Four Week "Wait-No-More" Organizing Challenge! Week 2 - Organized Car Kits

Welcome to Week Two of the <a href="http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2015/06/four-week-wait-no-more-organizing.html" target="_blank">"Wait-No-More" Organizing Challenge</a>.  To recap, I am focusing on four main areas of our life that need a lot of organizational help.  Instead of biting off more than I can chew all at once (and subsequently becoming quite overwhelmed), I am tackling one space each week. <br /><ul><li><a href="http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2015/06/four-week-wait-no-more-organizing_12.html" target="_blank">Time Management</a></li><li>Automobiles</li><li>Master Bathroom</li><li>Master Bedroom Closet </li></ul><br />And many of you are joining in and working on a few of your own spaces, which I totally love!  For this week's organizational challenge, I am focusing on our vehicles.  More and more, it feels like our cars are our second homes.  We are always heading to school and sporting events as well as running frequent errands, trips to the park and taking off for a weekend away.  We live in a small town, so we have to take trips to "the city" quite frequently.  All of those miles add up and the interior of our cars have been feeling the traveling pains.<br /><br />We snack in the car, we sleep in the car, we read and play games in the car.  I am not one to keep strict rules about food, drinks and toys because I want everyone to be happy and comfortable while traveling.  However, my goal is to take back the room on wheels that we spend so much time in, and to find a few ways to better maintain them moving forward.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyq_73nudX0M1gVCkqu1fiPDpjk80zgglyTjr_BsyQc6cuxIclhyphenhyphenLiSPeTj4pWX36t7mVmqHKSTLO8KHnIhGcyiGAX7ADtV8YM6fO8q1jBQK3Anq0JgQLqiurervkfPT_ydyl1-erJbrjq/s1600/Auto_Organization_Plan.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyq_73nudX0M1gVCkqu1fiPDpjk80zgglyTjr_BsyQc6cuxIclhyphenhyphenLiSPeTj4pWX36t7mVmqHKSTLO8KHnIhGcyiGAX7ADtV8YM6fO8q1jBQK3Anq0JgQLqiurervkfPT_ydyl1-erJbrjq/s1600/Auto_Organization_Plan.png" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Above you can see my plans for the cars.  By Friday, I will (fingers crossed) have before and afters of two messy vehicles turned nice, clean and organized vehicles.  Wish me luck!<br /><br />My first step in the process was to address some areas we have been lacking.  We have umbrellas near our front door, but what happens when we are heading to the grocery store and a rain cloud comes out of nowhere?  We keep our sunglasses in our shoe cabinet, but again, what if we forget them at home and happen to be driving into the sun?  What if our oldest gets hit with motion sickness or I happen to get a headache?  When we head to the park, there is a high probability that our accident prone kiddo will scrape up his elbow, forehead or knee.  And after having three flat tires in the past two years, I can't risk not being prepared for another.  All of these things have happened and have left us feeling frustrated that we didn't have some basics on hand.<br /><br />So I decided to put together some kits to help us be better prepared on the road (you all know I love a good kit!).  We are still using some of the pouches we put together two years ago <a href="http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2013/04/happy-travels-auto-organization.html" target="_blank">here</a>, but since then we have ditched the basket and the rest of the system.  The lidded basket was too bulky and we found we didn't move it from car to car (the basket has been working much better in my closet storing off-season items).  This time around, I decided to create two of each kit, so that we don't have to do any moving between vehicles.<br /><br />I started by picking up two large fabric bins (<a href="http://www.target.com/p/threshold-fabric-cube/-/A-14368500#prodSlot=medium_1_28&term=threshold+cube" target="_blank">similar</a>) from Target.  They are a grey, felt-like material and reminded me of the interior of our cars.  I also picked up two <a href="http://www.joann.com/project-central-8x8/9058801.html?mkwid=UcwU5RKB|dc&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=&utm_campaign=Shopping+-+Home+Decor&CS_003=12310478&CS_010=[ProductId]&gclid=Cj0KEQjwkv-rBRDwoMLav-2l9KIBEiQAUTkDU78X_xV7T0PNeFHxBgy9P7mWMQ3Jf4S8LsTYG19IpVIaAs-c8P8HAQ" target="_blank">small craft cases</a> and four <a href="http://www.target.com/p/sterilite-clear-storage-tote-transparent-with-blue-lid-6qt/-/A-13794902#prodSlot=medium_1_31&term=sterilite+bin" target="_blank">plastic shoe boxes</a>.<br /><br />Kit number one is a very simple and basic First-Aid kit.  The small craft case was the perfect size for the bandage boxes and medicine bottles.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDvfAxh1bng1-R64uPQmHg_LT7wSPbZaUNfLMC4wDHmS97ENuFtcclZ2hhDNkQK7gsAJO-5pWO8WxgDfZ-L48lWPfHHx9RuYcnaGvjj6V4-pFXS5R8SWMzWeOBzsR57XQoaTL3sQM-MMm3/s1600/Organized_Travel_Car_Kits_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDvfAxh1bng1-R64uPQmHg_LT7wSPbZaUNfLMC4wDHmS97ENuFtcclZ2hhDNkQK7gsAJO-5pWO8WxgDfZ-L48lWPfHHx9RuYcnaGvjj6V4-pFXS5R8SWMzWeOBzsR57XQoaTL3sQM-MMm3/s1600/Organized_Travel_Car_Kits_1.jpg" /></a></div><br />Inside each kit I added the following items:<br /><ul><li>Pain Reliever</li><li>Digestive Relief</li><li>Motion Sickness Relief</li><li>Itch Relief</li><li>Instant Cold Pack</li><li>Antiseptic/Pain Relieving Spray</li><li>Bandages</li><li>Kleenex</li><li>Athletic Tape</li><li>Gauze</li><li>Scissors</li><li>Tweezers</li></ul><br /><ul></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLOZa1wl7S-GWjcXWY9WmWYGL9rmybI6Z7VGLavXZ9h4G2vZqGRZUvE5mN5e9K9U5SmyTmLjtPa2Hz-X8k6pm-BkLXaw9-bMtCifZAhiqeClyUqqZisvHlEZe7KYcjR1dOYHxJvJIC7Voa/s1600/Organized_Travel_Car_Kits_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLOZa1wl7S-GWjcXWY9WmWYGL9rmybI6Z7VGLavXZ9h4G2vZqGRZUvE5mN5e9K9U5SmyTmLjtPa2Hz-X8k6pm-BkLXaw9-bMtCifZAhiqeClyUqqZisvHlEZe7KYcjR1dOYHxJvJIC7Voa/s1600/Organized_Travel_Car_Kits_3.jpg" /></a></div><br />There is still room to add a few additional items if we find we have missed anything, however, we are pretty covered for accidents at the park or ball field.  I used my Silhouette die-cutting machine to create vinyl labels for each lid.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipXAMmO-ze0u25OyVoj-7njY2JYS1K-n2st60elWDjnQJavUWVLOFrJlpPF_gXjPY-WiZYz75uV153MzoMR8KEBgRpRehk0RqxP7AyK6x8yNBuHD46GI2_J5fHl4AL9-UC1ke77CIptPgU/s1600/Organized_Travel_Car_Kits_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipXAMmO-ze0u25OyVoj-7njY2JYS1K-n2st60elWDjnQJavUWVLOFrJlpPF_gXjPY-WiZYz75uV153MzoMR8KEBgRpRehk0RqxP7AyK6x8yNBuHD46GI2_J5fHl4AL9-UC1ke77CIptPgU/s1600/Organized_Travel_Car_Kits_2.jpg" /></a></div><br />Next up I created a kit to keep behind the driver's seat in each car.  My goal is to completely clean out the cars and only keep this single bin of items in each.  