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organizing tips

Jul 20
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5 Decluttering Projects to Tidy Your Spaces

By Blog, Home Organizing, Quick Organizing Tips No Comments

Quick decluttering projects are perfect solutions to create a fresh, organized vibe in your living and entertainment spaces for the summer!

 

In preparation for the busy season, start taking advantage of the longer daylight hours now. Tackle those forgotten-about corners to create some space for sunlight in your home today!

 

The good news is, you don’t need to set aside an entire weekend or trade hours of family fun for a more organized home. Today we’re giving you 5 simple 30-minute organizing projects that will transform key areas of your living space and teach you how to declutter your home.

 

Let’s get to it so you can enjoy your newfound sense of calm today!

 

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Decluttering Projects to Tidy Your Spaces

1 – Tidy the Desk Space

Your desk is the hub of productivity, a very important space! But it can also quickly accumulate a chaos of papers, office supplies, sticky notes, cluttered decor, and other miscellaneous items. Here’s how to declutter your home quickly in this area: spend just 30 minutes decluttering those unnecessary things and rearranging the surface of your desk. It’s that easy!

Work to create a space that offers you focus and creativity. Clearing your physical space helps in clearing your mental space, so try to store away as much as you can in drawers, cabinets, binders, and file folders. Be ruthless when decluttering papers – digitize what you can, file away what you need, and recycle what you don’t. You’ll be amazed at how much more efficient and inspired you feel once everything has a designated place!

2 – Clear the Kitchen Counters

Kitchen counters tend to attract clutter like magnets. They often become the dumping ground for keys, sunglasses, junk mail, dusty appliances, to-do lists, kids’ toys, and other odds and ends. Spend half an hour today to declutter everything on your kitchen counters. Reevaluate the items you regularly keep on your counters too. Ask yourself questions like, when was the last time I used this French coffee press? Do I use my bulky KitchenAid mixer often enough to permanently store it on the counter? Reclaim your meal-prepping space to one of beauty and order.

If you find yourself regularly dropping mail on one end of the counter, put a small basket there instead. Now that you know how to declutter your home, you’ll have a space to catch those odds and ends so they don’t take over your entire counter!

3 – Calm the Bedside Table Nightstand

Your bedside table should be a sanctuary for relaxation and rejuvenation, not a cluttered mess. If you don’t already have one, think about a bedtime routine you’d like to implement. What does it involve? Maybe you like to use a lavender spray on your pillow, journal or read a book, listen to relaxing music, and sleep with an eye mask, for example. Now that we know the contents you’ll be keeping close by, we can begin to organize the bedside table. Take just 30 minutes to declutter anything you don’t need, then organize what you do.

In our example that may look like a bottle of lavender spray, a pen and journal, reading glasses, your current reading material, earbuds, and a sleeping mask. Spend some time thinking about the necessities you want to have now so you can unwind before sleep and wake up to a calm and clutter-free morning, every day!

4 – Pare Down in the Linen Closet

Combat the embarrassment of not being able to find a matching sheet set for your guests (or even for your own bed)! Today, dedicate 30 minutes to decluttering and organizing your linen closet. Chuck out any linens with stains, rips, or worn-out spots. If you have pieces that don’t match, donate them. Ensure that everything you choose to keep is neatly folded and easy to access.

Once you’re comfortable with how to declutter your home here, an extra level of organization here could be sorting the linens one step further. This can be done by size (King, Queen, Double, Twin, etc.) and type (sheet sets with pillowcases, duvet covers, bath towels, etc.). Then label the shelves according to which bedroom they belong in or by bed size. Resetting your home every week when laundry is done will soon be a breeze!

5 – Lighten the Freezer Load

How many hot summer afternoons have you gone to defrost something for dinner, only to discover the items left in your freezer are unidentifiable? Save yourself last-minute grocery store trips and wasted money by decluttering your freezer in advance!

