Create Display Shelves Above WindowsSome time ago someone posted an idea to use shelves over windows. I had commented that I did the same thing only I used wooden door gingerbread trim to make the side brackets so that I could hang my curtain rods through them.
Handy Storage for Post EarringsI used the empty plastic box my husband had bought assorted nails in for storage of my post earrings. Easy to see everything, snaps shut to avoid losing any items and FREE!
Tension Rod Wall SupportsTension rod wall supports I put up my tension rod. Twice, I hung my bags on it and it fell to the ground. I wished I had bought those screw in wall supports and then I thought I' will just go look in my plastic cap recycling bag. I found two that fit snuggly onto the ends, great! Now let's place them!
Reuse Egg CartonsI use egg cartons to store my B&BW wallflower refills in the drawer. They are easy to look through and upright so they do not leak. I just cut the top off and set the bottom in it to reinforce it. You could also use it to organize other things (sewing, screws, etc.).
Keeping Bluetooth Earbuds From Getting LostI have found my bluetooth, the earbud style, on the ground and exposed to the elements, for the last time. I decided to make sure that didn't happen again with a simple paperclip.
Reduce Trips Up and Down StairsGot frustrated forgetting to bring something UP or DOWN stairs when I changed floors and started leaving things on my stairs for the next trip until realizing that's unsafe for myself and others. I also juggled carrying multiple items (glass of water AND my cell phone for instance), NOT a good combination!
Reflective Collar as Key LanyardHere is a way to have an adjustable and reflective key lanyard for your keys using a small cat/dog collar. I have always used them because I like that it can be adjusted and not just super long like most lanyards. In addition, using a reflective one is great for finding them in the dark and can be used as safety protection for being visible when walking in the dark ! :)
Reusing a Wine Rack for StorageI recently aquired this wine rack and knew I would do something else with it. I roll all my yarn into balls so it wasn't easy finding three that were still in skeins.
Face Mask HolderWe all have several masks. Some we were given, some we made, and some we purchased. They all have one thing in common. They need a place in the house.
Note Box Using Recycled PaperI recently found this cutie at a thrift store for .25. I loved how it looked like a an office supply box, even down to the little label spot on the front! But it was an odd size and shape.
Wrapping Paper StorageCleaning out storage and closets and I found a whole bunch of wrapping paper that I didn't realize I had! To keep your wrapping paper neat and tidy, you can put them in a box. I used a Pampers wipes box and it fit a generous amount of wrapping paper ~ 16 rolls!
Categorize Your Greeting CardsI always have greeting cards of all genres in my house. I get them for free often when CVS combines a deal with extra care bucks. I also go to estate and garage sales, and thrift shops.
Use Pipe Cleaners to Attach Label TagsI found butterfly cut-outs that I loved and laminated them. I then punched a hole in the center at the top of each. To attach the butterflies, I stuck the pipe cleaners through the holes and the middle slot of each drawer. With a quick twist, they were on! I just tucked the pipe cleaner that was sticking up behind the butterflies.
Marking Empty BoxesI am always looking for free storage. Shoe boxes are great except you can't see what is in them. What is more frustrating than not knowing what is inside, is not knowing if there is anything inside.
Making Use of a Coat Rack in SummerThe hall coat rack was not serving much purpose after I removed the coats so I started using it to hang onions, potatoes, plastic bags and my apron.
Storing Jars Inside Jars to Save SpaceI was trying to "unclutter" my house and this tip came to mind. When you save jars for crafts or food, save the smaller one inside the larger ones. This saves not only room, but lets you see the smaller one by their labels, should they still be one.
Help Your Wallet with TapeI have tape on the ends of all my cards; license, insurance card, library, etc. The tape sticks out to where I can pull the card out of my wallet without digging with my nails. I have been at stores and the older ladies all know why the tape is there.
Storing Earplugs in Bottle CapsI often spend the night at my daughters house but sometimes it's not planned. And even when it is I can forget things I might need. Today, I made a nice care package (emergency kit) in a bag I seldom use.
Hide Credit Card Inside Phone CaseHide your debit or credit card in the back of your phone case. It should fit nicely in there. Sometimes when I shop, I just carry my phone instead of bringing my purse. It is much easier.
