Reusable cable ties can be really helpful. I have them on all my cables in storage and on ones that I pack regularly, like my portable charger and laptop cables.
Looks great! I have a suggestion for you - you can get plain white lids for canning jars that makes their use easier, vs the two part metal jar. I’m not generally a plastic fan, but I have found these really handy and they are quite durable.
Edit: good grief!! What a long link. It does work though! I just buy mine locally, but wanted to show the idea.
I have a similar sort of shelf unit and I bought the angled bins below a few months ago. I feel totally happy with them and think they have really helped with managing clothes, and keep them organized over time.
https://www.amazon.com/Courage-Be-Disliked-Phenomenon-Happiness/dp/1501197274
A bit awkward in its writing/translation like Marie's books, but it's worth it.
Edit: I just scrolled down to the product description on that page and the first thing it mentions (!): “Marie Kondo, but for your brain.” —HelloGiggles
Yep. I solved it with elastic waistband work pants from Amazon. Rekucci boot cut pants are super comfy, come in multiple colors and lengths, and they have some other cuts as well. I pair that with a knit or sateen top under an open-front cardigan (knit cardigan in summer, wool-ish in winter) and it still feels like wearing pajamas to work. I got some Clarks boots and Dansko clogs to go with them so my feet are comfy, too.
and something like this for the lids
Look at each one at a time, feel gratitude for the holiday joy you have already received from them, wrap them in tissue paper, and put in the trash. If you want to keep them to compare photos over the years or something, get a photo flip book like this one to keep them in and put in your box of Christmas decorations to get out and go through next year as new cards come in. Whatever you do, honor them by not letting them sit in a box longer than a year at a time. Usually anything with a face or that is particularly meaningful, you want to "bury" with some sort of covering, like tissue paper, as a way to be respectful.
My mom is a mild-to-moderate hoarder. During one of my visits, I saw piles of books on her dining table, with The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up sitting right on top of the pile in the middle of the table. I regret not taking a picture of that.
The thing is, though, she bought the book on her own after she heard me praising it. Although she wants to read it all the way through, she hasn't yet. She keeps finding reasons not to, despite the fact that she wants to give it a shot. My mom is further along in her journey than your sister, and yet there is still nothing I can do to push her along because she's standing in her own way.
You gave your sister a self-help book, and that's literally as far as you can go. She has to actually want to help herself for the self-help book to do anything.
Amazon is doing that thing where they inflate the price right now. But it was $15. So I'd wait for it to drop.
ClosetMaid 1578 Cubeicals Mini 6-Cube Organizer, White https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BHXL508/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_XUgUDbPBCEXGY
It's a Coaster Home Furishings shelf. I got mine on Amazon back in 2015; I bought the 4-level one to set up two 2-level bookcases.
Not OP but I have similar ones from amazon
Anchor Hocking Square Jars with bamboo lids
Anchor Hocking (4 Pack) 48 Ounce Glass Jars Container Bamboo Lid Airtight Seal Stackable https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01FIJ39KA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_y74oCbC5V3MK9
I really like the Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod. It's unfortunately named, but it gives you an excellent morning routine to and way to implement it so that you can be more self-disciplined and work on important things in your life.
It was super helpful and it helped me to be a lot more productive.
> Multiple bottles of heartburn pills
Before I started emptying my purse I also had several RX bottle floating around in my purse and I'd always carry a larger purse to accommodate them. I ended up getting a small pill case about the size of a compact that is divided in three parts and fits several pills in each part (https://www.amazon.com/GoPillable-Black-Decorative-Round-Pocket/dp/B00ZNOS848?keywords=gopillable+case&qid=1547689207&sr=8-1&ref=sr_1_1). I even used my labeler on the smallest font setting to note what was in each compartment so there would be no mix-ups.
Is it weird to say that pill case sparks joy? I no longer need to carry around three RX bottles, the pill case is small enough for even my smallest of purses, and I just refill the case as needed. Bonus- the reflective inside surface can function as a mirror if needed.
I got this stand, but I paid slightly less for it than it’s currently listed.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005M8YXEE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_NuHSDbVTFTSV1
I really love it. Every piece I own fits on it, and it’s in a prominent spot in my closet.
I would only ever consider wearing one or two of the pieces. But I love the others dearly. Several were beloved pieces of my late grandmothers. Some were gifts from my dad at milestones like my 16th, 18th and 21st birthdays. That type of thing.
Even though I don’t wear them, hanging them in my closet puts them in a place where I get to enjoy them every single day.
I bought them from Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IK82M4G/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02__o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Same as to what /u/DerHoggenCatten linked!
