Less Mess, More Yes

Order in the Dorm

This week's post is written by Professional Organizer Monica Friel, president of Chaos to Order based in Chicago and Atlanta. They have been featured on The Oprah Winfrey Show and Hoarding: Buried Alive, as well as in Better Homes and Gardens, just to name a few. You can find them on the web at www.chaostoorder.com
 
If you are sending kids off to college, or a coed heading there yourself, planning efficient dorm room space requires a good sense of order and some clever containers to get the job done right. The Sterilite Stacking Bins are a great choice to make the most out of every inch of that tiny space. These stacking, topless containers are perfect because you can just grab and go. No need to pull off a top, the flip out ledges allow the containers to stack up perfectly. In a dorm, you must make wise choices about every item you bring, here are tips for heading off to college.

Remember, there's no need for longer term storage, you should only keep what you're currently using, you shouldn't need to "store" it away, thus removing the need for tightly closing lids. When using any containers, first measure the area they will be in and make sure you purchase the right sizes, then determine what is going to be stored in them so that everything will fit properly. Improper use of containers can actually lessen the available storage space you have, so measure and plan ahead.

The Stacking Bins are great for storing school supplies, food items, bags and totes, miscellaneous clothing, etc. … they also have a nice design, so they look cool and the fact that they stack so nicely while providing great storage is an added bonus.

Check out the Stacking Bins from Sterilite to bring order to the dorm.

Give the Gift of Housewares

By Michelle Wood of Sterilite Corporation

Every weekend this summer, there seems to be a party. Whether it’s a bridal or baby shower, birthday, housewarming, anniversary, baptism – you name it, I’ve gone to it! And in typical fashion, I never show up empty handed.

Most recently I’ve noticed a trend with some of these gatherings, especially with expectant mothers, and brides-to-be. They are throwing “green” (as in - environmentally green) parties and specifically asking guests to resist the urge to wrap up presents with beautiful, yet wasteful, gift wrap and gift bags. I get it, and I even like and endorse the green statement, but the crafty perfectionist in me who loves to make beautiful things just has a hard time putting a heap of stuff or a plain old box on the gift table.

So how do I grant the hostess’s wishes and satiate the craftista in me? I give the gift of housewares! I assure you, if you do this, your gift recipient will greatly appreciate the entirety of your present including its “wrapping!”
 
Last weekend’s event was a baby shower at a posh Boston venue. I purchased several bedtime and bath-time related baby items and one of my favorite Sterilite laundry baskets and loaded it up. I grabbed two ¼” wooden dowels, drilled a small hole at the top and ran a piece of fabric ribbon between the ends. Then I fastened them through the laundry basket handles via some more fabric ribbon. Voila – a laundry line of cute onesies suspended over a laundry basket of goodies. It was much better than an unwieldy present lump, and my gift received plenty of (gratifying) ooohs and aaahhhs.

I’ve given the gift of housewares half a dozen times this summer. My niece went to camp with a caddy full of her favorite sparkly lotions, body wash and hair accessories. My nephew will be heading into second grade with a spiffy pencil box full of the coolest new classroom necessities. For my parents’ anniversary, I compiled some old photos and other memorabilia into an airtight gasket box for safe keeping. Four stacking/nesting baskets full of home cleaning essentials was a big hit for my friends who just became new home owners. When attending parties, I usually bring (and leave behind)  food storage containers full of cookies or cupcakes or a homemade cake in a cake server. It amazes me how many times I’ve heard friends exclaim “Oh I needed one of these!” To me, there is nothing better than giving a gift that is wanted and useful.

Whether the hostess made a request or not, in the future, consider being green and giving the gift of housewares. All of the plastic used in Sterilite products are 100% recyclable and all made in the good ol’ USA. So that should make you and your gift recipients feel pretty good too.
Have you given the gift of housewares? If so, tell us about it!

Society of Clutter

By Adam Saball of Sterilite Corporation

On July 1, UCLA released findings from a four-year study revealing that the contemporary suburban American family possesses more material objects than any other society throughout history. At some  level this seems obvious to me. Still, reading it had me thinking, why do we have so much clutter? What sets us apart in 2012 from our grandparents a few generations back?  My conclusion points to technology as the culprit.


