| How to Organize Your House Posted: 30 Nov 2020 04:00 PM PST Tackling your clutter is a big task, but it's not impossible. Start with clear expectations and goals so you can move through each room in your home and reorganize it. Part of organizing involves getting rid of things you don't need or want anymore, so give yourself time to sort through your belongings. Once you're left with things you want to keep use storage systems that work for your space and style. [Edit]Decluttering Your Space - Tackle 1 type of clutter or room at a time. You'll get a better idea of what you own if you can see all of it together. Start by gathering all of a category and going through it before you move on. For example, weed through all of the clothes in your home before you do books, papers, miscellaneous items, and sentimental belongings.[1]
- If it's hard for you to focus on tidying 1 type of thing, it's fine to go room by room instead. Just choose a system that works for you!
- To keep you moving through things quickly, set a timer and tell yourself that you need to get through 1 category or room.
- Discard or donate things you don't want to keep or organize. Once you can see all of your belongings in 1 space, throw out any trash. Then, decide what else you'd like to sell or donate. Sort items you want to keep by which room they belong in and group items together based on what they are.[2]
- For example, put all of your office supplies into 1 pile. Once you're in your office, store your paperwork in a filing cabinet and put your chargers and cords into a spot on your desk, for instance.
- If you have a lot that you'd like to get rid of, consider holding a garage sale. Then, you can use some of your profits to buy organizational supplies for your home.
- Wait to buy storage containers until you've gone through your belongings. It's easy to get caught up in the excitement of reorganizing your space, but don't get carried away. Go through all of your things before you buy shelving, containers, or baskets so you know exactly what you need and where you'll put it.[3]
- If you start accumulating storage before you've sorted through what to keep and discard, you may feel even more overwhelmed.
- Walk through your home and create a list of storage solutions for each room so you don't have to guess what you need.
- If you're trying to organize on a budget, shop garage sales and thrift stores. You can usually find shelving, hooks, and cabinets in a variety of styles.
[Edit]Organizing the Kitchen - Group your spices so they're easy for you to use. There's no right or wrong way to organize your spices since everyone has their own cooking styles. The important thing is that you put them near your stove and you can quickly find the spice you need at a moment's notice. Place your spices on a spinning spice rack that sits on the counter, in a spice drawer, or hang them from a spice holder, for instance.[4]
- You can group the spices by cuisine or alphabetically. If you reach for the same few spices again and again, ensure that you can get them out quickly.
- Get rid of utensils you don't use or that you have more than 1 of. Find all of the items that only serve 1 purpose and gather utensils that you have duplicates of. Try to get rid of the tools that you don't use often or that you can do with another tool. If you have more than 1 type of utensil, donate the extras. You'll save a ton of valuable kitchen space.[5]
- For example, if you have a 2 or 3 fancy garlic mincing tools, you could probably get rid of all of them and rely on a standard chef's knife to chop your garlic.
- If you have 3 or 4 can openers, keep the best 1 and donate the rest.
- Move your pots and pans so they're easier to access. Once you've donated pots and pans that you never use, install hooks above your stove or kitchen island. This creates new storage space and makes it easier to get the pieces you need. If you can't hang your pots and pans, place storage racks near your stove so you can store thin pieces or lids vertically.[6]
- Avoid putting your favorite pots and pans out of reach. You shouldn't have to scramble while you're cooking to get the equipment you need.
- Rotate the food in your fridge and pantry on a regular basis. It's hard to stay organized if expired food is taking up valuable space in your kitchen. Take time every month to ditch food that's expired or staples and condiments that you never use. Then, label the pantry staples and put them into airtight containers. This helps the food stay fresher and you'll be able to find what you need.[7]
- Clear containers are great since you can see what's stored inside. You can also place small packages or bottles into baskets or onto a Lazy Susan.
- Keep only the serving dishes and mugs that you actually use. It's really easy to hold onto lots of mugs, dishes, platters, and serving pieces that you intend to use for when you have company. However, if you're like most people, you probably don't use them often, so don't store them in your kitchen where they take up valuable space.[8]
- You probably have storage cabinets in your kitchen that aren't easy to get to. If you won't be reaching for serving ware very often, it's fine to use these storage spaces. For example, put the serving platters you use just for holidays in the cabinet that's above your fridge.
