It was a typical trip to Costco for me–five bags of Tostitos Scoops, tissue boxes, the famous ‘Costco Rotisserie Chicken,’ and a few items that I never knew I needed…
If I’m short on time, I don’t usually explore the aisles with the car/outdoor/electronics because it’s rare that I ‘find’ anything I need in there. But, this time I turned the corner from the produce section, passing electronics on my way to the register, and found this:
Today’s ‘Cool Product:’ The Battery Daddy
(And a whole lot of them!)
It was on sale for $9.99–how could I resist? Organizing my home’s battery collection was not exactly my top priority but when I saw the Battery Daddy (and the great price) I had to bring it home with me.
The sale price enticed me to buy it but what was really my reasoning?
This was my household battery storage system…
Yes–all the batteries are in one spot so I do get points for organization and grouping ‘like with like’ but it wasn’t always easy to find what I needed. The poor AAs and AAAs were always cowering under the weight of the Cs and Ds. And when we bought extra batteries in the event of a storm, the packaging stuck out of the top and we couldn’t use the lid of the container. I don’t need to have my batteries stored in rainbow order but I wanted to step it up a bit from the open bin on the shelf of our garage.
I showed the Battery Daddy to my husband when I got home (I did put the chicken away first…).
“Look, Honey!” I said to him. “Look what organizing product I found at Costco today!”
He knows that I usually come home with the Tostitos Scoops, tissues, and ‘the chicken’ but I think I surprised him with this one.
“Great!” he said.
“It was only $10 on sale!” I replied gleefully.
“Have fun filling it!” he yelled gleefully because he was thankful he didn’t have to be the one to fill it.
Speaking of filling it, this complete battery storage system holds 180 batteries. It weighs 2.2 lbs. empty and weighs 13 lbs. when it’s full. It has the capacity to hold:
• 72 AAAs
• 76 AAs
• 8 9 Volts
• 10 Cs
• 8 Ds
• 12 Button cells
There are even two ‘surprise’ slots for storing batteries in the handle!
AND–it’s comes with a BATTERY TESTER! That was what sealed the deal for me. My days of not knowing whether a battery still had a charge or not were about to be over. I have faint memories of my father owning a battery tester (probably from the now-defunct Radio Shack) and having me test batteries at our kitchen table. It was fun to do back then–I plan to pass the love of battery testing on to my kids all thanks to the Battery Daddy.
Features:
• Double sided design – the other side is just for AA battery storage
• See-through lid (on both sides)
• Bright red–easy to spot on a shelf
• Sturdy handle with finger grooves (useful when heavy!)
• Did I mention it came with a battery tester?
Here’s what our container of batteries looked like…
Here’s what they looked while I sorted, battery-tested, and purged some…
Here’s what they look like after transferring them from the plastic bin to the Battery Daddy…
Love it! 😍
Some Battery Daddy Tips:
• If you fill it to capacity, it weighs 13 lbs. Please make sure you store it on a sturdy lower shelf, cabinet, or standing upright on the floor. You don’t want this case to crack or break the bottom of a drawer (or your foot).
• Store a set of regular-sized and/or mini screwdrivers near the Battery Daddy. Where there’s a need for batteries, there’s often a need for a screwdriver!
• Along with some packages of AAAs, AAs, Cs and Ds, it’s the perfect gift for a new dad or mom–they just don’t know it yet (wink wink). If you have kids, you know that while kids don’t run on batteries (they run on chicken nuggets…), much of what they own does require batteries from baby swings to remote control cars to Xbox controllers. Makes a useful housewarming gift as well.
One might ask–Do I really need 180 batteries or an organizing tool that is able to hold 180 batteries? If you don’t, here are a few battery organizers that might work better for your needs…
Even though our household does not need storage for 180 batteries, I feel the Battery Daddy is totally worth the price. It’s going to make finding the batteries my family I need when we need them practically effortless.
No more sifting through cluttered junk drawers or plastic baggies searching for batteries! No more wondering whether your batteries still have ‘juice’ left in them. The Battery Daddy–it’s my latest ‘Cool Product’ pick.
“We spend the first two thirds of our life acquiring things and the last third of our life trying to get rid of it all.”
Did you chuckle when you read that or did it on some level, resonate with you? Or both?
Take a look around your home. How many items do you think you own? And how long have many of those items been in your home?
If you have kids, if you like to collect memorabilia, if you’ve inherited items from deceased loved ones, if you love to shop–then you have stuff in your home–and lots of it. Even if you don’t own anything that fits in those categories–you still probably have a good amount of items in your living space.
In the end and at the end–you can’t take it all with you. So, the question is: “How do I manage all of my ‘stuff?'”
The answer: Consistently declutter your belongings over time. One shelf at a time. One drawer at a time. One decision at a time.
Decision. That’s a word that has more to do with decluttering and organizing than most people think. Nothing happens without making a decision. Papers don’t make it into a file cabinet or recycle bin, clothing that doesn’t fit stays in the closet, ‘aspirational’ craft supplies remain in the shopping bag they came in. You can’t declutter, organize, and move forward in your life without making a decision.
Maybe you’ve always been an indecisive person. Maybe you have trouble parting with sentimental items. Or, maybe your stuff brings you comfort.
Decision-making is hard. But, it’s worth it.
You may not realize it but when it comes to your ‘stuff,’ the decisions you’ll be making (or NOT making) don’t just affect you. They also affect your family, friends, and the legacy you will someday leave behind.
How do I know this?
In my twenty years as a Professional Organizer, I have worked with families of those who have passed away or entered nursing homes and I have assisted them in the painstaking process of going through their loved one’s belongings. It is heartbreaking to watch people sort through their loved one’s closets, drawers, papers, and photos with no knowledge of what to do with it all. Sometimes, they even discover objects they never knew existed and are now unable to ask their family member about them.
You don’t have to (and you really shouldn’t) wait until the last third of your life to declutter your home.
Need some guidance? I highly recommend reading the book: The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning: How to Free Yourself and Your Family From a Lifetime of Clutter
Swedish Death Cleaning? Don’t get nervous–the book is not about cleaning dead people with IKEA products…
The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning discusses the importance of taking responsibility for the things you’ve accumulated throughout your lifetime and taking care of it all before you leave the planet–not to leave it to your loved ones to deal with when you’re gone. In Swedish, it’s called ‘Dostaadning’ (do’-sted-ning). ‘Do’ meaning death and ‘staadning’ meaning cleaning.
The author, Margareta Magnusson, who (in her own words) tells the reader she is somewhere between eighty and one hundred, sees it as her responsibility to share her experiences because she believes “this philosophy of death cleaning is important for all of us to know.” She says that Swedish Death Cleaning isn’t just for retirees. It’s for everyone. In fact, she advises to start earlier than your retirement years because as we get older, we may not be as physically and mentally able to make decisions and move our belongings.
