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Archives for A Year Ago

A year ago on Unclutterer

2010

• Preserving for posterity or hoarding?
  “A Generation X pack rat forfeits his treasures” is a thought-provoking article that explores the fanfare surrounding Douglas Coupland’s recent donation of his home’s vast collection of clutter to a university’s library.
• Unitasker Wednesday: The Cherry Chomper Cherry Pitter
  Reader Alison has introduced us to a very specific type of cherry pitter that is the opposite of small, looks extremely difficult to clean, and doesn’t appear to be nearly as efficient as its traditional competitor — and definitely crosses the line from single-task device into unitasker territory.
• Solving the mug clutter problem
  What do you do to keep mugs from overwhelming your cupboards? How do you organize your coffee cups? What is the “right” number of mugs for your home?

2009

• New Litter Robot accessories help keep your cat’s bathroom clean and uncluttered
  A bubble globe and a lip extender can solve problems your cats might have keeping their business inside the Litter Robot.
• Unitasker Wednesday: Garbage Bowl
  I know that the Rachel Ray Garbage Bowl pictured to the right looks like a regular bowl — but it isn’t. No, this is a very special bowl.

2008

• Multi-tasking gadgets worth sharing
  Four multitaskers to enjoy.

Posted by PJ on May 27, 2012 | Comments Off | Tweet This

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

• 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.
• Ask Unclutterer: Storing pan lids
  With limited drawer and cabinet space I am forced to store my pots and pans one within the other – which leaves the lids to fend for themselves. I’d love to hear if you have a solution.

2008

• G&S Design Compactables
  G&S Design has a nice selection of common kitchen tools that compact down into a more convienent size that makes storing them a little easier.

Posted by PJ on May 23, 2012 | Comments Off | Tweet This

A year ago on Unclutterer

2011

• 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.
• 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.

2008

• Price tag fastening gun: Clutter or clutter buster?
  You can use a price tag fastening gun to pair your socks before laundering … but does that mean I should buy it?

Posted by PJ on May 20, 2012 | Comments Off | Tweet This

A year ago on Unclutterer

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.

2010

• 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

• Be organized with a Butler Bag
  The Butler Bag makes purse organizing a breeze.

Posted by PJ on May 16, 2012 | Comments Off | Tweet This

A year ago on Unclutterer

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.
• 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.

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.
• Tipke Marine Fold-It Utility Cart
  A folding wheelbarrow can save space in the garage or shed.

2008

• Built’s cargo laptop sleeve
  Built’s new Cargo Laptop Sleeve is made from neoprene and also includes some very useful pockets to store computer accessories.

Posted by PJ on May 13, 2012 | Comments Off | Tweet This

A year ago on Unclutterer

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

• Dusting tips
  If you struggle with dust, learn how to keep it under control.
• DIY note card task board
  Follow Brian’s instructions to create a note card task board for less than $10.

2008

• Unitasker Wednesday: Cotton candy maker
  Some foods weren’t meant to be made at home.
• Rock Band clutter: A possible solution
  A decent Rock Band stand for all of your numerous Rock Band controllers.

Posted by PJ on May 9, 2012 | Comments Off | Tweet This

A year ago on Unclutterer

2011

• 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.
• 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.

2010

• Celebrity minimalist: Vincent Kartheiser
  Actor Vincent Kartheiser plays the loathsome Pete Campbell on the hit television show Mad Men, and he does it extremely well. (In fact, he does it so well, I can’t watch the show because I truly disdain his character.) In addition to being a great actor, he 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!
• Workspace of the Week: Outdoor office retreat
  This week’s Workspace of the Week is NomadJim’s tropical paradise.

2009

• Let board games multitask as artwork
  Board games can be stored on the wall instead of just in the closet.
• 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.
• An alternative to parchment paper
  For less that what you will spend in a year on parchment paper, you can buy two reusable Silpat silicone baking mats — and save space, too, in your pantry.

2008

• Unitasker Wednesday: The Dough-Nu-Matic
  If you are addicted to freshly deep fried doughnuts, now you can have your cravings quelled by investing in the Dough-Nu-Matic.
• How to digitally encode VHS home movies
  Instructions on how to create digital files of VHS home movies.

Posted by PJ on May 6, 2012 | Comments Off | Tweet This

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.

2010

• Unitasker Wednesday: Reel Roaster
  The Reel Roaster is guaranteed to make any child a plaintiff in a personal injury class action suit.

2008

• The highchair is in the way, again
  In our recent move to a smaller home, we have noticed that our daughter’s highchair is in the way more often than not.

Posted by PJ on Apr 29, 2012 | Comments Off | Tweet This

A year ago on Unclutterer

2009

• Ask Unclutterer: Storing sports equipment
  Reader Jesse asks for tips on how to store sporting equipment.