I used an <a href="http://www.avery.com/avery/en_us/Templates-%26-Software/Templates/Martha-Stewart-Home-Office-with-Avery/Martha-Stewart-Home-Office-with-Avery-Removable-Classic-Shape-Label-2-per-4x6-sheet_Microsoft-Word.htm" target="_blank">Avery Office template</a> to create the labels for each kit.  <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpZhty4mcogK1Rd6VBE6zGC7UdXfHvfR1ZnPV3IZhZrw9aPmUkOeH-Iv2PgUo51ocMlilNkxs_TYM9jEBMPkoIviLfO4y_R1A4ioHhGtve-XqSy4EAle1erwdYdIL-ZVjwczDNuWfU7bLx/s1600/Organized_Travel_Car_Kits_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpZhty4mcogK1Rd6VBE6zGC7UdXfHvfR1ZnPV3IZhZrw9aPmUkOeH-Iv2PgUo51ocMlilNkxs_TYM9jEBMPkoIviLfO4y_R1A4ioHhGtve-XqSy4EAle1erwdYdIL-ZVjwczDNuWfU7bLx/s1600/Organized_Travel_Car_Kits_4.jpg" /></a></div><br />Inside each of these bins I added the following items:<br /><ul><li>Wipes</li><li>Umbrella</li><li>Storage Bags</li><li>Spare Charging Adapter</li><li>Lip Gloss</li><li>Lotion</li><li>Markers</li><li>Notebook</li><li>Pens</li><li>Kleenex</li><li>Sanitizer</li><li>Sunglasses</li><li>Playing Cards </li></ul><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvLIFLK4D5JRmp5Q6Fg26Vj0Q0UDm6td251B53jDpPD6cfGz2Bs7AXC70DmzE14DTpr6LQxnJbwsvYs5UvWeLa7hwmh0w__shVrTSzijLeg6nDdoX_9azU6IpVYLqLy-wWdxebnX0NoYsA/s1600/Organized_Travel_Car_Kits_5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvLIFLK4D5JRmp5Q6Fg26Vj0Q0UDm6td251B53jDpPD6cfGz2Bs7AXC70DmzE14DTpr6LQxnJbwsvYs5UvWeLa7hwmh0w__shVrTSzijLeg6nDdoX_9azU6IpVYLqLy-wWdxebnX0NoYsA/s1600/Organized_Travel_Car_Kits_5.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Now, if the kids forget their travel bags, they still have activities to keep them busy.  These items are intended to always stay in the car and never go into our home.  My guess is the contents may evolve or be swapped out, but I already feel much more prepared knowing that we have some basics on hand anywhere we head.  Because you know, hands get sticky and accidents will happen.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSpTe5Vr_DBx4E7DCFbsS5oF4zHPHWeosFoR6XAIxr-ETw0BwLQxdBJCz7kUB5yvU55LdcPCGt1k78YpIXUBQEeBFCDn1_y7z2z47K0kaS1-CdwEykuzpraX_q0VmWhc043-O6hGWD2q7L/s1600/Organized_Travel_Car_Kits_6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSpTe5Vr_DBx4E7DCFbsS5oF4zHPHWeosFoR6XAIxr-ETw0BwLQxdBJCz7kUB5yvU55LdcPCGt1k78YpIXUBQEeBFCDn1_y7z2z47K0kaS1-CdwEykuzpraX_q0VmWhc043-O6hGWD2q7L/s1600/Organized_Travel_Car_Kits_6.jpg" /></a></div><br />The last kit I put together is in case of a roadside emergency:<br /><ul><li>Fix-A-Flat </li><li>Tire Plug Kit</li><li>Headlamp</li><li>Roadside Flare Light</li><li>Tire Gauge</li><li>Glass Breaker/Seatbelt Cutter <i>(which will ultimately live in the glove compartment once the cars are cleaned out and organized)</i></li><li>Booster Cables</li></ul><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq_312PGtQkt0kc_qb-krOeop8kQviy2_fWnH12rENIE7pa-sap1OAt9GAxk1fB1GaymoOAjWhxmi-qFtJPIDsAwm0gX54N1cLmZZPvJKI7TIXF6HAoJIUdV2DINgkKVpHol4Z4CUzlFiy/s1600/Organized_Travel_Car_Kits_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq_312PGtQkt0kc_qb-krOeop8kQviy2_fWnH12rENIE7pa-sap1OAt9GAxk1fB1GaymoOAjWhxmi-qFtJPIDsAwm0gX54N1cLmZZPvJKI7TIXF6HAoJIUdV2DINgkKVpHol4Z4CUzlFiy/s1600/Organized_Travel_Car_Kits_7.jpg" /></a></div><br />And again, everything went inside one of the small plastic bins.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfISood2qaHLfLc45UgJgk-gvRVsgBRY2bJ7eZEQeU1QLwoyJRGQKRp3-wwbWnv4xyFPj6Mm6sswbknEQNZ_or4b985cNm3R7OsDuPrRSUUG5KYo_M6Wx5gibH94Uc17UV8p6bJQNZ7tTw/s1600/Organized_Travel_Car_Kits_8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfISood2qaHLfLc45UgJgk-gvRVsgBRY2bJ7eZEQeU1QLwoyJRGQKRp3-wwbWnv4xyFPj6Mm6sswbknEQNZ_or4b985cNm3R7OsDuPrRSUUG5KYo_M6Wx5gibH94Uc17UV8p6bJQNZ7tTw/s1600/Organized_Travel_Car_Kits_8.jpg" /></a></div><br />So to recap, each car will be equipped with the following:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoAmH1Mf1lQwL5gzUzOwNnCF66njE7wj2Ja6XCWQkeLO2BylAT3txLEIe6vpzd0nODj4wd06O2lzhgMOR4zsqbn4aPeT_oFDba8PqvUamsGPGazanaDrKDJI4xPWwUAT8pY_sn_8H-6r_M/s1600/Organized_Travel_Car_Kits_9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoAmH1Mf1lQwL5gzUzOwNnCF66njE7wj2Ja6XCWQkeLO2BylAT3txLEIe6vpzd0nODj4wd06O2lzhgMOR4zsqbn4aPeT_oFDba8PqvUamsGPGazanaDrKDJI4xPWwUAT8pY_sn_8H-6r_M/s1600/Organized_Travel_Car_Kits_9.jpg" /></a></div><br />Each container is quite compact, and the shoe box sized bins fit perfectly in the larger canvas bin.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkiL-8TcYhB7pqeLoAxDFk0o0bOcUebDF-cZYwrtoenwkAvdWL3AALSB3F4-Z1QtCQM_r_AXrJu4veKU7tulqMGCQLZp_PFiqSUYRHBoebn60pIUhH9eIp8TRjZNxFpX6ratKqTBTV08Ii/s1600/Organized_Travel_Car_Kits_11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkiL-8TcYhB7pqeLoAxDFk0o0bOcUebDF-cZYwrtoenwkAvdWL3AALSB3F4-Z1QtCQM_r_AXrJu4veKU7tulqMGCQLZp_PFiqSUYRHBoebn60pIUhH9eIp8TRjZNxFpX6ratKqTBTV08Ii/s1600/Organized_Travel_Car_Kits_11.jpg" /></a></div><br />The larger tote will sit in the trunk of each vehicle and the extra space will be used to hold a few reusable grocery bags and a picnic blanket in each (the "Happy Travels" bin will stay behind the driver's seat in the car).<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEUkrnzI51fzkWxdiDoj-k893st32qvdERoygKmIwCS7PmTDfrAVQcYWAjBatWYeZKgzUqHO-jzm7Zcvznr29xXcWgLS-wKy1fZaicpn64Hob5sloxKLf0tgHtRLdDldBvdoCh2PX5Hj5s/s1600/Organized_Travel_Car_Kits_12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEUkrnzI51fzkWxdiDoj-k893st32qvdERoygKmIwCS7PmTDfrAVQcYWAjBatWYeZKgzUqHO-jzm7Zcvznr29xXcWgLS-wKy1fZaicpn64Hob5sloxKLf0tgHtRLdDldBvdoCh2PX5Hj5s/s1600/Organized_Travel_Car_Kits_12.jpg" /></a></div><br />To prevent the bins from sliding around in the trunk, I added a few heavy-duty Velcro strips to the bottom side of each.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB9FHgrZNqYWAS4RLwK9OdlexR9O57Ha1Mr790tr4KbiOxtnHXGtBM4Y-MVJtEEuzZEzHoT3f7tbSk5Muzl5fCpJRYyy0c1TMr2GUNXiZJiSajJoIVOYU4n7UxWTjyTAz9uqpFLRRcwl_e/s1600/Organized_Travel_Car_Kits_10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB9FHgrZNqYWAS4RLwK9OdlexR9O57Ha1Mr790tr4KbiOxtnHXGtBM4Y-MVJtEEuzZEzHoT3f7tbSk5Muzl5fCpJRYyy0c1TMr2GUNXiZJiSajJoIVOYU4n7UxWTjyTAz9uqpFLRRcwl_e/s1600/Organized_Travel_Car_Kits_10.jpg" /></a></div><br />No two families are the same, so what you opt to store in your vehicle most likely looks different than the items I selected.  To prepare, I thought about sticky situations where we didn't have what we needed... And just literal sticky situations.  Plus, I am always digging in my purse for chapstick, lotion, pens and sunglasses, so it is nice to know that the basics are always within reach.   <br /><br />It is a beautiful week for us to get outside and start vacuuming, scrubbing and cleaning out each vehicle, and I can't wait for us to get back that "new car" smell.  In fact, that reminds me, I need a few air fresheners to battle the wonderful aroma of baseball socks. #savemynostrils

Four Week "Wait-No-More" Organizing Challenge! Week 2 - Organized Car Kits

Welcome to Week Two of the "Wait-No-More" Organizing Challenge .  To recap, I am focusing on four main areas of our life that need...

