<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<rss version="2.0"
	xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"
	xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/"
	xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/"
	xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom"
	xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/"
	xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/"
	xmlns:georss="http://www.georss.org/georss" xmlns:geo="http://www.w3.org/2003/01/geo/wgs84_pos#" xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/"
	>

<channel>
	<title>CraigslistDad &#187; Organize</title>
	<atom:link href="http://declutterorganizerepurpose.wordpress.com/category/organize-2/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
	<link>http://declutterorganizerepurpose.wordpress.com</link>
	<description>Trying to make sense of it all...and sharing along the way!</description>
	<lastBuildDate>Sat, 20 Apr 2013 17:02:17 +0000</lastBuildDate>
	<language>en</language>
	<sy:updatePeriod>hourly</sy:updatePeriod>
	<sy:updateFrequency>1</sy:updateFrequency>
	<generator>http://wordpress.com/</generator>
<cloud domain='declutterorganizerepurpose.wordpress.com' port='80' path='/?rsscloud=notify' registerProcedure='' protocol='http-post' />
<image>
		<url>http://0.gravatar.com/blavatar/ecd49bd066cebdf4eca44a021aa570b3?s=96&#038;d=http%3A%2F%2Fs2.wp.com%2Fi%2Fbuttonw-com.png</url>
		<title>CraigslistDad &#187; Organize</title>
		<link>http://declutterorganizerepurpose.wordpress.com</link>
	</image>
	<atom:link rel="search" type="application/opensearchdescription+xml" href="http://declutterorganizerepurpose.wordpress.com/osd.xml" title="CraigslistDad" />
	<atom:link rel='hub' href='http://declutterorganizerepurpose.wordpress.com/?pushpress=hub'/>
		<item>
		<title>Organizing Your Kid&#8217;s Costumes &#8211; it is possible! Repurposing a Bookshelf</title>
		<link>http://declutterorganizerepurpose.wordpress.com/2012/02/17/organizing-your-kids-costumes-it-is-possible-repurposing-a-bookshelf/</link>
		<comments>http://declutterorganizerepurpose.wordpress.com/2012/02/17/organizing-your-kids-costumes-it-is-possible-repurposing-a-bookshelf/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 17 Feb 2012 20:05:14 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Craigslistdad</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[De-Clutter]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Organize]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Repurpose]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[organize kids costumes]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[organize kids dress up clothes]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[repurpose a bookshelf]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://declutterorganizerepurpose.wordpress.com/?p=1948</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Regardless if you find yourself a parent to either an aspiring princess or superhero &#8212; you will one day find yourself standing above a pile of costumes, masks, hats and accessories (pirate sword anyone? Rapunzel wig?).  We&#8217;ve tried different iterations on how to deal with this &#8211; but I just HAD TO share this ingenious [&#8230;]<img alt="" border="0" src="http://stats.wordpress.com/b.gif?host=declutterorganizerepurpose.wordpress.com&#038;blog=17675734&#038;post=1948&#038;subd=declutterorganizerepurpose&#038;ref=&#038;feed=1" width="1" height="1" />]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Regardless if you find yourself a parent to either an aspiring princess or superhero &#8212; you will one day find yourself standing above a pile of costumes, masks, hats and accessories (pirate sword anyone? Rapunzel wig?).  We&#8217;ve tried different iterations on how to deal with this &#8211; but I just HAD TO share this ingenious way a friend of mine (bluejeaner on Twitter) repurposed her shelf (on the cheap too!) .</p>
<div id="attachment_1949" class="wp-caption alignleft" style="width: 310px"><a href="http://declutterorganizerepurpose.files.wordpress.com/2012/02/img_2223.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1949" title="IMG_2223" src="http://declutterorganizerepurpose.files.wordpress.com/2012/02/img_2223.jpg?w=300&#038;h=225" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Shelving on the left is the way both sides used to look.</p></div>
<p>The best thing about this in my opinion is that the shelf can be re-converted back into a bookshelf after the kids outgrow their costume phase!</p>
<p>Remove top two shelves (she left the bottom shelf in for shoes) use a tension rod and hang curtain hooks &#8211; voila! The genius is in the simplicity.</p>
<p>We haven&#8217;t tried this yet, but I&#8217;m eyeing our tall book-case to convert into something like this pretty soon <img src='http://s0.wp.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' />  Here is another angle&#8211;</p>
<div id="attachment_1950" class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 235px"><a href="http://declutterorganizerepurpose.files.wordpress.com/2012/02/img_2224.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1950 " title="IMG_2224" src="http://declutterorganizerepurpose.files.wordpress.com/2012/02/img_2224.jpg?w=225&#038;h=300" alt="" width="225" height="300" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">A quick hang and you&#039;re set!</p></div>
<p>Hmmm&#8230; thinking this might also work well in a mudroom or entryway&#8230;</p>
<p>Do you have any interesting way you organize your kid&#8217;s costumes or clothing?</p>
<br />  <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/gocomments/declutterorganizerepurpose.wordpress.com/1948/"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/comments/declutterorganizerepurpose.wordpress.com/1948/" /></a> <img alt="" border="0" src="http://stats.wordpress.com/b.gif?host=declutterorganizerepurpose.wordpress.com&#038;blog=17675734&#038;post=1948&#038;subd=declutterorganizerepurpose&#038;ref=&#038;feed=1" width="1" height="1" />]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://declutterorganizerepurpose.wordpress.com/2012/02/17/organizing-your-kids-costumes-it-is-possible-repurposing-a-bookshelf/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>3</slash:comments>
	
		<media:content url="http://2.gravatar.com/avatar/5d6873ccdf7954d9041db080766ff392?s=96&#38;d=identicon&#38;r=G" medium="image">
			<media:title type="html">craigslistdad</media:title>
		</media:content>

		<media:content url="http://declutterorganizerepurpose.files.wordpress.com/2012/02/img_2223.jpg?w=300" medium="image">
			<media:title type="html">IMG_2223</media:title>
		</media:content>