The book is a quick, easy read that is humourous in spots as well as thought-provoking. The author shares anecdotes and wisdom from her long life that we can all learn from.
Here are a few quotes from the book that resonated with me the most:
“Swedish Death Cleaning is as much for you as it is for the people who come after you.”
No one wants to think about their own death. But, in reality, after you’re gone, someone or a team of people will need to make decisions about your furniture, clothes, knick-knacks, and important papers. Take the time now, when you have the energy, to sort though your belongings, walk down memory lane, and start making decisions about what to keep. Don’t leave the overwhelming, physical, and emotional task to someone else.
“Ask yourself: Will anyone be happier if I save this?”
Look around your home and ask yourself the above question. Do you think your children/friends/neighbors will want your porcelain swan collection? Your bookcases filled with books? Old furniture? This is the time to ask heirs (if you have them) what they will want and not want in the future. You may be surprised at their answers.
“A loved one wishes to inherit nice things from you. Not ALL things from you.”
After a loved one has passed, it’s comforting to have a few physical items to remind you of their life–not their entire household. Have a discussion with family and friends. Ask them what of yours they might like to own when you’re no longer on this earth. That way, in the end, there’s no confusion, no arguing, and no moving truck dumping the contents of a loved one’s home in your driveway–only loving memories.
“Regardless of how much they love you, don’t leave this burden to them. It will disturb their good memories of you.”
I’ve heard a couple of my clients say, “Oh, I’ll just leave it to my son/daughter/best friend/spouse to deal with.” But, as the author reminds us in the book, that decision to burden another person or persons with a home full of belongings will affect your legacy. What you leave behind will be some of your loved ones last memories of you. Do you want to be remembered for the wonderful person you were or for the clutter you left behind?
I’ll end with this one–the author writes in the book’s foreward:
“Let me help make your loved ones’ memories of you nice–instead of awful.”
That just about sums it up. Leave behind your legacy, not your mess. Read the book. Learn from her experiences. Let Margareta Magnusson assist you on your decision-making and decluttering journey.
Meet the author and hear her talking a bit about the concept of Swedish Death Cleaning…
Regardless of your age and regardless of the stage you’re at in life, consider adding Swedish Death Cleaning to your to-do list. Your family and friends will thank you.
Last year, I waited (impatiently) by my mail slot for a copy of The Container Store Stocking Stuffer catalog to arrive. I waited. And I waited. Arms crossed. Feet tapping. Waited. I didn’t go as far as to accost my mail carrier but it was close… It used to come at the end of November–colder weather, Thanksgiving, and then the arrival of the catalog–in that order!
But, no catalog. No announcement from The Container Store that they would be saving paper that year and not printing one. No personal note of apology for taking away some of the joy of my holiday season.
So, I did the next best thing. I got on my couch with my laptop, a pad, and a pen and instead of turning pages of a catalog, I scrolled the Container Store Stocking Stuffers 2022 collection via their website.
This year, I did not hold out hope for the arrival of a post-Turkey Day catalog. I went straight to my couch with my laptop. There were close to 200 stocking stuffers in this year’s collection–lots of new ones and a few I’ve reviewed in the past.
I’ve been writing this stocking stuffer highlight post (almost) annually since 2013. Since then, The Container Store has definitely strayed from a stocking stuffer collection of mostly organizing products to a collection of some organizing products and more kitchy, cutesy, useful, and fun items. Regardless, I’m always excited to see what they have on their list.
Every year, I split the stocking stuffers I’ve chosen to highlight into categories. This year, the Container Store Stocking Stuffers 2022 categories are: Fun, Useful, Get Organized!, Pricey, and ‘What On Earth Were They Thinking?.’
FUN
Cookie Dunker Straw
$6.99
Do kids dunk cookies anymore or is it a thing of the past? If it hasn’t been popular lately, this product will most definitely resurrect a pastime of our youth. No more getting your fingers covered in milk upon dunking! Whatever you drink and dunk with–cow’s milk, oat milk, almond milk–have fun dunking your cookies!
Light Up Scrunchie (also useful)
$10.99
Did you know the scrunchie was patented in 1987? I was in college back then and I think I still own a few of my scrunchies from way-back-then. They made a comeback with the recent VSCO girl trend. When my tween son recently commented that I looked like a VSCO girl when I wore one, I promptly informed him that I was an original trend setter back in the 1980’s. Insert tween boy eye roll here…
I think this product is a cute idea for any female that wears scrunchies. It would be fun to wear to parties, outdoor evening events, and it can also be used as a safety device for those walking/jogging in the evening hours.
USEFUL
Stress Less Cards
$8.99
I really wish there wasn’t a need for this product but thank goodness it exists! Each box contains 100 cards with tips and strategies for leading a stress-free or at least a less stressful life. If you’re looking for simple ways to manage and get rid of stress during the day, these cards just may do the trick. Sometimes all it takes is a quote, an idea, or support in the form of a card to help us breathe a little easier.
Portable Hair Tie Holder
$7.99
I have two boys but I’ve heard from ‘girl-moms’ that their daughter’s hair ties can be found all over the house and they multiply in their sleep. This hair tie holder attaches to a handbag or backpack or even a belt loop for easy access to a hair tie. Great for on-the-go hair needs. It has the capacity to hold three of them–one for you, one for a friend, and one to spare. If you’re always looking for a hair tie for yourself or another female in your life, this may be a small but mighty solution to your hair tie-hunting needs.
Kelvin Fidget Spinner Multi Tool
$24.99
Boy, could we really free up space in our tool boxes with this item! It’s always a good idea to have a flat head and a Phillips head screwdriver handy. This multi tool comes with two of each of those and two Torx heads (a type of head I had not heard of until recently). Keep it handy for quick fixes around the house and keep one in your glove compartment. Sounds like the perfect gift for a kid going to college or getting their first apartment, too. And if you’re bored because you’ve fixed everything in your home with this multi-tool, then you can pass the time by using it as a fidget spinner!
Get Organized!
Erin Condren ‘Oh, What a Week’ Notepad
$9.99
I could go on and on about the benefits of planning out and organizing your week. It allows you to be strategic about how you use your time, helps you block out time and track weekly tasks and goals, and increases your productivity (which leads to decreased stress-levels). As opposed to utilizing a phone or tablet, this pad offers is an option for those who prefer to write. The colors are inviting (thanks, Erin for making it *pretty*) and there are plenty of lines in each box to jot down errands, appointments and reminders.
I don’t recommend using this as a calendar, but instead as a visual reminder of what you need to accomplish in a given week. There are fifty sheets–I guess Erin Condren wants you to take off two weeks during the year??? If you need those extra two sheets, place one of the blank pages in a Xerox machine and print them out. If you’ve been meaning to start planning your weeks, this pad could support that goal.