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Quick Tip Tuesday: "Sole" Mate - Shoe Care Kit

For those of you who love to be prepared, and adore projects that involve zero DIY skills, this one is for you!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB0e6LUiHYavN7wTyHs3vATyVf4q-4i5bd6Wi94OQe9e98mPECPBRmFkadhYcmGm3u-DnakdDZhN1cJ9grNTYdMK4WL0d6sE8f6IlT3jodI8Y_cbW9ld0m_OqE_DZAYlH-E76iHP_zQQoE/s1600/Shoe_Care_Kit_Caddy_Header.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB0e6LUiHYavN7wTyHs3vATyVf4q-4i5bd6Wi94OQe9e98mPECPBRmFkadhYcmGm3u-DnakdDZhN1cJ9grNTYdMK4WL0d6sE8f6IlT3jodI8Y_cbW9ld0m_OqE_DZAYlH-E76iHP_zQQoE/s1600/Shoe_Care_Kit_Caddy_Header.png" /></a></div><br />Truly, today's task was as simple as stocking up on a few essentials and corralling them in an easy-to-access bin.  <br /><br />This was definitely another case of, <i>"Why did I wait so long to do this?!"</i>  <br /><br />I don't purchase new clothing seasonally, but shoes?  I have a bit of a love affair with shoes.  And just like everything else, there are times when I might save big on clearance flats or splurge on comfort and style.<br /><br />And while I appreciate having footwear for various outfit types and seasons, our Wisconsin weather does not always love our shoes in return.  My boots are always covered in a salty film, the boy's tennies tend to be mud magnets and the hubby's dress shoes become dull and dirty after multiple days of wear.  <br /><br />Shoes are an investment, but how do we extend their life and keep them looking nice season after season?  We create a shoe care kit, that is how!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCRVvldSBlLMir6ihWpA1WARmu_gnKGNIhvZloaQfXORdDjKLLHeAsENLata1uOFWVpFrQ1p3unNoW7g59xykNBJ_BfR9I17CjOp60iBqYzaJrndBs1IkT0g_liSnLVfwWTVq6NF9YGAmE/s1600/Shoe_Care_Kit_Caddy_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCRVvldSBlLMir6ihWpA1WARmu_gnKGNIhvZloaQfXORdDjKLLHeAsENLata1uOFWVpFrQ1p3unNoW7g59xykNBJ_BfR9I17CjOp60iBqYzaJrndBs1IkT0g_liSnLVfwWTVq6NF9YGAmE/s1600/Shoe_Care_Kit_Caddy_1.jpg" /></a></div><br />What you put in your shoe care kit will vary based on your environment and shoe types.  Different types of shoes require different types of care.  So to create our kit, I took note of the types of the shoes we wear most frequently.  <br /><br /><ul><li><b>Suede:</b> I added both a <a href="http://amzn.to/1diwalJ" target="_blank">suede cleaner</a> and an eraser bar (<a href="http://amzn.to/1cNMjPd" target="_blank">similar</a>).<b> </b></li><li><b>Leather:</b> I added <a href="http://amzn.to/1PvL5Kh" target="_blank">saddle soap</a> and a rag (to clean and soften) as well as <a href="http://amzn.to/1diz5dW" target="_blank">shoe polish</a> and an <a href="http://amzn.to/1JYwBvB" target="_blank">applicator brush</a>.<b> </b></li><li><b>Tennis Shoes:</b> I added baking soda and a toothbrush (combine baking soda with dish/laundry detergent and gently scrub shoe and soles with the toothbrush). </li></ul><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqbxU6MDATegaLt6tXiwi35C2z7g2zrxwnb01zajFgFq52WTOxfU_hODvmNkU8yqmZlRJWRycUKHy28vPNfZ4s_gU_Gdt1q8auiYQAtREzhY3S5HDwQAjxOs-WXPuJsUJR2rfX-n-lYdC6/s1600/Shoe_Care_Kit_Caddy_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqbxU6MDATegaLt6tXiwi35C2z7g2zrxwnb01zajFgFq52WTOxfU_hODvmNkU8yqmZlRJWRycUKHy28vPNfZ4s_gU_Gdt1q8auiYQAtREzhY3S5HDwQAjxOs-WXPuJsUJR2rfX-n-lYdC6/s1600/Shoe_Care_Kit_Caddy_2.jpg" /></a></div><br />I also added a variety of spare shoe laces, comfort pads and an anti-friction stick.  Those items were tossed into containers found at the dollar store and labeled with vinyl cut from my Silhouette.<br /><br />A few other items that could be added to the kit are: a magic eraser (for those really tough cleanings - not to be used on delicate shoe finishes), rain and stain repellent, color shine, conditioning cream, shoe grips, shoe horns, shoe whitener, etc...  Whatever footwear maintenance items that make sense based on your shoe wearing habits.  (Should we start taking a drink every time I type out the word <i>shoe</i>?)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8eiCSXN5hQoiCywgl2j9DfsQTz1zhwj-XNzg2lZt2yRmTZSZCFp2Q72nrntnuibzQQzirP568TsdkZ1Y69ibl8N009xeI-LQa8bm1cdr-Hd47jUKuFqDENlHqov3xNQ-1QRwYusI_s_pb/s1600/Shoe_Care_Kit_Caddy_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8eiCSXN5hQoiCywgl2j9DfsQTz1zhwj-XNzg2lZt2yRmTZSZCFp2Q72nrntnuibzQQzirP568TsdkZ1Y69ibl8N009xeI-LQa8bm1cdr-Hd47jUKuFqDENlHqov3xNQ-1QRwYusI_s_pb/s1600/Shoe_Care_Kit_Caddy_4.jpg" /></a></div><br />I found a narrow bin that can tuck away on our coat closet shelf, and printed off a label for the front.  Popped everything inside and boom, done!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE7O9eVWMZjrQABgW8SgAbk5BpVDZiOKMuF2Qsbh9iZBAwCjnSz6oFB9FQB1tbO_19dPwdHXJK5T4aW2Da41dXybCqLAFhjWt70o885YiDRoG9Ez8yPu-a6mKGUUiekJNLa2UkC36CuV7z/s1600/Shoe_Care_Kit_Caddy_6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE7O9eVWMZjrQABgW8SgAbk5BpVDZiOKMuF2Qsbh9iZBAwCjnSz6oFB9FQB1tbO_19dPwdHXJK5T4aW2Da41dXybCqLAFhjWt70o885YiDRoG9Ez8yPu-a6mKGUUiekJNLa2UkC36CuV7z/s1600/Shoe_Care_Kit_Caddy_6.jpg" /></a></div><br />Part of being organized, is being prepared ahead of time.  For me, that comes in the form of small kits or zones around our home.  In fact, I am a kit-making fanatic!  Sewing kits, cleaning kits, medical kits, stain kits, tool kits... I love and frequently use them all!  This is one more I know I will be grateful I took the time to put together, especially now that I will be able to extend the life (and looks) of my favorite foot candy.<br /><br />What are your top shoe cleaning tips and tricks?  Any footwear maintenance essentials that we should add to our new caddy?<br /><br /><i>Looking for more quick tips?  Check out the entire series <a href="http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/p/quick-tip-gallery.html" target="_blank">here</a>!</i>

Quick Tip Tuesday: "Sole" Mate - Shoe Care Kit

For those of you who love to be prepared, and adore projects that involve zero DIY skills, this one is for you! Truly, today's task was ...

