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Bright Ideas for Home Essentials

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Does it bring you joy?”

Thanks to author Marie Kondo, this question is the latest trend in home organization. I agree this is a valuable way to evaluate your clothing, home décor, crafting items and most things you own. But what about a hammer? Or stamps? Can you say a bottle of glue has ever made you giddy with happiness?

There are items in our homes that don’t necessarily fall into the “brings us joy” category but that are important to keeping life running smoothly. Think of the stress you feel when a lightbulb burns out and you can’t find a replacement, or the time you waste searching for that pair of scissors that you used yesterday. How often are you late to an appointment because you can’t leave the house until you find those blasted car keys?

The way to stop losing stuff is for everything to have a designated storage spot. You always know where your toothbrush is because it has a specific home, in a specific room, near the spot where it’s used. Do the same for other essential items in your home.

Near the door you use most often to enter and exit, set up a dumping spot for keys, purse, computer bag, sunglasses, lunchbox—everything that you typically bring home and need to take with you when you leave again. Install hooks on the wall for coats and bags; use a small basket for keys and glasses and a larger basket for gloves and scarves.

The days of sending cards and letters may be gone for some, but if you’re a person who still likes this personal touch, designate a drawer for mailing supplies such as notecards, pens, stamps, return address labels. If you still use an old-fashioned address book, it should go here.

Keep a basic toolkit for yourself, one that no other member of your household is allowed to touch! Fill it with a hammer, tape measure, flat and Phillips head screwdrivers of various sizes, regular and needle-nosed pliers and an assortment of nails, screws and picture-hanging hooks.

Establish a home supply area where you’ll always be able to find lightbulbs, batteries, glue, extension cords, sponges and paper goods.

Install a tension rod in an under-sink cabinet to hang spray bottles of cleaners; place a plastic basket on the shelf with cleaning cloths, gloves, sponges and other items. Find a spot on a wall to place hooks for the broom, dustpan and mop.

For a small time and money investment, you can install hooks in your garage to hold shovels, pruners, leaf blower, rakes and more.

Finally, while I usually ask my clients, “How many [x] do you really need?” I do recommend multiples of scissors, scotch tape, pens and adhesive notes scattered throughout the house. Put a small basket with these items in your bedroom, kitchen, laundry room, family room and the office/homework area. These things have a habit of growing legs and never being in the spot where you left them, so multiples are a tremendous stress-reducer.

These hard-working tools may not be the most glamorous things we own but they are certainly important. Keep them organized and your life will more joy-filled!

Organizing Coach Joanie Nicholas, owner of All Things Organized, is not an ordinary organizer. She approaches your home from a soulful place. For over 20 years, Joanie has led people across the metro area in creating lasting, positive changes to their space. Joanie brings professional guidance, enthusiasm, empathy and humor to her hands-on work with each client. 

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