Flex Pot Clip
$7.99
I cook a lot–so much so that I own two spoon rests–one on each side of my cook top. They get messy quickly and need to be scrubbed often. The Flex Pot Clip seems as if it is an organized solution to a messy problem!
It’s made of heat-resistant silicone and stainless steel and clips onto the side of a pot or pan. The silicone helps to grip the clip and grip the utensil it’s holding. I like the fact that all drips go right back into the pot and it would eliminate one item from taking up space on my ingredient-filled countertop while I’m cooking. Don’t tell my spoon rests, but I just may have to buy this one and give it a try…
Pricey
Chef’n Smores Maker
$49.99
Hmmmm. Fifty dollars for a little s’mores maker? The product description says it’s family-friendly (I’m not sure what they mean by that because there’s FIRE involved…) and compact (OK–I guess easy to transport–with chafing fuel–for making s’mores when you’re away from home) but is it worth fifty dollars?
And, at that price point, can you really use store-brand marshmallows and anything but ‘the good chocolate?’ (Thank you, Ina Garten…). I guess for those who love s’mores and for those who don’t want the cost or upkeep of a fire pit, it’s a fine solution. Go ahead, indulge in your passion for s’mores-making or make another s’mores lover in your life giddy with excitement. We only go around this world once, ya know…
What Were They Thinking???
Beard Buddy Keyring Comb
$8.99
I’m not a guy. And my guy does not have a beard. I’m going to have to ask some bearded men to give me some insight on this product because I.Just.Don’t.Get.It. Is this even sanitary??? I’m not sure who came up with this concept? Maybe a guy with a beard who had a small comb in his pocket but nothing to open his drink with? Necessity IS the mother of invention after all!
Whatever my opinions are about the Keyring Comb, I’m happy to announce that after many years, The Container Store has removed ‘Poo-Pourri’ from their Stocking Stuffer list. Maybe they read my thoughts about it in my 2016 stocking stuffer post and decided to remove it. Have no fear–it’s still in the store if you must buy it for someone. And, OK–I’ll give them this. Unlike other items on the Stocking Stuffer list, it does actually fit easily into a stocking…..
Interested in seeing the entire Container Store Stocking Stuffers 2022 collection? Click here and happy scrolling!
Even as a kid, I could spot an organizing product from a mile away…
I have a clear memory from my childhood of walking into a Chinese restaurant and noticing in the back corner–a sizable round table with a small, round piece of wood on top of it. While my family ate, a large group of people were seated at that table and what happened next made my ten-year-old eyes go wide.
The patrons ordered. The waiters brought out platters of food and placed them all on the round piece of wood. Then, that round piece of wood started moving. And people started serving themselves from it. Holy-moly–it spins!
I went home after dinner and wrote in my diary:
Dear Diary, Tonight at dinner I got a really disappointing fortune cookie BUT, I saw the coolest thing at the Chinese restaurant. I MUST someday sit at one of those tables with the spinny-thing on it. It was too cool for school. But I’m going to have to find nine other people to join me at the table because they won’t seat me there by myself…
As an adult, I eventually found nine other people who enjoyed Chinese food and were equally intrigued with the spinning table top. And, yes–it was a fun time. Childhood life goal fulfilled!
When it comes to writing about cool organizing products, I often focus on a singular item. This time, I’ve chosen to declare a category of organizing products as today’s ‘Cool Product.’ If you haven’t guessed already, I’m talking about the Lazy Susan.
I know–you have the same question I do. Why is it called a Lazy Susan?
I went looking for a definitive answer and came up with a bunch of educated guesses from educated people…
In my research and reading, I found that no one really knows for sure where the term ‘Lazy Susan’ comes from. There are more myths and conflicting reports than fact.
Here are a few facts and a few theories about the Lazy Susan:
• It dates back to 13th century China and 18th century England and was probably created to replace household help.
• Some historians say that Thomas Jefferson and Thomas Edison both had daughters named Susan and both had a hand in it’s invention (not at the same time in history, of course). There is no credible proof of that theory.
• In 1891, Elizabeth Howell was granted a patent for improvements to the ‘self-waiting table’ that included making the moveable portion less noisy and preventing crumbs from getting between the table and the revolving part.
• The Lazy Susan first appeared in an advertisement in Vanity Fair magazine in 1917.
• The phrase ‘Lazy Susan’ was added to the Webster’s Dictionary in 1933.
• It found it’s way into Chinese restaurants in the 1960’s–referred to as a ‘hygienic dining tray.’
• It found it’s way into Lechter’s (who remembers the former kitchen-supply store?), The Container Store, Target, Bed Bath and Beyond, HomeGoods, and other stores many years later!
The Lazy Susan has evolved over time and has recently become a staple organizing product in many homes–and not just for use on the dining room table.
Benefits to using a Lazy Susan and why it’s such a ‘cool product.’
• A Lazy Susan offers easy access to hard-to-reach spaces
• A Lazy Susan creates storage space in awkward spaces
• A Lazy Susan easily bring items from the back of a space to the front
They come in plastic with rubber grip material, clear plastic (oh, so popular now), metal, wood, marble–so many styles, colors, and sizes. They’re flat, they have raised edges, high-sides, they have compartments. Something for everyone!
And let’s be real. Objects that spin have novelty (who doesn’t love to spin around in a chair???). And in the case of the Lazy Susan, novelty = fun. We’re more likely to use an organizing product if it does something fun–like SPIN! Just another reason why I’m declaring it a ‘Cool Product.’
Where to use a Lazy Susan?
Refrigerator
A Lazy Susan works well in a refrigerator that is deep so items don’t disappear and die in the back of your fridge. Stick your hand in, spin it, and easily retrieve what you need. Less wasted food = less wasted money and less time spent running to the supermarket.
Upper and Lower Cabinets
If you’ve ever searched for a can of soup or a box of macaroni and cheese on the top shelf of an upper cabinet, you know the struggle is real. You can’t install a pull-out drawer in most upper cabinets so how do you easily reach what you need? Install–you guessed it–a Lazy Susan. This will provide an easy-to-access rotating storage system that will allow you to access anything that would otherwise cling to the back wall of the cabinet. Similarly, install one in a lower cabinet in a kitchen or bathroom in lieu of a pull-out drawer or basket.
Corners
Corners can be difficult to access but there’s no reason why we can’t use this awkward space more efficiently. Make the most of a corner where two shelves meet or a blind corner in a lower L-shaped corner cabinet by adding a Lazy Susan. And if you have the height, consider using one with multiple tiers. I always say, “If you have run out of room to organize outward, then organize upward!”
Homework/Art Station
The ladies of The Home Edit really know how to make a Lazy Susan look fab. But don’t despair if the contents of your Lazy Susan are not arranged in rainbow order (thank you Mr. ROYG. BIV). Make homework and art-time more fun with a Lazy Susan filled with pencils, crayons, scissors, glue sticks, etc. Yes, a ‘spinny thing’ can motivate your kids to do their homework and channel their inner Picasso. Whatever works–right, parents?
