Bloggers Top Organizing Tips & That Time I Was in Family Circle

We're nearing the end of January...the month synonymous with renewed organizing vigor, but I'm hoping to keep the streak going...at least until mid-February! This month's issue of Family Circle has a great round-up of blogger's best organizing tips...and I was thrilled to be included!

I knew it was coming, but it's always a shock to see your name and face in print!

I guess all my anal particular tendencies paid off, because they included five tips from me! And the frosting on this cupcake was seeing so many of my friends in the article, too. To help inspire and motivate, I thought I'd share a few of the tips, directly from the article. Click the links for each blogger's full post on the topic, and resources for finding the supplies.

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A clear plastic shoe box (like these) is just the right size to contain single-serve foods like yogurt, applesauce and pudding on a shelf in the fridge. ~ Cassie, Hi Sugarplum

Create extra space under the kitchen sink by hanging spray bottles from a tension rod (I use this one) mounted inside the cabinet. Sponges, scrubbers and drain stoppers can go in a wire basket installed on the door with inexpensive Command hooks. ~ Cassie, Hi Sugarplum

Weed through holiday decor and give away what you no longer want. Wind lights and garlands around paper towel or wrapping paper tubes to prevent tangling and pack everything into space-saving stackable plastic storage bins. ~ Cassie, Hi Sugarplum

Almost-empty gallon containers of paint take up valuable real estate on garage shelves, so pour the surplus into labeled Mason jars. Arrange spray-paint cans in the pockets of a hanging shoe organizer. "This system makes it easy to see what colors you have for touch-ups."  ~ Cassie, Hi Sugarplum

 

Donate that pile of movies your family doesn't watch anymore. As for the remaining favorites, toss the plastic cases and slip the discs into DVD and CD sleeves. "File them alphabetically in a cute bin that you can tuck away on a side shelf," ~ Cassie, Hi Sugarplum

Instead of folding sheets, roll them into bundles and stow, along with pillowcases, in labeled canvas bins (these may be the cutest ones ever). ~ Carmel, Our Fifth House

End needless hunting for pantry staples by grouping like foods—soup, beans, crackers— in transparent bins. Chalkboard labels make it a cinch to switch up the categories. ~ Courtney, A Thoughtful Place

 

Neaten up the mess on the highest shelf in your coat closet by stashing small, seasonal items—such as hats, gloves and beach gear—in the cubbyholes of a standing shoe organizer (like this). ~ Sarah, Thrifty Decor Chick
 


Don't go shopping without a mini accordion file (this is a good one) of store coupons sorted by your favorite retailers. ~ Megan, Honey We're Home

 


Free up space in the kitchen by installing peel-and-stick steel sheets on the backs of cupboard doors. Adhere magnetic tins and containers to hold spices or small junk drawer items like rubber bands, safety pins, notepads, pens and scissors.  ~ Dina, Honey & Fitz




Keep a large clear plastic file box for each of your children, with folders labeled by school grade filled with important pictures, report cards, documents, journaling pages and more. "It becomes a box of memories for them." ~ Michelle, 4 Men 1 Lady

 

Trays are a secret weapon for bringing order to any surface. Bright lacquer pops in a room, while clear acrylic or Lucite lets you see what you're storing. Give a tray extra personality by lining it with patterned wallpaper. ~ Cristin, Simplified Bee

 

Put old china to good use. Keep jewelry tangle-free in a variety of small bowls lined up in a drawer. ~ Kristin, The Hunted Interior

Replace traditional holiday wrappings with one giant roll of Kraft paper. A variety of ribbon and twine changes the look for any occasion. "You'll save money and free up space,"  ~ Stefanie, Brooklyn Limestone

Tame the toiletries in your family's bathrooms by cutting a shoe pocket organizer into thirds and screwing each section to the inside of vanity doors. "All three bathrooms decluttered for under $20!" ~ Courtney, A Thoughtful Place

 

To reduce nightstand chaos, stow books and magazines in an easy-to-reach basket on the floor. ~ Megan, Honey We're Home  (I'd love this one...on sale, too!)

Prevent "my house is a mess" stress when unexpected guests drop by. Set aside a bin or basket in clutter-prone rooms so you can corral stray stuff at a moment's notice. ~ Emily, Emily A. Clark


Aren't these all great tips? There's about 20 more in the article, so definitely worth checking out! Thanks to Getting Organized Magazine, also, for including our Command Center in their latest issue!!

What are your best organizing tips? Leave them in the comments...I need all the help I can get!