		<media:content url="http://declutterorganizerepurpose.files.wordpress.com/2012/02/img_2224.jpg?w=225" medium="image">
			<media:title type="html">IMG_2224</media:title>
		</media:content>
	</item>
		<item>
		<title>How to Organize Your Kid&#8217;s Closet!</title>
		<link>http://declutterorganizerepurpose.wordpress.com/2011/11/01/how-to-organize-your-kids-closet/</link>
		<comments>http://declutterorganizerepurpose.wordpress.com/2011/11/01/how-to-organize-your-kids-closet/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 01 Nov 2011 17:00:06 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Craigslistdad</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Organize]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Recommendations]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[closet organization]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[closet organizing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[organize]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[organize a child's closet]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[organize a kid's closet]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://declutterorganizerepurpose.wordpress.com/?p=1830</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Wow &#8211; this article from Parents.Com is like a parent&#8217;s dream come true&#8230;at least for me!  It is chock full of great tips on how to organize a child&#8217;s closet for the child, and best of all, the items they suggest using are reasonably priced!  The only challenge is if the closet cannot be configured/set [&#8230;]<img alt="" border="0" src="http://stats.wordpress.com/b.gif?host=declutterorganizerepurpose.wordpress.com&#038;blog=17675734&#038;post=1830&#038;subd=declutterorganizerepurpose&#038;ref=&#038;feed=1" width="1" height="1" />]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Wow &#8211; this <a href="http://www.parents.com/parents/templates/slideshow/member/printableSlideShowAll.jsp?slideid=/templatedata/parents/slideshow/data/1311021764785.xml&amp;printAll=true&amp;page=1" target="_blank">article</a> from <a href="http://www.parents.com/parenting/clean-your-kids-closet/?page=1" target="_blank">Parents.Com </a>is like a parent&#8217;s dream come true&#8230;at least for me!  It is chock full of great tips on how to organize a child&#8217;s closet for the child, and best of all, the items they suggest using are reasonably priced!  The only challenge is if the closet cannot be configured/set up this way, but you can still make some of these great tips work for you!</p>
<p>Some of my personal favorite tips from this article are <strong>&#8216;Maximizing Space&#8217;</strong> via a 3 shelf organizer with canvas shelf bins &#8211; great for underwear, socks, etc.  as my 5-year-old doesn&#8217;t have a real dresser of her own and we have been using canvas bins on a shelf for these items.  The &#8220;<strong>Sort the Wash</strong>&#8221; laundry hamper also geta  big thumbs up from me!  Makes doing the laundry easier and gives your child some more simple organizational responsibility!  I also love the <strong>&#8216;Days of the Week Closet Organizer&#8217;</strong>, where my daughter can just open her closet and change into her clothes for school each day!</p>
<p>Do you have any tips and tricks to share?  Please leave a comment to do so <img src='http://s0.wp.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':-)' class='wp-smiley' /> </p>
<h1>Clean Your Kid&#8217;s Closet</h1>
<div>
<div id="sldpntltcol"><img src="http://images.meredith.com/parents/images/2011/07/ss_101755854.jpg" alt="Clean Closet" border="0" /></div>
<div id="sldpntrtcol">
<div>Hello, Clean Closet!</div>
<p>Organizing your child&#8217;s wardrobe doesn&#8217;t have to be an all-day affair. Follow these simple steps to make over even the messiest closet in no time!</p>
</div>
<div></div>
</div>
<div>
<div id="sldpntltcol"><a href="http://www.onestepahead.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=537115" target="windowName"><img src="http://images.meredith.com/parents/images/2011/07/ss_101755858.jpg" alt="Clothing Organizers" border="0" /></a></div>
<div id="sldpntrtcol">
<div>Organize Clothes</div>
<p>Kids can dress themselves when outfits are neatly placed in the Days of the Week Closet Organizer. $30; onestepahead.com</p>
<p><a href="http://www.onestepahead.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=537115" target="windowName">Buy Days of the Week Closet Organizer from onestepahead.com.</a></p>
</div>
<div></div>
</div>
<div>
<div id="sldpntltcol"><img src="http://images.meredith.com/parents/images/2011/07/ss_101755854a.jpg" alt="Second Closet Rod" border="0" /></div>
<div id="sldpntrtcol">
<div>Hang Low</div>
<p>Create easy access to everyday clothes by installing a second rod that can simply be removed as your child grows.</p>
</div>
<div></div>
</div>
<div>
<div id="sldpntltcol"><a href="http://www.burlingtoncoatfactory.com/" target="windowName"><img src="http://images.meredith.com/parents/images/2011/07/ss_101755856.jpg" alt="3-Shelf Organizer" border="0" /></a></div>
<div id="sldpntrtcol">
<div>Maximize Space</div>
<p>Make use of the area above the lower bar by installing a 3-shelf organizer, then and add canvas shelf bins to keep clothes from falling out. Hanging organizers, $7; burlingtoncoatfactory.com and shelf bins, $7 each; landofnod.com</p>
<p><a href="http://www.burlingtoncoatfactory.com/" target="windowName">Buy 3-shelf organizer from burlingtoncoatfactory.com</a><a href="http://www.landofnod.com/closet-storage/kids/i-think-i-canvas-shelf-bin/f6791" target="windowName">Buy canvas shelf bins from landofnod.com</a></p>
</div>
<div></div>
</div>
<div>
<div id="sldpntltcol"><a href="http://www.anyrandomjane.com/index.php/tag-kits/the-tag-kit" target="_parent"><img src="http://images.meredith.com/parents/images/2011/07/ss_101755855.jpg" alt="Labeled Bins" border="0" /></a></div>
<div id="sldpntrtcol">
<div>Tag Containers</div>
<p>Store off-season or infrequently worn garments in labeled bins on the top shelf. Tag Kit $20, Orange Bin Set $8 for 2; stacksandstacks.com and Gingham Storage Bins $13 to $15 each; containerstore.com</p>
<p><a href="http://www.anyrandomjane.com/index.php/tag-kits/the-tag-kit">Buy Tag Kit at anyrandomjane.com</a><a href="http://www.stacksandstacks.com/riverridge-kids-two-piece-folding-storage-bin-set" target="windowName">Buy Orange Bin Set at stacksandstacks.com</a><a href="http://www.containerstore.com/shop/storage/openBinsBaskets/naturalMaterials?productId=10029535" target="windowName">Buy Gingham Storage Bins at containerstore.com</a></p>
</div>
<div></div>
</div>
<div>
<div id="sldpntltcol"><a href="http://www.organize.com/3sectiontotewh.html" target="windowName"><img src="http://images.meredith.com/parents/images/2011/07/ss_101755857.jpg" alt="Portable Hamper Tote" border="0" /></a></div>
<div id="sldpntrtcol">
<div>Sort the Wash</div>
<p>Make separating laundry simple by tucking this portable Hamper Tote in the bottom of the closet. $42; organize.com</p>
<p><a href="http://www.organize.com/3sectiontotewh.html" target="windowName">Buy Portable Hamper Tote at organize.com</a></p>
</div>
<div></div>
</div>
<div>
<div id="sldpntltcol"><a href="https://www.oreoriginals.com/estore/search.do?index=0&amp;viewAll=true&amp;search=closet+dividers" target="windowName"><img src="http://images.meredith.com/parents/images/2011/07/ss_101774245.jpg" alt="Closet Dividers" border="0" /></a></div>
<div id="sldpntrtcol">
<div>Group Garments</div>
<p>Closet dividers help keep items together by size, type or season. $12 for 5; oreoriginals.com</p>
<p><a href="https://www.oreoriginals.com/estore/search.do?index=0&amp;viewAll=true&amp;search=closet+dividers" target="windowName">Buy Closet Dividers at oreoriginals.com</a></p>
</div>
<div></div>
</div>
<div>
<div id="sldpntltcol"><a href="http://www.containerstore.com/shop/storage/stackingBinsBaskets?productId=10006896" target="windowName"><img src="http://images.meredith.com/parents/images/2011/07/ss_101755858a.jpg" alt="Plastic Stackable Baskets" border="0" /></a></div>
<div id="sldpntrtcol">
<div>Store More Shoes</div>
<p>Get your kid&#8217;s kicks off the floor and into these plastic stackable baskets. $6 each; containerstore.com</p>
<p><a href="http://www.containerstore.com/shop/storage/stackingBinsBaskets?productId=10006896" target="windowName">Buy plastic stackable baskets at containerstore.com</a></p>
</div>
<div></div>
</div>
<div>
<div id="sldpntltcol"><a href="http://www.walmart.com/ip/Grow-with-Me-3-in-1-Adjustable-Length-Hanger/15161968" target="windowName"><img src="http://images.meredith.com/parents/images/2011/07/ss_101774246.jpg" alt="Expandable Hangers" border="0" /></a></div>
<div id="sldpntrtcol">
<div>Expand Hangers</div>
<p>Grow-with-Me Hangers adjust to hold big and small kids&#8217; tops. $8 for 3; walmart.com</p>
<p><a href="http://www.walmart.com/ip/Grow-with-Me-3-in-1-Adjustable-Length-Hanger/15161968" target="windowName">Buy grow-with-me Hangers at walmart.com</a></p>
</div>
<div></div>
</div>
<div>
<div id="sldpntltcol"><a href="http://www.toysrus.com/search/index.jsp?kwCatId=&amp;kw=kidkraft%20step%20n%20stores&amp;origkw=kidkraft%20step%20n%20stores&amp;f=Taxonomy/TRUS/2255957&amp;sr=1" target="windowName"><img src="http://images.meredith.com/parents/images/2011/07/ss_101755858b.jpg" alt="Step Stool" border="0" /></a></div>
<div id="sldpntrtcol">
<div>Access with Ease</div>
<p>A step stool, like Kidkraft&#8217;s Step &#8216;N Store, helps kids reach stuff off the top shelf. $30; toysrus.com</p>
<p><em>Originally published in the September 2011 issue of</em> Parents<em> magazine.</em></p>
<p><a href="http://www.toysrus.com/search/index.jsp?kwCatId=&amp;kw=kidkraft%20step%20n%20stores&amp;origkw=kidkraft%20step%20n%20stores&amp;f=Taxonomy/TRUS/2255957&amp;sr=1" target="windowName">Buy Kidkraft&#8217;s Step &#8216;N Store from toysrus.com</a></p>
</div>
<div></div>
</div>
<p><img src="http://images.meredith.com/bhg/images/temps/bhgshell/shim.gif" alt="shim" width="300" height="1" /></p>
<hr />
<div><img title="parents" src="http://images.meredith.com/parents/images/template/shell/logo_footer.gif" alt="parents" /><br />
<a href="http://www.parents.comBringing" rel="nofollow">http://www.parents.comBringing</a> together the power of respected magazine brands including American Baby and Parents, the Parents Network is your go-to destination for parenting information. From first kicks to first steps and on to the first day of school, we are here to help you celebrate the joys and navigate the challenges of parenthood.© Copyright2011 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved.</div>
<br />  <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/gocomments/declutterorganizerepurpose.wordpress.com/1830/"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/comments/declutterorganizerepurpose.wordpress.com/1830/" /></a> <img alt="" border="0" src="http://stats.wordpress.com/b.gif?host=declutterorganizerepurpose.wordpress.com&#038;blog=17675734&#038;post=1830&#038;subd=declutterorganizerepurpose&#038;ref=&#038;feed=1" width="1" height="1" />]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://declutterorganizerepurpose.wordpress.com/2011/11/01/how-to-organize-your-kids-closet/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
	
		<media:content url="http://2.gravatar.com/avatar/5d6873ccdf7954d9041db080766ff392?s=96&#38;d=identicon&#38;r=G" medium="image">
			<media:title type="html">craigslistdad</media:title>
		</media:content>

		<media:content url="http://images.meredith.com/parents/images/2011/07/ss_101755854.jpg" medium="image">
			<media:title type="html">Clean Closet</media:title>
		</media:content>

		<media:content url="http://images.meredith.com/parents/images/2011/07/ss_101755858.jpg" medium="image">
			<media:title type="html">Clothing Organizers</media:title>
		</media:content>

		<media:content url="http://images.meredith.com/parents/images/2011/07/ss_101755854a.jpg" medium="image">
			<media:title type="html">Second Closet Rod</media:title>
		</media:content>

		<media:content url="http://images.meredith.com/parents/images/2011/07/ss_101755856.jpg" medium="image">
			<media:title type="html">3-Shelf Organizer</media:title>
		</media:content>

		<media:content url="http://images.meredith.com/parents/images/2011/07/ss_101755855.jpg" medium="image">
			<media:title type="html">Labeled Bins</media:title>
		</media:content>

		<media:content url="http://images.meredith.com/parents/images/2011/07/ss_101755857.jpg" medium="image">
			<media:title type="html">Portable Hamper Tote</media:title>
		</media:content>

		<media:content url="http://images.meredith.com/parents/images/2011/07/ss_101774245.jpg" medium="image">
			<media:title type="html">Closet Dividers</media:title>
		</media:content>

		<media:content url="http://images.meredith.com/parents/images/2011/07/ss_101755858a.jpg" medium="image">
			<media:title type="html">Plastic Stackable Baskets</media:title>
		</media:content>

		<media:content url="http://images.meredith.com/parents/images/2011/07/ss_101774246.jpg" medium="image">
			<media:title type="html">Expandable Hangers</media:title>
		</media:content>

		<media:content url="http://images.meredith.com/parents/images/2011/07/ss_101755858b.jpg" medium="image">
			<media:title type="html">Step Stool</media:title>
		</media:content>

		<media:content url="http://images.meredith.com/bhg/images/temps/bhgshell/shim.gif" medium="image">
			<media:title type="html">shim</media:title>
		</media:content>