I use a few Lazy Susans in my own home. I currently have one in a corner of my pantry closet for small items such as extra spices, cans of ginger ale, and small bottles of infrequently used condiments (it’s the one in the photo above). I also use two in a narrow upper kitchen cabinet to group all of my family’s vitamins in one location.
In thinking about it, the memory in the Chinese restaurant was not my first encounter with a Lazy Susan. It was one in my mother’s kitchen. It was a lovely 1970’s gold (who remembers THAT?). It lived in a cabinet close to the cooktop and held a variety of spices. It’s probably the first Lazy Susan I ever saw but did not pay much attention to it until I was old enough to start cooking.
That Lazy Susan worked in our kitchen for close to FORTY YEARS! I recently asked my mother about it and she told me it unfortunately broke some time ago and had to be replaced by a newer 2-tiered version–NOT in gold.
So, if you’re having trouble reaching items in your closets, cabinets, or pantry OR the thought of using an organizing product that *spins* makes you giddy, give the Lazy Susan a try.
If you are the proud owner of at least one Lazy Susan in your home, share in the comments how you’re using it and how it makes your life easier. I’d love to know!
You know how some kids wait by the mailbox for the Target/Amazon (former Toys R Us) holiday catalog to arrive? For me, it’s the Container Store Stocking Stuffers catalog. I know the holiday season has begun when it appears in my mailbox nestled between bills, requests for donations, and holiday-themed junk mail.
My usual reaction to it’s arrival is to jump up and down with excitement, run to get a pen, and plop myself down in a comfy spot to peruse the pages (I consider this routine to be an act of self-care…). After flipping through the pages once or twice, I then take that pen and start circling the items I may want to talk about in my annual I ‘Heart’ Container Store Stocking Stuffers post. I also draw a big star next to the few items I’ll consider purchasing for myself.
For the past five years (plus one post in 2013), I have done the jumping, the running, the plopping, flipping, circling, and starr-ing. and the writing of the I ‘Heart’ Container Store Stocking Stuffers post.
This year, except for the writing, none of the above occurred. Like Charlie Brown checking his mailbox for a valentine, I checked my mail pile every day for a Stocking Stuffers catalog. In the past, it usually arrived in the middle of November but as I prepped for Thanksgiving, it never showed.
Sadness.
Maybe it got lost in the mail?
Maybe The Container Store chose to be ecologically responsible and didn’t print the catalog this year?
Maybe The Container Store decided NOT to curate a stocking stuffer collection for the holiday season?
FORGET I even SAID that!
Maybe all the stocking stuffer items fell victim to ‘supply chain-itis!’
I’m not crying–you’re crying!
OK, it wasn’t really that dramatic but I was still concerned about the stocking stuffers.
I decided to ask Google to take me to the Container Store website. Stocking stuffer page, please–and step on it!
And then, it took about 2.3 seconds for my fears to disappear. There were the stocking stuffers–all six pages of them. No circling items on my iPad or putting stars next to the ones I thought I might buy. I plopped on the couch, clicked instead of flipped, took notes on a scratch pad, and drew a big star next to the few items I considered purchasing for myself.
After all that drama, here is a list of some of my favorite Container Store Stocking Stuffers. They’re useful, great for organizing, perfect for the kitchen or kids of all ages, cute and fun, and one is an improvement over last year’s choice:
If you own handbags and have the room to hang them in a closet, this product would be worth a try. They’re similar to an ‘S’ hook but the bottom half can twist, offering great flexibility. And they’re not just for handbags! People who have purchased this product posted pictures of the hooks being used for holding kitchen utensils, boots, and holiday decor.
I am a big fan of OXO products. They are thoughtfully crafted and designed with the user in mind. To me, this product screams, ‘Necessity is the mother of invention.’ I can imagine that someone working at OXO had the experience of cooking a big meal with many pots and nowhere to place the lids while tasting, stirring, or sautéing. They came into work the next day and said to their boss, “I have an idea for a new product!”
I know that I am often looking for a place to put my pot lids–especially when I have four or five burners going at once. It’s a little pricey, but I may have to try this. And bonus–it folds flat for easy storage. Thank you OXO!
Every apartment dweller or homeowner should own a tool box filled with basic tools. This 10-in-1 multi-tool fits the bill for someone who may not have room for a tool box or the resources (or desire) to fill one. Includes a hammer, wire cutter, pliers, flat and Phillips head screwdrivers, knife blade, file, saw blade, reamer and bottle opener.
At a bit over eight inches long, it’s portable enough to carry to a friend or family member’s house to assist them with a basic repair. And, you’re the hero!
Unless you live in a cave with no wifi, it’s most likely you’ve spent the better part of the last eighteen months using your phone to communicate via video. And after all that time, if you haven’t invested in a product to create a hands-free spot for your phone, this could be the time to make a small investment.
No more leaning your phone against a tissue box or precariously placing it on a shelf. Something as small as a tripod can offer big rewards in terms of keeping your phone from falling and allowing you to move freely while on video. And–a bonus ring light!
This type of product piqued my interest when I profiled the Thumb Scraper Tool in last year’s Stocking Stuffer post. Although I haven’t had a manicure in a while, I still don’t enjoy chipping a fingernail while removing a price tag. I bought this to have in my home to try and view it as a small, yet worthwhile investment. I think it will come in handy whether I’ve painted my nails or not!
I am not the biggest fan of washing dishes. But, if I had to stand and scrub a bunch of dirty pots, I think this brightly-colored sponge would make the task a little less distasteful and a whole lot more joyful. It comes in a two-pack and it’s safe to use on non-stick cookware. They even have a loop at the top so you can hang them to dry easily.
As I wrote earlier, I am a big fan of OXO products. I have a bunch in my kitchen such as spatulas, tongs, peelers, and one of my faves–OXO POP containers. They have all lasted for years and make the cooking part of my life more manageable and less energy-sucking.
When I saw these, I thought, ‘Do I need them? Because, they sure are cute!” Cooking for a family of four (with a teen and tween boy) doesn’t usually lend itself to such small measurements so I passed on purchasing them. But, aren’t they adorable? And they nest, too! Even when they’re next to each other, they barely take up much space.
Each set includes 2-oz, 1-oz, 1-Tbsp and 1-tsp measuring beakers and they’re dishwasher safe (top rack). And colorful! And, they match perfectly with the Rainbow Sponges! Ok, maybe I need to take a ride to The Container Store…
Raise your hand if you love pigs-in-blankets! (Ooooh, me me me!)
In 2018, I profiled a similar product called ‘Little Pigs in Blanket Mold.’ The Rocket Dog Bites Tray appears to be a comparable product–insert rocket ships instead of pigs.