[Edit]Working on the Bathroom - Hang shelves or cabinets to create extra storage space. If you're like most people, you probably feel like your bathroom just doesn't have enough useful storage. Fortunately, you probably have empty space on at least 1 wall where you can install floating shelves or a small cabinet. Then, put extra towels, toilet paper, or beauty products in the new space, for instance.[9]
- If you don't have room for a long shelf or big cabinet, install 2 or 3 small, floating shelves. This creates a polished look and actually gives you some useful storage.
- Put baskets or a Lazy Susan under the sink to store cleaning products. Instead of tossing cleaning supplies, hairdryers, or your first aid kit under the sink, put stackable bins or a Lazy Susan under it. Then, group your items by type and put them into separate bins or levels on the Lazy Susan.[10]
- If you have small kids at home, keep all cleaning products high up and out of reach. You might prefer to store bath toys in a bin under the sink instead.
- Use hanging storage in the shower to store shampoo and skincare items. Home organization stores are full of clever products designed to maximize your bath and shower space. You can buy shelving that hooks onto the shower or baskets with suction cups that hang onto the side of your tub or shower. Install a few of these and put your personal grooming products into them.[11]
- This is a great way to free up counter space and you'll never knock things off of the side of your tub again!
- Hang a behind-the-door organizer for towels, makeup, and supplies. It's amazing how quickly towels pile up in the bathroom, even if you have a bar or hooks for hanging a few. Add valuable storage space by using the back of the bathroom door. You can hook a behind-the-door organizer in order to hang more towels or choose an organizer that has slots for holding brushes or hairdryers, for instance.[12]
- You'll probably be able to find an organizer that has a combination of these features.
[Edit]Organizing Your Living Room - Tidy the display shelves and coffee tables. Loose papers, clothes, toys, and dishes scattered around your living room can make the room look disordered. Spend some time picking up things that belong in other rooms. Then, clear off your shelves and coffee table so you only have a few items that you want to display.[13]
- Remove anything that stresses you out or causes you anxiety. You might be tired of looking at books that you never get around to reading or piles of papers that you need to recycle.
- Set up bookshelves, floating shelves, or hooks to store things in the open.
- Add closed storage to your living room. There are probably things you don't want to keep on display in your living room, so put a storage ottoman, small table, or sofa with a storage seat in the room. You can put DVDs, books, or kids' toys into storage while keeping them easy to access.[14]
- You can use small, decorative boxes to hold things like remotes or cell phone chargers.
- Choose coffee tables or ottomans that have storage space or put items into totes that you can store under furniture or in a closet. If you're using storage boxes, label the outside so you can quickly find what you need.
- Put a large basket in the living room to catch clutter or toys. Instead of letting things pile up throughout the room, set a big tote or bin somewhere in your living room. Throughout the day, put items into it that need to go into other rooms. Then, you can spend a few minutes at the end of the day sorting through toys, magazines, or laundry.[15]
- This is really helpful if you have kids that tend to drop things off in the living room. Make them a part of organizing the living room and have them sort through the clutter basket with you.
- Use available wall space for storage to keep items off of the floor. Your living room might feel cramped if it's filled with furniture, storage cabinets, and coffee tables. Don't forget that you have valuable storage space on the walls. Instead of using low storage tables, put a tall bookshelf against the wall or hang floating shelves and hooks.[16]
- Even though you're using vertical space, don't cram your shelves full of trinkets, which can still make your living room look messy.
[Edit]Updating Bedroom Storage - Sort through your clothing and accessories. Think about all the things you keep in your room and immediately take out the things that should go into other rooms like the living or bathroom. Then, decide if you can put coats or accessories in a separate closet or cabinet in another room. This reduces the number of clothes you have to organize in your bedroom.[17]
- Think creatively! For example, you might be able to store out-of-season scarves or shoes in a storage ottoman in the living room.