		<media:content url="http://images.meredith.com/parents/images/template/shell/logo_footer.gif" medium="image">
			<media:title type="html">parents</media:title>
		</media:content>
	</item>
		<item>
		<title>Organizing the Arts and Craft Area &#8211; Voila! Part 2</title>
		<link>http://declutterorganizerepurpose.wordpress.com/2011/10/27/organizing-the-arts-and-craft-area-voila-part-2/</link>
		<comments>http://declutterorganizerepurpose.wordpress.com/2011/10/27/organizing-the-arts-and-craft-area-voila-part-2/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 27 Oct 2011 15:30:18 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Craigslistdad</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[De-Clutter]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Organize]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Recommendations]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Reviews/Giveaways]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[brother p-touch labeler]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[organizing]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://declutterorganizerepurpose.wordpress.com/?p=1770</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[It always surprises us how BAD things get when you are in the process of organizing anything.  The mounds of clutter, the piles of things that needs to be thrown or given away.  Ugh!  And doing this with a toddler who wants in on any activity didn&#8217;t make it any easier. OK, I&#8217;m done with [&#8230;]<img alt="" border="0" src="http://stats.wordpress.com/b.gif?host=declutterorganizerepurpose.wordpress.com&#038;blog=17675734&#038;post=1770&#038;subd=declutterorganizerepurpose&#038;ref=&#038;feed=1" width="1" height="1" />]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>It always surprises us how BAD things get when you are in the process of <a class="zem_slink" title="Organizing" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Organizing" rel="wikipedia">organizing</a> anything.  The mounds of clutter, the piles of things that needs to be thrown or given away.  Ugh!  And doing this with a toddler who wants in on any activity didn&#8217;t make it any easier.</p>
<p>OK, I&#8217;m done with the whining. :0)</p>
<p>What really helped was knowing that our 5-year-old would end up having a creative and most importantly &#8216;<em>functional&#8217;</em> space for herself.  We wanted a space that would be easy to clean up because it wasn&#8217;t so cluttered and unorganized.  Here are some things we had to think about when we were planning out the space:</p>
<ul>
<li>What does she enjoy doing there? (For her it was, writing in her journal, drawing, coloring, crafts, making cards)</li>
<li>What items needs to be easily accessible to her (ie. her <a class="zem_slink" title="Coloring book" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coloring_book" rel="wikipedia">coloring books</a>, crayons, etc.) and what shouldn&#8217;t be (ie. glue gun, beads etc.)?</li>
<li>What doesn&#8217;t belong there, and why does it keep on showing up there? (toys, hats, coats, sunblock, etc.) and how do we address that?</li>
<li>How do we label the different aspects of the space where it would be easily understandable by a 5-year-old?</li>
</ul>
<p>After the initial mess of piling everything into groups and weeding out what doesn&#8217;t need to be there, we were surprised to see that we do have space!  Here are a couple of organizing materials that really helped.  I have to admit this was our THIRD time trying to make sense of this space.  So I think these things really helped make this time matter.</p>
<p><strong><a class="zem_slink" title="Label printer applicator" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Label_printer_applicator" rel="wikipedia">Labeler</a></strong></p>
<div id="attachment_1837" class="wp-caption alignleft" style="width: 233px"><a href="http://declutterorganizerepurpose.files.wordpress.com/2011/10/img_3787.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1837" title="IMG_3787" src="http://declutterorganizerepurpose.files.wordpress.com/2011/10/img_3787.jpg?w=223&#038;h=300" alt="" width="223" height="300" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Our new Labeler!</p></div>
<p>We were lucky to be able to participate in the <a href="http://www.brother-usa.com/Ptouch/PTouch_Desktop/" target="_blank"><strong>Brother P-touch</strong> </a>program.  We never had a labeler, I looked into buying one eons ago, but never got around to actually purchasing one (life happens).  My experience with labelers were those dymo things when I was a teenager and it was never easy to use and I don&#8217;t think I ever really used that to organize anything either.  Lately we&#8217;ve been pathetically using <a class="zem_slink" title="Post-it note" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Post-it_note" rel="wikipedia">post-it notes</a> and white sticker <a class="zem_slink" title="Label" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Label" rel="wikipedia">labels</a> that you hand write on &#8211; I found one on the floor a couple of weeks ago and it took me a while to figure out where it goes!  Some things that surprised me (as a novice labeler):</p>
<p>- It&#8217;s actually was quite easy to print out the labels &#8211; in the midst of organizing the space I really didn&#8217;t want ANYTHING that needed a learning curve.  It was VERY straight-forward.  In fact even inserting the label tape/ink cartridge was idiot proof with a drawing of the cartridge etched into the spot!</p>
<p>- The labels aren&#8217;t permanently welded in place after sticking them on.  After a couple of weeks I was still able to move one label from one spot to the other &#8211; it was on plastic though, but still it transferred well and re-stuck well.</p>
<p>- You can&#8217;t beat how NEAT labels look compared to hand-written post its (yeah, I know&#8230; duh)</p>
<p>- The designs available were easy to use too &#8211; I used a plain rounded edged rectangle for most of my labels, while for my boxes and storage containers I used something that looked like a clipboard.</p>
<p>The way I organized our space &#8211; things Julia has access to in the bottom shelves, and more &#8216;storage&#8217; items on the top shelves.  I placed items first prior to affixing the labels in order to get a feel for where they are.</p>
<p><strong><a class="zem_slink" title="Arts and Crafts Movement" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arts_and_Crafts_Movement" rel="wikipedia">Arts and Crafts</a> Double Tower </strong></p>
<div id="attachment_1810" class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 235px"><a href="http://declutterorganizerepurpose.files.wordpress.com/2011/10/img_1890.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1810" title="IMG_1890" src="http://declutterorganizerepurpose.files.wordpress.com/2011/10/img_1890.jpg?w=225&#038;h=300" alt="" width="225" height="300" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">(sfx: Angels singing) Our New Storage Tower! All labeled up and ready to go...</p></div>
<p>After going through multiple iterations of storage choices &#8211; ie. boxes, baskets, drawer units &#8211; We realized that having multiple places to put things just leads to more clutter and not much organization.  By pure fluke we happened upon our local education/school supplies store&#8217;s back to school sale and found exactly what we needed!  At first 20 drawers felt like a lot, but in reality it was just enough so that <em>everything</em> literally has a place and isn&#8217;t cluttered into one big drawer or container.</p>
<p>So now, scissors has a drawer of its own, so does tape, <a class="zem_slink" title="Pencil" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pencil" rel="wikipedia">colored pencils</a>, and markers &#8211; just to name a few, but you get my point.  I also decided against going alphabetical, since this was to be used daily by my 5-year-old.  I opted to go from most used (colored pencils, stamps, scissors, tape, markers) on the top half and less used on the bottom (<a class="zem_slink" title="Pipe cleaner" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pipe_cleaner" rel="wikipedia">pipe cleaners</a>, glitter glue, pom poms, etc).</p>
<p>The final result is below!  I have resigned myself to the fact that an area filled with all these minute items will never truly look pristine.  But at the very least it is now functional, and best of all &#8211; everything has its place now. <img src='http://s1.wp.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_surprised.gif' alt=':o' class='wp-smiley' /> )</p>
<div id="attachment_1809" class="wp-caption alignleft" style="width: 235px"><a href="http://declutterorganizerepurpose.files.wordpress.com/2011/10/img_1889.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1809" title="IMG_1889" src="http://declutterorganizerepurpose.files.wordpress.com/2011/10/img_1889.jpg?w=225&#038;h=300" alt="" width="225" height="300" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Re-positioned the table, made a new tabletop cover, reorganized everything and Voila! the new space!</p></div>
<p>One last tip &#8212; I found this plastic cloth-by-the-yard at <a class="zem_slink" title="Michaels" href="http://www.michaels.com" rel="homepage">Michaels</a> that really helped make the table more interesting  and like-new again &#8211;  we simply  taped it to the bottom of the table (much like when gift wrapping) and tucked some colorful tissue in between for color.</p>
<p>We aren&#8217;t exactly poster children of organizing, but there are two things that make us go through the rigors of organizing</p>
<p>&#8211; We seem to love our <em>stuff  </em>and with two kids there never seems to be an end to the amount of <em>stuff </em>we have all over the place.  With stuff accumulation comes the burden of organizing the stuff!</p>
<p>&#8211; We want our kids to live in an environment where they can actually have fun, relax, learn, and be kids &#8211; without the clutter, junk and mess.</p>
<p>&#8211; With the daily grind of life, things are hectic enough without the stress of trying to find something every hour or so.  (Where are those <a class="zem_slink" title="Scissors" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scissors" rel="wikipedia">pair of scissors</a>?  Where is that little empty drawstring bag?  I swear I have a jar of <a class="zem_slink" title="Googly eyes" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Googly_eyes" rel="wikipedia">googly eyes</a> somewhere!)</p>
<p>&#8211; And with the ability of finding something and knowing where things should be, comes the $$ savings from not having to go out and buy more thinking that you&#8217;re out.  (I wasn&#8217;t REALLY trying to accumulate 5 bottles of Elmer&#8217;s glue!)</p>
<p>Hope this helps somewhat <img src='http://s0.wp.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':-)' class='wp-smiley' />   If you have any organizational tips please do share by leaving a comment on this blog post &#8211; would love to hear your tips!!!</p>
<p><em>Disclaimer</em></p>
<p><em>I wrote this review while participating in a campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Brother P-Touch and received a product and gift card to facilitate my review and a promotional item to thank me for taking the time to participate.</em></p>
<h6 class="zemanta-related-title" style="font-size:1em;">Related articles</h6>
<ul class="zemanta-article-ul">
<li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://declutterorganizerepurpose.wordpress.com/2011/10/24/reorganizing-our-arts-and-craft-area-heaven-help-us-part-1/">Reorganizing Our Arts and Craft Area (Heaven Help Us) Part 1</a> (declutterorganizerepurpose.wordpress.com)</li>
<li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://declutterorganizerepurpose.wordpress.com/2011/08/16/label-challenge-reviewing-the-brother-p-touch-labeler/">Label Challenge! Reviewing the Brother P-Touch Labeler</a> (declutterorganizerepurpose.wordpress.com)</li>
<li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://r.zemanta.com/?u=http%3A//www.cnn.com/2011/10/13/living/organizing/index.html&amp;a=58257280&amp;rid=0000010d-b5d6-000F-0000-0000000006ea&amp;e=688b76bf04f67839e85b6cd58f3b66b3">Clever organizing tricks and storage ideas</a> (cnn.com)</li>
</ul>
<br />  <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/gocomments/declutterorganizerepurpose.wordpress.com/1770/"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/comments/declutterorganizerepurpose.wordpress.com/1770/" /></a> <img alt="" border="0" src="http://stats.wordpress.com/b.gif?host=declutterorganizerepurpose.wordpress.com&#038;blog=17675734&#038;post=1770&#038;subd=declutterorganizerepurpose&#038;ref=&#038;feed=1" width="1" height="1" />]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://declutterorganizerepurpose.wordpress.com/2011/10/27/organizing-the-arts-and-craft-area-voila-part-2/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
	
		<media:content url="http://2.gravatar.com/avatar/5d6873ccdf7954d9041db080766ff392?s=96&#38;d=identicon&#38;r=G" medium="image">
			<media:title type="html">craigslistdad</media:title>
		</media:content>

		<media:content url="http://declutterorganizerepurpose.files.wordpress.com/2011/10/img_3787.jpg?w=223" medium="image">
			<media:title type="html">IMG_3787</media:title>
		</media:content>

		<media:content url="http://declutterorganizerepurpose.files.wordpress.com/2011/10/img_1890.jpg?w=225" medium="image">
			<media:title type="html">IMG_1890</media:title>
		</media:content>