Yes, you can buy pre-made pigs-in-blankets (or as they’re called in my household:’ little hot dogs’) but you might have a blast (off) making your own rocket ship-dogs. Looks like a fun product to use with kids to teach early cooking (and cleaning up) skills. It’s oven-safe and made of easy-to-clean silicone. So easy-to-clean, you probably don’t even need the above Rainbow Sponge…
No time to enroll in Clown School? Here’s the next best thing!
It’s amazing how much joy a balloon animal can bring to a child (and many adults, too!). Learn to make six different animals. This kit includes 20 balloons, an air pump and an 80-page instruction book with photos. With this kit, your days of only being able to create a balloon snake are over!
Just looking at these brought me back to my childhood. There was always one kid in my class who had fruity-smelling magic markers and didn’t mind sharing them. I loved sniffing them (admit it–you know you did, too…)!
Now, there are sweet-smelling pencils! Made from recycled newspaper, they’re packaged in their own recyclable tube and topped by a cute character cap. The set of five color-coded scents include grape jelly, orange, kiwi, blueberry and strawberry. If your kid shudders at the thought of eating fruit, using these pencils may bring them one step closer to tasting the real thing…
I’m not a fan of ramen noodles, but I looooove post-its. And I love the fun and whimsical products made by the Fred & Friends company. It’s the post-it note with the most amount of sodium I’ve ever seen!
If you have a friend or family member who enjoys ramen noodles, this would be a cool stocking stuffer for them. The pad has 155 sticky notes and comes in a resealable zipper storage bag. A great addition to one’s kitchen counter or desk.
WHY is this a STOCKING STUFFER??? Is it just me or does anyone else feel that this is just NOT appropriate to give as a ‘gift?’
Doesn’t this kinda ‘reek’ of telling someone that their feet smell? “Hey! Here’s some Shoe Pourri–and Happy Holidays to you, too!”
If you must, try gifting this to the active spouse or teen in your life. Just make sure they won’t be offended by it. The last thing you want during a holiday celebration is a surly teen or horrified family member. #howtoruinaholiday
Interested in seeing the rest of The Container Store Stocking Stuffer Collection. They’re all right here!
If you received a Container Store Stocking Stuffer catalog this year, please let me know in the comments section below!
It’s been a while since I’ve written a ‘Cool Product’ blog post–not because there aren’t any cool organizing products in the stores. In fact, there are so many ‘cool products’ I’ve seen, used, and read about lately, I could write a blog post a week for the next year and not cover them all!
Last year, while compiling the list of stocking stuffers for my annual I ‘Heart’ Container Store Stocking Stuffers blog post, I came across one stocking stuffer that was not only creative, colorful, and fun–I thought it would function well for my family. And it does!
I’ve been meaning to write about this product for most of this year. Every time I would use it, I’d say to myself, “I should make this the focus of a ‘Cool Product’ blog post. More people need to know about this!”
No need to hold you in suspense any longer (unless you’ve already guessed what it is by the photo above…)
Today’s ‘Cool Product’ is: Sombrero Taco Holders
You may be asking yourself (and me)–what does this product have to do with organizing?
I know it’s a bit of a stretch. It may not revolutionize your life like other organizing products do (I’m lookin’ at you, my lovely label maker…) but yes, plastic sombreros can be an organizing tool. Stick with me and I’ll show you how…
Does your family go gaga for tacos? Mine does.
The excitement of a taco dinner is even more palpable if I make them on a Tuesday: #tacotuesday. And bonus points for me if I can time the ripening of an avocado to go with this meal. Now THAT’s organized meal planning! #mealplanningwin
Let me set the scene of my dining room on a #tacotuesday BEFORE we owned the Sombrero Taco Holders:
-hard taco shells broke easily from being handled
-broken taco shells were then rendered unusable except for dipping in salsa
-children got upset that their taco shells got broken
-children got upset when they put their tacos down to eat some rice or guacamole and the filling would spill out all over their plates
-Mom and Dad got upset because children were upset and #tacotuesday was really messy and not as fun as it was supposed to be.
Yet, everyone still begged for taco night and I still made tacos…
Enter the Sombrero Taco Holders. Four of them to the package, so there’s one for each of us. They come in red, blue, green, and pink. In a house full of boys, guess who gets the pink one?
Here it is holding up the filled taco:
With the taco slid all the way through:
And, with a full plate of Mexican side dishes, too:
Here’s what makes them a ‘cool’ organizing product:
-They utilize vertical space on a plate making room for side dishes.
-They hold up a soft or hard taco shell so you don’t have to. ‘Hands-free’ dining!
-They stack one on top of another to save space in a drawer or cabinet
Now, let me set the scene of my dining room on a #tacotuesday after we started using the Sombrero Taco Holders:
-hard taco shells no longer break easily from being handled
-since there are no more broken taco shells, we now dip Tostitos Scoops in our salsa
-children no longer have broken taco shells
-filling no longer spills out all over children’s plates
-there’s more room on our plates for side dishes
-Less mess and more fun–Mom, Dad, and kids enjoy #tacotuesday
Three cheers for the Sombrero Taco Holder! Chip chip, olé! Chip chip, olé! Chip chip, olé!
If you think these organizing sombreros would be a fun addition to your kitchen but you don’t have a recipe for tacos, I’m more than happy to share mine…
Taco Seasoning Recipe
In the past, I’d use a taco seasoning packet for #tacotuesday. They can be very high in sodium so I set out to test the tastiness of some taco spice blends. I found this recipe over a decade ago on the web and have been using it successfully ever since. I do not recall where I found it so unfortunately, I cannot give credit where credit is due but, whoever that talented taco chef is–thank you!
Give it a try–I think you’ll agree it’s the perfect blend of spices to turn ground beef, ground turkey, or beans into a delicious taco!
Mix spices together in a small bowl. Add to 1 lb. of cooked meat (or beans or meat/beans mixture) and add 1/2 cup of water to make a light sauce. Mix to coat. Cook for 10-15 minutes covered on medium to medium-low heat. Serve in a taco shell and enjoy!
Are you hungry yet? Pin this post for your next #tacotuesday dinner and share with someone you know who is loco for tacos!
What’s your favorite side dish to eat with tacos? Share one or two in the comments section below–who couldn’t use a few new dinner ideas?
Would you agree–2020 has not exactly been a banner year for most of us? But, that doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate holidays and celebrate each other. In fact, all is right in the world, even just for a few minutes, when you have a new crop of Container Store Stocking Stuffers to talk about!
I’m lucky enough to live about ten minutes away from The Container Store of Paramus, NJ. Towards the middle of November, I usually take a mini field trip there to cast my eyes upon a new season of stocking stuffers–to hold them in my hand and imagine them in my home. This year, I’ll be using an abundance of caution and opting to not take my usual field trip to the store. I’ll be drooling over my keyboard instead.
