closet-decor-and-more

Do Custom Closets Make a Good Holiday Gift?

Mon, 18 Dec 2023 13:50:16 GMT

It’s the holiday season again, and you’re probably racking your brain trying to find something special for that person in your life who already has everything. While it might not be the first thing that comes to mind, I’d highly recommend giving the gift of a custom closet to that special someone in your life.

From offering organization to last for years to making their morning routine easier, boosting their home value, and more, I’ve seen plenty of immediate and long-term benefits to gifting custom closets in my years of transforming homes.

Here are some of the biggest benefits I’ve seen that come with gifting custom closets during the holiday season:

It offers organization to last for years
It’ll make their morning routine easier
Custom closets can boost a home’s value
This will offer them a luxury factor

Now that I’ve shared the broad strokes with you, it’s time to dive into the details and show you why a custom closet is the perfect gift this holiday season.

It Offers Organization to Last for Years

As the professionals at Bob Vila point out, a good custom closet system can help you conquer clutter for good and make the most of any closet–no matter its size and shape. In all my years of custom-crafting, building, and installing custom closets, I’ve seen how the right system can completely change the way you use your home.

This kind of optimized organization will last the recipient well beyond the holiday season, giving them something they’ll use, appreciate, and enjoy for many years to come.

It’ll Make Their Morning Routine Easier

No matter who you are, chances are pretty good that your morning routine is one of the most chaotic parts of your day, and a lot of this stress can come from having an unoptimized, messy closet.

Whether you’re giving this gift to your significant other, a family member, or a good friend, you can rest easy knowing they’ll be able to enjoy stress-free mornings - at least when it comes to their closet system. I can assure you that they’ll think of you every time they’re able to get out the door on time.

Custom Closets Can Boost a Home’s Value

Not only can a custom closet system make the recipient’s life easier, but it can also boost their home value once it eventually comes time to sell. The reasons are simple: Prospective buyers love it when a house is move-in ready and offers amenities they might not find elsewhere.

I’ve personally seen home values go up by thousands after a great custom closet system renovation. Not only does this gift give them immediate and long-term benefits, it’s also an investment in their future.

This Will Offer Them a Luxury Factor

We’re all looking for that gift that will make our loved ones feel special and pampered, and there aren’t many gifts I know of that accomplish that quite like a brand-new custom closet system. I mean, who wouldn’t want to come home to the kind of luxe closet they usually only get to see on TV?

Beyond the practical benefits I’ve told you about, a new custom closet system also gives that special someone the feeling of luxury they might not be able to otherwise have in their life.

Conclusion

If you’re looking to give a gift that will improve your loved one’s home, make their life easier, and give them the star treatment they’ve always deserved, I think you can’t go wrong with a brand-new custom closet system.

Source

https://www.bobvila.com/articles/best-closet-systems/

Discover the Art and Benefits of Daily Custom Closet Care

Wed, 11 Oct 2023 20:01:51 GMT

We’ve all been there: nothing in the closet seems to be where you expect it to be, everything feels like it’s in the way, and you’re struggling just to get out the door on time. If this sounds familiar, it might be time to try out some daily custom closet care tips. From doing mini junk purges every day to using baskets and bins, putting things in their place, and more, we’ve got the tips you need to keep your closet tidy every day.

Here are some of the best things you can do every day to keep your custom closet in order:

Do daily mini junk purges
Make use of baskets and bins
Put everything in its place
Install and use wall storage
Keep easy access storage at floor level

Now let’s take a look at all of these ideas in detail and see how you can put them to good use in your home.

Do Daily Mini Junk Purges

It’s easy for closet clutter to become overwhelming in a hurry - especially if it’s been some time since you’ve been able to do a good deep cleaning. This is why it’s important to do daily mini junk purges to keep your closet in top form.

After you’re home for the day or whenever you have five minutes to spare, all you need to do is make a quick sweep of the area and remove anything that doesn’t belong or needs to be placed elsewhere. This will go a long way toward keeping your closet tidy.

Make Use of Baskets and Bins

As the pros at Bob Vila point out, storage baskets and bins are an absolute lifesaver when it comes to streamlining your routine. And while these small but mighty storage solutions work great throughout the home, there’s no reason they can’t make just as much of a splash in your closet.

Maybe you have extra linens you need some storage space for or need a place for knick-knacks that don’t have a place elsewhere. Whatever the case may be, stowing them in bins and baskets will make your daily routine far smoother.

Put Everything in Its Place

There’s a reason the saying goes “a place for everything and everything in its place.” When we have designated spots for everything in our closet and are able to stick to that organizational strategy, it makes everything easier.

While you’re getting used to the new setup, you can feel free to separate by color or type, whatever will make it easiest to remember. You might even take a picture of the space so you have something to compare the area to during cleanings.

Install and Use Wall Storage

When you’re rushing to get out of the house on time in the morning, every second really does count, and this is where wall storage comes in handy. Whether you need a few extra hooks for your belts, ties, or scarves, or you need entire shelves for your jewelry and accessories, those few bucks spent on extra hardware will be well worth it.

Keep Easy Access Storage at Floor Level

It’s human nature to want to toss old clothes and other items on the floor after a long, hard day. Instead of letting your closet floor bear the brunt of this, though, you can invest in a floor-level clothes hamper as well as cubbies and other solutions that might help.

Conclusion

Large overhaul cleanings might be exciting and allow you to radically change your closet space, but it’s the daily actions you take that will make a difference. By following these tips and getting a little creative in your approach, you should have a neat, tidy, and beautiful closet you can count on day after day.

Source

https://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/10-lazy-tricks-for-a-clutter-free-home-49379

Give Your Walk-in Closet the Luxury Treatment

Wed, 02 Aug 2023 15:28:04 GMT

Just because your walk-in closet needs to serve a function doesn’t mean it can’t also be beautiful and luxurious. There’s no reason your closet can’t be as chic and stunning as a high-end boutique, but it takes some work to get to that point. Having your very own boutique-style walk-in starts with excellent organization, but that’s only the beginning.

From proper organizers to accent walls and much more, here are the tips you need to make your walk-in closet more luxurious.

Consider clear organizers for your accessories
Put in an accent wall
Invest in stylish storage bins
Spice things up with lighting fixtures
Make it pop with LED strip lights

Now that we know what goes into giving your walk-in a luxurious makeover, let’s get into the details.

Consider Clear Organizers for Your Accessories

As the pros at Better Homes & Gardens explain, it doesn’t take a massive makeover to give your walk-in the luxury treatment. Instead, you can focus on small but meaningful changes that will make an impact.

One of the quickest and easiest ways to nail that boutique look is to invest in clear acrylic organizers for all your accessories. Not only will this make it much easier for you to keep all of your items in view, but it will also let you show off new pieces that you’re proud of.

Put in an Accent Wall

Boutique looks are all about adding a splash of style to an otherwise plain area, and accent walls are perfect for that. Simply pick the wall in your closet that will make the biggest visual impact and switch up the wallpaper or paint color to highlight the items there.

The paint color or wallpaper you choose should complement the rest of your closet while still standing out from everything else.

Invest in Stylish Storage Bins

Just because you’re looking to make your walk-in more luxurious doesn’t mean you have to throw convenience by the wayside. With the right stylish storage bins, you can optimize your space while also adding color accents that stand out.

This is the perfect opportunity for you to switch things up to suit your aesthetics. Maybe you want to go with a natural look, so you opt for earthy bins. Or maybe glam is more your speed, so you choose storage bins with gold accents. Whatever the case, make it yours.

Spice Things Up With Lighting Fixtures

The addition of a single light fixture can make all the difference when you’re trying to give your closet that luxury feel. A chandelier can instantly elevate everything else in your closet, while elegant individual light fixtures can make just as much of an impact.

The great thing here is that along with suiting the luxury aesthetic you’re going for, these new lighting fixtures will also brighten up the space significantly, making everything within look even more inviting.

Make It Pop With LED Strip Lights

One of the most cost-effective ways to nail that posh look right away is to put in LED strip lights under your shelves. This will put the proverbial spotlight on your jewelry, accessories, shoes, and more.

LED strips are very affordable, and installation is as simple as applying the adhesive end to the shelves and turning the lights off. For your money, it’s difficult to find a better way to get that boutique look than this.

Conclusion

If you’re ready to get that boutique look in your walk-in closet without having to pay boutique prices, these tips will get you there. Feel free to get a little creative in your approach and find an individual look that really works for you.

Sources

https://www.bhg.com/decorating/closets/walk-in/walk-in-closet-organization/

Organize Your Kids’ Custom Closets in Just 7 Days This Summer

Wed, 14 Jun 2023 18:07:26 GMT

Any parent knows that keeping a kids’ custom closet in order is a challenging, ongoing task—especially if you have more than one child. As summer gets in full swing, now is a great time to tackle this project while your kids are free from schoolwork and other responsibilities.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get your kids’ custom closets in shape in just one week:

Day One: Remove unwanted items
Day Two: Clean the clothes and the closet space
Day Three: Categorize the clothes
Day Four: Maximize the closet space
Day Five: Decorate the space
Day Six: Label everything and organize items
Day Seven: Inspire good organizational habits

Read on to learn all about the simple steps you can take to get your kids’ closets organized in a single week.

Day One: Remove Unwanted Items

Before you start organizing, go through your kids’ closets and weed out the clothes and accessories your children no longer want or need. Throw away any items that are too damaged to wear, and consider donating or selling items that are in good condition but are too small. It’s helpful to work with your children during this process, so you can determine which items they’re ready to get rid of. With a clean slate, it’ll be much easier to organize their closets.

Day Two: Clean the Clothes and the Closet Space

Once you’ve removed all unwanted clothing and accessories, do a few loads of laundry to make sure your kids’ remaining wardrobe is clean. As your washer and dryer are working their hardest, clean each closet space thoroughly. Spend a few minutes vacuuming or sweeping the floor, wiping down the walls, and dusting any shelves or hanging rods.

Day Three: Categorize the Clothes

After cleaning your kids’ clothing and accessories, spend a few minutes categorizing the remaining items. If cold-season clothes are in your kids’ closets, consider how you should store them away during the summer season and invest in garment bags if necessary. Categorize the remaining items in distinct sections, including tops, bottoms, dresses, and shoes.

Day Four: Maximize the Closet Space

Take stock of the layout of your kids’ custom closets and determine a strategy to optimize the space. Now is the time to consider adding extra hanging racks, pull-out hampers, and any other features that could make it easier to keep these closets organized. Some helpful hacks for maximizing your kids’ closet space include:

Use Vertical Space to Your Advantage: If your child's closet has high ceilings, you can use upper shelves to store items that are seasonal or not used frequently. Fabric or wire mesh drawers can be attached to the underside of a top shelf to store small items. Hanging shelves can also be used to take advantage of vertical space.
Use Space-Saving Hangers: According to HGTV , switching to slimline hangers is a great way to make the most of your kids’ closet space. This type of hanger is designed to take up less space and keep clothes organized. Cascading hangers allow you to hang multiple clothes on a single hanger, freeing up space in the process.
Hang a Shoe Organizer: Closet organizers can make a big difference in maximizing space, especially hanging shoe organizers that hang on the back of the closet door. These space-saving hanging organizers can hold more than just shoes—invest in an option with multiple compartments to store small toys, socks, and other items.

Day 5: Decorate the Space

Your kids’ custom closet doesn’t have to look plain and boring, and it’s easy to turn these small spaces into exciting areas your kids will love to use. Consider painting the walls your child’s favorite color or—if you’re pressed for time—simply put up some decals to add some fun details to the space.

Day 6: Label Everything and Organize Items

After you’ve decorated and optimized your kids’ closet, it’s time to hang up and put away their wardrobe. As you hang up shirts and dresses and store away pants, socks, shoes, and more, make sure to label each drawer, shelf, basket, or hamper to make it easy for your kids to keep everything organized.

Day 7: Inspire Good Organizational Habits

Teach your kids the importance of maintaining an organized closet. Encourage them to put items back where they belong, resist the urge to pile up clothes, and clean up after themselves. Regular reminders will make it second nature to your kids and become an automatic habit.

Conclusion

Getting your kids' custom closets in perfect order is something that every homeowner should consider. Not only does an organized closet provide peace of mind, but it also simplifies your kids' lives and promotes cleanliness around the house. The simple steps detailed above will get you there in 7 straight days. It’s a simple project that will instill the values of organization and cleanliness in your kids.

Source

https://www.hgtv.com/lifestyle/clean-and-organize/kids-closet-organizers-ideas-pictures

How to Store Clothes and Accessories When You Don’t Have a Custom Closet

Tue, 11 Apr 2023 21:06:17 GMT

Sometimes, no matter how much space we have, it is never enough to store all of our treasures, especially if we don’t have a custom closet to help keep us organized.

If you are needing more storage space because you don’t currently have a custom closet system in a room, here are six simple tips to maximize the space you do have.

Use a closet armoire to hang clothes
Stack storage bins in the corner
Install shelves to store belongings
Don’t forget about shoe organization
Hang hooks along the wall
Use the space under the bed

Use a Closet Armoire to Hang Clothes

You may not have a closet in the area you are organizing, but that does not mean you can’t find other ways to hang up your clothes. A closet armoire or a garment rack is a great storage solution that allows you to hang up your clothing, keeping it wrinkle-free.

Better Homes and Gardens suggests using either an armoire with doors to keep your items hidden, or an open garment rack, depending on your style preference. If choosing an open garment rack with shelves, they recommend highlighting your favorite pieces on the shelves as you would see in a boutique.

Stack Storage Bins in the Corner

There are so many stylish storage bins to choose from these days, you can easily find some that suit your decor. These bins can hold items that you do not tend to use as often, keeping them stored neatly for when you do need them.

Clear totes are also a great storage solution, and these make it easier to see what is in each bin. Some people prefer to keep the mess hidden, however, so it depends on your own preference. Either way, stacking a few storage bins in the corner can really help to tidy up a small area.

Install Shelves to Store Belongings

Don’t forget to maximize all of the space in a given area, and that includes the walls and ceiling. Using the walls to install shelving can help to free up space, and a professional closet organizer can make sure your shelves fit the space perfectly, even outside of a closet system.

Shelves can be used for a multitude of uses, including storing books, favorite ornaments, shoes, or clothing. Again, storage bins come in handy on shelves as well and can help to hide some of the clutter. Depending on the width of the shelf, you can use medium-sized storage bins that could hold your sweaters and larger items.

Don’t Forget About Shoe Organization

Shoes tend to create a lot of additional clutter if they are not properly organized, says Hartville Custom Closets and Garage . If you are working with a small space that does not have a custom closet, then you will want to find ways to minimize your shoe clutter. One such way is to use an over-the-door shoe hanger to store your shoes.

These inexpensive storage hangers are a marvelous solution to the shoe clutter problem. Simply clip them over the door of your room, and you can easily store upwards of 12 pairs of shoes. If you have multiple doors in this space, use them on every door to create additional shoe storage.

Hang Hooks Along the Wall

Continue to maximize the space in your area by also installing hooks on the walls. Wall hooks are very versatile and can be useful for holding bigger items like jackets and outerwear, purses, and even umbrellas.

There are many different ways that you can utilize your wall space for additional storage, and Better Homes and Gardens suggests installing shelving, cabinetry, or hooks to help get clutter up off the ground.

Use the Space Under the Bed

The space under the bed is often a forgotten storage haven. All too often it simply becomes a catch-all for garbage and dirty socks. This can change!

Use storage bins or boxes to organize the items you want to store under your bed. Have everything labeled so that it is easy to identify. Using clear totes in this situation might be helpful, but there are so many under-the-bed storage bins to choose from, you can select the one that works best for you.

Conclusion

Even without a custom closet, it is possible to keep a room neat and organized. The best way to do that is to maximize the rest of the space and incorporate some storage solutions to help put items where they belong.

Sources

Is a Capsule Wardrobe the Right Choice for a Small Custom Closet?

Mon, 06 Feb 2023 13:28:01 GMT

Do you ever find yourself thinking “I have nothing to wear,” even though you’re looking at an overstuffed closet? Usually, that doesn’t mean that you literally have no clothes; it means that you can’t find a way to put together an outfit you like out of the pieces you have. When you have a small custom closet , you may find it difficult to sift through the space to find pieces that can be put together to create an outfit.

Here are some of the advantages of a capsule wardrobe:

Stress Less About Choosing Outfits
Reclaim Your Time
Save Money for Other Things
Take Advantage of a More Spacious Closet

Take a look at some of the ways that you can benefit from choosing to go with a capsule wardrobe in your small custom closet.

Stress Less About Choosing Outfits

The idea behind a capsule wardrobe is that you pare your clothes and accessories down to only things that can be paired with each other in different combinations. Since everything in the closet could be paired with everything else, you’re never stuck with items that just don't go with anything else you own.

That means you’ll be much less likely to end up frustrated as you try to come up with an appropriate outfit for a particular event. If you’re the type of person who doesn’t enjoy planning ensembles, you won’t have to spend a lot of time on it if you don’t want to. If you are the type of person who enjoys outfit planning and fashion, you’ll still be able to. Either way, you’ll have less outfit stress, which is great!

Reclaim Your Time

Choosing clothes takes a lot of time – more than you might think it does. Glamour shares details about a study that polled 2,491 women and found that they spent 287 days spread out over a lifetime just deciding what to wear.

That breaks down to 16 minutes on weekdays and 14 minutes on weekends. Imagine what you could do with that time. Sleep a little later, eat a more leisurely breakfast, give yourself some extra time to read the news or listen to music in the morning. You can do better than spending all your time in front of the closet wondering what to wear. With a capsule wardrobe, choosing your clothes is not just less stressful, it’s less time-consuming.

Save Money for Other Things

Switching to a capsule wardrobe often involves paring down your wardrobe to some extent, and it’s easy to feel as if you’re wasting money by getting rid of things that don’t fit with the capsule theme. However, over time, switching to this type of wardrobe actually saves money.

Switching to a capsule wardrobe doesn’t mean that you’ll never need to buy new clothes, but it does encourage you to shop for clothes more intentionally. Those red boots may look cool, but are they going to go with anything in your closet, let alone everything? If not, bypass them.

You’ll find yourself avoiding mindless shopping and buying only when you specifically need something that fits in with the rest of what’s in your closet. If shopping too much is a problem for you, this is a way to help curtail that impulse. Even if it’s not a problem, you’ll find yourself with free money to use on other things that may be more beneficial than a new top.

Take Advantage of a More Spacious Closet

Switching to a capsule wardrobe saves space in your closet. You’re not trying to find room for every type of clothing in every color anymore, and you’ve whittled your shoes and accessories down to items that go with the clothes you have. Not only do your things fit more neatly in your closet, allowing you to see everything and find pieces and combinations more easily, but you may even find yourself with extra space in your small custom closet.

There could be several ways you could use that extra space to cut down on clutter in other spaces in your house. Store extra blankets and comforters on high shelves. Add some cubbies and use them to store books that don’t fit on your bookcase. Take advantage of that extra closet space to make more space in your bedroom or elsewhere in the house.

Conclusion

If your small custom closet isn’t enough for your wardrobe, even with customizations, you could look for additional space somewhere else – or your could adjust your wardrobe. A capsule wardrobe saves space that you can use for other things, and it also has other advantages. You’ll stress less and save both time and money.

Source

https://www.glamour.com/story/how-much-time-do-you-spend-dec

Custom Closets Help You Keep Your New Year’s Resolution to Get Organized

Tue, 20 Dec 2022 21:17:25 GMT

What’s your New Year’s resolution for the coming year? If it’s to get your home organized, you’re far from alone. Make now the time you prioritize upgrading your old, stuffed-to-the-brim closet with custom closets and you can finally achieve your goal! How can custom closets help you organize?

Here are some features of custom closets that make them the perfect organizational tool this year and every year:

Adjustable shelving
Deep drawers
Belt racks, scarf racks, and tie racks
Jewelry drawers and trays
Shoe fences and shelves
Valet rods

Ahead, you’ll learn more about why each of these exemplary closet solutions is such a game-changer, so make sure you check it out!

6 Ways that Custom Closets Help You Organize Your Home

1. Adjustable Shelving

Right now, with New Year’s on the horizon, all of your jackets and sweaters are already long since unpacked. However, before you know it, the hot and humid days of spring will be here. If your current closets are too cramped for your warm-weather wardrobe, then you’ll struggle to fit your bulkier winter clothes.

In a closet system, the shelves are configurable with the seasons. You can narrow the space between the shelves for spring and summer clothing storage when your garments are more lightweight. When the time comes to retire your winter wardrobe, you can expand the width of the shelves so you can fit everything without the need to cram it.

2. Deep Drawers

The width of the drawers included with your upscale custom closet cabinetry is also sure to make keeping up with your New Year’s resolution of organization so much easier.

Deep drawers have room to keep more of your smaller everyday items. Perhaps you use a drawer for storing undergarments and socks or you place some spare sheets or linens in the deep drawers.

There’s no wrong way to use a custom closet, so however makes sense for you is how you should do it. You’ll love how much more room the drawers afford you. Now you can store more of your items per drawer!

3. Belt Racks, Scarf Racks, and Tie Racks

Doesn’t it always seem like it’s the little things that go missing in your current closets? That can be so frustrating because you’ll search high and low but nary track down what you’re looking for. It can feel like looking for the proverbial needle in a haystack, frustrating and hopeless.

With custom closet accessories such as belt racks, scarf racks, and tie racks, no longer will these smaller but still important accessories vanish without a trace to the back depths of your closet. You’ll be able to keep your belts and scarves at eye level or thereabout so you can always accessorize appropriately.

4. Jewelry Drawers and Trays

Jewelry and precious family keepsakes passed down over generations deserve a special place in storage. However, you might not own a jewelry box, or if you do, it might be chock full of other jewelry, leaving you without a lot of options.

With a custom closet, the built-in jewelry drawers and trays will give you a secure place to keep your favorite pieces. You don’t want to stuff them into the full jewelry box, as then all your necklaces and bracelets will hopelessly tangle.

The jewelry drawers included with your custom closet can be lined with velveteen to keep everything in place. Your necklaces, bracelets, and brooches won’t shift, and your earrings won’t miss their partner. You can easily retrieve your jewelry whenever you want to wear it, decorating your outfits and adding some flair to your everyday life. Reader's Diges t has additional ideas for storing jewelry safely.

5. Shoe Fences and Shelves

Your shoe collection, although maybe not as valuable as jewelry, is still incredibly valuable in its own way. Stacking shoes atop one another might seem like a viable organization solution at first, but then the pile ends up falling apart, littering shoes all over your closet.

Shoe fences and shelves in your custom closet are just the organization solution you’re looking for this New Year’s. You’ll be able to partner like shoes together and keep them organized and away from other pairs. This way, you won’t have to worry about scuffing up or otherwise damaging your precious shoe collection.

6. Valet Rods

We also can’t sing the praise of valet rods for custom closets enough. Valet rods can hold more than clothing but also purses and backpacks so that staying organized however you need to this coming year is within reach.

Conclusion

Custom closets are just what you need to meet all your New Year’s resolutions for staying organized this year and many years in the future.

Resources:

https://www.rd.com/article/jewelry-storage-ideas/

Get Your Kids' Closet Systems Organized Before the Holidays

Wed, 16 Nov 2022 15:32:33 GMT

The holidays might be the time for family get-togethers, gift-giving, and good times, but they can also be stressful, particularly if you need to get your little one’s custom closet in order before guests arrive.

Before you get too far into panic mode, check out these super simple steps that will make the whole process far easier (and a whole lot less stressful).

Once you’re ready to get your kids’ closet systems organized before the holidays, you should:

Start with a quick cleaning and purge.
Optimize all of the hanging space.
Remember that cubbies are your friend.
Use a shoe rack to help clear the floor.
When in doubt, put in a door organizer.

Now that we’ve got a good handle on the tips that will get that closet in order before the holidays, let’s dive into the details.

Start With a Quick Cleaning and Purge

As with any other organization project in your home, you’ll want to start here with a blank slate. It’s tempting to want to just optimize what you already have, but this can make it more difficult to make and stick to big changes down the line.

Once you have everything out of the closet, you’re going to want to purge anything that shouldn’t be in there, from toys to toiletries and anything else that might be taking up space. You should have a great deal more room to work with after this step.

Optimize All of the Hanging Space

One of the quickest ways to get your little one’s closet in order is to make the most of hanging space. This is often the first casualty in a kid’s closet, and the end result can be piles of discarded clothes on the floor that will make getting ready in the morning even more difficult.

Try separating the hanging space into distinct sections. Maybe you can categorize by type, like school and non-school clothes, or keep sweaters and pullovers in one area, pants in another, and so on. This will make it easier for your child to stick to a routine that works for them.

Remember That Cubbies Are Your Friend

When in doubt, cubbies can be a great way to put in some catch-all storage solutions in your child’s closet. You can label each cubby, or even get ones of different colors to make it easier for them to remember where everything goes.

This will help quite a bit, especially if your child has plenty of toys but nowhere to put them all. Not only can this free up space in their closet but it could help to keep the floor clear in their room, too.

Use a Shoe Rack to Help Clear the Floor

When trying to get your child’s closet floor in order (and keep it that way), your first instinct probably wouldn’t be to look into getting a shoe rack, but this can actually really help. When your little one’s shoes end up all over the place on their closet floor, their clothes might too.

Shoe racks take advantage of the closet’s verticality, and they also make it easier for your child to find the pair they’re looking for at the moment.

When in Doubt, Put in a Door Organizer

As Martha Stewart notes , one of the best ways to overhaul a closet is to make the most of your floors and your doors. Door organizers are often overlooked when it comes to closet organization, but they really shouldn’t be.

Simply hang one of these up on the back of your little one’s closet door, and you’ll have entire shelves’ worth of extra storage space. On top of that, everything will be in clear pouches that will make it easy to see where everything is.

Conclusion

The time leading up to the holidays can be as stressful as it is exciting for you and your family, but it doesn’t have to be that way. By following these super simple steps, you should easily be able to get your kids’ closet systems in order before any of your holiday guests arrive.

Sources

https://www.marthastewart.com/8040056/how-organize-small-closet

6 Tips for Organizing a Small Bathroom Closet

Fri, 27 May 2022 18:30:13 GMT

When it's time to organize a small bathroom closet , many people feel overwhelmed by the lack of space and the number of items being stored. Today, we’re breaking down the six simple tips for organizing your small bathroom closet.

If you’re ready to take control of your closet, all you need to do is:

Clear everything out.
Clean it up.
Get rid of anything you don’t need.
Group your items together.
Stock and supply.
Get everything assembled.

Let’s get into the details!

Clear Everything Out

The first (and often most hectic) step is to clear everything out of your bathroom closet. Taking all of your things out can be stressful for sure, but it’s also a great opportunity for you to visualize how you’d like the closet to look and make a plan of attack. It’s tempting to keep things where they are and just tidy up a bit, but this is often how closets get messy in the first place.

Clean It Up

Once you’ve taken everything out of your bathroom closet, it’s time to wipe down every surface. Cleaning wipes work great here, and you can also get a lot of mileage out of an all-purpose cleaning solution and a rag. It’s about here that the stress of taking everything out will transition into excitement at having what looks like a brand new closet. Now that everything’s clean, measure the space on each shelf so you can buy baskets and bins that will fit snugly.

Get Rid of Anything You Don’t Need

Now that you’ve got a blank canvas to work with, it’s time to toss anything you’re not getting any use out of. If it’s hard for you to part with your things, look first for expired products and things that you have multiples of. From there, look for anything that doesn’t belong in the bathroom closet. You’d be surprised by how many random items find their way into closets!

Group Your Items Together

After prepping your new closet and getting rid of anything you don’t need, you should group all of your items into categories. All toiletries go together, medicine and first aid go in their own section, and toilet paper gets its own little corner of the closet. Not only will this make it easier to find things in the short term, but keeping clear categorization will also make it more likely that you’ll keep the closet neat and tidy.

Stock and Supply

Once you’ve grouped everything up into categories, you’ll probably have a nice amount of empty space in your bathroom closet - more than you had before. It’s here that you should take stock of anything you might need in your bathroom and restock anything that’s low or out.

Try to keep a larger stock of items that won’t expire or whose expiration dates are far away. Maintain a smaller stock of items that quickly expire. It’s easy for your bathroom closet to get cluttered when you have to repurchase an expired item and forget to throw out the first one.

Get Everything Assembled

Now it’s time for the fun part! With your closet and items ready and your measurements in hand, you can spring for bins and baskets to put all of your toiletries in. Woven baskets work great for items like toilet paper and small towels, and plastic bins will help keep things like small electronic appliances in place.

Feel free to get creative! You can always use a wall suction system to store razors and other small beauty care items, and slide-out baskets help in a pinch. Also, Better Homes & Gardens recommends investing in hooks and heat-safe trays to keep your grouped items organized and safe.

Conclusion

Organizing a small bathroom closet can be stressful and overwhelming, but that doesn't have to be the norm. By following these six simple steps and getting creative with your own organizing strategy, you’ll have a closet that’s as orderly as it is cute in no time at all!

Sources

https://www.bhg.com/bathroom/storage/storage-solutions/storage-ideas-for-hair-accessories-tools-and-products-281474979631215/

The Most Effective Ways to Store Shoes in a Closet

Thu, 28 Apr 2022 13:58:27 GMT

Many people might not know how to store shoes, and this can create wasted time and energy. Whether you have a large walk-in closet or a tiny reach-in closet, it's important to know how to make the most of that space to accommodate your running shoes, boots, formal shoes, sandals, and even work shoes.

Here are some simple tips to follow:

Don’t Store Your Shoes on the Floor
Make Sure Your Shoes Stay Fresh While Being Stored
Group Different Types of Shoes Together
Invest in Shoe Bins
Maintain the Structure of Your Shoes
Consider Underbed Storage

Continue reading to learn more about the most effective ways to store shoes in a closet.

Don’t Store Your Shoes on The Floor

It's not uncommon to think that the floor space in your closet is a great place to store shoes. In reality, that is not the case. When you opt to store shoes on the floor, the area will most likely become messy and cluttered in a short amount of time.

In addition, shoes that are on the floor are more likely to become mismatched or kicked around when you’re moving about in your closet. Quality shoes are an investment, just like the other valuables in your home. Would you leave them sitting on the floor when they’re not in use? Probably not!

Make Sure Your Shoes Stay Fresh While Being Stored

No one wants to walk into a closet that has a foul smell. There are a variety of ways to block nasty smells from entering your closets , and being mindful of your shoes can go a long way toward preventing odors from developing.

Before you place any shoes in your closet, make sure they're ready to be stored. For example, if you wear a pair of shoes for a workout at the gym or a pair of boots for a long hike, don’t put them back as soon as you take them off. Placing sweaty shoes in a closet is a surefire way for unpleasant smells to take over the area.

According to Hunker , one method involves liberally sprinkling baking soda inside your shoes and then placing them outside on a dry, sunny day for a few hours. Then, shake out the baking soda and stuff the shoes with newspaper.

