Archives for A Year Ago
A year ago on Unclutterer
2011
- Ask Unclutterer: Organizing and uncluttering strategies for people with ADHD and visual processors
Reader Shannon is looking for tips for people with ADHD and who are also visual processors.
2010
- Ask Unclutterer: Storing spices
I was wondering what you thought of spice racks? I was thinking of purchasing one, but I see a lot of of options and some seem bulky, expensive and unappealing.
2009
- Unitasker Wednesday: Poop Freeze Aerosol Freeze Spray
Poop Freeze Aerosol Freeze Spray is supposed to do what its name suggests — freeze your dog’s mess. - East Village apartment makes amazing use of space
A family of four renovates their small East Village apartment to make it livable for a family of four.
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A year ago on Unclutterer
2012
- Unitasker Wednesday: Pizza Plates
I have to be honest, I don’t understand the need to own six triangular shaped plates with pictures of pepperoni pizza on them for the sole purpose of serving slices of restaurant-made pizza. Introducing, the Pizza Plates - New additions to the Unclutterer family: Introducing Dave Caolo
Today we welcome technology wizard Dave Caolo to the Unclutterer content team. - Ask Unclutterer: Designing a new space that prevents clutter and reduces cleaning time
Reader Howard asks: “Do you have any tips for remodeling or building a house that would help prevent clutter or reduce cleaning maintenance in the design of the space?”
2011
- Ask Unclutterer: Concert tickets
Reader Ali wants to know how best to display her concert, play, festival, and movie tickets she has kept over the years. - Unitasker Wednesday: Corn Kerneler
If your ear of corn is too big or too small, the blade on the Corn Kerneler doesn’t work because it isn’t adjustable.
2010
- Focus and self control at the heart of uncluttering and productivity
If you can’t identify where you are going (the reasons you want to unclutter and improve your productivity) and stay focused on that goal, you will struggle greatly with your uncluttering efforts. Thankfully, Ellen Galinsky, author of the book Mind in the Making reports that these skills can be learned and improved. - The never-ending search for the perfect home
A bigger home won’t solve your clutter problems, and the “perfect” house won’t curb your desire to buy more, more, more or transform your life. The real solution is to fix your relationship with your possessions and get things under control in your current living situation. - Assorted links for May 18, 2010
Things from the uncluttering, productivity, and simple living worlds that are worth sharing.
2009
- Furniture solution for music practice space
Dedicated furniture can help organize a music practice space. - How to clean stuff
If you are looking to clean anything in your home, check out How To Clean Stuff for solid directions.
A year ago on Unclutterer
2012
- Five tasks to keep your Monday morning productive
Monday mornings can be tough, especially rainy ones like we’re having in the Mid-Atlantic this morning. Instead of wasting away your morning, try these simple five tasks to keep your productivity from stalling. - New additions to the Unclutterer family: Introducing Deb Lee
We are happy to announce that two writers are joining our content team here at Unclutterer. First up, is professional organizer Deb Lee.
2010
- Weigh in: How do you store the tiniest toys in your child’s playroom
Reader Stephanie is in the process of making over her children’s playroom and wrote to me asking for some organizing help. She is specifically having problems finding ways to store those small, easily misplaced, choke-able pieces of games and toys. She has tried using zip-top bags with very little success and wants a more visually pleasing solution. - Ask Unclutterer: Regular car maintenance
Do you have any tips to keep track of upkeep for your vehicle, such as when to have tires rotated, etc.?
2009
- Tipke Marine Fold-It Utility Cart
A folding wheelbarrow can save space in the garage or shed.
A year ago on Unclutterer
2012
- Unitasker Wednesday: The KAZeKUP
We talk a lot on Unclutterer about honoring the things you choose to keep in your life. Put these things up on a (proverbial) pedestal and enjoy the items you value and treasure. But … the KAZeKUP isn’t really what we had in mind. - An uncluttered plunger, really
I was recently impressed when I saw a demonstration of the new Rubbermaid Clean and Dry Plunger (yes, you just read that correctly, I was impressed by a plunger … and you probably will be, too).
2010
- Book review: Stuff
Hoarding specialists Randy Frost and Gail Steketee recently published Stuff: Compulsive Hoarding and the Meaning of Things that explores the psychological world of hoarding. In the book, the components of the disorder are explained through case studies, and the authors also provide many examples to illustrate where a hoarder’s actions diverge from those of a healthy individual. - Parting with sentimental clutter
We all struggle with sentimental clutter, not just hoarders, and the authors of the book Stuff explain why on page 45: “We can’t help but imagine that some essence of the person or the event symbolized by the objects will magically rub off and become part of us.” - Unitasker Wednesday: Tu-Go Travel Coffee Cup Holder
A decade ago, I might have looked at the Tu-Go Travel Coffee Cup Holder and not considered it for our weekly unitasker feature. But now, thanks to security measures at the airport, I can’t even imagine when a person would have the opportunity to use this.
2009
- Not getting things done? Try WSD
WSD = Find something to write on. Find something to write with. Finally, and most importantly, WRITE STUFF DOWN. - Hinge hooks
Recently, I learned about these simple hooks that fit over the pins of door hinges. You pull out your hinge’s pins, slip the hook onto the hinge, and then slide the hinge pin back into place.
