Things that exist to contain other things make great gifts for people who like to stay — or need to get — organized. The Cheapism blog suggests giving organizers to help friends and family members better sort and store their electronics, jewelry, cosmetics, purses and papers. Bins and baskets provide catch-all storage for like items and make great gifts, too. And while smartphones now offer numerous calendaring apps and pop-up reminders, sometimes there is no substitute for a paper planner or calendar where one can enter appointments and review them without a single mouse click.
Tag: getting organized
Know How Much Halloween Candy to Buy
If you recently moved to a new neighborhood or were out of town last #Halloween, you might not know how many or how few #trick-or-treaters to expect, says Craving Some Creativity. Ask your neighbors! They should be able to tell you to expect throngs of costumed kids prowling the streets in search of sweets, or only a few small families at dusk. Buy and give out only wrapped candy and treats — not homemade — unless you know everyone who will be stopping by. Get enough to satisfy all the little boys and #ghouls, and in a variety you like in case there are leftovers!
Preparing for Trick-or-Treaters
Most of what you do in preparation for #trick-or-treaters is up to you, says Spooky Little Halloween. For example, wearing a #costume makes the event seem like less of a chore, but it is not a requirement and it doesn’t have to be elaborate. Likewise, how much you decorate is optional — you can go all in on a faux graveyard with lights, fog and sound effects, or put a couple of pumpkins and a fall wreath out, but having the porch lights lit will signal that you’re giving away candy. Speaking of candy, that’s pretty much the only other requirement for a successful #Halloween, so make sure you have enough!
Use Bins to Organize Attic Storage
Plastic stacking bins are best for attic storage, says HowToCleanStuff.net, since they can keep stuff dry and free of pests. Use bins to store non-fabric items and label them whenever possible so that you can locate what you need, when you need it. “It’s not necessary to fill each container initially,” the blog says. “What is necessary is to categorize your storage containers so they can handle future growth.” Also, be sure to review what you have in attic storage each year, weeding out anything you aren’t using or don’t want and donating it to a charity such as ClothingDonations.org.
Purge, Organize and Store Extra Stuff
If your space is stuffed to the gills with junk, a ruthless purge is the first step to a new, more #organized you, says Living Well Spending Less. “If you don’t love something, if it’s broken, if it doesn’t fit, or if you don’t use it, get rid of it!” Then, make an assessment of your storage space: Does it have room for a new set of storage shelves, hooks or bins? Deep-clean the area and invest in a uniform set of bins or boxes; then, reassemble the space, grouping all like items together. “Once you’ve organized your storage space, commit to keeping it intact,” the story says, and you’ll be able to find things when you need them while keeping #clutter to a minimum.