Dare To Be Domestic

Thin Hangers Equal A Happy Closet

Okay, let's talk a little closet talk today.  A friend of mine turned me on to a product that has changed the way I see my closet, more specifically, clothes hangers.  Now, I’m not the one to tell you to run out and buy the newest trendy products, but I have to say in this case, “You might wanna run out and buy this product!”  It's Slimline hangers!

I’m sure you all can relate to a crowded closet—every inch counts.  These unique hangers have great design and functionality.  They are super skinny, non-slip, hold up to 10 pounds, and they even have indents for your dress straps (not that I'll be needing those).  They kinda feel like velvet, come in cool colors to match any decor, and they are easy to find.  I bought mine at Bed Bath and Beyond.  Oooohhhhh!  Who would have thought something as simple as clothes hangers could change my life?  My closet went from a bulky mess of crooked shirts and mismatched random plastic hangers to a harmoniously uniform collection of shirts and pants.

Now that my new closet is a neat and clean, I can give you a few other “no” and “low” cost tips on how I maximize the minimal space of my closet.

• Lose the Unused:  I bet you thought I was referring to clothing.  Empty hangers are also a big contributor to wasted closet space.  Tie together and store unused hangers in a place where they are easily accessible, maybe in a bin under your bed, but definitely not in the closet.
• Work the Poles:  (Did I really just write that?)  Add an extra bar or more to your closet.  Hang it as high as you can reach and hang shirts there.  Now the bottom bar can be great place for pants.
• Double Up:  Who said that you can only put one item per hanger?  Try placing a more delicate garment on a hanger that already has a more durable shirt on it.  You'll save space and protect the delicate garment.  NOTE:  Delicate knits and silks are best stored flat—not on hangers.
• Utilize Your Door:  Don’t forget about over and behind the door solutions for things like shoes and accessories.  Behind your door is a good place to store bulky things like coats and jackets that you don’t use as often.  It’s as easy as installing a hook or two.

  Now go clear some space in your closet and have fun! 

Drawer Organization At It's Best

What is the dumbest thing in your junk drawer? Think hard. In fact go and take a look. This week a client of mine was in need of a little (A LOT) drawer organization.  Unfortunately, I forgot my camera to take before and after pictures, but I’m telling you it took almost 4 hours to complete the job.  That should tell you what I was up against! 

 

I discovered a very cool product at Sur La Table, thanks to this little (BIG) task.  It’s called a Two-Piece Wood Drawer Divider Set.  When installed it looks almost like custom woodwork as opposed to other storage solutions made of plastic or rubber.  It’s easy to install and can be adjusted and combined with other products made by the same manufacture, and last but not least, it’s priced at $19.95.  HELLO!

It works best for large kitchen drawers.  It will even work well in sock or underwear drawers.  I’d recommend you check it out.

But in true DTBD style, I’ll also give you some no-cost options to spruce up your drawers without swiping your debit card: 

• If drawer space permits, utilize a single drawer for one related group items. Instead of having a junk drawer, create a drawer that contains all things that are in some way related, like crafts, or first aid, or the pets. 
• Use an old placemat or towel to create a custom drawer liner. Simply cut to size and hem if your sewing skills permit.  This will prevent items from shifting.
• Use rubber bands to group like items.
• Use zip lock bags or even an extra ice cube tray to sort really small items.
• Keep in mind drawers are for items you use often and not for long-term storage.  Do yourself a favor and limit the amount of clutter you have to face everyday by cleaning out your drawers.  You will be glad you did!

   

  

But the question still stands. What is the dumbest thing in your junk drawer? Let us know.

How I Made $240.50 At My Yard Sale!

With my resolve to go “out with the old and in with the new,” I hosted a yard sale yesterday and made enough dough to buy my new West Elm headboard.  The kicker is I sold things I normally would have donated to charity or just thrown out.  (I hope none of my customers from this weekend are reading).  I guess I should preface this with a clause that I live in Southern California, so you can actually have a successful yard sale in January.  Those Santa Anna winds brought a beautiful summer-like day in the seventies!  Sorry to all my east coast friends.

So as I was saying… I announced in my New Year resolution that I am vacating my oh-so-cute 1920’s bungalow apartment that I love so much, for a dose of modern living at an address on the exciting Sunset Blvd!  I’m smiling from ear to ear.  This move comes with a major downgrade on space, so I have to get rid of A LOT of stuff.

