I use my laminator on a weekly basis. It allows me to make several projects - both for my classroom and at home - at a low cost. A 50 pack of 8.5" x 11" laminating sheets is usually around $11 on Amazon. The lamination turns out really nicely.
I like using my laminator for organization purposes because you can laminate a checklist or anything else you use often and write on it with a dry erase marker - saving you paper!
The label maker I own isn't being made anymore, but the brand is Brother. It makes labeling super simple and make organizing so quick. I use my label maker to label hanging files, cubbies, plastic containers, and more. You can also print labels from your computer and laminate them or adhere them with clear packing tape.
I have a hoarding issue with cute boxes/bins/etc. I want to make sure I always have one at hand, if needed, so I always have more than I need (which is a bad habit since I don't have anywhere to store the extras). I love caddies like this one because they're easily portable. I use caddies to store cleaning supplies. (It also makes a spill easy to clean up.) I contain as much as possible in my home (and classroom). It creates less clutter and gives everything a home. I really feel like they're worth investing in if you're new to organizing your home. It is well worth it.
I love this item because it can be used for more than just shoes. I have one in the coat closet and one in my closet. In the coat closet it holds Command Hooks, tools, gloves, hats, and other miscellaneous household items. In my closet it holds some shoes, accessories, lint rollers, and other miscellaneous things. I prefer the clear pockets so I can see inside, but they do make really cute organizers with prints and fun colors. I've also seen these used with craft materials and in pantries.
I use binders for everything - my home management binder, blogging/etsy store planner, holiday planner, student info & so many other things at school, tracking our loan payments, etc. (See how I use mine here.) Binders are such an easy way to create your own system for keeping track of things - or even for replacing a filing system (if you don't have a ton of paperwork to keep track of). They're so handy because they're portable and you can switch information in and out quickly.
I don't know how I'd function without one. While I do have an Erin Condren Life Planner currently, I am still in love with the BusyBodyBook (and think I'll be switching back in 2013). (See how I used my old one.) I use my planner to make mental notes on to-dos and brilliant ideas I have. =]
But with a great planner, I also need great pens - colorful ones. I really like Staedtler Triplus Fineliner Pens and Paper Mate Flair Pens.
My favorite way to use an open-top file box is for my mail station. When they're open-top, they're easily accessible and everyone in your family could use it with ease. Hanging files make organization with a file box a breeze because you can label the tops. (Even my husband can use ours. lol.)
Here's a tip: buy cute and colorful hanging files - it's more attractive and will make you want to use it! =]
Any kind will do - even a small cosmetic bag. I use mine in many different places around the house - to hold my extra contacts and razors in the bathroom, storing coupons in my purse, holding pens and pencils in my school bag, organizing in drawers, holding all of the bits to my screwdriver, etc. Love them. The one pictured is from Carolina Pad - I think it's super cute and may just need to buy it.
So good for so many things. I use this one (pictured) from Carolina Pad to organize/store my product manuals. (See my post here.) I also use expanding files to sort newsletter paper, coupons, receipts, and student files. One thing I love about expanding files is the variety of sizes they come in. The ones that I use for receipts and coupons are smaller than those that I use for storing regular size papers.
I use Command Hooks all over my home. They hold things under my sinks (the Swiffer duster, scissors in the bathroom, gloves, etc.) and in my closets (jewelry, belts, plastic bags, etc.) I even use them for hanging calendars, cutting boards, bath loofahs, and more. I love them since they won't leave holes in the wall (unless you remove them the wrong way...lol).
I would love to know - what are your favorite organization tools?
These are great ideas! Doesn't the new year make you so inspired to get organized! :)
ReplyDelete-Rachael at www.rachaelstone.blogspot.com
Thanks for sharing your favorites! Do you have any suggestions for INEXPENSIVELY getting organized? I feel like containers can be so pricey...it kills me to spend my money on containers. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteHi Sarah -
ReplyDeleteI use recycled materials in my classroom - tissue boxes, cereal boxes, used shipping boxes covered in paper, sandwich meat containers, etc.
The Dollar Tree also has a really great selection of storage containers of all sizes.
Tiffany, first have to tell you that I love your blog! I am forever on a search for the perfect planner, and think that I am going to make my own this year. I am just so picky!
ReplyDeleteAny suggestions on a thin hanging file like yours? I only have a skinny space to put one and haven't had much luck!
I really love cute containers too. I love buckets and jars for pens, brushes, etc, I love old junk from garage sales and junk shops that I can use like bread loaf pans, dishes and frames. Nothing a little spray paint can't fix!
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!
Hi Tiffany! you are so inspiring :) I start as the director of a small community pre-school when our Term resumes and I'm finding your blog superbly helpful.
ReplyDeleteLike you I love zipper pouches - my main favourite holds my ipod, connections cable, earphones, usb and any other electricky things (yes, of course electricky is a word!!) Binders are another staple organiser for me. To save money I buy nice plain white ones and use scrapbook papers and letters to personalise the covers and spines. Often I'll use scrapping supplies to make the dividers also.
enjoy the rest of your holidays.
xxxBecc
These are great ideas, I have tried most of them and realized they did not work for me. The laminator is downstairs and the thought of warming it up keeps me from using it, although I love it when I do use it. I have recently seen the over the door ideas and love them but I freak about stuff over the doors. Filing bins, well lets just say it has to be tuff in our house because I kind of throw stuff on top and come back and organize later, (yikes I know). My newest adventure is the Family Binder, I am on day 4, impressive for me, I have noticed having it written down makes me want to follow through. But, as much as I hate to admit it, and never to my hubby, I couldn't live without my phone, it is a smartphone hubby made me buy. I usually have it on me and with all the right apps you can have the family binder at your finger tips. The calendar is probably the handiest part because it updates on mine, hubbies, my-moms, and daughters all at once, convenient for appointments.
ReplyDelete