Mark the Top Side of Electrical PlugsDid you know that the large slot on an electrical socket is on the left? To make it easier to plug my appliances into the sockets, I used some fingernail polish to mark the side that will be turned up when I plug them in.
Store Phone In SleeveAfter I hurt my leg and was somewhat restricted, I found I was missing my calls because I set my cell phone down somewhere. I ended up slipping it into my sleeve and placing a snug but not restrictive rubber band at the wrist to hold it in place. It makes it convenient to always have it around too!
Pushpins for Displaying JewelryI recently redid my bathroom. Because my old bathroom was black and red, I lost my necklace hanger. So, I just decided to put up some pretty pushpins and display what I have as decorations too.
Store Rings In A Bottle TopCut the tops off of two soda bottles with the caps on. Glue them together, then take off one top and add your rings. Put the lid back on. A handy way to keep rings safe.
Carry Masking Tape in Your PurseI am always buying pine chips, mulch, and other things I would rather not have spill in my car. By carrying around masking tape on my purse, I can cover up holes and tears in the packaging when they occur, and they often do.
Tissue Roll to Keep Cords TidyA recycled tissue roll is good for organizing things around the house. I used them for holding my extension wire. This keeps it neat and clean, and looks organized. There is no need to tie it up, just insert it in the roll.
Using Address LabelsAll of us get "free" return address labels from various charitable organizations and they pile up. Here are some ways to use them.
Pool Noodle to Organize Wine GlassesTake a pool noodle and cut to your size, depending on how many glasses you want to store. Cut slits according to how many you need. Attach it securely to a wall, then go ahead and hang your glasses.
Pool Noodle as DIY Earring HolderCut your pool noodle depending on how many earrings you want to store. Cut right in half. Then poke the earrings through and attach the backs onto the other side.
Take Photos of Finished PuzzlesI love to put together puzzles. I only buy what will be done and displayed on my walls. I used to seal the fronts with clear strapping tape and the back with duct tape thinking they would be on my walls forever. Well they lasted a long time but eventually they all began to yellow and crack. So today I had to give some of my favorites to the donation station in our community room.
Putting Keys on Key RingI have a screw on our wall where I hang my keys by our bedroom door. I was trying to get a key onto a key ring and it wouldn't go. I thought to use what was already there so I used the screw on the wall.
Save Boxes and Packaging Supplies to ReuseI am a frequent online shopper, especially when there are free shipping deals. By shopping online, I save money, time and gas, plus I receive free shipping boxes and packaging supplies that I will reuse.
Plastic Lids for Key FobsUse plastic lids from tubs to label your keys. They cut easily with scissors and you can use a paper punch to make a hole. Then use a permanent marker such as a sharpie pen to itemise them
Ribbon DisplayIt's always a struggle finding creative ways to display your ribbons. So here is an easy way to show off your accomplishments while on a budget! All you need is some twine, nails, and a hammer!
Aluminum Cans for Hardware StorageWhile doing any DIY project, organization is key. When you take off the hardware to paint furniture you do not want to lose the hardware. You can use recycled aluminum cans to place the hardware in them until the time comes to reassemble.
Organizing a Junk Drawer with DividersI swear I took a "before drawer" photo but I can't find it anywhere. So, you will just have to imagine the drawer with everything you see but all mixed up.
Spice Rack OrganizerNormally, you would have one of these in your kitchen filled with some spices. For me, I have seeds from various plants that I either harvest or buy in larger quantities. For some other people, you might have beads, stickers, string, or even glitter. Some people might have them in offices to hold thumbtacks, paper clips, rubber bands, or eraser tips.
Inventory Your JewelryMake a jewelry inventory photo album in order to identify your jewelry in case of loss or theft. Place the photographs in an album and store it with your documents your home office. In case of loss or theft of your jewelry, you can use your jewelry inventory album to assist you in recovering jewelry items.
Memory and Legacy ShelfMy husband has been a part of a mission team to Iceland for four years. He has brought home some beautiful tokens, which are memories of the trip. I arranged a shelf in my curio cabinet as a memory shelf of his trips to Iceland.
Homemade Shelves from Flooring PlanksI just posted a tip about doing this in a window so I am just going to share this one. They are almost identical. I have an entry hallway and often put things in there that I want to put in the 'donation station' in our clubhouse.
