A resource for those seeking information on organizing and transforming spaces.
Stationary Stationery
From envelopes to greeting cards to old addresses and baby thank you notes we see a lot of paper clutter from stationery
We know we start almost every article with, one of the things we see the most in our clients home is... but there is a reason for that. In general, people tend to have a lot of stuff in their homes and so there are common challenges and trouble areas in everyone's space. One such category is stationery. From envelopes to greeting cards to old addresses and baby thank you notes we see a lot of paper clutter from stationery.
The Pretty
One reason the people keep cards and writing paper is that it is often not only pretty and colorful but sometimes down right beautiful. With that in mind, think about letting go of the generic or plain stationery keeping only the truly special. Think about the total number of cards and letters you send in a year. Maybe it is time to recycle those bent, dirty, out-dated and pieces with missing envelopes.
The Future
People tend to keep cards and paper for aspirational reasons. Whether it be guilt or a sense of longing for simpler times, we see people hang on to stationery as wish fulfillment instead of action not to mentioned a feeling of "should". Once you have narrowed down the amount you have collected over the years, focus on the action. Take a letter or card out and write the address on it and stamp it as step one. Don't worry about writing the perfect message, people love getting things in the mail that isn't junk or bills.
The Kids
Donate your excess stationery to preschools, scouts or after-school programs for craft projects. Again think about how often you send cards and letters to determine the amount you need to keep. Kids love writing on envelopes and filling them with all manner of things. How about teaching children about the lost art of letter writing and personalized thank you notes? Think of the brownie points your little one will get for writing to the grandparents instead of texting.
Interview - Cozi
One of the main factors that determines why we get called to in to help people is that they are busy. If you add parenting to the mix finding the time is especially hard. We spoke with Kati at Cozi for some thoughts on how technology can help you stay organized.
One of the main factors that determines why we get called in to help people is that they are busy. When you add parenting to the mix, finding the time is especially hard. We spoke with Kati at Cozi for some thoughts on how technology can help you stay organized.
For busy parents, what is the best way to describe Cozi?
Cozi is a mobile app and website designed to keep busy families organized. Cozi has a shared calendar and lists that everyone in the family can see and update from any mobile device or computer.
What is the Cozi origin story?
You can find some of it here. The founders knew they wanted to design and build technology products for families, and when they were doing initial in-home visits, they kept hearing about the difficulties families had with keeping track of their busy schedules. So Cozi was born as a way to use technology to make family life simpler.
Besides the calendar function what other features does it have?
Cozi has a Shared Calendar, Reminders and Event Notifications, Shopping Lists, To Do Lists, Recipe Box, Meal Planner, and Family Journal. The premium version also offers a Birthday Tracker, Contacts, and other premium features like Shopping Mode and Mobile Month View.
What is the family journal?
The Cozi Family Journal is a fast and simple way to keep memories and fun everyday moments, so you can enjoy them again and again. You can save an image and jot down a memory to capture a family moment.
What is Club Cozi?
Club Cozi is our social ambassador program where members share news and stories from Cozi in their social media channels. Members use and love Cozi and want to share it with their friends.
In terms of feedback what feature seems to be most popular?
Most families come to Cozi to use the Shared Calendar. Multiple, busy schedules are part of family life, and keeping them all on one calendar is the best way to stay on top of it all. And families can rely on Cozi to send reminders, notifications, and daily agenda emails to the right people in the family. The grocery list is very popular too!
The Container Conundrum
Our top tips for organizing containers.
House to Home spent this past week unpacking and reorganizing kitchens for our clients. A question that always comes up is where to store plastic containers used for leftover food and lunch prep. Clients complain that no matter how hard they try to keep these items neatly arranged, within a few days they dread opening the cabinet because the containers and lids fall everywhere. Before you put up a hard hat required sign in your kitchen, here are House to Home Organizing's top four tips:
Downsize
It is not necessary to have 100 different shaped containers. You do not need the ones from 1998 which have turned that weird shade of yellow, sport warped lids and have an unusual odor. Go through your plastic containers and pick out the best ones that have lids that fit. Maybe keep 6 of various sizes and shapes. Recycle the rest. You may also consider not keeping inexpensive and easy to come by plastic containers from take out restaurants.
Purchase the Same Brand
For ease of stacking buy one brand of containers that nest into each other. This will free up space in your cabinet and make storage easier.
Within Reach
Store containers and lids in a cabinet which is easy to reach. Many people tend to put their plastic ware in a hard to reach cabinet. Make sure you can reach it easily during and after cooking for clean- up and lunch prep. We even have a few clients who keep their "Tupperware" in the only non-baby proofed cabinet so the little ones have access to non-breakables and can score a win by opening the door themselves.
The Separater
Use larger bins or wire baskets to separate items If you have room in your cabinets. Purchase clear bins or wire baskets to separate lids and bottoms. This way when you go to pick one, they all do not come toppling out.
Want to upgrade? Many people are switching to glass containers. There is zero risk of toxic chemicals and negative impact on the environment. A few brands we have noticed in our clients homes are:
Please note: If you choose to purchase these containers using our Amazon link, H2H receives a small commission designed to help keep our rates affordable.
Interview - The Undies Project
At House to Home we are big on donations. About half of our clients have a difficult time letting go of items, but knowing that it will go to someone in their community helps easy the transition. We spoke with Laura & Lucy at The Undies Project to learn about how we can all help those in need.
At House to Home we are big on donations. About half of our clients have a difficult time letting go of items, but knowing that it will go to someone in their community helps easy the transition. We spoke with Laura & Lucy at The Undies Project to learn about how we can all help those in need.
For the busy person, what is the best description of the Undies Project?
The Undies Project is a unique nonprofit that collects and distributes new underwear to men, women and children in need.
What is the origin story, how did it start?
The Undies Project was set up in November 2015 by Lucy Langley and Laura Delaflor to fulfill the basic need of new underwear among our low income neighbors. Underwear is the most under donated, and most needed, item of clothing. Hygiene and physical comfort are only a part of this basic human need. New, clean underwear also provides dignity and self esteem.
How do people donate (drop off) and what type of donations are you looking for?
We receive donations of new men's, women’s and children underwear of all sizes as well as new and gently used bras. Donations can be mailed to 10 Steep Hollow Lane, Cos Cob CT 06807 or can also be dropped off at the following permanent locations: Wesport: Soleil Toile (24 Post Rd. E), Greenwich: Inside the Armoire (45 E Putman Ave) or Stamford: Professional Physical Therapy (83 Harvard Ave.).
You suggest holding a donation party, what is that?
A donation party is a cool party with all your cool friends and instead of a hostess gift you ask your friends to bring a donation of a pack or packs of undies to give to those in need. After the party you can mail us your collection to 10 Steep Hollow Ln, Cos Cob CT, 06807, or let us know you have humongous collection and we will arrange for a quick pick up. Thank you in advance for holding a donation party! : )
Any interesting tales from the trenches since you deal with unmentionables?
Most of our stories are on the sad side, so I’m only going to share the most recent one of when someone came up to us and in a very low and ashamed voice said, “ Thank you so much for what you do, you can’t imagine what it is like to go to work with disintegrating underwear, your generosity helps me feel better about myself and with this I can do my work better”.
This basic human need that our low income and homeless neighbors have, has been overseen for so many years. It is time to start talking about it and taking action!