2008

• Storing out-of-season clothing
  The best ways to store out-of-season clothing in your home.

Posted by PJ on Apr 25, 2012 | Comments Off | Tweet This

A year ago on Unclutterer

2010

• 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.

2008

• Printing to PDF
  How to print to PDF without having to drop hundreds of dollars on Adobe Acrobat 8 Professional.
• Unitasker Wednesday: Movie Time Kettle Popcorn Maker

Posted by PJ on Apr 18, 2012 | Comments Off | Tweet This

A year ago on Unclutterer

2011

• 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.
• Unitasker Wednesday: The fire extinguisher
  How many fire extinguishers does your home need?

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″.

Posted by PJ on Apr 8, 2012 | Comments Off | Tweet This

A year ago on Unclutterer

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.

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

• Making a family first aid kit
  The “kit” can be a backpack, large ice bucket, plastic cooler, metal toolbox, small suitcase or something similar.
• Ask Unclutterer: What should I do with old x-ray films?
  The next time you go to your doctor’s office, bring along your collection of x-rays. Ask your doctor which of the x-rays are worth keeping, and which ones you can purge.

2008

• Reader question: How to organize rechargeable batteries?
  Solutions for storing rechargeable batteries.

Posted by PJ on Apr 4, 2012 | Comments Off | Tweet This

A year ago on Unclutterer

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

• 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.
• Unitasker Wednesday: Muffin Magic
  Are you tired of making muffins the old fashioned way? Yeah, me too.

2008

• Reader question: How to hide a shredder?
  Suggestions for how to camouflage office equipment.

Posted by PJ on Apr 1, 2012 | Comments Off | Tweet This

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.”

2008

• Managing Computer File Clutter Pt. 2: External Storage
  For his final installment of his data organization series, Brian extols his wisdom on external storage systems.

Posted by PJ on Mar 28, 2012 | Comments Off | Tweet This

A year ago on Unclutterer

2011

• Unclutterer housekeeping
  I am pleased to announce that these layout errors have finally been corrected by my publisher, and a new Kindle version is available for download.

2010

• Kindle software available for Mac users
  I know that not everyone is on board with reading electronic books as a way to control over-flowing bookshelves, but if you are, you might be happy to know that Kindle software is now available for Mac.
• How much is enough?
  My answer to the question, “How much is enough?” is turning out to be much less than I imagined. My family and I don’t require too many physical objects to be healthy, happy, and comfortable in the modern world.
• Unitasker Wednesday: Cupmen Instant Noodle Figure
  The Cupmen Instant Noodle Figure rests on the lip of your steeping noodles and tells you when they’re “done.” In three minutes, the plastic, heat-sensitive Cupmen Figure transforms from a little blue guy into a little white guy. When he’s all white, you know your noodles are ready to eat. Yay, unnecessary plastic doodads!

2009

• Ruthless Simplicity: How to ward off doing more and burning out
  My initial inclination to planning for business growth was to do more. Work more hours. Put my kid into more programs. Just cram more into my life for a period of time. You know, weather the beautiful storm. But this time, I stopped myself.
• Book review: One Year to an Organized Work Life
  Overall Leeds’ book One Year to an Organized Work Life is an extensive, yet practical resource for those in need of a complete organizational overhaul or others who could use improvement in a few problematic areas.

2008

• Semi-homemade cooking for busy people
  Lee’s cookbooks are perfect tools for modern, busy families.
• Collapsible gardening container
  For those of you who have spring fever and are itching to get outside and clean up your yard, here is a nice 30 gallon gardening container that may interest you.

Posted by PJ on Mar 25, 2012 | Comments Off | Tweet This

A year ago on Unclutterer

2010

• Ask Unclutterer: Simple baby-proofing solutions
  What is a good computer set-up that can also be locked away to keep little fingers away from the keyboard, mouse, and tower? We’re looking for something relatively inexpensive, but we haven’t found a good solution that would also fit in a living room, since our computer/monitor also functions as our TV/DVD player. Any suggestions?

2008

• Unclutter your computer with a Personal Information Manager
  A personal information manager takes all of the assorted clippings, bookmarks, images and other files, and stores them in one convenient place.

Posted by PJ on Mar 21, 2012 | Comments Off | Tweet This

A year ago on Unclutterer

2011

• Unitasker Wednesday: The Meatballer
  Little did I know, but there is a kitchen gadget especially for the purpose of making meatballs. The Meatballer.