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IHeart Kitchen Reno: An Organized Pantry

Don't get me wrong, I have been loving <a href="http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/p/quick-tip-gallery.html" target="_blank">this year's weekly Quick Tip series</a>.  It has been fun focusing on bite size organizing to get us by while we work on a much bigger project.  But come on!  This girl has been so patiently waiting to move on to bigger and better organizing projects.  The kind that fuel my organizing fire.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilKJOi-c3cQtwSjipPn6nCHTun47XSbpLkDT_dnFcyq09VrjJ6Jox4N6Y-y5mclDytlyZIQzlLIB8zrvhsbOg75ahWxqibgjX754m3UoiIKNyHFN38D_rdz3N27CvrfMdMt5_S_3KuQM0O/s1600/IKEA_Pantry_Organization_Drawer_Header.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilKJOi-c3cQtwSjipPn6nCHTun47XSbpLkDT_dnFcyq09VrjJ6Jox4N6Y-y5mclDytlyZIQzlLIB8zrvhsbOg75ahWxqibgjX754m3UoiIKNyHFN38D_rdz3N27CvrfMdMt5_S_3KuQM0O/s1600/IKEA_Pantry_Organization_Drawer_Header.png" /></a></div><br />I am not ready to fill all of the drawers and cabinets in the kitchen quite yet... I am trying to wait for the center island to arrive first.  Although we have already assigned a function to each cabinet and drawer on paper, I won't really know what we have available until everything is assembled and in place.  But one thing that won't be changing, island or no island, is the pantry.  <br /><br /><a href="http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2013/02/kitchen-pantry-update-part-3-reveal.html" target="_blank">Our previous pantry</a> was a bit of a struggle in that it was deep, and the interior was wider than the door opening by a couple of inches on both sides.  Also, anything above the door opening was a challenge to see or access.  We made the most of the space, and when paired with a kitchen cabinet across the way, we had plenty of dry food storage.  Little did I know the difference ONE cabinet would make in how we store all of those items now.  The new pantry cabinet is a a 30" wide, floor to ceiling unit with zero clearance hinges.  That means the doors don't get in the way of the opening and allow the most possible access to drawers and shelves.  Little things, big difference.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLV61-HAWt0fRSpQp0LKx_h5I9gR614zfYIEi5cEyFmPCqEaLlLOp7adVSoVLEkuBsdfo26A-5ZfaG5A9XGZaRheZryoQhNbKHXkkYGkswQALrjuXmQr8sdB25tr11JXMX5rhvvK_0Q_2S/s1600/IKEA_Kitchen_Cabinet_Install_Tips_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLV61-HAWt0fRSpQp0LKx_h5I9gR614zfYIEi5cEyFmPCqEaLlLOp7adVSoVLEkuBsdfo26A-5ZfaG5A9XGZaRheZryoQhNbKHXkkYGkswQALrjuXmQr8sdB25tr11JXMX5rhvvK_0Q_2S/s1600/IKEA_Kitchen_Cabinet_Install_Tips_2.jpg" /></a></div><br />We made sure to have electrical added to allow us to conceal our microwave within the new cabinet.  I LOVE this!  First, the stainless finish is always covered in finger prints and it is so nice not to care.  And second, it frees up counter space which is always prime real estate in a kitchen.<br /><br />The microwave alone is fantastic, but I couldn't wait to get my paws on those deep drawers below.  However, those shelves above left me scratching my scalp a bit.   24" deep shelves are not easy to maximize unless you can pull them out.  Only problem is that IKEA didn't offer pull out drawers/shelves for their 30" pantry when we ordered from their old Akurum line.  Their new Sektion line <i>does</i> offer pull out options for the 30" pantry, however, the kitchen associate informed us that the new system doesn't work with the old system.  #boo<br /><br />We started looking at some pull out drawer options online, and another boo hoo slipped through my lips.  So expensive.  Then I remembered that the IKEA Pax wardrobe system offered drawers, in fact, we had just used them in <a href="http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2015/03/a-coat-closet-makeover-again.html" target="_blank">our coat closet update</a> and loved them!  The measurements were close enough to make us believe that we could make them work, coming in at 29 1/2" wide x 22 7/8" deep.  And with their IKEA Family sale, we paid just $25 per <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/10246308/#/10246332" target="_blank">drawer set</a>, soft close hardware included.<br /><br />We are not the tallest family on the block, so we only needed two pull out drawer options.  The entire pantry was designed with height in mind.  A lower drawer for the kids, microwave at boy's level, one more drawer dedicated to the kids and then baking and boxed/canned goods above.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAom2oqdXCIyHEIUUEDO1P3BSRXcoQojFicCWePNb8-LTLn2IvftCBFPyHaTfSSN4dEOHpZuFhVsGQO_wVRCsITnWs7Tt0TYHYDHq3hdF4zNLfJ6JoqsNPKvHoz-qUHyYnlR7gbsx_2Paa/s1600/IKEA_Pantry_Organization_Drawer_2-labeled.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAom2oqdXCIyHEIUUEDO1P3BSRXcoQojFicCWePNb8-LTLn2IvftCBFPyHaTfSSN4dEOHpZuFhVsGQO_wVRCsITnWs7Tt0TYHYDHq3hdF4zNLfJ6JoqsNPKvHoz-qUHyYnlR7gbsx_2Paa/s1600/IKEA_Pantry_Organization_Drawer_2-labeled.png" /></a></div><br />And yeah.... those are jogging pants... moving on.<br /><br />As you can see, the drawers for the IKEA wardrobe did end up fitting inside of our pantry!  To make everything line up just right, we added a strip of 1/4" thick MDF behind each rail to get to the 30" width of the pantry.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijxzTB3Do-NhKWxoFzGDxbwuS0rtrbGvldL_MRc90wm0ubJyl0yCO9Dlj56inZBFONMkO1I5n7l3wXR5NUlgjvTyGtILFNNxI2cnzwPkMh9KdsSVrwdGjwMh89TTs-9wmqG7ES90ga1FfB/s1600/IKEA_Pantry_Organization_Drawer_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijxzTB3Do-NhKWxoFzGDxbwuS0rtrbGvldL_MRc90wm0ubJyl0yCO9Dlj56inZBFONMkO1I5n7l3wXR5NUlgjvTyGtILFNNxI2cnzwPkMh9KdsSVrwdGjwMh89TTs-9wmqG7ES90ga1FfB/s1600/IKEA_Pantry_Organization_Drawer_1.jpg" /></a></div><br />Once we did a test run, we removed the strip and I painted them white to match the cabinet.  Back in place and you would never even know they are there.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpL9bDTtjEI9iefqeJcqtNm-tTjEB9ZZdhAVHC7YGqnUjG4Slx9kc2AekZzlAwhaIcm-R2NV7o-wx8OifepsuKWz30rWf7Llod6YSsaGCY-vzc-xg6-4kCRlz4qJrHKk2LYY-JSujiQTZS/s1600/IKEA_Pantry_Organization_Drawer_16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpL9bDTtjEI9iefqeJcqtNm-tTjEB9ZZdhAVHC7YGqnUjG4Slx9kc2AekZzlAwhaIcm-R2NV7o-wx8OifepsuKWz30rWf7Llod6YSsaGCY-vzc-xg6-4kCRlz4qJrHKk2LYY-JSujiQTZS/s1600/IKEA_Pantry_Organization_Drawer_16.jpg" /></a></div><br />We still may router out a groove in the taller drawers to better see the contents, we haven't quite decided on that yet as we figure we should live with them "as-is" for awhile.<br /><br />So let's take a closer look at how I organized each zone.  I have quite a few favorite moments happening inside, so I will try to keep the obnoxious over-excitement to a minimum.  It will be hard though, I mean, check out the bottom drawer!