Archives for A Year Ago
A year ago on Unclutterer
2008
- Ikea’s new Laptop Workstation: A highlight of 2009 catalog
Ikea’s PS collection expands with a wonderful addition of the wall-mounted Laptop Workstation. - Unitasker Wednesday: UroClub
I’m not sure if the UroClub is a joke, but is definitely a ridiculous alternative to using the woods. - Hangers, hangers, hangers!
I’m sure our readers have many differing opinions on what the best hanger is, but I’ll highlight a few options. - Clearing mind chatter
When mind clutter takes over your thoughts, what can you do to gain control and refocus? - Workspace of the Week: Perfect spaces
The cabinetry carved out around the window, the pegs for headphones, and the black wall under the desk make this an incredible workspace. - Uncluttering and weight loss: Is there a connection?
Is weight loss a side effect of uncluttering, or is it just a correlation? - Say you’re sorry
Let us take a few minutes and write (humorous) letters of apology to those whom we impacted with our clutter!
2007
- Hide your ironing board
Four options for storing your ironing board when it’s not in use. - Board game clutter
The board game itself isn’t really the space hog. The box the game comes in is the culprit. - After the yard sale
The most important thing we succeeded in doing was getting rid of a ton of stuff we don’t use anymore. - Peter Walsh was in a barbershop Quartet in Skokie, Illinois
Popularity: 7% [?]
A year ago on Unclutterer
2008
- Interview with organizing legend Julie Morgenstern
Unclutterer interviews Julie Morgenstern about her latest book. - Brando 4-in-1 desk lamp
When I first read about the multifunctional Brando 4-in-1 desk lamp I was a bit intrigued, but then I looked at the thing and its functions, and I was underwhelmed. - Keep the stroller at home
Having to lug a car seat and stroller through the airport isn’t a very fun experience. - O’Reilly embraces ebook technology and releases 30 digital titles
Technology publishing giant O’Reilly recently announced that many of its popular titles will be released in ebook format. - Answering unique reader mail
We get some strange e-mail, so I decided to answer some of the special pieces.
2007
- Be organized after an auto accident
After a car accident a person can be disoriented and anxious so it is best to have a plan of action in place to keep organized. - Porch and patio storage
If you have an outdoor area where you spend a fair amount of time, there are sure to be items that permanently reside outside. - Helping parents downsize their home
The article Conquering Clutter from the January/February 2007 issue of AARP Magazine offers many suggestions and insight on this emotional topic. - Redefining the sofabed
Sofabeds are wonderful space-savers, but this is ridiculous. - Megapixel arms race
Does the high number of megapixels give one the bragging rights to win the race?
Popularity: 6% [?]
A year ago on Unclutterer
2008
- Reader question: Move or store furniture?
Reader Lisa wonders if she should store furniture she doesn’t want to move into her new home. - What would you choose for Seth Brundle?
If you could only wear one outfit for the rest of your life, what would it be? - Plan out the week’s clothing on Sunday
Back to school time is almost here. Soon parents and children will be fighting each morning on what to wear. - The Garage zone: Tips to organize your garage
As we head into the dog days of summer, it’s a great time to organize the garage. - Workspace of the Week: A clean desk
Nick cleans his desk and makes great use of his space with four monitors. - College Life: Making your dorm room livable
Intern Julia gives advice for sprucing up your dorm room
Popularity: 7% [?]
A year ago on Unclutterer
2008
- Take a load off your summertime travel plans
Now that some airlines are charging for checked baggage, look to these tips to reduce your summer travel load. - Clearing out attic clutter
No one ever said getting rid of clutter is easy. It takes time, effort, and sometimes an emotional toll. - I don’t know about you, but I’m going to the spa
Erin takes the day off to celebrate her birthday. - Uncluttered cooking magazine
Cuisine at Home is a very straight-to-the-point magazine that has zero ads and tons of tips and recipes.
2007
- Unclutterer in latest issue of Ready Made magazine
Unclutterer can be found on page 64 of the August/September 2007 issue of Ready Made magazine. - Ideas for managing your child’s toys
Suggestions for what to do to stop the accumulation of more children’s toys. - Make your yard easier to maintain
If you have a larger yard with more landscaping and plants to tend to, you may want to try some of these tips to cut your maintenance down as much as possible. - Collapsible measuring cups
I don’t know how many times I’ve tried to close the utensil drawer in our kitchen when a measuring cup gets caught up in the drawer.
