 

Read more on this below! 👇🏼

Deep + Earthy

(mossy green, warm browns, off-white, tan, olive green)

 

When I see these colors combined, I feel like I’m walking into a library with a hot cup of tea ready to flip through some art history books! Bring this cozy vibe into your humble abode by incorporating deep, natural colors.

       • Keep throw blankets in a woven basket

       • Use dark-stained wood for your kitchen and pantry products

       • Give center stage to a patterned area rug

       • Look for wooden furnishings, or pieces with wood features

       • Space out furniture so the dark colors don’t appear cramped

These rich, luscious tones are especially complimentary to an abundance of houseplants!

Delicate Wallpaper

(dramatic prints, maximalist decor without going overboard)

 

The great thing about wallpaper is that you can switch up your decor and furniture pretty easily as long as you stick to the color realm of the paper! This season, subdued florals and bright-but-bold shapes are super in.

       • Use single colored organizing products to avoid clashing

       • Pairs with neutral furniture and throw pillows with bright color pops

       • Boxes with lids, chests, and drawers are great storage options

       • Off-whites and creams compliment busy patterns

       • Avoid shelves as storage, you will want most items out of sight

       • Unique light fixtures bring depth to wallpaper patterns

And remember… less is more. Be mindful not to overindulge in decor and keep clutter to a minimum.

DECOMOMO – 3 Foldable Storage Bins with Lids and Handles

Coastal Grandmother

(cool pastels, linen, ocean blues, navy, tan)

 

Now this one may sound a little “out there” but bear with me! Try to imagine a white sand beach house, a delicate charcuterie board and champagne, or a light and breezy home.

       • Wicker, wicker, wicker! For baskets, chairs, and storage ottomans

       • Modern, chic, purposeful decor

       • Plants with white flowers pair very well

       • A light-colored area rug or flowy curtains are great accents

       • Storage can be more “open;” under-the-coffee-table baskets, bookshelves, or floating shelves

But the greatest accent of all would be open windows on a beautiful, breezy day!

Natural + Stone

(coppers, multi-color stone, pistachio, tile pattern, muted browns)

 

Before you think this one practically speaks for itself, this year we’re adding a twist! Adding a dash of the above aesthetic, a pinch of leather rustic… and voila! This palette can be as fun as you like, since brightly patterned tilework is booming this season.

       • Tile can be used on floors, walls, and even pasted on side tables!

       • Stick with one non-natural color and surround it by naturals

       • Use white, sandy, or dark brown colored bins or containers

       • Cabinets with glass fronts create a beautiful combination

       • Display your kitchenware visually by hanging or stacking

Though natural and stony looks are normally quite classic, don’t be afraid to jazz it up with some daring hues!

Romantic Elements

(moody and romantic with warm royal, berry, and jewel tones)

 

Want to feel like you’ve been pulled back in time to a Victorian-era office study? This warm vibe of precious jewels with deep and mysterious touches will tuck you in and make you feel oh-so cozy.

       • Classic storage pieces like wardrobes, chests, and dressers

       • Medium brown to black wood for furniture and storage bins

       • Style with plants of low saturated colors (greys, browns, whites)

       • This theme is quite dark; add interest with uniquely shaped decor

       • Utilize glass and gold accented products for your kitchen and pantry

       • Draw the eye around with black and gold photo frames

Autumn brings so many beautiful changes and choices. And a great way to welcome the season is to spruce up your mood and decor at home😌

 

I’m undecided on a favorite palette, comment yours below!

 

 

 

 

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How to Create A Cozy Fall Closet

Oct 03
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How to Create A Cozy Fall Closet

By Blog, Closet Organizing, Home Organizing, Simple Living No Comments

Are you beginning to smell apple pies in the air? Have the leaves in your neighborhood started flashing their reds, oranges, and yellows? The season of Fall is certainly upon us!

 

Now that the summer break is over (aren’t we all secretly glad to return to normal routines again?) you may need to layer up over those light summer clothes. And right now is the perfect time to play keep-or-toss with your airy sundresses, bike shorts, and tank tops that have served you well over the sunny months! At the same time, you will want to bring out the warmer clothes that have been sitting in storage for the last six months.

 

Curating a simplified and beautifully styled closet for the colder months will:

 

  • Save you hours of wasted time flipping through pieces you no longer love
  • Encourage you to wear more of your clothing this fall and winter
  • Create a feeling of spaciousness and ease in your routine

 

So here are my top organizing tips for creating a Cozy Fall Closet:

 

 

  1. CUT YOUR CLOSET

By doing a full wardrobe edit first, you will have a clear idea of what “look” you want for the season of fall. The decluttering process is simple. Start by pulling all your clothes (then shoes, accessories, etc.) out of your closet and separate them into 4 piles:

 

To Keep: will wear this season

To Pack: summer must-haves

To Mend: needs stain-removal, repair, etc.

To Donate/Sell: don’t love it or won’t wear it

 

The more you can let go of in this stage, the more conscious your clothing choices will feel. An important phrase to keep in mind is “be relentless;” if you don’t love it, let go of anything you encounter where you don’t remember the last time you wore it.

 

  1. PREPARE AND PACK 

Storing summer styles elsewhere can carve out more closet space than you think. But before packing anything away, check for any stains or tears and either get them repaired now, or toss the piece away. Making sure your stored clothes are clean and in good condition will save you time come spring.

 

If you do have the space to keep your summer clothing in your main closet, great! The most convenient way to do this is to rotate your warmer weather clothes away into a far corner or high shelf, so that your “prime real estate” is reserved for the ones you’ll be wearing more often.

  1. DONATE OR DISCARD 

Giving up items that no longer hold value for you is not just about opening up more physical space; when you clear the old, you make space for the new! Whether it’s hopes of a new career, a new relationship, or just to welcome the season of fall. Consider how your energy will shift when you discard items that no longer support your current goals and aspirations.

One more thing – not knowing where to sell or donate items can be overwhelming, I know! Here are a few pieces of advice for that dilemma:

 

  • For high-end items in great condition, I recommend visiting a consignment shop. These can be in your city or online!
  • For lightly-worn business and interview attire, I love donating to Dress for Success. This company is a non-profit that empowers women entering their careers by providing professional attire.
  • For casual and more worn items, you can donate to a local Women’s Shelter or thrift store.

  1. RINSE AND REPAIR 

To set yourself up for success, start by repairing, cleaning, and tailoring your fall clothing.

 

First, assess all your shoes. Set aside any pairs that need to be re-soled, polished, or weatherproofed. Second, sort through your jackets, dresses, and blouses for any that need to be dry-cleaned, mended, or tailored.

  1. THE PERFECT PIECES

Now that your wardrobe has been edited, consider what clothing pieces would fill in the gaps of your collection. A capsule wardrobe is simple and fantastic to work with because it completes your closet with chic, high-quality pieces that mix and match easily. Consider which of your pieces you often skip wearing because they need “the right skirt” or pair of boots.

By adding a few intentional pieces, you can round out your wardrobe and make it a little more like your current taste with some new items (plus it’s an excuse to shop!)

 

 

With all this preparation and organization behind us, and now that you know how to create a cozy fall closet, how are you going to reward yourself for a purge well done?! Comment below!

 

 

 

 

 

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Organizing Your Closet Twice a Year Can Help Your Favorite Charity!