- Reassess how you store your clothes. If you have piles of clothes in your room or hangers all over the floor, you might need to store your garments differently. Try a new storage system to see what works for you. You might prefer putting your clothes into:[18]
- A wardrobe or dresser
- Garment racks
- Bookshelves or floating shelves
- Storage benches
- Hanging hooks
- Maximize the storage space under your bed. If you're not putting the space under your bed to use, you're missing out. Buy a few long, shallow storage containers and put clothes that are out-of-season into it. This protects the clothes and frees up space in your closet or dresser.[19]
- You may also want a container to store out-of-season shoes and accessories like belts, scarves, and socks.
- Use the space behind your door to hang shoes, accessories, or jewelry. Unless there's a mirror attached to the back of your door, you're probably not using this valuable space. Buy a behind-the-door organizer and put small items into the pouches or hang scarves and jackets from the bottom of it.[20]
- These types of organizers now come in a variety of styles, so you should be able to find an organizer that matches the look of your bedroom.
- Create an easy organization system so it doesn't feel like work to tidy things up. If you get into the routine of putting your things away, you'll develop a great organizational habit.
- Get your family or roommates involved in tidying up since they probably helped make some of the mess. You'll also finish cleaning a lot faster!
- If it's taking you a lot of time to keep things organized or you're changing the way you use space in your home, you might need to change your organizational system, too.[21]
- Don't fall back into old habits where you accumulate clutter. If you start to feel overwhelmed in your home, schedule some time to go through your things again.[22]
- If you have a hard time with this, make time every few weeks or every month to go through your belongings. Purging things on a regular basis makes it easier in the long run.
[Edit]References |
| How to Decorate a Balcony with Lights Posted: 30 Nov 2020 08:00 AM PST A balcony is your own little corner of the world—a place where you can relax and unwind while enjoying some fresh air. Good lighting can make a difference in transforming your outdoor space from a simple balcony to a cozy paradise. There are plenty of different lighting possibilities to choose from, whether you're decorating an apartment balcony or something larger. Experiment with different kinds of lighting and see what kind of special haven you can create for yourself! [Edit]String Lights - Drape strings of lights above your balcony for a cozy feel.[1] Look for a ceiling or support system above your balcony that can hold up your string lights. Attach the strings to the ceiling or rafters and let them drape in a slight curve over your balcony. Then, reattach the other side of the string lights to another section of the balcony ceiling, or another support on your balcony.[2]
- For instance, you can drape the string lights across opposite edges of the ceiling.[3]
- If you don't have a lot of space in your balcony, you can drape the lights from the ceiling to another support, like a balcony railing.
- You can hang up string lights over 1 wall, multiple walls, or around the perimeter of your balcony! It all depends on how much space you have.
- Display string lights on the wall as an easy lighting solution. Spread a section of string lights along 1 end of the wall, using glue, adhesive hooks, or something similar to hold your string lights in place.[4] Create a really dynamic look by zig-zagging the string of lights back and forth along the wall, which makes a cool lighting effect.[5]
- You can clip pictures to your string lights to give it a personal touch.
- For a more minimalistic look, hang up a single string of chunky lights behind a piece of furniture, like a couch.[6]
- Create a festive look with colorful fairy lights. Hang up multicolored strings of fairy lights all over your balcony, giving the space a friendly, vibrant glow. Display these lights along the upper edges of the walls, and drape them around your balcony door frame for an extra-special effect. Loop some fairy lights around your balcony railing to really go the extra mile.[7]
- For instance, you can line your walls and doors with multi-colored lights during the holiday season.
- Twist string lights around any columns or trees near your balcony. Loop the lights around the base of the trunk or column, leaving about or so between each row of lights. Plug your lights into a nearby outlet or extension cord to create a cozy glow.[8]
- This lighting style looks great with smaller string lights.
- Wrap string lights around your railing for a long-lasting glow. Railings are a great, hassle-free way to display your lights without leaving any nail marks around your balcony. Grab your favorite string lights and loop them around the length of your railing, which creates a nice, even glow around your outdoor space.[9]
- If you're using electric-powered lights, see if there's a wall outlet near your railing. If not, you can always use an extension cord.
