
A resource for those seeking information on organizing and transforming spaces.
The Plural of Lego is Lego
We have been digging Lego Masters recently and that got us thinking about something we almost always find when organizing playrooms. You guess it, that classic building toy, Lego. When it comes to sheer volume, few toys can fill up your house like Lego. However, from an organizing stand point Lego often presents a few challenges.
We have been digging Lego Masters recently and that got us thinking about something we almost always find when organizing playrooms. You guess it, that classic building toy, Lego. When it comes to sheer volume, few toys can fill up your house like Lego. However, from an organizing stand point Lego often presents a few challenges. In the past, most children would play with Lego over and over again letting their imagination run wild. These days Lego sets usually get built once and then sit on a shelf displayed only as a model instead of getting used. This habit can create space issues. Of course another issue can be Lego blocks strewn all over your house. It is no secret that scientists feel the most painful thing on Earth is stepping on a Lego in your bare-feet. Ben’s wife feels there should be an 800-number you can call after stepping on a block for the sole purpose of screaming into the phone. If your space is over run with Lego we are pleased to offer some suggestions.
Quantity
You may find that your little ones don’t actually play Lego if hundreds of blocks fill multiple bins. It can be overwhelming to see a sea of bricks with no clear sense of where to begin. Builders may also need a clear surface or table to play with Lego as carpeting can quickly become the enemy of small blocks. Before you pick the best storage solution for your blocks take the time to review all the Lego. You know your kids best and know how they play. Is having tons of Lego actually stressing them out? Perhaps they have outgrown certain sets. Are sets missing pieces? Lego can be donated to preschools and kindergarten classes (don’t worry if you can’t find all the correct pieces). Now that you have a handle on the Lego quantity you are keeping you can accurately select the best place for them to live.
Storage
We aren’t keeping these building blocks just to keep them, we want them to be used and enjoyed. Your 40lb six year-old can’t lift heavy stacked bins so they simply won’t bother. We want things to go in easily but also come out easily. Drawers work great for storing toys and simple clear versions can make for maximum space savings. So often we are rushed and clean up quickly and shove everything away. However, these days Lego sets aren’t only expensive they are also complicated with some sets containing over 700 pieces. Drawers allow for sets to stay together avoiding not only frustration but neglect.
If your kids are younger and keeping the sets together isn’t as important then keeping them in one place for quick use you may want to try something like a Swoop Bag. If your child is using Duplo or not making a specific set these bags work well. Storage solutions like this allow for quick clean up.
If you have time on your hands and lean slightly toward the OCD camp there is no end to how refined you can sort Lego. Just remember, the more subcategories the more plastic drawers or containers you will have taking up space in your home. Before you go down this path. focus on your goals. Unless you plan on spending a lot of time or have begun training to be a Lego Master it probably isn’t worth the trouble to turn things into a Lego workshop.
In order to reclaim your space from an army of mini-figs start with treating them like other toys with the understanding that toys exist to be played with. Hiding Lego in giant bins may make your feet feel good in the short term but organizing isn’t just about finding what you are looking for it is also about being more productive. And when it comes to Lego that means building awesome creations.
Guest Post - How to Use your Backyard to Maximise Storage Space
Whatever the size of your yard, from the smallest patios to the largest of lawns, smart storage is an absolute must. Here are some simple and effective tips on creating beautiful and practical storage solutions in your very own backyard.
Whatever the size of your yard, from the smallest patios to the largest of lawns, smart storage is an absolute must. Here are some simple and effective tips on creating beautiful and practical storage solutions in your very own backyard.
Go vertical
Hook it up and remove clutter from the ground. Hanging tools effectively in your shed or backyard area can help maximize your preexisting storage space. Organizers are a must-have in this regard. They come in all shapes and sizes, allowing you the freedom to let it hang saving valuable floor space. Organizers with many small pockets can be great for garden tools while a shoe organizers might be the perfect extra shelf. Keeping your tools organized eliminates clutter spilling from your shed and allows for quick and easy access, saving you time.
If you don't have the luxury of a shed, try hanging your tools off your fence. This can be a great solution for quick and easy access, eliminating messy piles of tools in your backyard. Consider breaking symmetry and hanging your tools off your fence in an interesting layout. Combined with vertical planters, this can be a great way to create a signature look on a backyard wall. Make use of the area you have, and you'll soon realize you had much more space than you ever thought.
Bring your dining room outside
Dining sets take up a huge amount of room in your home. Yet for all this sacrificed space, how often do you actually sit around your dining room table? Create more room in your home and design a beautiful outdoor dining area. Making the most out of your outdoor dining area requires some thought but can be a great way of using your back yard to maximize your own storage.
Transformable spaces
Consider a dynamic design when buying furniture. Fluid furniture set-ups allow for simple transitions between living and entertaining guests. Keep lightweight, multipart and foldable options in mind for both space-saving and functionality. These options allow for a cozy family retreat that can be easily transformed into the perfect hosting environment.
