Archives for January 2010

A year ago on Unclutterer

2009

2008

Posted by PJ on Jan 10, 2010 | Comments Off | Tweet This

Multipurpose games

Winter is having its way with the midwest again, and for many families that means indoor activities such as board and card games. But as we all know, with board games comes clutter.

We’ve written before about ways to store board games. You can get rid of the packaging, or even use the board game as artwork.

Another possibility is to buy games that serve multiple purposes.

A simple deck of cards is the most versatile piece of gaming equipment ever. There are hundreds of card games that you can play with a standard deck of 52 cards. Avoid specialty cards by playing Crazy Eights with your kids instead of Uno, then remove the queen of clubs to play a game of Old Maid.

You can also expand your indoor activity alternatives with a multipurpose game board that utilizes the same board and pieces for many different games. This certainly won’t replace classic favorites like Monopoly, but it’s a good way to supplement without buying dozens of board games that you’ll play once. A high quality board can even serve as decor.

Posted by Brian on Jan 9, 2010 | 22 Comments | Tweet This

On the Forums: share your successes, previous marriage clutter, and old stereos

Some great discussions are currently underway on the Unclutterer Forums:

Be sure to check it out and add your thoughts to the mix. Remember, you can start your own thread (which our system calls a “topic”) by clicking the “Add New” link under Latest Discussions on the Forum homepage.

If you use an RSS reader to follow your favorite blogs, you can easily keep track of what’s going on in our new forums. Add the feed for latest topics or all the latest posts. You can even follow specific topics using the RSS link just below each topic’s title, or create an RSS feed of your own by adding topics as favorites.

You can also follow Unclutterer on Twitter.

Posted by PJ on Jan 8, 2010 | 2 Comments | Tweet This

Ask Unclutterer: Is cozy a euphemism for cluttered?

Reader Beth submitted the following to Ask Unclutterer:

Can a “cozy” space be uncluttered without being just a synonym for comfortable? I hear “cozy” used sometimes as a polite way of saying cluttered, but also as a way of describing an uncluttered space as feeling warm and inviting as opposed to “cold and lifeless”…

What say you?

Where I live, euphemisms like these abound. “Charming” usually means a place is in need of repair and “cozy” means a space is extremely small. If a home is cluttered, the euphemisms are typically “eclectic” or “shabby chic.” My guess is that these phrases hold different meanings in different parts of the country, but I get the intent of what you’re asking.

More to the point, a dwelling doesn’t have to be sterile to be uncluttered. The ascetic, minimalist style works well for museums, but most people aren’t comfortable with this look in their homes. They feel at home when there are signs of life, a bit of reflection of their personalities, and something that delineates they aren’t their neighbors.

An unclutterer is someone who gets rid of the distractions that get in the way of a remarkable life. Therefore, clutter (a distraction) has a subjective definition. In my home, flower vases are clutter because I never have fresh flowers on display (my cats think flowers are tasty, tasty snacks). In the home of a florist, however, vases are likely used daily and not a distraction.

I prefer clean lines, and all I want out on display are the few items that bring me great joy. I don’t want baubles or knick knacks to obstruct my line of vision of these important pieces. I’m also pretty sure most people find my home to be a bit formal. Other unclutterers might be okay with more than two items out on display in a room. One definition of uncluttered isn’t better than another, it’s just a better definition for you.

Style your space the way that brings you the greatest joy, the least stress and distractions, and reflects the remarkable life you desire. Get rid of what you believe is cluttering up your space, thoughts, and time. Don’t worry about what anyone else thinks. Let them use euphemisms like “cozy” to describe your home — their word choice doesn’t determine how you feel in your space.

Thank you, Beth, for submitting your question for our Ask Unclutterer column. I hope I got to the point of your question.

Do you have a question relating to organizing, cleaning, home and office projects, productivity, or any problems you think the Unclutterer team could help you solve? To submit your questions to Ask Unclutterer, go to our contact page and type your question in the content field. Please list the subject of your e-mail as “Ask Unclutterer.” If you feel comfortable sharing images of the spaces that trouble you, let us know about them. The more information we have about your specific issue, the better.

Posted by Erin on Jan 8, 2010 | 29 Comments | Tweet This

Workspace of the Week: Honoring Mementos

This week’s Workspace of the Week is fun9us’s fun work room:

This workspace is a great example of how to honor one’s mementos. fun9us features his collection of Japanese toys as the focal point for a fun and inspiring workspace. The collection is well organized, contained, and creates an inspiring work environment.