Over the years, the Container Store Stocking Stuffer collection has become more fun, functional, and kitchy and less about ‘organizing.’ In my first stocking stuffer roundup post written in 2013, some of my faves included well-designed kitchen tools, colorful page markers, and a rubber ducky shower cap (for organized hair?!?). This year, I’ll be highlighting some of my current ‘faves’ and throwing it back to one from last year’s stocking stuffer post.
I’ve split up this year’s crop of stocking stuffers that I ‘heart’ most into the following categories: ForOrganizing, Useful, Fun and Cute, and Really?
For Organizing
OXO Good Grips Mini POP Canister $5.99
OXO happens to be one of my favorite companies. I have praised their products many times on my blog. Plain and simple–OXO does design well. If you haven’t added an OXO POP container to your kitchen yet, I implore you to start small and try the OXO Good Grips Mini POP Canister. I could see using it as a salt cellar next to a cooktop, for storing your favorite spice mix, or as a place to store daily vitamins or medication. Opening the lid with it’s big button design is a piece of cake–easy for children, seniors, and those with arthritis or dexterity impairments. It’s too cute to not buy and try. And if you really like it and want more, they’re sold in a four pack, too.
Crayola Travel Set $4.99
If you’re a parent or someone who spends time with a child who likes to color, you know that crayons have a habit of rolling off tables, rolling under appliances, and rolling right into the crevice between a child’s car seat and your car’s seat. The Crayola Travel Set prevents all of this from happening by providing a ‘home’ for the crayons when in transit or at the site of being used (the diner, Aunt Peggy’s house, or the car). It comes with some coloring paper but once that’s used up, there’s extra room to store more crayons inside. Comes in red or blue. I don’t know if it fits in a car’s cup holder but that would be an added bonus!
Black Password Keeper $9.99
No one ever said every stocking stuffer had to be fun, flashy, or frivolous. Sometimes we should fill a stocking with functionality. After putting the traditional orange in the toe of the stocking, consider the gift of online safety with the Black Password Keeper. It may look boring and unassuming but a password keeper (as long as you take the time to fill it with passwords) takes your passwords out of your head, off your desktop, and onto paper in an organized way and that’s one of the many reasons why it’s so fab. Yes–boring and unassuming can be fabulous, too.
Useful
Lotta Light Purse Light $14.99
I’m petite and I prefer to carry a small handbag. But, if you carry a large tote and are often searching your bag for what you need, consider the Lotta Light Purse Light for your handbag scuba diving needs. Useful in other small and dark spaces such as a school locker, gym bag, or tool box. Has a clip and keychain attached for versatility.
ThumbScraper Scraper Tool 2pk/$5.99
Have you ever broken a fingernail or even worse, ruined a manicure while trying to scrape a sticky price tag off a recent purchase? If that has happened to you, you may want to check out the ThumbScraper Scraper Tool. This small tool has a thin edge that slides under adhesive and eliminates the goo so you don’t have to. The days of sacrificing a fingernail for the sake of a price tag are over! (also can be purchased separately for $2.99)
Kikkerland Precision 8-in-1 Screwdriver $7.99
My cousin and his wife are expecting a baby soon. I told them one of the most important gadgets to have when baby arrives is one like the Kikkerland Precision 8-in-1 Screwdriver. I am grateful we had something similar in the tool box when my kids were small. Many of their toys came with batteries and the screws that needed to be unscrewed in order to change the batteries was so small–no regular sized screwdriver was going to do the job. Perfect for new parents!
Fun and Cute (and I May Need to Own a Few of These)
Wavy Man $10.99
The Wavy Man is that large, goofy looking fabric tube often found waving or dancing over car dealerships and at trade shows. But, it’s not just for outdoor use! This Wavy Man stands 13″ high–perfect for your home office desk or table top. It’s silly and entertaining–just what we all need in 2020!
Potato Chip and Tortilla Chip Clips 4pk/$9.99
Unless the events of 2020 have led you to eat entire bags of chips (no judgement here…), you’ll need to use something to keep the bag closed after you’ve eaten a few. These Potato Chip Clips (shown above) and Tortilla Chip Clips are a great match for the job!
Chilly Mama Fridge Freshener $9.99
I keep a box of baking soda in my fridge. It’s orange. It hangs out in the back with some infrequently used condiments silently doing it’s job. But, it would be fun to open the fridge door and look beyond yesterday’s leftovers to see the Chilly Mama Fridge Freshener. Fill it with baking soda–it vents from the top and the back. You can set the dial for three months to remind you to replace with a fresh batch of baking soda. I do wish that she had a smile on her face. I know it’s cold in there but it if there’s a little person in my fridge, I’d prefer her to be smiling at me when I open the door to grab a snack…
Kikkerland Dog Treat Selfie Clip $4.99
Is your Instagram feed filled with photos of your dog/cat/ ferret/household pet? Wouldn’t it be great if your furry friend would look at your phone’s camera when you wanted to snap it’s picture? Your chances of getting that shot are higher using the Kikkerland Dog Treat Selfie Clip. I don’t have a pet but I think I should stick a chicken nugget at the end of this selfie clip–then maybe my kids may actually look at the camera when I attempt to take their picture (“Not funny, Mom!” my kids would say. Insert age-appropriate eye roll here).
Really?
Drinking Straw Glasses $3.99
I grew up in the era of Crazy Straws so I can appreciate the novelty of this but for the most part when I drank from my Crazy Straw, I could watch the liquid going around the curves–tons o’ fun! When you’re drinking and wearing the Drinking Straw Glasses you can’t easily see the liquid going around the glasses. It’s really for the entertainment of others. If the Dog Treat Selfie Clip doesn’t get your pet’s attention, maybe try these?
Bought Last Year and Enjoy!
Sombrero Taco Holders 4pk/$9.99
Last year, I not only profiled the Sombrero Taco Holders in my Container Store Stocking Stuffer blog post–I also bought them! Taco Night is very popular in the Murray House and I thought they would be a fun and functional addition to our dinner table. After a year of use, I can honestly say that Taco Night is more colorful and less messy because of the Sombrero Taco Holders. Everyone has a place to rest their tacos for when they want to enjoy the rice, avocado, or other side dishes I serve with the meal. They work with hard shell and soft tacos and wipe clean very easily. If you and your family enjoy eating tacos at home, you may want to consider adding these to your holiday wish list.
Did any of these stocking stuffers pique your interest? Take a few moments to check these and the other stocking stuffers out on The Container Store website. You never know what you’ll find that will make you smile this year. Happy shopping and Happy Holidays!
Which Container Store Stocking Stuffer do you ‘heart’ the most?
This blog post is the fourth in a series of posts designed to teach you how to meal plan during times of crisis and in your every day life (post-coronavirus). If there was ever a time to consider practicing the Art of Organized Meal Planning–it’s now.