Group Different Types of Shoes Together

One of the best ways to effectively organize the shoes in your closet is by grouping different types together. First, analyze your shoes and separate the pairs that you wear on a regular basis from those you only wear occasionally.

Store the shoes that you wear regularly in an area of the closet that is easy to access. Then, organize them by type. For example, keep your running shoes on one shelf, and then place work shoes, sandals, boots, etc. on separate shelves. Doing this will make it very easy to quickly find the pair you’re looking for at a moment's notice!

Place pairs you don't wear often in an area that will take up little space, such as the top shelf of your closet. This is especially true of expensive high heels you may only wear for special occasions. High heels are more likely to be damaged than other types of shoes so keeping them tucked away will extend their life.

Invest in Shoe Bins

If your closet does not have a lot of available space for shoe storage, you may want to invest in shoe bins. Look for translucent bins made of acrylic or thick plastic. View your footwear while protecting them at the same time.

After buying a pair of shoes, keep the box they came in. Shoe boxes can work in a pinch. When using shoe boxes, consider taking a picture of the shoes and placing it on the outside of the box so you can find the shoes you're looking for.

Maintain The Structure of Your Shoes

Maintaining the structure of your shoes will make it easier to store and organize them in your closet. Not to mention, your shoes will last much longer and look nice when they are kept in proper shape.

If you own multiple pairs of boots, consider buying boot shapers to place inside each pair. Boot shapers keep the boots upright so the tops don’t flop over when stored.

For other types of shoes, try using shoe trees. You can find shoe trees made out of wood or stiff plastic. Simply slide in the shoe trees and they will maintain the shape of your shoes while they're in your closet. Wood shoe trees are great for leather shoes.

Consider Underbed Storage

If you have an especially large shoe collection, you may want to consider alternate storage options. For example, if storing all of your shoes in the closet is making it difficult to find space for jackets, coats, and other garments, alternative storage can help a lot.

Underbed storage is a great option when you have more shoes than your closet can hold. A good rule of thumb is to store seasonal shoes or those you don’t wear often under the bed when there is not sufficient room in your closet.

Conclusion

Organizing a closet and storing your shoes properly stored doesn’t have to be difficult, even when shoes are involved. With just a little bit of time and effort, your shoes will fit right in and you’ll be able to find the exact pair you’re looking for at any point in time.

Sources

https://www.hunker.com/12135271/how-to-reduce-the-shoe-smell-in-your-closet

Home Office Decor Ideas for Men

Tue, 08 Mar 2022 20:42:33 GMT

A man’s home office is more than merely a room to get some work done. It should be an inviting and inspirational refuge that inspires a fella to get those creative juices flowing. To accomplish this task is relatively simple!

Whatever line of work you may be pursuing, here are some tips for executing the ideal office for the working gentleman:

Come Up with a Game Plan
A Masculine Color Scheme
Storage Space
A Place for Brainstorming
Motivational Decorations

Keep reading to learn more!

Devise a Plan for Your Home Office Decor

A man’s office should be something like a man-cave (yes, you read that right). As opposed to a traditional man-cave, however, you’re going to want to get some work done in your office environment. That means efficiency! It also means you’ll have to come up with a strategy in advance for building your manly workspace.

Before getting started, you’ll need to clean everything up and remove all unnecessary items (So long, Xbox!). Most importantly, your work environment will have to be properly designed to promote both efficiency and comfort. This guide should help you get your new home office into proper working order, regardless of whether it's on the smaller side or not.

Color Yourself Productive

Science says people respond to different colors in different ways. No promises as to whether that's actually true, but the statement has been made several times. Regardless, how you paint your office will have an impact on your emotional and spiritual wellbeing so you can’t take your color scheme lightly.

Choose whichever color suits your taste. Some masculine colors that might be to your liking often evoke a connection to nature. A deep forest green, for instance, adds an earthy sophistication as you might find in an old-fashioned smoking lounge. Some colors — such as a muted sage — help you relax and encourage creative thinking.

A Focus on Storage

Home offices aren’t all fun and games. There are some practical needs you’ll have to consider as well. Storage, for instance, will need to be tackled for you to have any hope of enjoying an efficient work environment.

A messy desk might be acceptable, but an office without storage is an invitation to frustration. A mid-century credenza looks sharp and provides plenty of storage, and if you want to save money, large bookcases have plenty of room for books and files, and they can be very inexpensive.

A Creative Retreat

What separates a nice home office from a truly Mad Men-esque paradise are the extra touches. Your refuge from the mundane is going to be defined by the fun paraphernalia and furnishings that help you relax, and bring out your creative side. How a man accents his office is a personal decision.

You might want to order the biggest, heaviest desk you can find, or go with something playful like a dartboard. If you’re going to be a fancy home executive, however, be honest: you want a bar. A bar lets you celebrate a big deal in style. Even if you’re not a drinker, a bar positioned in the corner of your home office tells the world that this guy means business. A bar means you can ask a visiting client, “What’s your poison?” and how cool is that? The good people at Gentleman’s Gazette are all in on the home office bar, and they have several other tips for the manly home office enthusiast.

Motivate Yourself!

Everyone could use a little motivation. Some stare meditatively at the ocean, others listen to Enya. If you’re designing a home office, it’d be a shame if you didn’t populate it with items that inspire you in the work you do.

Find things that move you. Don’t just put up a “Hang in There” generic poster. Hang works of art or photographs that truly inspire you. These can include photos of loved ones from the past or present, posters of sports figures, maps of the world, or rock stars. This office is your domain, and you’re the boss. How you decorate your office is a personal decision. If there’s something you like that isn’t appropriate elsewhere in the house, it belongs here.

Conclusion

When you’re designing a home office, you’re working with a blank slate — so don’t limit yourself. Find the colors and styles that fit your working habits, and populate the space with the things that mean most to you. If all goes well, you’ll land a big promotion or sell a book, and then you'll have the opportunity to design an even bigger home office!

Sources

https://www.gentlemansgazette.com/masculine-office-decor/

How to Design a Shared Closet Space

Tue, 08 Mar 2022 20:29:53 GMT

Living with another person can be a challenge, particularly when it comes to shared closet space . Be honest: Have you ever blamed your significant other for taking or losing something that you later found in your closet? Are you constantly pushing each others' items over to make more room for your own? For many couples, sharing a closet can be a struggle, but if you have a plan and the right tools, it's a piece of cake!

A well-thought-out closet design not only helps to keep your things organized and easily accessible but can lead to more peaceful sharing of that space as well. How do you make this happen?

Work together from the start
Declutter and sort first
Decide what goes in and what stays out
Make space for off-season items
Evaluate each person’s needs
Get creative with interior space
Use storage boxes with labels
Choose important closet upgrades
Agree on the design
Keep the closet clean

Keep reading to learn how you can successfully take on the challenge of designing a shared closet space, step by step.

Agree to Work Together to Share The Closet

It’s easy for one of you to just let the other declutter, design, and organize the closet. There are fewer decisions to talk about and the entire process will most likely take less time. However, what if they throw something out or donate an item you wanted to keep? What if you don’t like the design they came up with and don’t think it works well for your items even if it works well for theirs?

If you will be sharing the space, then you both need to be involved in the process from beginning to end so everyone is happy with the final results. The same can be said for organizing a closet for multiple kids to share .

Take Everything Out, Then Go Through It

Chances are that you won’t need everything currently in your closet. To take stock of what you need to organize, you’ll first need to declutter. This can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to going through clothes. The Pareto Principle suggests that most people only wear 20 percent of the clothes in their closets. Keep that in mind as you pull everything out to sort. Yes, everything!

Miguel from The Simple Paradise has a guide on how to effortlessly declutter your closet . One tip is to create categories as you're sorting: "keep, sell, give away, trash, and maybe." This will make it easier to decide what to do with each item of clothing.

Decide Where Off-Season Items Will Go

If you have enough room in your closet to store off-season items, that may be your best bet. You’ll need to create suitable storage when designing your shared space. However, if your closet is smaller , it may be worth finding a place elsewhere to store seasonal clothes. When deciding on the perfect storage place, be sure to keep in mind the temperature and humidity level . It should be cool, dry, and dark.

Decide How Much Space Each of You Need

Once you can see how much needs to go back into the closet, you can better evaluate how much space each of you needs. Most closets don’t need to be split 50/50. One partner may have more items than the other due to a large shoe collection or having to wear a uniform to work. No matter the reason, each person should have the space they need. The experts at How Stuff Works suggest creating an imaginary line to separate each wardrobe.

Creatively Maximize Available Space

You can get the most out of the space you have by being creative with storage. While there are dozens, if not hundreds, of ways you can utilize the closet space you have, here are some quick and effective ideas:

Color-Coded, Slim Hangers : When arranging clothes , consider color-coding your hangers. You can also switch to slim, velvet ones to maximize hanging space.
Shoe-Specific Storage : There are storage options for every type of shoe that helps to not only make the most of the space you have but also protect your valuables. Boxes, shelves, and storage ottomans are popular.
Designated Laundry Location : If you choose to store laundry in the closet, be sure there is a spot for it. You could use a hamper or a pull-out drawer, for example, as long as it's stored in a place other than the floor.
Wall Hooks or Bins : These useful storage options allow you to create space for smaller items, such as jewelry. Look for decorative options to bring some life to a bare closet wall.
Over-the-Door Organizers : The back of your closet door is ideal for storing jewelry or hanging belts. If both of you have plenty of these items, make a plan to divide the space equally.

Labels are Your Friend (And Theirs)

When everything has a place, and that place is labeled, not only can you quickly find those things but so can your partner. You can send them to grab items for you or they can help with picking up the house, knowing that everything is put away correctly. No more worrying about items getting lost in the closet, never to be found again, when everything is labeled.

Don’t Forget Upgrades You’ll Both Enjoy

This Old House notes a hidden improvement many people don't consider, lighting. While your items may be well organized, it can still be difficult to find them if they are lost in the dark. They suggest fluorescent lighting as it doesn’t produce heat in a small space. Fluorescent lighting is versatile and you can find any style to fit your closet.

Sign a Contract if You Must

Once you’ve designed your shared closet space, it’s important to respect it. You each have the storage you’ve designed the way you need it to maximize your allotted area. Now, you both need to honor each others’ domain by staying on your side of the imaginary line. Give a hug, shake hands, sign a contract, but respect their space.

Put It on The Calendar: Clean The Closet

Having a clean closet is wonderful. Cleaning a closet is worse once it’s gotten out of hand so don’t wait. Make it a monthly or quarterly chore and set a reminder on your calendar to get it done. Just like the process of designing your shared closet, cleaning it should be done together as well.

Conclusion

Sharing a closet doesn’t have to be a struggle. Try the steps above to get your closet redesigned and ready to share in no time at all. Just remember to work together!

Sources

Organization Ideas for a Walk-In Closet

Thu, 10 Feb 2022 18:36:26 GMT

Like many people, you might need a little help with your walk-in closet organization strategy. You have a spacious closet for a reason, so why not try some simple ideas to streamline your daily routine?

It’s time to let go of the things that don’t work for you, and embrace new ideas to freshen up your space and keep you organized. Consider the following ideas:

Invest in a Walk-In Closet System
Showcase Your Outfits
Utilize Your Space
Add Drawer Organizers
Keep Your Shoes in Line
Use Baskets and Bins

Picture your morning routine for a minute. Does it take you forever to find your outfit of the day? Is your jewelry buried in a bulky jewelry box? Are your shoes a mess? With these tips, you will actually be able to walk inside your walk-in closet!

Invest in a Walk-In Closet System

Why underutilize the great walk-in closet space you have when you can optimize it to its fullest potential? Typical closets come with a hanging rod and some shelves, but that old style doesn’t work when you want to stay organized and have complete access to your space. Upgrading your current walk-in closet by installing a brand new organizational system can help keep your clothes, shoes, and accessories organized, easy to access, in good shape, and can even help boost the resale value of your home .

Closet systems are easy to customize based on your needs. For example, you can add accessories like velvet-lined jewelry drawers , full extension runners, soft close hinges, valet rods, hidden hampers, shoe racks or fences, and much more. Instead of having to figure out how to best layout your walk-in closet yourself, you get to create a totally custom system from top to bottom.

Showcase Your Outfits

Consider adding your style to your walk-in closet by showing off your outfit of the day. Simply add decorative hooks to one of the blank walls in your closet to display your ensembles. For clothing that should remain folded , place a stylish chair by the decorative hook to layout folded sweaters, knit items, or other heavier clothes. Complete the look by placing your shoes next to the outfit.

The pop of color from your outfit will liven up the blank wall, and the organization of having your complete look ready to go will speed up your morning routine. For smaller accessories such as jewelry, watches, or sunglasses, place a decorative tray on an open space near your outfit. They will be ready to put on, safe from being lost or hard to find, and easy to put away when you get home.

Utilize Your Space

A walk-in closet offers ten times more space than a small reach-in closet. But, are you using the space you have efficiently? Any area can easily feel cramped, chaotic, and hard to navigate. Maximizing your space better will reduce frustration and simplify your day. Here are some quick tips to try:

Use vertical and horizontal space.
Arrange your clothes properly .
Store seasonal items in another place.
Try drawer organizers, shoe racks, hidden laundry hampers, scarf and tie racks, and other accessories.
Give away old or unwanted items.
Look up DIY organization ideas.

Add Drawer Organizers

Drawer organizers are the multi-taskers of any walk-in closet. There are different kinds depending on what you need to keep stored. Velveteen-lined drawer organizers are great for delicate or sentimental items, such as jewelry, watches, and sunglasses. There are also trays for smaller items, and deep divided organizers for larger items, including purses, wristlets, and smaller briefcases.

Keep Your Shoes in Line

Shoes all over the floor make for a tripping hazard and a mess. However, it’s easy to keep your shoes neatly stored and easy to find. Shoe racks and shoe fences are accessories that don’t take a lot of space, and they keep all kinds of footwear protected and organized.

If you love your shoes and want to showcase them, you can choose your favorite heels or sneakers and place them in open cabinets or cubbies. This will add color and style to your closet.

Use Baskets and Bins

Certain items may not fit inside a cabinet or drawer and may not be something you want to hang. According to Bob Vila , baskets and bins are great ways to store items in a stylish way. You can find bins and baskets in all kinds of shapes, colors, and materials. For example, you may not want to hang your jeans, but you could neatly fold them and place them in decorative baskets inside your walk-in closet. This will leave hanging space open and reduce clutter inside of drawers.

Conclusion

A large closet is a great addition to your home and provides you with more room for your clothing, shoes, and other accessories. With all that space comes more opportunities for messes to happen. Once you try the above walk-in closet organization ideas, your space will feel stylish, functional, and most importantly, mess-free!

Sources

https://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/20-beautiful-walk-in-closet-ideas-for-organization-578312

Garage Workshop Ideas

Wed, 09 Feb 2022 21:50:23 GMT

Before now, your garage was used solely for storage, but lately, you’re getting the itch to turn it into a workshop. How can you make that happen?

Here are 5 great garage workshop ideas to try today:

Add a workbench
Get some overhead storage racks
Try wall racks
Upgrade your garage cabinetry
Renovate your garage floor

This article will be your guide to creating an organized, awesome garage workshop for woodworking, metalworking, car restoration, and any other personal projects on your to-do list. Make sure you keep reading!

Add a Garage Workbench

If there’s one accessory you’re going to splurge on right this moment, make sure it’s a workbench. After all, what workshop is complete without a workbench? A workbench is an excellent feature that will automatically make your space feel that much more legit. The bench will have a spacious surface area for drafting plans, drawing blueprints, and getting to work.

Select a durable workbench material that can withstand the everyday wear and tear that occurs whenever you engage in your hobbies. For example, if you are indeed into metalworking, then you don’t want a workbench built from a material that could melt in the high heat!

Your workbench should also have plenty of storage drawers and cubbies for keeping all of your favorite tools, gear, and equipment close at hand. Whether that’s your trusty drafting pencil, your father’s hand-me-down tools, or the screws you keep around in case you ever need them, you won’t have to get up and disrupt your "me time" looking for what you need.

Get Some Overhead Storage Racks

According to Cision PR Newswire , in 2015, one in every four United States homeowners complained that their garages felt too packed with stuff. The clutter overflows to the point where these Americans couldn’t even park their cars in their garages!

If you too have struggled with organizing due to the size of your garage , the solution isn’t to spend thousands and thousands of dollars to get it extended. Rather, you should look up. That spacious ceiling of yours doesn’t have to be used exclusively for collecting dust. With overhead storage racks, you can free up the clutter in your garage that precludes you from using the space as a workshop.

Imagine how much more time you’ll have to relax and engage in your favorite hobbies when you don’t have to go on a wild goose chase for every last little item you’re looking for. Think of the money you’d save not having to replace your hobbyist gear because your messy garage seems to swallow it all up.

An overhead storage rack system won’t interrupt how your garage door functions either. You can use the racks for storing anything and everything that you have no room for elsewhere. Holiday decorations? You got it! Beach chairs? Absolutely! Those bikes you bought the kids that they were interested in for three days? Yes!

Try Wall Racks

Now that your garage is neater, your workshop is coming together. Don’t stop now! Complementing overhead storage racks, wall racks are an excellent way to make your garage seem bigger. How? Moving the items that clutter up your garage floor to your walls creates the illusion of more space. Who doesn’t love that?

You might select Slatwall racks. With all sorts of hooks, baskets, and accessories connected, you can take your wall racks further and make them one of the most efficient parts of your new garage workshop. For instance, if you’re often getting your hands dirty while working, then you can slot a paper towel holder into one of the racks.

A six-tilt bin allows you to store screws, pins, and other small odds and ends that tend to accumulate in a workshop. Wire baskets in varying sizes can keep anything and everything organized. The best part about wall racks, especially for garage workshop hobbyists, is the tool storage options.

You can store shorter and longer tools alike, from screwdrivers to wrenches and everything in between. A magnetic tool holder allows you to shift the positioning of the rack however often you wish. That’s truly one of the top benefits of a wall rack besides its organizational potential. You can keep your favorite tools, gear, and accessories within your line of sight. If the storage baskets are right by your workbench, you won’t have to wander around anymore to track down what you need.

Upgrade Your Garage Cabinetry

With the conversion of your garage into a workshop, now is the perfect time to assess your current cabinetry. If the cabinetry is too old and barely hanging on by its hinges, why not upgrade? Now that you’re working in your garage, it’s best if your new cabinets can support upwards of 100 pounds per cabinet.

More durable hardware will keep your cabinets in great shape longer, so look for heavy-duty materials such as stainless steel. While you’re shopping for cabinets, select a material that can also stand up to sunlight, moisture, and stains.

Renovate Your Garage Floor

You never paid your garage floors much mind until you upgraded the rest of the garage into your own personal workshop. Now you realize how much help your floors could really use. Perhaps they’re old and stained, thereby detracting from the look of your workshop. The floors could even be slippery, which makes using your garage a risk, especially if you’re working with fluids.

As the cherry on top, treat yourself to fresh new garage floors. Swisstrax is a type of interlocking floor material that’s very popular. The tiles are softer than concrete, and despite the huge range of color variety, Swisstrax doesn’t fade and is easy to maintain .

Should your garage project require you to use water to hose down a surface, the slits in the tiled flooring allow for easy water drainage without the risk of mold. Plus, even when the Swisstrax tiles are wet, they’re slip-resistant! You need to be able to walk with confidence in your garage and expect that others who visit can do the same!

Conclusion

Renovating your garage into a workshop gives you the space to engage in all of your favorite activities and hobbies. Bring in new cabinetry, add a couple of wall racks, invest in a high-quality workbench, and you'll be set! These garage workshop ideas will help you create a space that can stay easily organized.

Sources

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/almost-1-in-4-americans-say-their-garage-is-too-cluttered-to-fit-their-car-300096246.html

14 Tips for Stocking Your Kitchen Pantry

Thu, 20 Jan 2022 21:46:16 GMT

Knowing how to stock a kitchen pantry correctly can sometimes feel like an overwhelming task and you may find yourself asking, where should I even start?

Have no fear, though, because below are all the tips and tricks you need for stocking your pantry to meet every culinary desire!

Pick Your Favorite Recipes
Buy in Bulk
Consider Equipment
Start With The Basics
Create An Organization System
Clip Coupons
Storage
Check Expiration Dates
Clips
Emergency Stock
Make Use of Sales
Don't Forget Paper Products
Properly Label Items
Use Baskets

Read on to learn more about how each of the above tips will help you create a fully stocked and organized pantry.

Stock The Pantry With Your Favorite Recipes

A good place to start is by looking over some of your favorite recipes. Try to pick 10 or so to really examine what ingredients they require. They can be a mix of breakfast dishes, side dishes, baked items, etc. Keep in mind that these should be recipes that you frequently make.

From there, make a list of all the ingredients that they require. Once you have that list, go through and star items that came up repeatedly. These are staples that you will need to have available in your pantry as they’ll be used time and time again!

Buy In Bulk

Especially when stocking a pantry on a budget, you’ll want to buy certain items in bulk whenever possible. The pros at Uproot Kitchen note that rice, beans, flour, sugar, pasta, and even some types of spices are items to buy in large quantities.

Consider Your Equipment

You need to have staples that match the appliances and equipment in your kitchen. Really think through what appliances you have when it comes to stocking your pantry and then consider what staples you need to use with them.

If you have a blender for smoothies, you'll want to have items like peanut or almond butter and even protein powder on hand to use in these confections. If you have an attachment for your mixer to make pasta, you’ll want to have the right flour for doing so.

Start With The Basics

When stocking your pantry, always start by filling up on basic necessities . Items such as flour, sugar, different types of oil, vinegar, spices, and beans are must-haves for day-to-day cooking and baking.

Create An Organization System

Having an organization system is key when stocking a pantry. Make sure that you map out different sections and group like items together. You may also want to purchase clear plastic containers that make organizing items like spices easier and more accessible. Above all, find a system that works for you.

Clip Coupons

Stocking your pantry can get expensive! To make it a less pricey venture, keep an eye on the weekly flyer and specials at your local grocery store. Clip coupons for items you need to add to your arsenal of products so you can slowly chip away at your list at a fraction of the price.

Effective Storage

When stocking your pantry, you’ll want to store the items you purchase correctly to ensure that they live up to their shelf life. While many products can stay in the container or packaging they are purchased in, some are best stored in different containers. For instance, flour is best stored in an airtight container. Taste of Home provides an interesting tutorial about correctly storing flour to maximize its shelf life.

Effective storage also ensures that pests are kept at bay. These are visitors that you certainly don’t want in your pantry! Also, double-check that all packages and containers are completely closed and clean the area around your pantry frequently to eliminate crumbs. You'd be surprised how even one of two crumbs can attract a colony of ants.

Check Expiration Dates

As you stock your pantry, you’ll want to be vigilant about checking expiration dates if you’re working with a back stock of items that you already have. At the same time, make sure you throw out anything that is expired. To further prevent waste, place items that are soon expiring towards the front of your pantry so that you can use them first. You may even want to have a separate bin or basket in the pantry that's labeled “eat first.”

Have Clips for Quick Use

Pantries usually include things like bags of chips, crackers, and other snacks. Have chip bag clips available to close up bags once they’re open but not fully eaten. You're probably going to need to remind your family members about using the clips consistently. If not, there's always a possibility of pests visiting.

Have An Emergency Stock

Having an emergency stock of food is a must for any pantry. You’ll want things that are simple to cook if you’re stuck in the house for a long period of time due to, for example, a severe weather event. Real Simple mentions that products such as peanut butter, cereal, energy bars, crackers, packages of tuna, and canned vegetables are great to have in case of emergencies. Don't forget about bottled water!

Make Use of Sales

Another money-saving tip for stocking your pantry is to make use of sales at the grocery store. Especially after the holidays, you can snag staples at great prices and build your stockpile without breaking the bank. Typically, items such as chicken broth, stuffing mix, and, in many instances, paper products are marked down by 50% or more.

Don’t Forget Paper Products

Your pantry can hold more than just food! Make sure to have a section that includes paper products such as napkins & paper towels. You can also keep a stock of household items like trash bags, ziplock bags for sandwiches & snacks, plastic wrap, aluminum foil, and parchment paper available as well.

Properly Label Your Items

If you’re storing items in jars or airtight containers, be sure to label them accordingly. You want to make the cooking process as easy and stress-free as possible. Use a label maker for clean and concise labels. If you don’t have a label maker, chalkboard sticker labels are a great option because they can be reused time and time again.

Use Baskets

Baskets can be used to store a variety of items. From Tupperware containers to larger cans of soup, they can be placed throughout your pantry. You might also have baskets for your kids' snacks. Think about it, do you really want your pantry torn apart, again?

Conclusion

Keeping your kitchen pantry well-equipped doesn’t have to be an impossible task. With a bit of organization, some dedication, and a little knowledge, you'll be well-versed in how to stock your pantry with everything necessary!

Sources

Six Home Office Decor Ideas for Her

Wed, 19 Jan 2022 18:27:34 GMT

If you work from home, you most certainly want your décor to match your personality, style, and work habits. Women, in particular, are more inclined to customize a home office to suit their tastes and be inspired by chic surroundings to do their best work.

Below is a list of six fun, fashionable and feminine home office decorating ideas:

Color Power
Custom Style
Wall Wow
Plant Oasis
Gallery Worthy
Smells So Good

Now, go channel your inner Joanna Gaines & get those creative juices flowing to design a gorgeous home office that's perfect for you!

Color Power in Your Home Office Décor

Whether you like a lot of color pizzazz, color as an accent or you are more of a minimalist, color does impact one's mood and motivation. You can create a cohesive statement by picking a particular palette and using it throughout your home office via storage and desktop accessories or by using a variety of coordinated hues.

If you are a less is more type of gal, adding deliberate pops of color on your walls or with specific items like a pinboard or knick-knack is another fun way to incorporate a dash of color power. A splash of yellow or light blue, for example, can go a long way and offer less of a distraction if you favor a more muted working environment. Better Homes & Gardens notes further how color can actually impact your mood in more ways than one in this article .

Custom Style

Be bold or not, it is entirely up to you. Don’t be afraid to use varying patterns, fabrics, metals, materials and statement pieces. If you are more inclined to utilize neutrals in your space, incorporate a stylish lamp, a textured throw rug or jazz things up just a touch with luxe chair upholstery.

Find places to spotlight mementos and personal treasures that can surround you as you work and create an atmosphere that will be most comforting and conducive for you. You can’t go wrong with a blend of all things that you know and love.

Wall Wow

Walls serve as an empty canvas for any space. Add a soft or eye-catching focal point by using wallpaper or painting an accent wall. Floating shelves are always a win that can generate much needed additional surface area to display books, pictures and other curated objects.

One design trick that works well, especially if your space is on the smaller side, is hanging a mirror or two. The mirrors will make your space appear larger, particularly when the light reflects off of them. Or, create some wall wow by finding inspirational decals that provide your home office with additional room allure.

Plant Oasis

Bringing in some greenery to your space will allow your mind and body to be one with nature, even when working inside. If you can, accommodate some potted or hanging plants around your home office to boost air quality and provide a sense of serenity and relaxation. Prevention Magazine notes several additional benefits of adding plants around a home and not just in an office setting.

Gallery Worthy

You can express your unique individual self by using framed artwork, prints, photographs and posters to showcase in your home office of the people, places, and things that you enjoy the most. Use uniform frames of different sizes or mix it up and create an eclectic grouping of colors, shapes and sizes. Whatever gallery worthy items make your home office space feel inviting, warm and suits your tastes, will be the very things that make you smile every time you enter and sit down to work.

Smells So Good

Adding some feel good smells to your home office can be done with fresh flowers, essential oils, lighting candles or using aromatherapy products. Scents do play a significant role in promoting feelings of positivity, focus, and productivity. Lemon, lavender, mint, jasmine, rosemary, orange and cinnamon are just some of the scents backed by aroma-based science that are shown to elevate "cognitive functions." Management 3.0 shares those findings here .

Final Thoughts

Your home office should serve as your personal work sanctuary. The type of style and décor to add will be based on your specific preferences. If you prefer to add more of a feminine flair to your workspace, go for it! Remember, one of the advantages of working from home is that you get to set up your home office décor your way.

Sources

How to Decorate an Entertainment Center

Fri, 31 Dec 2021 14:56:06 GMT

Entertainment centers will become the focal point of any room they’re installed in, whether that's a spacious living room or your cozy family room. The extra surface area that it affords means that you'll have the freedom to decorate this luxe home accouterment.

How do you decorate an entertainment center?

Add live greenery such as potted plants
Use open shelves for a book library
Store knickknacks and figurines
Place crystals and geodes
Hang artwork on or around your entertainment center
Display small framed photos
Choose a fun theme

There’s no wrong way to decorate an entertainment center, but these tried and true suggestions are favorites for a reason. Keep reading for more information so you can make your own entertainment center more appealing!

Add Live Greenery

If your living room or family room is a single, neutral hue such as gray, white, or beige, nothing adds a lovelier pop of color than some fresh houseplants. The greenery will put a smile on your face each time you & your family sit down to enjoy some entertainment together.

Plants are also beneficial in more ways than one. Many plant species can purify the air so being in the same room with them is great for your health! Keep in mind that unless the room has adequate lighting that your plants might begin to look yellow, brown, or wilted. Don’t forget to water them periodically, and be sure not to get your entertainment center wet in the process.

No green thumb? That’s okay. Faux plants look realistic enough that no one will notice. Plus, you don’t have to worry about all the watering and maintenance that real houseplants require.

Use Open Shelves for a Book Library

Most entertainment center shelves store your movie library, but then again, with streaming services, who needs to collect DVDs anymore? If you have lots of open shelving throughout your entertainment enter, try converting it into a book library.

If you’re a voracious reader, your favorite classics will always be within walking distance of your comfiest recliner. You can put some TV on in the background, light a candle, make a tasty drink, and then sit down and spend hours reading uninterrupted. Do you have kids? Books on the entertainment center shelves might inspire them to pick up a book rather than binge-watch the next hottest Netflix show.

Store Knickknacks & Figurines

Before you had children, you used to freely display your ceramic or glass figurines, knickknacks, & tchotchkes. Now you worry too much about your valuables being broken, if not by the kids, then by your rambunctious family dog.

Your entertainment center shelves are the ideal place to store valuable figurines. They’ll be high enough off of ground level that the kids & dog won't be able to reach them. Now if you have a cat, that’s a whole different story, but for the most part, your knickknacks should be safe. Even better, after years of collecting dust in a box, those prized figurines will be displayable once more, just as they were made to be.

Place Crystals and Geodes

Here’s a unique idea for decorating your entertainment center. Give it some sparkle and oomph with a collection of crystals and geodes displayed around the television enclosure. Geodes and crystals come in all shapes and sizes, so whether your entertainment center has a large open area or just a little bit of space, you can make this idea work.

Try mixing and matching an assortment of crystal and geode colors. After all, you can get a whole rainbow in totally natural hues that are sure to grab attention whenever a guest comes by.

