You Can Repurpose What?

 After writing my last post, I started paying more attention to the repurposed containers in my own home. Turns out, they're everywhere! Some are doing only a slightly different version of the same job, while others are enjoying (I assume) a new life with a new job. Here are a few of my favorites.You 

In the kitchen: spice jars with screw-top lids that once held purchased spices now hold spices from my husband's garden; 

In the bedroom closet: pouches that once held bed linens are pressed into service to hold shoes when I travel; 

In the TV room (formerly the playroom -- we repurpose rooms around here, too) closet: a former baby wipes container (my "baby" is 27) that holds nails. I should note that these are among my favorite containers to reuse (stackable! colorful!), which I why I still have them. Another of my favorites is a lidded box in a lovely blue color that once housed food from a subscription service (no meat, dairy, or other selections that might render them unsanitary) that now holds crayons.

In my office: jelly jars hold binder clips; a pill bottle covered in Washi tape holds small pencils; another pill bottle (out of sight and unadorned) in the drawer holds pencil top erasers;

In the sunroom: another pill bottle covered in Washi tape holds more small pencils (I have small hands, so I like small pencils); a small saucer that was part of a child's paint-your-own tea set now holds paper clips;

In the hall closet: another jar, holds makeup brushes; a rectangular wire mesh magnetic bin meant to stick to an office wall holds small air freshener sprays, with tweezers and nail scissors stuck to the magnetic strips on the outside for easy access, and nail brushes in between where the strip isn't magnetized;

Awaiting assignment: berry boxes from the farmer's market sit on the bench in the mudroom, placed there by my husband with the I know I put it somewhere organizational style; a (recently reduced) pile of boxes in the basement, ready to serve any use from storage to shipping; a substantial pile of lidded plastic bins (recently reorganized) and school supplies that I’ve organized so I can grab what I need quickly because I raid that stash often. I don't remember the last time I actually bought a plastic container, binder or folder, and I hope not to need to do so any time soon.

As I cautioned in my last post, there is such a thing as too much of a good thing. My box collection, for example (recently reduced by about half), frequently gets out of control, and I have way more plastic containers than any one person will ever need. Since organizing the basement has been one of my summer projects (I'm chipping away at it slowly), I've been reminded that I need to designate spaces (one drawer, one shelf, one cabinet, etc.) for anything I’m setting aside for reuse. Then, when that area is full, it's time to sort and declutter, ditching the duplicates so everything fits in its assigned location. This can be challenging, especially for those with an I love stuff personal style, but it's an essential part of making sure that repurposing our containers has more to do with efficiency and less to do with creating more clutter. 

Another reason to keep containers appropriately organized is ensure that they stay clean enough to be pressed into service. It probably goes without saying that taking the initial purpose of the container into account, along with how well it can be cleaned between uses, can help determine whether or not it’s a keeper.

Finding what we need when we need it is at the heart of being organized. As always, check your styles and preferences. If saving packaging and containers is more likely to create clutter than it is to afford an opportunity for repurposing, recycle or donate what you can and toss the rest, guilt-free. This is also true for any container that doesn’t match your style, or requires too many steps to make it useful. In the end, we’re aiming for easy upkeep. Any container that works at cross-purposes to that goal only contributes to the clutter.

And that is not what organizing is about.

Intent to Repurpose

 If you're like me, you grew up in a house with a kitchen cabinet that contained a mishmash of lidded plastic containers ranging from recycled margarine tubs to higher end Tupperware. And I'd be willing to bet that there's a similar cabinet or drawer in your kitchen right now.

Don't panic -- I'm not going to tell you to get rid of your stash! I wouldn't even suggest such a thing. I might suggest that, if your cabinet is like mine, it could benefit from a once over to make sure all the bottoms have matching tops. But, that aside, this cabinet and all its riches are at the heart of this post.

Our grandmothers (and maybe even our mothers) reused containers to save money and reduce waste, an idea that has enjoyed a resurgence as the cost of plastic beyond its price tag becomes increasingly undeniable. Over time, the contents of these cabinets began to lean toward the higher end. As plastic became a way of life, all manner of containers for specific purposes emerged. 

Those of us with an I need to see it personal style (and therefore a love of color coding) are likely to be easier marks for the cool new updates than those with other organizational styles. Our cram and jam compatriots are usually content with any container as long as it's large enough to fit a bunch of stuff in it, and those with I know I put it somewhere organizational styles are also much less picky; if the container is empty, it's fair game. 