		<media:content url="http://declutterorganizerepurpose.files.wordpress.com/2011/10/img_1889.jpg?w=225" medium="image">
			<media:title type="html">IMG_1889</media:title>
		</media:content>
	</item>
		<item>
		<title>Reorganizing Our Arts and Craft Area (Heaven Help Us) Part 1</title>
		<link>http://declutterorganizerepurpose.wordpress.com/2011/10/24/reorganizing-our-arts-and-craft-area-heaven-help-us-part-1/</link>
		<comments>http://declutterorganizerepurpose.wordpress.com/2011/10/24/reorganizing-our-arts-and-craft-area-heaven-help-us-part-1/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 24 Oct 2011 17:45:09 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Craigslistdad</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[De-Clutter]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Organize]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[arts and crafts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[decluttering]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[kid's art area]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[organizing]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://declutterorganizerepurpose.wordpress.com/?p=1742</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[SO&#8230; as usual our lives take over, our schedules go hay-wire and the first to suffer is our (seemingly) nicely organized art area. Primarily it&#8217;s because it is right by where we enter the house from our attached garage, so everything we are holding as we enter gets dumped there, likewise, as we leave the [&#8230;]<img alt="" border="0" src="http://stats.wordpress.com/b.gif?host=declutterorganizerepurpose.wordpress.com&#038;blog=17675734&#038;post=1742&#038;subd=declutterorganizerepurpose&#038;ref=&#038;feed=1" width="1" height="1" />]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div id="attachment_1795" class="wp-caption alignleft" style="width: 211px"><a href="http://declutterorganizerepurpose.files.wordpress.com/2011/11/img_3922.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1795 " title="IMG_3922" src="http://declutterorganizerepurpose.files.wordpress.com/2011/11/img_3922.jpg?w=201&#038;h=270" alt="" width="201" height="270" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Gets worse, before it gets better - Making Piles</p></div>
<p>SO&#8230; as usual our lives take over, our schedules go hay-wire and the first to suffer is our (seemingly) nicely organized art area. Primarily it&#8217;s because it is right by where we enter the house from our attached garage, so everything we are holding as we enter gets dumped there, likewise, as we leave the house everything the kids are holding gets dumped there as well. Our intention for this area was for our older daughter Julia to have an arts and craft area to herself (emphasis on herself) where she can write in her journal, draw, color, etc. without us worrying about Stella (22 months of energy) getting in her way.</p>
<div id="attachment_1793" class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 310px"><a href="http://declutterorganizerepurpose.files.wordpress.com/2011/11/img_3696.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1793" title="IMG_3696" src="http://declutterorganizerepurpose.files.wordpress.com/2011/11/img_3696.jpg?w=300&#038;h=224" alt="" width="300" height="224" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">The Dreaded</p></div>
<p>We started with really thinking through what needs to be in the area &#8211; her art supplies, craft supplies, her artwork, and if there is room, a small cubby for her &#8216;going out and keeping busy&#8217; items &#8211; crayons, coloring books, note pads, markers, her <a class="zem_slink" title="Leapster" href="http://www.leapfrog.com/en/families/leapster.leapster_systems.html" rel="homepage">Leapster</a>, etc.</p>
<p>What to get rid of &#8211; ahhh executive decisions!</p>
<p>1. Incomplete (ie. unusable) craft kits</p>
<p>2. Glue/markers &#8211; anything that have lost their caps and WILL DRY OUT</p>
<p>3. Semi-dried out <a class="zem_slink" title="Play-Doh" href="http://www.hasbro.com/playdoh/" rel="homepage">play doh</a> &#8212; ugh</p>
<p>4. Sentimental half done crafts or &#8216;Art&#8217;</p>
<p>We then sorted everything into piles. Our piles:</p>
<p>- craft items &#8211; subdivided into complete kits (ie <a class="zem_slink" title="Shrinky Dinks" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shrinky_Dinks" rel="wikipedia">shrinky dinks</a>, magnet sets, etc.) and craft &#8216;ingredients&#8217; &#8211; ie. eyes, puff-ball thingies, <a class="zem_slink" title="Pipe cleaner" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pipe_cleaner" rel="wikipedia">pipe cleaners</a>, stickers, etc.</p>
<p>- art items &#8211; brushes, paint, fabric paint, glitter glue, finger paint</p>
<p>- paper differing sizes and color</p>
<p>- toys (yeah they got in here)</p>
<p>- take out/car trip arts and crafts (small boxes of crayons, small tubs of playdoh, etc.)</p>
<p>- one tote for our 22 month old&#8217;s stuff&#8230;</p>
<p>We emptied out EVERYTHING! All our little drawers and pen holders &#8211; in short, things we thought would help us keep organized but didn&#8217;t. We ended up with (believe it or not) FIVE different empty organizational containers that we didn&#8217;t need anyway.</p>
<p>I am embarrassed to say, it took us about two weeks to do everything, so yes, we lived in our mess for a while. With two active girls to feed, clothe, bath, read, play, etc., our time is limited and honestly letting them &#8216;help&#8217; is NO help <img src='http://s0.wp.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':-)' class='wp-smiley' /> </p>
<p>The grand unveiling of how it all turns out is in the next post&#8230; Stay tuned!!!</p>
<h6 class="zemanta-related-title" style="font-size:1em;">Related articles</h6>
<ul class="zemanta-article-ul">
<li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://declutterorganizerepurpose.wordpress.com/2011/08/23/repurposing-pasta-for-kids-crafts/">Repurposing Pasta for Kid&#8217;s Crafts!</a> (declutterorganizerepurpose.wordpress.com)</li>
</ul>
<br />  <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/gocomments/declutterorganizerepurpose.wordpress.com/1742/"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/comments/declutterorganizerepurpose.wordpress.com/1742/" /></a> <img alt="" border="0" src="http://stats.wordpress.com/b.gif?host=declutterorganizerepurpose.wordpress.com&#038;blog=17675734&#038;post=1742&#038;subd=declutterorganizerepurpose&#038;ref=&#038;feed=1" width="1" height="1" />]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://declutterorganizerepurpose.wordpress.com/2011/10/24/reorganizing-our-arts-and-craft-area-heaven-help-us-part-1/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>2</slash:comments>
	
		<media:content url="http://2.gravatar.com/avatar/5d6873ccdf7954d9041db080766ff392?s=96&#38;d=identicon&#38;r=G" medium="image">
			<media:title type="html">craigslistdad</media:title>
		</media:content>

		<media:content url="http://declutterorganizerepurpose.files.wordpress.com/2011/11/img_3922.jpg?w=223" medium="image">
			<media:title type="html">IMG_3922</media:title>
		</media:content>

		<media:content url="http://declutterorganizerepurpose.files.wordpress.com/2011/11/img_3696.jpg?w=300" medium="image">
			<media:title type="html">IMG_3696</media:title>
		</media:content>
	</item>
		<item>
		<title>Organize &amp; Display Kid&#8217;s Dress-Up Clothes</title>
		<link>http://declutterorganizerepurpose.wordpress.com/2011/09/30/organize-display-kids-dress-up-clothes/</link>
		<comments>http://declutterorganizerepurpose.wordpress.com/2011/09/30/organize-display-kids-dress-up-clothes/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 30 Sep 2011 17:54:34 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Craigslistdad</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Organize]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Parenting]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Repurpose]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[organizing dress-up clothes]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[repuropose clothing rack]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://declutterorganizerepurpose.wordpress.com/?p=1771</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[My 5 year-old daughter LOVES to play dress-up and between Halloween costumes, hand-me-downs from her cousin and stage outfits from her dance class, we have accumulated a good amount of dress-up clothes!  We use to keep her dress-up clothes in a plastic tote, but then as the tote began to really fill up it wasn&#8217;t as fun to have [&#8230;]<img alt="" border="0" src="http://stats.wordpress.com/b.gif?host=declutterorganizerepurpose.wordpress.com&#038;blog=17675734&#038;post=1771&#038;subd=declutterorganizerepurpose&#038;ref=&#038;feed=1" width="1" height="1" />]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<a href='http://declutterorganizerepurpose.wordpress.com/2011/09/30/organize-display-kids-dress-up-clothes/rack-box/' title='Rack box'><img data-liked='0' data-reblogged='0' data-attachment-id="1772" data-orig-file="http://declutterorganizerepurpose.files.wordpress.com/2011/09/rack-box.jpg" data-orig-size="1936,2592" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;2.8&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;iPhone 4&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1317070097&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;3.85&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;160&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.066666666666667&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;}" data-image-title="Rack box" data-image-description="" data-medium-file="http://declutterorganizerepurpose.files.wordpress.com/2011/09/rack-box.jpg?w=224" data-large-file="http://declutterorganizerepurpose.files.wordpress.com/2011/09/rack-box.jpg?w=490" width="112" height="150" src="http://declutterorganizerepurpose.files.wordpress.com/2011/09/rack-box.jpg?w=112&#038;h=150" class="attachment-thumbnail" alt="Rack box" /></a>
<a href='http://declutterorganizerepurpose.wordpress.com/2011/09/30/organize-display-kids-dress-up-clothes/rack-close-up-box/' title='Rack close up box'><img data-liked='0' data-reblogged='0' data-attachment-id="1773" data-orig-file="http://declutterorganizerepurpose.files.wordpress.com/2011/09/rack-close-up-box.jpg" data-orig-size="1936,2592" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;2.8&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;iPhone 4&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1317070164&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;3.85&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;125&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.066666666666667&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;}" data-image-title="Rack close up box" data-image-description="" data-medium-file="http://declutterorganizerepurpose.files.wordpress.com/2011/09/rack-close-up-box.jpg?w=224" data-large-file="http://declutterorganizerepurpose.files.wordpress.com/2011/09/rack-close-up-box.jpg?w=490" width="112" height="150" src="http://declutterorganizerepurpose.files.wordpress.com/2011/09/rack-close-up-box.jpg?w=112&#038;h=150" class="attachment-thumbnail" alt="Rack close up box" /></a>
<a href='http://declutterorganizerepurpose.wordpress.com/2011/09/30/organize-display-kids-dress-up-clothes/clothes-rack/' title='Clothes Rack'><img data-liked='0' data-reblogged='0' data-attachment-id="1774" data-orig-file="http://declutterorganizerepurpose.files.wordpress.com/2011/09/clothes-rack.jpg" data-orig-size="1936,2592" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;2.8&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;iPhone 4&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1317070353&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;3.85&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;320&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.066666666666667&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;}" data-image-title="Clothes Rack" data-image-description="" data-medium-file="http://declutterorganizerepurpose.files.wordpress.com/2011/09/clothes-rack.jpg?w=224" data-large-file="http://declutterorganizerepurpose.files.wordpress.com/2011/09/clothes-rack.jpg?w=490" width="112" height="150" src="http://declutterorganizerepurpose.files.wordpress.com/2011/09/clothes-rack.jpg?w=112&#038;h=150" class="attachment-thumbnail" alt="Clothes Rack" /></a>

<p>My 5 year-old daughter LOVES to play dress-up and between Halloween costumes, hand-me-downs from her cousin and stage outfits from her dance class, we have accumulated a good amount of dress-up clothes!  We use to keep her dress-up clothes in a plastic tote, but then as the tote began to really fill up it wasn&#8217;t as fun to have to dig around and find an outfit to wear and play in.  So we <strong>repurposed </strong>a height adjustable rolling clothes rack to organize and display her dress-up clothes!</p>
<p>It really works like a charm!  We found ours for $15 at <a href="http://www.biglots.com/store-locator" target="_blank">Big Lots</a>.  It was easy to assemble and took less than 10 minutes to put together!  Plus with this being height adjustable, as our daughter grows, we can raise the height of the rack!  So, by thinking outside of the box/tote, our daughter has a nice was to select and take care of her dress-up clothes!</p>
<br />  <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/gocomments/declutterorganizerepurpose.wordpress.com/1771/"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/comments/declutterorganizerepurpose.wordpress.com/1771/" /></a> <img alt="" border="0" src="http://stats.wordpress.com/b.gif?host=declutterorganizerepurpose.wordpress.com&#038;blog=17675734&#038;post=1771&#038;subd=declutterorganizerepurpose&#038;ref=&#038;feed=1" width="1" height="1" />]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://declutterorganizerepurpose.wordpress.com/2011/09/30/organize-display-kids-dress-up-clothes/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
	