2010

• Embark on new adventures: Erin’s second set of 2010 resolutions
  The theme for my second-quarter resolutions is “Embark on new adventures.” Now that I have the much needed energy I was craving, I’m excited about putting it to use. The following are the resolutions I’ve set for April, May, and June.
• In praise of the reversible belt
  While they’re not quite as cool as Transformers, I think you’ll agree that reversible belts are much cooler than Gobots.
• File your taxes already!
  Since tax time is a little less than a month away, I wanted to nudge everyone to get their papers filed if you haven’t already done so. Especially if the government owes you money, it’s good to get this chore marked off your to-do list earlier than later.
• Unitasker Wednesday: Hide your St. Patrick’s Day hangover
  If you’re planning on heading into work tomorrow with a wicked hangover, let me recommend the following methods for keeping a low-key profile in the office

2009

• Self-cleaning toilets: Genius!
  The people in Switzerland are brilliant.
• Unitasker Wednesday: The baby food organizer
  The “space saving design” is a little suspect in that it displays the jars in a vertical fashion rather than simply stacking neatly in your cupboard.

Posted by PJ on Mar 18, 2012 | Comments Off | Tweet This

A year ago on Unclutterer

2011

• Super storage closets
  A well-organized storage closet can be a beneficial attribute in any home or office. You can easily find what you need, when you need it, and have an exact space to return an object when you’re finished.

2010

• Ask Unclutterer: Putting away laundry
  Your advice on doing the laundry is fantastic. I’ve employed several tips with great success. In particular, I’m a fan of clothing items that need little care (e.g. no ironing, dry cleaning, etc.). However, I’m unable to find usable suggestions on HOW TO PUT THE LAUNDRY AWAY.

Posted by PJ on Mar 14, 2012 | Comments Off | Tweet This

A year ago on Unclutterer

2011

• When whimsy and utility collide
  Even though I bought a Kik-Step for nostalgic reasons, it has surprisingly turned out to be one of the most useful objects in our home.
• Unitasker Wednesday: ABC Cookie Cutters
  Even if you don’t take a bite out of them yourself, you could at least break off a limb or two instead of using any of the three ABC* Cookie Cutters.
• Ask Unclutterer: Toddler-safe labeling solutions
  Reader Cynthia needs a toddler-safe way to label boxes while keeping a nice aesthetic.

2010

• Three universal truths for why projects are not completed on time
  In fact, even when we think we’re in charge of a project, we often are not. When we have to rely on others to supply information, supplies, or support, timelines (and budgets) can quickly be extended. After years of working across multiple professions and clients, I have identified where projects typically go awry. From page 200 of Unclutter Your Life in One Week …
• Unitasker Wednesday: Specialized steak branding irons
  When March rolls onto the calendar, I begin preparations for the coming months filled with warmer weather. I plant seedlings for my garden, wipe down the patio furniture, and clean up the grill. Additionally, I bring out my vast collection of specialized steak branding irons.
• Ask Unclutterer: Food storage containers
  Reader Carla asks for a recommendation on the best type of food storage container that won’t clutter up her mother’s cabinets.
• Using a three-folder system to keep e-mail under control
  Checking, reading, processing, replying to, and stressing out about e-mail can all be sources of clutter in our lives. And, according to a recent Fast Company article written by Gina Trapani titled “Work Smart: Conquering Your Email Inbox,” it might be taking up half of our workweek.

2009

• Increase productivity with voice recognition software
  Dragon NaturallySpeaking claims to improve typing speeds from 35 words per minute to 120 words per dictated minute.
• Ask Unclutterer: Laundry tips for apartment dwellers
  If you don’t have a washer and dryer in your apartment, how can you make the process suck less?

2008

• Brainwash your way to a clutter-free life?
• Pump up the volume
  Follow your strengths: You may be one of the few who will be more successful with your organization efforts if you work with noise.

Posted by PJ on Mar 11, 2012 | Comments Off | Tweet This

A year ago on Unclutterer

2010

• A lesson on mental clutter from the book Zen Shorts
  Frustrations caused by occasional messes are usually not worth carrying around with you and cluttering up your mind, energy, and emotions.
• Maybe you can take it with you…
  Why leave behind beautiful solid-wood furniture for your heirs to fight over when you can be buried in it?
• Unitasker Wednesday: Microwave French Fry Maker
  I have never had a french fry made with this contraption, but supposedly it allows you to microwave fries purchased in your grocer’s freezer and turn them into treats that taste like ones from your favorite fast-food joint. But, I’m sincerely doubting this claim seeing as we all know it’s the fat and grease that makes fast food french fries so yummy.
• Project Basement: Day 3
  Except for a couple hours this morning pulling out the washer and dryer, sweeping the floor where they had been, and doing a general cleanup in the laundry area of the basement, I’ve been sorting, scanning, and recycling a couple hundred pounds of paperwork.

Posted by PJ on Mar 4, 2012 | Comments Off | Tweet This

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