Less Mess, More Yes

Sleigh the Season!

By: Stefani Langone of Sterilite Corporation 

 

The holidays can be a whirlwind; decorating, buying gifts, hosting, cleaning, running around from here to there in the bitter cold all while having the same Christmas carol stuck in your head.  That’s bound to make anyone a little crazy!  The good new is, with a little planning and the right storage solutions (wink, wink) you can not only make this holiday season easier, but also set yourself up for a stress-free experience next year!
When it comes to storing holiday decorations, having the right storage solution can make all the difference.  Our 18 Gal. Totes serve as an ideal “one stop shopping” solution for larger, hard to store décor.  The 18 Gal. Tote features a lid that snaps tightly to the base so contents will stay safe until next year.  Their convenient size allows a lot to be stored, and their stacking ability help maximize your space!  Not to mention, the holiday colors help you easily identify exactly where you left the tote the year prior-it’s the gift that keeps on giving!
Nothing is more frustrating than rummaging through piles of mismatched boxes or struggling to find your favorite ornament from 1998, often buried at the bottom of a random bin.  Item-specific storage, like our Stack & Carry – 2 Layer Ornament Box will ensure those cherished tchotchkes stay safe!  Our Light Box and Bow Box aid in organizing those pesky items, like string lights and bows/other wrapping essentials. Our 40” Vertical Wrap Box is a true holiday hero- with a capacity to store away up to 25, 40” wrapping paper rolls!
No matter how you choose to set up the season, our storage options will help you avoid unnecessary stress next season!  A little goes a long way: some organization today makes for a brighter, stress-free holiday tomorrow!  Happy Holidays from all of us at Sterilite Corporation!

Wrapping up the Holidays

By Tim Serrilla of Sterilite Corporation

The holidays are rapidly approaching! This time of year is made special by the many traditions that take shape with the ones that we hold most dear. Gift giving is one of the time-honored traditions of the Christmas season. While this in itself is exciting, it also brings along the frustration of attempting to store your many rolls of wrapping paper.

Did you know that residents of the United States spent a total of $9.36 billion on wrapping paper alone last year? That is nearly $26 per person!  Thankfully, Sterilite has the perfect storage solutions to make sure that your festive holiday wrapping paper stays organized throughout this hectic season.


Typically, wrapping paper rolls come in two sizes – 30 and 40 inches. These long, skinny rolls can be a nightmare to store, so we are proud to introduce you to the Sterilite family of wrap boxes. These two products are specifically designed to neatly store all types of wrapping paper. Do you have a plethora of 30” wrapping paper rolls? If so, the Sterilite 30 Inch Wrap Box is perfect for your needs. This product holds up to 25 rolls of wrapping paper so you can be sure that your gifts look amazing under the tree this year. If you have a host of 40” wrapping paper rolls, there is no need to worry because Sterilite has a solution for this as well.  Sterilite’s 40 Inch Wrap Box will turn any cluttered Christmas corner into a fool-proof storage system in no time. This item features a clear top with a built-in door that allows you to easily access your wrapping paper without having to remove the top.


So, we encourage you to start a new tradition of tidiness when it comes to storing your wrapping paper. From all of us here at Sterilite, we wish you all a happy, healthy holiday season and hope that you enjoy all of your favorite winter activities.

Be sure to stay tuned to our blog to learn more about exciting holiday storage ideas.

Let the Seasonal Decorating Begin!

By Sarah Mills of Sterilite Corporation

Now that Halloween is over we can move on to what I consider the best time of year AUTUMN! Don’t get pulled in to the Christmas spirit just yet, first we need to decorate for the fall. What’s better than the smell, feel and color of fall? NOTHING! Crafting your own personal wreath is the best way to start bringing these senses into your home. Wreaths are the perfect accent piece for any door! Below are instructions for an easy DIY harvest wreath that will really get you in the autumn mood. The best part, I’ve included some great storage ideas using Sterilite products, which will keep your craft supplies and wreaths fresh for next year too.

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What You Will Need:

•A wreath
•Fake leaves
•Burlap cut into strips
•Hot glue gun
•A colored monogram of your liking

Start by making your burlap strips into loops by hot gluing the ends together. Next, start layering your pieces on, starting from the outside and working in. Once you get to the middle, make a little background for the monogram to sit on. You can pick either burlap or leaves; just make sure you have a good surface area to glue on the monogram.