I also used boxes from IKEA.
Edit: I also used them for my underwear.
A tall cylinder glass vase for the duckies. like this one
(Please note that link is for a set of 12. I just liked the pic to convey the idea. Otherwise these glass vases are much cheaper. You can find them at hobbylobby, target, Marshall’s, tjmax, Walmart,etc for like $8-10.
If she’s old school she actually folds up her bed and puts that away too... if not she probably just makes it the way most people do.
I recommend the book The Millionaire Next Door. The authors are wealth managers and through their experience they've learned that truly wealthy people are more likely to be living in modest houses and buying used cars. Their money is invested and reaping compounding returns, not being spent on looking rich. People with McMansions and luxury cars are more likely to be in debt, because they are living beyond their means.
Actually this book shares a lot of principles with KonMari. It asks you "do you really need to buy that?"
So think of it this way. If you live modestly, truly wealthy people will recognize your good choices. The only people who might look down on you are faking their own appearance of wealth. Why care what they think?
Mindfulness in Plain English is a good place to start. I find guided meditation apps are also a good way to kickstart the process (I use Meditation Studio).
Good luck!
It reminds me of those art projects, “What I was wearing...” https://www.huffpost.com/entry/powerful-art-exhibit-powerfully-answers-the-question-what-were-you-wearing_n_59baddd2e4b02da0e1405d2a
I’m also keeping clothing that was worn during (a different kind of) trauma. In the back of my head I imagine they would make a good PSA type illustration...
Here's a picture to illustrate, you can see the little hint of one of my bookends, on the second from the left. There's one at the end of each row, even though you can't see them. So when the drawer is full, they are pushed all the way to the back, and as I pull things out, I push them forward to keep the row tight. It only really falls apart when there's only like one to two things in a row now.
These are the ones I got, they come with pretty good sticky feet to keep them from sliding with the weight of the clothes, but there's plenty on Amazon that are cheaper. But I picked these because they match my drawer and give me secret glee every time I open my drawer. :3
wow. same thing selling on Amazon for 700% of the price. Youch!
I love these
For awhile they were $16 at Walmart.com but now are $39.99.
They are very nice though.
I'm dealing with something similar and I'm using Ziploc Big Bags to store things in the meantime until I figure out what size boxes I need.
Have you considered a hanging organizer? Like this. (That's just the first one that popped up on Amazon, I can't say whether it's a good one or not, I was just giving an example.)
Some things I really like having folded, and if you like some things folded and you used one of those, it wouldn't use up your limited drawer space, but takes advantage of more vertical space (though they come in different lengths and widths, so not all are full length). You could even use baskets or boxes in them for things like socks.
Then all your stuff is closer together than in a separate dresser.
I guess I don't know if it's exactly a quart, but on amazon it advertised as compliant. I bought it years ago so I don't think this is the exact one, but it's very similar to this. To my knowledge, it doesn't have to be a ziplock bag as long as it is quart sized and clear! Honestly, I think TSA doesn't care that much if you don't look shady because my boyfriend keeps his toiletries (mostly eyedrops, mini sunscreen, and toothpaste) in a mesh bag that is not very clear and he's never had any problems.
If a new external hard drive isn't an option, look for cannon fodder on your computer or on one of your existing hard drives... sort by size and find a couple of large video files that you can live without, then start a new folder there to get started on sorting through everything else. (This is sort of the equivalent of clearing off your bed so that you have space for a Konmari sort.)
You may find it helpful to use a program to find duplicate photos in your collection. I've used the free version of Duplicate Cleaner, but there are several options.
As soon as cleared off a bit of space, set up time-based backups on your newly organized photos. Crashplan is free if you back up to an extra hard drive or a friend's computer, and will protect your photos from a hard drive failure or your own fat fingering.
Also, for what it's worth, I find it easiest to organize photos by time at the top level. It's information that I generally have available, since I can see the "Date taken" of the photos, or barring that, I can identify roughly when the picture was taken.
I have a small tv, but I got a microwave cart for my TV stand. It's a bit tall unless you sit on the bed to game. Mine is a different color, but it looks the same shape. https://www.amazon.com/Kitchen-Industrial-Utility-Microwave-Workstation/dp/B091H4PB9W/ref=sr_1_76?dchild=1&keywords=microwave+stand&qid=1626552931&sr=8-76 I recommend something a little different because that mesh drawer makes it hard to get discs in and out of the PS4. (Maybe I should line the drawer and put the controllers there?) Mine has the switch, the PS4, charging station, with room for the games, a cat bed, and some shoes.