I consider myself a yard sale pro and was able to produce a winning yard sale.  (I say produce because putting on a yard sale is more like directing a stage play with all the characters you will meet.  At times I felt like I was on an episode of Punk’d.)  So I present to you everything you wanted to know about hosting a successful yard sale:

Plan Ahead.

Hosting on Sunday is key.  It’s the time when all the pro yard sale shoppers hit the street in hopes of finding their next gem.  Yeah, I admit I frequent a yard sale or two, but I’m very selective.  To make things easier for your yard sale plan ahead by gathering everything you plan to sell in one location.  This very important step will make your early morning prep work that much more easy.  Speaking of prepping, remember to:

• Check your local forecast.
• Rake area leaves and clear debris.  (I did the night before but the wind from the previous night brought in new leaves as you will see in my video.)
• Bring out any tables or chairs you can use to present items for sale.
• The week of the sale, place ads on free classified services like Craigslist.  They have a section designated to yard sales.  It really works.
• Let your friends know.  They may have been eyeing those seashell coasters for a while.
• Get at least $40 in singles and $5 in quarters for change.
• Have bags on hand.
• Make streets signs to post the day of the sale.

Start Early.

I started setting up at 6AM.  My first customers arrived around 6:30.  I’ve thrown dozens of yard sales for myself and for friends, and I’ve found the best time frame is 6AM-12PM.   

Staff Up.

It’s best to have at least one friend help with the sale as you will be running a round a lot and need someone to hold down the fort – kinda like a sales associate.

Present Everything At Its Best.

I was trying to sell an old blender that looked a mess.  As soon as I cleaned it up a bit, it went like fire. Dust, wipe down and have all pieces ready to go (an example being a remote).

Hold Nothing Back.

You’d be surprised at the things that sold like hot cakes.  Here is my top 5 list of unexpected blue light specials:

1. Storage.  Anything used to store other things.  I guess collectors love to store the things they collect?
2. Games and DVDs.  If you’re like me, you store your music on your computer so a yard sale is the perfect time to unload old music and movies you don’t watch.
3. Shoes and Clothing.  I brought out my old clothing kinda late, after I realized that people were actually looking for clothing and shoes.  Needless to say I was on a frenzy to bring out everything I normally would have donated to Goodwill.  I made $60 from old clothing alone.
4.  Old Electronics.  Buyers have an obsession with them.  I even had a gentleman buy a cell phone that I explained did not work.  I didn’t ask any questions!
5. Body Sprays, Colognes and Lotions.  All are fair game.  Even used ones!  LOL!

Be Honest.

Sell everything “as is” and make no promises about an item you are selling, especially electronics.  Customers can smell a rat a mile away.  And dude, they know where you live.

Play Host.

Greet every customer with a “Good Morning” or “Good Afternoon,” and then step back and let them do their thing.  NO need to push items—people will ask questions and generally know what they want.  Like I said, yard sale shoppers are pros.

Keep Prices Low.

Price everything to sell.  People at a yard sale don’t come prepared to drop hundreds.  In fact, most don’t want to buy anything over $25.  Remember the goal is to get rid of the items you no longer need.  It’s more about the freedom than profit.  Seriously, do you really want to carry ALL those things back to your apartment?  I sold 90% of my inventory because I charged the right price.  A good rule of thumb is to price items 75%-80% off what you bought them for, unless they are new and unopened.  In that case, try for 60% off.  Another tip is to lay items of the same price on a towel next to each other/ make everything in that section the same price. 

Strategize and Customer Service Is Key.

For higher ticket items, always price them $2 to $5 higher than you’re hoping to sell them for.  This allows some room to negotiate down for the customer.  They are more likely to close the sale on a bargain.  Also, when customers are buying multiple items and you are in the negotiation stage, always give them a total and then throw something in the package for free.  Keep the mentality that you want nothing to go unsold.  Losing $3 to gain $20 is a wise investment.

Respect Your Neighbors.

It’s a good idea to let your neighbors know you are having a yard sale, as you will cause increased traffic on your neighborhood’s street.  You may even be surprised that some will join in with you.  The more the merrier.  And clean up everything when you’re finished.  Don’t forget to remove your signs.

Treat Yourself.

When your long day is over, go and treat yourself and your friends who helped to a nice lunch.  Trust me you will be exhausted!  But also exhilarated by all that purging and that new wad of cash in your pocket!

Fun!

Tupperware Is Not The Enemy!

I don't know if it's the holidays, or if The Container Store had a semi-annual clearance sale (sounds like fun) but lately, several DTBD readers have been asking me the same question:  “What is the best way to store Tupperware or any other food storage containers ?”  So it seems we are all having the same problem in the kitchen - container mayhem.  Can I get an Amen? 