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Once it’s time to swap the harvest wreath for the Christmas wreath, don’t throw it out! The Sterilite Wreath Box has all of the best features to make sure your wreath stays clean and dust free until next year.  The wreath box will hold up to a 24” wreath and comes with a see-through lid to make identification easy. The comfort grip handle makes transporting your wreath between seasons easy to manage.  Secure latches keep dust and pests out no matter where you store it in your home. The mounted hole in the base allows for a convenient wall hanging solution and the integrated hanging feature on the inside keeps your wreath securely hung throughout the year. It truly is the best option to preserve the shape of your craft.



More supplies are always better when it comes to crafting, but storing the extra can be a nuisance. The Sterilite 3 Layer Ornament Box will keep everything divided and fresh for future projects. The see-through base allows you to identify exactly what you need without rummaging through everything and you can even pull apart separate layers by using the sturdy latches. A handle at the top allows for easy transportation when you have to take your craft supplies on the road. The greatest feature, adjustable dividers are included so you can customize each layer of the Stack and Carry to accommodate your needs.


Have fun and get creative before the holidays really get going. When you start sharing your fall crafts on your favorite social media outlet, don’t forget to include #Sterilite. We want to see all of your great wreaths.    

The Frightening Cost of Halloween

By Tim Serrilla of Sterilite Corporation

It’s nearly Halloween! Have you figured out your perfect costume idea yet? What about decorations? Do you have what it takes to put some fright into a trick-or-treater’s night? Whether you are pulling out all the stops this year or simply carving jack-o-lanterns, one thing is for sure, when the calendar page flips to November 1, you are going to need to pack it all away.


Did you know that the total spending for Halloween in the United States is projected to reach about $7.4 billion, averaging out to be $77.54 per person!  With almost $2 billion spent on decorations alone, it’s clear that we, as a nation, really invest a lot of time and money in this holiday. Once you’ve made the investment in a new costume and decorations, be sure to keep them protected and ready to use again by storing in a durable tote or latch box. Stock up on Halloween storage items and be the scariest house on the block for years to come.

There is nothing worse than rooting through your storage area hunting for decorations or costumes that you “could have sworn” were “right here” last year. Using themed seasonal storage not only safeguards your pieces and captures the Halloween spirit, but also makes finding your supplies easier than saying “Trick-or-Treat!”  Whether in the attic, basement or a storage area, these boxes are sure to stand out.
Looking for great ways to decorate your house for Halloween? Check out these creative ideas and don’t forget to tag your social media posts with #sterilite!

The Dorm Life

This post is written by our guest blogger, Amanda Kuzak, Northern California's Premiere Professional Organizer and Estate Liquidator. Her blog, Kuzak's Closet, has been awarded best blog of Silicon Valley in 2012 and 2013. She has been featured in Getting Organized Magazine, Back Home Magazine, and is a contributing author of The Spirit of Silicon Valley. You can find her at www.kuzakscloset.com/blog/

As summer time comes to a wrap, “Back-To-School” organization is a big must to kick-off the start of the learning year right. Getting odds and ends sorted can really set-up an individual for daily success and a perfect time to start building those great habits is with college bound students.

Whether they are heading for the dorm or staying at home, a common challenge for college students is limited space. Living out of a small area can quickly amount to clutter thus picking effective storage containers is key. Sterilite has two great options this back to school season, both which are stackable for compact organization. Instead of throwing small items like beauty or electronic accessories in a tangled drawer mess, the Sterilite Stack and Carry box is an ideal alternative, allowing you to not only see what you already have but also move it to where you need to use it. For example, your make up from your room mirror area to a shared bathroom space. Other things that can really contribute to room mess, for female and males alike, are accessories such as belts and sunglasses. Instead of scrambling for that favorite pair of sunnies only to find out that you stepped on them, Sterilite ID Boxes are an excellent way to keep these pieces in one place and clearly labeled for easy finding. These boxes also come in other sizes as well.

 

Pickling Your Overgrown Garden

By Jen Montbleau of Sterilite Corporation

With summer in full swing, gardens everywhere – especially mine – are overflowing with produce. When the cucumbers are piled high, it’s time to get pickling!

