What are you doing this weekend? I’ve made a date with myself to change over my closets. It’s on the calendar, marked in big bold letters so I won’t forget. Believe it or not, the calendar has become my favorite new organizing tool. I’ve discovered that once I commit a job to a certain date, I’ll follow through. Otherwise, it’s so easy to put these sorting and stashing tasks off.
I didn’t think up this strategy myself; I picked it up from an article I edited in the October issue: “Organizing Tricks for Every Season.” Not only do we give you a yearly plan for all your big and little organizing jobs around the house, but we also tell you the best way to pack up your stuff and stow it away so that clothes, lawn furniture, garden supplies, sports equipment—even your summer flip-flops will make it to another season.
Did you know, for instance, that a great way to store that sunscreen and bug spray you’re putting away right about now is to stuff cotton balls into the neck of the bottle, then cover the top in plastic wrap, and then recap it? Keeps it from leaking! Who knew?
Some of our favorite long-term organizing tools include:
Jumbo plastic bins. Look for those with covers that seal tightly and easy-grip handles to easier carrying. They’re versatile size and shape work for so many items including, garden supplies (like opened bags of much and fertilizer); out-of season clothes that can be folded, like T shirts, shorts, and bathing suits; and picnic blankets and outdoor table linens. TIP: tuck a dryer sheet into the bin and clothes and linens will smell fresh when you go to unpack them in a few months.
Clear contractor bags. These are great for storing outdoor patio cushions. Just knot the bag and hang it over a hook in your basement or garage.
Covered garment racks. If you’re short on closet space, these really come in handy for stashing away anything that hangs—dresses, coats, jackets.
For a year’s worth of tips, check out the story on page 22 of the October issue. And let me know if we’ve missed any tip or tool that works for you.
C A Dougherty
07:00:43 PM on Sun Sep 18 2011
Pleeeeeze tell me where to find clear contractor bags here in 30907.Lowes and HOME dEPOT LOOKED AT ME LIKE i HAD THREE HEADS FOR ASKING WHATS WRONG WITH BLACK BAGS THEY SAY?dUUUHHHHH.cAN i FIND THESE IN THE usa???dESPERATE.
Robin Melen
10:46:24 AM on Mon Sep 19 2011
No worries! Try this link!
http://www.uline.com/Product/Detail/S-14698/Trash-Liners/30-x-36-30-Gallon-3-Mil-Contractors-Bag
Francesca Sullivan
12:42:16 PM on Mon Sep 19 2011
I love your advice, etc., but under your theme of organizing stuff I wish you'd tell us how to save the things that interest us without saving the whole magazine. When I remember something I want to look back at I don't remember which issue I saw it in.
SNellis
11:12:21 AM on Tue Sep 20 2011
Even better - drum liners from warehouse clubs (Sam's, Costco, etc) - they are 55 gallon and come in boxes of 80. Here's a link: http://www.samsclub.com/sams/shop/product.jsp?productId=180827&navAction=#desc
Chicago
09:01:09 AM on Tue Oct 4 2011
Francesca -
The best way to organize those pages / articles that you want to save without saving the entire magazine is to purchase a personal scanner/organizer.
There are several models on the market and I am sure you can find one within your price range.
You then scan what you want to keep and save it either to your home computer or to a flash drive.
Lisa
11:11:26 PM on Sun Oct 23 2011
I have a 3 ring binder labeled Stuff I Think Is Cool. It contains page protector pockets, the cheap ones. In it I slip in magazine articles, brochures, photos, and anything else that inspires me.
Robin Melen
10:49:40 AM on Mon Oct 24 2011
That's a great idea!!
Robin Moehring Hayles
03:31:30 PM on Thu Oct 27 2011
Chicago - instead of buying something else, try using your cell phone camera to take pictures of articles, if it's a one page thing. I use mine for all sorts of things like that. Of course, you have to print it out somehow, or you can just send it to your email.
Patty Kocurek
10:36:51 PM on Mon Jan 9 2012
Is there a way to order the previous issues, October, November and December of 2011? I love this magazine and have already subscribed.
Thanks
Robin Melen
11:35:49 AM on Tue Jan 10 2012
Hi Patty~
Thanks for reading ShopSmart! You can get back issues by sending $6.99 per issue to ShopSmart, Attn: Customer Relations Dept., 101 Truman Ave., Yonkers, NY 10703-1057.
Thanks!