Want to have your own workspace featured in Workspace of the Week? Submit a picture to the Unclutterer flickr pool. Check it out because we have a nice little community brewing there. Also, don’t forget that workspaces aren’t just desks. If you’re a cook, it’s a kitchen; if you’re a carpenter, it’s your workbench.

Posted by Brian on Jan 8, 2010 | 6 Comments | Tweet This

Build your own recyclable furniture with Grid Beam

Over the years, I’ve moved at least a dozen times. Assembling, disassembling and reassembling desks, bed frames, and bookshelves–most of which was never meant to be disassembled. Frequent relocation like this isn’t uncommon, especially for younger people moving out on their own for the first time.

Entire businesses have been built around selling furniture that people assemble themselves, and only expect to use for a few years. Sure, you may take it with you to your next apartment. It might even survive two moves. But eventually, you’ll replace it with either another inexpensive piece, or something more permanent. The dumpsters in the alley behind my apartment usually have a couple discarded tables or bookshelves.

But there may be a more economical way.

The idea has been around since the 70′s, but seems to be gaining more popularity now. The concept is that you use a few standard modular components that can be assembled, disassembled, and reconfigured in numerous ways to create whatever structure you need at the moment. When you’re finished with the item, you take it apart and easily store, give away, or construct something else with the pieces. An erector set on a human scale.

There are numerous possibilities. Everything from temporary furniture to animatronic holiday decorations, and just about any other temporary structure you can think of.

If you have younger kids, you can help them build a fort in the back yard. A teenager going off to college or getting a first apartment can easily construct a portable bed, desk, or shelving unit. A young couple buying a first house can quickly and inexpensively furnish several rooms with pieces to be replaced with nicer furniture over time.

Admittedly, it’s not for everyone, but if you’re interested in learning more, check out the Gridbeamers website, or the book, How to Build with Grid Beam.

Posted by Brian on Jan 7, 2010 | 20 Comments | Tweet This

James Jamerson’s Uncluttered Bass Rig

I’ve written before about my constant battle with an affliction called Gear Acquisition Syndrome (GAS). It’s an almost compulsive need to purchase new equipment in the firm belief that the new item, be it a guitar, amp, or effect pedal, will be the spark that ignites stale monotony into inspired genius. Sometimes it works, but I find that more often, buying new equipment is just a substitute for doing the hard work required to be creative.

This isn’t unique to musicians. Most hobbies require some type of equipment, and therefore present the temptation to acquire more or better gear. We’ve covered the topic of breaking up with a hobby, but an alternative is to simply try to do more with less.

Over the weekend I happened to watch a fascinating documentary called Standing in the Shadows of Motown and I was inspired by the minimal amount of equipment that James Jamerson used. His bass playing on hit songs such as “You Can’t Hurry Love” and “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” helped define the Motown sound, and completely revolutionized the role of bass in popular music. Jamerson’s influence permeates so much of modern music that it would be nearly impossible to list it all, yet his bass rig was very minimalist. Just an upright acoustic bass, and later his 1962 Fender Precision Bass were all he used for most of his studio recordings. The bass was simply plugged directly into the mixing console.

One of my resolutions for 2010 is to buy less hobby-related equipment. Instead, I’m going to try to follow Jamerson’s example, and look for ways to do more with less.

Posted by Brian on Jan 7, 2010 | 17 Comments | Tweet This

Unitasker Wednesday: Chair socks

All Unitasker Wednesday posts are jokes — we don’t want you to buy these items, we want you to laugh at their ridiculousness. Enjoy!

Look at these cute socks:

Oh, wait. You’re saying they’re not socks I can wear? They’re socks for my chairs?!

Why in the world does my chair need socks?! Are its legs cold? Does it wish to look stylish when its frolicking outdoors in its parka? Are the inexpensive and unnoticeable cork floor protectors no longer suffice at keeping scratches off my hard wood floor? Is my chair being immodest if it shows off all of its leg?

And, what if my chair is clearly female but wishes to wear the “argyle male” color pattern? Huh?! What should it do, then?!!

Phew! I’m noticing now that the chair socks are not available in the U.S. I am tempted no longer.

(A wonderful word of thanks to Louise for finding these adorable unitaskers.)

Posted by Erin on Jan 6, 2010 | 61 Comments | Tweet This

A year ago on Unclutterer

2009

2008

Posted by PJ on Jan 6, 2010 | Comments Off | Tweet This

Are tiny dwellings a humane alternative for the near homeless?