Advances in modern technologies allow us to live faster than prior generations. We are exposed to so much information that trends seem to emerge and disappear faster than ever before. Yet, we still buy clothes for the job, for working around the house, for exercising or for a night on the town.  Those of you with children know this first hand. No sooner does a child get new clothes, a new toy or video games, do they all have to be replaced by the next current “thing.”

Technology enables us to work faster, and as a result, more work is expected of us. With many families having two working parents away from the house, everyday chores are often pushed to the side. When the parents arrive home from work, they are focused on the family’s different schedules and cooking dinner. The impact of technology in our everyday lives has led to us having more stuff, and less time to deal with it. So how does one address this issue? Simple, by being and staying organized.


Amidst the chaos of everyday life, being organized is if nothing else, the one aspect of our life that can grant us some peace of mind. The hard part for a lot of us is getting organized and staying that way. It doesn’t need to be hard though. By keeping a few steps in mind, you can stay organized and start taking back some of that piece of mind.

Organize your space
Everything you own should have a home. From your laptop to the extra paper towels, there should be one place in the house where everything belongs. Assign those places and use them.


Group the small stuff inside your drawers
Always keep like items together. Be it utensils, notebooks or colored pencils, separate and group the similar items. Keep them together using small baskets or an appropriate cutlery tray. I use the Sterilite Storage Trays in my drawers at home and keep my small items neatly together without mixing in with one another.


Donate and throw away
If you haven’t worn it in over a year, you probably won’t wear it again. Donate the clothes that no longer fit or have become artifacts in your closet.  Throw away or shred old documents you haven’t looked at in some time. Personally, if I find bills or receipts from anything older than a year ago, I will get rid of it. The exception to my rule is tax and retirement related documents. Those I hesitate to ever get rid of.  I like the Portable File Box for my paperwork. When it’s full, I know I have too much and should shred or throw some of it away.

When you use something, put it back
This goes without saying... if you don’t put back what you use, the clutter will quickly sneak back up on you. When you use something, be sure to put it back in its home. I have two stacking bins for magazines at home. I keep my men’s magazines in one, while my girlfriend keeps her women magazines in the other.  If we take one out to read, it must go back when were done, otherwise it will end up an afterthought on the coffee table and begin the snowball effect.


By being aware of the stuff you own and staying on top of where it’s kept, organization can be an easy way to control your clutter, even when our fast paced lifestyles offer little time to address it. Now it’s your turn. I ask you, the readers; is UCLA correct in their findings? Is your stuff closing in on you? How have you successfully addressed this issue in your homes? I look forward to reading your responses!

Oodles of Noodles

By Jesse Welch of Sterilite Corporation

There once was a person who decided to purchase a home with his wife. After nearly a year of searching, they decided on one with many quaint selling points. One of them was a pool, though the sellers admitted it was not functional at that time.

"Hahaa!" he proclaimed, "I can fix this thing." So began a story spanning three summers. A story of toiling in the sun, replacing all manner of pool parts, from liner to plumbing to filter, paying one massive water bill, staring at test strips, analyzing the results, talking to oneself, realizing there is nobody there, and self-consciously looking around to see if anyone saw the crazy guy.


I am that guy, and it is my pool – a pool that has become a spot for enjoyable weekends with friends and family, frequent barbecues, and as of last summer, our annual luau party (no, you can't come, I don't know you).

At the inaugural luau party, my wife and I realized the plethora of challenges that a pool party presents. Admittedly, I'm new to pool ownership, so some of these issues have been smoothed out as I gain experience with it. And seriously, I'm very relieved. At one point I considered just filling the thing with dirt and calling it a day.

At that first party we realized – of the many things needed for pool party success – floats, noodles and pool toys were an essential and obligatory party supply.