A year ago on Unclutterer
2012
- Uncluttered gift ideas for Mother’s Day
Mother’s Day is this weekend (May 13) and although flowers and plants are usually an appreciated and safe gift, you may be thinking outside the (flower) box this year. If you’re still looking for ideas, consider giving an uncluttered gift.
2010
- Using dynamicFRAMES for children’s artwork
Parents often write to me and ask how they can organize their children’s artwork so that it doesn’t overwhelm every vertical surface in their homes. I usually suggest purchasing an art gallery system and rotating works through dynamicFRAMES.
2009
- 35 luxury notebooks to organize your life
If you’re a traditional pen and paper notebook aficionado, then this exhaustive list of notebooks will get you headed in the right direction. - Unitasker Wednesday: Spin the Bottle Game
The Electronic Spin the Bottle Game isn’t your parents’ empty bottle.
A year ago on Unclutterer
2012
- Unitasker Wednesday: Cupcake Corer
This week’s selection sincerely leaves me asking a lot of questions. What horrible event could have possibly happened to someone to make him want to punish cupcakes and those who love to eat them? Introducing the cupcake mutilating Cuisipro Cupcake Corer.
2011
- April resolution wrap up and an introduction of May’s resolution
For May, my public resolution is to be more mindful and deliberate about my media intake. I’m not against television, magazines, newspapers, or the internet (obviously), I think they are wonderful forms of entertainment, education, and information distribution. I’ve simply realized that it is more difficult for me to disconnect from media now than it once was, and this doesn’t sit well with me. - Book review: Keeping It Straight
Keeping It Straight — You, Me, and Everything Else by Patrick Rhone is a digital book that is part memoir, part simple living and productivity guide, which through a collection of short essays addresses clearing clutter from your life to greater experience happiness. - Unitasker Wednesday: Lawn Stryper
No matter how many times I read the product description I couldn’t figure out what the Lawn Stryper does.
2010
- Celebrity minimalist: Vincent Kartheiser
In addition to being a great actor, Vincent Kartheiser also appears to be in the running for the most extreme minimalist celebrity in Hollywood. - Organizing and uncluttering as entertainment
If organizing and uncluttering are fun as games, why are these same activities considered chores in our homes and offices? Why don’t we look forward to putting things away? Why is cleaning up after a dinner party never as much fun as setting up? - Unitasker Wednesday: Snap On Bottle Tops
When you’re drinking soda pop out of a can, do you really wish you were drinking it out of a bottle? Is a 12 oz. soft drink just the right size, and 20 oz. way too much? Sure, you could buy a 20 oz. bottle, drink only the amount you want, and save the rest for later — but we both know that would be too easy!
2009
- Bluetooth keyboard with integrated trackpad eliminates wires and multiple devices
The Logitech Mediaboard Pro makes an excellent keyboard for a Home Theater PC. - Barnes and Noble now selling audio books online
Barnes and Noble has jumped into the online audio book market.
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A year ago on Unclutterer
2011
- Switching out seasonal clothing
Before you pack away your winter coat and hat, take a few minutes and make sure you’re keeping clutter out of storage and also protecting your clothes so you won’t be unpacking clutter in the fall. - Unitasker Wednesday: Woozie
If I’m to believe fancy music videos, people who party on yachts and tropical beaches can afford wine buckets and coolers to keep bottles chilly.
2010
- Unitasker Wednesday: Reel Roaster
The Reel Roaster is guaranteed to make any child a plaintiff in a personal injury class action suit.
A year ago on Unclutterer
2012
- Are you prepared for severe weather and natural disasters?
This week is the first National Severe Weather Preparedness Week in the US. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, along with a number of other acronym-identified organizations, started the week to help Americans prepare for floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, major thunderstorms, earthquakes, volcanoes, wildfires, and whatever else nature throws our way.
2009
- Unitasker Wednesday: The dog umbrella
Have any of you seen a pet umbrella in action? It is definitely something to see. - Ask Unclutterer: Storing sports equipment
Reader Jesse asks for tips on how to store sporting equipment.
A year ago on Unclutterer
2012
- Unitasker Wednesday: Coffee unitaskers continue
For this week’s unitasker selection, I wanted to keep with the April theme of coffee-inspired unitaskers. And, when looking for such unitaskers, my kitchen seemed like the perfect spot to find candidates.
2011
- Mail sorting solutions
The first goal is to put a sorting system in place so the mail has a place to go immediately upon entering the house. - Unitasker Wednesday: Pizza Saver plastic bags
As far as I can tell, this may be the perfect unitasker.
2010
- Simply-designed outboard DAC improves computer audio quality
The NuForce DAC gives you affordable high-end computer audio in a compact and simple package. - Ask Unclutterer: Preserving cherished sentimental items
How can I possibly display and store such varied sentimental items in a one-bedroom apartment without looking like a junk shop? Help!!
2009
- Chalk it up!
Chalkboards to keep you on track with your goals.
