Carbon Checks

Checks...not many people use a lot of these like in past years. If you do or if you run a business and need to keep the carbon copies, read number 1. If you use checks, but not carbon copies, read number 2.

1. Save the boxes your checks come in. Once you've used all the checks out of the checkbook, put the carbon copies back in the box and write the dates on the outside of the box. Be sure to tape the box closed once it's full.

In the event that you need to reference them again, you will be able to find the date quickly. They are easy to store and easy to shred when you no longer need them.

2. If you don't use carbon copies - still keep those boxes your checks come in! Put them in a drawer and use them to organize small items like pens, paper clips, scissors, etc. Can't beat free storage!

Other Uses For Hardware Organizers

Here are some items that would work well in one of these hardware organizers:

• Hardware (nails, screws, etc) - this one's a given...but wanted to mention it so all the men don't feel left out.

• Jewelry Supplies - beads, findings, charms, wire, clasps, etc

• Craft Supplies - a friend of mine actually gave me the inspiration for this post since this is how she organizes her craft supplies. 

• Office Supplies - you may not want this in your office if you have one of those beautiful Martha Stewart offices. But, if you don't have one of those kind of office spaces and need some good storage for paper clips, staples, binder clips, rubber bands, thumb tacks, etc....this may work for you. Probably look for a smaller one since I doubt many people have enough small office supplies to fill this.  

• Scrapbook Supplies - this one kind of goes with craft supplies, but I decided to give it its own bullet. And all you scrapbookers out there know why. 

• Toys - A friend uses this to organize her son's Legos...genius!

Organizing Photographs

 1. Computer

•     Web Albums. Picassa is my favorite. There are others though. Read some reviews on them , choose one, and go for it! The huge pro for this one is that your photos won't get lost if something were to happen to your computer. An this is the cheapest option.

•      CDs. I used to back up all my pics on CDs in the event that my computer ever crashed or got stolen. The thought of losing all my pics kept me up all night. Now they are all backed up online. But, if you're not going to do that, CD's are an option. Just put them in a fire proof safe in the event of a fire.

2. Albums

• Good old fashioned albums! There's something comforting about having the hard copy of things. Pictures are the same. So, if you print those pictures off your camera, be sure to stick them in the album right away...otherwise, they collect and become an overwhelming mess to deal with later on. 
• Back them up! I still recommend to have a web album or CD of your photos even if you plan on printing them all and putting them into albums. Imagine how tragic it would be to have a fire or flood and lose all those sweet memories. I know it's a lot of work and hopefully it will be a waste of your time. But if something does happen, you will be grateful for the backup photos.
• Tips:
• Don't feel like you have to do the project in one sitting. Break it up so it's more manageable and fun.
• Toss any that are blurry, too dark, too light, or are doubles. Be picky about the pictures you put into the album. You really don't need 25 pictures of your daughter swinging at the park. Choose the best ones and either toss the rest, mail them to family members, or store them in a box.
• Label them - be sure to use an appropiate pen if you write on the back of the pictures. Don't forget to label the album binding. I have 5-6 photo albums on my shelf that I have to take them all down and look through them to find the event I want. If I had labeled them, it would be easy to pull the correct album the first time.
• Don't get albums that stick. After several years, it may be hard to get your photos out should you desire. Get the ones that slide in a plastic sleeve.
• Sort them:
• either by date or by category (nature, family, pets, etc.)

Good luck with organizing your photographs! 

Create More Storage with Jars - Food!

Another use for jars: Foodstuff.

This is from my sister's kitchen and I love it. Display pretty food on your counters or in your pantry in glass jars. Short on space? Get jars that stack. And whatever you do: Be sure to label. Don't want to reach for the sugar for the cookies, only to discover it was actually the salt. Not that I'm speaking from personal experience or anything.

Create More Space with Jars - Kids Craft Items

Another use for jars: Craft items for kids.

Here's what I like about this. It's plastic, so it won't break. And it's not a bag. My girls have a craft bin that has loads and loads of baggies in it. It works ok. However, when the toddler joins my big girls, the bags get torn open. But, toddlers can't open jars as easily. Hence I get to stay one step ahead of my toddler.

And it's reusing an item that would otherwise get tossed (in the recycling bin, but still...repurpose is better than recycle). I may be switching to jars in the near future.

6 Tips for Organizing Your Bathroom

Follow the tips that work for your space to regain sanity and order in your bathroom: remember that it is one of the most used rooms in the house!

1. Counter tops - Try to keep your counters as free from junk as possible – store everything that you don't use daily in a cabinet or drawer, only keep it out on the counter if you use it daily.

2. Drawers – Use drawer dividers to keep small items - floss, makeup, nail clippers, jewelry – in order and easily accessible.

3. Bulk purchases – Don't waste active storage space on bulk purchases – keep those 3 gallon refill bottles of shampoo and 64 rolls of toilet paper somewhere else out of the way.

4. Cleaning supplies – Save time on cleaning day by storing supplies – tub and tile spray, toilet cleaner, glass cleaner – in a bucket under the sink or on a closet shelf.

5. Storage containers - Use plastic see through storage bins to sort items that are underneath your cabinets. Consider putting a hanging shoe organizer on the back of the door for extra storage or everyday use items that you don't have room for on the counter. Think about the walls - add shelves or suction cupped holders to create more space.   

6. Medicine cabinet - Go through your medicine cabinet (and make-up while you're at it ladies) and throw away everything that has expired or you no longer use. Fight the urge to keep it just because you "might need it someday".

Create More Storage with Jars

This idea is from Good Housekeeping. Screw the jar lids right into the shelf. Fill your jars with small items that you need to find a home for. Then screw those on the lids. Easy and cute!