- Battery-powered lights are a great option, too.
- Pair string lanterns with a bamboo screen to give yourself some privacy. Shop online or at a home goods store for bamboo screens that you can prop up in front of your railing. Drape a string of lanterns along the top edge of the screen, which gives your balcony a cozy glow.[10]
- The bamboo screen completely covers the openings in your railings, which helps your balcony feel a bit more private.
- Keep things simple with battery-powered string lights. Look for a special kind of lighting that's attached to a battery canister, which saves you the trouble of scrambling for a wall outlet. Drape these from the ceiling, wrap them around railings, or hang them wherever you'd like. Once the lights start fading, replace the batteries for an easy fix.[11]
- Play around with different types of string lights for a dynamic look. Shop for string lights with lanterns or larger bulbs, which can provide an entirely different feel to your balcony. You may also like starburst globe lights, or light bulbs with several string lights stuck in the glass. Experiment with different styles until you find a set of string lights that really fits your aesthetic.[12]
- For instance, Edison-style string lights are larger and longer, and give your balcony a vintage feel.
- For a more simplistic look, you might play around with smaller, rounded bulbs instead.[13]
[Edit]Ways to Attach String Lights - Display your string lights with screw eyes as a sturdy option. Climb a ladder so you can get a good look at the structural supports of your balcony, which is a great option for hanging and draping your string lights. Mark the anchor points, or places where you'll be draping the lights, in pencil, then pre-drill a hole into each pencil mark. Insert a screw eye into each anchor point, which will give your string lights some extra support. Connect a light to the screw eye with a metal carabiner clip to finish your set-up.[14]
- It might be easier to install the light bulbs after the string is set up. If possible, unscrew your bulbs beforehand and install them after your strings are in place.
- Don't plug in the lights until they're hung up already.
- Glue your lights in place for a quick solution. Squeeze a dot of hot glue beneath any strings or wires before displaying your string lights on the wall. This can save you from the hassle of unwanted nail marks, and is easy to take off if you ever want to switch things up.[15]
- Hold the string in place for several seconds until the glue dries completely, or else your lights may fall off.
- Hang up your lights with adhesive hooks as a temporary option. Press adhesive hooks along the walls and supports of your balcony, which offer a handy, nail-free way to show off your lights. Drape your lights over the hooks instead of nailing them in place around your outdoor space. Once you're ready to take down the lights, just pull the adhesive strips off the wall.[16]
- You can find these strips at most stores, or find them online.
- Display your lights with a special hook if your balcony is beneath a gutter. Visit your hardware store for gutter hooks, or S-shaped hooks that loop over the edge of your gutter.[17] Attach one side of the "S" over the curved edge of the gutter, and use the other half of the hook to display your lights.[18]
[Edit]Lamps and Lanterns - Light up your balcony with a simple plug-in lamp. Stick a plug-in lantern into any of the wall outlets around your porch to add a nice burst of light. You can use just 1 for a minimalistic look, or plug multiple lamps into the wall sockets around your balcony.
- Pick out a battery-powered lantern for a minimalist look. Shop for a rechargeable or battery-powered lamp that doesn't need a wall outlet to keep your balcony lit up. Set your lantern somewhere in the middle of your outdoor area, like on a coffee table, for maximum effect.[19]
- You can find these types of lanterns online, or in most home goods stores.
- For example, place your battery-powered lantern on a central coffee table or nightstand, where it can give off a subtle glow around the entire balcony.
- Think outside of the box with oil lamps. Oil lamps are smaller, rounded lamps that offer a tiny flame of light, similar to a lighter. Space these lamps around your balcony to give the outdoor area a quaint, minimalist glow in your living area.[20]
- You can find oil lamps online, or in some home supply stores.
- Place these oil lamps just about anywhere you'd like, such as a flat coffee table, nightstand, or another piece of flat furniture lying around your balcony.
- Don't leave oil lamps unattended, or else they can become a fire hazard.
