The One-Minute Organizer A to Z Storage Solutions: 500 Tips for Storing Every Item in Your Home

by Donna Smallin

Overview

If you’re like most people, you have too much stuff and too little storage space. In this easy-to-use guide, Donna Smallin shows you how to create an efficient and clutter-free life using a common-sense approach to item-by-item storage. With 500 quick and effective strategies to creatively solve all of your vexing storage issues, Smallin offers proven techniques that will not only help you find a place for everything, but easily find everything you’re looking for.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781603426442
Publisher:	Storey Publishing, LLC
Publication date:	12/10/2008
Sold by:	Hachette Digital, Inc.
Format:	eBook
Pages:	289
File size:	4 MB

About the Author

Donna Smallin is the author of many Storey titles with a total of more than 928,000 copies in print. She is a frequent contributor to major national women’s and home magazines and has been a guest on the CBS Early Show, Better TV, HGTV, CNN, and Fox & Friends, as well as numerous radio programs. For the past decade, Smallin has been a spokesperson for such companies as Bissell, Kaboom, Staples, 3M, Keurig, and others. 

Read an Excerpt

CHAPTER 1

A to Z

A

ADDRESSES

Most address books share the same challenge: people move. You can write address changes in pencil and erase as needed, use correction fluid to make changes, or live with the mess of cross-outs. Here are some better solutions:

* A Rolodex file or address book with replaceable cards

* Address books with peel-away labels

* A lifetime address book with laminated pages so you can wipe off outdated entries and rewrite current information

* A computerized system using Microsoft Outlook, Excel, Access, or other contact management software

Any of these options make it easy to update addresses. With contact management software, you can also quickly search for individual contacts, and even merge selected names and addresses to labels, letters, and envelopes. An additional benefit of using an electronic address book is that your contacts can be synchronized with a portable electronic device such as a Palm Pilot or Blackberry, which then enables you to have all that contact information at your fingertips wherever you go. Just be sure to back up your contact manager periodically.

(see also Storage Solution, page 196)

ADOPTION PAPERS

Store in a bank safe-deposit box. Give a copy to your executor.

(see also Storage Solution, page 32)

AIRLINE TICKETS(see Tickets)

ARTS AND CRAFTS SUPPLIES

If possible, keep arts and crafts supplies near where they are used. A rolling cart with drawers can be tucked away under a table or desk or stored in a nearby closet or pantry. Organize drawers by materials or type of craft. Within drawers, label and use large ziplock bags to sort and store items such as brushes, crayons, markers, and paint containers.

For small items such as buttons, beads, sequins, glitter, use a plastic, handled toolbox with removable dividers or a small hardware bin with multiple compartments and a snap-shut lid to keep items securely in place. Store the portable bin on top of the cart when not in use.

(see also Storage Solutions, pages 40, 153)

Storage Solution: Filing cabinets

Every household needs at least one filing drawer; most could use a two- or three-drawer filing cabinet. If you operate a home business, store personal and business papers in separate filing cabinets or drawers. Consider designating drawers for student family members for storing graded homework and tests, artwork, report cards and other school papers.

You might also be able to use one drawer for storing office supplies. Use shoe boxes, food-storage containers, or ziplock bags to organize the contents. Or use an extra drawer to store gifts or greeting cards, filed by category or date to send. My dream kitchen has built in drawers for filing recipes, product manuals and warranties, take-out menus, and other household papers. A rolling filing cart may have to suffice if built in storage is not an option. (see also Office/School Supplies; Paper; Storage Solutions, pages 196, 267)

ARTWORK, CHILDREN'S

At the beginning of each school year, provide each child with a container to store artwork. You can buy special products designed for this purpose or look for economical art storage boxes, portfolios, or cases wherever art or office supplies are sold. A clean pizza box would also serve the purpose.

Label the container with the child's name and age or grade and store in a place that is easily accessible by your child, such as in a bedroom closet, under a bed, or in a drawer in the family room. Allow the size of the container to dictate when it's time to weed out the collection and retain your favorites.

Alternatively, "store" current artwork by hanging it in the child's room, in the laundry or mudroom, or behind kitchen cabinet doors. Then, as you replace older art with newer art, store your favorite pieces in the child's portfolio.

AUTOMOTIVE SUPPLIES

Designate an automotive storage zone in the garage, mudroom, or basement. Store cleaning supplies, such as soap, wax, sponges, and drying and polishing cloths, in a bucket that can double as your carwash bucket. Store oil and other fluids, plus spare windshield wipers and other items, on a shelf with the bucket of cleaning supplies.

AWARDS(see Trophies and Awards)

B

BACKPACKS, SCHOOL

Without a home of their own, backpacks have a tendency to end up on the floor in front of the door or at the bottom of the stairs or on the kitchen table or counter. One of the simplest, most inexpensive ways to get kids to "store" their backpacks is to install hooks at their height — in a hall closet (use the back of the door if you can), entryway, or their bedrooms. A sturdy coat rack can also be used to hang backpacks as well as coats.