*Note – This is not a Sponsored Post. I’m blogging about a ‘cool product’ that works for me. All words, photos, and opinions are my own.
My kids are fourteen and ten years old now but I remember a time when they were little and I carried around A LOT of stuff for them. I owned a stroller with a large basket so I would have plenty of space to store extra diapers, toys, snacks, and anything else we would need when away from home.
There are a million and one products marketed to new parents but one that I found to be most useful was TheMommy Hook. David Abels, dad of three and the inventor of The Mommy Hook, knew that he and his wife could not be the only parents that couldn’t push a stroller, keep an eye on a child (or two), and carry a multitude bags at the same time. In 2006, The Mommy Hook was born and millions have been sold worldwide. I remember hanging everything from a diaper bag to shopping bags to whatever I needed handy for my young children from that giant hook on my stroller’s handle.
If you’re unfamiliar with the product, learn more about it here.
I own three Mommy Hooks plus a mini one that must have come packaged as a bonus.
OK–you’re probably thinking, ” What does all this have to do with getting organized for meal planning?”
I’m so glad you asked. Here’s my story…
Before the schools closed in mid-March due to the coronavirus, I had a feeling that we would be heading into some kind of lockdown situation. My husband and I took a deep dive into our pantry, fridge, and freezer, then made shopping lists, and split up to hit 4-5 different markets in our area in the span of a few days. I went into meal-planning mode and planned out our meals so I wouldn’t have to go to a supermarket or rely on delivery for a while unless absolutely necessary. I went three weeks straight without food shopping–only using what I had in the house to feed my family.
With four people continuously home and continuously eating for three weeks, it was eventually time to head to the supermarket. Trying to avoid crowds, I ventured out in the late evening to my local 24-hr. ShopRite. Since I hadn’t food shopped in almost a month, my huge order overflowed my shopping cart at checkout. Even with carrying some of the bags on my arm and pushing the cart to my car, a few bags fell off and some cans and boxes got dented. As I stood in the parking lot, exhausted from shopping under coronavirus-conditions at midnight, I knew there had to be a better way. It was in that moment that I remembered The Mommy Hook.
I hadn’t used one in years but I knew that it was exactly what I needed to ensure my trips to the supermarket were easier and more organized. I thought, “If it could work on the handle of a stroller, it could work on the handle of a shopping cart!”
Even though I hadn’t used a Mommy Hook in about six or seven years, I located them, dusted them off, and placed them with my recycle bags to take with me on my next food shopping trip.
Fast forward three more weeks. Time to do another big late evening shop at ShopRite. I brought two Mommy Hooks with me and at checkout, placed 3-4 bags with ‘like’ items on each–light stuff such as chips, pretzels, and bread products, and hooked them to the handle of my shopping cart. Easy-peasy! I got some strange looks from people but I didn’t care. I breezed out of the store, pushed the cart to my car confident that this time, nothing would fall out. I unhooked the Mommy Hooks from the shopping cart handle and placed both with the shopping bags still attached to them, straight into the front seat of my car. When I got home, I grabbed each hook and brought the bags of groceries into my garage.
So.Much.Easier.
Remember–I was doing all this around midnight–when you’re tired, everything needs to be easy!
But, The Mommy Hook isn’t just for use on the way out of a supermarket. You can also use The Mommy Hook on the way in to the supermarket. Clip it to the handle of your shopping cart and hang your recycle bags from it while you’re shopping. If you’re buying as much as I am lately, you need all the space in the cart you can get!
Mommy Hook features:
• Made from lightweight but heavy-duty aluminum
• Soft foam rubber grip prevents slipping and sliding on a shopping cart handle
• Soft foam rubber grip can be grasped comfortably as a handle
• Large enough to hold many grocery bags at once
• Fits most shopping cart handles
Mommy Hook benefits:
• can be used to organize bags of ‘like’ food items together
• creates more space for groceries and bulk items in the main section of a shopping cart
• can be used as a central location for anything you need to access quickly while shopping
Price: from $7.99 – $9.99 depending upon where you buy it.
Worth.Every.Penny.
Years ago I purchased mine at BuyBuyBaby in New Jersey but a quick Google search showed me that they can be purchased at Target, Walmart, Bed Bath and Beyond, and of course, Amazon. If you’d prefer to shop local, check stores in your neighborhood that cater to babies and young children.
Think The Mommy Hook would work for you as one of your organized meal planning tools? Let me know in the comments section below!
Here’s what I know for sure about the month of November: Thanksgiving is the fourth Thursday of the month and The Container Store Stocking Stuffer catalog is going to be delivered to my doorstep!
I’m lucky to live a short drive away from The Container Store in Paramus, New Jersey. I can do more than just drool over the catalog–I get the chance to see, feel, and experience these Stocking Stuffers at the store.
Since researching for the post I wrote back in 2016, I’ve come to see that the Container Store Stocking Stuffers are less about organizing and more about cute, kitchy, helpful, and the borderline absurd. So, for the season I just roll with it. The Container Store will get back to focusing on organizing products in January and so will I…
For the 2019 edition, I’ve divided the Stocking Stuffers into four categories: Organizing, Functional, Fun, and Why? Just Why?. Grab a pad and a pen–one or more of these may work as stocking stuffers for your family and friends!
Taco Tuesday (or tacos any day of the week) is BIG in my house–my nine year old loves them! But, it isn’t always easy stuffing them and keeping them from breaking or imploding. These holders make filling, serving, and eating tacos easy. They are dishwasher-safe and stack one inside the other (how organized!). And cute packaging, too–always a nice perk when giving a gift. I’m going to be buying these and trying them out at my dinner table. They come in red, blue, green and pink–with my husband and two boys in the house, I’ll probably be asked to use the pink one…
A basic organizing principle I teach my clients is, ‘Give Everything a Home.’ A ring usually lives on one’s finger but if it’s nighttime, wash-the-dishes time, or let’s-make-meatballs time, you’re going to want to take it off and have a temporary home for that ring so you’ll know where it is when it’s time to put it back on your finger. The Umbra Ring Holder comes in Llama, French Bulldog, and the ever-popular Unicorn. I’m partial to the Llama–great especially if you wear multiple rings. Maybe they should have made a giraffe?
I ‘heart’ the OXO company. They make products that are ergonomically comfortable, sturdy, and make people’s lives easier. If someone you know eats at their computer often or their keyboard is a dust magnet, this cleaning brush would probably be well received in a stocking. Looking at my keyboard (and knowing how often I eat in front of it), it wouldn’t be a bad idea if I got one for myself!
So cute! Makes me hungry just looking at it! Perfect for all ages but I think kids (and adults) wouldn’t mind cleaning their glasses or phones if they had a cloth like this to do it with. Also comes in Pepperoni Pizza, Cinnamon Roll, and Lemon Slice.