Hang Artwork On or Around Your Entertainment Center

No room is complete without a few pieces of artwork hanging proudly on the walls. You might decide to hang a piece or two over your entertainment center. as well You could even buy a new canvas just for the occasion.

To take your love of art to the next level, lean a smaller piece of artwork against the entertainment center shelves. Just make sure you don’t put so much art around it that your kids can’t see the TV!

Display Small Framed Photos

Another great means of filling the shelves around your entertainment center is with precious family photos. Pick a few of your favorites from a couple of cherished albums. Depending on the measurements of your entertainment center, you might have to manually resize some of the photos to fit in the frames.

Next, measure the length and width of the shelves. You don’t want a frame that fits the opening of the shelving exactly, as that will be too tight of a fit. Once you have your measurements, it’s time to shop for frames. Then, put the photos in the frames and display them however you wish.

Choose a Fun Theme

If you’re still struggling to decorate your entertainment center, why not go with a theme? For each holiday on the calendar, you can gather appropriate décor and jazz up your entertainment center. The experts at Cinema Sound Unlimited Inc. note that if you do choose a theme, make sure that it matches the rest of your home's decor, as well as your theater system. You'd be surprised home much future home buyers appreciate an entertainment center, equipped with a luxury home theater. To learn more, check out How Do Luxury Home Theaters Raise The Value of a Home by Cinema Sound Unlimited .

Whether you deck the halls around Christmastime or make your entertainment center spooky for Halloween, you’ll be in the holiday spirit no matter what! You can also select non-holiday themes and then find or purchase items that fit that theme. Let your creativity run wild!

Conclusion

There you have it, 7 fantastic ways to decorate an entertainment center. Whether you follow one of these suggestions exactly or tweak them slightly, what matters most is that you have fun decorating! Even an understated area such as an entertainment center can be enhanced with a few touches here and there.

Sources

https://www.cinemasoundunlimited.com/luxury-home-theaters-property-value

Laundry Room Ideas for Small Spaces

Fri, 03 Dec 2021 21:04:36 GMT

As a kid dreaming of your home one day, you probably didn’t think about the laundry room . If you did, chances are it was a spacious and organized space like one that's seen in the movies. Once you grew up, reality set in that laundry spaces are small, and organizing them tactfully is tricky.

Some laundry room ideas to keep in mind when dealing with a small space include:

Utilizing the height of the room
Strategically using wall space
Creating your own pieces

Read on for some creative and helpful ideas to make the most out of your small laundry space!

Utilizing The Height of The Room

When designing the interior of a home, oftentimes people don’t realize the amount of available space from floor to ceiling, and the laundry room is no exception. Carefully considering effective ways to utilize the entire height of a room can be crucial in executing your ideal laundry room.

Stack The Washer and Dryer

Washers and dryers are not small appliances, so seeing them side-by-side in an already small space may be a bit overwhelming. If you have a good size ceiling, it may be smart to see if stacking them is a viable option. When you hear stackable washer and dryer, you probably think of the sort of old, all-in-one appliance where the washing machine is on the bottom and the dryer is on top.

While these appliances are effective, they’re not usually favored because of their lackluster appeal. Many people don’t know that the extravagant single washers and dryers can also be stacked to achieve the same goal but in a more modern way.

Deciding to stack your washer and dryer will save you space right from the get-go. It will open up your walking space, wall space, and spots to put other organizational tools. Keep in mind though that just because you can stack a washer and dryer, you shouldn’t just hoist up such a large appliance without properly planning the exact details.

Stacked Cabinet Storage

Sometimes built-in cabinets are just not possible, but cabinet storage units are always available with a boatload of choices. Typically, cabinets are separated either by countertops or crown molding, leaving spaces between each section. Although the space is aesthetically pleasing, it’s not doing anything for your actual storage needs.

Consider floating cabinets that can neatly go on top of each other and remain steady and stable. You can utilize the top area as a spot for toilet paper or paper towels – things that you want out of sight but are light enough in weight that if they fall, it won't be a problem.

Strategically Use Wall Space

Similar to how one could ignore valuable ceiling height in a room, one could think that whatever goes on a wall must lay flat. This is not the case in a small laundry room. Your walls should be interactive and very much three-dimensional.

Mounted Extendable Hooks

Hanging your clothes up in the laundry room is usually done using a tension rod, which requires two sides of a wall to be held up. In a small space, two sides of a wall are real estate you probably don’t want to lose that easily.

To avoid this, swap out a tension rod for wall-mounted, extendable hooks instead. They only need to be mounted on one side of a wall and usually offer a rod length not that far off from a traditional tension rod. Some models come with the ability to swing and fold the hooks so when they're not in use, they can sit flush against the wall.

Mounted Drying Racks

Not every piece of clothing can be hung up to dry; some require flat services like a drying rack. Traditional drying racks are clunky and clumsy – two things you don’t need in a small space you’re trying to keep clutter-free. To avoid any additional laundry room necessities taking up floor and walking space, opt for a wall-mounted drying rack.

Some wall-mounted drying racks fold outward and reveal about six slots to put clothing items on, while other racks appear more shelf-like and can be pulled outward to display ample slots for clothing. Whichever type you choose, you’ll be saving yourself space and the possibility of bumping into your drying rack and your clothes landing on the floor.

Slatwall Racks

A fun take on utilizing wall space is by choosing to have Slatwall racks installed. Eagle Mouldings describe Slatwall as a “structural material used to create wall coverings or display fixtures." Choosing to put Slatwall in your laundry room could mean a wall of possibilities. You could utilize the racks to place clothing rods similar to retail stores, or simply hang bins with dryer sheets, laundry detergent, or those miscellaneous home items that will always end up in your laundry room.

Create Your Own Pieces

Unfortunately, not every storage option that exists will fit your space perfectly. For this reason, some good old-fashioned DIY projects could be your best option.

Frame Countertop Space

If you’re putting your washer and dryer side-by-side, you might feel like you’re losing the space right above the appliances. Ergo, it’s a nice option to frame out the space dedicated to the machines. This way, you can create countertop space to hold bins, hampers, or an additional spot to fold.

Conclusion

Although your small laundry room may not be quite as large as you dreamed it up to be as a kid, it doesn’t have to fall short when it comes to purpose. Small spaced laundry rooms can be just as effective as large ones, as long as you thoughtfully utilize the space.

Sources

https://eagle-aluminum.com/different-ways-to-use-slatwall

8 Ideas for Organizing a Small Kitchen Pantry

Thu, 11 Nov 2021 14:06:55 GMT

A small kitchen pantry doesn’t have to feel cluttered or claustrophobic. You can find many different ways to create a neatly organized pantry that looks more spacious and provides enough room for your nonperishable foods, utensils, appliances, and other supplies.

Here are a few ideas to help you get started in reorganizing your pantry.

Keep Similar Items Together

Stock your small pantry the same way your local grocery store stocks its shelves. Group all of your essentials together, oils with oils, pasta with pasta, etc. This will make it easier to find what you want quickly.

Additionally, be sure that all ingredients are arranged according to expiration dates. Food that is a week or two away from expiring should be kept towards the front to ensure that it's eaten first. Maintaining this type of system will ensure that your food supply doesn't go bad before it's consumed.

Use Airtight Containers

Use containers that include airtight lids to help keep pests out of your pantry . Mason jars & plastic containers with sealable lids, and other airtight containers are great storage options for bulk food since they will seal the scent of the food inside. This means pests, such as ants and cockroaches, won’t be as easily attracted to your pantry.

Since these storage options are usually transparent, they also make it easy to identify specific food or ingredients. For better clarification, use a dry erase marker to label each container with its contents.

Buy Stackable Food Containers

Not only are airtight containers effective for bulk food storage, but you can even find them in stackable options. This will help you further maximize space, especially if you lack extra shelves. Simply stack the food containers in this area by building both horizontal and vertical stacks. Again, use dry-erase markers to label the contents, making the hunt for dried lentils & Basmati rice oh so much easier.

Store Utensils in Straw Bins

Straw bins are both decorative and useful when you add them to any size pantry. You can use them to add an extra layer of protection when storing items on the bottom shelf or on the floor.

They can hold extra silverware and other kitchen utensils, or they can be used to hold napkins, table cloths, and other decorative items that you alternate from season to season. Throw a small linen washcloth or towel over each basket for additional protection.

Use a Wooden Pegboard for Odds and Ends

The experts at House Beautiful suggest affixing a wooden pegboard on a spare wall in your pantry. It can even be secured to the back of the pantry door to keep it useful, yet hidden. You can use it to hang kitchen towels, large cooking utensils, or coffee mugs. By setting a board on top of a couple of pegs, you’ll have a temporary shelf for storing spices and other small containers as well. Fill them with tea bags, coffee filters, or packets of sugar.

Add a Slim Cart

Create mobile storage with a slim storage cart. There are plenty of styles available to suit any budget. You can use your cart to store fresh fruits and vegetables, dishware, and jars of processed food. Since the cart has wheels, it can be moved out of the way when necessary. If you have condiments that don’t need to be refrigerated, storing them on a kitchen cart will make them easily accessible.

Make Use of Old Crates

Have any old wooden crates or cigar boxes stored in the attic? Don't you think it's time they got put to good use? Wipe them down, give them a rinse, and if you're feeling extra creative, paint them a fun color. These types of old boxes are great for storing cleaning supplies, rags, and other similar items. Smaller boxes, such as cigar boxes, can be used to keep prepackaged condiments together.

Keep Baking Supplies Together with a School Organizer

There are some things that you will always use together, such as baking supplies for cupcakes and cakes. Family Handyman suggests using a plastic pencil box for this purpose. These are plastic containers that are divided into a variety of compartments. They also feature lids that snap easily into place to ensure the box is closed, perfect for storing paper cupcake cups, birthday candles, and frosting tubes.

You can use a separate organizer for rubber bands and toothpicks. Since these organizers often come in a variety of colors, you’ll also find it easy to color-code your supplies.

Conclusion

Don’t be afraid to be inventive in redesigning your small kitchen pantry. If you try something out and it doesn’t work as well as planned, you can always change it. Implementing new ideas can help you create a more organized pantry that provides easier access to everything you need.

Sources

How to Maximize Space in a Small Guest Room

Tue, 09 Nov 2021 14:20:10 GMT

Have you ever been guilty of using your guest room for extra storage? You’re not the only one who has. With friends, family, and guests coming to visit throughout the year, but especially during the holidays, you want to have your guest room oasis ready for use.

A few simple home organization ideas can help you maximize space in a small guest room quickly and easily. All you need to remember is:

Think like a designer.
Remove what’s not needed.
Use your imagination.
Storage space is key.

Organize your spare room into a cozy guest room for visitors in no time at all by following the steps outlined below.

Think Like a Designer

If you've ever watched home improvement shows on television, then you know how designers can take any room and turn it into something beautiful, useful, and stylish. When it comes to your small guest room, you want to use some of the techniques that designers emphasize, such as:

Downsize the bed – You don’t need a California king bed in a small room, so consider going down to a queen or full-size bed instead to give you more space, according to Housebeautiful.com .
Utilize space around the bed – Pushing the bed against a wall takes away usable space for lamps and nightstands.
Mirror, mirror – Did you know that hanging mirrors of any size creates the feeling of more space? Plus, you can show your style or match the room’s theme with cool mirrors.
Vertical space – Your walls are a great place to hang decorative hooks for guests’ bags, framed photos, art, cabinets for added storage, and more.
Relaxing scents – Use light-smelling scents like lavender or sage in a decorative potpourri jar or diffuser to give the space an inviting aroma.

Remove What’s Not Needed

When it comes to creating a lovely guest room for visitors, you want to remove any items that aren’t needed. This goes beyond clutter and includes items such as bulky dressers, chairs, and extra furniture.

You may also find clothes or shoes inside the guest room closet you forgot about or no longer wear. If you've been using this room as a catchall space, then you might find random items, such as gift wrap, blankets, pillows, and more hidden away.

Setting up your guest room is a great time to practice home organization, too. Ask yourself:

Are any of the large, bulky items in the space sentimental?
Are there any items that can be donated to a charity?
Can some of these items be stored inside bins or baskets?
What items can be tucked away inside cabinets?

For any items you want to donate, take them to your local charity center immediately. This will free up space and help you get organized.

Use Your Imagination

Your guest room is your visitors’ home away from home. Making it comfortable, useful, and organized will leave a lasting impression on your guests. Use your imagination to decide how you want to decorate your space.

You could go with a theme, such as beach, forest, or mountains. It’s easy to find beautiful artwork, bedding, and curtains to match any theme. Some homeowners enjoy choosing an overall look, such as cozy cottage, chic and elegant, classic, or modern.

Do you love books or have a really cool collection to showcase? According to HGTV , you can use books or media to style your guest room. Your friends and family will enjoy exploring your collection and picking out a gripping mystery novel. If you are an artist, your guest room is the perfect home gallery space. You can hang your art on the walls or utilize open cabinets to showcase sculptures.

Get creative with wall colors as well! Choose beautiful hues that match your theme or style. Instead of using floor lamps, think about a hanging lamp or small table lamp. It will brighten up the room without taking up additional space.

Storage Space is Key

Just because the guest room is meant for visitors doesn’t mean you can't use it to store a few items as well. Leave the closet clean and open for your guests to use. Floor space inside the closet can be used for your visitors’ luggage, large bags, and shoes. You could even go the extra mile and add a shoe fence for their footwear. Keep a few nice hangers for pants and shirts available on the closet rod.

Open design cabinets in the closet are an excellent way for guests to keep their clothing neatly folded and stored, too. Instead of having your visitors put their dirty clothes back in suitcases, you could provide a laundry hamper for them to use. If necessary, they could easily do a load of laundry before leaving.

Under the bed is a great location for items you need to store. Gift wrapping can be stored in bins with lids under the bed. You might also consider purchasing a bed with built-in drawers for clothing, toys, or other items.

When it comes to home organization in general, vertical space is your best friend. You can store almost anything on a wall and make it look stylish. For example, use decorative hooks to store necklaces, scarves, ties, and bags.

Conclusion

While it might have been hard to have guests over before, your new spare room will change all that. Even if you lack square footage in your guest room, you can still turn it into a functional & stylish addition that your friends & family will enjoy. Let the hosting begin!

Sources

Organization Ideas for a Small Garage

Tue, 05 Oct 2021 13:01:07 GMT

Sometimes your garage acts as a catch-all for the items that just don’t seem to have a place in the house. It’s much worse if you’re not working with a lot of square feet. But never fear — your custom garage might be small, but it can still be mighty! Don’t be daunted by chaotic clutter, insufficient storage, too many toys, or an overabundance of tools.

With the simple steps listed below, you can transform your cramped and congested space into a magazine-worthy, organizational oasis:

Plan out everything in advance.
Utilize your wall space creatively.
Don’t forget to incorporate overhead storage .
Tame your tools .
Invest in storage accessories .

You can tame your wild and wooly garage into a family-friendly, multi-use area that’s welcoming, safe, and spotless. Read on for more tips and tricks that will help you conquer garage clutter forever!

A New Start

The first thing to do to truly get organized for good is remove everything from your garage. See if there are any items that need to be removed, rehomed, or thrown out. This is also a fabulous time to adopt the “keep, toss, donate” method. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, the experts at Good Housekeeping have some great ideas for how to proceed as painlessly as possible.

Be sure to properly dispose of old paint cans, broken furniture, and hazardous materials. Once you’ve gotten rid of trash and decided what needs to stay, you can create the game plan for organizing your space.

Creating zones for specific purposes is a smart way to get the most use out of your garage, no matter if it's large or small. Here are some popular zones you can designate:

Gardening and yard work
Balls, toys, and hobbies
Auto maintenance
Sports equipment
Pet supplies
Seasonal decorations

Planning out these areas and specifying purpose-centric zones will give you and your family more room for doing the things you love.

Maximizing Wall Space

Your garage walls offer a lot of valuable real estate that you can utilize to safely store a multitude of items. A popular solution is to add some Slatwall storage racks, which will enable the use of your wall space from the floor up to the ceiling. Slatwall is durable, strong, and adapts to everchanging needs. This kind of storage solution is perfect for managing lawn care equipment, bicycles, craft supplies, tools, and so much more.

Bookcases and cabinets can also help wrangle a wide variety of garage necessities. If you, for example, are storing cleaning supplies or pesticides in your garage, you may want to install a cabinet that locks — better safe than sorry!

Over Your Head

Many homes today include garages with relatively high ceilings, and that potential storage space is going to waste. Even if you have an automated garage door, you still have plenty of room above for all kinds of things, even if your garage is on the smaller side. Home decor site The Spruce provides a number of methods for taking advantage of overhead storage.

Overhead storage racks, for example, are best for items you either don’t use every day, or for longer, bulkier pieces, such as ladders, fishing poles, kayaks, rakes, and skis. If you have an overabundance of seasonal decor, look above to keep them out of the way and safe from harm. It’s also best to use metal or plastic storage bins here, as cardboard boxes can attract moisture and pests.

It’s Tool Time

Whether you’re an ardent crafter, woodworker, mechanic, or gardener, it’s important to keep the tools you need properly organized . Tools aren’t cheap either, and some can be quite delicate. There are several easy ways to take charge of your hand tools and all of the accompanying small bits, screws, nails, paint brushes, or whatever you have. Recycled cans and jars are brilliant for storing these odds and ends.

You can also mount magnetic strips just like chefs use for knife storage in their kitchens. These strips are strong enough to hold pliers, wrenches, screwdrivers, and more. Tension rods, the same ones you use to mount shower curtains, help make use of an otherwise awkward space. They are perfect for hanging additional bins or baskets that house supplies related to your favorite hobbies.

Make Your Life Easier

These days, there are loads of ingenious accessories to help you get and stay organized. A few wise choices will give you long-lasting satisfaction. Custom cabinetry, a versatile workbench, Slatwall, and specialty racks and hooks are all superb options. Rolling carts are terrific as well, particularly if you have a smaller garage. Clear plastic bins and wire baskets let you see what’s in them while providing sturdy storage.

Drawers are available in a huge variety of sizes and configurations. They’re ideal for keeping tools and supplies out of sight, but still handy when you need them. You can also invest in locks for added peace of mind.

Conclusion

Even if your garage is more modestly sized, you can still find a place for everything — maybe even your car. Just take the time to create a plan, utilize your wall and overhead space, and invest in a few smart accessories, and soon you’ll have the gorgeously organized garage you’ve always wanted!

Sources

Home Office Essentials List

Mon, 04 Oct 2021 13:17:19 GMT

Whether you have a dedicated home office or you simply commandeered a corner in the bedroom or living room, it's important that your work from home (WFH) space be properly equipped. While it goes without saying that you will need a quality computer or laptop and high-speed internet access, there’s much more that goes into creating a functional home office environment. It also requires proper planning and purchasing of basic essentials.

Here’s a list of what you should consider when setting up your home office:

Get Comfortable
Light Up Your Workspace
Listen Up
Embrace Electronics
Stash and Store
Put The ‘Home’ in Home Office

Keep reading for a look at the fundamental items that should be featured in any home office space.

Get Comfortable

If you are planning to do actual work – and not just binge-watch your favorite TV shows or shop online – then you will need to make sure that your home office has a proper place to sit. That means you need a quality desk and chair. Many medical experts recently have been touting the health benefits of stand-up desks as an alternative to traditional desks. That’s because sitting too much has been proven to increase the risk of diabetes, obesity, and heart disease.

Healthline found that desks that allow you to stand up comfortably while working not only reduce these dangerous health risks but also help alleviate back pain and promote productivity. If you’re not ready to make the switch to a stand-up desk, consider purchasing an adjustable desk with an electric or hydraulic system that allows you to easily change the height from sitting to standing.

A comfortable desk chair is another essential element in a home office. New York magazine’s The Strategist likens the office chair to a mattress. Since you are going to spend about eight hours a day sitting at your desk, you need a chair that's both comfortable and supportive.

You want one that is scaled to your body size, so be sure to do a test sit. And, like a good mattress, you need to invest in a quality desk chair. You – and your back – will surely regret it if you try to skimp on a cheap chair.

Light Up Your Workspace

Good lighting is important in any home office. An overhead light is probably not sufficient, especially if your job requires reading a great deal of paperwork. You need direct task lighting. An adjustable desk lamp is your best bet, but if space is tight you might want to consider a floor lamp that can be directed to light up your desktop area. If your desk faces a wall, sconces are another excellent option.

While proper lighting will help alleviate headaches and eyestrain from squinting, prolonged computer use is still straining on the eyes. One simple solution is to get a pair of blue light glasses. These non-prescription lenses are specially designed to help fight eye fatigue.

Listen Up

Noise is often an issue when working out of a home office, whether it be caused by outside factors or coming from family members or roommates. That’s why a quality pair of noise-canceling headphones is essential. They will eliminate distractions and allow you to concentrate on your work. If you participate in Zoom meetings, you might want to consider upgrading to a pair that features a built-in microphone.

A Bluetooth speaker is another great investment for a home office, especially if you are someone who enjoys ambient music or calming nature sounds while working. According to Bene.com , studies have shown that listening to music increases concentration and reduces stress.

Embrace Electronics

Space is often at a premium in a home office , so you will want to equip your WFH space with products that serve a dual purpose. For example, an all-in-one machine is the perfect piece of equipment. Basically, it contains a printer, copier, scanner, and fax machine in one small footprint that should easily fit on your desktop, a table, or in a cabinet.

If you use a laptop, then a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse go without saying. In addition, a laptop stand or a heat shield would be a wise purchase to protect your investment as these small – yet powerful – devices can easily overheat and burn out. You want to make sure your laptop is getting plenty of fresh airflow.

While laptops are great for on-the-go work, a monitor will make your work from home experience much more efficient. Available in a variety of screen sizes, the monitor can be set up to mirror your laptop screen – or you can use both simultaneously creating your own dual-screen desktop.

There’s nothing worse than having a power surge and losing all of your hard work. For that reason, a surge protector is essential for any home office. While there are plenty of inexpensive power strips on the market that contain built-in surge protectors, The Balance Small Business highly recommends investing in an uninterrupted power supply (UPS).

In the event of a power failure, this device will provide just enough backup power to let you save what you were working on and properly power down your equipment. They also recommend using a backup drive or personal server to save copies of your files to further protect against a computer crash.

Last but not least, every home office should have a paper shredder to destroy sensitive documents containing confidential client information. It’s not a bad idea to keep a recycling bin handy to toss all of the other papers you no longer need.

Stash and Store

Storage is typically a challenge when you work from home, so you will want to thoroughly organize your home office. This can be accomplished by eliminating unnecessary items, adding storage space with cabinets and drawers, developing an organizational system, and taking back your desk space.

One of the best ways to corral clutter anywhere in the home is by using bins & baskets, and your home office is no exception. These containers can be used to stash office supplies such as extra pens and highlighters, paper clips, and Post-it note pads, or to neatly store client files and personal papers like bank statements and insurance policies. Be sure to label your bins so you know where everything is located.

Put The ‘Home’ in Home Office

Lastly, your home office is part of your home. It should meld with your personal décor style and be an inviting place to go to work each day. Fill it with items that bring you pleasure, such as family photos and vacation souvenirs.

If you have space, you might want to add a comfortable chair or a small love seat. This will give you a place to relax while taking a phone call, reading business journals, or simply taking a five-minute coffee break. Extra seating is also nice if your spouse or children tend to pop in for a visit. Liven up your space with a decorative pillow or cozy throw blanket, which you can always wrap around you while working if you get cold.

Distractions are abundant when working from home. A personal coffee station, like a Keurig or Nespresso, will allow you to recharge with caffeine without losing concentration. If you prefer a can of soda or seltzer as a refresher, then a small refrigerator might be just what you need. This will also allow you to keep a few healthy snacks on hand.

Scented candles and fragrance diffusers are also excellent additions to a home office. Not only will they make sure your office smells fresh, but certain scents also elicit different responses. Similar to aromatherapy, using essential oils can impact your mood by stimulating creativity & calming stress.

Live plants have also been proven to boost productivity and reduce stress, so make room for one or two. Perhaps a small succulent on your desktop and a larger potted plant in the corner to add a bit of brightness. As an added bonus, plants also improve indoor air quality.

Conclusion

A functional home office requires much more than just a desk, chair, and computer. It’s important that you equip your work from home space with the proper products to create a productive and pleasant work environment. Your home office essentials list should include seating, lighting, listening devices, electronics, and décor. With proper planning, your home office can spark creativity, promote productivity, and provide a place where you enjoy spending your working hours. Plus, you can’t beat the commute!

Sources

Is It Better to Fold or Hang Your Clothes?

Mon, 27 Sep 2021 17:52:08 GMT

Most people don't give too much thought when it comes to hanging or folding clothes. However, it actually makes a significant difference between maintaining an organized custom closet versus one with poorly cared for items.

Your choice of whether to hang or fold an item is determined by the type of clothing, its construction and fabric. For those pieces that require being hung up, always invest in durable hangers.

Below, you'll learn about the rules of folding versus hanging clothes, and so much more! Stay tuned!

Material

Hang delicate fabrics like satin, silk, and lace that wrinkle easily. Fold starched materials, such as cotton (dress shirts) to avoid problems with stretching. Other materials that stretch and need folded include lycra and jersey. It's always best to fold knitwear as well.

Weight

If you have a piece that's heavy enough to bend a hanger, it needs to be folded. Remember that garments featuring adornments, such as embellishments and beading, can sag and distort an apparel's shape. This can lead to unraveling.

Now a delicate item, such as a wedding dress, requires different care and needs to be handled very carefully. Brides.com recommends either storing it in an "acid-free container" or an "acid-free plastic garment bag."

Space

If your amount of hanging space is limited, prioritize the clothing you wear the most or the apparel you wish to protect. Use the following guidelines when hanging or folding clothes.

Hang these clothes items:

Dress pants
Dresses
Pleated apparel
Wrinkle-prone apparel
Blazers
Blouses
Lightweight clothing
Starch-treated garments

Fold these clothing items:

Knitwear and sweaters (especially cashmere)
Stretchy clothing
Heavily adorned or beaded apparel or as per manufacturer's instructions
Jeans
Khakis
T-shirts

Hanging Your Clothes: 3 Important Tips

1. When hanging a shirt, line up the seams along the shoulders, keeping them in line with the edge of the hanger.

2. Start from the bottom, not the top, when hanging a shirt. Beginning at the top will distort the garment's shape and stretch the collar.

3. Space hangers evenly in your closet, allowing enough room between each garment to avoid crowding. Crowding will snag and wrinkle clothing. Even spacing will help you organize your clothes and easily identify them.

Folding Clothes: 4 Important Tips

1. Fold delicate sweaters made of materials such as cashmere, and line the folds with tissue paper. Doing so will prevent creasing.

2. Before folding, shake out the garment to reduce wrinkling.

3. Do not roll socks, as it can stretch out the elastic. Fold each pair together instead.

Using The Correct Hangers

Hanging specific clothing items is vital to keeping them well-maintained. However, you also need to use the correct hangers. The following guidelines will help determine the type of hangers you'll need.

Plastic Tube Hangers

These hangers are used frequently and are inexpensive. Use them to hang the following garments:

T-shirts
Materials made of cotton

Wooden Hangers

Wooden hangers are incredibly long-lasting and are ideal for maintaining jackets and clothing with special features, including:

Fitted apparel
Blazers and jackets

Padded Hangers

Both lingerie and delicate fabrics keep their shape better when hung on padded hangers. Any item that tends to snag should be placed on a padded hanger.

Avoid hanging anything heavy on a padded hanger, as it tends to slip off.

Suit Hangers

Suit hangers, naturally, are made for suits, but ones you do not separate. If you wear pants and jackets separately, hang each item on a wooden hanger so you can easily organize and identify it.

Clip Hangers

Use clip hangers for the following items:

Sleeveless blouses
Skirts
Pleated apparel
Pants

A Note About Wire Hangers

Above all else, try to stay away from using wire hangers as they are not very durable. Even if the hanger features a cardboard tube, it will eventually bend under the weight of an item, causing a garment to fall off or wrinkle. Wire also can rust, which can transfer to the fabric. At the same time, the shoulders of an item can potentially pucker & ultimately lose their shape & sag.

According to WellandGood , a hanger should replicate a person's shoulders. That way, clothes maintain their natural shape when they aren't worn. The ideal hanger has a sound base and gently sloping sides.

Final Thoughts

To keep your clothes well-maintained, make sure you fold heavier-weight apparel that tends to stretch or sag and hang items that are more delicate. Knowing which hangers to use will cut potential clothing replacement costs and make it easier to keep and maintain your garments.

Sources

Garage Update Ideas

Mon, 13 Sep 2021 13:32:37 GMT

When you’re considering updates to your custom garage , it’s a good idea to take a step back to consider what you hope to accomplish. Do you want to add space and make your garage more accessible? Are you interested in changes to support a hobby? How about transforming the use of this space altogether? The options are endless.

If you’re unsure about the changes that you’d like to see, remember that this is your opportunity to incorporate updates that do more than improve the appearance of your garage. These options can breathe new life into the entire space so it works better for how you live your life:

Create a Space to Call Your Own
Design a More Functional Space to Save Time and Effort
Choose Items to Maximize Storage Space
Upgrade Your Garage Flooring
Expand Your Living Space
Give Yourself a Safe Place to Park

Before you start shifting boxes and installing new hardware, browse the garage update ideas outlined below. Then determine which changes you'd like to make.

Create a Space to Call Your Own

Believe it or not, your garage can offer you a valuable space to call your own & escape from the world. With a few tweaks and upgrades, you can create a room in your home that reflects your interests and hobbies, particularly if you’re low on indoor space elsewhere. If your desire is to create a garage man cave :

Carve out a tool and repair center.
Build a bar to socialize with friends.
Set up a sports and entertainment area.
Store and display your hunting or fishing gear.

Into personal fitness? HGTV recommends considering a garage gym. If your garage has two stalls, your exercise equipment can generally fit on one side, leaving your other stall open to park. Besides the actual weights and exercise equipment, this is one space transformation that requires little effort and extra items. About the only thing you'll need are rubber floor mats to soften the impact of dropped dumbbells.

Design a More Functional Space to Save Time and Effort

Are you a handyman with a passion for fixing things around the house? Chances are you rely on your garage to store at least some of your tools . Without good planning, though, those bulky tools and equipment can easily overwhelm your space.

But fear not! Here are some valuable tips to capitalize on this space without sacrificing your trusty table saw:

Hang smaller, lighter tools where there’s open wall space.
Consider magnetic strips to keep your most-used hand tools right in front of you.
Repurpose old jars and containers to store loose items, like screws, nails, and fasteners.
Use a hanging shoe organizer to hold spray paint, primers, sealants, and spray adhesives.
"Build a battery recharging station for your power tools. "

Choose Items to Maximize Storage Space

If you simply need to add storage space, you’re in luck! There are numerous garage-specific fixtures and storage solutions that can dramatically cut down on clutter. Bob Vila offers two suggestions for maximizing your storage space:

Consider ceiling storage to take advantage of all that untapped overhead space in your garage. For off-season items and rarely needed belongings that you’re tired of tripping over, ceiling storage offers a safe, convenient way to move items out of the way and out of sight. Prefabricated options may be a little bit of an investment upfront and could require help during installation, but you’ll love the results when you suddenly have all that open floor space.