Cool and crunchy, delightfully sweet or sour and capable of going from snack to sandwich without a hitch – that's what I call a good pickle. Did you know that they're a cinch to make at home? Or that you probably already have all the ingredients in your kitchen? You don't even need to set aside the afternoon; you can make a couple of 6 cup containers in less than 30 minutes. Here's everything you need to know on how to make your own batch of homemade pickles.


Kirby cucumbers are the classic pickling cucumber. They hold up better than other cucumbers during pickling, remaining firm and crunchy instead of becoming soft. But whatever kind of cucumber you have growing in you garden will work just fine.

You can also use these recipes as a template for pickling other vegetables. I’ve seen people do okra, green beans, beets, garlic, and even carrots. If you feel like branching out into other parts of the garden, give it a try!

No matter what cucumber or vegetable you use, make sure they are ripe and feel firm – avoid limp or wrinkly vegetables. Use a colander to thoroughly rinse your vegetables and then dry them. Before pickling be sure to cut away any bruises or blemishes.


How to Make Dill Pickles
The main flavoring for dill pickles comes from fresh dill or dill seed. Aside from that, these pickles are made with very basic ingredients of equal parts vinegar and water mixed with salt and sugar. A few peeled and halved cloves of garlic and a pinch of red pepper flakes help round out the flavor of the pickles. You don't have to stop there, either! Play with mustard seed, celery seed, black peppercorn, or any other spice that pickles your fancy.

Ingredients

• 16 dill sprigs
• cucumbers (enough to fill your container and cut as desired)
• 1-1/4 cups distilled white vinegar
• 3 tablespoons salt
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 cups cold water
• 2 tablespoons coriander seeds
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 6 garlic coves, peeled and halved
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Instructions

1. Wash your food storage containers and lids well.
2. With a colander rinse cucumbers. Trim away the blossom end of the cucumber, which contains enzymes that can lead to limp pickles. Leave the pickles whole, cut them into spears, or slice them into coins.
3. Pack the cucumbers and dill sprigs into your container until you are a 1/2 inch below the top of the jar, without smashing them.
4. Combine the vinegar, salt and sugar in a small bowl whisking them together until the salt and sugar are dissolved.
5. Whisk in the cold water.
6. Add the remaining ingredients and mix well.
7. Pour the brine over the pickles, filling to within 1/2-inch of the top. If necessary, add a bit of cold water to the containers until the brine covers the cucumbers.
8. Store the pickles in the fridge. The pickles will improve with flavor as they age – try to wait at least 24 hours before popping them open. Refrigerator pickles will keep for several weeks.

How to make Sweet Pickles
If you don’t favor dill pickles, this sweet pickle recipe is just as easy as the one above. Keep the ratios the same, and you can make more or less brine to suit the amount of pickles you want to make.

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar or distilled white vinegar
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/3 cup water
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper
• chopped fresh dill weed or parsley
• cucumbers (enough to fill your container and cut as desired)

Instructions

1. Wash your food storage containers and lids well.
2. With a colander rinse cucumbers. Trim away the blossom end of the cucumber, which contains enzymes that can lead to limp pickles. Leave the pickles whole, cut them into spears, or slice them into coins.
3. In a separate bowl combine the vinegar, salt and sugar in a small bowl whisking them together until the salt and sugar are dissolved.
4. Mix in remaining ingredients.
5. Pack the cucumbers into your container without smashing them.
6. Pour the brine to cover the cucumbers.
7. Store the pickles in the fridge for about three hours before eating. The pickles will improve with flavor as they age. Refrigerator pickles will keep for several weeks.

Keep your children's memories safe!

By Sarah Mills of Sterilite Corporation

Do you ever find yourself struggling to keep the kids entertained on a rainy summer day? Get them involved with your household organization by creating their own memory box!

On the last day of school, everyone throws their backpacks to the side and doesn’t give them another thought until the first day of school in the fall. However, getting an early start can definitely make the end of the summer more enjoyable and less of a hassle.

