Posted on Fri, Jan 20, 2012
As part of The Organized Give, Anissa Mayhew received a new master bedroom closet solution. One of the most eye-opening things that we learned while consulting with her was that, because of her wheelchair, she was unable to get into her closet for two years. More recently, her husband widened the door opening, allowing Anissa to finally access her belongings.
Prior to the installation, Anissa had wire shelves and other store-bought components to organize her clothing and accessories. Because wire shelves are not customizable, it was difficult for Anissa to come up with a system that worked for her.
We are so pleased with the outcome of Anissa's new closet. We think she is, too.
Anissa's new closet features rods placed at her level so that she can easily access her clothing. After realizing this, she mentioned color-coding everything! Her very first organization project in the new closet has begun...
Another feature that Anissa seems to be very excited about are the pull-out baskets. Not only will she have the freedom to choose her outfits now, but she also can add accessories such as scarves, belts or hats.
Along with Molly Gold from GO MOM!, Inc., we were able to discuss the new accommodations and features with Anissa.
A special thank you to our Atlanta ORG dealer, SpaceMakers, for designing and installing Anissa's new storage solutions. They did a fantastic job!
To stay up-to-date with The Organized Give, please follow along on our Facebook page, Twitter stream, and blog. And did you know that you can get involved with The Organized Give? Learn more at TheOrganizedGive.com.
Posted on Thu, Jan 19, 2012
For The Organized Give, we provided Anissa Mayhew with a somewhat non-traditional storage unit for her bedroom. Because Anissa is in a wheelchair, she kept many of her family's items on a metal storage rack because of its easy accessibility. As you can see in the photo below, miscellaneous items found a home on this rack because there was no "system" of organization.
Anissa's new storage unit was installed quickly to make room for her belongings. She especially loves the wicker baskets because they allow her children to store special items such as art projects and photos. The mid-level shelves will house other items that Anissa can now easily access, and the ones located closer to the ceiling will display photos and other keepsakes.
While we were at Anissa's home, we had the opportunity to witness her reaction when we revealed the new storage unit. We were also joined by Molly Gold of GO MOM!, Inc., and were able to discuss the new accomodations and features with Anissa.
A special thank you to our Atlanta-based ORG dealer, SpaceMakers, for designing the unit and completing the installation.
To stay up-to-date with The Organized Give, please follow along on our Facebook page, Twitter stream, and blog. And did you know that you can get involved with The Organized Give? Learn more at TheOrganizedGive.com.
Posted on Mon, Jan 16, 2012
Do you remember what Anissa Mayhew's old kitchen pantry used to look like? It consisted of simple wooden shelves that, other than the food containers, did not encourage any type of organization. Items were so scattered about that she was unable to take inventory correctly, resulting in the accumulation of multiple tubs of cheeseballs or cans of green beans. Also, Anissa's wheelchair prevented her from accessing the items in the pantry.
SpaceMakers, our Atlanta-based ORG dealership, designed and installed Anissa's new kitchen pantry. She welcomed it with open arms (and a big smile!).
(See what went into the ORG consultation process.)
Her new kitchen pantry boasts pull-out baskets at a level that enables Anissa to access items and allows her children to reach snacks and other food. Because the items are much more visible and organized, Anissa can now take part in planning meals and taking inventory with her caretaker before going grocery shopping.
Along with Molly Gold of GO MOM!, Inc., we were there for The Big Reveal and sat down with Anissa to discuss her new kitchen pantry's accomodations and features.
To stay up-to-date with The Organized Give, please follow along on our Facebook page, Twitter stream, and blog. And did you know that you can get involved with The Organized Give? Learn more at TheOrganizedGive.com.
Posted on Wed, Jan 11, 2012
The Organized Give is in full-swing and we were able to spend some time with Anissa Mayhew last week while her new kitchen pantry, extra storage unit, and master bedroom closet were being installed. In this video, Molly Gold and Anissa discuss what it was like to prepare for "The Big Day" - installation day!
Molly Gold also spoke with Barbara Snook, the designer from our Atlanta ORG dealer, SpaceMakers, that created the solutions that were being installed in Anissa's home. Barbara explains what it's like to work with an ORG dealer, and what went into the consultation and design process for this project.
A special thank you to our Atlanta ORG dealer, SpaceMakers, for designing and installing Anissa's new storage solutions. They did a fantastic job!
To stay up-to-date with The Organized Give, please follow along on our Facebook page, Twitter stream, and blog. And did you know that you can get involved with The Organized Give? Learn more at TheOrganizedGive.com.
Posted on Wed, Jan 04, 2012
Today marked the first installation day of The Organized Give! We were on-site at Anissa Mayhew's home as she watched areas of her home transform into organized, accessible spaces. (Want to learn more about Anissa and her needs? Watch this video).
Prior to installation, Anissa met with our Atlanta ORG dealer, SpaceMakers, to determine what her needs were and which organizing solutions would make the most sense for her home. SpaceMakers was able to design a handicap-accessible master bedroom closet, extra bedroom storage unit, and kitchen pantry.
With three areas to install, it only took two employees from SpaceMakers and less than one day to complete the installation.
Here is Anissa's new kitchen pantry. Isn't it begging for some food?
Anissa's new bedroom storage unit will allow for her to have easy access with pull-out baskets. She will also be able to display photos of her children and other items.
And last, but certainly not least, is Anissa's new master bedroom closet. Complete with pull-down rods and multiple drawers, Anissa will finally be able to access her clothing.
The cherry on top of the cake was, not only did they accommodate Anissa's organizing needs and daily schedule, but they also vacuumed and cleaned the spaces before they left - making the entire process hassle-free and enjoyable. And who doesn't like a shiny, new and organized space left to work with?
