I recommend buying some WAGO lever-nut connectors to make your electrical boxes that much cleaner and easier to service and test. They are expensive compared to wire-nuts but you only need a couple per box. https://www.amazon.com/Wago-Lever-Nut-Assortment-Pocket-Pack/dp/B01N0LRTXZ/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1528247336&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=wago+lever&psc=1
These are like ziplock but sturdier.
JARLINK 18 Pack 8 Sizes Zipper Mesh Pouch, Waterproof Zipper File Bags Document Pouch Multipurpose Travel Bags for Office Supplies Cosmetics Travel Accessories https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B07VBF4CYK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_JF00MJGX9G37WM9TKQ1Z?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I use something similar to this, and keep everything important in there. It lives in a bookshelf where I can get to it easily. We live near an area that sees a lot of wildfires, so occasionally we have to evacuate from our home, and this makes it super easy to grab it and go.
(File your tax returns online, and then scan all the docs from previous years. Much easier to keep that stuff on a hard drive.)
The paper is called legal size in the US. You are looking for a legal size accordion binder or a legal size expanding file folder. If you use that terminology you will find it easily!
https://www.amazon.com/C-Line-21-Pocket-Expanding-Locking-58320/dp/B004Q9VJ56
Here in Australia, the pharmacy holds onto the prescription. Basically 1 prescription can have up to 6 months worth of repeats.
Suggestion:
> I told myself I was putting them in a good place and I just can't find them.
Get an Expanding File Box and use it for all your important documents:
etc...
I use Wago 221's for these kinds of temporary things. They don't damage the wires and give a quick, easy and excellent connection.
https://www.amazon.com/Wago-Lever-Nut-Assortment-Pocket-Pack/dp/B01N0LRTXZ
I make tracings using Pellon 830, and then fold them up and store them in zip envelopes like these, along with printed-out instructions. (You can really cram a lot in these, for some I even store the fabric and notions and in progress projects in the envelopes)
The Pellon 830 irons nicely with a low iron, so I don't worry so much about them getting creases in the envelopes.
I use a big bin too, with loose bigger things and a bag system for all the small stuff. Used to use Ziplocs and switched to these, and they've been working great. Still slightly transparent, easy to color code (red is first aid, orange is cooking utensils, blue is 'junk drawer' etc.). Happy camping!
EOOUT 24pcs Mesh Zipper Pouch... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Q81JBNM?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Nothing to do with the last minute invite or not enough baby equipment there — I would straight up not go anywhere with my kids where I wouldn’t have access to a car so I could leave if necessary.
The reality of going places with small kids is that you always need an out or a backup plan. Sometimes even if you pack everything on your list, your baby will have a tough time for an indiscernible reason and you have to call it quits and go home. Like you said, small kids tend to have a 90 minute window for big activities.
Is there anyone your husband can carpool with to the office? You said your MILs house is on the way — how far is his work from her house? Could you drop your husband off instead, so you’d have the car?
I would be upfront with your MIL and say that you’d love to spend more time there this summer, but it is a burden on you to have to schlep all the baby stuff over there every time. Make a list of stuff she should get to keep at her house, pack & play, high chair, toddler cups and plates and utensils, etc. Most of those things can be really obtained used for free or cheap.
Diapers, wipes, and clothes should be easy enough for you to keep packed. With 2 kids under 3 and my husband gone for months at a time I have realized it’s easier if I don’t have to get ready, I stay ready. I got a huge 24 pack of these waterproof plastic zippered pouchesfor $17 on Amazon. I keep them packed, one with diapers, one with wipes, one with spare clothes, one with snacks, you get the idea. When it’s time to go somewhere I just throw the pouches I need in a giant tote, most of the time I just leave it in the trunk and refill as needed.
I stitch on the train most days. I keep organized with mesh zipper bags similar to these. I use the large size for paper patterns and my cloth, and put in use bobbins and accessories in smaller ones inside. It keeps everything together and reasonably protected even though it’s just shoved in my backpack. Also more durable than the ziploc style bags I used before.
We use an MZ Wallace backpack and have been very happy with it. Fits a ton, super lightweight, can run it through the washer, and it’s a neutral color so my husband doesn’t feel ridiculous carrying it. We use lots of pouches to keep things organized - these Amazon ones are our current favorites: https://www.amazon.com/JARLINK-Waterproof-Multipurpose-Cosmetics-Accessories/dp/B07VBF4CYK
We also used Como Tomo bottles and I usually just packed a separate small insulated lunch bag with her bottles - though, I was also often able to fit that inside the backpack too!
JARLINK 18 Pack 8 Sizes Zipper... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07VBF4CYK?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Was it these? I bought two packs and organized all puzzles and a couple travel games in them. Seriously useful stuff!