Using Maxwell House Coffee ContainersI buy these all the time. Well, with the coffee in them, of course! I wash them out and fill them individually with sugar, flour, etc. I then label them on the handles and put them in my cabinets.
Coil Cords to Reduce TanglesI hated my drawer of various phone, camera, and other power cords and remembered a trick I heard of. Wrap your cord around a straw or pencil, then use a hair dryer to heat the cord up.
Store Necklace in Straw to Avoid TanglingWhen traveling or transporting necklaces, place one end through a straw to prevent the necklace from getting knotted/tangled. No more spending time trying to untangle!
Decorative Bulletin BoardsMy daughter has had this bulletin board for very many years. She keeps it so pretty by using felt shapes under the pins she uses. She prefers to use the pins that have colorful beads on the end of them. Isn't it cute? She also uses little jewelry decorations to decorate her board. The board looks so cheerful and happy. I love to look at this board everyday.
Daylight Saving Time Begins March 13 (2016)Don't forget! March 13 is the day to move your clocks forward 1 hour. Most people do it Saturday night before going to bed.
Using a Christmas Card as a Notebook DividerI came across a Christmas card that I received earlier this year. I had a notebook that I do my homework and papers on, for my online college. I decided to use my Christmas card to make my notebook more efficient. Now when I open my notebook it is right where I want it to be, on the first new blank page.
Marking Adapter CordsI have a lot of electronic adapter cords with the black boxes that plug into an outlet. I don't use them all the time. To keep it straight as to which item each one belongs to, I use white out, or a white out pen to mark them with.
Use Dress Hanger for Jewelry RackMy roomie bought some dresses for her grand babies at Costco. They come with this wonderful hook she was about to recycle. I scooped it up and now use it for jewelry.
Clothespin to Store EarbudsThis is a great tip to keep earbuds from getting tangled in a drawer or your purse. Put the earbuds in the space where the clamp opens. Wind the wires around the prongs. Weave in the end so it doesn't unravel.
Storing Twine In a Two Liter BottleLeave the label on the bottle. After cleaning and drying the bottle, replace the cap tightly. This keeps the bottle firm while piercing it with a knife. Then make a 1-1/2 inch cut along the top of the label with an X-acto knife.
Displaying Family MemoriesRecently, I had to move far away from my four children and eleven grandchildren due to my medical illnesses. To help me remember them, the best was to put up a few small things I have that belong to each of my amazing grandchildren and the plaque you see.
Key Hook from Binder ClipI recently found some keys from my roommate's yard sale stash. I was looking around and found one of these wonderful binder clips on a shelf unit. I flipped up the top and voila', instant key hook.
Pair Necklaces with EarringsI hang all my jewelry from hooks. Certain earrings go with the necklace. When I have the hook kind, I slip it into the chain or just use a small opened paperclip to hang them both together.
Clothspin Bag as Handy OrganizerHang a clothespin bag from your porch swing for a "pocket" to hold books, your newspaper, snacks, even a bottle of water.
Personal Address BookOld fashioned that I am, I still enjoy giving and receiving Christmas, birthday, get well, and other cards throughout the year. To keep things simple, I have one address book strictly for the addresses of those people most dear to me.
Pet Food StorageI like to put my pet food in a sturdy, resealable container so that ants and mice don't find a way into it. The larger containers can get a bit cumbersome at times, so my tip would be to get one with rollers. For example, the Suncast 80 qt. rolling bin works great in my kitchen.
Reusing Plastic DrawersI use old plastic drawers and drawer inserts in my tool chests, on my electronics workbench, to hold dies temporarily when reloading brass, etc. In short just about any place outside of the kitchen where I need an inexpensive, reasonably tough yet disposable sorting and storing needs.
Use WD-40 to Shred Label SheetsSpray the sheet of sticker labels with WD-40, then shred. The labels won't stick and your shredder gets lubricated at the same time.
Page Protectors as Frugal Dry Erase BoardI use page protectors. Just put white paper or card stock inside the protector and you have a portable, cheap and double sided dry erase board.
Carry a Door Hook in Your PurseI carry an inexpensive light weight over the door hook, I bought at a 99 cent store in my purse. I hang it over rest room doors that don't have one to hang my coat or purse. That way my belongings stay clean and safe while using the restroom.