Noodles, as most people know, are foam, and can provide plenty of ammunition for pool hijinks. Spraying water at people by blowing into one end, submerging and then letting go to watch the glory of a noodle in flight, and just straight up smacking someone with it. They're fun. You may be wondering how many you need? You need a bunch. They wear out. Stand on them bouncing on the floor of the pool and they flatten. Leave them in the sun too long and they fade to an unappealing that-thing-must-be-really-old color.

Last year, we only had five of them, and you should have seen the look on the kids’ faces when they realized big bro was going to go noodle samurai on them and they didn't have one to defend themselves with. It's enough to make you cry, but no worries, you're in a pool, your face looks wet anyway.

So this year, we decided to get a total of fifteen. While I am confident no child will be left without proper defense for the near-guaranteed sibling assault, owning this many noodles posed a new problem. How do we store these things?

My first thought involved building a contraption from wood and attaching it to the wall, but it seemed like overkill. In the end, I found the perfect solution. I purchased a round laundry hamper and drilled a couple holes in the bottom for water to drain out, and voila! Noodle storage. After any party, or gathering, I just collect the noodles and toss into the laundry hamper. With the holes on the bottom, they get a chance to drain out before I stick them in the garage for long-term storage.



Owning a pool adds a lot of potential fun to your life, but what you inevitably get with that is a tremendous amount of effort, patience and an endless stream of things to spend money on. Using the hamper as my pool noodle storage has helped tame a potential headache before it could rear its noodle covered head, and I couldn't be happier.

Organized adoption space!

By Heather Kilduff of Sterilite Corporation

Approximately 5 – 7 million pets enter animal shelters nationwide every year. As a volunteer at a local shelter, Ahisma Haven Animal Rescue, I witness firsthand the need for such animal rescue groups. Many of these organizations are nonprofits and survive on donations and volunteerism alone.

To help keep costs a minimum at Ahisma Haven Animal Rescue, proper storage and organization help play a role in keeping supplies fresh, waste minimal and items like toys, brushes and other daily-use items from being lost or misplaced.

FOOD
Keeping pet food in this Ultra•Seal™ Dry Food Container ensures that it stays fresh and doesn’t go to waste. It’s important to the animals’ health and nutrition that the food be kept fresh. Plus, when most of the food is generously donated or sponsored, it’s even more important to prevent waste.


WATER
Keeping the animals hydrated is just as important as keeping them well fed. This 1 Gallon Pitcher makes filling all the water dishes simple and splash free. The secure lid and pop-top help to keep the water free from particles and debris.


LITTER
Storing fresh cat litter is a cinch with one of these Latching Utility Cans. Cat litter is known to release a dusty debris but the lid and latches help keep the area tidy and dust-free without risk of spillage.


LAUNDRY
Towels, blankets and pet beds are a few items that must be washed every few days to prevent odors and to keep the pets cozy and comfortable. A Wheeled Laundry Hamper is an effective way to keep the laundry concealed, contained and out of the way until laundry day. When the time does come to launder the linens, this hamper simply wheels to the laundry facities making the chore effortless.



LINEN STORAGE
Once the linens have been washed and folded, storing them in a blanket box will keep them fresh until they are in use again. I find that storing items like towels and blankets properly can extend the life of the linens, ultimately avoiding added cost to the shelter.

ODDS & END STORAGE
While items like brushes, collars, leashes and cat toys are small, they certainly can create disorganization. I find it best to store these odd and ends in baskets on available shelving, creating an organized storage system where items can be easily located.


In their effort to stay organized and to find good homes for abused and unwanted domestic animals, Ahisma Haven is certainly on the right track. If you’re looking for a pet, have a pet you can no longer keep, have questions about low cost spay/neuter, need help with stray or feral cats please email them at [email protected]

Back-to-College Is Upon Us

By Heather Kilduff of Sterilite Corporation

It’s that time of year again when college students across the country are getting ready to move back to college. Many will cram their cars full and still end up leaving behind items too big or too numerous to fit.  But I have a few ideas to transport it all — and save the cramming for finals.

