When we have something to contain, the first impulse (at least for those of us who love organizing) is to go out and purchase a new container. Sometimes you find the perfect container right at home. Here are a few ideas of containers that work better than some of the options you can find in the stores, not to mention repurposing them is environmentally friendly.
I love to use Tic Tac containers for tiny things that need to be gathered and they also really save on space because they’re tall and skinny. Here is an example of the two different types of Tic Tac containers I use.
Tic Tac Containers
Another I found on Pinterest is this one using Tennis ball canisters for craft supplies.
Tennis Ball Canisters
What are some other containers can you repurpose for innovative storage solutions?
Today is my daughter Alissa’s 9th birthday, so on this day, I thought I’d share a gift I give my kids on their birthdays so they will remember the past year. I make an annual digital photo album for each of them. The album goes from birthday to birthday and highlights all the adventures of the year. I use Shutterfly.com to make the books. I love the new Custom Path option because it allows you to create a unique custom scrapbook and it’s easy. The only thing that’s required is taking the time to sit with it and follow along. I think the biggest stumbling block for people is picking which photos to use in the book, that is, if you are taking photos, if not, maybe this will inspire you to start! You can always get the pictures in order or create a book, but there’s only one chance to take a picture of a particular event. Once the photos are uploaded into your computer, just drag the favorites from the year into a new album. Edit and crop your pictures, then go to the website and upload them. If you want some help making your own album, our organizers are happy to assist you. Here’s what Alissa’s 8th year looks like:
It’s that crazy time of year when kids sporting activities are in full swing. Here’s what our organizer Lara does to keep all the different sporting activities organized in her busy household:
My family is involved in multiple sports per person including soccer, baseball, basketball, softball, football and tennis. Recently, our mudroom, which is really a hallway, was completely over taken by sports bags and shoes. I’m a firm believer in having a bag for every sport or activity including music lessons, Sunday School and library books. Our household seems to have a lot of grab and go days. Inside each sports bag, there is a check list including items such as equipment, uniform, water bottle and shoes. Get Buttoned Up makes a great checklist notepad.
It is my child’s responsibility to check that the bag is stocked for each practice or game.
When we could no longer store all of the bags in the mudroom, I found a sturdy, easy to assemble chrome shelving unit from Home Depot. It is at the foot of the basement steps. For about $100, I’ve saved my sanity and the sporting equipment has a new home. Our mudroom can now be a place for school backpacks, lunch boxes, coats and shoes.
With Mother’s Day only a few days away, one quick and easy gift option that mothers and grandmothers always love are photos. Walgreens.com is a great site for all kinds of photo related gifts. What I love is that you can upload and order online and pick up in the store. I ordered some poster prints (16×20) and they were ready within one hour. You can also always find coupons online for discounts. . With a Walgreens in most neighborhoods, the site is a great place to have prints made, but not only prints, canvases, posters, cards, stationery, etc… If you’re having a hard time thinking about what you can get mom for Mother’s Day (besides a Chaos To Order gift certificate), find a great photo, or quickly take one and turn it into a thoughtful gift.
Many Americans have the misperception that estate planning is simply preparing for one’s death and is only necessary for the wealthy. To the contrary, estate planning is for everyone! By taking the time to organize and convey your wishes as to what happens to your assets when you die or become incapacitated, your family/heirs will be able to celebrate your life or mourn your departure without the legal and financial hassles.
Take estate planning steps now to make sure that…
You can control your property while you’re alive.
You can provide for yourself and your loved ones if you become disabled.
When you die, you can give what you have to whom you want, when you want, and how you want.
You can avoid unnecessary tax dollars, professional fees and court costs.
You can leave a meaningful legacy to your loved ones.
Planning solutions may include….
Revocable Living Trusts
Irrevocable Trusts
Wills
Guardianship Designations for your Children
Gifting to Minors
College Planning
Emergency Access to Documents
Legal Vault
Medical Directives
Powers of Attorney for Property
An attorney will know your legal options and bring clarity to your issues. The result will be a plan that is right for your family, provides financial security, and conveys your values, morals and life philosophy.
You’re not alone. Show your family how much you love them and make sure your assets are in order.
This guest post was provided by Teresa Nuccio, an estate planning attorney in Park Ridge, IL. You can contact her via www.TeresaNuccio.com.
If you have several types and sizes of frying pans in your cabinet, keeping them organized can be a nuisance. They get scratched up when they’re stacked and it’s a hassle to pull the bottom pan out from under all of the others. Here’s a good solution: You can purchase a wire pan organizer like [...]
I just made an appointment for my daughter to go to the doctor for a check up. She never gets sick and taking her just hasn’t crossed my mind–in a long, long time. When I called to make the appointment, the receptionist said, “do you realize it’s been over two years since she has been [...]
Do you want to eat healthier? The key can be behind the door of your fridge. When you’re hungry, you grab what you see–the quicker the better. Why not plan for those moments and fill your refrigerator with healthy foods that will satisfy your cravings. Here are some tips for bringing the Chaos To Order [...]
Are you ready to clear the papers in your office? Is it a time consuming hassle to get your hands on papers you need? Maybe it’s time to digitize and find your papers in a snap with a Fujitsu Scansnap. I’ve always been a fan of scanning papers and keeping them digitally on the computer or [...]
