QUICK TIPS FOR ORGANIZING YOUR HOME
Pool & Beach Essentials Storage Solutions
☀️ Utilize Mesh Storage Bags or Bins: Use mesh bags or bins to store pool and beach toys. These allow air to circulate, helping the toys dry quickly and preventing mold or mildew from forming. Great for storing sand toys in a garage.
☀️ Install Wall-Mounted Racks or Hooks: Save floor space by installing wall-mounted racks or hooks in your pool area or garage. Use these to hang larger items, like floaties, noodles, and beach chairs.
☀️ Use a Storage Box or Deck Box: Invest in a waterproof storage box or deck box to keep your pool and beach toys safe and protected from the elements. Choose a box with adequate ventilation to avoid moisture buildup. Here are two great options: this one is inexpensive but will get the job done, and this one is extra large if you need a lot of storage space.
☀️ Repurpose Laundry Baskets: Grab a few plastic laundry baskets for an inexpensive and portable storage solution. They’re perfect for toting toys to and from the pool or beach, and they drain water easily.
☀️ Create a Grab-and-Go Bag: Pack a designated bag with beach and pool essentials like sunscreen, towels, and snacks. Keep it ready to go for those last-minute trips, ensuring you have everything you need without the hassle.
Out of Sight, Not Out of Mind - Storage Tips for Small Spaces
🏠 Go Vertical
When you can’t spread out, go up. Walls aren’t just for decor—they’re prime real estate for extra storage. Floating shelves can hold books, decor, or even pantry staples, while pegboards and hooks are perfect for organizing tools, accessories, or kitchen gadgets. You can also hang baskets or wire bins to get items off the floor and into easy reach.
Bonus tip: Use the backs of cabinets or closet doors to mount slim vertical racks or caddies. They’re perfect for holding spices, cutting boards, or even cleaning supplies while keeping everything tucked away but accessible.
🏠 Double Duty Furniture: Your Secret Weapon
Furniture that works overtime is a game-changer. Choose pieces that work as storage and function, like ottomans with hidden compartments, beds with built-in drawers, or coffee tables that lift to reveal hidden storage. Console tables behind sofas or in hallways can hold decor on top while sneaking in bins or baskets below.
Bonus tip: If you’re short on space, think mobile—rolling carts or storage cubes on wheels can double as portable storage that you can tuck away when not in use.
🏠 Don't Forget Your Doors
Doors are an often-overlooked storage solution. Over-the-door organizers aren’t just for shoes—use them to store snacks, cleaning supplies, or even scarves and hats. Hooks or adhesive baskets can be mounted to hold light items like keys, bags, or phone chargers.
Bonus tip: For renters, removable adhesive hooks and organizers are a game-changer. They let you maximize door and wall space without worrying about leaving marks behind. This is my favorite (I've probably used it 100 times in my client's homes!).
The Power of a 10-minute Tidy
🕒 Set a Timer Literally set a timer for 10 minutes and see how much you can get done. You’ll be amazed at how fast you move when you’re racing the clock. It turns tidying into a game, and before you know it, a cluttered space becomes neat again.
🗑 Focus on Hotspots You know the places where clutter just grows? Like the entryway where shoes pile up, or the kitchen counter that collects mail? Focus your 10-minute tidy on these high-traffic areas and nip the clutter in the bud before it spirals out of control.
🧺 Grab a Basket If you’re overwhelmed by stuff scattered around the house, grab a basket or bin and walk room to room, collecting items that are out of place. Once your 10 minutes are up, return the items to their homes and enjoy the instant transformation.
👧 👦 Make It a Family Affair Get the kids involved! Turn on some music, set the timer, and see who can pick up the most. This makes tidying fun and takes the load off of you. Plus, teaching kids to tidy in small bursts helps them build long-lasting habits.
View Organization as a Journey, Not a Destination
✨ Embrace Continuous Improvement: Organization isn't a one-time achievement; it's a continuous process. Start by setting small, manageable goals for yourself. Each step, no matter how small, contributes to your overall progress.
✨ Learn From Setbacks: Inevitably, there will be days when things don't go as planned. Instead of viewing these moments as failures, see them as opportunities to learn and improve your organizational strategies.
✨ Celebrate Progress: Acknowledge and celebrate your milestones, no matter how minor they may seem. Each bit of progress is a step forward on your journey, reinforcing a positive mindset and encouraging further development.