- Stay connected with a Bluetooth speaker lamp. Shop for lamps that can connect with your phone or tablet. Turn on the lamp to give your balcony an extra glow, then put on your favorite tunes to really define the ambiance.[21]
- Some lamps will let you control the brightness settings from your phone.
- For example, you can place this lamp around the center of the balcony so everyone can hear the music.
- Place tasteful candle lanterns all around your balcony area. Pick up candle lanterns from your local home goods store—these provide a decorative touch while also minimizing the risk of a fire hazard. Stick a candle into the decorative lantern and place it anywhere around your balcony, like on a nightstand, table, or even on the floor.[22]
- Choose candles in your favorite scents to really give the cozy ambiance a boost.
- You can place your lanterns on tables and nightstands, or leave them on the floor for a more subtle glow.
- Oversized candles can make great balcony decor, as well![23]
- Never leave candles unattended, even if they're placed in a candle lantern. If the candle lantern breaks, a fire can start and spread through your balcony.
- Decorate with solar lamps if you live in a sunny area. Shop online for solar-powered lamps, which you can hang up in any area that gets a lot of direct sunlight. After a sunny day, your lamps will keep your balcony lit, electricity- and outlet-free![24]
- For instance, you can hang your solar lamps near your balcony railing, where the sun first enters the space.
- You can also shop for other types of solar lights, like solar string lights and lanterns.
- Star-shaped lanterns are a great option if you're looking for a more creative light source.[25]
[Edit]References |
| How to Choose Shoe Size when Shopping Online Posted: 30 Nov 2020 12:00 AM PST While shoe shopping is best done in person, you can often save time and money by looking for new footwear online. Since you can't physically touch or examine a shoe from a digital store listing, examine your own feet to get an idea of how long, wide, and arched they are. When you have a better idea of your foot's physical size and shape, you can select a shoe size that will provide a more comfortable fit for you! [Edit]Checking Your Foot Shape and Size - Set a piece of paper on a flat surface. Take a sheet of printer paper and place it on the floor, or another flat area. Check that your foot can fit within the parameters of the paper—if not, select a larger sheet. Arrange the sheet in a safe, indoor area, where you won't be at any risk of slipping.[1]
- To provide a more sturdy measuring surface, consider laying your printer paper flush against the wall.[2]
- Center your foot in the middle of the paper. Remove any socks, tights, or stockings, then place your foot on top of the paper. Check that your foot isn't trailing off the page, and that there's enough room to trace around the perimeter.[3]
- Trace around your foot with a pencil to create an accurate sketch. Try to keep your sketch as close to the edge of your foot as possible, so the drawing can be accurate. If you find it difficult to trace around your entire foot at once, try working in sections.[4]
- Consider asking a friend or family member to help you with this, as they might be able to get a more accurate sketch.
- Depending on your foot, your tallest toe might be your big toe, or it might be the toe right next to your big toe! Double-check your sketch to ensure that it's correct before you continue.
- Repeat this process to measure your opposite foot. Set a new piece of paper down on a flat surface, then place your foot in the center of the sheet. Once again, use a pencil to trace around the perimeter, keeping the sketch along the edge of your foot. When you've finished tracing, set the piece of paper aside along with your original sketch.
- Taking 2 measurements helps you to see if your foot sizes are even or disproportionate.
- Measure the length of your sketches with a ruler. Center a ruler or measuring tape along the heel portion of the drawing, making sure the measuring tool is going through the center of the sketch. Measure to the top of your tallest toe, then check to see what the ruler or measuring tape says. Repeat this process with both sketches to get an accurate idea of your shoe size.[5]
- It may help to jot down the exact measurements on a separate piece of paper.
- Determine your shoe size by comparing the measurement to an official list. Search online to find an accurate shoe size chart for your country or region. Find your foot measurements on the chart to see which size grouping you fit into. If your feet are 2 different sizes, be sure to compare both measurements against the chart.[6]
- Check the diameter of the sketch to see if you have wide or narrow feet. Take a ruler or measuring tape and lay it horizontally across the sketch of your foot. Align the measuring tool so it spans across the 2 widest parts of your feet, which will give you a more accurate result. Jot down the exact measurement, then search online to compare your results to a width sizing chart.[7]
- The widest parts of your feet are directly beneath your big toe and piggy toe.