Invest just half an hour in organizing your freezer space(s) today. Sort through everything, discarding expired foods and setting aside or tossing unidentifiable ones. Then think about how a retrieval system might look for you. Make sure that it would allow you to easily locate and pull out your frozen items. Use bins to contain items and label them in categories like fruits, vegetables, chicken, beef, seafood, bread, and frozen treats.

Goodbye scrambled dinner plans, hello meal prep haven!

By learning how to declutter your home with these 5 quick decluttering projects, you can make significant changes to the way your home functions for you! Even decluttering just 3 of these spaces will lead you to a more harmonious living space.

 

Just in time for summer!

 

Grab your timer, put on some motivating tunes, and get started on bringing order and tranquility back into your home. One 30-minute project at a time!

 

Which space will you tackle first? Comment below!

 

 

 

 

 

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Jul 07
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Organizing The Perfect Summer Picnic

By Blog, Checklists, Inspiration No Comments

Organizing the perfect summer picnic is a wonderful way to combine spending quality time with loved ones and enjoying the great outdoors!

 

Whether you’re planning a romantic date night or a fun family weekend, arranging a picnic is sure to create beautiful memories. In this article, I’ll be covering everything you need to know about organizing the perfect summer picnic; from choosing the ideal location, packing essential supplies, and planning for any type of unexpected event.

 

And remember to set a great example for your children and others. A successful picnic not only involves enjoying the moment but also taking responsibility for cleaning up afterward!

 

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Organizing The Perfect Summer Picnic

 

Planning the Location

 

Scout and Pick The Perfect Spot:

Finding the perfect picnic spot is important for setting the right vibe! As well as making sure that your just-in-case weather preparations will work as desired if you need to use them.

 

Consider a location with picturesque views if you’d like to take photos, such as a grassy park, beach, or scenic lookout point. Take some time to scout the area in advance and choose a spot that offers enough space for everyone to relax comfortably. In some large, busy cities it can even be required to book your spot and required parking in advance, so make sure to check your favorite park’s requirements well before planning anything else! If kids are coming along, make sure there will be an area for them to play after the meal as well!

 

Check Out Parking Options:

Before the big day, research parking options near your chosen picnic spot. Ensuring convenient parking will save you from any unnecessary hassle or stress on the day of the event and allow you to set up your picnic with ample time. If you’re inviting guests who will be meeting you there, forward any necessary parking information to them as well.

 

Pinpoint the Nearest Public Bathroom:

It’s always wise to be prepared, especially if you’ll be bringing little ones along. Since nobody likes a last-minute scramble while hopping from foot to foot, make sure you have at least one option in mind before the big day. Research where the nearest public bathrooms are so you can provide directions for guests during your picnic.

 

Consider the Area’s Popularity:

This step is important if you want to avoid the disappointment of arriving and finding out your perfect spot has been filled by others! Find out how busy the area typically is on the day you’re planning your picnic. Google Maps can be a good reference if you are going to be at a public park as they have stats of when the busiest days and times are. Either way, plan to arrive early so you can secure your desired spot and not have to set up in a rush.

 

Supplies

 

Seating and Preparation:

Ensure you have comfortable seating by bringing along an outdoor blanket with a waterproof bottom. Some picnickers like to use a mini folding table or tray for a bit more table height and convenience. Additionally, you may want to bring wide, firm pillows for those who prefer sitting above the ground or even picnic chairs if needed.

 

Another way to spruce up the ambiance is to bring a portable speaker and make a curated picnic playlist in advance!

 

Picnic Basket Necessities:

Pack a well-equipped picnic basket or tote bag to store all your picnic necessities. To keep your food in its best condition until the event starts, bring ice packs and even a few extra in case you will need to keep some leftovers cool on the way back.

 

Think about including a camera to capture special moments, sunscreen to protect your skin, bug repellent or a citronella candle to ward off unwanted bug guests, and table decorations to create the imagined atmosphere. To make sure the fun doesn’t stop after eating, don’t forget to bring some cards, a board game, or a light outdoor activity to enjoy after the meal!

 

Serving it Up:

Gather all the necessary serving supplies well in advance. There’s nothing worse than arriving late because you were looking for something last-minute!