I used to put my TV on top of the dresser. I don't have a dresser now, just some baskets in my clothing rack. https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81RoK+6GDmL._AC_UL480_FMwebp_QL65_.jpg I needed to reinforce it with rope, and it's still not good for a lot of clothes. I don't have a lot of clothes and somehow it's been a lot longer than a month since I washed, so maybe you should evaluate how much is in the closet?
I agree with not ditching a nightstand completely, though I never eat in bed. It could be replaced with two toteboxes of a size suitable for yarn.
Hanging some mirrors or blank canvases on the walls might help with the wood panel. The canvas can be held up with a smaller nail or a command hook.
Yup packing my bras for travel has always been a nightmare. I've settled on folding them in half at the center gore to form a sphere shape, and stuffing the inside of the sphere with clean socks and underwear so they don't get squished. Then put the whole thing into a bra washing bag, praying that the structure of the bag will also help reduce squishing. It's always the item that takes up the largest, most awkward spot in my luggage. I have not found any better ideas to date, so excited to see what people here suggest!
By bra washing bag I mean something like this: https://www.amazon.com/Laundry-Science-Intimates-Lingerie-Delicates/dp/B01E9O9PXK
The lamp is my favorite thing and it was ~$20 on amazon. I can’t find it anymore, but it was similar to this but more dangly.
You might notice there are two different kinds of liners, too. We just used what was on hand but if youre purchasing the red stuff was a little nicer. It has a texture similar to this one i found on amazon and is thicker than the black material we used. https://www.amazon.com/Liner-Non-Adhesive-Shelf-Anti-Slip-Drawer/dp/B079Y7TZMN
Maybe try thinking outside the box a bit when it comes to library material. Another poster mentioned DVDs and magazines, and if you have any cookbooks, you could keep them there as well. Same with any reference books, textbooks, coffee table books, journals, notebooks or sketchbooks.
Perhaps any library books you currently have on loan could be displayed on one of these dealios - they would take up more shelf space, as well as take center stage for a while, and it would also keep them separate-ish from the books you own while still a part of your library.
Total Money Makeover - In addition to the book, I’d recommend you attend “Financial Peace University” (FPU) with your partner. FPU is essentially the same thing as TMM (both are Dave Ramsey). But FPU will walk you through the steps week by week. Also, since you do it with a group, you can learn from others’ experience and ask questions- and this offers a chance for you to discuss things with your partner. It’s about $100, but you can attend classes for a lifetime.
Since it’s the new year, they should have classes starting soon. Just search for FPU on the Dave Ramsey website
Note - I like Dave Ramsey for getting out of debt, but I disagree with his investment advice - and both TMM and FPU have a religious element to it - you can ignore that part, but you should be aware of it (I am not religious and have been through FPU twice)
Konmari is more about (1)recognizing what's important and (2)finding joy in the things we have. And discarding everything else. (1) All of my shoes were gifted/given to me because I can't afford to buy my own. I appreciate each one for the function and, frankly, comfort they bring me. It's not really my style, and when I earn/save more I'll probably replace them with something I like more or fits a style I'm trying to achieve. But for now I'm happy with what I have because I think it's important to have shoes and not dig myself into debt to buy "better" even when the shoes I keep are at odds with the style that would probably bring me more joy. (2) because I am surrounding by the things that bring me real joy, I don't feel the urge to impulse shop. When I do shop I don't aimlessly browse things in search for a vague sense of fulfillment. Many of my friends can't walk into a Target store and leave with only the items on their list, they buy things they don't need because it appealed to them for a moment, or they imagined the thing improving their life or their surroundings in some way. I don't have that problem because I feel real joy with what (little) I have. I think the subject of poverty is missing from "The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up" but she almost talks about it in "Spark Joy," the fact that sometimes we have to keep things that don't necessarily fit the category of joy because we can't afford to replace things all the time. In that instance we just have to appreciate it for what it does and how it helps us. My 11 year car brings me no joy whatsoever, but I can't afford a new one, and I definitely can't afford the kind of car that would bring me joy, but I can at least appreciate that it gets me to my job and hasn't broken down in a month.
Konmari is a nickname for Marie Kondo, author of The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up -- here's a link to purchase the book on Amazon (or check your local library!). She has a second book called Spark Joy but you're meant to read TLCMOTU first because you need to reduce the amount of things you have before deciding how to store and organize it (which is what the second book covers).
So this reminds me of the advice given by YNAB about getting a partner on board (link here ). One of the things that stuck out to me from that article was talking about what your goals are and how you can organize your money to achieve them. I think that starting with a discussion of what you both want your home to be like could be better received.