No more frayed charging cables! They fit over a cord plug in the exact place where charger cables can show wear and tear. Works with iPhones lightning cables for iPhone 5 or later. They’re all cute but I’m partial to the bug-eyed chameleon…
Even though I’m allergic to wine, I do serve it and cook with it–I would definitely use these in my home. They come in handy for entertaining and for BYOB restaurant dinners. Made of easy-to-clean and easy-to-stretch silicone with witty wine-related messages written on the top. Know someone who likes to drink wine? I think you’ve found a stocking stuffer for them! Definitely an over 21+ kinda stocking stuffer…
Great for car rides or to keep in a purse or back pack for when the kids are getting antsy–this will keep them occupied. Recommended for ages six and older. There’s a wooden stick with a sharp end included. If you know your child can be trusted with it–great. If they’d prefer to use it as a weapon against a sibling or playmate, perhaps this isn’t the best stocking stuffer for them…
If someone you know likes unicorns and has to keep their hair dry in the shower sometimes, this is the stocking stuffer to get them. Comes in Flamingo and Duck styles, too. The last time I mentioned a shower cap in one of my stocking stuffer roundup posts was back in 2013–way before the resurgence of the unicorn’s popularity. Can you guess what animal appears on it? Check here to see if you guessed correctly!
I don’t think I’ve ever had the thought while I’m showering, “Boy, am I thirsty! I wish I had a drink in here.” But, for those of you with a quench for more than just water while getting yourself clean, this would make a good stocking stuffer. As the description states, PLEASE use cans or plastic–do not use with a drinking glass made of glass!
Can someone tell me why these make a good stocking stuffer? What message does this send to the recipient? Just because they’re small does NOT mean they should make an appearance in anyone’s stocking at holiday time–IMHO. They’re 2 oz so they work well for travel–keep one in your toiletries bag and pack it for your next trip. These sprayers got a bunch of 5-star reviews so they must work but please–don’t give it as a gift unless you know the person really wants it. Please...
The rest of the Container Store’s Stocking Stuffer Collection can be found on their website. With 146 to choose from, there’s bound to be something for everyone on your shopping list. Happy shopping!
Which one of this year’s stocking stuffers is your favorite?
I recently returned from the 2019 NAPO Conference held this year in Fort Worth, Texas. I always enjoy the conference–I get to take workshops, meet new Professional Organizers and reconnect with ones I haven’t seen in a while. The latest organizing products from NAPO’s business partners are on display and stepping away from my everyday responsibilities for a few days helps to ‘recharge my battery.’ The theme of this year’s conference was ‘Education is Bigger in Texas.’ Even my hotel room was big. It was so large, I could cartwheel through it. Not that I did–I’m just sayin’–everything is bigger in Texas…
As silly as it may sound, one of the things I look forward to at the NAPO Conference is the conference bag that’s given out every year. I have a nice collection of them by now running the gamut from a lovely red handbag-like tote (Lillian Vernon – Chicago 2004) to an amorphous recycle bag (New Orleans 2013) to a bag with a zippered top and water bottle/holder (Chicago 2018). I use the conference bag I received at the Orlando conference (2009) as the work bag I take to my client’s homes.
It’s important to me that everything I need to drag around with me during the day fits in the conference bag. After the not-so-fab New Orleans conference bag, I started packing an old conference tote (Minneapolis 2007) with me in case I didn’t like the conference bag been given out. But, this year, I did not pack the Minneapolis tote…
The night before I left for the NAPO Conference, I was thrilled to see that someone had posted a picture of this year’s conference bag on Facebook.
I was happy to see that it had contrasting colors and a little button closure–cute! It was roomy without being too big.
But, there are times when a bag can be too big and become a black hole for everything they’re carrying. When you’re at a conference, you need to use your brain power for learning and networking–not for searching and worrying about where all of your stuff is. You don’t have time to send a search party out to find your business cards and hotel room key!
If you or a friend, family member, or colleague are attending a conference in the future, here are 5 tips for keeping your conference bag organized so you’ll always be able to find what you need when you need it.
Tip #1 SORT
What items do you think you’ll want handy the day of the conference? Gather them and place them on a surface in front of you–couch, bed, desk, kitchen island–whatever works…
Then, take those items and sort them into categories such as electronics, items you’ll need to access quickly, note taking items, and most important–SNACKS!
Tip #2 CONTAINERIZE
Now that you’ve categorized your stuff, it’s time to put them in their own containers so they’re not floating around the bottom of your conference bag (eliminating the need for that search party mentioned above…) Pack a few pouches and small/medium/large Ziploc bags for this purpose. The size of the pouches and baggies are dependent upon the items you plan to carry in your conference bag.
I kept my necessities in here–phone, business cards, lip balm, pens, hotel room key.
Tip #3 RETURN ITEMS TO THEIR ‘HOME’
Conferences can be non-stop learning and networking events. You might feel rushed during your conference day and tired at night but it’s important for you to take the time to put items back in their baggies and pouches after using them. This will save you time later in the day and the next morning when you need to access your phone charger or hand someone your business card.
Tip #4 MAKE IT YOUR OWN
Whether there are fifty or six hundred and fifty conference attendees, almost everyone will be carrying the same conference bag. You’ll want to ensure that no one accidentally walks away with yours thinking it’s theirs! Make it stand out with a large pin, decorative ribbon, or brightly-colored scarf that no other bag will have. You’ll always know which bag is yours!
Since I saw a preview on Facebook of what the conference bag looked like, I packed a color-coordinating scarf to tie around the handle. I always knew which conference bag was mine!
Tip #5 PURGE
Purge your conference bag at the end of the day of items you no longer need–used tissues, energy bar wrappers, and the free swag you couldn’t resist putting in your bag. Getting rid of what you no longer need makes room for the items you will need the next day.
If you’re a visual person like me, click on my YouTube video below to see the 5 steps and get a sneak peek at this year’s NAPO Conference bag:
These 5 tips are going to ensure you have the most organized bag at your next conference–I guarantee it!
Are you heading to a conference soon? What item would you need most in your conference bag?
A blog by Professional Organizer Stacey Agin Murray bursting with cool products, 'gotta-tell-a-friend' ideas, and a whole lotta organizing know-how. Learn more...
Subscribe to the Blog
Subscribe to the blog and never miss a post!
About Stacey
When you grow up in a 5’x12′ bedroom, you learn to organize pretty quickly! I chose to take that knowledge and turn it into a business helping people find what they need when they need it. I’m also the author of The Organized Bride’s Thank You Note Handbook–a book that offers wedding thank you note-related organizing tips and how-to’s plus 101 unique sample thank you notes (what bride can’t use that?).
As I wrote earlier, I am a big fan of OXO products. I have a bunch in my kitchen such as spatulas, tongs, peelers, and one of my faves–
Raise your hand if you love pigs-in-blankets! (Ooooh, me me me!)
Contact Stacey to Get Started!