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1cjYQzOOPy_Jn45r29y7cZ6YB9MTV87syvyL9QdH504syULVJ-bU7FAHxORZfKjX7MYnQDJx_pXbNhLgSs1uNnp5Z-ivKsAp52BPJUvh2d4U3zo9Uk6ja7m3V425iWsapFeH7bKIpzL7Y/s1600/IKEA_Pantry_Organization_Drawer_5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1cjYQzOOPy_Jn45r29y7cZ6YB9MTV87syvyL9QdH504syULVJ-bU7FAHxORZfKjX7MYnQDJx_pXbNhLgSs1uNnp5Z-ivKsAp52BPJUvh2d4U3zo9Uk6ja7m3V425iWsapFeH7bKIpzL7Y/s1600/IKEA_Pantry_Organization_Drawer_5.jpg" /></a></div><br />I couldn't wait to go to the grocery store and stock the pantry, and this drawer is one of the main reasons.  I have always loved the <a href="http://www.containerstore.com/shop/office/paperFileStorage/portable?productId=10022942" target="_blank">Multi-Purpose Bins from The Container Store</a>; they are the shining stars in our <a href="http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2014/03/monthly-clean-home-challenge_7.html" target="_blank">fridge</a> and <a href="http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2014/03/monthly-clean-home-challenge-clean-out_24.html" target="_blank">freezer</a>.  Now, they are also steeling the show in the pantry!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC_HhOfDQfywVLxaKlbUaKXCAXvSQyRaa4h6JZta8Cj-vsiBY-iF36_sZtWOOL_MNwIozkXSJIXnrjM6rsPHL1iFGxKoUr_Vl73mzMTDA7RxqxyTQLd55WVWqW-XG_KaWeVjDBffGGAjTt/s1600/IKEA_Pantry_Organization_Drawer_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC_HhOfDQfywVLxaKlbUaKXCAXvSQyRaa4h6JZta8Cj-vsiBY-iF36_sZtWOOL_MNwIozkXSJIXnrjM6rsPHL1iFGxKoUr_Vl73mzMTDA7RxqxyTQLd55WVWqW-XG_KaWeVjDBffGGAjTt/s1600/IKEA_Pantry_Organization_Drawer_3.jpg" /></a></div><br />For the drawers, I used 4 large bins and 2 medium bins.  We had a lot of conversation about the type of baskets/bins to use in the drawers for our produce.  As much as I love the look of a woven or wire basket, they are not easy to keep clean, especially when flaky, dirty and juicy produce is involved.  These plastic options are light weight, easy to clean, yet offer a ton of storage space.  I truly couldn't be happier with how they worked out.  I used my Silhouette to cut some labels out of vinyl for each bin, which can also be washed without worry.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmaZTMNjOqxORHWLEvua4Mt5lkZ-Icz8PGZmemV0sVAppRhGos6MfZV2BeNzezmGyLcDNJqHetRMlkqEH5TDKSE0qAIGI0LKz8ONpU7_R2pWoYLz10U75AgtmXPP8dEOecAJ1GfTuGpwTr/s1600/IKEA_Pantry_Organization_Drawer_6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmaZTMNjOqxORHWLEvua4Mt5lkZ-Icz8PGZmemV0sVAppRhGos6MfZV2BeNzezmGyLcDNJqHetRMlkqEH5TDKSE0qAIGI0LKz8ONpU7_R2pWoYLz10U75AgtmXPP8dEOecAJ1GfTuGpwTr/s1600/IKEA_Pantry_Organization_Drawer_6.jpg" /></a></div><br />I could gush all day, but it is time to move on.  Next drawer up is the boy's lunch drawer.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi710-bCjgYN5pp92gCfY4d6HPascdBHTfl61ZVmjiJMwNVOnCoIuVZDtgo47CocDIjLUPf3dw_KrsJuY5JzCpC0_j3x9957N8o90Y0FxBUzI8hB9lFQrugqpRkD2arqUKzWWOtnXOyg4Z2/s1600/IKEA_Pantry_Organization_Drawer_8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi710-bCjgYN5pp92gCfY4d6HPascdBHTfl61ZVmjiJMwNVOnCoIuVZDtgo47CocDIjLUPf3dw_KrsJuY5JzCpC0_j3x9957N8o90Y0FxBUzI8hB9lFQrugqpRkD2arqUKzWWOtnXOyg4Z2/s1600/IKEA_Pantry_Organization_Drawer_8.jpg" /></a></div><br />This drawer fit the kid's lunch bags and reusable containers beautifully.  I started with <a href="http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2012/04/snack-attack-part-2.html" target="_blank">our snack bin</a> and then just filled the space around it.  Everything that use to live up high in <a href="http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2013/08/back-to-school-organization.html" target="_blank">our lunch cabinet</a>, now couldn't be easier for the boys to use each day.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE-ktH3Rl_9jwGUD8CMUyaJT3v8fNfSAsOU14iOUHhvh4PKpbpgfvQ5p1LP9kiGjQHPFtwD-VagMhNAmHpHWEJuo8uHAyfEl2aM_zkgjMxY1BPJcYyTR3LJ0coEM273alcEz_pnfajYth_/s1600/IKEA_Pantry_Organization_Drawer_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE-ktH3Rl_9jwGUD8CMUyaJT3v8fNfSAsOU14iOUHhvh4PKpbpgfvQ5p1LP9kiGjQHPFtwD-VagMhNAmHpHWEJuo8uHAyfEl2aM_zkgjMxY1BPJcYyTR3LJ0coEM273alcEz_pnfajYth_/s1600/IKEA_Pantry_Organization_Drawer_7.jpg" /></a></div><br />Just above the microwave is our snack and breakfast drawer.  Many of the snacks are also used in the boy's lunches as well.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPbj0eQODQemkJ9c7QiuEC-JMaQeiNk2Ih8-pPd4t1nhXn4qR880d9FuHKOzsCr6US2UPXMM1-nAQlYo1PobC_hpEjHYEE1-QK-DPunVBqRw9NqAgUQ6RG0vhsdcRWFDKu_if9yNT8mUyx/s1600/IKEA_Pantry_Organization_Drawer_13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPbj0eQODQemkJ9c7QiuEC-JMaQeiNk2Ih8-pPd4t1nhXn4qR880d9FuHKOzsCr6US2UPXMM1-nAQlYo1PobC_hpEjHYEE1-QK-DPunVBqRw9NqAgUQ6RG0vhsdcRWFDKu_if9yNT8mUyx/s1600/IKEA_Pantry_Organization_Drawer_13.jpg" /></a></div><br />We already had all of the containers, they were just reconfigured in the new drawers.  I decided to skip the labels this time as we had eventually stopped using them in our previous setup.  We wash the bins prior to refilling them with any new snacks and tend to change the types of snacks we eat from week to week.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnPjQc4givTq9PYs4xG6O_yv2yRvTpSW8ns7PZ5RaUC6K2qvmZZP4hjoBUpLilttrOqoc0gZIc_aErsQ8PoGe8aJ9TPoUVOzAXQXke3c4vqI0qhXZ1sTqXpIIDMjFXvU4wdFSh2KrGmbKA/s1600/IKEA_Pantry_Organization_Drawer_15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnPjQc4givTq9PYs4xG6O_yv2yRvTpSW8ns7PZ5RaUC6K2qvmZZP4hjoBUpLilttrOqoc0gZIc_aErsQ8PoGe8aJ9TPoUVOzAXQXke3c4vqI0qhXZ1sTqXpIIDMjFXvU4wdFSh2KrGmbKA/s1600/IKEA_Pantry_Organization_Drawer_15.jpg" /></a></div><br />The small baskets work great for holding our oatmeal packets and breakfast bar options.  I still believe in ditching the off-the-shelf packaging whenever possible.  You really save so much room.  One of those small baskets holds about four boxes of bars.<br /><br />I don't bake more than boxed goods, but my hubby does (making me a lucky wife).  However, after organizing the next drawer, I can't wait to take a baking class or ten.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvCm8ROqAEVLeYbYvaAPTgwFChdsRzxZjhc2_DTCCgCIIhIb2EAdKR6d61fBqkH1OxZ5gnRIRtk5IL912Hm2xahUsIpH7l3jrM-bm5dtTAOov-4vz9WQcIpMfM1ZLLD9FyDa7BItSLLY2V/s1600/IKEA_Pantry_Organization_Drawer_20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvCm8ROqAEVLeYbYvaAPTgwFChdsRzxZjhc2_DTCCgCIIhIb2EAdKR6d61fBqkH1OxZ5gnRIRtk5IL912Hm2xahUsIpH7l3jrM-bm5dtTAOov-4vz9WQcIpMfM1ZLLD9FyDa7BItSLLY2V/s1600/IKEA_Pantry_Organization_Drawer_20.jpg" /></a></div><br />Since I adore <a href="http://www.containerstore.com/shop/kitchen/foodStorage/canisters?productId=10029789&N=74062" target="_blank">our snack containers</a> so much, I invested in a few more for our baking products.  After they stacked nicely inside of the drawers, there was only a small amount of room left to add a label to the faces.  I did decide to label these containers because baking powders and sugars are not as easy to differentiate as snacks.