The New York Times reported on Saturday on the economic crisis in Japan and how small hotel “capsules” are being repurposed as housing for the unemployed. These tiny dwellings are often all that is affordable for Tokyo’s near homeless:

Now, Hotel Shinjuku 510’s capsules, no larger than 6 1/2 feet long by 5 feet wide, and not tall enough to stand up in, have become an affordable option for some people with nowhere else to go as Japan endures its worst recession since World War II.

… continuing …

The rent is surprisingly high for such a small space: 59,000 yen a month, or about $640, for an upper bunk. But with no upfront deposit or extra utility charges, and basic amenities like fresh linens and free use of a communal bath and sauna, the cost is far less than renting an apartment in Tokyo, Mr. [Atsushi] Nakanishi says.

The article describes more of what is included in the $640 per month rent:

Each capsule is furnished only with a light, a small TV with earphones, coat hooks, a thin blanket and a hard pillow of rice husks.

Most possessions, from shirts to shaving cream, must be kept in lockers. There is a common room with old couches, a dining area and rows of sinks. Cigarette smoke is everywhere, as are security cameras. But the hotel staff does its best to put guests at ease: “Welcome home,” employees say at the entrance.

The article fascinated me because the tone of the reporter felt negative to me. However, in my opinion, these capsule hotels seem like a humane housing alternative for those truly in need. They are safe (the article mentions a strong security presence), warm, and provide a permanent address. (Not having an address is a huge disadvantage when seeking employment.) Obviously, they’re not the finest or largest dwellings in Tokyo, but they seem better than the streets or an unsafe, poorly maintained apartment building.

What do you think of these small capsules as semi-permanent dwellings for those in need? I’m interested in reading your reactions in the comments.

(Image from The New York Times. View the complete slideshow.)

Posted by Erin on Jan 6, 2010 | 64 Comments | Tweet This

Three year end tasks to take the edge off tax time

Now that 2009 is over, don’t wait until April to start getting your taxes in order. Chicago Sun-Times columnist Terry Savage suggests three tasks that you can do now if you plan to itemize your deductions.

If you don’t currently have a system, don’t worry. All you need are a few plastic sandwich bags and a shoebox:

  • Put all those deductible receipts in separate baggies — taxi receipts, dues and subscriptions, unreimbursed business expense receipts, and the letters you’ll receive certifying your charitable donations.
  • If you’re banking online, print out your check register. Or download the year’s banking into a Quicken file. Take all your monthly statements, put an elastic band around them and throw them in the shoebox as well. If you’re still using a paper check register, ask your bank for a new one to start 2010. Put the old one in the shoebox.
  • Prepare a file for your year-end investment statements, which will start arriving in January. The ones from your 40l(k) or IRA won’t have an impact on your taxes, but it’s nice to keep them all together. That’s also where you’ll stash your W-2 from work, and any 1099 forms that arrive in January, showing interest or dividends or capital gains.

The best part about doing this now is that it serves two purposes. First, when April rolls around, you’ll be prepared. Second, you can start 2010 with drawers free of receipts.

Posted by Brian on Jan 5, 2010 | 12 Comments | Tweet This

Creating two bedrooms in a small space

Dwell magazine featured a “Kids’ Room Renovation” project recently on their site that shows how a small room can be transformed into two unconventional, yet spacious, bedrooms:

Rather than simply building a partition down the middle of the 140-square-foot bedroom, which would have created two constrained rooms, the architects decided to build up and within. “The idea of putting the bed on a higher level came up quite quickly in order to win space,” explains Santiard. “At the same time we decide to incorporate many ways to use the bed/partition (storage, office, climb, hide with interior windows, doors, etc).”

The bed seems to soar above the playing space, held up by bookshelf columns and a carefully angled staircase.

The result is a massive piece of what is essentially furniture, crafted out of several large sections of painted MDF and secured to the ceiling to keep it from toppling. Six-year old Eva plays and sleeps in the upper level, while small cubbies hold her toys, books, and dolls. There’s also a built-in desk for schoolwork and drawing. Jean, now almost two years old, mainly scampers around on the bottom level, where easy access to his bed and toys defines his area.

Building up provides for each child to have a designated area, without having to feel cramped and claustrophobic. The built-in storage and bookshelves also keep the rooms clutter-free and organized. I think it’s a very creative solution for a small space.

(Image from the Dwell article. View the complete slideshow.)

