Organization has always been a problem for me in all areas (organizing my time, closet, desk, etc.) which is why I’m very grateful to have Nicole Abramovici, founder of Genius Organizing, in my life and as a contributor to ANM.
Due to the popularity of her first article, I asked Nicole to compile five more household items that can be used for organization, which she was more than happy to provide. Nicole encourages her clients and readers to look more carefully and creatively at common objects and to try to find new ways to reuse them to stay organized without spending money.
Read on for more of Nicole’s GENIUS ideas!
1. Wooden Dishrack: This sturdy piece can be used to hold magazines or newspapers, paintings that are drying, file folders for current projects you are working on, and photos or other artwork to be hung. What about those mailers we always get announcing cultural events at the ballet, opera, parks..? How about storing those on the rack and having them out on a desk or table where you can see them and finally start going to these events as you always say you want to? Taking it a step further, it could be fun to paint the wood decoratively. Also one could paint numbers on the frame or each slat to indicate numerical order or days of the week or month, useful for files or projects or dates the cultural performances fall on.
2. Step File: This is sort of the reverse of the above. In this case, it is an office supply being repurposed in the kitchen. Stow your cookie sheets, cutting boards, and serving trays on this rack. Keep the rack in a taller cabinet and make use of normally wasted vertical space.
3. Pill Containers: These super cheap little boxes, found at the dollar store or storage solution stores, are perfect for bringing along earrings and rings on a vacation. Do you aspire to be a super-organized type? Get one with the days of the week printed on the lids. Then, plan your outfits for each day in advance and store the coordinating jewelry in the appropriate daily slot.
4. Six Pack Carton: Utilize these as a caddy to hold plasticware, napkins, and ketchup and mustard squeeze bottles at a picnic or barbecue. They are also helpful to hold condiment bottles neatly, and prevent them from falling over, in the rack in the refrigerator door. For a cleaner look, and to upgrade this idea into a nice hostess gift, cover the carton with some pretty paper/gift wrap. For a how to: click here.
5. Sand Bucket: Re-purpose this child’s toy into a candle-holder at a bbq, or as a series of lights to line a walkway. Just add sand, cat litter or gravel to the bucket and nestle a pillar candle inside. Voila! Cute, thematic, inexpensive and reusable lighting. And you can turn it back into a beach toy upon next use!
There you are! Try and put the seasonal ideas here (six pack carton, sand bucket) to use before the summer draws to a close. Have fun getting organized! Please share your ideas in the comments section of this article too.
– NICOLE ABRAMOVICI
Nicole Abramovici is an NYC-based Professional Organizer and the owner of Genius Organizing. She works with everyone from CEOs to homemakers, both in their homes and offices, getting rid of the clutter and organizing what’s left. Understanding that clutter causes not only disorganization, but a lack of motivation, she creates solutions that not only serve to de-clutter your home and office, but your mind as well, readying you to move forward with whatever you choose to spend your precious time on. To learn more about her services, or to set up an appointment, e-mail nicole@geniusorganizing.com.
Written by Sabrina Alexis