As it turns out, those with the latter two styles might just have something to teach we I need to see it organizers. Keeping an open mind about what counts as a useful container (whether plastic, paper, fabric or something else altogether) can save money and boost the lifespan of everyday objects. While we've been rinsing out ricotta cheese containers for ages, are we as good at taking a second look at that well-constructed (and sometimes attractive) box that contained our new business cards? 

Since I've begun paying closer attention, I often find that the packaging for something (a box, a drawstring bag, or a plastic container, for example) can be repurposed. Not only are these items free, but they can reduce our recycling pile up our repurposing game as well.

Just as identifying systems that consistently work with our styles can make it easy to replicate what works instead of starting from scratch, repurposing containers that have the attributes of tools that work for us can give us a similar head start. Pairing our styles with a dash of creativity can help us build inexpensive systems that last, making organizing on a budget a fun challenge instead of an onerous burden.

So, before you toss the box that came inside the box your order was shipped in, give it a second look. Is it sturdy and well-crafted? Attractive? Could a little Washi tape or Contact paper jazz it up and turn it into a home for something else? While we need to be careful not to hold on to so many things that they create a whole new set of piles, saving containers that look a lot like the ones we already use can save us time, money, and energy. A slight change in perspective, coupled with a little optimism allows us to see not just what an object is but also what it could be. When we put our powers of observation and creativity to work, the right container might just be closer than we think. 

I think my mother and grandmother would be proud.

Do it Better!

 I love organizing (pretty obvious, huh?) I also enjoy reading about organizing but I’m often frustrated by well-meaning books and articles with one-size-fits-all solutions. 

I recently read an article in one of my favorite magazines that inspired exactly this sentiment. It was beautifully laid out and had some great ideas, but few of them were easily adaptable to my living space. As a result, I found myself critiquing the article and envisioning better answers, ones that were more suitable to not only my environment, but to me as well.

Pretty cocky, huh?

Yes and no. When confronted with these beautifully laid-out articles written by experts, it’s all too easy for self-doubt to creep in, sapping our organizational confidence. But these articles were written for a general audience, targeted to the readers of that particular publication – their tastes, their spaces, their expendable income. The ideas aren’t bad. They’re just not personalized. 

In many cases, I’ve found myself “improving upon” the suggestions in an article by scaling them down. In my small house with limited space, I need the tool that does the job while taking up the least amount of valuable real estate. I often choose organizers that have a small footprint but take advantage of vertical space so my whole dresser or counter isn’t eaten up by one organizer. By maximizing space, these kinds of organizers (stacking trays and lazy Susans, for example) also afford me the benefit I most love about an organized space: clear space. There’s something about a clear space, unhampered by clutter, that makes me smile. 

And relax. 

Another improvement I frequently find myself making is moving away from monochromatic organizational solutions. While they look lovely, having organizers that are all one color wreaks havoc on my I need to see itpersonal style. I have my color-coding down to a science (literally down to the paper clips I use for papers for each of the classes I teach), and for me, a monochromatic method = misery.

Finally, if a tool or system requires too many steps, I turn the page. Years ago, I would have branded myself as lazy, but I’ve come to realize that between a busy life and my drop and run organizing style, the more steps a process requires, the less likely I am to use it. Why should I waste time (or money) on something that doesn’t fit the way I live or the way I think?

The next time you find yourself poring over glossy magazine pages that promise to cure you of clutter, or reading a book that promises magical organization solutions, listen to your gut. If an idea excites you and nudges you off the couch and into a clutter zone, give it a shot! But if you look at any organizing idea anywhere (including here and in my book) and it doesn’t work for you, don’t try to convince yourself that it should. No one knows you better than you do. Trust your instincts, go with your styles and ditch the rest.

And no. That’s not cocky at all. It’s just smart.

In it For the Long Haul

 I opened the closet outside my bathroom one day a few months ago to get a tube of lipstick. I was able to access it immediately without moving anything, knocking anything down, or battling with any of the remaining contents of my closet.

It's a small thing, but it's an organizing win. 

I mention this for two reasons. First, the magical organizing tool I used to make this happen is a lazy Susan, something I never considered using in this particular closet until I overbought for a kitchen reorganization, leaving me with an extra one on hand. Second, I did this closet reorganization months ago, and it still makes me smile every time I open the closet door. 

This moment made me wonder. How many of my organizing systems have stood the test of time? And so I did a mini organizing check-up. As expected, the results were mixed. Here's a sampling of my conclusion on the areas I evaluated.