- The width of your feet is proportionate to the overall size. For instance, if your feet are a size 7 and wide, you could classify them as wide. However, if your feet are a size 10, then your feet would be considered to have an average width.
- Check the charts on this site to see how wide or narrow your feet are: http://www.sizecharter.com/clothing-fit-and-measurement/understanding-shoe-sizing.
- Dip your foot in water to see if you have high or low arches. Place your foot in a bucket of cool water, then step on a piece of cardboard. Remove your foot from the sheet, then examine the imprint that's leftover. If you can see most of your foot, you likely have low arches. If half of your foot isn't visible in the imprint, you have high arches.[8]
- If you can see about ⅔ of your foot in the imprint, you likely have normal arches.
[Edit]Evaluating the Shoe Listing - Compare your shoe size to the provided chart on the store's site.[9] Before looking for a specific type of shoe, search the website for a sizing chart that pertains to the brand. While most charts will be similar, note that some brands might offer different sizing recommendations. Find your own shoe measurements on the chart to get an idea of what shoe size would fit you best.[10]
- Many websites allow you to narrow your search parameters by shoe size. See if this option is available to you as you browse!
- Read the description to get an idea of the shoe's materials.[11] Note that synthetic shoes tend to include materials like spandex, acrylic, polyester, nylon, or acetate, which indicates that the shoe is more flexible and breathable. Be cautious when shopping for shoes made out of heavier materials like leather, which may feel rigid around your feet with long-term use.[12]
- Search the listing for special sizing recommendations. Check the bottom of the listing for any manufacturer notes or guidelines that may be important to consider. Depending on the shoe model or brand, some footwear may run consistently small, narrow, or large. With this in mind, try to factor in this advice whenever you purchase a pair of shoes online.[13]
- For instance, if a listing for hiking boots states that the shoes tend to run large, purchase a pair that's a half or whole size smaller than your usual size.
- Check the product listing for customer reviews.[14] Aside from the company's personal recommendations, see if other customers enjoyed wearing the shoes that they purchased. If previous customers weren't satisfied with their purchases, look for keywords in the review that indicate why. You might be able to gain some valuable insights into how well the shoe fits, and if you need to buy it in a larger or smaller size.[15]
- Buy pointed shoes in a larger size so your feet don't feel cramped. If you're looking for pointed footwear, like flats, dress shoes or heels, check the size listing to see what your options are. While it may seem practical to purchase shoes in your exact size, you may be setting yourself up for cramping and pinching. Instead, purchase the shoes in a ½ or whole size larger.[16]
- For instance, if you're looking to buy a pair of pointed heels but have size 6 feet, opt for a size 6½ or 7 shoe instead.
- Order seasonal shoes in a larger size to accommodate for the weather. Use caution when purchasing boots, sandals, or other footwear used during especially warm or cold temperatures. Note that some feet tend to swell in hotter weather, which can make your normal shoe size seem tight and uncomfortable. In cold weather, tight shoes tend to make your feet feel colder. While keeping this in mind, order your seasonal footwear in a ½ or whole size larger than you usually would buy.[17]
- For instance, if you're a size 10, purchase a pair of winter boots in a size 10½ or 11.
- Go with the larger size if your feet are 2 different sizes. Unfortunately, the vast majority of online shops don't give you an option to buy 2 differently sized shoes as a pair. If your feet are uneven, use the measurement of your longer foot when investing in a new set of shoes online.[18]
- For example, if your left foot is a size 8.5 and your right foot is a size 9, purchase shoes that are a size 9.
- If you're buying heels or sneakers, size up a half size, since your feet may swell a bit during the day.[19]
- Check the store's site to see if they have a fair return policy. If you can't return the shoes after trying them on, you may want to take your business elsewhere.[20]
[Edit]Things You'll Need - Paper
- Pencil
- Ruler or measuring tape
- Water
- Cardboard sheet
[Edit]References |