Another option if you’re a handyman to consider is a rolling tool storage chest. It's designed with multiple drawers to keep all your wrenches, screwdrivers and hardware neatly tucked away. Plus, some models can double as a workbench and they can be repositioned.

Upgrade Your Garage Floor

Now that you’ve considered overhead storage, it’s time to think about ways to upgrade the floor. DIY Network explains that there are plenty of options that enhance the entire look, longevity, and performance of your garage floor:

Concrete Sealer: As an "easy to apply option," concrete sealers "help protect against water, mild chemicals, oil and road salts."
Concrete Stain: Like sealers, stain offers protection for your concrete floor. In addition, it offers some visual benefits by hiding minor scratches and chips.
Rubber Tiles: These flooring covers resist chemicals, prevent slips and offer superior protection. Plus, they're incredibly easy to clean !
Carpet Tiles: You can even get ultra-tough tiles made out of carpets that are specifically designed for garage floors. The synthetic polymer construction allows them to resist oils and chemicals, and they can even be power washed if they get dirty.

Expand Your Living Space

Are you really ready to commit to transforming your garage? You may want to consider expanding your living space by repurposing some or all of your garage’s square footage for another purpose altogether. The Spruce offers several suggestions:

Extend kitchen storage by carving out space for a pantry.
Create an intermediary mudroom to take off your shoes and store outerwear.
Relocate your washer and dryer so you have a garage laundry room.
Insulate and renovate your garage to transform it into another room in your house, whether it’s used as a guest room, studio, or lounge.

The options go on and on. If you’re low on space throughout your home and need to increase your square footage, repurposing your garage by transforming it into a regular living space is an option.

Give Yourself a Safe Place to Park

Here’s a novel idea: You can incorporate garage updates that make it a better place to park your vehicles. As one of the biggest investments and expenses, your cars and trucks deserve a safe place to sit out of the weather when they’re not in use.

Even if you’re not a car enthusiast with luxury models crowding your driveway, your vehicles will thank you for incorporating a few changes to improve your garage parking:

Use parking aids like a hanging tennis ball, reflective tape on the walls or a wood block on the floor to let you know when you’ve pulled in the correct distance.
Upgrade overhead lighting to make it easier to see where you’re parking.
Cut down on any garage clutter that could scratch or dent your vehicle (s).

Conclusion

No matter how you use it, your garage remains one of the most valuable areas of your home, and for good reason. It keeps you organized, protects some of your most valuable possessions, and expands your storage options. If you’re interested in updates that can make a major impact in your home and lifestyle, the garage is a great place to start.

Sources

Closet Jewelry Organizer Ideas

Thu, 26 Aug 2021 20:48:47 GMT

What do walk-in and reach-in closets have in common? Besides being the perfect place to neatly organize your clothes and shoes, they both serve as a great location to store your jewelry in a unique way. If you are like most people, you probably never thought your custom closets could be an oasis for tangle-free, organized jewelry, but they can be!

Getting started with organizing your jewelry is easy! All you have to do is:

Categorize
Get Creative
Apply Ideas

That jewelry box on your dresser takes up a lot of space and does not let you see what you have at a glance. With these effective ideas, you'll forever bid adieu to clunky jewelry boxes and tangled-up necklaces!

Categorize

Necklaces, earrings, rings, watches, and bracelets are must-haves in every jewelry collection. Traditional jewelry boxes come in various shapes and sizes. However, they take up dresser space and add to bedroom clutter. Your closet offers a fantastic alternative! You can utilize horizontal and vertical space more effectively, keep your favorite necklaces tangle-free, and protect smaller items from becoming lost in the jumble.

The first step is unloading your jewelry box and seeing exactly what items you have. Consider doing this on a clean surface where you have plenty of space. You do not want your earrings falling down a drain or behind the dresser.

There are a couple of ways you can categorize your jewelry, including by:

Type of Jewelry – Necklaces, earrings, rings, bracelets, and watches are the most common categories.
Most Worn & Least Worn – Set aside the jewelry you wear the most because you will want these pieces to be easily accessible, no matter the type.
Special Use – Items you wear for special occasions can be grouped together.

As you go through your jewelry, have an area set aside for items you want to donate or sell. You may be able to consign some fine jewelry, such as gold and diamonds. For costume jewelry, consider donating it to a local donation center.

Get Creative

It's pretty easy to add a personal touch to your design plan. Get inspired by looking online at what other people have done. Think about how jewelers display pieces. Everything is neat and tidy. Retailers make it easy to see what is on display and even easier to access items. You can put the same ideas to use in your closet.

Here are some simple, creative, and fun ways to upgrade your jewelry organizing game:

Slide-Out Jewelry Drawer: You can add this to your closet to keep items like sunglasses, rings, earrings, and more neatly stored and tucked away. Slide out the drawer when you need something and push it back when you’re done.
Velvet Jewelry Inserts: Keep your jewelry looking beautiful and organized by adding a velvet jewelry tray. Your pieces will remain safe and neatly stored, and you won’t have to sacrifice dresser space.
Use Your Walls: Reader’s Digest recommends using wall space to neatly display necklaces and bracelets. You can use elegant hooks to keep everything tangle-free and easy to access. Use your personal style to find the perfect hooks.
Clear Organizers: Consider clear organizers that easily fold & can be placed inside cabinets or drawers. Quickly view rings & earrings and waste less morning prep time hunting for the right pieces.
Tiered Systems: According to Architectural Digest , using tiered jewelry systems that can spin or fold allow you to keep similar items grouped together without them becoming messy.
Colorful Dishes: These small, colorful dishes are great for holding earrings and rings. They will add a pop of color to your closet or bedroom, too.
DIY Pegboard Jewelry Holders: You can make your own closet wall hanging jewelry holder by framing pegboard and adding simple hooks and baskets to it.

Apply Ideas

You have categorized your jewelry and figured out how to best utilize your closet space. Now, it is time to apply your ideas. Start by answering a few simple questions:

Are you a DIYer or do you prefer to purchase ready to go organizers?
Do you have all the materials you need, such as a pegboard, frame, hooks, small dishes, rods, and jewelry trays?
Have you already cleaned and organized your closet ?
Have you measured your drawer space and closet wall space?

Conclusion

When you apply space-saving tips, any closet can be used efficiently to maximize space for clothes, shoes, and jewelry. And, you don’t have to sacrifice beauty for functionality. Next time your friends come over, show them your new jewelry gallery! They'll be inspired to add a touch of style to their own closets and bedroom with simple, effective, and creative ideas.

Sources

Garage Man Cave Makeover Ideas

Tue, 17 Aug 2021 13:47:36 GMT

So, you have a lot of space in your custom garage and are unsure what to do with it. You have all these tools and appliances on hand. They just need a place to look cool.

If that’s you, here are a few ideas for your garage man cave makeover:

A tool/repair center
Sports and entertainment area
A bar
A place for your hunting or fishing gear
Make it a display for your luxury vehicle

Continue reading to get plenty of ideas for constructing the ultimate man cave!

Tool Station

If you enjoy working on building projects, consider creating a custom tool station . Give yourself plenty of space to hold your tools, wood, nails, and finished masterpieces.

For a well-stocked tool center, invest in the following items:

Workbench
Assembly Table
Several Cabinets & Shelves
Hooks and Hangers
(Optional) Power Drill Organizer

Before setting up your garage, pay attention to the ventilation. To prevent your workstation from feeling stuffy, avoid setting up anything near windows or vents.

Sports and Entertainment Center

NFL, NHL, NBA, MLS, MLB, and so many other major sports leagues exist. Each game brings some level of excitement, anticipation, suspense, and sometimes anger. What better way to enjoy this rollercoaster of emotions than inside a comfy entertainment area? It’s even better when you have friends over for a guy’s night.

Keep in mind that an entertainment center will require a solid electrical layout. Multiple electrical outlets will reduce the need for messy extension cables. You can easily plug in any desired appliance. It also wouldn’t be a bad idea to use an extension cord to plug in your mini-fridge. Slide the fridge close to the couch and you can grab drinks with ease.

Some furniture you’ll need for a good setup includes the following:

Flat-screen TV (ideally larger than 42 inches)
Mini fridge for storing beer, soda, and water
Couch and/or recliners for you and your guests
Long coffee table to hold your snacks
(Optional but preferred) home speakers

For your memorabilia, invest in some frames or small shelves to display prized autograph jerseys, perhaps one signed by Tom Brady!

A Bar

After a long, hard day’s work, it’s nice to unwind with a good drink to take your mind off of things. What better way to do that than to make a nice drink in your own bar?

What you’ll need to make a nice bar area includes:

Long Countertop
Barstools
Multiple Long Shelves
Cabinets
Mini Fridge with Ice Maker
Small TV
Area Speakers (optional)

When you go to an actual bar, there are lots of seats, shelves, lights, and, most of the time, decent music. To have a similar experience, invest in a few barstools and a long countertop. It’s best to have them close to a wall for support purposes.

Hunting/Fishing Gear Area

For those of you who live to hunt & fish, the garage is a great place for storing your gear and keepsakes. Display your gear using racks & hooks to hold fishing rods, rope, & tackle equipment.

Showcase Your Luxury Vehicle

Ironically, not many people use their garage for its intended purpose. It’s often easier to park outside if there’s too much stuff in the garage. If you own a luxury car, you probably do everything you can to protect it!

You can use your garage for more than just protection; you can also use it to display your elegant ride. Before doing this, you’ll want to redo the floor. Concrete won’t compliment the look of your car. Cover it with flooring that is safe for cars. Swisstrax rubber tiles are a long-lasting, versatile option to consider.

Try to paint the walls a color that matches or compliments your car. In the back of the garage, install a few cabinets to hold your car cleaning and maintenance tools.

Conclusion

There are a lot of creative ideas you can try to customize your garage man cave. It doesn’t have to just house your car. It can be a great hangout spot for friends, a space for your handmade creations, or a place to showcase your prized possessions. The choice is yours! Your imagination is the limit!

How to Organize a Mudroom

Mon, 26 Jul 2021 19:12:54 GMT

You may take it for granted, but much like your foyer, your mudroom sets the tone and feeling your guests feel when they arrive at your home. Much like a perfectly customized mudroom area, muddy boots, dirty shoes, and carelessly dumped coats can make quite a statement about your space.

While any organizational task can seem daunting at first, you can organize a mudroom in three clear phases:

Determining a plan for your mudroom by taking measurements, assessing needs, and choosing the best system for your home.
Building and installing the main pieces of your mudroom like cabinets, benches, consoles, and hooks.
Styling your mudroom with your belongings and additional accessories to enhance the design.

In this article, you’ll learn more in-depth about each stage and a few quick tips to adapt each one to your mudroom.

Five Ways to Plan Your Mudroom

Before you piece together those wall-mounted pieces you’ve been eyeing with a bulky bench, it’s important to plan out your mudroom so it’s easy to use and more effective for your family. Here are five quick ways to plan a mudroom that fits perfectly with your family’s lifestyle.

Simple Layouts

Don’t get complicated with your mudroom’s layout, especially if you don’t have a ton of space to dedicate to your entryway. After you take specific measurements, keep these essentials in mind: floor-level shoe storage, durable wall hooks, and overhead storage for seasonal items.

Start From an Inventory

Once you know your space limitations, Martha Stewart recommends taking inventory of your family’s organizational needs , then matching those up with your potential mudroom’s existing features. For example, make a mental note of items you keep close like coats, bags, keys, mail, and umbrellas.

Maximize Space With Different Pieces & Accessories

With the right combination of furniture pieces, organizers, and accessories, you can create a mudroom that feels just right for your home.

Create Designated Storage for Each Family Member

Got more than a couple of people in your household? Then you know quite well about how quickly a drop zone can turn into a messy, cluttered area. If you have room, plan dedicated storage space for each family member to create a better system for organizing essentials.

Turn an Existing Closet Into an Improvised Mudroom

On the contrary, if your smaller space can’t handle an entire mudroom, turn the coat closet into one! According to Good Housekeeping, you can measure your closet and find benches, wall-mounted storage, and hooks that fit. Hide your new mudroom behind a closed door as needed.

Four Tips to Consider During a Mudroom Build

Now that you’ve planned your layout, it’s time to pick the right pieces to bring that newly refreshed mudroom to life.

Add a Mudroom to Your Laundry Room

Do you have a laundry room near a point of entry to your home? Transform laundry room space into a makeshift mudroom area. Good Housekeeping shows how anyone can utilize part of the laundry room by installing a comfortable bench and adding a rack of hooks overhead.

Add DIY Hooks Inside Your Cabinets & Consoles

In a spacious wall-mounted cabinet system, it’s easy to optimize your entryway with additional storage. On the inside of the cabinet doors, Martha Stewart recommends using self-adhesive hooks . Quickly access smaller accessories like retractable umbrellas and keys with this hack.

Create a Recycling System

Make collection day easier with this DIY recycling idea. Build your sorting station with wall-mounted bins labeled for aluminum, plastic, and glass. You can even add wire baskets underneath to hold recycled paper.

Three Mudroom Styling & Decor Ideas

Your mudroom has a structure! With your custom layout and structure in place, the organization can begin.

Use Colorful & Long-Lasting Runners

A multicolored, bold, or patterned rug runner is a simple way to add lively decor. A pop of color or an intricate pattern instantly brightens the room. Just make sure to choose one that can handle the foot traffic.

Display Greenery & Showcase Art Pieces

When you style your mudroom with a plant or floral centerpiece, you immediately bring in a light and airy feeling to the environment. Strategically cover empty wall space by framing art pieces your kids created and proudly display your favorite little artists’ hard work.

Install an Easy Access Pin Board

View activities and grocery lists at a glance with this family-oriented decoration. You can attach an oversized pinboard to an empty mudroom wall to create a spot for sticking schedules, notes, and important to-do's in a high-traffic area.

Conclusion

Organizing any part of your home can feel like more effort than it’s worth, especially if you think it won’t last. Separate mudroom organization into three clear phases: planning, building, and styling, to make this task more manageable. A useful and functional mudroom will be a hit with your family, and your design will be the envy of your neighbors.

Sources

7 Benefits of Installing a Murphy Bed in Your Florida Home

Tue, 20 Jul 2021 15:13:49 GMT

In the early 20 th Century, William Murphy designed a bed that could be pulled down from the wall to add extra sleep space to any room. Unfortunately, this bed quickly became a running joke in cartoons and comedies. In addition, it was not known for being a comfortable spot. However, improvements have been made that make these beds something to consider when redecorating your home. So, what are some benefits to installing a Murphy bed in your Florida home?

When it comes to Murphy beds, the benefits of owning one include:

Space-saving design
Create a multi-purpose space
Variable sizes
Don’t give up comfort
Easy to use
Adds style to a room
Adds value to your home

Ready to learn more about the benefits of owning a Murphy bed? Curl up in your favorite cozy spot and keep reading!

Space-Saving Design

The concept behind the Murphy bed that made it so famous was the ability to fold it up and out of the way. It allows you to add a mattress to any room that wouldn’t be able to easily accommodate anything larger than a twin-sized bed full time.

In your kids’ rooms, you’ll be able to push the bed up and give them plenty of room to play during the day. It is the ideal solution in smaller homes where the bedrooms may not be very spacious. Traditional-style Murphy beds could be bulky and take up a lot of room even when folded up. However, newer designs offer slimmer storage to take up less space even when not in use.

Creates a Multi-Purpose Space

Smaller homes are often lacking space. Because of that, you may not have enough room for visitors to stay with you overnight. Murphy beds allow you to turn any room into a makeshift guest room for family and friends.

Unless you constantly have guests staying in your spare room, it can seem like a waste of space to dedicate that room to a bed that remains empty most of the time. A Murphy bed allows you to repurpose the room into something more functional. You can use the extra space for a home office or hobby room. The room magically becomes valuable square footage instead of an empty shrine.

Variable Sizes

Back when Murphy beds were newer, they came in a limited number of sizes. Generally, you could find them in twin or full-sized options. However, now you can find them in a wide array of sizes to accommodate your needs. Today’s more modern Murphy beds come in sizes ranging from a twin all the way to a California King.

Don’t Give Up Comfort

If you’ve ever slept on a Murphy bed during the early ’60s or ’70s, you might remember that they weren’t the most comfortable thing in the world. Regular beds with mattresses not designed to fold away were much more comfortable. To some extent, Murphy beds were about as comfortable as sleeping on a sofa bed with a thin mattress.

Newer designs, however, accommodate thicker, more comfortable mattresses. In addition, the designs give you a restful, regenerative sleep just as you would have in a standard bed. The only difference being that you can fold up your wall bed and a traditional bed stays where it’s at.

Easy to Use

Knowing that you can have a thicker mattress on your bed might make you think that a Murphy bed is no longer an option for you. There is no way, in your mind, that you can move that bed up and down daily. It’d be too heavy!

Believe it or not, you are incorrect. Murphy beds are easy to fold and unfold each day. In addition, these beds are constructed with a counter-balance making it easy to pull the mattress down or raise it up.

Adds Style to a Room

Murphy beds themselves are also stylish and multi-purpose. For example, many come with shelving or wardrobes on either side of the bed. On others, you may find a small desk or bookcase when the mattress is retracted into its cabinet. These features help the cabinetry blend into the background rather than stand out like a sore thumb.

In addition, according to Wallstreetjournal.com , newer designs come with improvements to help disguise the bed when not in use. Heavy mirrors and spots to mount a flat-screen TV can help it blend in.

Added Value to Your Home

Unlike other beds, Murphy beds can add value to your home. Murphy beds are installed onto the wall of whatever room you use them in. While you can dismount it and take it with you when you move, you may decide it’s not worth the hassle and want to leave it behind for the next owner.

If you decide to leave it behind, you can include the price of the bed in the asking price for your home. It is one of the few upgrades to your house in which you can recoup most, if not all, of the original investment.

Conclusion

Murphy beds are no longer the clunky, maligned beds seen in slap-stick comedies such as Who Framed Roger Rabbit . Today, they are sleek and stylish furniture that add space to a room and allow you to double up on the room’s purpose. They are easy to use and much more comfortable than traditional Murphy beds used to be.

Sources

https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052970204485304576641070952157138

Closet Organization Ideas for Kids

Tue, 08 Jun 2021 18:41:16 GMT

If you have children, then you understand how incredibly challenging it can be to keep their closets organized. It's hard for wee ones to reach a high closet rod on their own, so clothes frequently end up on the floor. But never fear - with the help of a few key tools, you'll be able to create custom closets that look amazing and adapt as your children grow.

Here are a few easy and effortless moves to perfectly organizing your kiddos closets:

Install a lower bar that the kids can reach. This will help them learn the good habit of hanging up their own clothes.
Add kid-friendly cubbies. These versatile storage spaces can handle anything from ballet gear to books.
Invest in movable hooks. The littles will be able to hang their school bags easily so nothing gets lost.
Control the shoes! Kids are constantly losing their footwear - nip that in the bud with some unbelievably simple storage ideas.
Utilize all available space. Maximize your potential from the back of the door all the way up to the ceiling.
Binge on baskets, bins, and boxes. These organizational must-haves will save you loads of time and hassle.

Organizing your kids can seem like an insurmountable task, but you've totally got this! Keep reading and learn how to incorporate these elementary ideas into your child's closet and make your life so much easier.

Bring It Down

Your first move should be removing everything from the closet and evaluating your space. Most homes have standard closets, with one hanging rod high up and a shelf above that. Unless your toddler is unusually tall, it's a good idea to adjust the rod down to about three feet from the floor - kid height.

Purchase some durable plastic hangers with shoulder notches, or velvet-covered ones - the velvet keeps a surprisingly firm grip on slippery fabrics. HGTV says you can make the most of your closet space with slimline hangers. Show your babies how to hang up their clothing like big children and they'll be excited to learn something new. You'll still have room below those clothes and up on the high shelves for additional storage.

Clever Cubbies

Popular in preschool, these square or rectangular units are easy to reach and can hold just about anything. You can put clear plastic storage boxes in them to hold socks and underwear out of the way, stacks of clean t-shirts for regular wear, or to display their favorite books and toys.

Low cubby shelves will be in easy reach of your kids and enable them to take part in organizing their belongings. Designer Wendi Wachtel emphasizes how important it is for kids to be clutter-free for the school year, and inexpensive cubby hole storage will help your kids get ready in the mornings faster and with less fuss.

Captain Hook

For such a simple concept, basic hooks can perform a variety of valuable jobs. Some houses come with built-in hooks, especially in coat closets, but if not, they can easily be purchased. To protect your walls, consider the type that attaches via a strong adhesive putty. These have the additional bonus of being easily removable so you can adjust the height as needed.

Hooks are also great for stowing backpacks and often worn items like a cozy hoodie or robe. Your kiddos can also have some fun arranging their accessories, from hats to sunglasses to hair bows.

Shoe City

Whether you have boys or girls, there are going to be a lot of shoes involved. Sneakers, tap shoes, formal wear, ballet slippers, rain boots - you need to wrangle them all. It can certainly seem like an insurmountable challenge, but creative parenting and home organization blog Productive Pete yields some awesome and relatively simple ideas to win this battle:

Get all of your kids' shoes together in one place and take out any that are unwearable.
Arrange shoes by use - those worn daily, frequently, for soccer practice, for dance class, for dinner with grandparents, winter boots, you get the picture.
Multiple storage ideas, such as traditional shoe racks on the floor, sturdy storage baskets, or an over-the-door shoe hanger, with the daily shoes on the bottom.
Consider keeping certain types of shoes out of their closets altogether, such as storing outdoor boots in a mudroom and fragrant sports gear near an exit or in the garage.

Vertical Potential

One important thing you can do to maximize the storage space in your kids' closets is to use vertical space creatively. People often overlook valuable real estate up near the ceiling, on the floor, and behind the door.

Utilize these out-of-the-way areas with items like hooks, over-the-door racks, and stackable storage boxes - and make sure you label everything . Shoe racks with clear storage pockets also make an excellent place to store toys, accessories, rolled-up play clothes, or art supplies.

Add an additional shelf up near the ceiling to store keepsakes, blankets, or items you'd like to keep in their room, but safely out of reach. Don't forget to label everything clearly, you will thank yourself later.

Baskets, Bins, and Boxes, Oh My

These things are available in a nearly endless combination of sizes, shapes, and materials, which makes them quite versatile and able to store anything you desire. Fabric baskets are fabulous for holding socks, folded pants, and shirts, or favorite stuffed animals.

Wicker and wire bins make a great home for laundry, extra shoes, and school supplies. Your child will also need a dedicated laundry bin to assist with their closet organization. Lidless boxes fit neatly into cubbies and are easy for kids to use every day - and boxes with sturdy lids can be tucked away to keep delicate items safe and sound.

The home organization experts at Better Homes and Gardens recommend that you enlist your kids to make sure everything is labeled clearly. Let them choose the color scheme or purchase chalkboard-style labels that can be wiped clean and reused. Wheeled bins stored under the bed are convenient for games, arts and crafts, or beloved dress-up play clothes.

Conclusion

Getting your kids' closets organized may seem daunting, but it's actually a breeze! Just take a deep breath and use these often overlooked ideas to create a space that's beautiful, functional, and adapts as they grow.

Sources

How to Set Up a Garage Sale

Tue, 08 Jun 2021 15:09:24 GMT

There’s an old saying, “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” Never has this been more true than at the great American garage sale. Each table is a treasure trove of gadgets and goodies ready to be snatched up by savvy shoppers. But bargain hunters aren’t the only ones reaping the benefits. A garage sale is the perfect way to get rid of stuff you no longer want or use – and put a little extra money in your pocket.

The key to hosting a successful garage sale is how you organize and prepare for the big day.

Start With a Clean Sweep
Make Your Game Plan
Set Up Shop
Price to Sell
Reap Your Rewards

Keep reading to learn exactly how to ensure that your garage sale is a total success.

Start With a Clean Sweep

It obviously does not make sense to plan a garage sale if you have nothing worthwhile to sell. So, start by cleaning and decluttering your closets, cabinets, and especially the garage. Yes, it’s true – your garage tends to accumulate “stuff” just like the rest of your house.

As you go through each storage space, sort things into three piles or areas: what you want to keep, what you want to sell at your garage sale, and what you want to donate to charity. It's never a bad idea to keep a trash bin handy for broken, damaged, or stained items. An ABC News report found that charitable organizations, such as Goodwill, are facing increasing trash fees. It’s gotten so bad that now the organization is trying to educate donors on what types of items can be resold and what needs to be destined for the dump.

It may be difficult to decide what you should sell and what you should donate. After all, you spent your hard-earned money on this stuff in the first place. Think of your garage sale as a pop-up shop. Sell the stuff you know other people want and need. If it’s summertime, that stack of sweatshirts might not get a second glance, but a box of pool toys could sell like hotcakes.

Like a store, you also want to limit your inventory. Shoppers want to be able to browse and see the merchandise. If you cram every nook and cranny with stuff, it will be too overwhelming to potential buyers. Remember why you started this – to eliminate clutter! Shoppers despise it as much as you do.

Finally, The Spruce recommends making sure that all of your merchandise is actually clean. That means dusting furniture, cleaning kitchen items, and washing clothes so they have that “fresh scent.” You should strive to make sure everything is as “like new” as possible – so spend a few minutes filling bicycle tires and basketballs with air before marking them for sale.

Make Your Game Plan

Once you have sorted through your stuff and determined that you have enough quality merchandise to warrant a garage sale, the next step is to plan for the big day. It’s best to schedule your sale for the weekend, with Saturday as the preferred day. You will want to publicize it to attract lots of shoppers. Use social media and place an ad in your local newspaper if your community has one. You can also hang up posters around the neighborhood directing people to your home.

If you’ve watched any of those real estate shows on TV, then you know the importance of curb appeal. Well, the same holds true for your garage sale. You want to make it look attractive so that people stop and shop. One sure-fire way to attract attention is to tie a bunch of balloons to your mailbox. Place a few “special items” closer to the street to draw in buyers. Hot sellers tend to be sports equipment, electronics, and furniture. (And never underestimate the power of cute kids! Consider letting your children get in on the entrepreneurial experience and run a lemonade stand or bake sale in the driveway.)

Set Up Shop

Going back to the analogy of thinking of your garage sale as a pop-up store, you should try to display your merchandise like a department store with separate sections for houseware, clothing, electronics, etc... Consider placing small kitchen appliances, pots and pans, and other miscellaneous home goods on one table. You could put electronics and entertainment on another. Not only will this make your garage sale more visually appealing, but it will be easier for shoppers to find exactly what they are searching for.

When displaying your goods, make sure everything is easily accessible. Consider hanging clothing from a garment rack or even a clothesline strung between two trees – and be sure to sort clothes by size and style. Avoid placing piles of clothing on a table if you can because it’s difficult for shoppers to see all of the wonderful items you are selling. Plus, everything will look messy if you are not constantly refolding the clothes. Use plastic bins to sort baby clothes by size, as these pieces are typically too small to hang or fold neatly. When selling shoes, be sure to keep pairs together. One trick is to use a clothespin, which can easily be undone if someone wants to try them on.

If you are selling books, display them standing up with the spines showing – like at a bookstore – so that shoppers can easily scan the titles. This same principle holds true for CDs, DVDs, and even records.

Small kitchen appliances and electronics are big sellers at garage sales. Shoppers will appreciate it if you have extension cords and batteries available so they can make sure the items are in working order. When selling electronics, it’s always a good idea to include the cables, remote controls, and any other extras such as user manuals in a Ziploc bag.

Price to Sell

There’s a strategy for pricing items at a garage sale. Remember, people are looking for a bargain. The Spruce recommends that you follow the “10 Percent Rule” – set your price at about 10 percent of how much the item would cost at the store. You can go a bit higher with “like new” merchandise, but you probably don’t want to exceed more than 20 percent of the original price. It’s also a good idea to keep pricing simple – like everything is either 25-cents, 50-cents, or dollars. This way it’s easy to add up how much a shopper is spending without needing to use a calculator.

To avoid any confusion, try pricing items "by category." For example, charge 25-cents for all paperback books and $1 for hardcover books or price shirts at $2 each and $3 for pants and jeans. Not only does this alleviate the need to put price tag stickers on every single item, but it also allows you to set special pricing for shoppers who buy in bulk. After all, everyone likes to think they are getting a deal so why not charge $5 for one video game but also bundle five games for $20?

Garage sale pricing is pretty low, so you will need to make sure you have plenty of money on hand to make change. Go to the bank beforehand to get a stack of singles, some fives and tens, and a couple of rolls of quarters. Additionally, you might want to consider accepting payment through a mobile payment app, like Venmo, for higher-priced items such as furniture and electronics.

Reap Your Rewards

A garage sale is a great way to earn some extra money by selling the stuff you don’t want or need. According to The New York Times , the average garage sale can rake in $500 to $1,000. That money can certainly help offset the cost of custom cabinetry in your garage or a slatwall storage system to maximize wall space.

After you’ve cleaned and decluttered your garage, then consider bringing in some brand new custom storage pieces. Not only will they keep your garage looking its best, but with everything stored and arranged properly, you might even save some money by not accidentally purchasing duplicate items.

Conclusion

In many communities, garage sales are a favorite weekend activity. Bargain hunters delight at being able to scoop up stuff for a fraction of the cost in the store, and homeowners appreciate being able to earn some extra money for their efforts. The key to hosting a successful garage sale is to follow the basics of running any business: organizing, planning, staging, and selling. If you think of your garage sale as your own pop-up shop, you should see big results.

Sources

17 Kitchen Pantry Necessities

Tue, 18 May 2021 18:10:32 GMT

If you had to make dinner relying on the ingredients and supplies in your kitchen pantry , could you do it? If not, it’s time to restock your pantry. Before you head to the store, you’ll want to put a list together of everything needed to make sure your pantry contains essential items.

Pantry staples are the essential ingredients most recipes require, such as sugar, flour, oils, seasonings, and condiments. Other staples, including pasta, rice, and canned goods, can be quick and easy-to-make meals or side dishes.

Having a well-organized and well-stocked pantry saves you time and money. You won’t have to order takeout or rush to the grocery store to get the one item you don’t have for your favorite recipe. You’ll also be ready for last-minute dinner guests or a spur-of-the-moment craving for homemade chocolate chip cookies. Plus, home-cooked meals are healthier as you can control the ingredients.

Read on for a list of all the necessities that should be in your kitchen pantry. However, as the Food Network points out, your ideal pantry list may vary depending on your family’s tastes and diet.

Pantry Prep Tips

Before you head to the store to fill your pantry, here are some things to keep in mind:

Take inventory and compile a shopping list to ensure you get everything you need. You don’t want to buy something you forgot you already have.
Food in the pantry doesn’t require refrigeration and has a long shelf life.
Purchase enough food for two weeks—however, some nonperishable items last several months or longer.
Only buy items you know your family will eat. There is no sense wasting precious pantry space if you will end up throwing the food out.
When you restock your pantry, put older items in front.