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgrgLlj-MLThN-LI2CViZFg2j_Re3AXXuyIhyphenhyphenZmB4n2_aoHvAlrUmm48RNJxhSynKKFNg4hCKYjbd1tJhufREvdr-R7iePvinxh-TQVYuSbIWGTFp8qeOR75gFC44_VLNUccaXUebAat5q/s1600/Baking_Labels_Avery-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgrgLlj-MLThN-LI2CViZFg2j_Re3AXXuyIhyphenhyphenZmB4n2_aoHvAlrUmm48RNJxhSynKKFNg4hCKYjbd1tJhufREvdr-R7iePvinxh-TQVYuSbIWGTFp8qeOR75gFC44_VLNUccaXUebAat5q/s1600/Baking_Labels_Avery-2.jpg" /></a></div><br />Although only a small part of the label would be visible, the labels I had on hand at home were larger clear options.  So, I made the most of the area by adding a sweet little cupcake and a quote.  Super easy to design using the <a href="http://www.avery.com/avery/en_us/Templates-%26-Software/Software/Avery-Design--Print-Online.htm" target="_blank">Avery online label template</a>... <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh9J-fGYypHjnfkQb8bwMZGMzFiDvZTyRmEemvSBZ89chKBfcGblvutJbkZK6EMoF9f18v9K1u2NGTbOae5AXiuUDfXNHLuVpRYQKLIPjyUECvOByWl9IU33SpA3pKxBO-KVS8zIHyJG6C/s1600/Baking_Labels_Avery-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh9J-fGYypHjnfkQb8bwMZGMzFiDvZTyRmEemvSBZ89chKBfcGblvutJbkZK6EMoF9f18v9K1u2NGTbOae5AXiuUDfXNHLuVpRYQKLIPjyUECvOByWl9IU33SpA3pKxBO-KVS8zIHyJG6C/s1600/Baking_Labels_Avery-1.jpg" /></a></div><br />I mean, totally adorable right?<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR34HrYFqr_EG8yX8yPaTW8IBWmbAzOUnG4Ghm2NK79r3XYWOhluzqvw5xcsNKjQ8YGb5U4-bIU8SosWiUbF9GfFJulmZMX1sIT1IYqQls4IHsgypa6Dm3KGU4KE5Yz1Z46f_aBPlHxLud/s1600/IKEA_Pantry_Organization_Drawer_18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR34HrYFqr_EG8yX8yPaTW8IBWmbAzOUnG4Ghm2NK79r3XYWOhluzqvw5xcsNKjQ8YGb5U4-bIU8SosWiUbF9GfFJulmZMX1sIT1IYqQls4IHsgypa6Dm3KGU4KE5Yz1Z46f_aBPlHxLud/s1600/IKEA_Pantry_Organization_Drawer_18.jpg" /></a></div><br />Big cupcake fans in this house.<br /><br />To make the most of the drawer, I decided to put many of our baking tools in with the mixes and essential powders.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqmw8ANio_3rAN9Q7a6wO1AP8t-fnqbpPq-7H-b8I5PgnDqaKVTbuzYUwELXlu0OncvFv5yhzz5E88DFj3T82JDrs-HiNOk6vnbERr5iB5fZT_70lSoyyH38G2hfbLvPYSQt2f0KlzwB7Q/s1600/IKEA_Pantry_Organization_Drawer_21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqmw8ANio_3rAN9Q7a6wO1AP8t-fnqbpPq-7H-b8I5PgnDqaKVTbuzYUwELXlu0OncvFv5yhzz5E88DFj3T82JDrs-HiNOk6vnbERr5iB5fZT_70lSoyyH38G2hfbLvPYSQt2f0KlzwB7Q/s1600/IKEA_Pantry_Organization_Drawer_21.jpg" /></a></div><br />Again, the acrylic organizers are from our previous kitchen drawers, I just transplanted them here.  I love the idea of everything being in one single hot spot.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAcPO4A0KOMamMZaS4k8nRDKW93wxaYEW7gNnX2FXzgbY5WHvfd2ESWCfCGPqKVvxIys9PWvVB4xB9TtpWwfvdfQkFr_tXPt9si2-81oZTYyBU4b3RdI2cxAuqg8p7Mk2edWPoMG9Ru5Vi/s1600/IKEA_Pantry_Organization_Drawer_25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAcPO4A0KOMamMZaS4k8nRDKW93wxaYEW7gNnX2FXzgbY5WHvfd2ESWCfCGPqKVvxIys9PWvVB4xB9TtpWwfvdfQkFr_tXPt9si2-81oZTYyBU4b3RdI2cxAuqg8p7Mk2edWPoMG9Ru5Vi/s1600/IKEA_Pantry_Organization_Drawer_25.jpg" /></a></div><br />The next shelf is where things we eat less frequently live.  Canned goods, rice, noodles, sauces, etc...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXM5NEhDdTh7Al5uPHMgIr4PgXjYgqWUyCjH5S-v6g5H9knf6F0MrOyzQ09vfayLNT0reP5ZHca2_Rh5tfdLmKoWFduEWqUjoVNNCPXID9opZMf6DCjtsWvuBjDLRphyphenhyphen5k-TSQKJX_rK3Z/s1600/IKEA_Pantry_Organization_Drawer_22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXM5NEhDdTh7Al5uPHMgIr4PgXjYgqWUyCjH5S-v6g5H9knf6F0MrOyzQ09vfayLNT0reP5ZHca2_Rh5tfdLmKoWFduEWqUjoVNNCPXID9opZMf6DCjtsWvuBjDLRphyphenhyphen5k-TSQKJX_rK3Z/s1600/IKEA_Pantry_Organization_Drawer_22.jpg" /></a></div><br />Given the height, it didn't make sense to do another pull out drawer, or we would never be able to see/reach.  However, to be sure nothing is lost in the far back, I snagged one of <a href="http://www.containerstore.com/shop/kitchen/cabinetOrganizers/upperCabinets?productId=10000696&N=185" target="_blank">these tiered organizers</a>.  I appreciate that it can be adjusted as our inventory changes.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6J6yYExaHrduExtz9PWaR9AY0TAXYwcEP5nhZ36c2IqK8JGlU_Gd9LU0uCL4FLXZeTIGJizBP7dlvTPDJaHoO28ZVTqkbjFiU0v6HzP0vD_y0xRZ6ZpPFAajAOYK5G1zoKutsArZBpMpq/s1600/IKEA_Pantry_Organization_Drawer_23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6J6yYExaHrduExtz9PWaR9AY0TAXYwcEP5nhZ36c2IqK8JGlU_Gd9LU0uCL4FLXZeTIGJizBP7dlvTPDJaHoO28ZVTqkbjFiU0v6HzP0vD_y0xRZ6ZpPFAajAOYK5G1zoKutsArZBpMpq/s1600/IKEA_Pantry_Organization_Drawer_23.jpg" /></a></div><br />As I was organizing and putting all of our canned goods away, I started to feel like I was verging on <i>Sleeping with the Enemy</i> territory.  Although, I know it won't take more than a couple of minutes for our fam to mess it up a bit.<br /><br />The top shelf is for any overflow, bulk items, etc... and it will also store a few of our favorite small appliances.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVlR37NcZFCv_Ty8rP4s5EsF68M181laZkBhJo5KE2tHSi-lOw0tfojj6bgJXbhPXT0WVVV41ysYaIW3nOnB-Tv4jZadCEmmUyU8s1VCz_LGzLJP4_bgGan-8GIfY8tV_79YNDkb7_Gbvz/s1600/IKEA_Pantry_Organization_Drawer_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVlR37NcZFCv_Ty8rP4s5EsF68M181laZkBhJo5KE2tHSi-lOw0tfojj6bgJXbhPXT0WVVV41ysYaIW3nOnB-Tv4jZadCEmmUyU8s1VCz_LGzLJP4_bgGan-8GIfY8tV_79YNDkb7_Gbvz/s1600/IKEA_Pantry_Organization_Drawer_2.jpg" /></a></div><br />And that completes the tour!  My kids were circling like sharks as I was taking the photos of the freshly stocked pantry, but even after they ransacked it, it was able to maintain a nice level of order.  Yahoo!<br /><br />I am so excited that we were able to condense an entire pantry, double wide cabinet <i>and</i> lunch cabinet from our previous setup, into a single floor to ceiling pantry in the new kitchen.  With a microwave too!  <br /><br />Feels good to scratch the organizing itch.  Now... back to installing the flooring in <a href="http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2015/04/one-room-challenge-week-1-iheart-living.html" target="_blank">the living area</a>...<br /><br /><br /><i>You can follow all of the kitchen progress <a href="http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/search/label/IHeart%20Kitchen%20Reno" target="_blank">here</a>.</i><br /><br /><i>P.S.  WE WON!  Last week we were notified that you all voted us as the <a href="http://www.bhg.com/blogs/better-homes-and-gardens-blogger-awards-/top-diy-blogs/" target="_blank">Better Homes & Garden's Top DIY blog</a>.  I owe you all an iHeart gratitude hug and so much more.  I know I say it frequently, but I couldn't believe it more, we have THE BEST readers ever!  You guys are always so supportive, encouraging and HELPFUL!  I truly learn so much from y'all and just hanging out with you each day is a dream.  Thank you, thank you, thank you for taking the time to vote and for cheering us on as we work on this place we call home.  The other nominees are all superstar blogs and I highly recommend checking each one out for even more DIY love.</i><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>