It’s possible that like those without the means to easily replace things, he will never come around to paring down unwanted items.
Look here https://alternativeto.net/software/duplicate-files-finder/?license=opensource and further filter for whatever distribution is installed on your PC. I can recommend FSlint for Linux, I'm using it myself. Running such programs you get a nice sorted list of duplicate files you can easily delete from. But at least with this program, and I suspect with many others as well, you have to pay attention to the files you delete: Duplicate system files might also get detected, and sometimes they are essential, so if the program allows this, search for only images, or else do not touch files having a filetype you do not know!
Have fun cleaning up! :)
If you have specific thought processes you would like to change, CBT can be very helpful with that. As with everything, it's useful to seek out a provider who is experienced with ADHD. I think this was the workbook I used with my therapist but it was a while ago now.
https://www.amazon.de/Mastering-Your-Adult-ADHD-Cognitive-Behavioral/dp/019023556X
We have this Bona spray mop with a reusable microfiber pad. It’s really easy and light and gentle on hardwood. Sometimes it’s not quite strong enough for like the tile in the kitchen floor with food stains, so occasionally I use a hand rag if I really need to scrub something off. But otherwise it’s great!
https://www.amazon.com/Bona-Hardwood-Floor-Spray-Premium/dp/B073HQTZV9
Tineco Floor One S3 Cordless Hardwood Floors Cleaner, Lightweight Wet Dry Vacuum Cleaners for Multi-Surface Cleaning with Smart Control System https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B082VRFWB8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_X12A9CFJ775PAWSDGDVE?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I put a few of these Sterilite plastic mini- drawers into our closet, to hold medications, dental stuff, and extra first aid items. I have a drawer for kids medicines, one for adult cough/cold, one for adult pain/prescriptions, one for extra toothpaste/brushes/floss, one for itch/vasaline/etc, and one for extra first aid tape/xl bandages that don't fit into the everyday first aid kit. However, anything that is a liquid needs to be stored upright. For that, I have a plastic mini-milk crate from the dollar store, to hold the bottles. That system seems to work better for us than 2 or 3 mixed crates about like the size of your baskets.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002BA5F70/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_imm_PW1ANGRGR0AXC3WC1NMD
It’s theJoseph Joseph Kitchen Drawer Organizer Tray. I have had mine for two years now and I still love it! I also have the knife block one and it’s fantastic as well.
I liked this one from Amazon. I have a small walk in closet and I needed a vanity too. This one has plenty of storage with space leftover for cosmetics and skin care products. It takes up very little square footage, rotates so it is all accessible and I put a small meditation stool with a rug in front so it becomes a floor vanity. When I open it, all my jewelry is readily displayed and easily accessible.
A cheaper a lighter but still nice version
Tangkula Heavy Duty Metal Garment Rack, Free Standing Closet Organizer with 5 Shelves & Hanging Bar, Heavy Duty Closet Storage Organizer Clothing Rack for Bedroom Entryway https://www.amazon.com/dp/B088PCX4KX/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_aqO8FbD1RVAE5
I love the idea of converting a box truck and this feels like a fun puzzle to find the perfect solution. Lol
I’m not sure if you are looking for a new closet system/ area overall for you space. If you are I found this one on amazon that, at least height wise, seems like it would fit in a standard sized U-Haul box truck. I’m not sure what the floor space situation is. It has a space to hang clothes, a bunch of shelves, hooks on one end and would give you vertical storage as well. It is kind of pricey at $180 but it’s more like “furniture”.
If this isn’t quite what you are looking for so you want to drop any other info, details or issues that you have to work around for your space?
Tribesigns Free-standing Closet Organizer with Hooks, Heavy Duty Clothes Storage Garment Rack with Shelves and Hanging Rod, Metal Closet Storage Organizer for Bedroom, Capacity 300lb ,Rustic https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083QBJJLN/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_wWN8FbRRZM2FG
I got mine from a tiny dollar store in my area but you can get similar ones on amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001KYA0GO/ref=twister_B00HF7PQ7S?_encoding=UTF8&th=1 I had the ones that look like donuts but found they don't stay upright so you can see the label. I'd suggest if you don't like the amazon ones look at your local store that sells baby stuff and just relabel or paint them.
It is a tabletop drawing board on top of an old school desk. My grandfather was a school custodian, and he handed down some lovely old school desks to his kids and grandkids as the school was replacing them with the metal monsters common today.
The drawing board was a gift from my daughter, and I think she got it from Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01IFV9UKG/ref=cm\_sw\_em\_r\_mt\_dp\_U\_U.AtCbP7DRQA1
Yes! It’s been fantastic so far. They seem to hold up well, so far, to being full and holding the weight of the clothes, even vertically.