		<media:content url="http://2.gravatar.com/avatar/5d6873ccdf7954d9041db080766ff392?s=96&#38;d=identicon&#38;r=G" medium="image">
			<media:title type="html">craigslistdad</media:title>
		</media:content>

		<media:content url="http://declutterorganizerepurpose.files.wordpress.com/2011/09/rack-box.jpg?w=112" medium="image">
			<media:title type="html">Rack box</media:title>
		</media:content>

		<media:content url="http://declutterorganizerepurpose.files.wordpress.com/2011/09/rack-close-up-box.jpg?w=112" medium="image">
			<media:title type="html">Rack close up box</media:title>
		</media:content>

		<media:content url="http://declutterorganizerepurpose.files.wordpress.com/2011/09/clothes-rack.jpg?w=112" medium="image">
			<media:title type="html">Clothes Rack</media:title>
		</media:content>
	</item>
		<item>
		<title>Label Challenge! Reviewing the Brother P-Touch Labeler</title>
		<link>http://declutterorganizerepurpose.wordpress.com/2011/08/16/label-challenge-reviewing-the-brother-p-touch-labeler/</link>
		<comments>http://declutterorganizerepurpose.wordpress.com/2011/08/16/label-challenge-reviewing-the-brother-p-touch-labeler/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 17 Aug 2011 03:00:53 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Craigslistdad</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Organize]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Recommendations]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Reviews/Giveaways]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Brother P-Touch]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Labeler]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Labels]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Labels Stickers and Decals]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[organize]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Permanent marker]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://declutterorganizerepurpose.wordpress.com/2011/08/16/label-challenge-reviewing-the-brother-p-touch-labeler/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[It is a hard thing to admit. But we don&#8217;t have a Labeler. Yes, I&#8217;m big on organizing and decluttering, but we never got around to getting one. My wife had done her research and was aiming for a Brother-brand labeler &#8211; but then we just used what we had on hand, post-it notes, blank [&#8230;]<img alt="" border="0" src="http://stats.wordpress.com/b.gif?host=declutterorganizerepurpose.wordpress.com&#038;blog=17675734&#038;post=1658&#038;subd=declutterorganizerepurpose&#038;ref=&#038;feed=1" width="1" height="1" />]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>It is a hard thing to admit. But we don&#8217;t have a Labeler. Yes, I&#8217;m big on organizing and decluttering, but we never got around to getting one. My wife had done her research and was aiming for a Brother-brand labeler &#8211; but then we just used what we had on hand, <a class="zem_slink" title="Post-it note" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Post-it_note" rel="wikipedia">post-it notes</a>, blank address labels, and (ugh) <a class="zem_slink" title="Permanent marker" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Permanent_marker" rel="wikipedia">permanent marker</a>. So, when I was approached to review and test the new <strong><a href="http://www.brother-usa.com/Ptouch/" target="_blank">Brother P-Touch Labeler</a></strong> , needless to say I was dorky-excited.</p>
<p>We got the test/durability kit yesterday. Our plan is to run the labels through our version of rigorous testing <img src='http://s1.wp.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_wink.gif' alt=';)' class='wp-smiley' />  scrubbing, dishwashing, rough handling and kid-use.  One test <a class="zem_slink" title="Record label" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Record_label" rel="wikipedia">label</a> will be placed under a favorite bowl and put through weeks of dishwasher washing.  Another use for the labeler in our household would be as a name label &#8211; so the other test label will be affixed on the heel of my daughter&#8217;s shoe.  Finally, we&#8217;ll scrub, sponge and submerge the third test label in water.  We&#8217;ll then report our real-world results in a subsequent post.</p>
<p><a href="http://declutterorganizerepurpose.files.wordpress.com/2011/08/20110816-100935.jpg"><img class="size-full alignright" src="http://declutterorganizerepurpose.files.wordpress.com/2011/08/20110816-100935.jpg?w=490" alt="20110816-100935.jpg"   /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://declutterorganizerepurpose.files.wordpress.com/2011/08/20110816-112220.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full" src="http://declutterorganizerepurpose.files.wordpress.com/2011/08/20110816-112220.jpg?w=490" alt="20110816-112220.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>We&#8217;re planning on tackling a couple of &#8216;spaces&#8217; that REALLY need work in our house &#8211; our pantry, our storage/hall closet, and finally, our daughter&#8217;s art/craft area. Watch out c-r-a-p we&#8217;re out to get you!</p>
<p>By the way it would be great to know, what is your favorite labeler brand ?</p>
<p>Stay tuned for future posts on our actual testing and productive use of the Brother P-Touch Labeler!!!</p>
<p>Disclaimer:<br />
I wrote this post while participating in a campaign by <a class="zem_slink" title="Mom Central" href="http://momcentral.com/" rel="homepage">Mom Central</a> Consulting on behalf of Brother P-Touch and will receive a product and gift card to facilitate my review and a promotional item to thank me for taking the time to participate.</p>
<br />  <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/gocomments/declutterorganizerepurpose.wordpress.com/1658/"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/comments/declutterorganizerepurpose.wordpress.com/1658/" /></a> <img alt="" border="0" src="http://stats.wordpress.com/b.gif?host=declutterorganizerepurpose.wordpress.com&#038;blog=17675734&#038;post=1658&#038;subd=declutterorganizerepurpose&#038;ref=&#038;feed=1" width="1" height="1" />]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://declutterorganizerepurpose.wordpress.com/2011/08/16/label-challenge-reviewing-the-brother-p-touch-labeler/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
	
		<media:content url="http://2.gravatar.com/avatar/5d6873ccdf7954d9041db080766ff392?s=96&#38;d=identicon&#38;r=G" medium="image">
			<media:title type="html">craigslistdad</media:title>
		</media:content>

		<media:content url="http://declutterorganizerepurpose.files.wordpress.com/2011/08/20110816-100935.jpg" medium="image">
			<media:title type="html">20110816-100935.jpg</media:title>
		</media:content>

		<media:content url="http://declutterorganizerepurpose.files.wordpress.com/2011/08/20110816-112220.jpg" medium="image">
			<media:title type="html">20110816-112220.jpg</media:title>
		</media:content>
	</item>
		<item>
		<title>Are YOU ready for school? Getting Organized before school starts</title>
		<link>http://declutterorganizerepurpose.wordpress.com/2011/08/12/are-you-ready-for-school-getting-organized-before-school-starts/</link>
		<comments>http://declutterorganizerepurpose.wordpress.com/2011/08/12/are-you-ready-for-school-getting-organized-before-school-starts/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 12 Aug 2011 14:54:20 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Craigslistdad</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[De-Clutter]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Organize]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Parenting]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Academic term]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[back to school]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Extracurricular activity]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[get organized for school]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[new school year]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://declutterorganizerepurpose.wordpress.com/?p=1638</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Here we are again! The couple of weeks before school starts (at least for us here in Oklahoma). Where has the time gone?!  Here are some of what we did this summer to prepare for the new school year: Get all school forms filled out and ready to go, lists ready to check off. Clean [&#8230;]<img alt="" border="0" src="http://stats.wordpress.com/b.gif?host=declutterorganizerepurpose.wordpress.com&#038;blog=17675734&#038;post=1638&#038;subd=declutterorganizerepurpose&#038;ref=&#038;feed=1" width="1" height="1" />]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Here we are again! The couple of weeks before school starts (at least for us here in Oklahoma). Where has the time gone?!  Here are some of what we did this summer to prepare for the new <a class="zem_slink" title="Academic term" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Academic_term" rel="wikipedia">school year</a>:</p>
<ol>
<li>Get all school forms filled out and ready to go, lists ready to check off.</li>
<li>Clean out study and/or art areas, out with the old in with the new!</li>
<li>Sorting through closets and dressers &#8211; some things have been outgrown, some have seen their last days.  Donate, sell or store away for younger siblings.</li>
<li>Check out open houses for <a class="zem_slink" title="Extracurricular activity" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Extracurricular_activity" rel="wikipedia">extra-curricular activities</a>  - ballet, soccer, art, music &#8211; if you&#8217;re not sure what your child would be interested in, this would be a good opportunity to check out the facility, classes and teachers.  Be sure to ask to attend a trial class/session at no charge!</li>
<li>Getting ready for me usually mentally starts around the <a class="zem_slink" title="Tax holiday" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tax_holiday" rel="wikipedia">tax-free weekend</a>- chances are your State has one.  Although you can always buy online and possibly save on <a class="zem_slink" title="Sales tax" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sales_tax" rel="wikipedia">sales tax</a>, but nothing beats being able to try on clothes and check things out first hand.  Stores have become more savvy and offer sales around the same time too.</li>
<li>Get your own desk ready, take out all old school year information and paperwork &#8211; get ready for the new stuff!</li>
<li>Plan some playdates with school mates &#8211; get them excited to see their friends and start school!</li>
</ol>
<p>Usually at this time my wife then starts to weep internally thinking about our daughter growing up <img src='http://s1.wp.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_wink.gif' alt=';)' class='wp-smiley' /> </p>
<p>It&#8217;s also important to make sure your child is mentally ready for school &#8211; Kid&#8217;s Health has a good post with tips on how to walk your child through back-to-school anxiety in their post called <a href="http://kidshealth.org/kid/feeling/school/back_to_school.html">Going Back to School </a>.  The article does talk more to the student rather than to the parent &#8211; making it perfect for middle-schoolers, but I like that I still get an idea of what might be going through my daughter&#8217;s mind as school approaches.</p>
<p>If you are like us, we sometimes run out of ideas for easy, quick snacks &#8211; <a class="zem_slink" title="Cool Mom Picks" href="http://www.coolmompicks.com/" rel="homepage">Cool Mom Picks</a> has a good list of healthy snacks available in stores in their post <a href="http://www.coolmompicks.com/2011/08/back_to_school_shopping_-_bett.php">Back to School Shopping- Better Lunchbox Snacks</a> - as an aside our kids love the <a class="zem_slink" title="Florida's Natural Growers" href="http://www.floridasnatural.com/" rel="homepage">Florida&#8217;s Natural</a> Organic Fruit Nuggets and <a class="zem_slink" title="Chex" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chex" rel="wikipedia">Chex</a> Mix.</p>
<h6 class="zemanta-related-title" style="font-size:1em;">Related articles</h6>
<ul class="zemanta-article-ul">
<li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://viviankirkfield.wordpress.com/2011/06/25/is-it-too-early-to-begin-planning-for-the-new-school-year/">Is It Too Early To Begin Planning For The New School Year?</a> (viviankirkfield.wordpress.com)</li>
<li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://mamasbagoftricks.blogspot.com/2011/08/five-time-saving-tips-to-get-ready-to.html">Five time-saving tips to get ready to go back to school</a> (mamasbagoftricks.blogspot.com)</li>
<li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://makingtimeformommy.com/2011/08/08/organizing-for-a-new-school-year/">Organizing For A New School Year</a> (makingtimeformommy.com)</li>
<li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://fresh1027.radio.com/2011/08/12/how-to-get-the-kids-back-in-bed-for-the-school-year/">How To Get the Kids Back in Bed for the School Year&#8230;</a> (fresh1027.radio.com)</li>
<li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://www.prweb.com/releases/2011/7/prweb8678027.htm">Get Organized for Back to School with a Free Organizer from the Seat Sack™ Corporation</a> (prweb.com)</li>
<li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://mamasbagoftricks.blogspot.com/2011/08/tips-to-prep-your-kids-for-school-year.html">Tips to prep your kids for the school year</a> (mamasbagoftricks.blogspot.com)</li>
<li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://creativecleaning.wordpress.com/2011/08/08/back-to-school-basic-organization/">Back to School-Basic Organization</a> (creativecleaning.wordpress.com)</li>
</ul>
<br />  <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/gocomments/declutterorganizerepurpose.wordpress.com/1638/"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/comments/declutterorganizerepurpose.wordpress.com/1638/" /></a> <img alt="" border="0" src="http://stats.wordpress.com/b.gif?host=declutterorganizerepurpose.wordpress.com&#038;blog=17675734&#038;post=1638&#038;subd=declutterorganizerepurpose&#038;ref=&#038;feed=1" width="1" height="1" />]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://declutterorganizerepurpose.wordpress.com/2011/08/12/are-you-ready-for-school-getting-organized-before-school-starts/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
	