IHeart Kitchen Reno: An Organized Pantry

Don't get me wrong, I have been loving this year's weekly Quick Tip series .  It has been fun focusing on bite size organizing to ge...

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Quick Tip Tuesday: Personal Kiddie Care Kits

We recently managed to snag the flu bug, and instead of squashing it, it squashed us.  One of the kiddos brought it home and it slowly made its way through the family.  It got me thinking about some of our systems and how I could be better about reducing our risk of cross contaminating our yucky germs.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfxwYpsheWGq2EQsEXWQcRvclugCv1PIHxuRFJ5i4PRclrvx7DiNZ5ryF0IAO6hb7TBcD0JMQb3dmXlfapbJ8IAGbIdkYWw8ukM-3_B1az4e2lk0Iab_NRcHurUrCHhPPHr4buzDHP9i6L/s1600/Under_Bath_Sink_Organization_Header.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfxwYpsheWGq2EQsEXWQcRvclugCv1PIHxuRFJ5i4PRclrvx7DiNZ5ryF0IAO6hb7TBcD0JMQb3dmXlfapbJ8IAGbIdkYWw8ukM-3_B1az4e2lk0Iab_NRcHurUrCHhPPHr4buzDHP9i6L/s1600/Under_Bath_Sink_Organization_Header.png" /></a></div><br />Of course there are many ways to prevent sharing the cold/flu; hand washing, sanitizing, scrubbing, cleaning... not snuggling the kiddo that is sick (oops)... but I really wanted to focus in on personal care.  Although it was quite awhile ago when <a href="http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2014/06/the-little-bathroom-update-that-could.html" target="_blank">I organized the boy's shared bathroom</a>, I placed their toothbrushes and toothpaste in a single cup under the sink.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioYkQfGWe4xtFMimfW7YBvm4axonqJYdEwB-0fihX74TQaZ9GbZOwobfIPK5VZZB2iirHhljEYBDu3GqlM7dH3vKdUNpblmI8bflOHyqZOyR_b8EOcLlhU8qxrxFw0iItdSZtzago4KW4/s1600/Bathroom_Makeover_Painted_Stripes_14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioYkQfGWe4xtFMimfW7YBvm4axonqJYdEwB-0fihX74TQaZ9GbZOwobfIPK5VZZB2iirHhljEYBDu3GqlM7dH3vKdUNpblmI8bflOHyqZOyR_b8EOcLlhU8qxrxFw0iItdSZtzago4KW4/s1600/Bathroom_Makeover_Painted_Stripes_14.jpg" /></a></div><br />Something wasn't working....<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2kyl9NrOWS07vzEBVtHntUCpggYMXrOzHC-FoKiNuBBOaVEHPjNUYm-AyVTrmpIRkx_YTwv9no8oOin7N6LMuWh_2xrz98tcNiNQqxeGTb02DjeyKBooamWAD9Hjet0loLhIOW_tdlIPg/s1600/Under_Bath_Sink_Organization_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2kyl9NrOWS07vzEBVtHntUCpggYMXrOzHC-FoKiNuBBOaVEHPjNUYm-AyVTrmpIRkx_YTwv9no8oOin7N6LMuWh_2xrz98tcNiNQqxeGTb02DjeyKBooamWAD9Hjet0loLhIOW_tdlIPg/s1600/Under_Bath_Sink_Organization_1.jpg" /></a></div><br />It was our first time without vanity drawers, and we quickly realized we didn't account for a few things.  And then my boys decided that they didn't want to share toothpaste, in fact, they all liked different kinds.  Sigh.  And then they would fight over the toothbrushes and which one belonged to each of them.  They never even pick out the same toothbrush from the store, how hard can it be?  And you see how they just toss them back in the basket because the cup became filled with random tubes of paste and bottles of lotion?  It was time to take back the cabinet, while also preventing this mess from happening again, while also preventing their toothbrushes from being thrown haphazardly into a germ infested mess.  Yuk. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyOA7x6yavbDdbho2mLQjIkczHXYprIClBJdcnXDoZFAjlLP_hIre2TX77ygTOuRZuwBsy7Xn_LAOBzMl1F7m6pY32CwqgeR4fsxm2rj4olk721Gw65WbNb0kch1qOg6fIouimbWHxkJwB/s1600/Under_Bath_Sink_Organization_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyOA7x6yavbDdbho2mLQjIkczHXYprIClBJdcnXDoZFAjlLP_hIre2TX77ygTOuRZuwBsy7Xn_LAOBzMl1F7m6pY32CwqgeR4fsxm2rj4olk721Gw65WbNb0kch1qOg6fIouimbWHxkJwB/s1600/Under_Bath_Sink_Organization_2.jpg" /></a></div><br />Three boys meant I needed three small containers.  But stacking would never work with these kids.  So back to drawers I went (I used <a href="http://amzn.to/1EmLIfl" target="_blank">these</a>).<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7P8QCW6BUib64P0PKdYDTS-vEj-Ls-CJ4rFXQmLr4fz5dljOoEZofA_i4RZ84irV9QwJO6txIu8-9LGS_Qodt1ApdoB4Qnw2-sGySC9jRuSEAfrhE362s5WsoUElcux4RBSY6Dp8Gz5DQ/s1600/Under_Bath_Sink_Organization_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7P8QCW6BUib64P0PKdYDTS-vEj-Ls-CJ4rFXQmLr4fz5dljOoEZofA_i4RZ84irV9QwJO6txIu8-9LGS_Qodt1ApdoB4Qnw2-sGySC9jRuSEAfrhE362s5WsoUElcux4RBSY6Dp8Gz5DQ/s1600/Under_Bath_Sink_Organization_3.jpg" /></a></div><br />I labeled each drawer with my Silhouette (number stickers would work just as well), and then filled each drawer with their very own oral care belongings.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEH8fSbct1pA17RA0dePleQZ-mDYhkwmikAhagJsCoMAUf_Ihv2DMjvYVCC-J5hP7s12-4wfP-EGonXFsph4GQUmlqirUdfLt7fcDRwq3j2whzfj5iHBPshnd04-iai0cKgxmiZtn405Wx/s1600/Under_Bath_Sink_Organization_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEH8fSbct1pA17RA0dePleQZ-mDYhkwmikAhagJsCoMAUf_Ihv2DMjvYVCC-J5hP7s12-4wfP-EGonXFsph4GQUmlqirUdfLt7fcDRwq3j2whzfj5iHBPshnd04-iai0cKgxmiZtn405Wx/s1600/Under_Bath_Sink_Organization_4.jpg" /></a></div><br />Each drawer has:<br /><ul><li>Toothpaste</li><li>Toothbrush</li><li>Floss</li><li>Chapstick</li></ul>The boys also clean and clip their nails, but I didn't want to toss their nail clippers inside of the drawers.  