Stackable crates, cubbies, and shelves with bins are equally good options if you have room in a closet or entryway. The trick is training kids to put their backpacks where they belong.

BAGS, GROCERY (PAPER, PLASTIC, CLOTH)

There's no need to save every plastic or paper bag. Decide how many is enough and then return extras to the supermarket for recycling. If you save plastic bags, limit the number by storing them in a small container such as a gallon plastic jug with a hole cut in the front or an empty tissue box.

Store them on a shelf in the pantry or laundry room or wherever you most often need them, such as near the cat's litter box or with your dog's leash. Or store a few in each bathroom to use as liners for small wastebaskets.

You might even stash a few in your car; stuff them into an empty toilet tissue roll and toss the roll in the glove box. Or hang plastic bags along with a few flattened paper bags in a single bag that you can hang from a hook in a convenient place. Better yet, use sturdy canvas or string bags instead of paper or plastic and store them in your car, where you'll always have them when you need them.

BANK STATEMENTS

There are several reasons why you may want to store bank statements, the most common of which is documentation for tax-deductible business expenses (though original receipts are preferred). Bank statements may also come in handy if you're trying to track down a forgotten transaction or clarify a question in your personal or business finances. And if you apply for a mortgage or home loan, you may need to provide two or three recent bank statements as part of the application process.

Many banks offer the option to deliver electronic statements, which you can store on your computer. Store them in folders by year.

If you choose to file paper statements, set up a hanging file folder for BANK ACCOUNTS and then create separate interior folders for each account. File statements in reverse chronological order (most current in front). You should be aware that if you withdraw money from one account and deposit it into another account, and IRS records show only the deposit, the amount deposited might be assumed to be taxable income unless proven otherwise. While you may be able to obtain a copy of those statements from your bank, it's a good idea to store all bank statements with your tax documents each year.

(see also Tax Records)

BASEBALL CARDS AND OTHER COLLECTIBLE SPORTS CARDS

The first order of business is to protect your investment. Never expose cards to direct sunlight. Store in a cool, dry place. The ideal storage temperature is between 64 and 72°F (18–22°C) with 45–55 percent humidity. High humidity can warp cards and result in mold. Note that a dehumidifier may emit ozone, which can damage cards.

While some collectors store cards in special protector sheets that hold nine cards per page and place them in three-ring binders, most collectors put cards into individual protective sleeves, known as penny sleeves. Though they are very inexpensive, these thin plastic pouches go a long way toward preventing wear and tear; some even have UV inhibitors.

More valuable cards should be stored in what's known as a top loader, a rigid plastic cover that prevents bending and creasing. Very valuable cards are best stored in a screw-down case of hard plastic. All of these storage supplies are widely available at hobby shops.

To organize a large collection of cards, sort them (with or without sleeves) into corrugated cardboard boxes using labeled sticky notes as temporary dividers. Organize alphabetically by player, by year, or however makes sense to you. A valuable collection should be stored in a fireproof safe or bank safe-deposit box. You can also organize your collection using special card collection software or by creating a spreadsheet.

BASKETS

The cleverest way to store baskets is to use them to hold a variety of items including loose change and other pocket items, mail, shoes, kitchen or bathroom items, toys, and knitting projects. Handled baskets are useful for carting loads up and down stairs and for quick pick-up of a living area.

If you prefer not to use them, display the prettiest ones on a shelf or on top of kitchen cabinets. Baskets you use often for serving breads and chips can be stored in kitchen cabinets along with serving dishes or on top of the refrigerator for easy access.

Unless your basement is humidity-controlled, don't store anything directly on the floor; place all storage boxes on shelves or pallets. If flooding is a possibility, store everything in watertight plastic tubs instead of cardboard boxes.

Avoid storing newspapers and magazines in the basement, attic, or garage, as paper items will attract spiders.

Store pet food and birdseed in tightly lidded containers to protect the contents from rodents.

(see also Storage Solutions, pages 153, 175)

BATH SUPPLIES

Why not keep a basket of your favorite bath salts, eye and neck pillows, candles, and other "pamper-me" items in a basket by the tub for easy access after a stressful day?

(see also Toiletries)

BATTERIES

Store alkaline batteries in a cool, dry place. The average shelf life of alkaline batteries at room temperature is five to seven years. Freezing can prolong the charge of NiDc and NiMh batteries for up to a month. Chilled batteries need to be warmed to room temperature before using. Manufacturers do not recommend refrigerating or freezing alkaline batteries.

(see also Storage Solution, page 267)

BEACH AND POOL GEAR

Do you load beach chairs, blankets, towels, flotation devices, and other gear into your trunk before every outing to the beach or community pool? Consider stowing those items permanently in the trunk during the swim season. It will save the time and effort of loading and reloading, plus save space in the garage or wherever you're storing these things now. If you need the trunk space temporarily for something else, take them out.

If you have a home pool, keep clean pool towels and toys in a lidded outdoor storage box or bench. Toys, flotation wings, and beach balls can be collected in a laundry basket or large plastic-mesh tote and left in the pool area or stored by the door nearest the pool. Keep a laundry basket, large canvas tote, or popup hamper handy for collecting and carrying used towels to the laundry room.