My only hang-up (haha, “hang-up”, get it?) for which I would give it 4/5 stars is, when you do the vertical slant the 2 hangers right next to each other come on top of one another. So, when you want to switch back to horizontal, you have to move some hangers back into their little slots. Still, 4/5 is really good!
I got this one. It cost only $8 for a set of 4, which holds 48 hangers total!
Most of my spices are in jars like these https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07BFDC9RW/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A3GJ1V5214K9CY&psc=1
With a strip of velcros on the back that holds onto the corresponding strip of velcro affixed to the door of the spice cabinet.
I got this idea from Alton Brown. I buy my spices in bulk, and usually from Penzey's. I fill the small containers, and put the rest of the bag on a higher shelf.
Pretty much everything I need is on the cabinet door, or in the easy to reach lowest cabinet spot.
Tried counting them all, got to 75 and stopped.
Yes! Yes I do use them all! Current favorites: Ras al Hanout and Berbere.
For things like that, I'll hold onto it just until I find a version that does spark joy to replace it. In fact, I put this one on my wish list last Christmas! My family might have thought it odd that I was so thrilled to receive a $6 extension cord... But it makes me smile every time I catch a glimpse of it :)
My fabric is sorted by size, type, and then color. Half yard and up are folded and stored upright in big translucent bins. Fat quarters are sorted by color and type and laid vertically into translucent shoe box size bins. My projects are mostly stored in sweater bags like these https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000TD1HKK/ref=oh_aui_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 with clear sides.
None of it is completely visible, but I don’t want my stash sitting out collecting dust.
I use these for storing all my DVDs and games. https://www.amazon.com/Storage-Bags-holds-Dvds-Each/dp/B009D7TM32/ref=asc_df_B009D7TM32/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=191941654061&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=9864498677613368929&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9011703&hvtargid=aud-645589642778:pla-304953524572&psc=1
Like the above, but smaller. Each of us in the family has a shelf for clothes that can be re-worn. We have a bar on one side for hanging jackets and winterwear. Bottom shelf is cozy throws. You can zip everything up and it looks neat and clean.
So I have a lot of piercings and I store my jewelry in a clear plastic tackle box. I also keep my non-pierced jewelry like rings and necklaces in there. They're nice because with a lot of them they have little sliding dividers so you can change the size of the compartments. If you don't have enough to justify a whole tackle box, maybe one of those little compartment boxes for beads? Like this But if you search for clear tackle boxes / bead boxes youll see a lot of similar things in different sizes.
For a more elegant solution, OP could look into something like an extendable valet hook
It's funny, I had one picture book from my childhood that I had kept. I loved it so much that the cover had fallen off and been repaired, I had even cut out one of my favourite pictures, so it was very over loved. I would actually get a bit sad when I looked at how badly I had treated my special book as a child. I searched online and found the same edition but in as new condition and I treated myself and bought a new copy. All the memories without the baggage. I cut up the old book and framed some of the illustrations. You can still buy this edition second hand.
https://www.amazon.com/Owl-Pussy-Cat-Golden-Book/dp/B0014EMCGG
I have used battery powered lint removers in the past, and they were universally terrible. I wanted a commercial grade product that was the best there is at the problem, and this product delivered on it. I've got a fleet of Darn Tough socks that I love almost everything about, except that they all pill over time, despite washing them inside out by themselves. And in their current states, I was no longer comfortable wearing them with dress shoes due to their appearance.
Enter this shaver to the rescue! As you can see from the before/after pics, the socks basically look brand new after a touch up . I only used it for this use case, but have no reason to believe it couldn't work for your couch, pants, sweater, whatever else you've got with a problem.
Don't hesitate at the price, just buy it. You won't regret it. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B097LHS2MR
Hi OP - I'm one of the mods over at r/childofhoarder. Hoarding disorder is a mental illness. If your mom doesn't recognize that she has a mental illness and seek treatment for it, she's not going to recover. You can remove all the stuff but in almost every case the hoarder just rehoards the space. It's one of the hardest mental illnesses to treat with the lowest success rate with treatment.
You can suggest your mom seek help with a mental health professional, and you can read the book Stuff (your library may have it on libby) but you cannot force your mom to get better. Your mom has to decide she needs help and wants to get better.
Something you can do and can control is focus on your own room. Install a lock on your bedroom door so the room cannot be rehoarded. And focus on leaving the home for good.
If you'd like some support, stop over on our discord. We have meetings over there once a month for support and advice.