Popularity: 7% [?]
A year ago on Unclutterer
2008
- Filing systems that failed
The 19th century gave birth to many filing systems that turned out to be complete failures before the vertical filing systems became popular. - Unclutterer editor appears in Ready Made magazine
Erin writes a closet organizing article for the Aug/Sep issue of Ready Made magazine. - Unitasker Wednesday: The watch winder
Now you can skip the winding of your watch with this amazing product that doubles as a display case. - Use water bottles to store paint
Paint cans always seem to be left behind by previous owners and they tend to sit in a garage or basement for eternity. - No more need for a big salad spinner
Salad spinner bags replace a need for a cumbersome, large, hard plastic, salad spinner. - Workspace of the Week: An Ikea dreamsicle
Basic Ikea pieces can be set against a brightly painted wall to create a fun, unique space. - Recycling bins don’t have to be messy
A June 2008 Popular Mechanics article examines ways to get rid of recycling clutter. - July 2008 wrap up
These are the things that made July 2008 a great month at Unclutterer.com.
2007
- Yard sale preparation
To get our home into order we have decided to have a yard sale. - Unclutterer joins the LifeRemix network
Unclutterer is pleased to announce that it has joined LifeRemix, a network of personal enrichment blogs. LifeRemix blogs explore the topics of productivity, happiness, work and family balance, personal development, and, of course, home and office organization. - Bike storage solutions
There are many storage solutions available that will keep your bike out of the way when it isn’t in use.
Popularity: 6% [?]
A year ago on Unclutterer
2008
- Unclutterer’s comment policy
Nasty grams are pure clutter, so we clean them off the server the same way we throw away junk mail in our homes. - 25 tips to prepare your home for sale
With the real estate market in decline it is more important than ever to prepare your home before you put it on the market. - In search of a nail care storage solution
My wife’s manicure bag is in complete disarray, but we are at a loss for a suitable storage solution. - Shiny Object Syndrome: Is your business at risk?
Do you let your decisions at work be guided by the latest new item?
2007
- More than 15 ways to handle recurrent clutter
There are three areas in my home that are on a recurring cycle of being cluttered and cause me stress: the kitchen, the family room, and the dirty clothes hamper in the bedroom. Provided in the post are more than 10 helpful hints for dealing with this clutter. - Reader question: How to dispose of unused medications
Medicines are hazardous waste and should be disposed of properly. - A travel friendly solution for your baby’s dining needs
So you have an infant or toddler and your traveling to a destination that isn’t equipped with a high chair? - Coleman multi-tasking blanket
Here at Unclutterer we love multi-taskers. Especially, multi-taskers that can be stored away in a neat little bag.
Popularity: 7% [?]
A year ago on Unclutterer
2008
- Cleaning out your cluttered car
Envision a clutter-free car, and take these steps to whip your automobile into shape. - Unitasker Wednesday: The strawberry huller
Apparently, the strawberry needs to be hulled before one can really enjoy the juicy red fruit. - Get more use out of a convertible crib
Convertible cribs, for those who don’t know, are cribs that convert into smaller beds. - College Life: Back-to-school basics
The first installment of Intern Julia’s series on college dorm living. - Workspace of the Week: Pie in the sky
With a view this wonderful, Rephlektiv’s office was a shoe-in for our weekly feature. - How a home office should function
The three qualities everyone should strive to achieve in her home office. - Relax your game with an uncluttered golf bag
Get rid of your low-use golf clubs and start enjoying the game again.
2007
- Unclutter worries from your mind
When I find my thoughts are a mess, I answer the following five questions to unclutter my mind. - Extreme minimalism Monday: Bucket o’ food
The extreme minimalist outdoes Rachael Ray by eating for $40 a Month. - Of uncluttering buddies and shoes
- Child’s beach bag can help contain beach toy clutter
Children’s beach toys can quickly grow out of control, and a beach tote of his or her own can help solve the problem. - Craftsman tool chest becomes non-traditional jewelry box
All of your jewelry, regardless of size or shape, can fit comfortably inside a Craftsman Six Drawer Tool Chest. - Website helps identify walker-friendly neighborhoods
Walk Score ranks the walkability of a neighborhood for people interested in a car-free lifestyle. - Unitasker Wednesday: Apple peeler-corer
My love affair with Williams-Sonoma’s endless supply of unitaskers continues with this contraption to help you peel and core your apples. - Attack your junk drawer
We all have at least one drawer in our house that has turned into what can be called a junk drawer. - Organizing your dorm room
So is it possible for college aged co-eds to keep their dorms in an organized and uncluttered state? Here are some tips and products to help achieve the nearly impossible task.