Create Space
Stackable File Crates are great for packing, moving and then storing all without the fuss of luggage. With the limited space available in dorm rooms, Underbed Storage Boxes are essential for maximizing storage space while still being able to access the items easily.


Expand your storage options
Too many clothes for the school issued dresser? Try using drawer carts to make college dorm living simple. Closet and dresser space can be limited so adding these easy-to-move carts can provide you the extra storage you need.  These space savers can hold anything from towels and socks to food and study supplies. The height is also ideal to have this cart double as a bedside table.


Desktop Organization
I truly believe that a successful education starts with organized study skills. Try equipping your desktop space with countertop drawers, mini crates, clip boxes, and pencil boxes. These items are ideal for keeping all your study tools organized and close at hand.


On-the-go Storage
With moving day just a few months away, be sure to pick up a Portable Footlocker. A Footlocker is another great way to pack, move, and then store all without bringing along your luggage. 


Now that you have all my get-organized-for-Back-to-College tips, go ahead and enjoy the rest of your summer … but be sure to work your butt off this semester – it’s sure to pay off!

Holding On To the Harvest

By Holly Kennedy of Sterilite Corporation

As the last of this summer’s strawberries were fading from the farmers’ markets, I rushed out to nab a couple of quarts to make one of my favorite summer treats – homemade strawberry ice cream. What better way to savor the tastes of summer a little longer than a cold, refreshing dessert?


Homemade ice cream is delicious and fairly easy if you have the right equipment. But it’s possible to make it even without an ice cream maker!

Like many Americans, I am allergic to dairy products, so I made my ice cream with canned coconut milk – the kind you’d find in the ethnic isle of your local grocery store. If you’d prefer to use traditional dairy products, you can refer to the original recipe using the link below.

Strawberry Ice Cream
Adapted from: Eggs on Sunday
2 cups whole-fat canned coconut milk (not light or coconut cream)
¾ cup sugar
1 pound strawberries, stems and hulls removed

Heat the coconut milk in a large pan over medium heat. Add the sugar and stir until dissolved.


Place the strawberries in the carafe of your blender and carefully add a couple of ladles-full of the milk mixture. Pulse a few times until the strawberries are chopped roughly. I prefer to have a few larger pieces of strawberries in my ice cream, but if you’d rather have a smoother ice cream, blend until smooth.

Add the strawberry mixture to the rest of the milk mixture and stir until well combined. Pour into an airtight food storage container and cover with a piece of plastic wrap. Push the plastic wrap down so it’s touching the surface of the ice cream base to prevent a skin from forming. Chill in the refrigerator overnight.


Now that the mixture is well chilled, break out your ice cream maker (did you remember to freeze the canister for at least 24 hours?). Get it all ready to go and turn machine on before adding your ice cream base. Carefully pour the base mixture into the machine and churn for 20 minutes until the ice cream is soft-serve consistency.


Transfer the ice cream into an airtight food storage container and freeze for several hours before serving.


I like to use the Ultra•Seal™ 8.3 cup Rectangle for my homemade ice creams. Most recipes make between one and two quarts so the size is perfect. Plus its rectangular shape means no sticky knuckles! This ice cream is a bit harder than traditional ice creams so let it warm up on the counter for a couple of minutes before trying to scoop.


This recipe would be great with other seasonal berries too. I tried making blueberry ice cream and it was pretty good. For those with a bigger sweet tooth, a bit more sugar perhaps, but it was fun to experiment regardless. If you try different berries or other flavorings, I’d love to hear about it!


Enjoy your taste of summer!

Are Your Cabinets Overrun With Clutter?

By Kellie Fournier of Sterilite Corporation

Until recently, I would cringe each time I opened my pantry cabinet. With my two-year-old thinking it’s a hiding spot and both my four-year-old and my husband looking for a snack, the cabinet was a disaster! So I decided it was time to reorganize, and believe me, it was not pretty! I put on a movie for my boys and got it done. This shouldn’t have taken more than an hour and half to complete, but with my distractions it took me nearly three hours.