I've been using this set from Amazon for a bit over a year and they're all still working really well. I had one shampoo that must have been unusually thick, and that one was more difficult to pump out, but other than that I haven't had any problems. Works with every other shampoo, conditioner, and body wash I've tried. The included adhesive has also held up in my shower flawlessly.
One caveat is that when I need to refill the conditioner, it's a bit of a tedious chore.
We use these
I have a lil desk thing that I normal sit in the couch with! I unfold that and sit on the floor and fold on top of that, or place it on the bed. Went back and looked— largest size was what I ordered and I use it for so much.
I bought this a while back and I honestly really enjoy it for my clothes that I can wear a few times during the week.
Very late to respond, but I can sympathize with your situation. I also grew up in a family of hoarders and I consider a lot of different items to be sentimental. My sentimental items all have stories associated with them and I’m worried that if I get rid of them or don’t have them available, I will forget the story or the memory, and as a side-effect, it feels like I lose a part of myself. I’m also overwhelmed by the number of things that I have and the process of going through them because so many of my things function as memory triggers.
I’m overwhelmed by my parents house too — they’re getting old and their house is full of stuff and my mom continues to add to the collection. It’s daunting just thinking about eventually having to go through everything they’re going to leave behind.
Recently, I read Stuff: Compulsive Hoarding and the Meaning of Things, and it really gave a lot of clarity to me about my family and my own tendencies.
I’ve tried to give myself a break for some things I save, while also reminding myself that life is ephemeral. You can’t take anything with you once you’re gone, and few of the things you hold onto will hold the same kinds of memories for other people. Owning items has an emotional and physical cost. You must care for them, find space for them, organize them — and the people you pass them onto will have to do this as well. Remembering that I would prefer to spend my time doing things rather than caretaking things has occasionally helped me let go of items I otherwise wouldn’t.
I think it was here on Reddit somewhere (I forget which sub), but someone recommended a behind the door rack Like this (search door hinge rack) and I love this idea. It keeps them out of the hamper or closet/drawers, but also out of the way and if your door is usually open then also out of sight, too.
Can you add hooks to the wall to hang the jackets? A sturdy hook with hangers cascading off it would work. I have something like this that I use for things between wearing and putting away https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08C2Y3VH7/ref=sspa\_dk\_detail\_3?psc=1&pd\_rd\_i=B08C2Y3VH7&pd\_rd\_w=0gwdg&pf\_rd\_p=0c758152-61cd-452f-97a6-17f070f654b8&pd\_rd\_wg=vNQi8&pf\_rd\_r=A4WKKJ4GWGH5NQ4N0Z50&pd\_rd\_r=1091428a-182c-...
Can you get something to hang on the back of the bedroom door to add storage for your jackets? Something like this might work: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Vertical-Multifunctional-Storage-Clothes-Hanger/dp/B08SLYY4H8/ or get a standard row of hooks that go over the door.
Have a look at buy nothing groups and charity shops and see if you can find a cheap chest of drawers. Using her folding method will help with storage for the items that don’t need to hang.
I would getting through discarding first before buying things though as Marie suggests. The big mistake is buying storage before you know if you even need it.
The other thing is you might have to accept that you have limited room and reduce your items to fit as per Dana K White’s container concept. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_24PoIZSmVs
Personally I keep everything in two drawers of our drawer unit; one for tops, one for trousers/skirts and a small drawer at the top for my underwear. The wardrobe has a dress, smart coat, cardigan and a hanger for my bags. I’m not saying you have to slim down your clothes that much but it might be worth thinking more capsule wardrobe. The fact that you use your jackets over your casual wear is already a good way of saving storage space as you are using the same items in different ways. I layer up items so summer tops last through to the cooler months by adding a cardigan for example. As you go through your items think about what you actually need to support your life.
What if you got a shower rod and used it for extra hanging storage? Is there a spot you could put one up? Example of what I mean: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073P7NHNR/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_i_QTEAH6AFJK6FP68XT51G
I really love open garment racks/clothing bars, so I can see and enjoy all my konmari'd clothing and shoes, even the ones I am not wearing that day, like this:
Thanks! Unfortunately, I don’t have a link, and I don’t even know the brand because I cut the tags out ages ago. My story gets a little weirder because I have to confess that I bought them at Walgreens — they’re technically swimsuit coverups. I just thought, hey, they’re being marketed as a certain thing, but all I see is a dress, you know?