Popularity: 7% [?]
A year ago on Unclutterer
2008
- iPhone 3G reduces pocket clutter
Erin jumped on the iPhone 3G bandwagon and found that the phone actually reduces pocket clutter. - Inbox zero
The inbox is now an extension of your attic clutter. - Tiny landing strip for tiny spaces
It may be a little difficult in some smaller spaces to dedicate an area for the typical landing strip. - iPhone apps help reduce clutter and improve productivity
iPhone applications that work to improve organization and time management.
2007
- Free-up space in your bathroom by getting rid of nail polish
If you’re looking to free up some space in your bathroom cabinets, you might think about getting rid of your finger nail polish supply. - Living small
Lowe’s now sells floor plans and kits for their Katrina Cottages, which have footprints starting at 544 square feet. - Uncluttered mosquito solution
Gomestic article names five plants that help repel mosquitoes during summer months.
Popularity: 7% [?]
A year ago on Unclutterer
2008
- It’s new and improved!
Over at Neuromarketing, studies suggest that we may be hardwired to find “new products (and even repackaged old products) attractive.” - Work life creeping into personal life? Try a battery-only weekend
If you’re having difficulty drawing the line between work life and your personal life, try living off of your laptop’s battery power for a weekend. - The endowment effect
A recent Economist article discusses the physiological, psychological, and economically irrational attachments people have with objects they own. And, to take it one step further, why it’s difficult to part with our possessions.
2007
- Handling inherited clutter, part 1
The first post in the series on what to do with clutter that comes with the loss of a loved one or when someone is moved into a smaller living space, such as a nursing home. - Gamer clutter
If you are a gamer, try and keep your entertainment system under control and the gaming clutter to a minimum. - Corrective lenses are clutter
The ability to see when I wake up is definitely the highest priority, but also I’m tired of keeping my drawer stocked with lenses and solutions.
Popularity: 7% [?]
A year ago on Unclutterer
2008
- How to be prepared in case of fire
What should you do now to make life easier if your home burns in a fire. - Unitasker Wednesday: Microwavable S’Mores Maker
S’mores on demand is an incredible luxury that you can enjoy whenever the mood strikes you. - Futon with storage
When you hear the word “futon,” your back probably starts to ache a bit. - Essential tools for the household handyman
Eleven essential tools for your home tool box. - Workspace of the Week: Pretty in pink
Kelly Sue’s office takes the color pink and runs with it to create an organized office. - Curbing cables on a media center
How to use kwik klips, plastic cable ties, and velcro fasteners to get rid of cable clutter on a media center. - Wall-E: A fun film with an uncluttered message
Latest Pixar animated film carries a message about the ills of over consumption.
2007
- Extreme minimalism Monday: sounds of silence
What’s the extreme minimalist listening to on his new iPod? - Living in small spaces
Tips for living like you would in a 360-square-foot cabin. - My umbrella has wifi!
Temptations to buy clutter are everywhere — even in cool gadgets. - Reader question: Dealing with a cluttery significant other
“I wonder if you can address what to do when one person in a relationship is content to be a clutterer, and the other person desires to be clutter-free.” - Unitasker Wednesday: The Towel-matic paper towel dispenser
Now you can live a stress free life without having to worry about the dangers of getting crushed by a paper towel avalanche. - Everyday things: Are you buying quality or quantity?
Knowing about the potential of what you already own can keep you from having to acquire even more things. - The tried and true Swiss Army Knife
The Victorinox Swiss Army Ranger Pocket Knife measures in at 3.5 inches and weighs a miniscule 4.8 ounces as it packs a whopping twenty different tools.
Popularity: 8% [?]