Create a Work Club for Household ChoresI am in the process of starting a "work club" in my location. I belonged to one where I used to live and miss it greatly.
Cereal Boxes as Magazine FilesCut the whole box diagonally, close the top flaps and tape them shut, voilá! Two magazine files free!
Bread Bags for Storing Artificial FlowersI use artificial flowers for every holiday and used to just throw them in a large storage container. Then I started washing out my bread bags because they are the perfect length and started saving those little plastic tabs for holding the bag closed.
Notebook CalendarYou know those calendars you get from vendors at the beginning of the year? I got so many I have them all over. Here's where I put one of them.
DIY Laminated LabelsI recently organized our medicine cabinet and hallway closet with small plastic containers and baskets from the dollar store. I put all like items together in each basket.
Remembering Smiles: A Memento BookI've discovered how using a binder with a few simple office supplies and some slight creativity can be used to preserve greeting cards and special memories for years to come.
Reuse Product Containers For OrganizingI used dry facial cleansing clothes to remove my makeup. They come in a nice size plastic container that is great when empty to use in drawers as dividers for such things as socks, jewelry, panty hose, etc.
Store Earrings on Spare ButtonsYou can keep pierced earrings on spare buttons to sort them and keep them from getting all mixed up in the jewelry box. Just put the earrings in one of the two buttonholes, and they will not come loose.
Save Coins in Prescription BottlesI have had some rather large pill bottles that would hold a lot of coins, so I decided to sort them and label each bottle by quarter, dime and so on. I was amazed how much money you can save in those pill bottles.
Keeping Track of Gift IdeasI keep a file on my computer in "my documents" for gift ideas. Whenever I run across a particular idea for a handmade gift or a basket gift or even something to buy for a gift, I will save the picture and write beside it my thoughts.
Save Christmas Card EnvelopesI fold all my Christmas card evelopes, which have a return address on them, and tie them together with a pretty ribbon or a piece of yarn.
Never Wonder What That Cord Goes to Again!Wondering where the charger is to your Kindle or which cord is compatible with your phone or camera?
Plastic Ice Tray to Display Small TrinketsI have a number of small trinkets and animals figures that the kids had long ago and I still want to keep them. I have not found a place to really keep them without them falling and getting misplaced constantly.
Save Cosmetics Containers For JewelryI have found that old cosmetics containers (that have been cleaned out) are great to store jewelry in for a weekend trip. It's also a great way to recycle!
Use Cooler Racks to Organize JewelryI was looking for a way of keeping earrings and necklaces un-cluttered when not having an earring stand. I took two metal cooler racks (the kind you use in the kitchen) hung them on the wall with Command Hooks (one in each corner at the top) and hung my earrings on them in staggered rows.
Organizing Earrings and NecklaceI have lots of earring and necklaces that match, so I was always rummaging for the right ones. I decide to put the posts of my earrings into a chain link on the matching necklace and then put the backs on the earrings. No more hunting for matching jewelry!
Help Your Cell Phone Return HomeMy young teens share a phone, so when they have events that my husband and I are not always at, they can call us if need be. Needless to say, it gets left or lost at times, each kid thinks another has it.
Saving Obituaries in a Photo AlbumI save obituaries and put them into a small photo album. I made a label for it that says "Obituaries."
Foam Hair Roller as Ring HolderI sometimes need a place to store my wedding ring. I found that this hair roller and this unused soap holder container do the trick, especially when I am in the kitchen doing all sorts of work around the sink.
Egg Cartons For StorageWe all have them! Styrofoam, cardboard, etc., they are fabu for storage! Fill each cup half full with poster paint, let it dry, and bam! Water color paint for the kiddies to use!
Attach Earrings To Lace For StorageI got this idea from Pinterest. I took a long piece of lace ribbon and attached all my pierced earrings to it. I draped it over a jewelry organizer I've had for years. Very pretty and very functional!
Store Bread Bags in Tissue BoxI use an empty Kleenex box, stand it up on end next to the inside wall of a cupboard, and put all my bread bags, bun bags, etc. that I want to save in it. I reuse them when I make bread or bake buns.
Store Small Electronics in Pencil PacksAfter losing any number of important electric items with their associated cords, we have decided to store each in their own pouch. They don't fall on the floor and get separated this way.