After three years, the dresses (in both sizes) are starting to show their age, so I’m about to take the plunge and replace them with something like these, and go for a more varied look by buying a few different skirt patterns, but still with a black base that I can use with my shoes and cardigans: https://www.amazon.com/Lacavocor-Womens-Sleeve-Dresses-Striped/dp/B08VHXKK71/ref=pd_aw_di_ci_int_im_exp_ip_m_t_p_29?pd_rd_w=WtdHa&pf_rd_p=6094f500-c79b-415a-a12f-79d306e51056&pf_rd_r=1FFB3C5XPFW3ZAMY86WV&pd_rd_r=5fb3d34e-63c0-429d-b5c2...
Or I may try to find some natural fiber dresses that are locally made, budget permitting.
I’m not sure if it was this exact one, but mine is very similar to this… https://www.amazon.co.uk/HOMIDEC-Organizer-Bookshelves-Interlocking-Solutions/dp/B08LDMJ9LR/ref=sr_1_9?keywords=Shoe+Storage+Solutions&qid=1641423620&sr=8-9
It looks like it comes in multiple colors now
THE BATTERY ORGANISER Storage Case with Tester, Clear Battery Case, Battery Holder for 180 Batteries of Various Sizes, Light Green https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09JX2JFLQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_XT260825KM98QVX97PEP?psc=1
You could get a fabric hanging closet organiser (something like this) if you want to see it all at a glance. That way you have space next to it for your backpack.
If you'd rather hide it away I agree with a dresser. Konmari folding is better suited for dressers and/or boxes. I think this would free up space on the top shelf where you could store your backpack.
Moteph Shoe Organizer Closet Storage Solution with Clear Cover & Adjustable Dividers for Shoes, Handbags, Blankets, Linen, Clothing (Navy Blue, Medium - 16 Pairs) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08FGPX3RS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_BZQYEJR5HG0VK4HX2B5F?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
How much space is on the backside of the door? There is a hinge mounted cabinet that fits on the backside of the door. Gives a lot of storage and a mirror.
https://www.amazon.com/Cabidor-Classic-customizable-Medicine-Bathroom/dp/B00DUTG76E
I got a cabinet like this for my pedestal sink. There’s room to store stuff inside, and there’s also enough room to store things on top of the cabinet (sort-of beneath the sink but it’s still convenient to access).
https://www.amazon.com/Bonnlo-Pedestal-Bathroom-Traditional-Organizer/dp/B07HDSJY25/
I have a small bathroom, too. What I've done is put like items in baskets and then grab whatever basket I need and then put it back in the closet when done. I've got a skincare basket, haircare basket, makeup, etc.
Also one of these things are amazing, I use it at home and traveling. It's a fold out cover that can turn a sink into a temporary usable flat surface: https://www.amazon.com/Matte-Organizer-Bathroom-Instant-Essential-bathroom/dp/B01LY0HZ91
I purchased them from The Bad Place , but bottles on Etsy were too expensive and bottles from other online suppliers had to be purchased in too large of quantities for my needs. I live in the middle of nowhere, so I don’t have many brick and mortar options nearby.
Do you have a cabinet under or near the sink? I have a wire basket fixed to the inside of the door under the sink. It looks something like this and keeps everything out of sight.
Oriware Adhesive Shower Organiser Bathroom Shelf Caddy Kitchen Storage Rack Wall Mounted SUS304 Stainless Steel No Drilling - 2 PACK https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07BWKYS6G/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_J0SDY9NZD9TC03WSAQ41?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Even though their marriage seemed tense, I thought both Rachel and Kevin had a natural chemistry with each other and the camera. I was Actually blown away by how natural they came off and the realistic discord portrayed in a restrained way on a reality television show (if this wasn't on Netflix but another channel, their depiction probably would have been more dramatized and blown out of proportion; manipulated by the producers to get into out-of-character fights).
Was so drawn to the couple's imperfect energy that I looked Rachel up and she's a professor at a local community college, Saddleback College. Her reviews on RateMyProfessor are pretty damn great: http://www.ratemyprofessors.com/ShowRatings.jsp?tid=1890306. Really heartwarming to see that her students loved her.
For the laptop, you should be able to run dban on it to securely delete what is on it but if you want to be safe, remove the hard drive and destroy it, you might be able to find a place locally that will destroy it for you.
If you need furniture for clothes there are sites that give things away for free, like freecycle or the free section of craiglist. Even Facebook has groups by area where people list items for free.
If you are really afraid you'll need something down the line (hint: you wont) grab a cheap scanner with document feeder https://houston.craigslist.org/search/sss?query=scanner&sort=rel and scan all documents you think you might need, maybe run them through http://www.paperfile.net/. Create a new seperate Dropbox account, upload all of the PDFs. Then toss the documents, sell the scanner again.