A year ago on Unclutterer
2008
- What happens when Unclutterer is invited to tour Consumer Reports
Erin tours Consumer Reports’ testing facilities and learns a great deal about informed consumerism. - Collections of Nothing
This book looks quite interesting and will probably be of interest to readers of this blog. - Wedding clutter
For some reason we kept napkins, cookie bags, candles, champagne glasses, greeting cards, wedding programs, cake knife, guestbook pen, a wedding favor, a personal wedding planner, random photos from disposable cameras, and a cake topper. - Notebook portable grill
This little grill folds up to be only 1.25″ thick.
2007
- Transforming inherited jewelry
Artist Sara Bradstreet discusses how she reinvents old jewelry to get it out of your jewelry box and into the daylight. - The space saving bicycle
So you want a bicycle, but you just don’t have the room to store it? Well, why not check out the A-bike? - Organization facts from Mother Jones
Mother Jones provides an interesting list of facts on organization in America.
Popularity: 7% [?]
Peter Walsh provides organizing tips for Microsoft Office users
Last month, reader Bev wrote in to our Ask Unclutterer column looking for tips on how to use Entourage on a Mac to organize e-mail and create tasks. A few days before I received her question, I had spoken to super organizer Peter Walsh about the program and was able to pass along a few of his tips.
Peter has gone on to create a 15-minute video for Microsoft talking about how he recommends using Microsoft Office to organize three specific areas of one’s life (family, finance, and health). It’s on the Microsoft for Mac section of the website, but I’ve watched most of the video and can’t really see that any of his tips are necessarily Mac-specific. If you’re a Microsoft Office PC user, you can benefit from the video just the same.
A few words about the video:
- If you don’t have Microsoft’s Silverlight browser plugin on your computer, you’ll be prompted to download it. It’s free and you don’t have to reboot your computer after installing it.
- The video includes helpful advice, but in this specific situation Peter talks much slower than he usually does. His slow speech is obviously so that people can open up programs and move things around while following along with the video. However, if you’re not opening programs and following his advice while watching the video, you’ll probably miss his typical fast-paced, cheerful style.
- He recommends backing up your data to CDs or DVDs. I disagree with this since a disaster that could destroy your computer very likely would destroy this disc-saved data. It’s better to back up your data online (gmail, Mozy.com, a Flickr Pro account for your pictures, etc.) at an off-site location than having your backup and the original in the same house.
I was particularly interested in seeing how he recommended using Office to help track health-related matters. If you’re a Microsoft Office user, you might be interested in checking out Peter Walsh’s video.
Popularity: 16% [?]
A year ago on Unclutterer
2008
- Pitfalls of creativity clutter
LifeDev blogger Glen Stansberry addresses how to be creative and organized. - Unitasker Wednesday: Peanut butter and jelly spreader
This breakthrough in spreading technology can not be overlooked. - Make those giant speakers into storage
If you have a couple of old school floor standing speakers taking up space in your basement or attic, you may want to consider retrofitting them into media storage cabinets. - Plastic card cable organizer
Reader Creatrope provides directions for how to turn an old membership card into a cable organizer. - In defense of a messy desk
In a Financial Times Deutschland article the following question is asked, “If a cluttered desk is the sign of a cluttered mind, what does an empty desk say about the quality of your ideas?”
2007
- Family heirlooms: Give them away at milestone celebrations
Don’t hoard your treasured heirlooms, instead give them away at appropriate times with heart-felt explanations of why they are valued. - Extreme Minimalism Monday: look ma! no hands!
Finding balance in your morning commute. - Is collecting a form of creative hoarding?
People often choose hobbies in which they don’t really do much of anything other than accumulate items. - Prototyping your space
Using cardboard cut-outs to test out changes to your environment. - Merlin’s war on clutter
Over on the web’s ‘canonical’ productivity blog, 43 Folders, Merlin Mann has gone decluttering crazy. Inspired by Peter Walsh’s book How to Organize Just About Everything, which he found out about from this humble site, he went into purge mode and nicely cataloged his experience in a a great series of uncluttering posts. - Corn on the cob clutter
Summertime ushers in all sorts of food choices, but over at the Amazon al Dente blog it can bring clutter in the form of the Five Essential Corn Tools post. - Unitasker Wednesday: The Hollywood Purse Hook
The Hollywood Purse Hook is a very specific item that saves you from having to use the floor or an open seat to store your purse. - Why are you here?
What drives you to pursue an uncluttered life?
Popularity: 7% [?]
