"I have a new motto now because of you: From this situation, something good will come! You're a true godsend! I thank you from the bottom of my heart." -Jamie
Read More Testimonials»

Our Getting Organized Experts

Peter Walsh

Peter Walsh

Design professional and star of TLC's Clean Sweep

Shared by First30Days View Profile»
Meryl Starr

Meryl Starr

Organizing expert, author and personal consultant

Shared by First30Days View Profile»
Debbie Stanley

Debbie Stanley

Author and owner of Red Letter Day, a professional organizing...

Shared by First30Days View Profile»

Meet all of our New Directions Experts»

News

The latest news on this change — carefully culled from the world wide web by our change agents. They do the surfing, so you don't have to!

New Uses for Ordinary Things

We have all made the mad dash to the mall for countless Rubbermaid containers in the name of getting organized, but it turns out that common household items may do the trick as well. Real Simple magazine suggests 22 items around the house as solutions to organization woes—another plus being that you are reusing something you already have—rather than making a potentially unnecessary drive and purchase.
 
Make a sewing kit from an old matchbox. Store toilet paper in tall, cylindrical vases. And even use an old CD jewel case as a recipe card holder. Each suggestion includes the original use, the “Aha! Use”, and the reward of the latter. As with many personal organization issues, the tools are usually right there in front of us; we merely have yet to discover and put them to use.
 
Take a look around the house, as well as at your “throw-away” pile and come up with different functions for what you see.  You’ll never look at that six-pack container (picnic condiments container!) or business card holder (sugar packet carrier!) the same way again. [Real Simple]
 
 

Posted: 5/12/08
StacieinAtlanta

Great ideas!! Thanks for posting.