Gazebos and other fixed structures offer a great place to enjoy your backyard, but they simply take up too much space. Setting up your outdoor living areas with retractable roller blinds can allow for a quick transition between open and closed. With options to shelter from the elements or create open plan living, blinds are a great way to maximize potential and space in your outdoor area.
Utilize, utilize, utilize
Put it to use. Make the most out of all the preexisting structures in your backyard. If you have a retaining wall, try converting it into a lush vegetable garden or using it for extra seating. If you have an outdoor bench, consider utilizing the hollow space for storing outdoor cushions or kids’ toys. Think about how you can make old features multi-functional and take advantage of the space you already have.
Let the light in
Just as white rooms are perceived to be bigger, backyards full of natural light feel naturally larger and more open. Invest some money in quality landscaping, trim everything back, and you will be amazed at the extra space it creates. Be careful when adding new plants to your garden, research their final size and consider their placement. Careful consideration can help preserve your backyards open feel and save you money on landscaping in the long run.
Storage in your backyard can require some creative thinking. Without the luxury of storage space that inside areas afford backyards can often end up cluttered and unappealing. However, this doesn't need to be the case. Follow these simple steps, and you will be well on the way to a beautiful, clutter-free outdoor oasis.
Author bio:
Harper Reid enjoys sharing tips on making homes more functional and organised. When not busy writing, she likes to catch up on the latest interior design trends. Connect with Harper on her personal blog.
Reasons Everyone Should Want To Live Clutter-Free
Life is a balancing act. Everyone is faced with making decisions that will result in different outcomes. We live and learn from the trials and errors that life has to offer. When dealing with normal stressors and obstacles, living with clutter shouldn't be one of them. Here are a few reasons why everyone should want to live free of disarray.
Life is a balancing act. Everyone is faced with making decisions that will result in different outcomes. We live and learn from the trials and errors that life has to offer. When dealing with normal stressors and obstacles, living with clutter shouldn't be one of them. Here are a few reasons why everyone should want to live free of disarray.
Reduce Stress
When coming home from a stressful day, the last thing you want to worry about is cleaning the house. Returning home should be your breath of fresh air. However, when your space is filled with clutter, it can be hard to feel at ease. Living clutter-free will help to reduce your feelings of stress and anxiety that you might have felt throughout the day. Your solution should be in using home storage options. Everything you have should belong to a designated home. You will never find items lingering on the floor or counter because there is a specific spot for it. After you use something, put it back to ensure you will never have to worry about things being out of place. In turn, you’ll come home to a put-together, stress-free space.
Less Clean-Up
When you see clutter, it’s like having a mental to-do list constantly running through your head. You will constantly be thinking about everything that needs to be picked up. When items are tucked away after being used, there is no overwhelming amount of clutter, allowing you to have more time to do other things. You will ultimately feel calm in the space you reside in. This should be carried into every area of the home so you are always at peace knowing things are stowed away. For example, you can use baskets in closets, plastic containers for under sinks, and drawer organizers in the kitchen. Everything will be in its home and not sitting elsewhere to be picked up.
More Accomplished
Lastly, living clutter-free will help you to be more energized and accomplished. However, living free of chaos doesn’t happen overnight. You must take a few days to declutter your space to achieve a clutter-free lifestyle. When making decisions about items you own, you will feel in charge knowing that you’re making decisions for your personal well-being. Ask yourself, “Is this item necessary for my life?”, or “Can I live without it?” Asking yourself these questions will allow you to feel in control of your life and the area you live in. Once you have decided to care only for items you cannot live without, you are able to move forward in life and use your energy towards other things you hope to achieve. To find more about the benefits of living in an uncluttered space here.
Living clutter-free will only benefit you if you work towards it. Put things away after you use them, get rid of items you no longer need, and when you buy something new, decide on it carefully. The more you care for the items you own, the more likely you are to put things back into their designated home after you use them. As a result, you will be energized to reach goals and overcome obstacles to live a calm and stress-free life every day.
Guest Post - What Should You Do with Personal Documents?
Piles of personalized mail and paperwork cover our desks, kitchen tables, family rooms and home offices. Short of building bigger piles, is there a way to manage all this? Yes! You simply need to establish a workable solution and strictly follow the process.
Piles of personalized mail and paperwork cover our desks, kitchen tables, family rooms and home offices. Short of building bigger piles, is there a way to manage all this? Yes! You simply need to establish a workable solution and strictly follow the process.
The accompanying infographic, Organizing Your Personal Documents, presents an easy, common-sense method of handling your personal paperwork. It helps you categorize your personal documents by type and action. Some documents should be kept, some shredded and others filed away securely. There are suggestions for creating a filing system, including what types of paperwork to file and how to file, label and store your documents.
Why does this matter? Well, some paperwork you just do not need to keep while others you must keep safe and easily accessible. For example, don’t clutter your home with old bills, expired coupons and the like. But you may need to present your tax returns, social security card, auto title and more on various occasions, such as for a tax audit, new job and car sale, and these must be saved.
Handling your paperwork as you receive it not only helps to keep your home free from excess papers, it also ensures that you hang onto your important personal documents, keep them in a designated place and have them ready to use when you need them. Keep the infographic handy — and file it under O for Organization!