 

This includes plates, utensils for eating and serving, napkins, cups, and plenty of water. Bring a bottle opener if you plan on enjoying some beverages that will require one. Pack a cutting board and a sharp knife for any on-site food preparations. Additionally, bring salt, pepper, and any other desired condiments. This is a great time to use those extra condiment packets from takeout places I know we’ve all been “saving!” 😉

 

Cleaning Essentials:

Prepare for easy cleanup by bringing paper towels, wet wipes, some dishtowels (also good for packing plates and breakable items during transit), and extra food containers. Ziploc bags are also handy for packing up dirty utensils or storing leftovers. Pack a few trash and recycling bags to ensure you’re walking away from a clean space afterward. Consider bringing reusable bags to collect and transport your picnic supplies if you plan to bring a lot of items for setup.

 

More Tips

 

Keep it Fresh:

To keep your salads and sandwiches fresh, pack any wet dressings or condiments separately in small jars. Add them to your food once you’ve arrived at the planned picnic spot. This prevents the ingredients from getting soggy during transport!

 

Weather Preparedness:

Always be prepared for unexpected weather conditions when picnicking. Bring blanket weights or other wind deterrents to secure your blanket. If the sun is scorching or there is a possibility of rain, pick a spot with shade from trees, bring a gazebo that’s quick to set up and take down, a pop-up tent, or some large umbrellas.

 

Food Considerations:

Plan your picnic menu in advance, considering any allergies, dietary preferences (vegetarian/vegan), or a specific theme. Think about the ingredients, required preparation time, sealed containers to protect from bugs, and ice coolers for perishable items. If you’re having a potluck-style picnic, use Google Keep’s note feature to share with your guests so everyone is on the same page with what to bring! Pack a variety of drinks for guests to quench their thirst!

 

 

 

A successful picnic involves not only having a fun day with loved ones but also taking responsibility for leaving the environment as you found it (or even better!). Once you’ve finished your meal, be sure to clean up after yourselves. Dispose of trash properly and ensure recyclable items are separated as needed.

 

By practicing good picnic etiquette, you contribute to preserving the beauty of nature and ensure that future picnickers can enjoy the same great experience! So, gather your loved ones, follow this guide, and embark on an unforgettable picnic adventure!

 

Do you have a favorite picnicking spot? Comment below!

 

 

 

 

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Jun 16
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10 Products to Achieve a Neat and Organized Home

By Blog, Home Organizing, Quick Organizing Tips 4 Comments

Sure, we all want a neat and organized home with a gorgeous walk-in pantry! With the space to hide all linens and stow away archive file boxes.

 

But the reality is, many of us are stuck in homes that feel too small. With barely enough room to tuck away our collection of souvenir coffee mugs.

 

Unfortunately we can’t adjust your current square footage. But we do have the organizing products to make your space feel infinitely more comfortable, neat and organized!

 

We worked on this project with the homeowner and interior designer Stephanie Brown of Stephanie Brown Inc. to achieve an overall cohesive look and feel for the organizing products with her design. This was truly one of the most creative and fun renovation projects we’ve worked on for an entire home!

 

For our photoshoot, we brought my team in along with stylist Lorena Angus of LA Concepts and photographer Tracey Ayton to capture my vision for a beautifully organized and highly functional home. And no amount of snowfall that came down the night before was going to stop us from making it all happen!

 

Scroll through this beautifully styled Simply Productive home for 10 smart ways you can get organized. Whether that’s in a small pantry, mudroom cabinet, DIY coffee and tea station, tiny bathroom drawers, or clothes closet!

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10 Products to Achieve a Neat and Organized Home

 

The Mudroom

Neat Method carries a variety of beautifully crafted, luxury organizing products. I regularly use their products in clients’ homes to achieve the desired neat and organized style or look. These Oxford Bins in color Slate are great multi-use containers that elevate the look of any room. They are made of an upholstery-grade fabric for long-lasting durability. They’re also polished inside to avoid snagging delicate fabrics if used in your closet.