		<media:content url="http://2.gravatar.com/avatar/5d6873ccdf7954d9041db080766ff392?s=96&#38;d=identicon&#38;r=G" medium="image">
			<media:title type="html">craigslistdad</media:title>
		</media:content>
	</item>
		<item>
		<title>Who has time for photo albums?</title>
		<link>http://declutterorganizerepurpose.wordpress.com/2011/06/29/who-has-time-for-photo-albums/</link>
		<comments>http://declutterorganizerepurpose.wordpress.com/2011/06/29/who-has-time-for-photo-albums/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 29 Jun 2011 21:00:30 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Craigslistdad</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Holiday]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Organize]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Recommendations]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Albums and Frames]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Photograph album]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Photography]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://declutterorganizerepurpose.wordpress.com/?p=815</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[With all the technology available these days, creating an on-line photo album and then emailing the photo album link to friends and family anywhere in the world&#8230;who creates a hardcopy photo album anymore??? My wife and I are guilty of using Facebook to stay in touch with family and friends, sharing picture and videos of our family [&#8230;]<img alt="" border="0" src="http://stats.wordpress.com/b.gif?host=declutterorganizerepurpose.wordpress.com&#038;blog=17675734&#038;post=815&#038;subd=declutterorganizerepurpose&#038;ref=&#038;feed=1" width="1" height="1" />]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="zemanta-img">
<div class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 310px"><a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Fotoalbum.jpg"><img title="A classical photo album" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/ab/Fotoalbum.jpg/300px-Fotoalbum.jpg" alt="A classical photo album" width="300" height="300" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Image via Wikipedia</p></div>
</div>
<p>With all the technology available these days, creating an on-line <a class="zem_slink" title="Photograph album" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Photograph_album" rel="wikipedia">photo album</a> and then emailing the photo album link to friends and <a class="zem_slink" title="Family (biology)" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Family_%28biology%29" rel="wikipedia">family</a> anywhere in the world&#8230;who creates a <a class="zem_slink" title="Hard copy" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hard_copy" rel="wikipedia">hardcopy</a> photo album anymore???</p>
<p>My wife and I are guilty of using <a class="zem_slink" title="Facebook" href="http://facebook.com" rel="homepage">Facebook</a> to stay in touch with family and friends, sharing picture and videos of our family of four with the people we love.  It&#8217;s pretty quick and easy and our friends and family can view it at their leisure.</p>
<p>BUT, we still maintain hardcopy photo albums, BUT rather than a simple chronological album of photos, we switched to <strong>&#8220;themed albums</strong>.&#8221;  That&#8217;s right, an album for annual pictures of birthdays, <a class="zem_slink" title="Christmas" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christmas" rel="wikipedia">Christmas</a>, family vacations, etc.  It&#8217;s great because:</p>
<ol>
<li>You don&#8217;t feel the pressure to print and place photos every week/month.  Come on, you fellow parents are whipping out that <a class="zem_slink" title="Smartphone" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smartphone" rel="wikipedia">smart phone</a> camera almost everyday just like me, right?!?!!</li>
<li>It gives a great year to year view/comparison of our family members &#8211; we can see Julia at her 1st, then 2nd, then 3rd, etc birthday!  My how she&#8217;s grown!</li>
<li>It&#8217;s nice to pull out the &#8220;Christmas&#8221; album each Christmas and look back at the annual memories and reminisce on the prior years.  We also keep &#8220;special&#8221; Christmas cards in the album and especially the photo cards we receive from family and friends!</li>
</ol>
<p>So, what do you think of &#8220;themed&#8221; albums?  Leave a comment and feel free to share your photo/special memory saving tips!  Thanks!</p>
<h6 class="zemanta-related-title" style="font-size:1em;">Related articles</h6>
<ul class="zemanta-article-ul">
<li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://www.blogher.com/old-photo-albums-blogging-and-photographic-memories">Old Photo Albums, Blogging and Photographic Memories</a> (blogher.com)</li>
<li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://www.tuaw.com/2011/06/21/create-photo-albums-right-on-your-iphone-with-album-app-mini/?icid=zemanta">Create photo albums right on your iPhone with Album App Mini</a> (tuaw.com)</li>
</ul>
<br />  <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/gocomments/declutterorganizerepurpose.wordpress.com/815/"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/comments/declutterorganizerepurpose.wordpress.com/815/" /></a> <img alt="" border="0" src="http://stats.wordpress.com/b.gif?host=declutterorganizerepurpose.wordpress.com&#038;blog=17675734&#038;post=815&#038;subd=declutterorganizerepurpose&#038;ref=&#038;feed=1" width="1" height="1" />]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://declutterorganizerepurpose.wordpress.com/2011/06/29/who-has-time-for-photo-albums/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>4</slash:comments>
	
		<media:content url="http://2.gravatar.com/avatar/5d6873ccdf7954d9041db080766ff392?s=96&#38;d=identicon&#38;r=G" medium="image">
			<media:title type="html">craigslistdad</media:title>
		</media:content>

		<media:content url="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/ab/Fotoalbum.jpg/300px-Fotoalbum.jpg" medium="image">
			<media:title type="html">A classical photo album</media:title>
		</media:content>
	</item>
		<item>
		<title>Tips to De-Clutter &amp; Organize Your Kitchen</title>
		<link>http://declutterorganizerepurpose.wordpress.com/2011/04/18/tips-to-de-clutter-organize-your-kitchen/</link>
		<comments>http://declutterorganizerepurpose.wordpress.com/2011/04/18/tips-to-de-clutter-organize-your-kitchen/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 18 Apr 2011 14:53:54 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Craigslistdad</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[De-Clutter]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Organize]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Repurpose]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[declutter]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[kitchen]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[organize]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[pantry]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[refrigerator]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://declutterorganizerepurpose.wordpress.com/?p=963</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The KITCHEN - many consider it the heart of the home &#8211; where love, caring and passion go into preparing meals to feed, energize and maintain the family&#8230;but with so many different gadgets, utensils, etc. how do you keep it organized and clutter-free?  Here are some tips I want to share: Cabinets &#8211; place dishes, glasses, [&#8230;]<img alt="" border="0" src="http://stats.wordpress.com/b.gif?host=declutterorganizerepurpose.wordpress.com&#038;blog=17675734&#038;post=963&#038;subd=declutterorganizerepurpose&#038;ref=&#038;feed=1" width="1" height="1" />]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The <strong>KITCHEN </strong>- many consider it the heart of the home &#8211; where love, caring and passion go into preparing meals to feed, energize and maintain the family&#8230;but with so many different gadgets, utensils, etc. how do you keep it organized and clutter-free?  Here are some tips I want to share:</p>
<p><strong>Cabinets</strong> &#8211; place dishes, glasses, mugs and serving bowls/platters thoughtfully.  The items you use daily should be conveniently located while party platters and such that are only for occasional use should be placed in higher shelves/cabinets.</p>
<p><strong>Limited cabinets?</strong>  Use a hanging <a class="zem_slink" title="Pot rack" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pot_rack" rel="wikipedia">pot rack</a> to hold your pots and pans or consider addition additional shelving or a moveable rack/unit that matches your kitchen.</p>
<p><strong><a class="zem_slink" title="Kitchen utensil" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kitchen_utensil" rel="wikipedia">Kitchen Utensils</a></strong> &#8211; strapped for space, use a large sturdy vase to hold wooden spoons, spatulas, etc. next to the stove/cook top.  Or, use a hanging rail to hook/hang your cooking utensils and keep them right by the cooking/prep area.</p>
<p><strong>Limited Counter Space?</strong>  Have a cabinet that serves as open shelving and use baskets to hold fresh fruits, vegetables, bakery items in plain view and with easy access.  No extra cabinet, but you have extra wall space?  Build vertical space with shelving or cubbies.</p>
<p><strong><a class="zem_slink" title="Spice" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spice" rel="wikipedia">Spice Rack</a>?  </strong>Standard spice racks are only useful if you really use the 12 or 24 spices it comes with!  If you never use some of the spices the rack comes with, empty out those bottles and fill with spices you do use and re-label the bottle!  Another option to a spice rack is a spice carousel/mini multi tiered lazy-susan to hold your spice jars in an easy to use and access space maximizing fashion.</p>
<p><strong>Grocery store plastic bags?</strong>  They sure come in handy for bed and bathroom waste baskets.  Twist them or loose tie each one and place in a large plastic jug (i.e. laundry detergent, large water jug) &#8211; simply clean and dry out the plastic jug and cut out a 2-3&#8243; hole to place and dispense the bags &#8211; no more clutter!</p>
<p><strong>Pantry</strong> &#8211; keep food organized by category/type (dry pasta next to bottles/cans of pasta sauce, cake mixes with frosting, etc).  Always keep the earliest expiration dates in front.  If things are going to expire soon, consider making a trip to a food pantry and donate the items to people in need.</p>
<p><strong>Stacking in pantry or cabinets</strong> &#8211; Yes, this maximizes space, but make sure to do this safely so you don&#8217;t have cans of tuna and soup cascading down on you! Invest in tiered shelf platforms or simple wired shelves with legs.</p>
<p><strong>Under the kitchen sink </strong>- we all put cleaners, sponges, dish scrubbers, etc. down here.  Invest in some simple &#8220;right size&#8221; clear or slotted plastic totes/containers to keep your different cleaning supplies in order and visible!</p>
<p><strong>Junk Drawer</strong> &#8211; we all have one (or two) - the catch-all for extra key, super glue, paper clips, office supplies, etc.  Use an office drawer organizer in this drawer to keep things neat.  Use an empty can/jar that you can decorate to toss loose change! Take a good honest look at what&#8217;s here and toss/donate what you do not need to keep!</p>
<p><strong>Recipe Books/Notes/Grocery Lists/Etc.</strong> &#8211; have a designated book shelve for your recipe books, get a <a class="zem_slink" title="Whiteboard" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whiteboard" rel="wikipedia">dry erase</a> and cork board combo to leave notes for family members and tack lists/invitations/coupons etc. for quick review and access!</p>
<p><strong>Refrigerator</strong> - Containerize!  Put like loose food items (ie. different cheeses, sandwich meats) in a plastic (bpa-free) or glass container to make it easier to store and find.   Assign shelf space &amp; have all family members stick to it!  i.e. Drinks (milk, juice, soda, water) on the top shelf, raw meat on bottom shelf, fruits/veggies in the crisper drawers, leftovers and prepared meals in the middle shelves, condiments/sauces in the door shelves, etc.</p>
<p><strong>Freezer </strong>- Same thing as the fridge &#8211; assign shelf space and stick to it!  ie. Top shelf for ice cream/desserts, middles shelves for prepared packaged foods, bottom shelves for meats/seafood, etc.</p>
<h6 class="zemanta-related-title" style="font-size:1em;">Related Articles</h6>
<ul class="zemanta-article-ul">
<li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://sandiegodesign.wordpress.com/2011/04/12/spring-cleaning-step-4upper-kitchen-cabinets-clean-out/">Spring Cleaning STEP 4:Upper kitchen cabinets clean out.</a> (sandiegodesign.wordpress.com)</li>
<li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://sandiegodesign.wordpress.com/2011/04/05/spring-cleaning-step-3-organize-your-kitchen-pantry/">Spring Cleaning STEP 3: Organize your kitchen pantry</a> (sandiegodesign.wordpress.com)</li>
</ul>
<br />  <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/gocomments/declutterorganizerepurpose.wordpress.com/963/"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/comments/declutterorganizerepurpose.wordpress.com/963/" /></a> <img alt="" border="0" src="http://stats.wordpress.com/b.gif?host=declutterorganizerepurpose.wordpress.com&#038;blog=17675734&#038;post=963&#038;subd=declutterorganizerepurpose&#038;ref=&#038;feed=1" width="1" height="1" />]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://declutterorganizerepurpose.wordpress.com/2011/04/18/tips-to-de-clutter-organize-your-kitchen/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>2</slash:comments>
	