No matter what age or grade your child is currently in, he or she will bring home an immense amount of papers and memories throughout the school year. Here are some ideas of things to keep in your child’s memory box for safe-keeping and future use:

• Artwork
• Certificates and Awards
• Report Cards
• Copies of school and class pictures
• Photos from field trips, plays, sporting events or school events
• Class journals
• Book Reports
• Projects

Choosing the right storage container for your memory box is the biggest battle. The Sterilite 32 Qt. Gasket Box is the ultimate choice. It provides a gasketed seal to safeguard your items from air and moisture. The see-through design allows contents to be easily identified without constantly opening the box and the tight fitting latches keep the lid securely in place. If you need to create more than one memory box, the 32 Qt. Gasket Box stacks very easily to take up minimal storage space. Some other materials you may need include, file folders, scissors and any craft materials your child may want to use for decorating.


While you let your child decorate the front of the gasket box, you can prepare the file folders. One folder for each grade is usually best, but you could also organize by age. If you like the look of the file folder tabs below, download the template HERE to print your own.


Using foam sheets is a great idea for decorating. Most have an adhesive back and will stick to plastic very well. Your child can easily trace and cut any shape they want. Foam letters are available in most craft stores, and are a great option for labeling the gasket box with your child’s name.


After decorating, have your child choose the items they want to keep and organize them in your new memory box. If some school projects are too large to fit into the memory box, take a picture of the project and record the name of the project and the date on the back of the photo.


Throughout the school year, projects and photos can be easily added to the memory box. The 32 Qt. Gasket Box can be stored anywhere, and it’s easy enough for your child to carry and move, whenever they want to take a look back.

Top Scoops for National Ice Cream Month!

By Jen Montbleau of Sterilite Corporation

"I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream!" Shout this mantra loudly because it’s National Ice Cream Month!

In 1984, President Ronald Reagan issued Proclamation 5219, which designated July as National Ice Cream Month. He also declared that the third Sunday in July would be National Ice Cream Day. Yup, that is this coming Sunday! We’re definitely thankful, because ice cream is a summertime favorite for people of all ages. With hundreds of flavors and toppings to choose from, you can't go wrong with ice cream!

Whether you get it in a cup or in a cone, atop a waffle or in a banana split, make sure to visit your local ice cream shop today and get some cold, delicious ice cream. Or, if you want to be daring, you could try to make your own ice cream! Check out this great post for a how to: Holding on to the Harvest.

I love ice cream so much that I wanted to celebrate National Ice Cream Month with my co-workers. If you have a long distance to travel, try packing like I did – it will be less of a hassle and will save you time before you head out.

The night before, chop all of your dry toppings and fill your divided snack server (sold exclusively at Walmart). It will save you a ton of stress when you’re packing all your sundae essentials before you go.

Next, you’ll need a medium- to large-sized tote to put everything in along with some ice packs. It’s like an instant cooler!

It may seem like a lot of stuff to bring along, but these storage tips should make sharing your love of ice cream simple. And remember its ice cream, so not much is coming back home with you!

If you have some nontraditional ways to use our products we would love to hear about it!

Hydrate for Health Two Hours at a Time

By Adam Saball of Sterilite Corporation

Water is essential to a healthy lifestyle, yet busy work days too often keep many people from consuming recommended amounts. Studies show nearly two thirds of Americans are not drinking enough water to meet the average daily needs their bodies require. According to the Mayo Clinic and the Institute of Medicine, an adequate intake of water is 3 liters a day for men and 2.2 liters a day for women. Drinking healthy amounts of water should be a goal everybody strives for. Whether it’s a busy work schedule, forgetting altogether or the difficulty of drinking recommended amounts that keeps us from having enough, we all have a reason.  However, drinking recommended amounts of water throughout the day can be easily accomplished when broken into small goals. Simply labeling a pitcher may be all the solution you need.

1. Using a permanent marker, label your pitcher with times throughout your workday.
2. Before the beginning of each workday, fill your pitcher to your top line.
3. As each time arrives, be sure to drink enough water to match the line. Meeting these small goals throughout the day will keep you healthy and hydrated.

With a Sterilite 1 Gallon Pitcher in hand, use a permanent marker to label your daily goal of 3 liters for men or 2.2 liters for women. We will call this your 9:00a.m. line. Below this mark, draw evenly spaced lines for every two hours you will work. When all the lines are drawn, your highest will be labeled 9:00a.m., marking a full pitcher of water and the beginning of your workday. Below, lines will be made for 11:00a.m., 1:00p.m., 3:00p.m. and finally 5:00p.m at the bottom when the water should be finished. At the beginning of each work day fill your pitcher with ice and water up to the 9:00a.m line. Keep your marked pitcher at your desk beside you and challenge yourself to drink the water down to the next line before that time arrives. As you get down to each line you will have accomplished a small goal and taken strides toward drinking your recommended amounts of water. By the end of the work day you will be left with an empty pitcher and the satisfaction of knowing you drank enough to keep your body healthy and hydrated this summer.

