Reader Hack - Green Up the Kitchen

Limit your kitchen gadgets and small appliances that will eventually end up in a landfill. Do you need a food processor and blender, bread maker, nut chopper, etc?

From: The Minimalist

Reader Hack - Junk mail

Reduce the amount of mail that comes into your home.

You can opt out of catalogs at this site:
Catalogchoice

You can opt out of credit card offers at this site:
Optoutprescreen

To read more visit: Minimalist Finances

Submitted by: The Minimalist

Reader Hack - Recycle!

Buy yourself a good set of stainless steel pots and pans and never have to buy them again! You can do it one at a time too. Remember to recycle the old cruddy ones for their metal.

Submitted by: The Minimalist

Reader Hack - Jewelry Organizer

I made something to hang jewelry from out of cardboard (I wanted to recycle). You can use a bit of cereal box. I formed and folded it into a sort of pyramid/Toblerone shape.
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Reader Hack - Tissue Box Trash Can

I keep the clutter in my car under control by using an empty tissue box as a trash can. Napkins, candy wrappers, old shopping lists…a tissue box can hold a LOT! When it's a full as it can get, I toss the whole thing and replace it with another.

(or you can keep your kitten in it)

From: The Family CEO

Reader Hack - Donate!

1. Donate clothing that has "shrunk" to a charity such as the Salvation Army. Someone in need will be able to use it.
2. Store items that you don't use often.
3. Donate items that you haven't used for a few years.

Submitted by John E. Russell

Reader Hack - Ribbon Holder

I use dowell rods strung across my peg board to hold rolls of ribbon. All that I have to do is cut off the needed length and voila!

~Submitted by Victoria S Johnson

Reader Hack: Re-use Boxes

I used Kleenex lavishly to keep after my kids messes and saved the empty boxes. I cut open the top leaving a half inch all around and then stapled the ends for added strength. I made (or had my older kids make) large labels for the box ends. These fit nicely on most bookcases and have made wonderful free organizers.

I used them for sewing notions, household items such as batteries, tape, glue, string, hair accessories, dog "things", tools, workroom items, such as sandpaper or paintbrushes, also for craft items and kids supplies such as pens, pencils , crayons, etc. the list is endless.
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Reader Hack: Homework Help

Homework Clutter? I have two kids that get notes, homework, permission forms, etc and they used to be all over my kitchen island. They were mixed up, and I usually forgot things, which is a pain.

I now have two plastic magazine holders, one for each girl. When they come home from school, they put all their homework, agenda, papers, etc into their own holder. After dinner we look through to see what needs to be processed for the next day. Once the item is complete, it goes into their backpack.

If the bin is empty, there is nothing to do re: homework or school stuff.

Hope I helped.

Submitted by Lisa

Overwhelming Clutter

This was submitted by Linda Kessel. It's not really a reader-hack, but I figured she needs an answer.

I'm at the end of my rope, looking at the clutter in my home and unable to ever catch up. I'm disabled and I physically can't move the mess. My partner recently underwent back surgery so he's not able to help. The mess is overwhelming, and all my counselors can say is to pace myself. But at this rate, I'll never have a comfortable home to live in. Please, I NEED HELP!!!

Linda,

There is something to be said for pacing yourself and having patience. But I understand your frustration! It sounds like you and your partner need to call upon the kindness of family and friends for some help and support. You could have a clutter-buster party! Maybe provide some snacks and beverages? You might be surprised at how people will step up and help out when you really need it!

Any other words of wisdom for Linda?

Reader Hack: Art Supply Storage

When the kids art supplies began to get out of control, I had to get the stuff off the floor and the kitchen table. I began to consider the unused spaces in my home, and came up with a solution that takes up very little space, but yields mondo storage capacity for small items. It is a behind-the-door pantry rack that installs in about 15 minutes. I think I'm going to install one on the back of every door in my house now!

Thanks to Gear Freak for submitting this tip!

Reader Hack: Taming Closet Clutter

Here's a suggestion for keeping your closet and clothes under control:

When I buy a new item of clothing, I get rid of three items of clothing. This way my closet is not bursting at the seams. Generally, most people have clothes that they just don't wear or haven't even looked at for the past two years.

It's also a good way to donate or give away items that you're not using, can't wear, or don't wear. In Feng Shui practice, you must always clear out to receive something new!!

Submitted by Sandi

Clutter Hack: Labeling Feed Bins

For all you Sharpie fans out there:

I have a lot of animals, which makes going on trips difficult. I took a Sharpie pen and labeled all of the different grain bins with feeding instructions for the horses and goats.

I never have to write up instructions on a note for the pet sitter again! Hallelulah!

Related Product: Try these great feed bins.

Reader Hack: Better Looking Storage

Use “opaque” storage, not see-through. Example: Put your items on your shelving units into nice baskets, “leather” boxes, magazine holders, etc.

It looks MUCH less cluttered than than the same items stacked on those shelves and even the same items in “see-through storage” like plastic or acrylic containers.

I know there’s something to be said for being able to “see what you have” but that’s not always a good thing! Use a label maker and label opaque storage containers instead!

Contributed by Trysha

Clutter Hack: How You Can Make the Most of Your Small Space

As someone who lives in Tokyo, small is the only way you can live. In general, I recommend taking advantage of "dead space" with rolling pieces of furniture. I also suggest using a few big pieces of furniture rather than a bunch of small ones.

Look for "wasted space' in less obvious places. If you have free space above your glasses in your cabinetry, for instance, you can hang items on hooks above them. If your shelves are tall, put in racks to divide the space efficiently. This will help you fit more into the space in a tidy fashion.
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Reader Hack: A Great Kids' Art Supply Storage Solution

I’ve been told I’m a certifiable neat freak. Please forgive me; it’s most likely a result of my upbringing and my mother, Mother Immaculate. Just ask my older sister; she’s even neater than me.