		<media:content url="http://2.gravatar.com/avatar/5d6873ccdf7954d9041db080766ff392?s=96&#38;d=identicon&#38;r=G" medium="image">
			<media:title type="html">craigslistdad</media:title>
		</media:content>
	</item>
		<item>
		<title>Things to do with Your Kid&#8217;s Artwork!</title>
		<link>http://declutterorganizerepurpose.wordpress.com/2011/03/02/things-to-do-with-your-kids-artwork/</link>
		<comments>http://declutterorganizerepurpose.wordpress.com/2011/03/02/things-to-do-with-your-kids-artwork/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 02 Mar 2011 12:10:22 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Craigslistdad</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[De-Clutter]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Fun]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Organize]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Parenting]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Recommendations]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Repurpose]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[artwork]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[displaying my kid's artwork]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[what to do with my kid's artwork]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://declutterorganizerepurpose.wordpress.com/?p=1174</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[How many layers of artwork do you have clipped or under a magnet on your&#160;refrigerator?&#160; Most parents feel each &#8220;original piece&#8221; of artwork is invaluable, but if you have new works of art coming home from school each week and more pieces being produced at home before dinner is served&#8230;what&#8217;s a parent to do? I [&#8230;]<img alt="" border="0" src="http://stats.wordpress.com/b.gif?host=declutterorganizerepurpose.wordpress.com&#038;blog=17675734&#038;post=1174&#038;subd=declutterorganizerepurpose&#038;ref=&#038;feed=1" width="1" height="1" />]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>How many layers of artwork do you have clipped or under a magnet on your&nbsp;refrigerator?&nbsp; Most parents feel each &#8220;original piece&#8221; of artwork is invaluable, but if you have new works of art coming home from school each week and more pieces being produced at home before dinner is served&#8230;what&#8217;s a parent to do?</p>
<p>I personally have taken digital photos of our favorites and then ordered them as magnets, placemats&nbsp;or framed a large size print of my daughter&#8217;s artwork.&nbsp; We have a rope that is clipped across a set of windows in the nook off the kitchen where her art table&nbsp;is, and we&nbsp;display (and rotate) her original pieces with&nbsp;simple clothes pins.&nbsp; When its time to change the display, some honestly get recycled and some get placed into a&nbsp;box marked &#8220;Julia&#8217;s Art x/x/xx to x/x/xx&#8221;.</p>
<p>I found the following article from Parents.Com to provide some additional good ideas on what to do with the abundance of art work.&nbsp; Check it out!</p>
<h1>What to Do with Kid Art</h1>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<div>
<div id="sldpntltcol"><img src="http://images.meredith.com/parents/images/2007/12/ss_100239117.jpg" border="0" alt="kids art haning on wall by" /></div>
<div id="sldpntrtcol">
<p>Regardless of your kid&#8217;s natural artistic talent, it&#8217;s likely you&#8217;ll feel that every finger painting, stick-figure drawing, and macaroni collage he produces is a masterpiece.</p>
<p>But alas, only so many works of art will fit on the front of your fridge. And at this point, there&#8217;s a mini avalanche every time you reach for the milk. Here, 14 unique alternatives to the cluttered fridge door.</p>
<p><strong>Create an Art Wall</strong><br />
Take a cue from the art classrooms of your elementary school days and hang up a clothesline in a designated &#8220;art space&#8221; &#8212; fasten it to a wall in the kitchen, her bedroom, or the playroom. Then just attach pieces with a clothespin. Swap in new pictures as quickly as she&#8217;s able to produce them. (We like this display method because it&#8217;s budget-friendly and it&#8217;s aesthetically neutral and will likely fit in with any decor.) For a punch of color, use a colored string of beads or ribbon instead of basic clothesline or twine, and attach drawings with painted clothespins, colored paper clips, or even cute, multicolored kids&#8217; barrettes or hair clips.</p>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<div id="sldpntltcol"><img src="http://images.meredith.com/parents/images/2007/12/ss_PictureItPostage.jpg" border="0" alt="PictureItPostage" /></div>
<div id="sldpntrtcol">
<div>Turn It into a Postage Stamp</div>
<p>Upload an image and turn it into a totally legit, U.S. Postal Service-approved stamp (scan in the piece of artwork, or take a digital pic of it and upload it from your computer). This is a great way to add a personal touch to any letter or <a href="http://www.parents.com/holiday/">holiday</a> card you send &#8212; and seeing your kid&#8217;s creation on that stamp will be way more fun than the latest official post office stamp or that boring red flag. We like pictureitpostage.com because you can create oversize stamps (all the better to see the artwork), with lots of options for customizing type color and background. Two printed sheets of 20 stamps are $17.95.</p>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<div id="sldpntltcol"><img src="http://images.meredith.com/parents/images/2007/12/ss_iStock_000004793937.jpg" border="0" alt="girl drawing picture" /></div>
<div id="sldpntrtcol">
<div>Send It Off to Interested Parties (i.e., the Grandparents)</div>
<p>Grandma complains she doesn&#8217;t hear from you enough? Let your kid send a missive (kids love to send and receive mail, and Grandma will love getting something so personal). Take your kid&#8217;s art and glue it to brightly colored construction paper or card stock &#8212; then have him write a personal note to Grandma (or a favorite aunt or uncle) on the back. Now Grandma&#8217;s got something for <em>her</em> fridge.</p>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<div id="sldpntltcol"><img src="http://images.meredith.com/parents/images/2007/12/ss_iStock_000004308793.jpg" border="0" alt="girl cutting construction paper" /></div>
<div id="sldpntrtcol">
<div>Turn It into Holiday Gift Tags</div>
<p>Child <a href="http://www.parents.com/pregnancy/giving-birth/labor-and-delivery/">labor</a>? In this case, we&#8217;re all for it. Instead of buying premade&nbsp;packs of gift tags at Target or your local drugstore this year, cut out a bunch yourself in cute shapes at home and then let your kid go to town drawing whatever feels holiday-like to him &#8212; stars, Santa, Rudolph &#8212; on one side. When he&#8217;s done, he can help you punch holes in one end of the card and slip ribbons through for tying them to the presents.</p>
<p>Or take pieces he&#8217;s already created and repurpose them into gift tags or homemade birthday cards for relatives.</p>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<div id="sldpntltcol"><img src="http://images.meredith.com/parents/images/2007/12/ss_MPC110390.jpg" border="0" alt="red professional fram for kids artwork" /></div>
<div id="sldpntrtcol">
<div>Treat It Like the Real Thing</div>
<p>Every so often &#8212; maybe once a <a href="http://www.parents.com/kids/education/">school</a> year &#8212; when your kid brings home a piece that you feel is really special, spring for professional framing, as you would for &#8220;real&#8221; artwork or an exceptional vacation photo you love. If your kid&#8217;s old enough to enjoy the outing, let him come with you to look at frame styles and the various colored matting options so he&#8217;ll appreciate the process and really &#8220;get&#8221; what a special occasion it is.</p>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<div id="sldpntltcol"><img src="http://images.meredith.com/parents/images/2007/12/ss_Snaptotes.jpg" border="0" alt="Snaptotes" /></div>
<div id="sldpntrtcol">
<div>Turn It into a Cool Bag You (or Your Kid) Can Carry</div>
<p>Snaptotes.com lets you create completely original, totally cute bags with photos or art. Choose from totes, handbags, beach bags, and messenger bags &#8212; designs are un-fussy and bags are black so your kid&#8217;s art will really pop. Consider using your child&#8217;s piece to create a totally original (and great-looking) alternative to the Dora the Explorer bags tons of kids tote to <a href="http://www.parents.com/kids/education/">school</a>.</p>
<p>Prices vary depending on bag style and size, but range from about $60 to $120.</p>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<div id="sldpntltcol"><img src="http://images.meredith.com/parents/images/2007/12/ss_PhotoWow.jpg" border="0" alt="PhotoWow" /></div>
<div id="sldpntrtcol">
<div>Turn It into <a class="zem_slink" title="Pop art" rel="wikipedia" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pop_art">Pop Art</a></div>
<p>Transform your kid&#8217;s work of art into a real, Warhol-esque&nbsp;stunner at photowow.com. This works best with a clear, easily recognizable object &#8212; a face, an apple, or a star for example. This site will add bold color and turn it into a multipanel pop-art canvas (a la Warhol&#8217;s famous images of Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor). A four-panel canvas, on which the same image is repeated four times, starts at $90. Each additional image, if you want to mix them, is an extra 30 bucks.</p>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<div id="sldpntltcol"><img src="http://images.meredith.com/parents/images/2007/12/ss_moo_minicards.jpg" border="0" alt="Moo MiniCards" /></div>
<div id="sldpntrtcol">
<div>Turn It into Your Kid&#8217;s Calling Card</div>
<p>Didn&#8217;t know he needed one? Next time you meet a new kid at <a href="http://www.parents.com/kids/education/">school</a>&nbsp;or the playground and you&#8217;d like to exchange numbers with the other parent for a playdate, you&#8217;ll have something preprinted to give out. Put your kid&#8217;s art on one side and his (and your) contact info on the other &#8212; voila! A cool site, moo.com, lets you create all kinds of fun things &#8212; postcards, sticker books, note cards, and custom &#8220;MiniCards&#8221; that would make perfect calling cards. They come in a matte laminate finish and are $19.99 for a box of 100.</p>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<div id="sldpntltcol"><img src="http://images.meredith.com/parents/images/2007/12/ss_SnapfishPlacemat.jpg" border="0" alt="Snapfish Placemat" /></div>
<div id="sldpntrtcol">
<div>Turn It into Place Mats</div>
<p>Your fancy tablecloth makes <a href="http://www.parents.com/holiday/">holiday</a> appearances &#8212; but the place mats? Always on the table. Add new ones to the rotation by using your kid&#8217;s art to create them at snapfish.com. One place mat for $9.99.</p>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<div id="sldpntltcol"><img src="http://images.meredith.com/parents/images/2007/12/ss_SnapfishPlayingCards.jpg" border="0" alt="Snapfish Playing Cards" /></div>
<div id="sldpntrtcol">
<div>Turn It into Playing Cards</div>
<p>Another fun option at snapfish.com? Playing cards &#8212; your kid&#8217;s artwork gets showcased on one side, and it&#8217;s a regular deck of cards on the other. The whole family will get a kick out of seeing a cute, original drawing being dealt around the table during the next Go Fish or Crazy Eights marathon. $19.99.</p>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<div id="sldpntltcol"><img src="http://images.meredith.com/parents/images/2007/12/ss_Shutterfly_Canvas.jpg" border="0" alt="Shutterfly Canvas Prints" /></div>
<div id="sldpntrtcol">
<div>Turn It into a Large Canvas Print</div>
<p>Supersize your kid&#8217;s art at shutterfly.com. Scan the image, then upload it, and let the print adorn his room in grand fashion. Prints come with gallery-wrapped edges (which look nice and finished), so you can hang the artwork as is, with no frame necessary. The largest size, 24&nbsp;by&nbsp;36&nbsp;inches, is $149.99.</p>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<div id="sldpntltcol"><img src="http://images.meredith.com/parents/images/2007/12/ss_TotallyCustomwp.jpg" border="0" alt="Totally Custom Wallpaper Mural" /></div>
<div id="sldpntrtcol">
<div>Turn It into Custom Wallpaper</div>
<p>Size is no object at totallycustomwallpaper.com, a site that will take your cool piece of original artwork and turn it into a custom mural or wallpaper in any size you like &#8212; just send them the wall dimensions (and remember that they need a high-resolution digital image for the best results). Got an impressive abstract? This might be a way to display it in a really grand way. Wallpaper is made of a latex-saturated paper stock, with a finish somewhere between matte and gloss. But be forewarned: Because the wall coverings are so oversized, the company recommends that you hire a professional to hang them. Not sure how to do it or what it would look like? Call them up and chat them through what you have in mind &#8212; they&#8217;ve created wallpaper out of original artwork (and drawings and photos and landscapes) before, so chances are good they&#8217;ll be able to turn your vision into a cool, viable wall hanging. (You can request a custom quote for your project online or by phone.)</p>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<div id="sldpntltcol"><img src="http://images.meredith.com/parents/images/2007/12/ss_TotOutofHand_mermaid.jpg" border="0" alt="Totally Out Of Hand" /></div>
<div id="sldpntrtcol">
<div>Turn It into Jewelry</div>
<p>Transform your kid&#8217;s doodles into wearable sterling silver or 14K gold jewelry at totallyoutofhand.com, a site run by Lee Skalkos, an artist and self-taught silversmith. She makes custom pins, necklaces, earrings and more &#8212; tell her what you have in mind and she&#8217;ll work with you. A small silver pendant starts at $95; a small pin starts at $125 (prices for pieces in gold are quoted individually).</p>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<div id="sldpntltcol"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5418" target="windowName"><img src="http://images.meredith.com/parents/images/2007/12/ss_SixfootCyclops.jpg" border="0" alt="Sixfoot Cyclops" /></a></div>
<div id="sldpntrtcol">
<div>Turn It into a Toy</div>
<p>An artist named Lizette Greco takes her own kids&#8217; original drawings of animals, houses and, well, pretty much anything else, and turns them into plush, three-dimensional <a href="http://www.parents.com/fun/toys/">toys</a>&nbsp;crafted from colorful recycled materials. She&#8217;ll do it with your kid&#8217;s art, too &#8212; she takes commissions. Prices vary based on size and design, but generally start at $400.</p>
<p><em>Copyright © 2007 Parents.com.</em></p>
<p><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5418" target="windowName">www.etsy.com</a></p>
</div>
<p><img src="http://images.meredith.com/bhg/images/temps/bhgshell/shim.gif" alt="shim" width="300" height="1" /></p>
<hr />
<div><img title="parents" src="http://images.meredith.com/parents/images/template/shell/logo_footer.gif" alt="parents" /><br />
<a href="http://www.parents.comBringing" rel="nofollow">http://www.parents.comBringing</a> together the power of respected magazine brands including American Baby and Parents, the Parents Network is your go-to destination for parenting information. From first kicks to first steps and on to the first day of school, we are here to help you celebrate the joys and navigate the challenges of parenthood.</div>
</div>
<h6 class="zemanta-related-title" style="font-size:1em;">Related Articles</h6>
<ul class="zemanta-article-ul">
<li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://thehappyhousewife.com/home-management/kids-artwork-solutions/">Kid&#8217;s Artwork Solutions</a> (thehappyhousewife.com)</li>
<li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://www.blogher.com/great-artwork-dilemma-keep-everything-your-kids-do">The Great Artwork Dilemma: Keep Everything Your Kids Do?</a> (blogher.com)</li>
<li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/homegarden/2014048452_childrenartdisplay27.html?syndication=rss">Reclaim your refrigerator: Ideas for displaying kids&#8217; art</a> (seattletimes.nwsource.com)</li>
</ul>
<br />  <a rel="nofollow" href="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/gocomments/declutterorganizerepurpose.wordpress.com/1174/"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/comments/declutterorganizerepurpose.wordpress.com/1174/" /></a> <img alt="" border="0" src="http://stats.wordpress.com/b.gif?host=declutterorganizerepurpose.wordpress.com&#038;blog=17675734&#038;post=1174&#038;subd=declutterorganizerepurpose&#038;ref=&#038;feed=1" width="1" height="1" />]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://declutterorganizerepurpose.wordpress.com/2011/03/02/things-to-do-with-your-kids-artwork/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
	