Spending the 4th on the Lake

By Kellie Fournier of Sterilite Corporation

After a long, cold and rainy spring, I’m so glad the warm weather is here! My family is very fortunate to own property on a lake in Massachusetts and every weekend from Memorial Day till after Labor Day, we are there. My mother comes from family of nine – yes NINE – so our family gatherings are huge no matter what!


The 4th of July was one of my grandmother’s favorite holidays. If the lake was not decorated and if you were not wearing red, white or blue, you were on her list … and not the good list. She passed away three years ago but her memory and love for the 4th still lives on within her kids, grandkids and great grandkids.


Did you know that 153 million people will enjoy an Independence Day cookout spending an estimated 68 dollars per household on food items, according to a recent survey? My family is no exception and this year, like every year prior, we have a party planned for the 4th. There is no house on the property, so when we go to the lake we have to be prepared and organized. With the help of Sterilite storage containers, my family and I can get everything we need to the lake with no worries! For this party, each family brings whatever meat they want to grill and a community side dish and appetizer for everyone to share.


When preparing chicken or steak, my go to container for marinating is the Ultra+Latch™ 5.3 Cup Food Storage Container. It fits perfectly in my cooler and I don’t have to worry about anything leaking. Sterilite’s Ultra•Seal™ Bowls are perfect for storing your potato, macaroni, and garden or fruit salads and even your dessert from your home to your destination. Making cupcakes? No, problem the Ultra•Seal™ 16 Cup rectangle will hold a dozen cupcakes! You could even use this container for storing corn on the cob.


By using Sterilite food storage containers, your July 4th preparations will be a bit easier and your party will surely be a success!

What is your tradition? We want to hear!

Don’t forget to honor those who have served our country, past, present and future. Happy 4th of July!

Summer by the Pool

By Sarah Mills of Sterilite Corporation

Last week marked the first day of summer and now that we are one weekend down, it’s time to get serious about having fun! There is no better way to guarantee a good time than taking a dip in the backyard pool with all of your friends and family. It’s convenient and only a short walk out the back door.  However, getting the swimming pool area prepared for an incredible summer season can be a daunting task. This year, there is no need to worry. Pool toys, chemicals, and even the cute lady bug vacuum have met their match, we have all the answers!

Whether your pool toys are covering the deck and lawn, or even taking up prime real estate in the swimming pool, there is a much more reasonable way to get the toys to and from the swimming hole. The Wheeled Latch Box is the perfect way to store the families’ favorites. The innovative latches attach the lid securely to the base, while the smooth gliding wheels make it easy for even the smallest member of the family to get their own toys. Even in the off season there will be plenty of room for the deflated floats.


No matter how many times you hit the water with your trusty pool skimmer, you unquestionably have a pool vacuum to pick up all of the grime that settles to the bottom. Don’t get tangled in the hosing; the perfect solution for storing the pool vacuum and all of its many parts is the Ultra™ Latch Box. The rugged and comfortable latches not only give a secure attachment to the base, but also allow for comfortable handling when bringing the vacuum out for a swim. The hosing and vacuum head fit perfectly in the storage box without becoming tangled and the clear base allows you to see what’s inside when you’re trying to battle the rest of your outdoor supplies.


Organizing pool chemicals can become a nightmare. Every time you take the water sample over to the local pool store it’s inevitable that you will walk away with yet another bottle to throw into your pool. Where should you keep it you ask? The Latch and Carry is the perfect solution. The greatest part about the Latch and Carry is they are designed with a unique and comfortable carry-through handle that provides full grip access without jeopardizing the heavy duty latch. The rugged latches ensure the chlorine doesn’t find its way into anything else. Make sure to utilize the crack and peel, dry erase label to keep inventory of all of your chemicals, so you never find yourself running to the pool store on a beautiful Saturday afternoon. Bringing all of the chemicals out to the pool after you pop in a test strip will be a breeze in the Latch and Carry.


Don’t let your leisure time get away from you. Organize early so you can truly enjoy the backyard swimming pool all summer long.