As neat as I may be, there are definitely times when messy is good — like when my kids are finger-painting and making paper-mache.

As my kids got older, the art supplies became more numerous. Soon I had art supplies all over the kitchen and they began to overtake the top of my refrigerator.

I had to come up with a solution.
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Reader Hack: Trade in Your Books

I just moved to a much smaller house and have had to get just plain mean with myself regarding my CDs, books and clothes. I used to think I had to keep all books I enjoyed. NO MORE!

You can trade them at paperbackswap.com or titletrader.com for books on your list (which you can read and then trade or pass on!)

I figure if I give something away that I later want, I can always check it out at the library…happy decluttering

Submitted by Renee, publisher of Mom, Interrupted Blog

Reader Hack: Stock Up Now, Stay Warm in January

Always purchase at least one extra large pack of everything.

Saves you from making that emergency run to the grocery store at 10pm on a 30-degree January Sunday night, because you just learned that “sweetie” is out of pencils and a required notebook

Submitted by: gringey

Reader Hack: Use Different Color Suitcases for Each Family Member

I use packing cubes from eBags.com. Same kind of idea as the pack it envelopes.

I have 3 sons, and we go from Boston to Disney World every year. I use a different color packing cube for each kid. Cuts down on unpacking time, too, as I just drop the cubes in the drawer and I’m done.

Once, at the Orlando airport a skycap said our bag was too heavy. He brought me a cardboard box and I opened my suitcase, whipped out a few of the cubes, and my repack was done. He commented it was the fastest he’d ever seen.
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Readers' Clutter Hacks: Five-Minute Clutter Relief

You suggested 10-minute clutter relief. I do it in five- minute spurts. Five-minute projects are clutter clearing that you can do while you're waiting on hold, waiting at appointments, waiting for the repairman, waiting for the meeting, waiting for the bus…well, you get the idea.

My list ranges from cleaning out my wallet and purse to sorting though magazines on the bedside table. I also file papers, do a quick check of e-mail, wipe off my computer screen and keyboard, and throw a load of laundry in the washer.
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Reader's Clutter Hacks: Unveiling mysteries, one item at a time

How quickly have you turned a blind eye to a stack o’stuff that has become something to avoid like the plague? It’s funny how quickly the brain will choose to ignore the existence of something that it can’t identify at a glance. The piles on the shelves in the office, or on the kitchen counter, or in the closet…

Last week found me in standing in front of a clothes bag hanging on the closet door outside my office. While I’d turned a blind eye for a month, I was finally ready to see the light. The bag was on the floor in seconds revealing… a skirt and two lonely hangers. Oh! I was wondering where that skirt was! The skirt went to the bedroom closet and the hangers got hung.
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Reader Hacks - Purse Control

For my purse, I use zippered pouches with different colors and different textures. Black is a bad color, can’t find it! (And if you have the chance, get a purse with a light color lining.)

I have a little rubbery light blue pouch for pills, doctors’ business cards, insurance cards, cough drops, Pepto, eye drops, you get the idea. And I have a black & white silky pouch for toiletries. I can find them by sight or by feel.

Other stuff goes in designated pockets - I have to have pockets!

Submitted by Martha Bun

Related Products:
   • Purse Brite
   • The organizer in the photo is from Dawntreader Designs

Reader Hack: Make Your Grocery List Do All the Work

Here’s one of my simple solutions that has paid off in happiness and convenience.

Several years ago, I created a grocery list on my computer of all the things I normally buy. The items are grouped by category and arranged in the same order as the aisles in my grocery store.

I keep several copies of the list in a binder, along with my recipes, list of favorite meals, a highlighter and a pen.

Once a week, I sit down with my binder and plan my meals for the following week. I highlight the items I need and write down any “special” items that aren’t listed.
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Readers's Clutter Hacks — Colorful Leftovers

A great little tip to keep track of leftovers:

Wipe-off markers work wonders for writing dates and contents on the lids of plastic containers (or for writing your name on leftovers you don't want to share!). Then they wash right off when your done.

Submitted by Eva Wallace

Dolly's Hack: Every Second Counts

While brushing your teeth:

   • Clean out the medicine cabinet
   • Look for expired or empty containers
   • Straighten it up.

Submitted by Clutter Control Freak Blog reader Dolly Acosta

Beth's Hack: Trash Bag Tango

I found this at “Liz’s Eyeview” where Liz was reading “It’s All Too Much” by Peter Walsh. Mr Walsh suggests:

   • “…Grab 2 trash bags. Everyday for a week take ten minutes to go around your home and fill one bag with trash - old papers, torn and unusable clothing, out-of-date magazines, anything that you would classify garbage.

   • Fill the other with items you want out of your house. Maybe you want to give them to a friend or family member or charity.

Just a consistent 10 minutes a day is all this technique asks of you. Commit to this and you will see significant changes.

   • Do this everyday for a week and you’ll notice a huge difference. Do this everyday for one month and everyone else will notice a huge difference. Do it everyday for 3 months and you’ll conquer the clutter in your home.”

I “scheduled” this into my housework to-do list on MWF for a month and it has made a H-U-G-E difference in my home which includes 2 toddlers and 2 parents with ADD/ADHD! *wink*

Related Stacks and Stacks product: Roll-Out Trash Container System

Submitted by Clutter Control Freak Blog Reader Beth Sundman

Reader's Clutter Hacks — That Take Less Than 10 Minutes

What great clutter hack — that can be done in less than 10 minutes — works best in your life?

Please use this form to share your quick Clutter Hack.