A year ago on Unclutterer
2008
- Time-saving tips
Tips to help you save time doing chores. - The transforming diaper bag
The Hoppop is a diaper bag that transforms into a baby seat. - Folding efficiently can save space
Real Simple has a how to guide on the correct way to fold just about anything. - June 2008 wrap up
These are the things that made June 2008 memorable at Unclutterer.
2007
- A man in uniform
Steve Jobs is a man who knows what he wants to wear.
Popularity: 7% [?]
A year ago on Unclutterer
2008
- Streamlining your morning routine
Track your morning routine to find out what is keeping you from getting to work on time. - Unitasker Wednesday: The Hot Dog Roller
With a simple move of the handle you can move up to five hot dogs at once! - Workspace of the Week: Small-living desk
Skorpion24 finds a way to store more computers and peripherals a person could imagine in less than 20 sq. feet. - The pumpkin rule
Megan Drayton, founder and CEO of eChef Software, discusses the necessity that led her to create an organization product for all of her recipes.
2007
- Baby room clutter: The changing table
When my wife and I were planning the nursery we were inundated by so many items that we must have. - Read a book and pass it on
You can prevent book clutter by asking yourself a few questions when you finish reading. - Extreme minimalism Monday: hair is clutter
Britney was on to something. - Reader question: Which linens stay and which ones go?
Tips to help you know which linens are good and which linens are clutter in your home. - Unitasker Wednesday: Mango splitter
I’m sure I’ll get a bunch of comments from mango lovers telling me that they can’t live without their mango splitter, but I just can’t justify purchasing a tool to split a specific fruit. - Trash the dress!
Clear clutter from your closet by participating in the Trash the Dress project. - Weekend project idea: Clear clutter from your medicine chest
Clear the clutter from your medicine chest as a simple, weekend project! - Improve performance by getting files off your OS X desktop
Keeping things clean can make your computer faster. Who knew? - Brilliant: The foot dustpan
Reader Scott sent in this awesome foot-handled dustpan.
Popularity: 8% [?]
A year ago on Unclutterer
2008
- No more Organize subscriptions
Organize magazine is no longer taking subscriptions. - Depression-era mindset and clutter
My grandmother was old enough to remember being a child in Pittsburgh during the Great Depression. - Remembering George Carlin
Here at Unclutterer we highlighted his bit on “Stuff” from his 1986 Comic Relief performance. - Fusion Table lets you have your pool table too
So you’ve wanted a pool table ever since your parents said you don’t have room for one. - What to do if you are organized and your partner isn’t
If you’re a part of a mismatched couple, how can you find a way to more easily live with your messy partner?
2007
- Peter Walsh answers questions for Unclutterer.com
Peter Walsh took time out of his busy schedule to participate in an interview with Unclutterer.com. - Switch purses often? Don’t miss a thing
Switch purses often? Then you have no doubt been faced with the problem of missing items that results from switching the contents of your handbag in a hurry. Well, here’s the solution.
Popularity: 8% [?]
A year ago on Unclutterer
2008
- My favorite organizing magazines
These are the four magazines that supply me with limitless organizing inspiration. - Unitasker Wednesday: Rechargeable electric wine opener
There are many options for opening a bottle of wine, but none of them will make your gadget loving friends as envious as this Peugeot Rechargeable electric wine opener from Williams-Sonoma. - Keep your gardening tools together
I’m not a huge gardener, but I do have a handful of tools that I use to keep my yard in order. - Rubbermaid products solve messy lid problem
Two new Rubbermaid products have lids that snap to the bottom of the container to reduce mess in your cupboards. - Workspace of the Week: Cube sweet cube
Tiffany’s well-lit cubicle shows that you can work in an organized space with a little personality. - Difficult downsizing decisions
Teri makes difficult decisions about what stays and what goes during her move into her new space. - Some light reading
Julie Morgenstern offers up some terrific organizing advice to Time magazine.
