It’s been awhile since my last “Seana’s Sampler.” In no particular order, here are some findings, thoughts, and discoveries that are making me smile. I hope you’ll enjoy perusing this content and come away with something you like!
Seana’s Sampler
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Solution I’m Loving
The issue of storing spices is surprisingly complex! They can be stored in a variety of locations:
- In a drawer (loosely or on a rack)
- Inside a built-in pull out cabinet
- On a shelf in a cabinet or pantry
- In a countertop organizer designed to hold spices
Further complicating matters is the fact not all spices come in a standard-sized container. For instance, sea salt or a spice blend might come in a giant cannister, while a few fronds of saffron might be in a decorative bottle. Then there is the question of whether to “decant” spices and put them in matching containers or leave them in their original packaging.
The good news is, there is no wrong answer. I work with individual clients to customize solutions that work for their space and cooking needs. Risers, inserts, and turntables can all work well.
Recently I became aware of this product from Vertical Spice. Their pull-out racks are designed for those who want to improve access to their spices within existing upper kitchen cabinetry. As someone who is “vertically challenged,” this is very appealing. These pull-outs come in differing sizes, and the company offers directions for how to ensure you order the right product to meet your needs. They require a bit of DIY installation but are pretty straightforward. A nice option!
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Podcast I’ve Been Loving
This podcast is hosted by a fellow professional organizer and a colleague of hers. It is called the “Be Brave” podcast, and they describe their podcast as follows:
“Welcome to The Be Brave Podcast where ordinary, badass, brave women speak their stories of courage and strength. We hope that by hearing the struggles and successes of women, just like you, it will help you BE BRAVE!
Their goal is to give a platform to women who have experienced and overcome very difficult circumstances, providing encouragement and practical strategies for others facing their own challenges. The podcast is geared toward women, but I honestly think the content would be of interest to audiences of any gender. The stories are serious, but incredibly inspiring. I have enjoyed listening in the car as I drive to clients. It is free, so check it out!
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Thought I’m Having
I’m sure it comes as no surprise that I believe there is true freedom in getting organized. It feels terrific to know exactly where our belongings are, and to be able to find them easily and reliably when we need them. Putting items in labeled containers is one great way to bring order to a space. At the same time, a well-organized space is more than a collection of labeled bins. In fact, it is possible to have too many containers, which typically happens when we keep too much.
If you want your space to function well, remember to create and maintain breathing room. It is important to declutter before you organize; to reevaluate your items and decide what matters to you in the “here and now.” I encourage clients to seriously consider what they use, need, and love. Simply boxing items up and putting labels on them can actually crowd your space, making it hard to maintain order.
Before you go out and buy baskets, bins, or other storage supplies, do the work of matching your belongings to your priorities. Don’t waste your time, energy, and money on storage strategies for pieces that you would be better off releasing.
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Book I’m Loving
One of the offshoots of organizing that has become quite popular in recent years is genealogy. Researching, detangling, and documenting family histories is quite an organizing task, so it is no surprise that many professional organizers have developed expertise in this area. My friend and fellow organizer, Hazel Thornton, has written a terrific book called, “What’s a Photo Without the Story? How to Create Your Family Legacy.” This book is a fun read, and the perfect choice for anyone interested in exploring family history. Hazel offers strategies for people who want to invest anything from a little to a lot of effort into the process. If you’ve got a box of old family photos you don’t know what to do with, or did an Ancestry.com test and want to delve deeper, this is a perfect place to start. After all, as Hazel says, “Everyone has stories to tell!”
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Tip I’m Sharing
This month I was thrilled to have my tips for organizing a linen closet included in a post on Porch.com. The article is entitled, “Designing and Organizing Your Dream Closet: Tips from the Experts,” and includes thoughts from multiple professional organizers on topics such as organizing baby clothes, organizing children’s closets, designing a new closet, and making good use of closet drawers. If your closets need a little help, head on over and check it out!
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Thanks for stopping by this latest sampler. Did any of these resonate with you?