Oil

Most recipes call for oil as an ingredient or as the base for frying. Oils possess different smoke points, so keep several types in your pantry. With a low smoke point, olive oils are ideal for baking and sauteing. On the other hand, vegetable, peanut, and canola oils possess a high smoke point and are optimal for roasting or frying. Nonstick cooking spray is nice to have on hand to grease baking pans.

Vinegar

Vinegar is very versatile - you can use it as a salad dressing, marinade, or sauce. Types of vinegar to have on hand include red-wine, white and balsamic.

Rice

Whether you use it as a side dish or as part of your main meal, rice is a must-have staple. It lasts a long time and is relatively inexpensive. Brown rice is a healthy option. Other kinds of rice to consider include basmati, risotto, white, long-grain, and jasmine.

Pasta

When you have nothing else planned, pasta makes for a quick and easy meal. There are dozens of types with spaghetti, penne, fettuccine, lasagna, orzo, and couscous, being some of the more common varieties. MarthaStewart.com shares a comprehensive guide to further understanding the different types & shapes of pasta.

Beans and Lentils

According to Healthline , beans and lentils are some of the most nutritious foods you can eat as they contain plenty of protein, fiber, iron, and healthy carbohydrates. Use beans and lentils as an ingredient in chilis, soups, and salads or as a side dish. Because they stay fresh in the pantry for a long time, stock up on the various types, including red lentils, green lentils, white beans, pinto beans, chickpeas, kidney beans, or black beans.

All-Purpose Flour

All-purpose flour milled from hard and soft flour is a versatile ingredient required for baking, thickening sauces, and breading chicken or fish.

Salt

Salt is a flavor enhancer that saves you from eating bland food. Table salt is the least expensive and most common type of salt. However, you may prefer to substitute it with sea salt or kosher salt.

Canned Tomatoes

Pick from whole peeled tomatoes, tomato paste, diced tomatoes, or tomato sauce. Use any type as a base for sauces, soups, stews, and chilis.

Potatoes

Potatoes are versatile vegetables - they can be eaten cooked or raw and can be fried, roasted, mashed, etc. They come in many different varieties, with sweet, Yukon Gold, Russet, and fingerling being the most popular. Potatoes do not require refrigeration, and most types remain fresh for months (sweet potatoes have less starch and only last up to two or three weeks). The Wirecutter explains that the refrigerator converts the starch in potatoes to sugar, which causes potatoes to brown quicker. You should store potatoes in a cool, dark room away from humidity. Keep them in an open paper bag, cardboard box, or basket.

Onions

Whether you choose Vidalia, red, Spanish, or another variety, onions can be eaten and prepared in a variety of different ways. They have a long shelf life and can last several weeks if stored in a cool, dark space with no humidity. Place whole, unpeeled onions in ventilated or open containers such as an open paper bag, a wire basket, or a mesh bag. If the humidity is too high or there is not enough ventilation, onions will rot and mold. If you put unpeeled onions in the refrigerator, they will absorb too much moisture and spoil quickly. Also, do not store onions and potatoes near each other. Potatoes emit ethylene gas, which can speed up the onion’s ripening process.

Nuts

Nuts are a healthy snack and also supplement salads and baked goods. Some of the different types of nuts you can choose from include almonds, cashews, peanuts, pecans, pine nuts, pistachios, and walnuts.

Airtight Storage Containers

Leaving food in its original packaging is an open invitation for bugs, as noted in Six Ways to Evict Kitchen Pantry Pests . Instead, store certain items such as cereals, grains, flour, pasta, and sugar in sealed, airtight glass or plastic containers to keep them organized and away from pests.

Herbs and Spices

Seasoning makes any dish flavorful. Here are a few essential herbs and spices to add some zest to your meals: black pepper, curry powder, and red pepper flakes.

Soy Sauce

Soy sauce is not only a flavor enhancer but can also be used in marinades and as a meat tenderizer. For a healthier choice, try low-sodium soy sauce.

Baking Soda

As the name indicates, baking soda is a baking essential but has many other uses. Leave an open box in your pantry to keep it smelling fresh. You can also use baking soda as a cleanser by mixing it with water. The best thing about baking soda is that even after it expires, it’s still good to use for up to a year.

Sweeteners

Honey, maple syrup, and granulated sugar are essential. You may also want brown sugar and confectioners sugar in your pantry too, especially if you bake. Honey never spoils and is perfect for sweetening food and drinks.

Condiments

In addition to topping food like burgers and sandwiches, condiments assist in making marinades and sauces. The main condiments you’ll want in your pantry are ketchup, mustard (yellow, dijon, spicy), barbecue sauce, mayonnaise, salsa, and salad dressing. It’s always a good idea to check the expiration dates on condiments before using them. If an item smells or looks funny, throw it away. Keep in mind, most condiments need to be refrigerated after opening.

Conclusion

Having the right ingredients, sauces, and condiments in your pantry will make your life much easier—no borrowing sugar from a neighbor or rushing to the store. While this is not an exhaustive list, use this article as a guide to ensure your pantry has all the necessities you need to make a meal, snack, or dessert.

Sources

How to Properly Arrange The Clothes in Your Closet

Wed, 12 May 2021 14:02:18 GMT

Whether you’re a fashionista who craves the latest trends or a person who takes a more functional approach to your wardrobe, your custom closets can easily become overcrowded with clothes you never wear. In fact, career explorations guide, The Muse , cites that most people wear only 20% of their wardrobe.

In order to make your custom closets work as hard as you do and keep your apparel and accessories in great shape, you need to properly store and arrange the clothes that you do wear. To do that:

Empty and Clean Out Your Closets
Sort Your Clothing by Category
Pare Down Your Items
Assign a Home to Each Category
Know What to Fold or Hang
Use Coordinated Hangers
Color Code
Properly Store Your Shoes and Accessories
Take a Digital Inventory

1. Empty and Clean Out Your Closets

Start by clearing out clothes you haven’t worn in two years or items that no longer fit. Gently-worn apparel can be donated.

After you’ve donated or gotten rid of the clothes you no longer wear, it’s time to organize the ones you do don. To make organizing and arranging your clothing easy, you need a clear, clean space to visualize how you’re going to store your items. Dust off your shelves and hangers. Sweep, mop, or vacuum the floor. Wipe down baseboards, walls, and drawer interiors with an all-purpose cleaner. Run all of your clothing through the washer before moving onto the next step.

2. Sort Your Clothing by Category

Once everything is clean, begin sorting your clothes by category. Lump work apparel, including slacks, blouses, and work-appropriate dresses together. Make a pile on one area of your bed for sportswear, another pile for casual clothing, and yet another pile for special occasions or seasonal wear. Group all belts, scarves, shoes, and other accessories together. Even your camis, socks, and undergarments should be sorted.

3. Pare Down Your Items

After everything is categorized, take a close inventory of your clothes and accessories. You may discover that you own multiples of the same style or item. Do you really need four white t-shirts or two of the same designer dress? This is your opportunity to further pare down your wardrobe to maximize space, especially if you have a smaller closet .

4. Assign a Home to Each Category

When assigning a “home” for your apparel and accessories, consider the other storage spaces in your bedroom. Can your underwear or socks “live” in a dresser?

Closely inspect the inside of your closet and designate a rod, drawer, or shelf for every category. Utilize your real estate for the clothes you wear most often. For instance, if you have to get dressed for work every weekday before 7 am, place your work apparel at the front of your closet. Lesser-worn items, such as seasonal clothes and formal wear, can be stored in the back.

5. Know What to Fold or Hang

To extend the lifespan of your clothing, you need to know what items need to be hung, stacked, or stored in drawers. This will also make it easier to choose a proper place for every clothing category. The Spruce provides several helpful tips for folding not only clothes but linens as well.

Sturdy, fancy, and delicate clothes need to be hung. These include items like suits, structured coats, expensive dresses, and delicate lingerie. To easily figure out what hanging clothes you wear the most, turn those hangers backward. You can also tie pretty ribbons around the hangers to identify your most used items.

You can stack thicker items, denim jeans and bulky sweaters for example, on shelves. Neatly fold sportswear, pajamas, and t-shirts and store them in your drawers. Use drawer dividers for smaller items like underwear and socks.

6. Use Coordinated Hangers

Nothing destroys the aesthetic of an organized closet more than a collection of unattractive neon or wire hangers. Streamline your closet and create a sleek look by investing in high-quality matching hangers. Not only will they support your clothing better, but they’ll also look great as well.

7. Color Code

This organizational tip is optional but totally worth the effort. Color coding your clothing can be tedious but is a great hack for visual people. If you want to be super precise, organize your clothes by the colors of the rainbow (think ROYGBIV). Color coding your closets will also add visual appeal to your bedroom and allow you to truly savor your space.

8. Properly Store Your Shoes and Accessories

Now that your clothes are taken care of, it’s time to tackle your shoes and accessories. Place a shoe rack in the dead space between the floor and the hems of your hanging apparel. Group your shoes into categories, including workout sneakers, seasonal boots or sandals, work shoes, and casual footwear.

Hang your scarves on a scarf-friendly hanger. You may even be able to store multiple scarves on one hanger. This will keep them free of wrinkles and easily accessible.

Keep rings, bracelets, and earrings in jewelry drawers or a jewelry box. You can take a DIY approach to your necklaces by using pretty pushpins and hanging them on your closet wall.

Get a hanging storage bin to house hats, gloves, and other miscellaneous accessories.

9. Take a Digital Inventory

After your closet is organized and your clothes are neatly arranged, take a picture with your smartphone to keep a digital inventory of how you like your closet to look. Routinely check that area to ensure that everything is in the right place.

Conclusion

By properly arranging your apparel and accessories, you won’t ever have to waste time getting ready in the morning. Everything will be neatly stored and you can easily identify your most-used items by keeping them front and center or reversing the hangers. Organized closets eliminate hassle, headaches, and ugly clutter.

Sources

How Much Do Custom Garage Cabinets Cost?

Thu, 29 Apr 2021 19:42:17 GMT

Garages are no longer just a place to put your car when you are home for the evening. They have morphed into a place to store unwanted items and workshops for weekend hobbies. If you want to use the square footage for something other than housing boxes, it’s time to get serious and organize your custom garage for good. Cabinets are a great way to add storage to your garage. You probably are wondering, how much do custom garage cabinets cost?

Many different features can affect the cost of garage cabinets. Some of the factors include:

Dimensions and Number of the Cabinets
Material and Color
Labor Costs

Before choosing your new cabinets, consider the benefits. Once you’ve ordered them, prepare your garage for installation.

Tired of looking at the boxes stacked up where you can’t find anything? Then it’s time to take a look at how much custom cabinets cost. Keep reading to learn more!

Dimensions and Number of Cabinets

The size of your new custom cabinets will affect the cost. You need cabinets large enough to store your items. Wall-mounted, off-the-floor cabinets can be found in a wide array of sizes. These styles of cabinets can range from $1,300 to almost $2,000 for a pair. For example:

Two 30” wide x 16” deep x 68” tall install cost approximately $1,350
Two 36” wide x 20” deep x 76” tall installed= $1,600
Two 42” wide x 23” deep x 84” tall installed =$1,950

They are able to store various toys, decorations, and other items to free up much-needed floor space. Of course, larger cabinets cost, but they hold more. One or two larger cabinets may take up less space than several smaller cabinets.

The total number of cabinets will ultimately impact the overall installation costs. The more cabinets you install, the higher the price will be. If you choose larger cabinets, you can reduce the cost compared to filling your garage with smaller cabinets.

Material and Color

The materials that make up the cabinets can also alter the overall cost. You want custom cabinets that can withstand the extreme temperatures that may occur in your garage. Thermally-fused laminate is an ideal choice. Cabinets with a thermally-fused laminate finish are chip and stain-resistant. They can withstand fluctuations in temperature and moisture, making them ideal for garage use.

The color is also a factor in the cost of your new cabinets. White laminate often costs less than other colors. Colors such as Bronze, Silver, Slate, or Maple may vary in the cost themselves. Door pull styles may influence the cost of your installation as well. Most companies include stainless steel hardware that mounts to the cabinets and inside shelves. Stainless steel hardware options resist corrosion and rusting to help lengthen the life of the cabinets.

Labor Costs

A part of the overall cost to install custom garage cabinets is the labor. Your installer should cover all of these costs with you before finalizing your order.

Each cabinet takes, on average, an hour or two to install. If you have multiple cabinets to install, that will increase the installation time. Removing older cabinets will affect the man-hours and potentially increase the price as well. A licensed custom cabinet installer will break down each of these costs for you. If you have questions, be sure to have them clarified prior to finalizing your order.

Benefits of Installing Custom Cabinets

There are significant benefits to having custom cabinets installed in your garage. One such benefit is the organization that you get from not having boxes scattered everywhere. It’s easy to see the garage as a spare junk room that lends itself to being cluttered with disregarded items. As Homeadvisor.com notes, cabinets help you arrange and organize the clutter.

As a storage solution, they offer a bit of safety to homeowners as well. Many times when a garage is disorganized, tools can be tossed about. With tools lying around, there is a hazard of someone getting injured by these sharp items. Boxes can also pose their own dangers by making it difficult to safely navigate around your garage.

You gain more space when you have a fully organized garage. With that space, you can use that area as a workroom, to park your car, or make it into a family room to enjoy games and movies.

How to Prepare for Your New Cabinets

After you’ve ordered your custom garage cabinets, it’s time to prepare your garage. If you have old cabinets, go ahead and empty them. If your garage is full of boxes, now is the time to begin going through them to determine what needs to stay or go. Go through each box individually, tossing stuff that you don’t need and returning precious items to their containers. It will help with the organization process and allow you to get rid of some things before workers arrive to install your new cabinets.

Conclusion

You can start planning your custom garage cabinets by understanding how things like cabinet dimensions, colors, and materials influence the overall cost. Don’t forget to take into account the labor costs before scheduling installation. Also, talk to your garage cabinet installer about what you need to do to prepare your garage prior to installation.

Sources

https://www.homeadvisor.com/cost/garages/organize-a-garage/

Guest Room Decor Ideas

Mon, 26 Apr 2021 20:44:53 GMT

Traveling can be a stressful experience, but being a guest in someone else’s home can make it even more challenging. Fortunately, you can help your visitors feel more at home by offering them a pleasant place to stay, and that begins in the guest room.

Instead of allowing your spare bedroom to become an afterthought, invest some time and effort into incorporating some practical guest room decor ideas to improve their stay:

Prioritize home organization to keep down clutter
Offer plenty of storage space
Consider a couch or comfy chairs
Add a desk
Stick to a cohesive design theme
Remember that two beds may be better than one

You may not be able to control traffic, flight delays, or the weather, but you can certainly ensure your guests’ stay in your home is as enjoyable as possible. Keep reading to get all the details on how to best furnish and decorate your guest room.

Prioritize Home Organization by Reducing Clutter

When your guests are living out of a suitcase, they’re automatically going to be a little less organized than usual. The Spruce notes that’s why it’s so important that you help them settle in comfortably by prioritizing your home organization and keeping their space uncluttered.

Instead of lots of interesting decor, opt for clean spaces with lots of flat surfaces for them to set out items and get organized. This will allow them plenty of room to unpack and access everything they packed away. If you do feel some decor is necessary, keep it to a minimum and ensure that it matches the overall aesthetic you’re going for in that space. And whatever you do, resist the urge to use your guest bedroom as a storage unit when visitors aren’t in town.

Provide Ample Storage Space

Even if your room doesn’t feature a sprawling walk-in closet with tons of storage space, you can still make sure your guests are comfortable by giving them enough space to hang or put away their clothes. At a minimum, this includes empty clothing rods with plenty of hangers for their outfits that were stuffed into suitcases or an empty dresser. A full-length mirror and a hamper bin are also nice touches that go the extra mile in helping your visitors feel welcome.

If possible, resist the urge to take up your guest’s closet space with your off-season wardrobe items. Remember, this room should be reserved for your visitors, and that includes the closet. Any of your items that they have to work around sends the subtle signal that they’re encroaching on a space you value. If you do have trouble removing extra wardrobe items from a guest closet, take a look at your master closet’s situation to identify opportunities to get more organized or install space-saving storage features.

Consider a Couch to Create Private Retreat

Country Living recommends adding a couch to your guest room to help give the space a “homey” feel. Although it will eat up space, it may be a worthy trade-off. This private seating option will provide your guests with a valuable place to read, browse the internet, and relax in private.

When you’re a visitor at someone else’s home, privacy can be in short supply. A well-placed couch creates a retreat for guests who may want to get away from the common areas of your home. If your guest room can accommodate it, a couch, or even two comfy sofa chairs, can go a long way in making your guests feel more comfortable, particularly during extended stays.

Add a Desk for Remote Work

While on the topic of creating a multi-use area for visitors, HGTV explains that you may also consider adding a small desk to your guest room. Depending on the visitors who are staying with you, they may still need to work remotely during their trip. A small workstation that can accommodate a laptop and is stocked with some handy office items, like pens and paper, can be a godsend for busier visitors. Sure, a desk may take up a bit more room, but you can always consider cutting out other less important furniture pieces to make up for the lack of space.

With the way the modern work-life balance has shifted, a private workspace can be the difference between a relaxing vacation and a stressful one for everyone. When you give your guests a place of their own to work, you won’t have to rope off other areas of your home for them to take over. Furthermore, your visitors will be more productive, allowing them to knock out tasks quicker so they can rejoin you and enjoy their stay.

Pick a Design Theme and Stick to It

Don’t subject your guests to a room that looks like it was decorated exclusively with furniture from your local rummage sale. Nothing looks worse than a mismatched space with furniture, colors, and decor styles that clash. If you don’t attempt to create a cohesive decor theme, it will make your guest room look like an afterthought and significantly undermine the sense of welcome you’re trying to create.

On the other hand, a well-conceived space with matching items offers a sense of balance and organization that will make your guests feel welcome. They’ll immediately recognize the thought and effort you put in to creating this space for them. And yes, this includes ensuring the guest room still matches the rest of your home decor. Want some bonus points? Coordinate your guest towels with the bedding, curtains, and other fabric elements to tie together the entire space.

Opt for Two Twin Beds Instead of a Single Large One

If your room can accommodate them, two twin beds offer more flexibility and comfort for your guests. This allows fellow travelers who are not married to comfortably stay together, maximizing your home’s guest space.

The Wall Street Journal explains that beyond the practical reasons, two twin beds also offer some aesthetic benefits over a single bed. Two beds allow you to arrange your space with a greater sense of symmetry, which is very desirable in guest rooms. It also opens up other interesting decor ideas, such as hanging artwork, baskets, or ceramic pieces on the walls above the beds, which helps draw the eye upwards and expands the vertical space.

Conclusion

You don’t necessarily have to give your guest’s a luxury bed and breakfast experience to help them feel at home. Simply incorporating a few of the ideas above will do wonders for your space, and their stay, by helping to keep them more organized, relaxed, and comfortable.

One of the worst feelings as a guest in someone else’s home is the belief that you’re being an inconvenience. When your visitors see that you put in a little effort to create a welcoming room just for them, it shows that you appreciate their company and do not consider their presence an imposition.

Sources

Zen Home Office Design Tips

Thu, 11 Mar 2021 20:49:10 GMT

It’s no secret that work can be stressful, especially when you work out of a home office . The distractions that come with a work-from-home situation – kids, pets, even household chores like laundry – can easily disrupt the most dedicated employee. That’s why it’s more important than ever that you create a peaceful and relaxed workspace, but also one that promotes productivity.

Sound like a tall order? It doesn’t have to be if you follow these Zen home office design tips:

Create Calm
Pick Your Palette
Go Green
Inspirational Images
Scent-Sational Experience
Music to Your Ears

Keep reading to discover some clever design tips to create an enlightening workspace in your home.

Create Calm

Clutter leads to chaos. If you want to establish a Zen home office, then you need to create a calm and clutter-free environment.

Start by organizing your desk. The first step is to get rid of stuff you don’t need or don’t use. Think of this as the home office version of your annual closet purge. Your desk should contain only the things you need on a consistent basis to do your job. Everything else can find a new home or be thrown away.

You don’t need to take a trip to the office supply store to get organized. You can repurpose stuff you probably already have in your house. For example, if you’re crafty, consider decorating some old soup cans. All you need to do is take the label off, wash them thoroughly, then get creative. You can paint, apply washi (decorative) tape, or cover them in contact paper. Soup cans are the perfect place to hold pencils, pens, markers, and more. You can corral smaller items such as paper clips, thumbtacks, and staples into old spice jars or an ice cube tray, all of which can be neatly stowed inside your desk drawers.

Pick Your Palette

When it comes to work time, you will be more productive if you surround yourself with colors that inspire you. Whites and neutrals are popular tones because they are subdued and tend to reduce visual distractions. But there is nothing wrong with filling your home office with bright and bold colors.

Your home office is your personal space, and you should paint or decorate it in colors that please you. According to RealSimple , you should choose colors that convey how you want to feel while you work. For instance, if you want to create a calm and soothing space, consider incorporating pale blue hues. Green has been proven to inspire creativity, but it might be a bit much for a small office space . You can often achieve the same effect with some pops of color. Perhaps paint an accent wall a vibrant green or add a luscious green velvet chair in the corner where you can do your best brainstorming.

Go Green

Speaking of green, be sure to include plants in your decor if you are trying to create a Zen home office. In addition to improving indoor air quality, scientists at the University of Exeter , in the United Kingdom, found that live plants can “increase productivity by 15%” and they boost concentration. As an added bonus, plants look pretty too!

From a small succulent sitting on your desk to a tall and slender snake plant or a trendy fiddle leaf fig tree, the choices are endless. Be sure to consider lighting quality when picking plants. If your home office is really more of a converted closet or a nook nestled in a hallway, make sure to get a plant that thrives in dim light.

There are plenty of faux plants on the market if you aren’t ready to become a plant parent. Although they won’t do anything to improve the air you breathe, faux plants are definitely nice to look at and they will help to create a sense of peace and tranquility in your home office.

You don’t need a green thumb to tend to a desk Zen garden. It’s just sand and small stones. CNN Underscored notes that these miniature versions of traditional Japanese Zen gardens have been shown to help alleviate stress. “Raking the sand” into perfectly straight stripes or intricate swirling patterns can be both relaxing and therapeutic.

Inspirational Images

To create a sense of Zen in your home office, surround yourself with images that inspire you. Sure, you can put up a poster of a cat hanging from a tree with the phrase “Hang In There”, but that probably doesn’t fit your design esthetic. Instead, why not place pictures around your home office of the places or people that motivate you the most?

Glancing up and seeing a photograph of your loved ones frolicking on the beach may be just the little pick-me-up you need to keep toiling away on a big project. Knowing the reward will be precious time spent together when you are all finished will help you power through your toughest tasks.

You can also create your own vision board to keep you motivated and focused. Fill it with pictures of people you admire, along with inspirational quotes and expressions of encouragement. You don’t need anything fancy, a simple corkboard will do just fine. However, one cute and clever way to incorporate a vision board into your décor is to frame a swatch of fabric. You could pick one that matches your window treatments or a throw pillow, or go for something completely different but equally loved.

Scent-Sational Experience

The nose knows. Aromatherapy can boost energy and install a sense of calm. Consider incorporating essential oils, either through candles or diffusers, to stimulate your senses and create a more Zen-like home office.

Fragrances such as lavender and bergamot are known for their calming properties, while peppermint and rosemary can improve awareness. In addition, cinnamon and ginger have been shown to positively impact emotional well-being and productivity.

You don’t need to seek out specific essential oils to stimulate your senses. There are plenty of pleasing scents available at bath and beauty stores. If you don’t want to light candles or use diffusers, you can purchase a room spray or even a bottle of scented hand lotion. You just want to find a way to introduce a scent of which a mere sniff eases your anxiety and promotes peacefulness.

Quiet Time

Finally, a Zen home office should be one that is void of disruptive noise. But that’s not always easy to achieve when working out of the house, especially if you have other people and/or pets around. One solution is to try to drown out outside noise by playing instrumental music or white noise. Soothing nature sounds are another option. Any of these choices will allow your mind to concentrate and focus on the work you need to do. After all, there is a reason why these sounds are what you typically hear when you’re in a spa or yoga studio.

Conclusion

There’s an expression that your home is your castle. If that’s the case, then your home office should be your Zen garden, a place that evokes inspiration and peacefulness. By following the Zen design tips outlined in this article, you can create a comfortable and convenient workspace, but also one that promotes productivity.

Sources

How Can Custom Closets Boost a Home's Resale Value?

Fri, 05 Mar 2021 21:46:16 GMT

Real estate professionals agree that while many factors can affect a home’s resale value, no other upgrade gives quite the bang for the buck like custom closets . When putting your home on the market, you want to highlight what makes it unique, attract the attention of buyers, and create that sought-after bidding war - and bespoke, lovingly crafted custom work can make that dream happen.

Custom closets can boost a home’s resale value in several crucial ways:

Homebuyers are always looking for extra well-organized storage
Custom closets indicate that your home is move-in ready
Adding a closet can make a boring, unspecific room into another living space
Large closets make a smaller home look bigger
Organization creates overall beauty and increases the appeal of your property

Custom closets and built-in storage solutions have an impressive return on investment, so if you are looking to sell your abode and move on to your next adventure, consider these ideas to maximize your profit!

So Much Storage

One of the top amenities that home buyers are looking for in their perfect home is lots of storage. Custom closets are specifically designed to maximize space and help you keep your belongings organized. Innovative Home Storage has some excellent tricks to utilize when designing and using your closet spaces that will help you beautifully coordinate your clothes, accessories, and jewelry. Don’t stress if your home’s storage areas are on the smaller side - a well-organized expanse of custom cabinetry can help even the tiniest closets look huge.

Move-In Readiness

While some prospective home buyers are seeking a major fixer-upper, the vast majority of people searching for a new home are looking for something that is move-in ready with little work. Research current trends and you’ll find that the kitchen and the master suite are considered the most important parts of a home. New, on-trend closets in these rooms will complement any other renovation work you’ve done and further prove to the buyer that your house has been well-maintained and is ready to be their home, with little additional effort.

Boring Becomes Beguiling

Many older homes were built with rooms no longer used for their original purpose. Dark dens, oppressive parlors, and even formal dining rooms are no longer what buyers look for - they want bedrooms, family-friendly living spaces, and lots of storage. His and hers walk-in closets are now in really high demand, according to HGTV . Households are evolving, so bringing your house up to the standards homebuyers desire today will enable you to ask for and receive that lovely big selling price.

Organized Closets Make a Home Look Bigger

To be a super successful seller, agents recommend staging your home - that means getting rid of bulky and unsightly items and rearranging your belongings to show off the best features of your abode. A cluttered home looks smaller, and buyers want to know that they have room to grow. But you can’t just throw all that clutter in a back closet and hope for the best. Prospective buyers want to see tidy, organized closets and pantries that make the whole house look bigger and show a wise use of space. Expert use of all of your available closet space will make buyers see a new home that is spacious and luxurious.

Attract Buyers With Beauty

Tailor-made custom closets show that you have taken pride in your property, that your home has been well maintained, and that you have been dedicated to preserving and improving its appeal. Think of a closet as not just a storage area or a place to throw dirty laundry, but as a design element of your house. An impressively thought-out storage system throughout your residence adds beauty and a sense of peace and tranquility, as well as unique functionality that will make buyers take notice and quickly appreciate your home.

Conclusion

There are many things you can do to increase your home’s resale value, but one of the most important is utilizing every square inch of storage space and helping potential buyers imagine a beautifully organized lifestyle in their new home. Even Forbes Magazine rates walk-in and custom closets at number 3 on their list of 13 Surprising Extras That Add Value to Homes . Whether you go all out with custom cabinetry, sliding drawers, or built-in amenities like ironing boards and vanity stations, or decide on a more modest custom closet is more suitable for your needs, rest assured that you’ll see a major return on your investment.

Sources

Five Simple Steps for Organizing Your Laundry Room

Thu, 11 Feb 2021 20:06:44 GMT

Your laundry room is a multifunctional space that acts also as an extra organizational area for your family. Because it plays so many roles, a laundry room can quickly become a cluttered, cramped, and chaotic mess.

In order to make the most of your laundry room, you need to keep it organized by:

Utilizing Every Inch of Space
Creating a Laundry Station
Consolidating Like Items
Adding Cabinets and Organizers
Adding a Space for All-Weather Gear Storage

If you’re ready to get your laundry room spick and span, follow these five simple organizational tips.

1. Utilizing Every Inch of Space

Most laundry rooms are small. When it comes to getting yours organized, you need to get creative. Using every inch of space in your laundry room, including the walls and the back of the door, will help to clear out ground space.

Consider hanging your ironing board on the back of the door. Over-the-door organizers also make it easy to store items that you don’t regularly use out of sight.

2. Creating a Laundry Station

Your laundry room can quickly become a dumping ground for dirty and wet clothing. Damp clothing can encourage mold growth.

In order to keep your laundry room mold-free and clean, set up a laundry station. Clear off some counter space and designate it as a location for folding clothes. Keep a hamper in the room to quickly load and unload clothing during the laundry process. You can also purchase a freestanding drying rack to hang clothing that cannot be put into the dryer.

3. Consolidating Like Items

Properly organizing all of the items in your laundry room will make finding what you’re looking for a breeze. Go through all of the stuff in your laundry room, including cleaning supplies, detergent, and bleach. Toss the items that are expired or you don’t use.

Organize the remaining items by category. Clump all like items together in baskets and boxes. For instance, keep all of your window and surface cleaning solutions together in a carry-all caddy so that you can easily transport them around the house on cleaning day. Put pet products, like leashes, food, and toys, in a big bin. You can also place a pretty jar near the washing machine to put coins and other small items you find while emptying out pants pockets.

Be sure to clearly label all of the boxes and baskets so you know exactly where everything is.

4. Adding Cabinets and Organizers

Adding laundry room cabinets and organizers will help to give all of your items a home. After you’ve grouped similar products into bins, boxes, and baskets, store them in cabinets. Keep the items you use most often on lower shelves for easy access. If you have kids or pets, keep hazardous products safely out of reach on the top shelves of your cabinet.

5. Adding a Space for All-Weather Gear Storage

Typically, laundry rooms are also used as mudrooms to store coats, boots, and other outside gear. Designate a place in the laundry room for all of your family’s outerwear.

Sort through your family’s warm- and cold-weather items. Bundle like items together. You can then store the clothing in bins that are clearly labeled. To make things even easier, assign a bin to each member of your household.

Not only do you want to efficiently store and organize these seasonal garments, but you want to keep them in an easy-to-find common area that all family members use.

Conclusion

In order to easily navigate your laundry room, it’s important to get it organized. From setting up a laundry station and using every inch of space to grouping similar items together and installing cabinets, you can enjoy a clean and tidy laundry room in no time at all.

Home Office Arrangement Ideas for Two

Tue, 09 Feb 2021 18:48:46 GMT

Like many people, you may have found yourself sharing your home office space with someone else. It’s certainly an adjustment, but it doesn’t have to be a stressful one.