2007
- Using what you already own
Evaluate your things and identify if they are in their best place and if you’re using what you already own. - Extreme minimalism Monday: traditional Japanese bedding
Save space in your home by getting rid of your bed. - Surround sound without the cable clutter
Looking for a surround sound system, but you really don’t want all those wires running around the room to every speaker? - The load thing
We’ve been on a big charging station kick here lately, so reader Leigh sent in this way cool design. - 10 Places to find hidden clutter
Ten places to start looking for hidden clutter in your home. - Unitasker Wednesday: Portable ice maker
Need ice on the go? No problem! Skymall has you covered with its Portable Ice Maker. - Avoiding children’s party clutter
Presents, although well intentioned and truly appreciated, can still end up as clutter. Listed here are ways to keep this clutter under control. - 8 ways to cut back on computer cables
Follow these 8 simple steps to get rid of the birds’ nest of cables behind your computer.
Popularity: 7% [?]
A year ago on Unclutterer
2008
- In case of …
No one likes to think about the macabre, but you should have a file put together in case of an emergency. - Make your own shoe rack
One of the entries to our house has a rather tight space where we currently keep our shoes. - The big picture: Organizing work files
Eventually, you’ll leave your job. - The six way opener multi-tasker
A fun multi-tasker that has six ways to open food stuffs. - Interview on The Happiness Project
Erin is interviewed by The Happiness Project on the topic of happiness.
2007
- Reader question: Procrastination ender
Big projects, like organizing a home or a business, often go undone because people feel paralyzed by the enormity of the undertaking. - The quest for the perfect charging station, part 3
The WildCharge wireless charging station is simple and intriguing. - Are you a clutterer?
A quiz from a reader to determine if you might be someone who is prone to clutter. - The first step in organizing your pots and pans
The lids get in the way of the stacking process, but this little rack easily solves the problem and for only $8 you can’t go wrong.
Popularity: 6% [?]
A year ago on Unclutterer
2008
- In Praise Of (A Little) Mess: Be (A Little) Scruffy
Stowe Boyd discusses that it can be okay to let a little messy into your life. - Unitasker Wednesday: Battery eater
Of all the unitaskers that I’ve written thus far, this may be the most confusing. - Organize your smart phone voicemails with YouMail
- When is it okay to start a collection?
Don’t start a collection just because you feel you should have a collection. - Workspace of the Week: Creative craft office
This week’s workspace of the week features a dedicated scrapbooking office that will produce organization ideas even for non-scrapbookers. - Building Web Warrior Tools: A war on clutter
Glen Stansberry describes his process of designing a clutter-free retail website. - iHome iH70 speakers also act as iPod dock
If you are looking for new computer speakers you may want to check out the iHome iH70 speakers.
2007
- Lose weight without gaining clutter
Keep the exercise equipment clutter out of your home. - Police drummer Stewart Copeland enjoys simple life
Stewart Copeland talks about the joy he finds in divestment. - Clutter-free patio furniture ideas
Dual purpose, indoor-outdoor furniture and inflatable furniture can help to keep your yard and porch free from clutter. - Incredible folding furniture!
Designer Nils Frederking showcases in this YouTube video his incredible, folding furniture. - Reader question: Storing binders in a home office
The Binder Storage Carousel is the best solution for storing three-ring binders in a home office. - Unitasker Wednesday: Chocolate fondue fountain
So why not by a contraption to make a fountain of flowing chocolate? - Reader question: End table filing cabinets?
Multi-purpose filing cabinet can double duty as a filing cabinet, lap desk, footstool, and much more! - Will “Witricity” save us from cable clutter?
The recent news that a group of MIT researchers have developed a wireless way to deliver electricity to a device is very welcome here at Unclutterer. - Rid your shower of bottle clutter
You shouldn’t be distracted by a multitude of containers all over the walls and/or the floor of your shower.
Popularity: 7% [?]
A year ago on Unclutterer
2008
- Creating a multi-tasking wedding registry for your kitchen
Let Alton Brown help you discover which kitchen items are multi-tasking goodness for your wedding registry. - Multi-tasking with office supplies
Tips for hacking office supplies from Lifehacker.com. - Father’s Day: Another tie?
Forget about getting another tie, golf shirt, or power tool. - A simple reminder
Intern Julia reminds me that simple living frees one to simply live.
2007
- Travel tip: Mail items home
Sending home no-longer needed items as your travels progress is a great way to keep your luggage clutter free. - The end of the chip-clip
Video shows you how to seal a chip bag without a chip clip. - Wallet alternatives
Over the years my cellphones have become smaller and sleeker, but my wallet has stayed the same unforgiving size.
Popularity: 7% [?]




