By Mary Lynne Murray
Reprinted from Contra Costa Times, January 3, 2004
DID YOU RESOLVE to "get organized in 2004"? You'll
be more organized this year if you have the right tools for the
job. To help jump-start your organizing efforts, I recommend 12
fabulous and versatile products.
But remember: Buying cool products alone does not guarantee
that you'll win the "Organized Man or Woman of the Year"
award. No shopping before it's time. First, do the hard work of
sorting, weeding out what you don't use or love, and organizing
what's left. Then, if you need a tool to make the space work better,
you're more likely to make an informed purchase.
Measure your space before shopping; most products give measurements
on the label. Save your receipts until you've tried the product.
What looked like it would work in the store is not always a sure
thing.
$17.99, the Container Store
Whether you're storing leftover holiday wrapping supplies or want
to organize your everyday wrap, this is my favorite solution.
By Rubbermaid; it fits under a bed or on a shelf, has a see-through
base, a snap-on lid and two trays to hold ribbon, gift tags, scissors,
and tape. I think the trays make this better than the vertical
gift wrap organizer, also by Rubbermaid.
$6.99, the Container Store
OK, you've sorted and weeded the cabinet, and it's still crowded.
You say "What I need is another shelf". Here it is.
This product gives you more shelf area and adjusts to fit. A real
space maximizer, I use this everywhere.
$11.99/100, Office Max
Imagine my surprise to discover - manila folders that did not
stick up above the vinyl tabs on hanging files! Slightly shorter
than a standard file folder, they are sized to fit within hanging
files without hiding the tab. For the visual learner, spend a
little more and get colored folders. Folders help by subdividing
papers inside hanging files and keeping papers organized when
a file is removed from the drawer.
$9.99, the Container Store
If you can't make your closet bigger, make your stuff smaller
by removing the air. Triple your storage space by vacuum-sealing
sweaters, pillows, blankets, comforters, and jackets. Besides
saving room, space bag protects your belongings from dirt, moisture,
insects and odors. This has worked wonders in our linen closet
for bulky items.
$2.49, Target or Longs
These bags took away much of the tedium of laundry at our house;
I don't do wash without it. Used for socks and underwear, they
solve several problems: no more lost socks, no matching of socks,
no sorting between wearer (just write a name on the bag), no bras
hooked on other laundry, and no underwear hidden inside other
garments.
$7.99, Target
When you run out of closet space, this rack enables you to use
the often wasted space on the back of the bedroom, bathroom or
closet door. Now you have a spot for robes, sleepwear or towels.
Another use is over-the-cubicle for jackets. Besides the function
of this product, I love that it's easy to install (no nails or
screws), which also makes it easy to move as needed.
$19.99/18" (other sizes available), Stacks and Stacks,
866-376-6856
www.stacksandstacks.com
There's nothing lazy about this Susan! With a flick of the wrist,
supplies whirl before your eyes; just grab and go. Use it for
cleaning supplies, condiments, art supplies, etc. When used for
plants, your surfaces are protected, and turning the plant is
a breeze. These are indispensable in the pantry -- mine was a
mess before my Susan.
$9.99, Bed Bath & Beyond
Think of this as "storage with a view". The three-tiered
shelf makes seeing -- and thus, finding -- things soooo much easier.
Your shelf surface adds a fourth storage tier. It works for canned
goods of all sizes, medicines, spices, baby food, toiletries,
and more. There are several sizes -- mini to extra wide -- which
will accommodate laundry or cleaning supplies. Best of all, it
expands to custom fit your cabinet space.
$9.99 (for black or gray large cable turtle; colors are $2
more)
www.cableorganizer.com,
877-547-4580
I didn't like the snake (cable) slithering across my desk from
my laptop, so I found a turtle. You too can keep excess electrical
cords and USB, mouse or keyboard cables out of the way. Yes, it
looks and acts like a turtle: Open the shell, wind the excess
wire, and close it up.
$3.49, www.umbra.com, 800-387-5122
Here is an ingenuous lidded container for the car that fits in
the cup holder. I use mine to stash trash, but it could also hold
change, sunglasses, cell phone, snacks, or pencil and paper.
$9.99, the Container Store
This little 4 1/2-inch by 4 1/2-inch pouch transforms itself into
a substantial tote bag. It's made of light nylon and has long
handles for shoulder or hand carrying. I use mine when traveling
or shopping so I don't have to recycle plastic bags constantly.
It fits easily in a purse or glove compartment when not in use.
And it will zip closed to keep your things secure.
$59-109, depending on size, Pottery Barn
In my childhood home, we used a chalkboard -- and after missing
lots of messages in my current home with two teenagers, a husband
and dog, we tried a chalkboard. Kids can't resist using it, and
there are no more lost phone messages at our house. Besides "Mom,
call Aunt Jeannie," it's good for "Walking the dog,
be right back." Comes with chalk, eraser and magnets for
dry-cleaner receipts, etc.
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