Thankfully, there are a few ways I know to get around this headache:  

• Instead of storing the Tupperware in an overhead cabinet, try storing it in a large drawer where you can have easier access, and thus, the ability to keep the containers organized.

• Phase out your old containers and start to purchase new containers in the sizes you most use.  I find myself using the small and medium-sized containers more often than I use the super-sized, larger ones, so I only buy them.  

• If you plan to keep your old school storage systems, stack like bottoms together (inside of each other) and use a chip clip to group like lids together.  

• Or for easy access to your lids try using a large Zip Lock bag, a napkin holder or even a dish rack. It's kinda like a lid filing system.

• Keep in mind round containers take up more space and are harder to store.  Stick to square containers; it will make your life easier.

• To avoid the “I can’t find a match syndrome” purchase a color coordinated set like the ones pictured below made by Sterilite.  Orange bottom with orange top.  Easy.  And the cool thing about these containers is they create a watertight seal and are oh-so-easy to stack!

  

   

  

• And lastly, remember to only use containers that are meant for reusable storage.  Using old restaurant containers, margarine containers or any other disposable items can be bad for your health as repeated washing and rinsing can cause the plastic to break down, and the carcinogens can leach into the food or water that YOU are drinking.  Not good.  SO gather them up and trash or recycle them all.  Look, I just saved you like a mile of cabinet space.  I hope my grandmother is reading this!

I Dare You to Be Domestic!

If I Forget That Bag One More Time...

Did you know the average person uses between 600 to 1200 plastic bags a year?  Not so green.  Everyday I strive to be more carbon neutral in all aspects of my life.  I recycle all recyclable goods; I buy in bulk when possible; I even turn off the water while brushing my teeth.  But one place I always slip up on is remembering to bring my reusable shopping bags to the grocery store.  I don’t know what it is, but I always get to the store and remember just as I walk through the door that I forgot my good ole tote at home.  I actually get a little mad at myself.  I have a feeling I’m not alone.  Soon cities all over the country will follow the lead of San Francisco who banned the use of non-biodegradable bags.  So, let’s all resolve to do better – here are three tips to help you and I remember those dang on reusable shopping bags:

1. Hang your reusable bags over the back of your car’s passenger headrest.  This keeps the bags in plain sight and helps you remember to grab them when shopping.
2. After you unpack your groceries, immediately place the empty bags on the doorknob of your front door.  This is another reminder to take your bags back to your car for your next shopping trip.
3. For women, and men who carry man bags (that’s another posting), if you have plastic bags from previous purchases stash a few in your purse and reuse them in the emergency that you forget your reusable bag.  Don't forget to return those bags to your purse for the next such emergency.

There are other ways to transport groceries as I have learned by taking notes from all my fellow Whole Food Shoppers in Los Angeles.  Try The Book Bag Stash, The Basket Bundle or even the Two Hand Carryout!

Whether your reusable bag is from Trader Joes ($1.99) or Hermes (an astounding $960.00 LOL! - pictured right) you will look smart and help our planet at the same time.  So get in the habit of remembering to bring your own bag every time you shop.  I Dare You To Be Domestic!

My House Book Is Bigger Than Your House Book...

As we know running a home can be a full-time job.  But as we’ve been discussing this week, it doesn’t have to be, even when little stressors pop up.  Take this example:  Let’s say your power goes out.  Who are you going to call if your Internet is down and it’s too dark to find that darn electric bill with the number you need?  I’m also betting a flashlight (or the batteries) may not be readily available.  Well, if you’re one of my friends, inevitably you’ll call me, LOL!  But if you don’t have my phone number on speed dial, try a solution I call the House Book.

I do home planning and organization for clients around the Los Angeles area.  The one item that many of my clients request is a House Manual, aka House Book or House Bible.  It’s a 20-30 page book of how EVERYTHING in the house works, including instructions on pool, security gates and home theater operation (that’s Hollywood for ya!).  No more running around looking for phone numbers and instructions on how to change the vacuum belt for you!  Create your very own House Bible where you can be as detailed or basic as you like:

Gather a three-ring binder with pockets, a three-hole punch, some notebook dividers, and then organize your book into sections.

Section 1 – RENTAL/MORTGAGE INFO

• Photocopy the lease agreement, deed, or mortgage information and place in the book.