Posted by Erin on Jan 5, 2010 | 24 Comments | Tweet This

E-mailing yourself reminders for future actions with Google Calendar

In the comments section of an old post, reader Diana recently left a tip about a creative way to use Google Calendar in conjunction with Gmail. Since the post might be off your radar screens, I wanted to highlight it on the main page because I found it to be a terrific tip.

Simply stated, she suggests that if there is a future action you wish to accomplish (call your mom each Sunday, pick up the dry cleaning, follow up about a job lead) that you add it as a single or recurring event in Google Calendar with an e-mail reminder. In Google Calendar, select “Create Event” in the left-hand column be sure to set the reminder to “E-mail.” It might look like this:

I really appreciate reminders that are pushed into my e-mail account because I have a tendency to forget to check my calendar, especially when I’m traveling. Google Calendar also has a nice feature where you can have your daily calendar e-mailed to you each morning.

Posted by Erin on Jan 4, 2010 | 35 Comments | Tweet This

Increasing energy: Erin’s first set of 2010 resolutions

With the start of the New Year, I’m working diligently on my 2010 resolutions already. In my review of Gretchen Rubin’s The Happiness Project, I mentioned that my first quarter of the year is focused on gaining more energy. Without more energy, my remaining resolutions can’t possibly happen.

I’ve written in the past about how getting adequate sleep is linked to an uncluttered life. If I’m exhausted, I’m less likely to eat well and exercise (also energy related), tackle items on my to-do list, think and work efficiently and clearly, keep up with chores, stay focused, and respond well under stress. One hour of missed sleep can tank my productivity the following day.

Less than a week into 2010, though, and I’ve already had to tweak some of my resolutions. For example, when I was planning how I would achieve my sleep resolutions, I apparently forgot to factor in that I have a baby in the house. Although he has started sleeping through most nights, he’s not sleeping through all nights. I’ve quickly learned that my plan to get eight hours of sleep a night is more likely to happen if I schedule nine hours on the calendar.

Here are my energy resolutions that I’m working to turn into habits during the first quarter of 2010:

  • On nights when I work the following morning, begin bedtime routines at 9:00 p.m. (Change into pajamas, pick out clothes for tomorrow, feed pets, wash face, brush teeth, change son into his pajamas, curl up in bed with a book, etc.)
  • Lights out at 10:00 p.m.
  • Out of bed the first time the alarm clock rings at 7:00 a.m. (No snooze!)
  • On Monday evenings, create a healthy meal plan and shopping list for Wednesday through Wednesday. (I currently do this, I went ahead and put this on the list, though, to make it a priority to keep doing it.)
  • Grocery shop each Tuesday. (Again, I do this, just wanted to reinforce.)
  • When in town, eat out at restaurants three times a week or less. (I’m counting coffee and soda stops in this.)
  • Go to gym every day per training schedule for April race.

The point of these resolutions is to improve my sleeping, eating, and exercising routines, which will hopefully give me more energy. By the end of March I’ll report back about if I’ve noticed any improvement in my energy level. I have some intense resolutions planned for the second quarter of 2010, and I’m going to need more energy than I currently have.

How have you decided to structure your resolutions for 2010? What resolutions are on your list? How are they going so far? Remember, if you break a resolution, just start again the next day and tweak any plans that may need it. Good luck!

Posted by Erin on Jan 4, 2010 | 39 Comments | Tweet This

A year ago on Unclutterer

2009

2008

  • Post-holiday cleanup, part 2
    Storing ornaments through out the year is a bit of a pain, but it is necessary if you do have a Christmas tree to decorate this time of year.

Posted by PJ on Jan 3, 2010 | 1 Comment | Tweet This

Uncluttering advice on WGN Midday News

How are you feeling? Would you like me to whisper? Bring you a cool glass of water? I hope that everyone is recovering nicely from your New Year celebrations. I’ll keep things simple today, though, in case you’re still feeling the impact of your farewell to 2009 on Thursday night and the football-watching extravaganza yesterday.

On Tuesday, I appeared on WGN Midday News in Chicago and doled out some quick uncluttering advice. Enjoy the clip, and best wishes for your weekend of recovery.

Posted by Erin on Jan 2, 2010 | 22 Comments | Tweet This

Happy New Year!

All of us at Unclutterer would like to wish you a great 2010! Our team has the day off from work, but don’t forget you can always jump into the Forums and join the conversation there. We’ll return tomorrow to share more Uncluttering insights.

Posted by Erin on Jan 1, 2010 | 3 Comments | Tweet This