So on a whim, I took some empty Q-Tip containers... <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVea8-nhnWuw3ZrU_DnhGALSugvtHbTs80coaLUlyifVv_Sc1GkDgVoqGKt8TpC5jVRjwsuxPtOdkhDExuOx-_kJzzpl8uefrzyx2nusBgokcz9W9XXYcN5UOW1hxZ6_RLg9BMYC6dQzFD/s1600/Under_Bath_Sink_Organization_5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVea8-nhnWuw3ZrU_DnhGALSugvtHbTs80coaLUlyifVv_Sc1GkDgVoqGKt8TpC5jVRjwsuxPtOdkhDExuOx-_kJzzpl8uefrzyx2nusBgokcz9W9XXYcN5UOW1hxZ6_RLg9BMYC6dQzFD/s1600/Under_Bath_Sink_Organization_5.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(You guys, save these always, they work for so many great things!)</td></tr></tbody></table><br />I sliced the lids off and attached them as small pockets inside of the cabinet door with clear command strips.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyGtMO589dXd54lArbLWF0x90l7PaKZhc_sIW9jRMbb738zXNLSdMeIkmeACecBkU5_mq985MrnOHdjaJU9kDf_l0ZdrKHfPujKv_21regV_ZpFLF90-vNyUSvmqf9jXnj1GK58XTfGG5P/s1600/Under_Bath_Sink_Organization_6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyGtMO589dXd54lArbLWF0x90l7PaKZhc_sIW9jRMbb738zXNLSdMeIkmeACecBkU5_mq985MrnOHdjaJU9kDf_l0ZdrKHfPujKv_21regV_ZpFLF90-vNyUSvmqf9jXnj1GK58XTfGG5P/s1600/Under_Bath_Sink_Organization_6.jpg" /></a></div><br />This was just a random act of awesomeness and the light-bulb got brighter as I realized that these probably would have worked well for the toothbrushes all on their own.  But instead I tossed some cotton swabs and nail clippers inside each one.  But think of how else these could be used?  The opportunities are endless; makeup, razors, office supplies, small packets, stamps.... I want to make many more!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXfQJje6yHjQTmjS5bT_Hq5R3lbq5pJ7sQGJApWtD5ljy0oNjEO7d97Oh9Np6UXSwGdhyphenhypheneH4WySqw1qmDbGofNWUalNbswlGfNnAISLwpfCYxJR4coyYC2bGj-dtppJnWtYSii1DpDPvQj/s1600/Under_Bath_Sink_Organization_8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXfQJje6yHjQTmjS5bT_Hq5R3lbq5pJ7sQGJApWtD5ljy0oNjEO7d97Oh9Np6UXSwGdhyphenhypheneH4WySqw1qmDbGofNWUalNbswlGfNnAISLwpfCYxJR4coyYC2bGj-dtppJnWtYSii1DpDPvQj/s1600/Under_Bath_Sink_Organization_8.jpg" /></a></div><br />As I emptied everything out to clean up the shelves and tidy things up, I realized we had some duplicate bottles of lotions, mouthwash, toothbrushes, etc... I placed them all into the now empty basket, and stored them in a cabinet in the guest bathroom.  Now we have a back-up supply, but they are not cluttering the space we use daily.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNwpiAb3YHTZ20RlE3DEunDw7hD62ufuluRu0pcyGWc7Hs1FIccbvu5T38e-g-1zWn9fez39RJW5awDKCS6MH2h_eGwGKuDd3ev7uSNxi90bbakwssGVzkhOBr0HR8KVqS05u0IRXpPOga/s1600/Under_Bath_Sink_Organization_10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNwpiAb3YHTZ20RlE3DEunDw7hD62ufuluRu0pcyGWc7Hs1FIccbvu5T38e-g-1zWn9fez39RJW5awDKCS6MH2h_eGwGKuDd3ev7uSNxi90bbakwssGVzkhOBr0HR8KVqS05u0IRXpPOga/s1600/Under_Bath_Sink_Organization_10.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibo3BBDdDuU2j76hwydDZavT8TZ4DyXIzy9RHHbwHq1d78uJVkijlf13kdV4gctRWPEWDIuURijCb6jxi6mg84LlOS3dj-A0GfmvF3l89-1IYm1Hyh2paVJoFWuRu45KlSKBiZjb-0Q9ES/s1600/Under_Bath_Sink_Organization_11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibo3BBDdDuU2j76hwydDZavT8TZ4DyXIzy9RHHbwHq1d78uJVkijlf13kdV4gctRWPEWDIuURijCb6jxi6mg84LlOS3dj-A0GfmvF3l89-1IYm1Hyh2paVJoFWuRu45KlSKBiZjb-0Q9ES/s1600/Under_Bath_Sink_Organization_11.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdXVrJqI1r_RDRAtwlLGl6YkMBYhP6OQAVdqgVi9cMGABZaJ_twk98Twj5G1RB0mrMXZ4KHBhyphenhyphenhygfrUWENVyCfpglig7G-OJbqmQtGMA8JvaGDUVGt2jtxzCE_jnUdlho4Af4t378p0AI/s1600/Under_Bath_Sink_Organization_12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdXVrJqI1r_RDRAtwlLGl6YkMBYhP6OQAVdqgVi9cMGABZaJ_twk98Twj5G1RB0mrMXZ4KHBhyphenhyphenhygfrUWENVyCfpglig7G-OJbqmQtGMA8JvaGDUVGt2jtxzCE_jnUdlho4Af4t378p0AI/s1600/Under_Bath_Sink_Organization_12.jpg" /></a></div><br />Easy peasy and so much better!  And although this was just a super quick post (it has been nice heading back to the organizing basics), I ended up cleaning out the entire cabinet so here is a delightful before and after to end on.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSAaVrQNxYFknKxzBNtWhYjEz9aShFOCkXSxsH24Ns8S2SNX0oIsvd_3X4jTHS8JE-JyTFodvVMhQ8cmsjqJcr2PLwKdMRGHnuldLfeUNVO4e7ERjoN4_eu_B5-dxGxDXvCX-PcZagjjxp/s1600/UnderSinkOrganizationBefore_After.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSAaVrQNxYFknKxzBNtWhYjEz9aShFOCkXSxsH24Ns8S2SNX0oIsvd_3X4jTHS8JE-JyTFodvVMhQ8cmsjqJcr2PLwKdMRGHnuldLfeUNVO4e7ERjoN4_eu_B5-dxGxDXvCX-PcZagjjxp/s1600/UnderSinkOrganizationBefore_After.png" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirByjX_Etg7ikda3bvK9SoCc66UiDeT0KmG4pKtsL4fhA1KwxQep-NOHQCnYnrWq3dD70e58WSMCviDYMZ_dBJVfuOEt2zQaB9McLRutJNCtw9vdIKK9xYvGAQ2sA8d9VBqvOV1hFnNk3Y/s1600/BlogClosing.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirByjX_Etg7ikda3bvK9SoCc66UiDeT0KmG4pKtsL4fhA1KwxQep-NOHQCnYnrWq3dD70e58WSMCviDYMZ_dBJVfuOEt2zQaB9McLRutJNCtw9vdIKK9xYvGAQ2sA8d9VBqvOV1hFnNk3Y/s1600/BlogClosing.png" /></a></div><br /><i>Looking for more quick tips?  Check out the entire series <a href="http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/p/quick-tip-gallery.html" target="_blank">here</a>!</i><br /><br />

Quick Tip Tuesday: Personal Kiddie Care Kits

We recently managed to snag the flu bug, and instead of squashing it, it squashed us.  One of the kiddos brought it home and it slowly made ...

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