EOOUT 24pcs Mesh Zipper Pouch Document Bag, Plastic Zip File Folders, Zipper Bags for organizing, Letter Size, A4 Size, for School, Board Games and Office Supplies https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Q81JBNM/ref=cm_sw_r_awdo_navT_a_N2E53RQA0DG3QXNQ777B
You’re welcome! ;)
Bins and baskets are great but they turn in to giant messes quickly
I use these bags to categorize toys. They are bags so they fit all the wierd sizes and take up way less room than boxes/bins/cubes . I use large one for hot wheels tracks and a small one inside with hot wheel . another bag for magna tiles ..Lego ...puzzle...trains..small animals ..art supplies ...a playdough one etc etc
My toddler takes out a bag, plays with it , and then we clean it up and put that bag away before something else.
I am also constantly doing clothing and toy purges .
I see you like organizing! I use these things for inside of my game boxes to organize pieces:
JARLINK 18 Pack 8 Sizes Zipper Mesh Pouch, Waterproof Zipper File Bags Document Pouch Multipurpose Travel Bags for Office Supplies Cosmetics Travel Accessories Random color https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07VBF4CYK/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_i_N8V2HCHX96S5MRVC76R3
Idk if that link will work...
Wagos are simple electrical connectors like nuts
> but I needed (wanted) to use the connectors
Can't fault you there. They look pretty awesome. I added the my Amazon cart for "later" hoping something will come up in the near future where I can justify ordering them.
I ordered these Wago connectors a few weeks back and I'm just waiting for an excuse to use them.
I always stock up when I visit DAISO (basically the Japanese Five Below), but most people don’t have access to one. Here’s a multi-pack from Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07VBF4CYK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_gVfJFb9ZZ7RPN
They also have packs of just the big sizes, if that’s what you’re looking for. I can’t recommend these bags enough.
We use this one
and also put the rule book, town records, a store catalog I had printed and a few other things.
Amazon! I got this pack (https://www.amazon.com/SUBANG-Black-Zipper-Holders-Travel/dp/B074J5RBPS ) and used them all over the house. These are also nice to stash things in the car (these days: masks, hand sanitizer, gloves etc.).
I wouldnt focus on the color- I think that varies by manufacturer. Your wires are most likely going to be 12 guage. Do just buy an assortment pack and use the one that's appropriate for the number and guage of the wire you have. If you want to make life easier, grab some of these this style: Lever-Nuts
Once you use them, you'll never go back to wire nuts.
I use these Wago wire connectors instead if wirenuts flir the past 3 years after having an I same amount of service calls for loose wire in a wire nut(not my installs) they have been great.
Wago 221 Lever-Nut Assortment Pocket Pack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N0LRTXZ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_wGYsDbZ1HZ5RY
I use vinyl zippered pouches like these which are quite sturdy. Link
Ziplocs and small rubber bands can get you very far with cards and monsters.
For map tiles and envelopes/papers THIS FOLDER works wonders.
We use one of these expanding file folders for Gloomhaven terrain. I imagine it could work just as well for player boards, if they aren't took thick/big.
I bought one of these for mine. Better than a Nylon bag as putting it in a bag will bend it while you are carrying it.
If they are all on the same breaker you should be able to wire them all into one smart dimmer. (probably keep the exhaust fan separate) Most likely you would put all the blacks into one wire nut with a jumper coming out to the new switch, all the neutral's into one nut and do the same, and then same with the grounds. this many wires coming together will be a bit of a mess so I prefer these instead of wire nuts https://www.amazon.com/Wago-Lever-Nut-Assortment-Pocket-Pack/dp/B01N0LRTXZ/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1518965173&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=wago+lever+nut&psc=1 You could buy a new trim cover then with blanks in it to get rid of the extra holes. However not sure if they are all on the same breaker or if there are any unusual circumstances why you couldn't do the above.
I always did a combination of these collapsible folders (https://www.amazon.com/Smead-Organizer-Pockets-Closure-70902/dp/B0085IQ05I/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1502462258&sr=8-1&keywords=collapsible+folder) and then put the instructions into clear 3 ring binder sheets and file them into the folder based on labeled tabs. The larger sets with big instruction books fit perfectly into the clear pages. Ive had mine for 15 years like that and all are still mint. That way I can just buy a new one folder as needed when one starts filling up. My Harry Potter, Indiana Jones and Star wars all have separate folders.
How much wasted space do you have in that file box? I was hoping a plastic portable version of a file folder would be good enough. I lugg a box like that around for my DND games and a separate one for other RPGs and they are cumbersome to transport especially when you consider the size of the main box.
My other standees etc are well organized in main box with 4 Plano boxes that end up giving me plenty of room otherwise for tiles and books. I want to have the original box plus something to hold the map tiles as the only separate piece but was hoping something smaller that could fit in my messenger bag. We use a laptop and gloomy companion to do monster cards and that works great for my group.
Something like this maybe: Smead Portable Expanding File Box, 19 Pockets, Alphabetic (A-Z) and Subject Labels, Handle and Closure, Legal, 1 Count, Color Varies (70806) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004I2EV2O/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_HIIAzb1PF8J21
I carry around an accordion folder when I go to class. It gets bulky later in the semester, but I stuff as much class-related stuff in there, like old homework assignments, handouts, etc.
I leave everything in my office though. Only that folder and my pen pouch come with me to class. I also try to leave my phone in my office so I'm not tempted to derp off during class.