The Many Different Styles of the Classic Shoe Cubby
February 24, 2016
Why mess with the classics? If you’re looking to amp up your shoe storage, a basic shoe cubby is the way to go. You have choices, too. You can either utilize the classic storage piece, an update shelf organizer or a sleek free-standing piece that is disguised as wood furniture.
Cubbies are the route to go if you need quality and QUANTITY shoe storage. The separate compartments keep pairs together, protected and accessible. What I bet you didn’t know, is that there is a wide selection of different types of cubbies available to you. Here is a closer look at your options:
Classic Shoe Cubby
A regular ‘ol shoe cubby is the perfect addition to any closet, walk-in or not. The modular storage piece comes in all shapes, sizes and materials. My go-to is the 30 Pair Medium Shoe Cubby from Organize-It. This moderately sized piece features 30 4 by 6 inch cubbies, perfect for all your favorite shoes or even handbags. The strong wood laminate build is available with or without front doors, too. A neutral white color blends in beautifully with any decor.
This classic cubby is great addition to closets; just slid in under your hanging clothes and use up dead space.
Shoe Cubby Organizer
If you don’t have the floor room in your closet, think up. Adding cubbies to the top shelf of your closet can use up space that usually goes ignored. The Shoe Cubby Organizer from Organization-Store is a great solution. This piece is designed to give you a simple way to store multiple pairs of shoes in the top of your closet.
This organizers is crafted from durable canvas. Adjustable panels allow you to create storage that accommodates your specific needs, and the modular design can be used in multiples to create a larger system. This piece holds up to 22 pairs of shoes and works with all wire closet systems.
Shoe Cabinet
The Deluxe Triple Shoe Cabinet really stands out from the other options. This free-standing piece is great if you don’t have the closet space or are simply searching for something with more style. Store up to 36 pairs of shoes behind the three tier shelves. PVC wood with pewter handles creates a beautiful accent piece in either oak or white finish.
This cabinet is an excellent addition to walk-in closets as well as foyers or back mud rooms.
Use one or all three of these options and create manageable shoe storage.
Hanging Jewelry Organizer – Small Spaces
February 22, 2016
There are so many different ways to organize as well as store jewelry — but what do you do when you have absolutely no surface space to store your pretties?
I recently moved house for what feels like the millionth time and the transition has left me with a smaller bedroom, but a bigger closet. The bittersweet change has forced me to rethink my wardrobe and accessory storage.
I used to keep my jewelry in nice trays atop a vanity, but the new master bedroom just doesn’t have room for the extra furniture.
After scanning Pinterest for days, I attempted a cute DIY hanging board, but the cluttered look was just too much in the small room. So, I thought, I have the closet space, why not use it for jewelry, too?
A little searching lead me to the Hanging Jewelry Organizer (above). The simple design was a life saver and, honestly, is one of those inventions that makes you wonder, “why didn’t I think of that!”
I love this slim organizer for so many reasons, where do I begin?
First, it has so many pockets, tabs and velcro loops. I fit all of my jewelry in it and still have room left. It’s a great excuse to feed my bad habit. You have 28 pockets plus 14 loops to stash your pieces. The four large pockets are excellent for watches, cuffs and other bigger pieces. On the other side, six medium sized pockets and 18 small pockets are perfect for earrings of every size. I have lots of broaches, too, and they fit perfectly in these pockets.
The pockets are made of clear vinyl, too, so it’s super simple to find what you’re looking for.
As if that’s not enough, the top hook is designed to fit on any standard sized closet rod. It even swivels so you can twist and turn the double-sided organizer when you’re searching for that perfect piece.
This piece is just easy and efficient, there’s not much more to it. It fits easy in your wardrobe, even if you have a small closet and it holds loads of jewelry. Even if I had the room for a large standing jewelry box, I’d probably opt for this organizer to hold my everyday favorites.
Tips for Moving That Will Keep You Organized
February 10, 2016
It’s that time of year again. My lease is up and I’m moving house. The rental market is crazy expensive and crazy competitive right now, so every year I end up in a new place. As a seasoned veteran of moving home, I have collected a few tips and tricks along the way. These basic organizational rules have simplified moving so well for me, I wanted to share. Use them and you too will find moving can easily be packed into one weekend.
Plastic Totes
While basic boxes are the way to go with most of your belongings, I cannot stress how well a few Sterilite plastic bins will help you out. I use them for the basic things that can be quickly moved and unpacked. That way I can re-use them throughout the entire move.
For example, I quickly pack up my coffee pot, cooking utensils, dry food canisters and other basics on my kitchen counter. These pieces can be transported to the new house and immediately unpacked and placed on the counter. Then totes can be reused to pack up more things.
This process can take up a little more time, but it is worth it. Plus, after moving, you will have a few extra totes on hand for storage. Totes are great for moving because they are durable, easy to carry and stack nicely.
Boxes, boxes, boxes
If you are planning on utilizing basic cardboard boxes, please, do not pay for them! The best thing I learned during my time as a high school grocery store clerk was that these big-box stores are happy to give away cardboard boxes. They cycle through loads and loads of them a day and they usually just end up thrown in a compactor.
Head to your local grocery store and ask a produce worker for some empty boxes.
Grocery store boxes are so much sturdier than the ones you buy from a moving company, plus, they’re FREE! Try to do this ahead of time because they may ask you wait a couple days and come back to pick up your boxes.
Tip: fruit boxes from apples and bananas work the best; they have lids, handles and reinforced corners.
File Organizer
Before you move, invest some time in filing the paper work. Keep all of your warranties, important papers — including your new lease — tucked in a handy file or box. During the move, you’ll be able to reference or find any important papers you need. Trust me, moving brings up all kinds of questions and it’s very valuable to be able to find exactly the paper you’re looking for when questions arise.
Laundry Baskets for Everyday Items
Every one has a few laundry baskets floating around the house, but have you ever thought to use them in lou of moving boxes? This trick is great for the things you know you will need immediately upon moving. Cleaning products, small kitchen appliances, electronics, clothes — there are loads of stuff that can be quickly moved with use of a laundry basket. You’re going to move those baskets anyway, mine as well make use of their capacity!
Other tips:
- Use a basic bar of white soap to minimize nail holes left in walls.
- Leave ice cubes on carpets to remove furniture indents.
- Pack like you’re going on vacation for a week or two. You’ll be able to find all of your everyday necessities in one bag. It will save you a headache later.
- Toilet paper! Make it the first thing you bring. There’s nothing worse than an empty bathroom with a group of moving helpers at the new place. I usually stuff a roll in my purse and leave it when I go to get the keys for the first time.
- Pack up clothes using large garbage bags. Rip a hole in the bottom of the bag and tie them over hangers. No packing necessary!
- Use throw blankets, dish towels, bath towels or sweaters to pack up breakables. I wrap my dishes in kitchen towels and knick-knacks in (clean!) socks.
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