Store Bags in Empty Tissue BoxWith I store all my plastic bags in empty tissue boxes. Just tuck them in and pull them out one by one as needed. It's so easy to grab for lining garbage cans, dog walks, or any other fast thing I might need them for.
Homemade Family CalendarI saw this idea at a friend's house, and asked for the tools to make it work from my grown daughter for Christmas last year. Purchase 2 dry erase calendars from your favorite office supply store.
Double Box Delicate ItemsTruly delicate items need to be double boxed. Wrap in bubble wrap, add some paper, place the smaller box inside the bigger box after you have added bubble wrap (and maybe paper) to the larger box's lining. Tape your carton well. I've never had anything break this way.
Organizing KeysFor remembering what keys go with what, use the best invention ever, nail polish. Color code the keys red for house, pink for garden shed, etc. Then place them in plastic baggies or on key chains that are color coded as well.
Reuse Compartmentalized Food TraysMost people have at least one junk drawer in their house. I used frozen food trays to organize the drawer where my husband throws his loose change, chapstick, and others items from his pockets.
Store Batteries in Large Plastic BoxI take the batteries out of their packages and store them in a large plastic box with built in dividers from The Container Store. Then I can see at a glance how many AA's and AAA's we have.
Drawer OrganizingI've found that since my husband is an avid golfer, we have an abundance of golf ball boxes, which make perfect drawer organizers. The boxes from Titlist, Pentach, and Calloway are reinforced and just the right size.
Keep an Online Food DiaryMy girlfriends and I were discussing how we'd like to lose some weight for our friend's wedding in February. I've been using a free website to keep track of what I eat and what exercises I accomplish.
Store And File Useful Magazines PagesSave only the pages that you find relevant and store in a notebook. After using a system to identify those pages, donate those that may be of interest to libraries, senior centers, etc.
Phone Number Cheat SheetsI made what I refer to as "phone number cheat sheets." I happened to have several white cards that were in clear plastic envelopes, but any cardboard would work.
Use Small Photo Album for IdentificationBuy one of those Grandma's Brag Books with the cellophane pages for showing off pictures. Keep your stamps, medicine list, driver's license, proof of insurance, and car registration in each of those clear cellophane pages that are meant to hold/show off pictures.
Recycled Card HolderI've discovered a nice way to hold all your gift cards, grocery store reward cards, driver's license, or ID card. If you or someone you know is taking birth control pills, you know that each prescription comes with a little purple velvet pill carrying case.
Magnetic Board on RefrigeratorA few days ago I tried to put a magnetic whiteboard on our refrigerator. It would not stay put, it just kept sliding down because of the slick surface of the refrigerator.
Use Sectioned Food Containers For StorageA few years ago, a friend gave me a Christmas gift which was a deluxe assortment of nuts and candied nuts. They came in a round, thick, tough, plastic container with 6 sections and a lid.
Storing Multiple RemotesLike most households we have quite a few remotes. Here's my way of keeping them organized and not lost when not in use.
Store Remotes In Plastic Makeup BagMy husband recently asked me to purchase a couple of clear plastic makeup bags with zippers to place his various remote controls. This works perfect for him.
Organizing Electrical CordsTake empty toilet tissue or paper towel cardboards and use them to store extension cords, Christmas string lights, or any cords in them. They work great.
Styrofoam for Holding HardwareWhen assembling an item that comes with squares of hardware such as bookcases, you can put the nails and other hardware in the Styrofoam to keep them from rolling around.
Saving Newspaper CuttingsTo save newspaper cuttings, try using acid free tissue paper. Layer items that you want to keep between sheets of the paper, then put into a clear plastic wallet and store in a folder.
Organizing Your EarringsI often see questions on how to display or organize your earrings. When I have a chain, I often string it from one push pin to another and hang the hook kind from them.
Separate Small And Large ProjectsI've developed this over time for de-stressing, and just to keep my hands busy. I also like to sit and people watch while getting something done. I break my crochet projects into 2 categories: at home projects and anything I can stuff in a small bag, and take anywhere.
Storing FirewoodKeeping firewood elevated is so important. It not only keeps it safe from rain and the damp ground, but all the bugs and critters are less likely to move in. By keeping our wood off the ground, we have found that snakes are less likely to crawl in too.