Not quite an app, but here's an article that acts as a guide/checklist to doing a digital declutter with KonMari aspects in mind: 8 Tips on Tidying Up Your Online Presence Marie Kondo Style.
I'm very late to the party but I use the 100cc and 150cc jars in this set to organize my pills: https://www.amazon.com/BlenderBottle-GoStak-Storage-4-Piece-Starter/dp/B00CZAQIZ4. I'll use the bigger containers for the bulk of my supplements, and the smaller ones for supplements I take without food or before bed.
What I like about these are that they stack, they're cheap, and they can fit a ton of supplements. The smaller contains can barely fit a few fish oil pills 😞
I'm short so I use baskets for the upper shelf where I keep the spices and condiments and first aid items. Lots of little light things that won't be too heavy to pull down in a basket. I can pull the whole lot down in one go and pick out what I want. I also keep lesser used items up there like plastic plates, plastic tubs, flasks and our cooler bag. If you are tall maybe you need to do the opposite of what Marie Kondo suggests, so instead of putting lesser used items at the top, maybe put those in the lower cabinets? I tend to keep big, heavy items in the lower cabinets. So appliances, pots and pans, potatoes and onions.
You can get tier stands for displaying your groceries so you can see what's in the back. This sort of thing: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Semlos-Organizer-Standing-Seasoning-Skid-Resistant/dp/B07QQK9XFH/
I always feel like that uses up space that you could use for stacking tins but some people find those useful. What I tend to do with groceries is have them on the lower shelf of the upper cabinet and store taller things at the back or if I have multiples of an item, say tinned foods I stack them on top of each other at the back so I can see the top tin and know that's where those are. If they then reduce to one tin I'll pull that forward so I can still see it.
The exception would be things we use more often. So the oil we use for cooking is tall which at first I was putting at the back because of the height but we use it regularly so that was a pain to reach for and put back so now I keep that at the front but up against the left-hand side of the cabinet with slightly less often use items behind so it's easier to get to but not obstructing the view of everything else.
I discovered konmari somewhere in 2018 when I bought the manga The Life-Changing Manga of Tidying Up at an anime convention.
I'm still at the beginning of my tidying-up journey, though.
^I'm ^always ^still ^at ^the ^beginning
ಥ╭╮ಥ
I totally get all that. When I had a partner it ended up that the only stuff around was his. In my case it was because he was a hoarder, and the only way to reduce clutter was to remove my stuff because I wasn't able to touch his. Now my place is so stark my friends complain when they come over, lol. But cleaning day is a breeze, and moving is too.
You could always go deep into minimalism and get rid of your partner and kids! (Obviously kidding, in case that wasn't clear)
But I see now that "middle road" you are looking for. Maybe something you could do is try to get functional things like curtains, dishes, lamps, blankets, etc in patterns/colours that really represent you so that you see yourself in the room without having to hang onto to items at you would otherwise find useless. One of my most satisfying purchases was a trash bin. It it square and covered in gray pleather. Usually trash bins are an afterthought, but this one is so classy even my trash looks good. I also have one art piece that is huge and dominates the room--in a good way. It is just a spray of red poppies but the painting is about 3ft x 4ft and textured acrylic (not a print on canvas). Every time someone new comes into my house they always comment on it.
I have something like this. Works well! Towel Bars Towel Hanger Freely Retractable 20-30 Inche Stainless Steel 304 Bath Towel Rack Strong 3M Adhesive Bathroom Wall-mounting Free mounting Hole-Installing washroom Kitchen Space Saving 3 Bars https://www.amazon.com/dp/B087BP7P2R/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_PEKF8MQMRY4G4VKMD0FX?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
These have a transparent window, they come in 11x11 or 13x13.
The ninja foodie is amazing! You can bake, cook rice, steam, slow cook, air fry, pressure cook, make yogurt, and dehydrate. I use mine multiple times per day! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07S85TPLG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_EVDM6APRCXPDK626XFW1
No! LOL!
But here is the link to the cabinet if you wanna see inside it.
If you're worried if it can fit spray bottles and giant vats of coconut oil, it can :)
Rubbermaid Reveal Spray Microfiber Floor Mop Cleaning Kit for Laminate & Hardwood Floors, Spray Mop with Reusable Washable Pads, Commercial Mop
I’ve had this one for 5+ years and love it. The kit comes with 3 pads and 3 bottles to use your own cleaning products.
The Amazon Basics spray mop has an attached spray bottle and microfiber pad that I use on hardwood floors. Easy to store too.