With these four simple home office arrangement ideas for two, you’ll have an organized, well-functioning home office that suits everyone’s needs.

Read on to learn more!

Find the Right Space

The first step is to find the right space for your home office for two, according to Entrepeneur.com . If you already have a dedicated room as your office, then you’re a step ahead. If you don’t have a chosen space yet or you have a small house, don’t worry. Choose a space that can do the following:

Accommodate two people and any equipment, such as computers and phones
Has enough room for desk space
Allows for good lighting
Is comfortable and feels like a work environment instead of an extension of your personal home

Try a Two Person Desk

Yes, two-person desks are a real thing and not just for kids. A two-person desk in your home office is a simple, affordable way to create a functional workspace. There are a lot of two-person desk options to choose from too. Here are some ideas, courtesy of Decoist.com :

Traditional Two-Person Desks: This type of two-person desk for a home office looks like a traditional desk but has enough room to fit two people, chairs, computers, books, phones, and other accessories without feeling cluttered or cramped.
Wall-Mounted Desks: The wall-mounted, two-person desk uses available wall space to create a built-in-the-wall desk, sort of like a Murphy bed for desks. While this may take a little redesigning within your home, it removes the need for additional furniture that could take up space. This type of arrangement is great for people utilizing a small office space.
Stand-Up Desks: You can really put a small space to good use with a stand-up desk because these desks can allow you to sit for a while and stand for a while with the click of a button. They’re not big and bulky, so it’s easy to fit two people in your office space. And, bonus, stand up desks can get you standing a little more throughout the day.

Organize Your Home Office Space

Marie Kondo is right. If it doesn’t bring you joy or peace, it’s time to let it go. The same goes for your home office. With two people working in close proximity, having a tranquil, organized space where you can work effectively is more important than ever.

After choosing the right space and desk for your home office, it’s time to organize your space to be work optimized . How do you get started? First, consider your organizational needs and ask your home office partner what organizational needs they have. Now it’s time to go Marie Kondo on your home office.

Keep only your essential work items on your desk, such as your notebook, computer, phone, and a pen or pencil holder.
Choose cabinets or drawers that can hold other important items, including files, spare chargers, or manuals.
Have an indoor plant, a small indoor water fountain, or a couple of personal items to make your home office unique.
Hang accomplishments or inspirational art pieces on the walls.
Leave clutter out!

Make Your Home Office Space Yours

Do you feel like your neck or back hurt after working all day? Do you want your home office to be functional and aesthetically pleasing? Then make your home office space yours by looking into different solutions.

Workspace Solutions: Build a workspace that is customized to your needs can help ease stress on your body. You can get your work done and still feel good, so you can enjoy your activities at the end of the day.
Office Cabinets: Personalize your cabinets for style and use. You can keep the items you don’t need on top of your desk or behind the cabinet doors. You’ll know where everything is but won’t add clutter to your workspace.
Drawers: Having drawers that you can actually use goes a long way in customizing your home office. You can look into different sized drawers depending on your preferences, some of which include a lock and key.
Go for Accessibility: If you have a mobility or other impairment, having an accessible home office space is extra important. You need to be able to access your items easily and without getting tangled up in cords, papers, or the space of the person you’re sharing it with.

Conclusion

You’ve adapted to sharing your workspace with another person, and now it’s time to make that space exceptional. With these simple arrangement ideas, you will be ready to create a functional home office space for you and your desk-mate!

Sources

Six Design Basics When Organizing a Small Home

Tue, 19 Jan 2021 14:47:37 GMT

Not everyone wants a 3,000 square foot home, and not everyone can afford one. Just because you live in a smaller space doesn't mean you have to sacrifice the goal of home organization . Your small home doesn't have to look and feel overcrowded. It might feel like it's impossible to tame a small space with a busy life, but there is hope.

Don't shake your head in dismay. Your small home can become organized, but it's not going to happen overnight. You must clear your home of unwanted junk and get creative with closet space. Then consider your storage options by going vertical or under the bed. Don't be afraid to buy furniture that has dual purposes of keeping things in check.

In this article, you'll learn tips that will help your cozy home feel organized instead of cluttered. Keep reading for tricks that you can start using now.

Clear Out the Junk

Before you can indeed organize your home, clutter must be tamed. You should focus on one space at a time and clear out unneeded items. The best way to quickly go through items is to set up a three-box system with boxes labeled keep, toss, and donate.

As you go through items, toss each into the bins. A good rule is if you can't remember the last time you've used it, it needs to either be tossed or donated. After the clutter is cleared, you can start organizing the room or space.

Decluttering your home isn't a one and done chore. To stay organized, you must go through your house periodically and get rid of things—plan to do it once a quarter.

You should also be careful about what you bring into your home. Think about where it will go, and if you already have something that will serve a similar purpose. You can also try to get rid of something else when you bring something new, to keep things from getting too overcrowded again.

Get Creative with Closet Space

When you think of closet spaces, you think about hanging clothes. You don't have to have a walk-in closet to use the area creatively. In small rooms, it may be challenging to fit a bed, nightstand, and dressers. Instead of leaving your dresser up against the wall, put it in the closet as most closets have enough space underneath hanging clothes to accommodate one. It frees up floor space and helps reduce the clutter in your room.

But closets don't have to be just for clothing. If you're like justagirlandherblog.com , your kitchen has a tiny pantry and also a closet nearby. You can do what she did and convert your nearby closet into a larger pantry instead. A slightly larger pantry will help you organize your food better and allow you to keep more staples on hand.

You can also turn a closet into a workspace. Instead of hanging clothes or putting a dresser inside, put a small desk in there instead. You can open the doors and pull up a chair to work. The best part, you can close the doors and not have to worry about your work stuff overtaking the room.

Go Vertical

Storage space can get tricky with small homes, as there might not be enough closet or shelf space. Consider creating storage that goes up, as explained in Tips for Organizing a Small Closet . Tall bookcases can make storage shelves for other items instead of just books. Using shelving or racks over the bed instead of a headboard might give you much-needed room.

If you collect hats or scarves, use hooks to store them outside of your closets. You can arrange them in a way that is easy to access and looks aesthetically pleasing. They could add a bit of color to your room and work as a piece of art to brighten the space up.

Small ladders can also add to the aesthetics of the room while doubling as storage. Putting blankets or quilts on the rungs can give you convenient access while displaying your favorite heirlooms from your grandmother.

Don't Forget Under Bed Storage

There, of course, is a limit to how much you can go up with before you either run out of room or it begins to look too cluttered. If you still need space, you can always go below. Under the bed is the perfect place to put seasonal items.

Under the bed storage is a popular choice, and there are assorted styles of bins to choose from. You are sure to find something to match your décor and make it look like those containers came with the bedframe. If you don't like the look of under bed containers, you can always add a bed skirt to cover them from sight.

Use Multi-Functional Pieces

When you have limited space, you tend to scrutinize every item that comes into your home. Not only are you deciding where to put it, but you also consider functionality. According to theglitterguide.com , having pieces that can do double duty can make it easier to keep your home organized.

There are many ottomans and benches out there that come with built-in storage. The top lifts, and you can put items such as blankets, books, magazines, and toys. It helps to keep things from becoming cluttered.

In the bedroom, consider using something other than a traditional nightstand as a bedside table. A small writing desk that folds closed can be a fantastic substitute, as it closes when you're not using it and has space on top for a lamp and books. Another option is to use a bookcase. The shelves offer plenty of additional storage, and the top has adequate room for a light, fan, or other items.

In the living area, storage cubbies are useful. You can store children's toys or books, and it can double as an entertainment center. Place your DVD player and video game systems on top and hang your television on the wall above.

Go Behind the Door

A commonly overlooked storage area is behind the door. In the laundry or closet area, you can use command hooks on the back of doors to store cleaning supplies such as:

Brooms
Dusters
Mops
Spray Bottles

In the kitchen, behind the door storage can hold cans, spices, and foil.

In the bathroom, repurpose behind the door shoe storage. Here you can store cosmetics, hair ties, and even items such as curling irons and blow dryers. The pockets can also hold jewelry and other accessories.

If you use one of your closets as a work area, use the door's back to display calendars and whiteboards. You can also use over the door storage racks to store office supplies.

Conclusion

By getting creative, you can optimize your small space. Don't be afraid to purge your belongings to get rid of unwanted items. Utilize closet space to make the most out of your rooms. Go up the walls and under the bed for added storage space. Don't forget to pick pieces that do double duty, and behind the door is an ideal space to store supplies. Above all, make sure there is a space for everything and put things in their place.

Sources

22 Shortcuts to Home Organization- A Room by Room Guide

Tue, 19 Jan 2021 14:09:54 GMT

Have you wanted to declutter and organize your home, but are not sure where to start? Home organization is overwhelming, but the results are life-changing. A clutter-free house is less stressful and more efficient. You’ll discover space you never knew was available.

If you’re ready to eliminate clutter and maximize storage space, use the following home organization hacks for every room of your house.

All Rooms

1. Purge Unused Items

The best way to open up space in your home is to be stingy with your possessions. Regularly declutter your home and get rid of items your family no longer needs or wants. Donate or discard any items you haven’t used in more than six months. Try doing a different room every month to make it easier.

2. Hook Them

Take advantage of vertical space by installing hooks throughout your home. Hooks are inexpensive, easy to install, and can mount to walls, doors, cabinets, or other vertical surfaces. They also come in a variety of sizes and colors.

3. Fill the Corners

Corners often remain empty, but they can be handy storage areas in every room. They are great spots for desks, coat racks, cupboards, toy chests, benches, and umbrella stands.

Bedroom

4. Underbed Storage

Take advantage of the space beneath your bed for storage. Use flat, plastic bins with lids to hold off-season clothing and bedding. The area under your bed is also a great spot to keep larger items such as luggage, folding chairs, and toys. Other under bed storage options include installing pull-out drawers or purchasing a bed frame with built-in drawers.

5. Let Your Dresser Do Double Duty

Save space and increase your storage by using a dresser as a nightstand.

6. Increase Hanging Space

In How to Increase Storage Space in Your Master Bedroom Closet , it is recommended that you use double-hung rods to give yourself more space to hang your clothes. Depending on the size of your closet, you may be able to install triple-hung rods.

7. Hang Your Laundry

Instead of taking up valuable space with a hamper, hang a laundry bag from a hook on the back of your bedroom door.

Bathroom

8. Organize Under the Sink

Minimize the clutter around your sink by going below. Use a slide-out organizer for the cabinet under your sink. Make sure to use a mesh-basket so you can see everything.

9. Put Toilet Paper in Baskets

Store extra toilet paper rolls in baskets on the side of the sink or hang the baskets from the wall. Not only do you avoid running out of toilet paper, but you also spruce up your bathroom.

10. Add Storage in Your Shower

If you need more space for shampoo, soap, and other shower supplies, install another shower rod. Add some hooks to give you easy access to the items.

11. Hang More Towel Racks

If you have too many towels and not enough space, install towel bars on the back of your bathroom door.

Kitchen

12. Install a Pegboard

Keep your pots and pans close. Install a pegboard as your backsplash and hang pots and pans on hooks.

13. Use a Rolling Cart for Extra Space

If you have limited cabinet space, a rolling cart is an excellent solution for extra storage. You can move it where you need it and hide it when not in use. You can use it for a specific purpose, such as to store baking supplies. For extra food preparation space, add a top made of butcher block, stainless steel, or laminate.

14. Magnetize Your Knives

Keep your knives close by for easy access by hanging them from a magnetized wood strip affixed to the backsplash. Just make sure that the sharp portions of the knives are covered, so as to prevent potential injuries.

15. Utilize Your Refrigerator for Non-Food Storage

Use the side and top of your refrigerator for extra storage space. Mount a paper towel rack on the side of the refrigerator. Put small baskets or bins on the top of the fridge for items you don’t need all the time.

Living Room

16. Employ Hidden Storage

Add to your room’s decor while also adding storage space. Buy furniture such as ottomans, trunks, benches, or coffee tables with hidden storage. This extra space can be used for toys, blankets, or anything else you don’t need to keep out in the open.

17. Save Space with Nesting Tables

Instead of buying several small tables, purchase a set of nesting tables. Place a lamp on the larger table and take out the smaller tables as needed.

18. Box the Remotes

Keep track of your remote controls by putting them in decorative boxes you can place on a coffee table or side table.

19. Create a Kids Play Zone

Don’t let toys take over your living room. Find an unused corner and transform it into a play area for your kids. You can add a small bookcase, small table, or a rolling cart to hold toys.

20. Fold Your Desk

If you don’t have room for a separate home office, a fold-down desk is a great solution. The desk folds out from the wall when you need it.

Garage

21. Create Garage Zones

In 10 Ideas & Accessories to Reorganize Any Size Custom Garage , Memphis Garage & Closets suggests creating zones to group similar items together. You might develop zones for automotive items, recycling bins, gardening tools, and sports equipment.

22. Label Boxes and Bins

When placing storage bins or boxes in your garage for storage, label them so you know what’s inside. It will make it much easier when you need to find specific items.

Conclusion

Was organizing your home one of your goals for the upcoming year? The tips, tricks, and shortcuts in this article make it easy to cross the task off your list and maximize space in your kitchen, bathroom, living room, bedroom, and garage.

Sources

https://www.garageandclosets.com/10-ideas-to-reorganize-custom-garage

Ten Tips to Mastering Home Organization

Wed, 23 Dec 2020 15:15:41 GMT

If your home more closely resembles an episode of Hoarders than Tidying Up with Marie Kondo , you are not alone. It’s easy to become consumed by clutter if you’re not careful. While maintaining an organized home is not always an easy task – especially if you have kids – with a little effort you can corral the clutter and establish order in your abode.

Your home will look picture perfect and ready to grace the pages of a home décor magazine if you follow these ten tips to mastering home organization :

Edit Efficiently
Get in the Zone
Become a Basket Case
Family Affair
Create a Command Center
Storage Strategies
Bottle Service
Out of the Box
File Folders
Fit to Print

This is a carefully curated list of original ideas and storage suggestions that go beyond the typical tips commonly recommended by organizational professionals. Keep reading for expert advice and creative solutions on how to master home organization.

Edit Efficiently

The best place to start is with a full-scale purge, or “ edit ” as the dynamic duo behind The Home Edit like to say. They suggest you begin by completely emptying everything from the space you want to organize. Then sort your items into groupings, putting like pieces together. This is also the time to decide what should stay and what should go, either into the trash or to be donated. Once you have sorted all of your stuff, and decided what you want/need to keep, you can then figure out the best way to organize and store your salvaged goods.

Get in the Zone

“A place for everything and everything in its place” is a great mantra to live by when it comes to mastering home organization. Whether you are organizing your home office, bedroom closet, or kids’ playroom, the trick of the trade is to create specific zones. Every space should have a purpose and every item should have a home (place where it belongs). This way there is no confusion as to where to put things when it’s time to clean-up.

If your kids have a lot of Legos, for instance, you might utilize a set of plastic storage drawers to store the blocks by size or color. This way, when playtime is over, your children can quickly sort and put away their Legos until next time.

The same theory holds true for your closet. If you live in a warm climate, you don’t need to take up prime real estate with your winter clothes and accessories. So, why not store them in a basket or bin on the top shelf of your closet? When the temperatures drop, or you plan a trip up north, simply take the basket down to access your sweaters, gloves, hats, and scarves.When you get home, wash them and then put them away so they are ready for your next trip or winter cold snap.

Become a Basket Case

Speaking of baskets, the professional organizers at Neatnik say a family basket system is a great way to control clutter. They recommend giving each member of the family their own basket or bin. When stuff is left around the house, it can be placed into the person’s basket. Each family member is responsible for periodically sorting their basket, throwing out what they don’t need or want and putting the rest away in its proper place. Not only does this system help to declutter the common areas of a home, but it also teaches children the importance of responsibility and taking care of their possessions.

Family Affair

Home organization should be a family affair. If everyone pitches in, tidying up is a snap. Better yet, why not make a game out of getting organized? Set a timer for ten minutes and have everyone in the family help clean up, put away, and declutter a specific space. It’s amazing how much you can accomplish in just ten minutes. If you make this part of your family’s regular routine, you will master home organization in no time at all.

Create a Command Center

It’s important to organize your life, not just your stuff. A family command center will keep everyone on task by keeping track of important information and events. You don’t need a dedicated desk space; the inside of a kitchen cabinet will do just fine as a command center. Simply hang up a calendar and add a cork board to tack up invitations and appointment cards, and you’re all set. A plastic hanging container is ideal for organizing paperwork such as school newsletters or bills that need to be paid.

Storage Strategies

The key to mastering home organization is to utilize smart storage solutions. Professional organizer Kathy Jenkins from Better Homes & Gardens touts the SIMPLE method . The acronym stands for:

S - Sort
I - Identify
M - Make a home
P - Put into containers
L - Label
E - Establish your own routine

Simply stated, you want to maintain order by getting rid of what you don’t want or need and organizing the stuff you’re keeping. Last but not least, you want to continually review your process to sustain your home organization master plan.

Bottle Service

Thanks to the popularity of television shows like Tidying Up with Marie Kondo , professional organizers are eager to share their tricks of the trade. Blogger Abby Lawson revealed her secret to sorting and storing awkward water bottles. She places them on their sides in a plastic wine rack on a shelf. This way your water bottles are easy to grab and you don’t need to deal with them continually falling over when standing upright on a shelf.

Out of the Box

Matching clear containers is a great way to organize your kitchen pantry. By unboxing your cereal, cookies, crackers, and other dry goods, you can save space and create a clean and clutter-free space. Organizational experts including Just a Girl and Her Blog recommend adding labels so that you know exactly what is in each container. It could be a baking disaster if you were to mix up baking soda and baking powder. Another top tip is to store leftover spices in old Tic Tac mint containers. They take up a lot less room than spice bottles and it’s a great way to upcycle trash.

File Folders

Marie Kondo wowed the world with her KonMari Method of file folding clothes and organizing dresser drawers. That same system can easily be translated to your linen closet. Simply file fold your tablecloths, table runners, placemats, and cloth napkins. Not only will this help you maximize the space in your drawers or cabinets, but it will also make finding things much simpler. Thanks to file folding, you can quickly locate grandma’s prized tablecloth when you are getting ready to set the holiday table.

Fit to Print

If you have kids, then you likely have piles of original artwork. There’s simply not enough wall space to proudly display it all. But you can’t bear to part with any of these lovingly created masterpieces. Here’s an ingenious idea. Why not take pictures of your favorite pieces – or all of them – and create a custom art book featuring the work of your favorite young artist? You could make one book for each school grade. It’s super simple and you can do it right from your phone using a photo book app.

Conclusion

Maintaining an organized home is not as easy as it seems. Clutter happens even to the best housekeepers. Fortunately, by following these ten tips you can master home organization and establish some practical family routines at the same time.

Sources

Six Ways to Evict Kitchen Pantry Pests

Wed, 23 Dec 2020 14:33:11 GMT

Have a family of critters overtaking your kitchen pantry ? Whether you have discovered moths, weevils, small beetles, cockroaches, or ants, nothing is more disgusting than finding bugs around your food.

Fortunately, you can take charge of the situation and evict these pests right away by following these six steps:

Empty Out Your Pantry
Utilize Airtight Containers
Buy Less
Place Glue Traps
Use Herbal Helpers
Wipe Away Their Pheromone Trail

Read on to learn different ways of making these pests go away for good!

Empty Out Your Kitchen Pantry

Weevils are one of the most commonly found types of pantry invaders. Also known as flour bugs, you may find weevils feasting inside of your bag of rice, flour, or beans, according to The Spruce.com . If you discover an infestation of weevils or any other bugs in your pantry, the first step you should take is to completely empty out your pantry and use your vacuum’s crevice tool to get into all the cracks and crevices.

Next, spray down your pantry with a solution of vinegar and water and wipe it off with a clean, dry towel. Resist the urge to spray any chemical insecticides in your pantry, as this is dangerous to your family’s health.

Before returning each package to your pantry, inspect each one for tears or holes. If a package is opened, Food Network.com recommends checking it for contamination by emptying out the contents onto a large baking sheet and using a flashlight to search for bugs.

Utilize Airtight Containers

When you bring home your groceries, the only protection against bugs that your food has is the cardboard box that they came in. Cardboard doesn’t present much of a challenge to a hungry insect. This is why it is important to seal your foods like cereals, grains, flour, pasta, and sugar, in airtight containers. Not only will this make it impossible for bugs to get inside, but it will also make your pantry a more organized place.

To learn more tips about how to organize your pantry, check out Simple Ideas for Organizing Your Messy Kitchen Pantry by Impeccable Closets .

Buy Less

Are you someone who likes to be prepared and buy large quantities of foods in bulk? Although it is admirable to make sure you never run out of anything, it can become problematic in keeping your pantry a bug-free zone.

Some people buy so much they forget that they even have the item, and they buy it again. Then the food sits in the pantry indefinitely, just waiting for bugs to come in and take over. Buying in smaller quantities ensures better quality control. The food isn’t as likely to pass its expiration date, and bugs aren’t as likely to creep into an opening in the bag and make it their new home.

Place Glue Traps

Nothing makes your skin crawl quite like the sight of roaches scurrying about in a kitchen pantry. Roaches are one of the most difficult bugs to get rid of. They feed on all of the little sugary, starchy crumbs that have accumulated in your pantry. Any foods that emanate a smell are fair game for becoming a roach’s next meal.

Even if you have just cleaned out your pantry as suggested, roaches are not going to disappear overnight. To better assess the situation, one thing you can do is place a few glue traps inside of your pantry. The traps are safe to use around food and will give you a good idea of how serious your roach problem really is and what to do next.

Use Herbal Helpers

To prevent moths from coming back into your kitchen pantry, all you need is a little herbal magic. Bob Vila.com recommends gathering different herbs, such as bay leaves or peppermint, and placing your chosen herb within your pantry. To keep it from becoming too messy in your pantry, you can place them in a cloth bag or container with holes on the top.

Wipe Away Their Pheromone Trail

Ants find their way to and from their nests by following a trail of pheromones that their fellows have left behind. One natural way to get rid of ants in your kitchen pantry is to remove their scent trail. To accomplish this, Healthline recommends mixing glass cleaner with liquid dish soap. Spray this mixture in places where you have noticed ants gathering. Next, wipe most of it off, leaving a “light” film.

Final Thoughts

Don’t let these pesky critters get the best of you! All you need to do is give your pantry a good scrub down, throw away your contaminated items, and seal your cereals, flour, and grains in airtight containers. Leave some herbal goodies lying around your pantry and those creepy creatures won’t have a chance.

Sources:

10 Quick Home Organization Tips for a Stress-Free Holiday Season

Tue, 17 Nov 2020 15:52:10 GMT

With the holidays quickly approaching, it’s easy to stay busy and have little to no time to prepare for the upcoming season. And whether you’re hosting guests or just want an organized home, it can feel stressful and overwhelming when you don’t know where to start.

But by following these tips, it doesn’t have to be:

Create a to-do list
Reuse your old decorations
Donate the decor you don’t want
Make a designated holiday wrapping station
Invest in large containers
Use lid organizers
Use a spice rack
Empty your pantry and fridge
Tidy-up your bathrooms
Declutter your guest room

Stay tuned for more information on how to prepare for a stress-free holiday season with ten super simple home organization tips that will allow you to soak in every moment of merriment.

Create a To-Do List

The first thing you’ll want to do before you start organizing is to create a to-do list. The holidays are stressful enough without adding organization to the list. So, to minimize unnecessary stress, write out what you want to get done. It’ll help you to stay focused and not overwork yourself.

Reuse Your Old Decorations

One aspect of the holiday season that most people enjoy is decorating their homes. But while it’s fun, if you’re not careful, you can accumulate clutter by purchasing the same decorations you’ve used in the past.

So, before you go to the store, look through the decorations you already have to see if there’s anything you have that will fit your theme. By doing this, not only can you save money, but you can also save space and time.

Donate the Decor You Don’t Want

Now that you’ve picked out what you plan to keep, separate the decorations you no longer use or are broken. While you’ll throw away your broken decor, everything else that’s in good condition, donate it.

While you might not be interested in it anymore, that doesn’t mean someone else won’t appreciate it. And by donating, you can also make space for any new decor that you want to purchase.

Make a Designated Holiday Wrapping Station

If you’re an avid gift-giver, then you already know how frustrating wrapping gifts can get when you don’t have all of the necessary materials you need in one place. So, by creating a holiday wrapping station in your home, you can see all of the supplies you have, save time wrapping gifts, and easily keep track of them.

Invest in Large Containers

When the holidays are over, and you’re ready to start saving your decor, instead of stacking everything in your closets and using too much space, invest in large containers. With them, you can keep all of your seasonal decorations in an easy-to-access and compact place.

Depending on how much decor you have, you can find containers that fit under your bed, in your attic, or in a spare closet.

Use Lid Organizers

Besides decorations, the holidays also consist of cooking and enjoying delicious food. And if you’re like most people, plastic containers are what you use to save or bring home food. Not only are they inexpensive, but they also come in bundles.

But, if you’re not careful, they can take up too much space in your cabinets. So, one way to organize them is to store your containers and lids separately. To do this, you can use a lid organizer. These products can hold multiple lids of various sizes without taking up much space.

Use a Spice Rack

One home organization tip that can help you declutter before you start cooking your holiday meals is to use a spice rack. Some seasonal meals require specific spices that you don’t generally use in your everyday meals. With a spice rack, you can organize your spices based on how often you use them, making it easier to find what you need.

Empty Your Pantry and Fridge

Another tip is to throw out any leftovers and expired food that’s currently taking up space in your pantry and fridge. This will help you see what you need to stock up on for the holidays and how much space you have to use.

Tidy-Up Your Bathrooms

You’ll also want to focus on areas that your guests will often visit, like your bathrooms. The first thing you’ll want to do is give your bathroom a nice thorough decluttering. You can do this by replacing your hand towels, restocking toilet paper and hand soap, and removing trash or old, expired products.

Also, for a seasonal touch, Better Homes & Gardens recommends decorating with flowers and scented candles.

Declutter Your Guest Room

Additionally, don’t forget to declutter your guest room. If you’re not using it often or have only been using it for storage purposes, then it’s likely not as clean as you’d like it to be.

So before your guests come, take this time to remove any items that don’t belong in there. After you’ve placed everything where it goes, give your closet a once-over to ensure you have enough closet space for your guests to store their clothing.

Now that you’re working with a clutter-free room, you can focus on cleaning the linens, dusting, testing outlets to make sure that they work, etc.

Conclusion

Ultimately, organizing your home for the holidays doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With these practical home organization tips, you can avoid unnecessary stress and enjoy the holidays in your clean, decluttered home.

Sources

https://www.bhg.com/homekeeping/house-cleaning/seasonal/holiday-housecleaning-tips/?slide=slide_428b7b84-f4fd-443b-b709-418668195a97#slide_428b7b84-f4fd-443b-b709-418668195a97

Six Tips for Reorganizing Your Kitchen Pantry Before the Holidays

Tue, 10 Nov 2020 16:33:46 GMT

The holidays are coming. While this may be the most wonderful time of the year, it’s also one of the most stressful. You’ll be in your kitchen more often than ever, whipping up pies, cooking turkey, and making stuffing. Your kitchen pantry could use an overhaul for the season ahead, but how?

Follow these handy tips for reorganizing your kitchen pantry for the holidays:
Take everything out and give your pantry a deep cleaning
Dispose of expired foods and donate what’s not expired but you don’t use
Organize foods by category
Then sort them by most to least used
Keep your holiday food essentials easily accessible
Make use of wine racks, pantry dividers, and related accessories for staying organized

If you need even more actionable information, then you’ve come to the right place. Keep reading for steps and details on the above six tips so your pantry will be ready for all the holiday hustle and bustle to come!

Deep-Clean Your Pantry

Cleaning your pantry inside and out is a time-consuming process, so it’s probably not something you do all that often. Perhaps you haven’t fully emptied your pantry since you moved into your home, and that was years ago. If so, then this chore is more than overdue.

Remove everything in the pantry, going shelf by shelf and drawer by drawer until it’s all gone. Don’t necessarily spend much time checking the best-by and sell-by dates quite yet; you can do that in a little while.

For now, give your pantry a deep, thorough cleaning, covering every square inch. Get into the habit of cleaning your pantry at least one or two other times a year, such as in the spring as well. This will help you in your quest to keep your pantry organized.

Throw Away Expired Food and Donate What You Don’t Need

Now that your pantry is spotless, it’s time to turn your attention to all of the food you took out. A lot of it probably won’t end up going back in your pantry simply because the expiration dates were quite a long time ago.

Use your discretion about what food you should keep versus what you shouldn’t. As a general rule, all expired food should go, as eating it can cause symptoms like fever, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. That said, there’s a big difference in keeping expired bread versus keeping expired cereal.

As you go through all the boxes, containers, bags, and jars of food, you’ll likely come across some items that aren’t expired, but you’re not sure if you’ll use them. That’s okay! Instead of putting these foods back in your pantry where they’ll expire, untouched in the dark, donate your food instead.

The holiday season is a great time to give to those less fortunate. If you are going to donate food, canned goods are best. Also, make sure that the seals or tabs are unbroken, as opened food probably won’t be accepted.

Organize Food by Category

By the time you’re done flipping over every box and container to check the expiration dates, you should be left with a sizable pile of food that you want to keep. This food is all relatively fresh and things that your family likes to eat.

Dailymom explains that to determine how to best organize this food, you need to categorize it. If you have loose containers of spices floating throughout your pantry and getting pushed further and further back, gather those together.

Maybe your kids opened a box of cereal, and that box has been sitting at the front of your pantry while the unopened cereal boxes have disappeared in the back. In that case, you’d want to keep all of your cereal together. This lets you take stock of what you have so your household never runs out of Cheerios or Lucky Charms when your kids eat it every day for breakfast.

As you create these groups of food, you may be left with a few food items that just don’t go together. If so, you can start a miscellaneous pile. It’s not a bad idea to reassess what’s in this pile and decide whether you’d like to donate it.

Sort Food from Most Used to Least Used

Now it’s time to put everything back in your pantry shelves and drawers. Keeping food within the same categories as you organized them into, place them in your pantry from the most used to least used foods. Make sure the foods you’re putting in the back have the longest expiration dates. Make it a point to get to this food relatively soon so you don’t waste it.

Keep All of Your Holiday Cooking and Baking Essentials Within Reach

You love the holidays, which is why you go all-in on cooking the best turkey on the block with homemade everything. From cranberry sauce to stuffing, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin pie, you make it all.

Thanksgiving and Christmas are balancing acts regarding your time in the kitchen. On Thanksgiving, you want to make sure the bird is done early before half your family splits off to watch the big football game. On Christmas, you want to be there to watch the kids open gifts (and maybe open a few gifts of your own) but not have dinner at 8 o’clock.

You know what can really waste time you already don’t have on days like those? Not having the nutmeg for your pumpkin pie or the instant yeast for the bread rolls. You’d have to tear your whole pantry apart looking for just one thing.