A year ago on Unclutterer
2012
- Unitasker Wednesday: Pour some iced coffee on me
There are special trays to make frozen coffee cubes and special coffeemakers to make only iced coffee. Seriously. These things exist. I’m not making them up. They’re real. - Using timers to improve productivity
Timers help you to stay focused and complete tasks — specifically the not-so-fun ones and the ones that have to get done — in reasonable amounts of time.
2011
- Keeping book clutter off the bookshelf
When packing up our bookshelves for our move, these are the standards I used for deciding what moved and what didn’t. - A moment of reflection: Four years and 500,000 words
The Unclutterer community is truly wonderful and supportive, and I love working for you. Thank you so much for a terrific four years, and I’m excited about reaching the five year mark and 2,000 posts by next March! - Unitasker Wednesday: Light Up Toilet Seat
Toilet darkness is a major concern for most people. Thankfully, the Light Up Toilet Seat is here to help. - Staying organized during an office move
With an office move, your entire office needs to be put away instantly or you could suffer negative repercussions, like losing productivity, clients, income, or even your job.
2010
- Cleaning your home’s gutters
DIYlife.com’s recent article “Spring Maintenance: Clean Gutters and Downspouts” is a wonderful step-by-step guide on how to get the debris out so that your home is ready for spring rains. - Organizing the creative mind
While some ideas are killed for good reason, most ideas are abandoned half-baked as a result of obstacles during execution. - Unitasker Wednesday: Pineapple slicer
Whenever I’m in a kitchen supply store, I always think about fake medieval torture devices and imagine what future generations could make up about the pineapple slicer unitasker.
2009
- The deep drawer problem
The deep drawer is a depository for just about every tool in the kitchen. It contains everything from a whisk to a rolling pin.
A year ago on Unclutterer
2010
- Ask Unclutterer: How long should I keep bills that have been digitally scanned?
I have all my papers (bills, documents etc.) digital, so its no physical clutter. But I’m not sure how long to keep digital files like itemized bills, phone bills, electricity bills etc.? - Use Twitter to keep track of new streaming movies from Netflix
Minimize your use of DVDs and other physical media by knowing what movies you can stream
2009
- Install a tip out tray in front of your sink
The useless fake drawers that are installed in front of the sink do nothing but take up space.
A year ago on Unclutterer
2012
- Unitasker Wednesday: Coffee Filter Separator Tool
Want to know what is not a problem in search of a solution? Separating paper coffee filters. Want to know why it’s not a problem? Because a reusable coffee filter costs less than $1.50 and you have no need to use paper coffee filters or separate them from each other.
2011
- Easily hang an organized photo gallery with The PerfectPicturewall
We are very happy with the appearance of the finished product from this gallery kit, and the process was unbelievably simple for us to navigate. - Teaching toddlers about organizing
Young children are eager to be independent, and helping your child learn skills that foster this independence as well as acquire valuable organizing concepts are a great place to start the teaching process.
2010
- forScore app brings sheet music to the iPad
forScore lets you use your own sheet music PDFs on the iPad.
2009
- Christoph Niemann’s My Life With Cables
Artist Christoph Niemann reflected on his relationship with cables and wires on the New York Times blog Abstract City. - Another option in space-saving ladders
The 5′ Compact Ladder collapses down to roughly the size of a 61″ long 2″ x 4″.
A year ago on Unclutterer
2012
- New storage products for the home
New storage products that help organize items in the home — Rubbermaid Bento Boxes and Store Clever Trays, DrawerDecor custom drawer organizing system, and Pliio for clothes filing.
2011
- Ask Unclutterer: What to do with sentimental t-shirts?
Reader Dawn’s son has numerous team “spirit” shirts — what should she do with the ones she wants to get rid of and the ones she wants to keep?
2010
- Ask Unclutterer: Mental clutter
Reader Stefanie asks for help in dealing with worries about searching for a job and waiting on queries that are cluttering up her mind.
2009
- Unitasker Wednesday: Muffin Magic
Are you tired of making muffins the old fashioned way? Yeah, me too. - Making a family first aid kit
A year ago on Unclutterer
2012
- New paper sorting and filing products
Introduced at the 24th National Association of Profesional Organizers’ annual conference, are new paper sorting and filing products to help you keep your paper mess under control.
2010
- Review of Your Money: The missing manual
J.D. Roth, who writes the educational and extremely valuable personal finance blog GetRichSlowly.org, just published Your Money: The missing manual with O’Reilly books. The book is filled with charts, graphs, checklists, guides, and explanations that explore the basics and advanced methods of personal finance — all with Roth’s simple ease and charm. - Unitasker Wednesday: The mushroom brush
Oh, mushroom brush, you have confused me for years. How are you better at cleaning dirt off a mushroom than a simple kitchen sponge?
2009
- Disaster uncluttering
How to prepare for the worst.
A year ago on Unclutterer
2010
- Ask Unclutterer: Magazine clutter
Reader Nia: “I am especially guilty of magazine clutter. Why am I unable to throw away magazines? It’s seriously painful for me to get rid of them. The only plausible explanation I’ve come up with is that the magazine has done such a good job marketing themselves (all of them have, mind you) that it embodies a lifestyle and not just a pack of paper.”
