The poster said most of the things were leftovers. Those don’t have the same shelf life.
1 Like
Question for people with lid racks - do you store them in a cabinet? I feel like I don’t have enough cabinet space, But I’m also thinking about how I can better use the space I have.
I didn’t see a reference to leftovers. But even in that case, probably my freezer would have some violations!
3 Likes
Mine is on a pullout shelf inside a cabinet.
1 Like
Can you view your donation of too big clothing as a blessing/help to someone else who might be in need?
I understand where you are coming from. My mother had complete wardrobes in all sizes 6 - 12 when she died. She was actually using one of their bedrooms AS a closet. She had expensive clothing, and her weight did fluctuate.
2 Likes
That’s exactly what I need to do!
2 Likes
When I used to go to weight watchers meetings, they set up a rolling rack in the front room (before you weighed in) so you could bring your too-big outfits for Dress for Success. It was fun applauding people who were donating their nice work clothes! The leaders encouraged the new size 10’s to get rid of the dresses in a size 16…
I think people find it easier to get rid of things when there’s a “face” to the donations. Someone getting an office job for the first time- of course you’d want to help her! Maybe once Covid ends…
8 Likes
That’s one reason I love my Buy Nothing group. It’s really nice knowing the things you are getting rid of are going to someone who really wants them.
5 Likes
Try a “ Buy Nothing “ group on Facebook or other. Some folks looking for ok stuff to use as is, or to repurpose.
2 Likes
S “helped”/forced us to organize while we were all sheltering together in our home. He bought all the storage containers and others and had us organize nearly everything.
10 Likes
Okay, you win!!
But, I have to ask - why are all the labels hand-written when you have a box that is labeled (also with a handwritten label), “label makers”??
4 Likes
Since Covid, I’ve tried to stock up on non-perishables to limit the number of trips to the grocery store. I’ve taken to labeling things with a black sharpie so I don’t have to squint/search for which item is going to expire first. It helps with organizing the pantry and placing “older” items toward the front.
As for the freezer chest we purchased, I have used jumbo sized ziplock bags in an attempt to keep it relatively organized I place similar bagged items together…like frozen veggies, frozen fruit, ground beef, etc. Boxed items, easier to stack, go onto the shelves in the standing refrigerator/freezer.
1 Like
I’m just sorry for your sake that insect repellent is an office staple. 
And I would empty out all of those boxes and put one or two of each item into a single box labelled “Office Supplies.”
3 Likes
My laundry room looks much like @HImom 's, with labeled plastic bins. My laundry room also contains the printer/modem/router, etc., so also has all the office supplies, batteries, cords/cables/power strips, etc.
I also have a few labeled plastic bins in my pantry, holding dried fruits; pasta; rice & grains; nuts; & granola.
I have a similar lid rack from Amazon that @BunsenBurner has. I also have 3 turntables for spices in the cupboards near stove, and 2 turntables for small items in pantry.
My D organized my junk drawer–she used empty Ginger Mint tins from TJ’s for the small items (such a recycler! 
)
5 Likes
S had us hand write the labels so we’d know where everything is.
The insect repellent is a neat slap on bracelet invented by my friend’s H who is selling it to countries who have malaria problems. He makes insect repellent carpets as well, depending on what the country wants/needs. The bracelet keeps bugs away and can be refilled. It can be made very cheaply or more deluxe. He’s been working on it and other inventions for decades.
The bracelet has been great in keeping us from being bitten when we go to places with mosquitoes. The items are in a large divider cabinet in our great room.
3 Likes
I listened to a podcast on ADD and the expert said to develop organizational techniques that work for you personally - could be very different than others.
She mentioned that some of her clients w/ADD need organizational processes that are very simple to use and require next to no effort. E.g., a shoe rack might not work because the person would have to take several steps to remove shoes, lift them up and place them on the rack properly. It just wouldn’t get done. Whereas a few bins for shoes in the closet make throwing the shoes in there (still out of the way) very easy and do-able.
This really resonated w/me. I’ve learned to make my organization (particularly for things I use a lot) super simple and easy to maximize success. The multiple, small labeled boxes designated for particular items are great – but would be overwhelming for me. Need easy places to chuck stuff. LOL
8 Likes
We have transitioned to clear bins for anything we feel needs to be saved in a bin. You don’t need to label at all…because you can see what’s in the bins.
Those opaque bins…you could drop anything in…and it disappeared. We have gotten rid of all of those except one that has Christmas things in it…and is red with a green top.
3 Likes
Something I read that really resonated with me. When putting something away, instead of thinking “where does this go”, instead think “where would I look for this the next time I need it”. Just the flip side of the coin, but somehow framing it in terms of where my future self would look for it really helps!
8 Likes
Also, keeping stuff physically near where you would use it. We keep our binoculars and bird guide together near the window with the great view where we see birds. I recently moved some of my paperwork from other locations to the room I use as my office where I actually sit and do my bill paying.
2 Likes