At the end of the season, deflate and store lightweight pool toys such as rafts in a lidded plastic container, a storage hammock strung up in a corner of the garage or basement, or an overhead ceiling rack.

(see also Storage Solutions, pages 153, 175)

Storage Solution: Bank safe-deposit box

A bank safe-deposit box is ideal for valuable jewelry, rare coins, and other collectibles. It's also the best place to store original copies of certain legal and financial documents, such as:

* Marriage, birth, and death certificates

* Settlement and divorce papers

* Adoption, custody, and citizenship papers

* Diplomas

* Property deeds

* Motor vehicle titles

* Stock and bond certificates

* U.S. savings bonds and certificates of deposit

* Contracts, including mortgages, deeds, promissory notes, and other legally binding agreements

* Military papers

* Patents and copyrights

* Home inventory list, including photos of each room and purchase receipts

* Important data disks

* Any items you deem worthy of safekeeping

If you are the primary account holder, it's a good idea to add a secondary account holder who is authorized to open your box in the event that you are unable to do so. If, and only if, you do this, you may also store the originals of your will and trust papers. Do not store anything in a safe-deposit box that you may need to access in a hurry, such as passports, living wills, health care proxy, and powers of attorney.

You may be able to write off the cost of a safe-deposit box on your income tax returns if the contents include papers relating to income-producing property; check with your tax preparer. You may need a rider on your homeowner's or renter's policy to cover the contents of your safe-deposit box; check with your insurance agent.

An alternative to a safe-deposit box is a locking Underwriter's Laboratory (UL)–approved fire-resistant file cabinet or safe.

BELTS AND NECKTIES

Store belts and neckties so that you can remove one and return it without disturbing the others. Store neckties unknotted and in such a way that they won't wrinkle. While you can roll and store belts and neckties in a drawer, hanging them makes it quicker and easier to put away and retrieve them. An inexpensive solution is to count your belts and ties and tap that number of nails or small hooks into the wall, leaving a little room for additional purchases.

Ready-made organizers include wall- or door mounted racks and special hangers that can hold several dozen belts or neckties; many are designed to store a combination of belts and ties. For a tight space, look for a valet rail that attaches to the outside of a closet-rod mount and slides in and out.

(see also Storage Solutions, pages 101, 224)

BICYCLES

Resting a bicycle against a wall is not a good way to store it, as it may be damaged if it accidentally tips over. Safer storage options range from inexpensive hooks and wall mounts to hang bicycles by the frame or a wheel to a pulley system that allows you to suspend them from the ceiling. Another option that works well is a floor-to-ceiling rack that can hold two bicycles.

BILLS, PAID

Unless they are tax-deductible business expenses, statements for cable, telephone, electric, garbage pickup, water, sewer, and other services and utilities can be shredded as soon as they are paid. There is no legal or tax reason to save these billing statements, as they do not prove payment. Your canceled check proves payment. And you can find the check number in your check register or on your bank statement.

If you are more comfortable saving utility statements, store them for one year only in a 13-pocket accordion file with 12 monthly pockets and a pocket for holding unpaid bills.

Even personal credit card statements don't need to be saved except to prove a business expense, in which case they should be stored with current-year tax documents. However, if you want to save credit card statements as proof of payment in lieu of a receipt, store them in a hanging folder labeled Credit Cards with separate interior folders for each CREDIT CARDS. File in reverse chronological order (most current statement in front). Remove and shred statements at the end of each year or two or at your discretion.

(see also Storage Solutions, pages 15, 196)

BILLS, UNPAID

As bills arrive, either pay them immediately or store them in a designated holding place such as an accordion file or folder labeled BILLS TO PAY. Store only the bills and payment envelopes; toss the outer envelopes and any inserts.

Wherever you pay bills, designate a nearby drawer or cabinet shelf to store the "tools" you need to pay them, including check register, checks, envelopes, stamps, return-address labels, pen, calculator, and stapler. You also might want to keep a letter opener handy for opening bills. If you tend to pay bills at work or outside your home, consider setting up a portable bill-paying file with everything you need, including the unpaid bills.

Or you could go electronic: Online bill paying eliminates the need to file bills altogether. Have bills sent to you electronically and pay them online through each company's Web site. You also can set up bills to be paid automatically through your bank or bill-paying service directly to the phone company, utility company, or other entity.

You'll save on stamps and checks — and you'll save time, too. Another plus: Studies show that banking online can help decrease the risk of fraud and identity theft by more than 10 percent.

BIRDSEED

Store in a tightly sealed container to keep out hungry rodents. Empty bags into a recycled cat litter bucket with lid or a small metal trash can with tightly fitting lid. Label the container. Keep a scoop in or on top of the container for easy refilling of feeders.

(Continues…)

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Excerpted from "The One-Minute Organizer A to Z Storage Solutions"
by .
Copyright © 2008 Donna Smallin Kuper.
Excerpted by permission of Storey Publishing.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.

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Table of Contents

Preface,
Introduction,
A-Z Entries,
Index,