WIN: The lazy Susan in the hall closet -- the one that motivated this post. The hall closet is relatively deep and prone to wasted space if not organized intentionally. As a short person with an I need to see it personal style, this means that being able to access everything in this closet and being able to see it is a major victory.

Organizing principle(s): Replication and overcoming organizing stereotypes. When we find something that works in one space, it makes sense to use it in as many other places as possible, but we often get stuck in the notion that certain organizers belong in certain spaces. Putting a lazy Susan in a hallway closet that hold mostly toiletries, makeup and the like felt a bit unusual but it turned out to be the perfect solution. Not only does it offers plenty of space for small containers like nail polish and lipstick that would otherwise create a lot of clutter due their sheer number, it maximizes the space and keeps things visible.

LOSE: My mail counter. If you read Know Thyself, you know this space has been an ongoing battleground. It's way better than it used to be, but it's not cleared off as consistently as I would like. And, because my goal is to keep it (literally) clear, I don't want a basket or organizer to live there.

Organizing principle(s): Don't put it down, put it away. Creating a habit of sorting through the mail each day helps me to avoid the drop and run trap, but life intervenes. Sometimes I'm in a hurry. Other times, I'm tired and/or unmotivated, and so the mail lands on the counter. And, without a consistent system for putting it somewhere else once it's sorted, the counter often masquerades as "away." I have lost count of how many systems/routines/plans I've tried; I know I can give you a long list of things that don't work. Stay tuned to find out what does.

DRAW: My divided drawers (bathroom, kitchen, dining room).

Organizing principle(s): Regular upkeep and room to spare. These are a win, as long as I make sure they have a little wiggle room, so to speak and I keep up with their contents. The upkeep here isn't hard but, since one in/one out doesn't always work, I have to make it a point to keep after the space, once it's once it's full enough that there's no longer room to spare.

If you've been struggling to find workable long-term organizing solutions, you know that getting organized in the moment is one thing; staying organized for the long haul is another. Keeping in mind basic ideas like replicating systems, choosing containers with room to spare, and creating consistent routines can go a long way toward giving us the head start that gets us to the finish line faster.

And permanently.

20 Ways Organizing is Like Choreography

Image by Tobias C. Wahl from Pixabay

 I've been a theatre kid since high school, and a writer wannabe even longer than that. In fact, I discovered both creative pursuits at around the same time. These days, my writing takes many forms, from writing prompts to blog posts to novels.

The other night, I came across a prompt that challenged me to compare writing to singing or dancing. One thought led to another and, before I knew it, I'd switched gears to organizing (not a tough switch for me at all, as you can imagine!) In short order, I came up with 20 ways that organizing is like a dance routine.

To set the scene, imagine your home and all of the things you must find a place for. For purposes of this post, these items are your dancers.

1. There are many moving parts.  
2. When everyone moves just so and lands in his or her appointed place, the result is a thing of beauty.
3. Sometimes, the dancers move in sync. Other times, one has a solo -- or even an improvisation.
4. One out of step dancer can change the whole picture.
5. Sometimes, coming up with the plan that makes everything look lovely is easy; other times, it's like herding cats -- incredibly challenging and requiring both creativity and flexibility.
6. Not every dancer is the same size or shape, so creating a cohesive, well-aligned routine requires accommodations. 
7. Music makes the process easier and more fun.
8. Dancers sometimes seem to jump from one spot to another entirely of their own accord.
9. A good choreographer knows just how to place each dancer in a space that showcases his or her talents.
10. Without a plan, even the most beautiful and talented group of dancers can look chaotic.
11. Every dancer doesn't fit into every company.
12. Each choreographer has her own style.
13. Expertise is a plus, but even beginners can create routines that add to the beauty of the performance.
14. The ability to visualize the best way to move each dancer to the best space enhances the final product.
15. Sometimes the plan works better in your head.
16. The whole thing can get very messy before it settles into something beautiful.
17. Trial and error is sometimes the best method.
18. Collaboration is sometimes helpful.
19. There is no one perfect routine or dance.
20. You have to trust the process.

One final thought. When a group of dancers is learning a routine, they break it down into smaller sections of 8 counts each. If they can take small steps and rehearse it to get it just right, so can you. An applause-worthy routine takes time to learn, after all. After that, the encores are a piece of cake.

Savvy Style

 In general, I truly enjoy organizing. I find it challenging and relaxing, with an end result that's worth all the hard work. Still, there are a few organizing tasks I do not enjoy.