Section 2 – UTILITIES

• Build a list of all your utilities providers, your account numbers and contact information.  Print this file and place into your binder.  You can also hole punch utility statements and place them in the book.  Maybe keep a year’s worth before moving them to your filing cabinet for quick reference.

Section 3 – UPKEEP

• Print a list of all the numbers of contractors and vendors you use in and around your home.
• Hole punch all manuals and instructions for the items you buy and place them in your book.

Section 4 – MUNICIPAL SERVICES & EMERGENCY

• Log on to your city website and gather numbers you will need for emergency use, such as:


• Police and Fire
• Poison Control
• Neighborhood Councils
• Contract Transportation Services
• Public Transportation
• Trash Collection
• Tree Hazard Removal
• Water and Power Companies
• Gas Company
• Anonymous Crime Tips

SECTION 5 - BLANK PAGES

• Add blank pages for notes on things around the house.

Store your House Bible in an easily locatable place along with a flashlight and fresh batteries.  As your home grows your book will too.  Go a step further and digitally scan all your book’s contents and save your electronic version to a laptop computer.  Now you're ready for that power outtage!  Paper or electronic, you will be surprised how much help this book will provide—truly it’s a lifesaver.  I Dare You To Be Domestic.

Everything Has A Place. Getting It There, Another Story

Today we are going to solve the problem of loosing our day-to-day items like keys and remote controls.  I can’t tell you how many hours I wasted until I developed a system for storing my things.  Here are some simple ideas to avoid sending out an SOS to find your belongings, LOL!  These solutions are not groundbreaking, but they work:

Keys
Always try to place your keys in the same place when not in use.  I suggest a hook in an inconspicuous place, like in your kitchen, bedroom or hallway.  There are many decorative solutions, but a $.49 hook from your local hardware store will work just fine.  While you’re at it, get rid of any extra accoutrements that may be lingering on your keychain – making ‘em ALL HEAVY!

Remotes
First step is to limit the amount of remote controls by merging them all to one universal remote.  See my entry, “Like I Need Another Remote Control Cable Man.” Use a decorative box with a lid to store your remote control, and place that box right on your coffee table.  It might take a while to get used to placing the remote in the box, but once you train yourself you will never loose it again, unless they fall between the pillows on the sofa (in which case, you’ll know where to look).

Mail
How many times has an important piece of your mail gone M.I.A.?  It’s best to sort and file mail as soon as you get it.  Have a system for sorting and recycling mail somewhere near your front door.  Think of it as a temporary holding, sorting and destroying place.  Even consider placing a shredder inside of a decorative basket so you can immediately get rid of unsolicited mail before it collects into clutter.  Switching all your billing to e-bills also helps a lot.

Wallet/Purse
Guys, ever wonder where to place your wallet at the end of the day?  And ladies, ever forget items when changing purses?  Try emptying a drawer somewhere in your bedroom or office and use a tray (formally called a valet) to hold loose pocket items.  This includes wallets, small purses, checkbooks, loose change, cosmetics, tissue, pens, phone headsets, extra business cards, breath mints—you name it.  This way, all your important carry-alongs are ready in one place for when you have to run out the door.

So, come up with a little organization system for yourself, get in the habit of following it and enjoy less stress in your home-Life!  Below I’ve listed some products I like that might help.  But more important than buying anything is to be resourceful – that’s the DTBD way.  I mean I have a cheese platter in my dresser drawer.  LOL.

1. Urban Outfitters, Branch Hooks | 2. IKEA, BLECKA Hook | 3. The Container Store, Magnetter Key & Letter Holder by Umbra | 4. Red Envelope, The Sanctuary Charging Station | 5. West Elm, Canvas Storage | 6. Staples, Staples ColorWave Expanding Files | 7. CB2, Osaka boxes

I Dare You To Be Domestic.

The Desk Mess Wire Fix

A few weeks back I bought a new desk lamp. When I went to find the cord to disconnect the old one, I was paralyzed at the monstrosity of wires that had grown behind my desk. I needed a solution right then and there to clean up this hot mess! I headed for my "desk junk drawer" (we all have them--that's another
entry) and spotted some trash bag ties and Post-it Notes. An idea hatched. Check out my before and after pics along with my cheesy video to see how easy it was to get my desk in order:

My home office – where all the magic happens. It looks real nice and organized until…

You look behind it. This is the Before. Notice how you can’t tell which wire belongs to which component.

Here's the After. It’s amazing what a few Post-it Notes and trash bag ties can do.

Take a quick look at my video below for detailed directions.

Until next time. I Dare You To Be Domestic! Lata