Using Brass Label Holders compliments the distinguished slate simply. On top of these magnetic label holders, we have used black labels to retain a classic style. Neat Method’s label holders come in two pieces with multiple ways to attach to just about any bin or basket in your home. Here, we have used them magnetically. Lining up the front and back plates on either side of the Oxford Bin’s fabric allows them to hold one another in place.

 

The Bathroom

The versatile, shatter-resistant containers by The Home Edit have quickly become a staple for many professional organizers! I often use these Clear Stackable Organizing Bins in bathrooms for cosmetics and toiletries, kitchens for junk drawers, and offices for drawer supplies, among many other spaces. A great thing about these is that you have many choices when it comes to sizes. With many combinations of heights, depths, and widths, you’re sure to be able to find the perfect size to create a neat and organized space! Just make sure to measure the area before purchasing 😉

 

The Pantry

In this uniquely painted pantry, we’ve used The Home Edit’s Narrow Pantry Bins to store small-sized snacks. When purchasing snacks in bulk, these bins are our go-to option for keeping them contained and easily accessible. They are also available at Canadian Tire! For larger snack items we love to use these clear, stackable Divided All-Purpose Bins because the divider is also removable if needed. Its clear sides let you check the contents at any time. Each bin is also extremely durable, with a crisp look that’s perfect for clutter-free pantry storage. These can also be found at Canadian Tire!

A classic look is provided by Anchor Hocking’s Montana Jars which come with beautiful, dark acacia wood lids. Generous top openings allow for easy access, and their snug-fitting lids give you almost airtight storage. Making them the perfect choice for storing your favourite cereals, pastas, flours, or any other bulk items in a way that stays neat and organized! If clear is more your style, you’ll want to check out Anchor Hocking’s Heritage Hill Glass Jar. Made with oversized knobs for easy lid removal, these glass jars are also wide-mouthed and thick-walled to ease scooping and prevent spillage. Glass is not only more environmentally-friendly than plastic or metal, but also tends to be more durable in different ways. It will not warp, stain, retain smells, or seep dangerous chemicals into stored food.

 

The Coffee + Tea Station

The two products in this drawer I tend to use in almost every coffee and tea station I set up. They just work so complimentarily with each other!

The first of these is the Bamboo Adjustable Drawer Dividers pictured across the entire drawer space. I love these spring-loaded dividers because they can easily be adjusted to almost any drawer. They give a nice, natural look to a space. Plus they can break up the blocky dark or stark white drawer bottoms. This makes them the perfect solution for almost any room to make your home look neat and organized!

I am always asked about what I use for storing teas, and this second product here is my #1 recommendation! It’s almost as if they were made for it 😄 Introducing, The Home Edit’s Small Bin Clear Organizer! These organizers let you easily customize any drawer’s storage. Their straight sides sit neatly beside each other to help you make the most of your shelf space. They’re also completely clear so the contents inside are always visible.

 

The Closet

A new-er product in my organizing toolbelt lately has been these handy Clear Acrylic Closet Dividers. I love how they can help you pull out a sweater or bulky clothing item without the worry of the neighboring stack spilling over or sliding out! I have also used these for storing purses, clutches, and large wallets upright in rows. Maximize your closet storage space and keep any shelf neat and organized. Use them to easily divide the same shelf into different functional areas. Then stack items like clothing, sweaters, towels, and linens into high (but functional!) piles.

 

 

Keep these smart organizing products to make your home neat and organized fresh in mind… It’s time to roll up your sleeves and bring the vision to life!

 

Whether you choose to use a few or all of these products, remember the ultimate goal. Creating a space that suits your family’s own unique needs! So go ahead and declutter what you don’t need first. Then map out how you want the remaining items to be organized.

 

 

You’ll see very quickly how you can fully transform your humble abode into your dream organized home!

 

Embrace the powers of organization today, and enjoy the new beauty and efficiency of your spaces tomorrow.

 

Did something catch your eye today? See a few you already use? Comment below!

 

 

 

 

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Making and Keeping a Family Laundry Schedule