Organizing as explained above should prevent those sort of mishaps, but so will this little hack. Since you know you’ll use a lot of the same food staples over the next few weeks, keep those items in the front of your pantry.

Later, once the new year has rung in, the Christmas tree is on the curb, and the last of the sparkly decorations is down, you can integrate these holiday food staples into the rest of your pantry. For now though, do yourself a favor and keep al of that stuff near the front.

Use Wine Racks, Pantry Dividers, and More for Long-Term Organization

Putting the same foods back into your pantry albeit categorized a different way is not enough to keep your pantry organized. You also need solutions for a cleaner, easier-to-use pantry.

If you’re a big wine collector, the pantry is an ideal spot for wine because it’s dark and room temperature. Yet those bulky wine bottles take up too much valuable room you need for other foods. Consider a pantry wine rack or two for housing your most precious bottles and increasing the space you can use for food.

Pantry dividers let you contain those small, everyday food items that tend to disappear, such as seasoning packets, marinade packets, or instant yeast packets. Dividers are also handy for cans, jars, and round containers you may store sideways. You won’t have to worry about these items rolling away anymore!

A spice rack will ensure all those containers and jars of spices are always within reach of each other. The next time you need the garlic salt, thyme, or oregano, you won’t have to rip apart your pantry for one little jar.

You can also stash odds and ends in sliding baskets that go into your pantry. Metal wire baskets let you see exactly what’s in each basket so you don’t have to waste your time on a pointless guessing game.

Conclusion

‘Tis the season to be busy, especially in the kitchen. With these six handy kitchen pantry reorganization tips, you won’t miss a precious second of holiday time rummaging through your pantry. Everything you need will be front and center so you can grab it and get to cooking.

Sources

https://dailymom.com/nest/pantry-organization-relaxed-holiday-season/

How to Clean Your Swisstrax Garage Floors in Three Easy Steps

Thu, 29 Oct 2020 18:34:40 GMT

Over time, your garage floor’s dirt, dust, and debris can all accumulate into an unforgiving mess. Most covered garage floors are cement-made, a material that easily stains and isn’t always safe to walk on.

Swisstrax modular flooring forms an easy-to-clean, gripping surface, protecting your garage floors and enhancing the overall look of your garage.

When your Swisstrax garage flooring shows wear, implement a cleaning method that comprises three easy steps:

Keep standard cleaning tools, like a dust mop and a soft-bristled broom in your garage for routine maintenance of your floor tiles.
Buy non-sudsing ammonia cleaners or waterless washes for deep cleaning sessions.
Focus on difficult remaining stains and scratches with a cleaning solution and a soft washcloth.

In this article, you’ll learn three quick and easy steps to cleaning and maintaining your Swisstrax garage floors.

How Swisstrax Tiles Benefits Your Garage Floors

Swisstrax is a modular flooring system built with high-impact, interlocking plastic tiles. You install tiles directly onto your existing garage floor, creating a slip-resistant surface that feels much better to walk on than hard cement.

Swisstrax tiles can also be found in a wide range of colors and styles, so your garage floor matches your aesthetic preferences. An added benefit of Swisstrax floors is that the tiles prevent mold and and mildew backup , which is common in dark and poorly insulated spaces such as your garage.

Grime seeps into cement garage floors and forms permanent surface stains. When you use Swisstrax flooring, the dirt sits on top of the tiles, making messes easier to see and clean.

Keep Routine Cleaning Tools in Your Garage

It’s important to keep the right cleaning tools on-hand so your Swisstrax floors stay clean and durable. Shop vacuums are the go-to maintenance tools for cleaning any industrial space, including your garage.

If you don’t have a shop vac, use a dust mop or a soft-bristled brooms for a quicker clean.

Dust Mops

Long-handled dust mops can quickly clean any dust and dirt hanging out on top of your tiles. Look for mops with a large, fluffy attachment to the handle. Dust mops are useful for darker tiles where you may not immediately see the dust collecting on the surface.

Soft-Bristled Brooms

You can use a soft-bristled broom to push out any dust, debris, and materials left over from working in your garage. Look for brooms with the short bristles tightly packed together. If you’re unable to find a commercial push broom, a regular household broom will also work.

Shop Vacuum

A shop vacuum is an efficient tool used to clean up any mess on your floors. All Garage Floors recommends only using a floor brush attachment with your shop vac to avoid scratching tiles. The shop vac releases any dirt that’s trapped on the tile’s surface and the grooves in between.

Buy Liquid Cleaners and Washes for Deep Clean Sessions

Soft brooms and mops sometimes aren’t enough for stubborn tire and scuff marks. Avoid sudsy cleaners when doing research on tough-to-remove stains. Dirt and dust bits cling to tile surfaces much faster with these types of cleaners.

Instead, mop your floor tiles with a non-sudsing, ammonia-based formula. Ammonia cleaners provide a streak-free shiny finish without filmy residue.

You can also buy waterless washes that car detailers commonly use, as pointed out by All Garage Floors . Water down the wash concentrate before mopping the solution onto your floor tiles.

Pro-Tip: For waterless wash concentrate solutions, mix two tablespoons of concentrate with two gallons of water.

Gently Buff Out Remaining Scratches with Cleaning Solution

As you mop, use a deck scrub brush with stiff bristles on troublesome scuff marks. After your garage floors are completely dry, you can go over the smaller areas with a soft washcloth or rag tipped in a heavy-duty degreaser.

Conclusion

Swisstrax floors are made for worry-free cleaning sessions. The well-draining tiles push out any liquid that trickles underneath the flooring system, which allows you to choose diverse cleaning methods for various messes and stains.

Keep standard cleaning tools like dust mops and soft-bristled brooms in your garage for routine cleanups. You may also use a shop vac when your floors need a more thorough sweep.

For a day one gleam, buy liquid ammonia-based cleaners and wash concentrates to mop onto your tiles. Deploy heavy-duty degreasers to buff out tough marks and keep your garage floors looking polished.

Sources

https://allgaragefloors.com/cleaning-tips-interlocking-tiles/

Five Easy Steps For Organizing Tools In Your Custom Garage

Fri, 09 Oct 2020 17:17:27 GMT

It’s time to give your garage some love. One of the biggest challenges is how to organize your tools, from the small (think nails and screws) to the tall (think brooms and shovels), and everything in between.

These five simple steps will help you organize all the tools in your garage, from wrenches to rakes and pliers to paint brushes:

Hang it up
Stick to it
Sort it out
Think outside the box
Get crafty

Keep reading for expert advice and creative solutions on how to organize the tools in your custom garage .

Hang It Up

Storage space in the garage is a hot commodity, especially if you plan on parking your car(s) inside. That’s why the experts at the DIY Network recommend you think vertically . Take advantage of this prime real estate by utilizing your wall space to hang tools.

When planning, think of what you will use and where. You might want to consider hanging screwdrivers and pliers above your workstation and storing brooms and mops near your mudroom entrance. Slatwall garage racks are perfect because they can be configured for your specific needs and utilize any and all wall space in your garage.

You can securely hang hand tools, garden tools, even power tools, so they are easily accessible. However, safety should always come first. So if you have small children, be sure to keep dangerous tools, such as saws, out of their reach.

Installing slatwall racks is just one way to get your garage in order. To learn more, check out How to Reorganize Your Garage Using These 5 Accessories from Closet Décor & More.

Stick to It

You’re not alone if you spend more time searching for the screwdriver than tightening the actual screw. But that doesn’t need to be the case. Take your most commonly used tools out of the toolbox and store them in plain sight with a magnetic strip.

When it comes to organizing your garage, why not take a tip from the kitchen? Professional chefs prefer to store their knives on a magnetic knife holder where they can be easily used and viewed. Now you can do the same with your favorite tools. Mount magnetic strips to organize screwdrivers, wrenches, even scissors.

Store It

There are plenty of quick and easy tricks on how to safely store away your tools. One popular trick is to repurpose baby food jars to store the random handfuls of nails, screws, washers, and bolts. Even better, utilize those old plastic gum containers lying around because they won’t break if dropped. Nobody wants broken glass in the garage or anywhere you walk around for that matter.

The Family Handyman further explains how plastic gum containers with the pop-up tops are ideal for storing all of the little odds and ends you accumulate in the garage. Plus, you can see through the plastic, so you always know what’s inside each gum container.

Another simple suggestion on how to organize the tools in your garage is to collect toilet paper and paper towel tubes to store extension cords. Simply wind them up and stuff each one into a tube. Then write the length of the extension cord on the outside of the tube so you can easily find the perfect size for your next project. To optimize your newfound organizational skills, store the tubes together in a clear plastic bin.

Think Outside the Box

When it comes to organization, think outside the box. Common household items can often be used to help keep your garage tools neat and organized.

For instance, the Family Handyman explains how a hanging shoe organizer is the perfect place to store spray paint cans. Each pouch can fit two cans, so you can easily store up to 48 cans of spray paint, primer, sealer, and even spray adhesive. Conveniently, the tops peek out of the pouches so you can quickly find the color you need. You can hang the organizer from hooks on a slatwall or simply nail it to the wall.

A muffin tin is another great way to sort and store hardware and small miscellaneous items. Keep screws, nails, and other fasteners at your fingertips by corralling these common items.

Get Crafty

If you are handy, consider building a battery recharging station for your power tools. This will keep them organized and ready to use.

Cordless tools are certainly convenient, provided they are fully charged when you need them. A custom charging station with a built-in outlet will keep all of your favorite power tools ready at a moments notice.

Hertoolbelt.com explains exactly how to create a wall-mounted, custom storage unit that features a power strip to charge batteries as well as slots and shelves to store cordless drills, battery packs, and more. If you own these types of tools, you likely have the skills needed to craft this cool tool organizer.

Conclusion

The garage is probably the most overworked and underutilized room in the house, but it boasts huge potential. By maximizing space and cleverly repurposing everyday products, you can efficiently organize the tools and other stuff creating clutter in your garage. The six simple steps laid out in this article will assist you in creating an organized oasis in your custom garage.

Sources

Creative Design Ideas for My Home Office

Mon, 14 Sep 2020 17:53:01 GMT

Having a home office is an integral part of telecommuting as it gives you much-needed separation between work and home.

Picking the perfect home office design idea is a combination of allotted space and personal style. You want to have plenty of room to work without the area feeling too cluttered. You need a work surface big enough to house your computer and enough cabinet and drawer space to hold all of your supplies.

In this article, you will learn about the different ways to design your ideal home office. Let’s get started!

Where to Set Up Your Home Office

Working from home comes with mixed results. You have the benefit of not having to dress up or struggle with a commute. However, there are a significant number of distractions that can keep you from doing your best work. That is why deciding where to set up your home office is the most critical step you’ll take.

Ideally, your home office is in a room with a door so that while working, distractions can be shut out. However, not all homes are equipped with enough space to dedicate a single place for an office. In this event, you need to find a spot where you can set up a permanent home for your work supplies and maybe a way to store them away at the end of the day, without relocating your items continually.

What you don’t want to do is share your workspace with the dining room table. There may be times where that is the only place available, but it is not a permanent solution. The constant distraction of everything going on around you, along with the need to continually gather and relocate your things, makes it a poor choice.

If you don’t have a room you can make into your office, choose a room section that can be allocated as your office space. Set up a permanent workspace that accommodates your computer and other office supplies. Once the workday is done, shut down your computer and leave it for the night.

How to Set Up Your Home Office

While there are a few things that you must have in a home office, there are some things to consider. First, you need plenty of lighting in your office. Natural lighting is best, but if that is not possible, make sure that any lamps or overhead lights provide adequate illumination to reduce eye strain.

Another thing you need is access to high-speed internet. All home offices need to connect to the internet, and if your home’s wi-fi router doesn’t adequately reach your office, it may be time to invest in a more powerful router or rethink where your office is located.

You should have at least a surge protector that your device is plugged into for your computer system. A sudden power surge can destroy components within the computer tower, and if you use an all-in-one computer, the damage can be more substantial. A surge protector will keep your electrical equipment from being damaged during sudden surges.

A nice to have, but not necessary, component is an uninterruptible power supply or UPS. These devices give you time to save your work in the event of a power outage. The batteries don’t last more than an hour or two, but it is enough time to allow you to save files and properly shut down your system to avoid hardware damage. Most of these UPS devices have surge protectors built-in, so you don’t have additional surge protection.

Home Office Work Surfaces

An adequate work surface is necessary for all home office designs. Space is about making sure that you have what you need to work efficiently. It needs functionality first and foremost.

When choosing your work surface, you should start with the overall height. The body should be at a size that is ergonomic for you. An ergonomic height means that you should be able to for longer periods without developing a sore back, neck strain, or numb fingers. If you spend a lot of time on the computer, you should consider a workstation with a keyboard drawer to bring the keyboard down to a more comfortable level while keeping your monitors at an eye level.

The surface area is also essential. It should be big enough to accommodate all of your necessary work tools without crowding. For those who have a desktop computer with multiple monitors, the surface should accommodate those monitors. You should have enough space for your desktop or laptop and any notes you need to complete your job without worrying about accidentally knocking something off of the desk top. If you want to have your computer, calendar, and notepad within reach, you may consider using an L-shaped work surface.

Home Office Storage

All home office designs should include storage areas. Whether you choose to go with cabinets, drawers, or both, it depends on your needs and available space. If you have a dedicated room, you’ll have more storage options than someone using the corner of the living room as their office area.

The cabinets should be deep enough to hold items that you don’t necessarily need at your fingertips. They are a great place to put binders and notebooks to be out of sight but easily accessible when you need them. A computer cabinet helps ensure that your desktop tower is out of sight, and cords are conveniently tucked away.

You can top lower cabinets with a work surface to create a place for a printer. It’s also ideal for adding a dedicated charging station for your mobile devices, which can be housed in this area and off of your main work area.

Drawers help you to keep smaller items organized, out of sight, but within reach when needed. The depth of drawers depends on what you need to store. Shallow drawers are ideal for pens, pencils, and small notepads. Deeper drawers are perfect for file folders. By having a custom made drawer system, your office becomes more functional.

Depending on your space, you may end up with storage that is more vertical than horizontal. Tall cabinets can make space feel taller and less crowded than shorter, horizontal cabinets. Choose your storage in a way that makes the most out of the space you have available.

Make Your Home Office Design Ideas Comfortable

Personal touches in your home office can make it more comfortable to work in. Selecting a paint color for the walls that is calming can help you feel relaxed while you work. Of course, some people prefer brighter, more energetic colors to help them feel ready to take on the world.

When designing your office space, don’t be afraid to include touches such as your favorite wood tones, like a mahogany desk, or a bold color choice such as pale blush pink. Splashes of color on your furniture can help pull together space while making it feel truly like your own.

You shouldn’t be afraid to add personal effects such as pictures and nick-nacks to your office. Be aware of your space, and don’t overdo it, or the area will feel crowded. You want to feel comfortable while not losing the functionality of the workspace.

Home office design ideas don’t have to take a lot of space. Not everyone has a full room to turn into their workspace. Take into consideration the square footage available and plan accordingly.

Four Ways to Reorganize Your Small Home Office

Mon, 14 Sep 2020 15:46:40 GMT

Does your home office look like something out of a hoarding documentary? Would one glimpse send Marie Kondo racing for the front door? Don’t worry.

These four tips will help you reorganize your small home office and transform it from a demotivating dungeon to an organized retreat that allows you to focus on your work:

Eliminate unnecessary items (Hint: it’s mostly papers)
Add storage space with office cabinets and drawers
Develop an organization system (that you’ll stick with)
Take back your desk space

Now that many people are working from home, this is the perfect time to optimize your office — even if it is a small space.

Keep reading to find out how you can tackle this weekend project that will bring you a greater sense of calm and control during these uncertain times.

1. Eliminate Unnecessary Items

It doesn’t matter how hard you work. If your home office is packed with possessions, you’ll never get it to a point of organization. All the folders and organization “hacks” can’t save an overstuffed space.

That’s why the first step to reorganizing your small home office is always purging those unnecessary items that are eating up valuable real estate. If you’re like most people, you’ll probably find papers are the biggest offender, particularly on your desk and other flat surfaces. But there are a number of other items that you should watch out for:

Neglected equipment, such as phones and scanners
Broken items, from dead pens to busted computer monitors
Old belongings that are no longer useful, such as last year’s calendar and day planner

2. Add Storage Space with Office Cabinets and Drawers

Now that you’ve emptied your office of everything extraneous, it’s time to organize what’s left. Still look like a lot of stuff? Fortunately, the right office cabinets and drawers can do wonders by keeping the items you need safely stored.

Visually, your cabinets and drawers will help you conceal your office items and maintain a sense of order. Functionally, they’ll keep the items you need at your fingertips. If you’re debating whether office cabinets and drawers are worth it, there are some big benefits you’re probably not considering:

Maximize storage space: Unlike that random side table that you have laying around your house, cabinets for your office offer maximum storage volume. With office drawers, options range from those designed for smaller items like pens and paper clips to larger sizes designed for paperwork that you need to keep neatly filed away, yet accessible.
Save time: Office cabinets and drawers have the dimensions of your frequently used office items, allowing everything to effortlessly fit. That means you won’t be wasting time jamming products into tight spots or digging through cavernous shelves that were designed for another area of your home.
Maintain a sense of order: Most people underestimate the influence their surroundings have on their feelings. Cabinets and drawers keep your space neat and organized so you can focus on your work and not the messy distractions all around you.
Set the tone: Stop blurring the line between your work life and personal life. A home office that actually looks like an office helps you focus and stay productive.
Embrace custom options: No two jobs are the same, which means you have some special needs when it comes to your office. Custom office drawers and cabinets allow you to pick the perfect furniture for how you work instead of slinging together mismatched items that just allow you to get by.

Remember, this space is where you’ll spend hundreds of hours every month earning your living. Investing a little back into a well-designed office will save you time and future headaches and help create a space that you actually look forward to entering every morning.

3. Develop an Organization System

What’s the best kind of organization system out there? The one you’ll actually use.

If you create an intricate system of organization that requires a 100-page manual, there’s little chance you’ll stick with it. There’s no right or wrong way to embrace your inner neat freak, but here are a few ideas to help you get started:

Develop a color coding system: This one’s perfect for those paralyzing piles of paper. Sorting your mail, paperwork and files into neat categories will make them seem far less daunting to find and go through, allowing you to locate items with a glance.
Set up a “staging area”: Every work from home professional has a flat surface that holds whatever items that don’t have a home. More often than not, that surface is your desk, which is the worst spot (more on this later). Setting up a designated staging area gives you permission to temporarily put items down, and it keeps the clutter confined. Just make sure you revisit this space to clean it up later.
Set a designated time/day to tidy up: Staying organized doesn’t just happen. It’s a deliberate act. What’s the best way to ensure you don’t fall back into your old hoarding habits? Set up a designated time at least once a week devoted to nothing else but organizing (recurring calendar reminders help). Want some bonus relaxation? Play some of your favorite relaxing tunes to embrace the moment of calm.
Obey the “ one-minute rule ”: If it will take less than a minute to complete, do it now. Although this admittedly applies to many facets of your life, it can do particular wonders when keeping your home office organized.

You can implement one or several of the tips above. Take a deep look inside yourself (and your office) to see where you need the most help organizing.

Take Back Your Desk Space

For virtually everyone out there working remotely, the desk is the MVP of the office. It’s where you keep your phone and computer, and it’s where business gets done. But if it’s so important, why are you weighing it down with piles of mail, garbage and useless items that you don’t even use? If this sounds like you, it’s time to take back your desk.

Staring at your chaotic desk right now and wondering where to start? Here are some tips:

Draw a blank: You want to create a blank space to see how much room you actually have to work with, so sweep everything off your desk.
Do a deep cleaning: Chances are your desk hasn’t felt the soft caress of a damp paper towel in a long, long time. Once you see how great it looks without an inch of dust covering it, you’ll be amazed how motivated you’ll be to keep it clean.
Prioritize your possessions: Decide which items you need to keep within arm’s length and which can be stored away. If you’re like a lot of people, you actually won’t need much more than a computer, its accessories and your phone. Remember, less is more here, so embrace the desolation of an empty desk.
Cut the cord: Invest in some nifty ways to tame those tangles of wires and cords from your office equipment. Options include binding cables together, buying wireless items (mouse, keyboard, printer, etc.) or just tucking away that equipment that you rarely use.
Look to the cloud: Everything’s stored in the cloud these days, so you don’t need access to your computer ports. Drop that computer tower down to the floor under your desk. You don’t need it eating up the most valuable real estate in your office.
Ditch the desk lamp: Are you really wasting valuable desk space on a table lamp? Here’s a bright idea: invest in a standing floor lamp instead.

Conclusion

If you’re a work-from-home professional, do yourself a favor and bring some serenity into your small home office. Unlike a regular work setting outside the home, you have almost total control over the space around you. Take advantage of that freedom.

Make this the year you tame the clutter and get organized. You’ll not only perform better, you’ll feel better.

Sources

https://gretchenrubin.com/2006/12/need_a_simple_a/

Why Is Modular Flooring a Wise Investment for My Garage Floors?

Mon, 14 Sep 2020 15:02:46 GMT

It seems like every week these days that you turn around and your garage floors are stained again. Perhaps you didn’t realize that your car was leaking oil when you were tinkering with it yesterday. Maybe you accidentally tipped over a can of wood stain. Either way, scrubbing and hoping the stains will go away clearly isn’t working. You’ve heard good things about modular flooring, but could these tiles really help to improve your garage floors?

Modular floors are a wise investment for any garage floors in the following ways:

Quick installation
Easy to exchange one set of tiles for the next
Mildew and mold-resistant
Won’t fade from UV light
Protection from slips
Often more inexpensive than other flooring options
Some types can hold large amounts of weight

Keep reading to learn more about these seven great benefits of modular flooring for your garage. If you don’t know which type of modular flooring would best suit your space, there’ll be a section on how to choose as well. You’re not going to want to miss it!

What Are the Benefits of Modular Flooring for My Garage Floors?

Fast Installation

The first reason to choose modular flooring for your garage is because of the ease and speed of installation. When installing modular floors, the peg-and-loop-style tiles need only a mallet or similar tool to secure each tile into place. The tiles interlock, creating a seamless look across your garage floor. Even better, the tiles can be set up in an afternoon.

If you were thinking about another popular garage floor alternative– epoxy –you’d have to wait far longer for the work to be finished. After the time it takes to apply several coats, you must mandatorily wait at least 18 hours, but typically 24 hours for the epoxy to dry. Then, you have to be patient for yet another 24 hours, giving the epoxy even more time to dry before you can add items back into your garage.

All said, it’d be something like 72 hours before you could safely walk across your garage floors without the risk of sticky, epoxy-coated shoes. Who has that kind of time?

Change Tiles on a Whim

Let’s say that you first opted for white modular floor tiles, but you’ve since changed your mind and want black tiles instead. Perhaps your first set of modular tiles were made of a lightweight plastic, but now you’d prefer something more heavy-duty, such as metal.

Since you can get your modular floor tiles installed so easily, it’s not the least bit inconvenient to make a switch on a whim like this. Should you ever decide that you didn’t want modular tiles at all (not that it’s likely you would), tile removal leaves no debris behind, so it’s like the tiles were never there.

Prevents Mildew and Mold

Most garages aren’t exactly the most well-ventilated or insulated places. While sure, you can use oscillating fans and a window air conditioning unit in the summer and a space heater in the winter to take care of the lack of insulation, having poor ventilation is still a problem.

If your garage has any excess moisture, you could be looking at a rampant overgrowth of mildew and mold. The same is true if you live in a predominantly humid or wet climate, including many southern states.

Not only do mildew and mold create a blemish on your garage, but these fungi are not healthy either. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) , breathing in mildew or mold can cause nasal, skin, and lung irritation, leading to symptoms like rashes, coughing, and sore throat. Those with mold allergies may have even more severe symptoms, as is also true of chronic lung disease sufferers.

Since modular flooring is so adept at warding off both mildew and mold, you can breathe a little easier in your garage. After all, you likely use this room more often than almost any other, spending hours at a time on your latest project. Now you know that your spare time won’t be to the detriment of your health.

UV-Resistant

Have you ever gotten colored flooring installed in your garage before? You might have chosen an eye-catching hue like vivid red, or maybe you even went with a neutral navy blue that matches everything else in your garage. Then the years go by and before you know it, that bright red is diluted, and the dark blue is a much more blah shade.

If you have a window or several in your garage, the UV rays in sunlight can gradually weaken the color of some types of flooring. Fortunately, that’s not so with modular flooring. Many types of modular tiles come with UV-resistance so they maintain their color. You don’t want to have to choose between natural lighting and your garage flooring, and with modular tiles, you don’t have to.

Anti-Slip Grip

Whether you accidentally elbow your open bottle of water off your workbench or that can of paint gets knocked over and begins leaking, if you take a wrong step, you could be swept off your feet and make a hard landing. Unfortunately, a concrete garage floor is not a pretty place to fall.

Modular floor tiles are anti-slip so you won’t lose your grip as you walk around your garage. You still don’t want to let spills linger, but now you can use your garage with more confidence.

If your modular floors can drain water, then even if you track in wetness from rain or snow or if you use a hose in your garage, the water will drain right out, no messes and no standing water.

Inexpensive

If you’re still on the fence, one factor that will make choosing your garage flooring easier for you is the price.

The garage flooring alternative epoxy costs $3 to $12 per square foot according to HomeAdvisor , with labor another $1 to $7 for each square foot. The whole project is about $2,159 as a national average but can be as high as $2,950.

As for modular floor tiles, per square foot, you’re paying between $3 and $5, with the national average being $2 to $4 per data from HomeAdvisor . Also, installation is inexpensive, about $1 for each square foot and sometimes less. That makes modular flooring the more cost-effective choice.

Able to Handle Some Weight

If you use your garage for working on old cars and other machinery, you might wonder about the weight efficiency of modular floor tiles. Luckily, you need not worry. From PVC to metal to plastic modular tiles, they can withstand the weight of car lifts, heavy-duty cabinetry, floor jacks, toolboxes, and more without cracking.

How to Choose the Right Modular Flooring for You

Now that you’re convinced to use modular flooring for your garage going forward, how do you determine which type of flooring is best for you? Here are some tips to keep in mind.

Create a Budget

Although modular flooring is often less expensive than getting epoxy resin poured on your floors, it’s still a good idea to have a budget anyway. Measure the size of your garage and then determine how much surface area you want covered. Some garage owners decide to get their whole floor covered in modular tiles while some only opt for high-traffic areas. Make your budget from there.

Consider Your Colors and Styles

With SwissTrax modular floors, you have no shortage of styles or colors to choose from. You can use your floor tiles to express your personal tastes in all sorts of fun and funky patterns and designs. This is a chance to make your garage truly yours!

Choose a Material That Works for Your Garage Use

If you don’t ever want to risk taking a spill in your garage, then rubberized SwissTrax modular floor tiles will keep you upright. If you like to safely park your car in your garage without damage to the tiles, then you’ll want a tough, durable, heavier-duty modular flooring material like PVC or metal.

Conclusion

Modular floor tiles offer great variety and versatility, and they won’t stain, fade, or develop mold. You have anti-slip protection, and some modular tiles absorb or drain water to keep your floors even drier. With their great cost savings over other flooring types, hopefully you’ve decided that modular flooring is best for your garage floors.

Sources

How to Maximize Wall Space in Your Custom Garage

Tue, 11 Aug 2020 14:23:08 GMT

If you’re like most homeowners, your garage is a constant source of frustration and anxiety because you know you’re not making the most of this space.

The lost tools, dangerous clutter and embarrassment of exposing the chaos inside has you hating what should be one of the most valuable areas of your home. The key to maximizing storage space in your custom garage and taking control over the clutter is to utilize your wall space wisely with a slatwall storage system.

Keep reading to find out how the right storage system can give you a garage that looks great and works for your lifestyle.

Why Is a Cluttered Garage a Problem?

Most homeowners underestimate just how important the garage is. Many two-car garages are just 20 X 20 feet, or 400 square feet. That’s a relatively small space for you to keep so many valuable items safe. Particularly if you don’t have a basement or attic storage, the garage has probably become the go-to overflow storage area for you.

One of the most underutilized spaces in garages are the walls themselves. Depending on the size of your vehicles, you may not have enough room to add elaborate cabinet units and workbenches, leaving you few options to keep this space organized. Fortunately, the slatwall storage system can help you make the most of this area of your home.

What Are the Benefits of Slatwall Storage Racks?

Functional, flexible and attractive, slatwall storage racks offer you one of the best ways to organize your garage space. The sleek, minimalist storage system is a wall overlay that combines strength and a modern look that can transform a messy garage into one of the best-used storage spaces in your home.

Remember, this is the area where you’ll keep some of your most expensive items: vehicles, lawn equipment, tools and more. Find out how slatwall garage storage can help you make space for all of these items and reclaim your lost space.

Storage System Flexibility

No matter how you use your garage, slatwall storage racks make this space even more valuable by keeping your items neat and organized. From weekend warrior athletes to motorheads to avid gardeners, a slatwall system helps you store all the equipment you need for your favorite hobbies. This extremely flexible storage system can be modified quickly and easily with an endless variety of accessories:

Baskets and bins
Hooks for various tools and storage purposes
Bicycle hooks and holders
Various sports equipment storage systems
And much more

You don’t need to worry about committing to hardware decisions that you may regret later because this storage system grows and changes as you and your family changes. If you purchase a new item that needs storage, just buy the accessory and quickly install it. Can’t find room for it? Simply slide existing items horizontally to make space for that new rake, racquet or ratchet set. There are also many additional accessories that will help to reorganize any messy garage. To learn more, check out How to Reorganize Your Garage Using These 5 Accessories from Closet Decor and more.

Attractive Aesthetics

Slatwall storage systems give your garage a stylish way to organize your space with a minimalist look. Enjoy a calming sense of organization every time you go inside. If you’ve ever felt embarrassed about opening your garage and letting the entire neighborhood see the eyesore inside, you will appreciate the clean look when this space is organized.

Planning for the point when you may eventually sell your home? A tidy, attractive garage will set your home apart from your neighbor’s overstuffed spaces. A well-maintained garage tells others that you took care of your home and its belongings.

And then there’s the look of the actual storage system itself. Unlike pegboards, slatwall storage systems come in several attractive colors that add to the visual appeal of the space, not detract from it. That color flexibility comes in handy if you’re trying to coordinate with cabinets or flooring for your custom garage. Color-matched screws and trim also help give this wall storage option an appealing, cohesive look that will generate lots of compliments from your neighbors.

Garage Safety

Unlike other garage storage methods, this storage system is totally secure. Your items will remain fixed to the wall system and vehicles will remain safe from failed hardware that pulls out of the wall or items that tumble from stacked shelves. This PVC product is strong, easy to clean and capable of carrying lots of weight.

Imagine entering a dark, cluttered garage and tripping over a stack of items in the walkway. In the best-case scenario, you end up breaking something you own. In the worst-case scenario, you end up breaking your arm. Keep your floors clear so you can move freely in your garage.