		<media:content url="http://2.gravatar.com/avatar/5d6873ccdf7954d9041db080766ff392?s=96&#38;d=identicon&#38;r=G" medium="image">
			<media:title type="html">craigslistdad</media:title>
		</media:content>

		<media:content url="http://images.meredith.com/parents/images/2007/12/ss_100239117.jpg" medium="image">
			<media:title type="html">kids art haning on wall by</media:title>
		</media:content>

		<media:content url="http://images.meredith.com/parents/images/2007/12/ss_PictureItPostage.jpg" medium="image">
			<media:title type="html">PictureItPostage</media:title>
		</media:content>

		<media:content url="http://images.meredith.com/parents/images/2007/12/ss_iStock_000004793937.jpg" medium="image">
			<media:title type="html">girl drawing picture</media:title>
		</media:content>

		<media:content url="http://images.meredith.com/parents/images/2007/12/ss_iStock_000004308793.jpg" medium="image">
			<media:title type="html">girl cutting construction paper</media:title>
		</media:content>

		<media:content url="http://images.meredith.com/parents/images/2007/12/ss_MPC110390.jpg" medium="image">
			<media:title type="html">red professional fram for kids artwork</media:title>
		</media:content>

		<media:content url="http://images.meredith.com/parents/images/2007/12/ss_Snaptotes.jpg" medium="image">
			<media:title type="html">Snaptotes</media:title>
		</media:content>

		<media:content url="http://images.meredith.com/parents/images/2007/12/ss_PhotoWow.jpg" medium="image">
			<media:title type="html">PhotoWow</media:title>
		</media:content>

		<media:content url="http://images.meredith.com/parents/images/2007/12/ss_moo_minicards.jpg" medium="image">
			<media:title type="html">Moo MiniCards</media:title>
		</media:content>

		<media:content url="http://images.meredith.com/parents/images/2007/12/ss_SnapfishPlacemat.jpg" medium="image">
			<media:title type="html">Snapfish Placemat</media:title>
		</media:content>

		<media:content url="http://images.meredith.com/parents/images/2007/12/ss_SnapfishPlayingCards.jpg" medium="image">
			<media:title type="html">Snapfish Playing Cards</media:title>
		</media:content>

		<media:content url="http://images.meredith.com/parents/images/2007/12/ss_Shutterfly_Canvas.jpg" medium="image">
			<media:title type="html">Shutterfly Canvas Prints</media:title>
		</media:content>

		<media:content url="http://images.meredith.com/parents/images/2007/12/ss_TotallyCustomwp.jpg" medium="image">
			<media:title type="html">Totally Custom Wallpaper Mural</media:title>
		</media:content>

		<media:content url="http://images.meredith.com/parents/images/2007/12/ss_TotOutofHand_mermaid.jpg" medium="image">
			<media:title type="html">Totally Out Of Hand</media:title>
		</media:content>

		<media:content url="http://images.meredith.com/parents/images/2007/12/ss_SixfootCyclops.jpg" medium="image">
			<media:title type="html">Sixfoot Cyclops</media:title>
		</media:content>

		<media:content url="http://images.meredith.com/bhg/images/temps/bhgshell/shim.gif" medium="image">
			<media:title type="html">shim</media:title>
		</media:content>

		<media:content url="http://images.meredith.com/parents/images/template/shell/logo_footer.gif" medium="image">
			<media:title type="html">parents</media:title>
		</media:content>
	</item>
	</channel>
</rss>