Organizing Change the Easy WayI found four piggy banks, each one different, and put them on my night stand. Before going to bed, I get out my change from the day and place the change in the bank just for that coin.
Organizing Loose ChangeWe have a change jar sitting on the desk. When anyone finds change, of course they put it in the jar. After it gets about half full, our 12 year old daughter sorts it and puts it in gallon jars that are out of sight.
Organizing ChangeAs the treasurer for a small community group, I often have to carry heavy bags of coins to the bank. To lighten my load, I take the coins to my workplace - a pizza store - and exchange them for notes.
Organizing Loose ChangeI save loose change ALL year. At the end of November or first week of December, I roll the change or take it to the change counter. I use this money for my husband's Christmas gift. There was enough change for a Henry Rifle last year.
Organizing ChangeI use my empty prescription bottles for organizing change. The smallest bottle I get is exactly right for holding $10 worth of quarters. I haven't taken the time to count change into other sizes, but when I do, I'll be marking the lid with a Black Sharpie pen.
Small Tile for Message BoardI use a small tile for a dry erase board. You do not have to use dry erase markers. You can use color markers that are not permanent, like the kind the kids draw with. They are great for people to leave messages on, and the kids enjoy it a lot.
Saving Cards With AddressesMy father passed away recently and we were getting cards from all over and from people that my brother and I weren't familar with. Instead of trying to keep envelope with the card, I just tore off the return address and taped it to the back of the card.
Homemade Stringed Instrument HangersA creative tip straight from hubby on hanging guitars, etc., is to take 2 very large office clips/clamps and clip them on a bookcase about as far from each other as the width of the top of the instrument above the fretboard.
Keep Change of Clothes at WorkYou never know when you will need a change of clothes or a hygiene product. Working in the nursing field, you can run into so many things that can get on your clothing or make you smell bad.
Organizing Electric AdaptersI have a lot of things that use the adapters with the little black box on the cord that plugs in to the electrical outlet in order to use. Each one seems a different size.
Speaker Cover for Hanging EarringsI came across these car speaker covers in a free box recently. Folks are always asking about how to keep earrings separate, and the car speaker cover's little holes are perfect for them.
Needlepoint Canvas Earring HolderI made an earring holder, that can be adjusted to any size you need, out of a large embroidery hoop and needlepoint canvas.
Attach Remote to TV With VelcroI keep a remote controlled television in the kitchen where I watch the news and my favorite programs while cooking or cleaning. Attached to the TV is a DVD player with it's own remote.
ID Your CameraTake a picture of your name, address, and phone number with your camera and/or phone. That way if you lose it, someone who finds it will see the info if they look through it for help in identifying the owner.
Reusing Envelopes for ListsMy favorite way to make lists is to recycle used envelopes. I just turn them over and write my list on the back. The size is great, easy to manage and take with me!
Label Tops of Electric PlugsIt seems like every time I grab a plug to plug something in, I am holding the plug upside down. To make it quicker, I put a dot of red nail polish on the top of every plug.
Sort Spare Change For Exact ChangeWhat to do with all that unwanted change in coins? You don't want to ever count it. I keep 4 plastic containers in my kitchen drawer now (for quarters, dimes, nickels and pennies).
Use Prescription Bottles for Storing QuartersI save pill and film containers to put quarters in - for laundry, toll booths, snack vending machines, car wash, vacuum coin slots, or anything else I need quarters for in a hurry. They fit easily in my purse or in my car cup holder and they don't take up too much room.
Use Skirt Hanger for Storing RugsI have always wanted a better way of storing my Christmas decorative rugs instead of rolling them up. Since I freed up several skirt hangers, it dawned on me to use them to hang the rugs.
Storing Fishing LuresFishing season is just around the corner. Pick up CD organizers that have separate compartments to store all your fishing rigs, sinkers, small lures, etc. They keep everything tangle free and easy to find.
File Women Relatives by First NameHaving 4 daughters, I learned this trick with my address book. File them by their first names, not their last, because unfortunately, these can change with marriage and divorce and remarriage.
Organizing with BindersI love organizing. I've also worked in the office product industry for 29 years so I have had access to some pretty amazing organizational products. But the bottom line is that the key for organizing all my multiple projects is 3-ring binders.