Money Savings

When your household items are stored appropriately, they’re protected and will have their life extended. No falling from crowded counters. No sitting outside to rust in the yard. No laying in the corner on the floor for rodents and insects to nest in.

How many times have you had to go out to buy an item that you know you already own but can’t find? Don’t throw your money away because your disorganized space is forcing you to make unnecessary purchases. With a slatwall storage system, all of your items are organized and visible at a glance, meaning that you won’t waste precious time or money digging through your home to find those misplaced items.

Can’t remember the last time you were able to pull your vehicle inside your garage? Protect its delicate paint, dashboard and interior from the damaging sun, particularly in hot climates. This storage system can quickly give you back the floor space to easily park your vehicle inside again.

How Are Slatwall Storage Racks Installed?

With slatwall storage racks, it’s not as simple as picking a color and installing it. You need to account for several factors that could impact your project:

Obstacles such as plumbing, fuse boxes, irrigation controls and outlets
Desired storage area
Storage system placement
Windows, floor slope and ceiling unevenness
Future lifestyle or family changes that could impact your decision

An added benefit is this storage system can be installed no matter what the garage interior: unfinished studs, drywall or concrete. Plus, this system can be incorporated as wall-to-wall slatwall storage, or you can choose partial coverage for targeted areas.

Maximize Your Home’s Square Footage Today

Stop squandering one of the most valuable spaces in your home. The beauty of the slatwall system is its efficiency. Due to the low profile, this system will help you squeeze out every inch of free space in your garage by utilizing your wall space.

Sources

https://www.hunker.com/13401084/what-is-the-standard-size-of-a-two-car-garage

How to Prevent Mold in Closets

Mon, 20 Jul 2020 19:26:56 GMT

From unsightly brown or yellow stains on your basement ceiling to slimy green splotches on your shower floor, mold is an uninvited visitor that is still happy to take harbor in homes. You would never think that this funky fungus would take up occupancy in your custom closets , but it can.

However, with some deep cleaning, air circulation to prevent moisture, and the right chemicals, you can prevent mold from attacking your closets.

Here, you will learn about the topic of mold growing in your closet, why it’s even growing there in the first place, some telltale signs to watch out for, and preventative tips that you can take in order to fight this pesky pest.

What is Mold?

Mold is a type of fungus. This microscopic organism comes in a wide array of colors, including black, gray, green, yellow, and even purple. While mold is relatively harmless and even helpful when it grows outdoors, it can wreak havoc on your home and your health when it comes inside.

Mold loves dark, moist environments where the air isn’t circulated. So your closet makes the perfect breeding ground for colonies of mold to thrive and grow.

Mold can cause significant damage to your custom closets. Not only does it leave a musky odor, but mold can discolor and deteriorate fabrics. Additionally, it can stain paper and leather.

Sneaky Signs of Mold in Your Custom Closets

If you notice any of these symptoms, you may have mold in your closets:

A Musky Smell : One sign of mold is a musty odor coming from your closet.

Staining : Mold can reveal itself as brown, black, yellow, green, or gray stains on your closet walls.

Peeling Paint or Bubbling Surfaces : Trapped moisture underneath your wall’s surfaces can cause your paint to crack or bubble. In other words, where there is moisture, there may be mold.

If you notice any of the aforementioned signs of mold, it’s best to get a mold inspection done right away.

What Causes Mold in Closets?

You may be thinking to yourself, “ I keep a tidy household. How can there be mold in my closet?” There are a number of surprising culprits behind your mold infestation, including:

Moldy Clothing : Many types of fabrics, such as cotton, provide an ideal “food” source for mold. If you have moldy clothing in your closet, mold spores can effortlessly spread and settle in different locations, including the walls and carpeting.

Humidity : As mentioned before, mold loves moisture. Since your closets are dark, isolated areas, humidity can easily accumulate there.

Water Damage : Whether it’s a leaky ceiling or a plumbing problem, water damage typically precedes a mold outbreak.

As you can see, there are a number of factors that can encourage mold growth in your closets.

Preventing Mold in Your Closets

Here are some insider secrets to combat mold growth in your closets:

Keep Your Closets Clean : Mold feeds off of dirt and debris found in fabric fibers. It may seem appealing to toss dirty laundry into your closet corners before washing, but resist this temptation. Some types of fibers including nylon, polyester, and acrylic are mildew-resistant and will not support mold growth when cleaned. However, there is still the possibility of mold growing on them if they are dirty.

Get Rid of Moisture : Moisture in the air makes the ideal breeding ground for mold. To ward off dampness, keep things ventilated by keeping your closet doors open and never hang any wet clothing in your closets.

Keep the Air Dry : Use dehumidifiers or air conditioners to dry out the air. Cold air will house a lot less moisture than warm air. You can attach a humidistat to the unit to keep the humidity under control.

Heat : Heat your closet with an electric bulb to increase the heat, to dispel dampness. Just ensure that the bulb is far away from clothing and other flammable materials.

Use Chemicals that Effectively Absorb Dampness : Buy calcium sulfate, alumina, silica gel or molecular sieves at your local hardware store and store cloth bags of them in your closet. You can also place them in an open container on a closet shelf.

Remove Mildew : If you spot mildew on your clothing or linens, remove it as soon as possible. Brush off the surface outdoors to prevent the mold spores from scattering. Wash the mildew clothing with detergent and warm water. Then sun and air out your clothing thoroughly.

Clean and Empty Out Drawers : From time to time, clean out and inspect the drawers in your closet for signs of mildew or mold.

Always Hang Items : Never store clothing on your closet floors, to prevent moisture from getting trapped underneath.

Don’t Pack Your Clothing Too Tightly : This prevents proper air circulation.

Steer Clear of Plastic : Never store your clothing in dry-cleaning bags. The polyethylene composition will trap humidity and cause mold to grow.

Final Thoughts

Don’t feel embarrassed if you have mold in your closet. Even the cleanest of homes can succumb to a mold outbreak. Educate yourself on the signs and symptoms of mold in your home. Get a professional mold inspection done if you suspect an infestation.

You can also take proactive measures to keep your custom closets from harboring mold. From keeping them clean and dry to using moisture-absorbing chemicals and elevating items off of the ground, it’s important to take the necessary steps to prevent mold so that it doesn’t become a hassle and headache.

Sources

https://homeguides.sfgate.com/prevent-moisture-closets-23615.html

How These Three Factors Influence What Not to Store in Your Garage

Mon, 13 Jul 2020 17:54:13 GMT

Florida is well known for having fluctuating temperatures throughout the changing seasons. Hot summers and cold winters undoubtedly impact what you should and should not store in your garage . Luckily, understanding the factors that affect the items that you store in your garage are easy to understand. Once you’re aware of the do’s and don'ts, you can make the simple adjustments needed so you don’t run into any issues.

The three most influential factors that determine what you should and shouldn’t store in your garage are:

Temperature
Toxin Releasing Products that Become Safety Hazards
Items that Attract Pests

Initially, certain items may not appear to be safety hazards or pest attractors. But brought under extreme temperature conditions, some everyday items actually become dangerous. There are also certain belongings that shouldn’t be stored in a garage because they attract pests.

This article will specifically explain the three most important factors that influence what you should and should not store in your garage, along with examples.

Temperature

Temperature is probably the most influential factor in what items to store in your custom garage. Temperature brings varying fluctuations in moisture and humidity as well. While not every item becomes a safety hazard under extreme changes, other items can be affected.

Important note : Always try to keep your garage above the average dewpoint. This is the temperature at which condensation can form and cause further damage to your belongings. For climates such as Florida, this is around 40°F.

Artwork

Oil based paintings and canvases aren’t weather resistant. Delicate pieces of art are sensitive to external elements and can become slightly distorted or shaped based on the conditions they are consistently in. A hot summer has a melting effect on pastels while a cold winter's night can cause the paint to compress and crack. Dirt and dust also accumulate in garage spaces, which can inconveniently cover pieces of art to the point where they require cleaning.

Paint

Extreme heat and cold alters paint formulas, especially if the can has been previously opened and isn't well sealed. Paint cans also rust if they are stored on a concrete surface. The best practice is to avoid storing them in a climate that drastically changes temperatures from day to night.

Refrigerators

A lot of people like to have a second fridge in the garage. If you have experienced Florida summers or winters, then you know that weather dramatically impacts the temperature of garages. The last thing you want are higher utility bills because your garage refrigerator is working extra hard to maintain its internal temperature during a hot summer day.

Wine

Humidity is a huge aspect of everyday weather in Florida, and it becomes especially intense during severe thunderstorms in the early summer months. Most garages are even more humid because they naturally trap and restrict air flow compared to the rest of the house. Garages are one of the few rooms in a household that are completely self contained and have a limited number of vents. Varying temperatures and humidity ruin the cork’s effectiveness to keep air out and prevent oxidation. Wine should be stored in an environment no colder and no warmer than 45 - 65 degrees Fahrenheit.

Fire and Explosive Hazards

There are some items that absolutely should not be stored in a garage for safety related reasons. Some items can even become ignitable after being stored in an area that experiences extreme temperature changes. Most garages are completely self-contained when closed, which means that any type of gas leaks won’t be able to ventilate out. The following items are not recommended to be stored in any type of garage:

Propane Tanks

Absolutely avoid storing this item, at all costs, in your attached garage. Storing propane tanks in intensely warm conditions especially can potentially cause explosive hazards to occur, especially if the valve on the tank is loose. The best practice is to store them ideally in an area away from your home outdoors. Since propane is not adversely affected by cold temperatures, it is perfectly safe to store your full tanks outside, as far away from your home as possible. Simply prop the tank on a few pieces of wood or cover it with tarp to avoid snow and ice.

Gasoline Containers

These containers also belong outside your home in safe storage. Supplemental gasoline bins are great for refilling lawn mowers, dirt bikes, and other items that benefit from occasional refilling. Keep them away from air vents, heaters, and electrical appliances. Avoid storing them next to flammable clutter and practice sound judgement. If you routinely deal with flammable substances for household projects or hobbies, have a plan to detect smoke or fire in all areas of your home, especially the garage. Gasoline containers can be stored in locations 50 feet away from your home, preferably in a detached shed or garage.

Clutter Build-Up Near Electrical Appliances

Over many years of living in one place, it’s easy to naturally accumulate clutter that doesn’t have a dedicated space. This includes cardboard boxes, wood, or any type of flammable materials. Every electrical appliance is a safety hazard if it's surrounded by flammable clutter. Common electrical appliances include the garage door opener circuit board, the main house electrical box, and any miscellaneous cords that run through the garage. Give these electrical appliances some breathing space. Avoid stacking storage bins against them whether they exist on the wall or near the ceiling. An electrical fire will only become stronger by having flammable materials in close proximity to it.

Note : Avoid storing materials on top of active plugs, transformers, or surfaces that warm up as a result of electrical heating.

Pest Attractors

Some materials and items naturally attract vermin and silverfish. The reason you probably don’t worry about attracting these pests in other areas of your home is because unlike the rest of your home, your garage is more exposed to the outdoor elements. The garage is usually a lot darker and humid throughout the day. Garages are also typically used as a storage area for older and less used items.

For this reason, try and avoid storing certain items in your garage that will be covered in this section. First, it’s important to be aware of what pests you want to avoid attracting.

Vermin

Vermin are especially attracted to sources of food. Canned food is commonly stored in garages, but this should be avoided at all costs to reduce attracting pests. Rats love tiny, cluttered spaces and garage entrances are usually easier to access from the outside or in adjacent attic spaces. The most important mitigation practice is to not give them an incentive to enter your garage space and find an alternative, temperature controlled location, to store your spare food supply.

Silverfish

Silverfish are most commonly attracted to starchy materials, both edible and inedible. Aside from canned food, the starch material used to bind books is also extremely attractive to them. It is recommended to find a more temperature controlled environment to store your spare books.

Termites and Carpenter Ants

Even if you are able to prevent firewood from becoming a fire hazard in your garage, it can still attract pests. If possible, store firewood in a dry area outside of your home and off the ground. Termites and carpenter ants will have a harder time occupying and destroying your firewood if it’s off the ground and stacked in an organized fashion.

Dust Mites, Carpet Beetles, and Fleas

Unfortunately, furniture tends to attract all of the above pests. Old, wooden furniture is one of the most susceptible items to attracting pests in a garage and most people tend to store them in this part of their home. If you have spare furniture that you do not use often, consider finding an alternative, temperature controlled location for it or perhaps donate it to your location Goodwill.

Conclusion

The best practice is to avoid storing the items mentioned in this article in your garage. It can be tempting to use a custom garage space as a storage room for items that don’t have a dedicated place. Now that you’re aware of the reasons why certain items shouldn’t be kept in your garage, you can better organize your space to further prevent any dangerous or pesky hazards from occurring. These simple fixes will give you all the reassurance you need to practice safe garage storage and in a manner that also doesn’t accidentally ruin your personal belongings.

Sources

8 Tips on How to Prevent Pests in Your Custom Closets

Fri, 15 May 2020 14:29:18 GMT

Custom closets are essential for people who want to ensure that their items are in place and organized. However, these spaces are often prone to welcoming unwanted guests due to the dark, cool, and sometimes moist conditions.

If you leave your closets undisturbed for long periods of time, they can start to attract different types of pests that are notorious for chewing on your clothes such as carpet beetles, moths, silverfish, and crickets. It's hard to notice these tiny pests, but before long, you will start to see the damage to your clothes.

To stop that from happening, here are nine simple tips that you can follow to prevent those pests from getting into your custom closets and taking a chunk out of your favorite pair of jeans. Let's get into it!

How Do I Prevent Pests in My Closets?

1. Vacuum Every Corner of Your Closet

First things first, if you want to keep any sort of pests or insects out of your closet, then you need to pick up a proper maintenance and cleaning routine. This means vacuuming every corner of the closet and getting all those hard to reach spaces that require a little more effort to get to.

Pests love to hide away out of sight, so if you have any drawers or shelves, make sure you give them a good cleaning as well. If your custom closets have any carpet or fabric materials inside, then make sure you pay extra attention to those areas and vacuum them thoroughly.

2. Inspect Older Clothes That You Don't Wear Often

If you have clothes in your closet that have been in there for years, but just don't quite feel ready to throw them away, you’re not alone. Maybe it's a sentimental hand me down or a vintage piece of clothing that you would like to keep. If so, you will need to check that there aren’t any hidden pests hiding in the pockets or seams.

Insects and pests love fabrics including wool, cotton, silk, and leather, so if you have any of those materials in your closet, then keep an eye on them too.

A good rule of thumb is to take all of your unworn clothes out of your closet and wash them at least once every few months. This also helps to keep bad odors at bay.

3. Keep Clothes with Food Stains Away from Your Closet

Certain types of pests are attracted to food, such as cockroaches and silverfish. Yep, you definitely want to keep those pests away!

If you have any clothes that have food stains or any leftover food in the pockets, then you are inviting a bunch of nasty critters into your custom closets .

4. Use Insecticides

If you feel that you have any pests in your closets already, then you need to act fast. Insects reproduce at an alarming rate. If you don't get rid of them fast, you could have a full-blown infestation on your hands, and nobody wants that.

Most people don't like to use insecticides because they smell pretty bad and can discolor and damage clothing, so try to only use this if it's absolutely necessary. Before you spray down your closet, remove all items before you continue. If you do suspect an infestation, then this could also be a good opportunity to wash your clothes thoroughly while you treat your closet.

Insecticides will kill any pests that you have in your closet and will also act a strong repellant to for a short while afterwards. The only downside is that most of the domestic insecticides that you can buy are very strong smelling and contain a variety of harmful chemicals.

If you would rather stay away from using chemicals in your closet then there are alternatives. Mix together equal parts of vinegar and water into a spray bottle and spray all of the affected areas of your closet, ensuring you cover all corners, cracks and crevices. While this is less effective than using insecticide, it’s far less harmful.

5. Use Dried Lavender

Lavender repels insects such as moths, fleas, beetles, flies, and mosquitos, all while adding a sweet-smelling fragrance to your closet and the clothes inside. Here are a few ways that you can use dried lavender:

Make lavender sachets
Use lavender essential oils
Spray a lavender solution on your clothes
Put fresh lavender in your closet drawers and on your shelves

6. Store Only Clean Clothes

Before you put any of your clothes back in your closet, make sure that they are clean. Even if you wore them for only a few hours and they pass the "smell test," it's always best to give them a wash first.

This is especially important for clothes made of wool, silk, or any type of cloth that has the potential for attracting insects If you have been eating or were in the presence of food, the lingering odors can cling to the fabrics and attract unwanted visitors.

7. Use Cedar

Like lavender, cedar has been used as a natural repellent for pests and insects for a long time. Simply grab yourself some cedar chips or cedar blocks and place them in your closet. Be aware that cedar has a natural oil that can damage your clothes and potentially stain them.

You can place cedar chips into a breathable container and place it in your closet to stop this from happening. Not only does cedar keep the insects away, but it also acts as a deodorizer and helps to prevent the spread of mold and mildew. Plus, cedar smells lovely, so why not have some in your custom closet ?

8. Keep Your Closets Clutter Free

Sometimes it can be easy to let your closets get a little overrun with items that you've picked up over the years. However, having a cluttered closet makes it much easier for the bugs to hideaway. Cluttered closets usually suffer from things like mold, damp, and moisture, too, creating the perfect living conditions or these nasty critters.

Do yourself a favor and have a clear out in your closet. Try to keep it organized and avoid overcrowding in all areas. Not only will this keep pests away, but it will also help to keep your clothes smelling fresher for longer and give you less of a headache when you're deciding what to wear each morning.

Final Word

There you have it! It's far easier to prevent pests from entering your closet than it is to remove them once they've already found a home. Make sure you do all you can to make your custom closet as inhospitable to potential pests as possible.

Try not to invite them in with food-stained clothes that you forgot to wash. If pests are present, give your closet a deep clean, vacuuming every corner of it before spraying it down with closet repellent or a mixture of vinegar and water.

Good luck, and thanks for reading!

How to Reorganize Your Garage Using These 5 Accessories

Thu, 14 May 2020 15:31:35 GMT

You painstakingly planned every last detail of your custom garage . When the project was first finished, the space looked spotless. Time has done its dance though, and your custom garage could admittedly use some cleaning up. Which accessories are best for neatening a garage like yours?

Here are 5 of the top accessories to have when reorganizing your custom garage:

Garage Cabinetry
Slatwall Panels
Wall Racks
Workbenches
Overhead Storage

Keep reading for more information about each of these awesome accessories, as well as how to clean up your garage using every one of them. You’re not going to want to miss it!

5 Accessories for a Neater Custom Garage

Slatwall Panels

Slatwall is a type of fiberboard with slats or grooves throughout. You can affix mounting hardware to any of the slats and use them to hang heavier items. For example, that bike that hogs up room leaning on one wall of your garage can go on the slatwall. The same is true of the step ladder you usually keep in the corner, where it collects dust.

Smaller items are also right at home on slatwall panels. You can display all of your tools like a work of art. If you're especially proud of the tools that you've collected, you deserve to show them off!

For a custom garage especially, slatwall makes for a fantastic solution. You can get slatwall in all sorts of sizes, be those smaller panels or one single piece that covers your entire garage wall. Slatwall is a much more modern-looking and appealing solution to reorganizing your garage.

Garage Cabinetry

Another organizational solution to consider is garage cabinetry. Any custom garage will instantly look neater, sleeker, and more refined with a series of cabinets installed in the space.

There’s no shortage of cabinet styles, sizes, and colors. Maybe you only need a cabinet or two to keep odds and ends that continuously accumulate in your garage. Perhaps you want a wall lined with a whole series of cabinets so you can truly tidy up once and for all.

Overhead cabinets, whole-wall cabinets, or those connected to a work surface will beautify your garage and make it a nicer, cleaner place to be in.

Wall Racks

If you're still looking for yet another wall storage option for your custom garage besides slatwall and cabinetry, wall racks are worth your while.

Wall racks are sturdy structures, often metal, that can be painted any color you want. Many racks have a simple, straightforward design, but if you want one with ornate decorative flourishes, you can find those as well.

You have plenty of versatility when it comes to sizing your wall racks. A two-shelf rack may be smaller but wider, and you can even opt for a four or five-shelf rack that's long and narrow. To attach your wall rack, you need only a stable hook or two. The rack hangs with no hardware needed. Yes, that means no installation time either.

Since wall racks may have metal wire shelves, avoid adding small items to those, as they will slip right out, where they could disappear. Try using the racks for a toolbox, containers, and other odds and ends.

Work Benches

When you converted your garage to a custom space, you decided you'd use it more for recreation. Thus, one of the first items you bought was a workbench. You've since spent many a long hour here working and tinkering away on all of your favorite projects. Perhaps those are metalworking or woodworking, clay-making, or something else entirely.

If your custom garage is in desperate need of some tidying up, you can look to that workbench as more than just a place to dedicate to your hobbies. It can also help in your quest for a better-organized garage.

Take your current bench to the next level with some accompanying storage. You can build this yourself if you're handy enough or shop for a cabinet system that slots into your bench perfectly. Now, the next time you find yourself needing a paintbrush or a drill bit, you don't have to get up and go hunting around your garage to find it. It will be within arm's reach. How handy!

Overhead Storage

You've quite liked the storage solutions discussed so far, but what you're lacking is the room to make them happen. Your garage walls are all full, yet now the floors are becoming overrun with clutter.

What can you do? Instead of looking out to the walls, look up instead. Overhead garage storage racks are ideal for your situation, as well as for tiny garages in which all space is at a premium.

These storage racks come in multiple materials including metal and plastic. They affix to your garage ceiling via poles. Most garage overhead storage solutions have wired bottoms, so you can look up to see what you're storing.

To get to your overhead storage items, you will have to climb a ladder. Don't put items you use often up above. Instead, use that space for putting away those long-since-abandoned kids' toys, holiday decorations that only get used once per year, or extra supplies for your garage projects.

Bonus Accessories

Mesh Bags and Baskets

Does your custom garage have mesh accessories like bags and baskets? If not,consider adding them, to further organize your custom garage.

Mesh is mostly translucent so you can always see what’s inside. If you or one of your kids needs to grab something out of one of the baskets or bags, finding just what you need doesn’t prove difficult. The mesh also allows your items to breathe, so they don’t get stinky sitting in your garage.

Your mesh bags can also store like items together. Perhaps you keep a pair of shoes in there for mowing the lawn or a giant playmat for the kids. If your children are on a sports team, you can purchase each of them a mesh bag, keep their uniforms and a ball in there, and then send them off to practice with everything they need. In the meantime, the bags can sit on any of the wall storage hooks outlined above.

If those basketballs, footballs, and large outdoor toys keep reappearing every time you put them away, find them a more permanent home with a mesh basket. The basket has more structure than a mesh bag, and it’s bigger too. You can get a deeper bag or a longer one depending on what you want to keep in there.

Wire Baskets

In lieu of or even in addition to your mesh bags and baskets, you might want to add a few wire baskets to your custom garage as well. Wire baskets, also called activity organizers, are high-grade, heavy-duty steel. With a powder-coated finish, the baskets won’t rust, corrode, or lose their looks among all of the other great features in your custom garage.

These baskets come in an assortment of sizes, based on your organizational needs. Be careful storing tools in wire baskets, since some smaller ones might slip right out. However, larger items like wood for your woodcutting project, basketballs and footballs for the kids, drop cloths for painting, or even cleaning products for your motorcycle or car are all suitable picks.

Conclusion

You prefer your custom garage spotless, but life has a way of interrupting that dream. Whether it’s debris from your projects you want to clean up or kids’ toys and balls that never stay in the same place, the storage and organizational solutions presented in this article will assist you in maintaining a more organized and spotless garage.

What Materials Are Used to Build Custom Closets?

Tue, 28 Apr 2020 14:34:33 GMT

While planning out your closet makeover, you may be wondering what materials are used to build a custom closet system . The material you choose for your custom closet build-out will depend on your budget, storage needs, utilization purposes, and ability to withstand wear and tear. From custom shelves and cabinets to personalized organization systems that are made for you; custom closet solutions are endless and the materials used range from wood and metals to melamine and MDF.

The materials used to build your custom closet are best chosen based on your personal needs - after all that is what makes it custom! Hardwood offers a classic elegance, metals create a modern touch, and melamine creates a blend of durability with sleek style. Whatever material you choose to build your custom closet with, the most important consideration is how the material fits your lifestyle needs.

Custom closet designs come in a wide variety of choices. From diverse types of organization systems that can be customized for your storage needs to a wide range of materials - your options are vast. We’ve created a list of the top materials used in custom closet designs in order to help you better understand which material will suit your style best! From hardwoods and metal racks to high-density fiberboard, melamine, and MDF - check out how each material compares to the next, so you can create your perfect closet space!

What’s The Word on Custom Wood Closets?

Wood is one of the oldest and most traditional building materials used in custom closet design and depending on how you choose to use your closet, it may be the material that you choose to work with. Durable and lightweight, plywood is oftentimes used in closet design. You will also find that professional custom closet designers choose sustainable, eco-friendly types of wood during installation that come in a great selection of stains to match your aesthetics. Wood closets take a bit of skill in measurements and know-how to install, which can make a big difference in choosing the professional you have work with you. You may find yourself faced with the choice of 100 percent real solid wood, or compressed wood during your custom closet build. Whichever material you choose will surely make a gorgeous, well-organized space. Your pick of what type of wood material to use depends on your budget and needs, which can all be answered by a professional closet installer.

Metal Shelving and Racks in Your Custom Closet Can Add Modern Flair.

Metal racks and shelves are not a new item in custom closet design, but with updated colors and organization options, this long-trusted material can update a closet or kitchen pantry quickly. From wire racks that hold up for years to come with the right installation to sleek metal shelves that are durable for heavy loads; these materials are still a go-to choice for kitchen pantries, linen closets, kids closets and walk-in’s that need an extra boost of organization options. Metal mixed with woods have become a recent trend over the past few years. Many custom closets will include beautiful solid wood cabinets and sleek metal shoe racks - seamlessly blending the two materials for a modern aesthetic.

Are Melamine and MDF the New Black?

In recent years, melamine has become a very popular building material for everything from dishes to custom closets . Melamine is essentially a type of hard plastic resin that is super durable, fire-resistant, and tolerant to wear and tear. When used as a material to build custom closets, melamine resin is the outer layer over high-density fiberboard, which creates a high sheen look that usually comes in black, white or woodgrain.

Smooth, durable, and flexible as a building material- MDF (medium-density fiberboard) has become a popular option for custom closets in lieu of wood. A bit less expensive than traditional wood custom closets, MDF is utilized and built in a similar style but helps those looking for a cheaper option than solid wood custom closet build-outs.

Extra, Extra Extra! All the Custom Closet Additions You Need!

The main portion of your custom closet build-out will include shelves, racks, and drawers but there are several additional items that you will want to consider as materials for your new space. Closet rods, baskets, tie racks, mirrors, lighting, and free-standing countertops can all be added into your design to customize your closet even further. Working professionals will have different needs than a retiree versus moms, who will want useful space for their own needs and for their kids. Full-length mirrors are a great addition to any custom closet, in addition to a chair or bench to sit on while lacing up your shoes. Your custom closet won’t consist of just shelves and drawers, so make sure to ponder what will give you the greatest use of your space!

Your Closet, Your Choice!

Custom Closets are usually designed with the help of a professional who helps you map out a blueprint of diverse closet space solutions. When choosing the materials with your professional closet designer, make sure to ask about how the material you choose will stand up against the elements, how it will stand the test of time, whether it matches your current aesthetics and how you can build it based on your personal style and budget.

In addition to choices in custom closet building materials, you may want to add additional organization systems that will help maximize your space. Think jewelry trays, adjustable hanging rods, pants racks, fold-out ironing boards, drawer organizers, laundry bins, and more! The material you choose to build out your custom closet with should match well with your extra build-ins to create an appealing, functional and spacious custom closet built for you

When choosing material for your custom closet some of the most important things to remember are style, budget, and durability. Any custom closet design should fit your organization and lifestyle needs. Whether you choose traditional solid wood for classic elegance, sleek metal shelving, or new melamine sheen - your custom closet is yours to design as you see fit for your unique space.

closet-decor-and-more

Do Custom Closets Make a Good Holiday Gift?

It Offers Organization to Last for Years

It’ll Make Their Morning Routine Easier

Custom Closets Can Boost a Home’s Value

This Will Offer Them a Luxury Factor

Conclusion

Source

Discover the Art and Benefits of Daily Custom Closet Care

Do Daily Mini Junk Purges

Make Use of Baskets and Bins

Put Everything in Its Place

Install and Use Wall Storage

Keep Easy Access Storage at Floor Level

Conclusion

Source

Give Your Walk-in Closet the Luxury Treatment

Consider Clear Organizers for Your Accessories

Put in an Accent Wall

Invest in Stylish Storage Bins

Spice Things Up With Lighting Fixtures

Make It Pop With LED Strip Lights

Conclusion

Sources

Organize Your Kids’ Custom Closets in Just 7 Days This Summer

Day One: Remove Unwanted Items

Day Two: Clean the Clothes and the Closet Space

Day Three: Categorize the Clothes

Day Four: Maximize the Closet Space

Day 5: Decorate the Space

Day 6: Label Everything and Organize Items

Day 7: Inspire Good Organizational Habits

Conclusion

Source

How to Store Clothes and Accessories When You Don’t Have a Custom Closet

Use a Closet Armoire to Hang Clothes

Stack Storage Bins in the Corner

Install Shelves to Store Belongings

Don’t Forget About Shoe Organization

Hang Hooks Along the Wall

Use the Space Under the Bed

Conclusion

Sources

Is a Capsule Wardrobe the Right Choice for a Small Custom Closet?

Stress Less About Choosing Outfits

Reclaim Your Time

Save Money for Other Things

Take Advantage of a More Spacious Closet

Conclusion

Source

Custom Closets Help You Keep Your New Year’s Resolution to Get Organized

6 Ways that Custom Closets Help You Organize Your Home

1. Adjustable Shelving

2. Deep Drawers

3. Belt Racks, Scarf Racks, and Tie Racks

4. Jewelry Drawers and Trays

5. Shoe Fences and Shelves

6. Valet Rods ﻿

Conclusion

Resources:

Get Your Kids' Closet Systems Organized Before the Holidays

Start With a Quick Cleaning and Purge

Optimize All of the Hanging Space

Remember That Cubbies Are Your Friend

Use a Shoe Rack to Help Clear the Floor

When in Doubt, Put in a Door Organizer

Conclusion

Sources

6 Tips for Organizing a Small Bathroom Closet

Clear Everything Out

Clean It Up

Get Rid of Anything You Don’t Need

Group Your Items Together

Stock and Supply

Get Everything Assembled

Conclusion

Sources

The Most Effective Ways to Store Shoes in a Closet

Don’t Store Your Shoes on The Floor

Make Sure Your Shoes Stay Fresh While Being Stored

6. Valet Rods