Filing occupies the number one spot on that list. Consequently, things that need to be filed make up a significant portion of the paper clutter in my house. When the stacks grow tall enough to be annoying, I buckle down and put all the papers where they belong. The problem is that, in the meantime, there are burgeoning piles infringing on my lovely clear space.

The other day, it occurred to me that I need a better system. I've had my entire adult life to perfect this one, yet I've made little progress. And, since one of my recurring refrains in this space is that if a tool doesn't work for you, then you're probably using the wrong tool, it seemed past time for a change.

I have to admit I find it more than a little embarrassing that it took me so long to arrive at this place of practicing what I preach. In my defense, the problem here is a system, not a tool, but nevertheless, the same concept applies. 

It was only when a new idea popped into my head that it all came together.

I was pondering the idea of switching to a monthly file system when I remembered that I actually have a lovely, colorful set of folders with the months printed on them -- a perfect tool for someone with an I need to see it personal style. 

And the perfect nudge to make a necessary change.

As I type this, those file folders sit atop my to-be-filed pile. The next step will be to flip through the pile of paperwork and decide which items can go into monthly folders and which need to be filed by category. While it's tempting to just dump the whole pile into the current month's folder, I don't think that will be a sustainable plan. Considering how often (if at all!) I retrieve what goes into the files will be the key to deciding what goes where. In order to be functional, a filing system has to go beyond making it easy to put things away -- it has to be easy to find them again as well.

It's too soon to determine whether or not this system is a good one -- only time and usage will tell me that. But I'm excited by the prospect of not only easy de-cluttering but also easy upkeep; by the time the same month rolls around next year, I can probably toss everything from this year, ensuring that I actually clear out my files from time to time. And, doing so month by month makes that task less onerous and time-consuming. 

Even if this plan isn't perfect, it's a step in the right direction. I know this because instead of inwardly groaning every time I pass that unfiled pile of papers, I can't wait to get my hands on them.

At the heart of organizing by STYLE is finding and using systems that fit. Replacing systems that are out of style (in so many ways!) is the key to making things easier both now and later, and essential to making organizing fun. 

Or at least a little less cluttered.

Revamp Mode

 I seem to be in revamp mode.

For me, this particular organizing mode can be activated in several ways. It might be sparked by frustration with a system that's no longer working, the need for a system to bring order to some degree of chaos, or even the discovery of a tool I didn't know existed.

Take my recent lazy Susan rampage. I saw a problem, found a tool I liked, and began using it in multiple areas of my home to make things tidier. (I still love opening those cabinets!) The stick-on, motion-sensitive light campaign that followed the lazy Susan rampage didn't make things tidier, but it definitely made them brighter. (I just ordered two more for the kitchen).

I love it when a simple solution makes things better.

But even good solutions can need revamping. Years ago, I hired a closet specialist to install "storage solutions" in my deep Cape Cod closet, a space with a normal ceiling height at the front and a much lower ceiling at the back. The makeover definitely created the scaffolding for a more organized space but, even then, some areas were difficult to access because of the low ceiling at the back of the closet. Still, it seemed that having the shelves was better than not having them.

Now, thirty years later, I'm discovering that it's not the age of the solution that's the issue but, rather, the age of the user. I can get to the back of the closet, but it's awkward at best. Truth be told, it was awkward then, too (the configuration of the closet made that inevitable) but now, having spent the better part of the last fifteen years making organizing easy, I'm more impatient with anything that puts easy upkeep out of reach (literally, in this case). So, I've come to the conclusion that it's time to reconsider, revamp and/or repurpose. 

As is usually the case, I didn't come to this conclusion out of the clear blue sky, or even during a sleepless night. It was only when the closet floor became littered with shoes that had overrun the shoe storage that I realized I needed to make a change.

So, I made a few small changes that made things better, knowing that on another day -- one when I had more time and motivation -- I'd take the next steps.

Meanwhile, my brain has been conjuring up possible solutions. The only things I know for sure right now are that the front of the closet works, the back of the closet doesn't, and easy upkeep is my eventual goal. I suspect that there are things at the back of the closet I can easily part with, freeing up both space and possibilities.

As I write this, new ideas are bouncing back and forth across my mind. Whether I pull everything out, sort it, and put it back in a more organized fashion, add a tool or two to the existing set-up, or reconfigure the set-up entirely, I have one hope for the eventual outcome.

That I'll like it as much as the lights and the lazy Susans.