Clean your space
I grabbed myself a stool to sit on so I could easily grab the canned goods, snacks, condiments, and bread. There are three deep shelves in my lower cabinet so I started with the top shelf and worked my way down. I took everything out and placed it on the floor. I grabbed my Clorox wipes and wiped down the shelves creating a clean space with which to work.

Purge and group
I started by checking the use-by date on all my canned goods and condiments and tossed anything that exceeded the use-by date. (Here’s a tip: If you are getting rid of any canned vegetables or fruit and you don’t want to waste anything, put the cans’ contents and some water in a blender and use as a fertilizer for your garden or house plants.) Next, I started grouping the remaining items – soups, condiments, breads, bottles of juice, and snacks. This allowed me to see what I was working with and determine where I wanted everything to go.

Reorganize
Now the fun part – ok, so maybe not fun for everyone, but it was for me! I have found that baskets and dry food storage containers are the most helpful when it comes to keeping cabinets neatly organized, so I picked up four Large Ultra™ Baskets and a dry food storage container.

I used one of the baskets to store our bread (hamburger buns, hot dog buns, sandwich bread, etc.), and the others for condiments, soups and salsa. To make it easy for my husband to find things, I labeled each basket with its contents.


I used the dry food storage container for the boys’ fruit snacks. Because the container is clear, it’s easy to see when it’s time to restock. I’m still on the hunt for a narrow shelf to place into the cabinet to gain more vertical storage, but it still looks better than it did!

So, there you have it, my simple solution to my pantry cabinet disaster. I’m very pleased with the end result and now, both boys can hide in this cabinet at the same time!

Battle of the Backpack – Contain the Chaos

This week's post is written by Professional Organizer Monica Friel, president of Chaos to Order based in Chicago and Atlanta. They have been featured on The Oprah Winfrey Show and Hoarding: Buried Alive, as well as in Better Homes and Gardens, just to name a few. You can find them on the web at www.chaostoorder.com

School's out and summer is in full swing. Desks and lockers were emptied on the last day of class and chances are they were emptied into an overflowing backpack that's waiting at home to be cleaned out. Sorting through backpacks exploding with papers, clothing and school supplies can be an overwhelming job for anyone, especially the kids. Here are some tips to get the backpacks emptied and find an organized place for what remains.

First, get a large flat surface like a desk or table and empty out all of the contents. Grab a trash can and a recycle bin and toss what you can – everything else gets grouped. Divide what remains into categories, here are some of the basics (don't forget to let your kids help):

• Special papers to save in a keepsake folder for the school year
• School supplies for next year
• Supplies to replenish desk drawers at home (pens, pencils, crayons, markers, etc.)
• Clothing (gym uniforms, extra sweatshirts, etc.)
• Books (library books to return, text books to swap with someone for next year)
• Food (not the moldy stuff, but some candy and snacks that might be salvageable)

Now it doesn’t look so overwhelming anymore! These plastic clip boxes from Sterilite are the perfect size to contain school supplies such as pencils, crayons, markers, scissors, etc. Store them in an out-of-the-way place for next year or bring them to where your kids will be working on arts and crafts while they're home for the summer. With containers like these, it's easy to know how to put things back into their proper place, and they look great sitting out on the shelf.

Don’t Forget the Card!

By Heather Kilduff of Sterilite Corporation

This is your official reminder: Father’s Day is this weekend!

I gave up years ago on trying to keep an eye on my calendar of holidays and birthdays, setting a reminder to grab a card, then failing to do so in time. After a few solid years of missing these occasions, I gave the greeting card organizer a shot.


I chose one of these ShowOffs™ Storage Containers to keep my cards organized by occasion. I created my own file tab sorting system by simply trimming a standard size file folder to fit the storage box. This makes it so easy to find the card I need when the time comes!


The container latches securely and comes complete with a handle, which makes it easy to bring to work or the post office making it easier to send cards on time.


With everything organized, I’m a new woman, and now when it comes to sending greeting cards, I’m organized, I’m punctual and I am able to choose from a wide assortment of cards I purchased ahead of time.

So why not get organized? And be sure to remember your father this weekend with a greeting card!