We can't wait to show you the final outcome! Stay tuned to see the filled spaces and hear Anissa discuss the experience.
To stay up-to-date with The Organized Give, please follow along on our Facebook page, Twitter stream, and blog. And did you know that you can get involved with The Organized Give? Learn more at TheOrganizedGive.com.
Posted on Mon, Jan 02, 2012
We are very excited to be announcing The Organized Give!
We’re bringing in the New Year and continuing the spirit of giving with The Organized Give! We're excited to be working directly with Anissa Mayhew and her family to provide them with storage solutions that accomodate their needs. After suffering from life-threatening strokes, Anissa and has been living in a house that has multiple storage challenges for someone in a wheelchair. Learn more about her organizing challenges in her interview with Molly Gold of GO MOM!, Inc.
We're looking forward to organizing three key areas of Anissa’s home that are not accommodating to her wheelchair. With the help of our local ORG dealer, SpaceMakers, we were able to create personalized storage solutions that meet Anissa’s needs. During the first week of January, she will be receiving a new custom-designed master bedroom closet with ample pull-down rods, an extra storage area with easy accessibility, as well as a functional kitchen pantry.
For over a year, Anissa was unable to access her bedroom closet because the doorway was too narrow. After increasing the opening of the door, Anissa was able to use her closet again and soon found that her current closet wasn’t meeting her needs. The shelves were too high and many items were not accessible.
Anissa wanted to be able to reach her clothing without hassle. Wire baskets, drawers and pull-down rods were incorporated into the master closet design so that Anissa could have easy access to her clothing. Here is a sneak peek of her new closet on our ORGdesign tool:
Open shelving and wire baskets are very convenient for Anissa. This unit will serve as extra storage in her bedroom.
With an active family, a functional kitchen pantry is essential. We worked with Anissa to create a pantry that her family would not only love, but she would also be able to work within.
We are very excited about this makeover and look forward to installation day! Follow along on our blog, Facebook and Twitter as we work with Anissa and her family to organize their home!
You can get involved with The Organized Give! To learn more about how you can help, please go to www.TheOrganizedGive.com
Posted on Fri, Dec 30, 2011
The holidays are in full swing! Some of my favorite gifts are those that are colorful, useful and a bit quirky. I am happy to report that all of these items definitely fall onto that list!
1. At The Stow Company, we love these little “eggs.” It’s not unusual see the desks in our department lined with these Evolution of Smooth (EOS) lip balms. The packaging is fantastically fun and it is perfectly practical for someone who constantly loses lip balm. It’s easy to find in a purse and doesn’t roll off desks, dressers, or other flat surfaces. This lip balm is also 95% organic and 100% natural. Yum.
2. The Hangman Clip Strip works just like the clips that doctors use to display X-Rays. Slide a piece of paper into the slot and it stays in place without additional clips, pins, or tape! It’s especially easy to hang on the fridge with its built-in magnets. Perfect for displaying recipes, storing coupons, or hanging a grocery list. These cool clips are available in varying lengths, too!
3. They say “time flies when you’re having fun.” I guess that statement applies to 2011 – where has the year gone? It’s time to get a 2012 calendar. More specifically, this retro typographical calendar. Not only is it functional, but it also adds a pop of graphic art, color and a little inspiration to your home or office.
4. Don’t fall victim to dropping your iPhone ever again! The Yofo is an all-in-one suction-activated grip, stand, mount, game accessory and headphone wrap. You can suction the Yofo to a car window, dashboard, or windshield when using your iPhone as a GPS, prop your iPad or iPod up when watching a movie or using FaceTime, and even wrap your headphones around the Yofo – no more knotted and tangled cords!
5. As we like to say at The Stow Company, “a place for everything, and everything in its place,” so why not give your facial tissue box a home, too? The Casa tissue box cover from Umbra not only is practical, but also adds a touch of humor to your home or office. Pulling something out of a chimney has never been so fun!
What were some cool things you came across this month?
-Brie
Photo credits:EOS lip balm by Evolution of Smooth, Hangman Clip Strip by Hangman, retro typographical calendar by handz on Etsy, iPhone accessory by Yofo, and Casa tissue box cover by Umbra
Posted on Wed, Dec 21, 2011
The store was winning. The sneaky techniques stores employ to get me to buy things were working. It should be illegal to put candy and bread near each other. I almost always came home irritated and ready to pass out on the couch from exhaustion. The parking, the searching, the cart wars, and the inevitable dash to the checkout in hopes of getting the newly open lane just waiting for me were taking their toll.
Clearly I needed to streamline my grocery shopping routine. Here are the six easy steps I came up with.
Step 1: Choose a shopping day
According to CBS, Wednesday is the best day of the week to go grocery shopping. However, figure out what day works best for you and set a routine. I’ve found that the majority of stores are less busy in the evenings, carts and parking are readily available, and items are well-stocked.
Step 2: Set a budget
Setting a budget is different for everyone. Regardless, setting one and sticking to it is very important. I figured out our budget by spending a month tracking our expenses on food and dining out. I was shocked by the outcome. Those little stops at the gas station and going out for dinner really add up after time! With some basic analysis, I was able to lay out our monthly expenses and create a reasonable grocery budget, which includes making more meals at home to reduce the expense of eating out.
Step 3: Make a list
Throughout the week, write what you need on your shopping list the moment you notice you need it. Focus on the staples you keep in your kitchen and, when something is low or missing, write it on the list. Put the “nice to haves” at the bottom of your list so you make sure to buy the important items first.
Not sure what should be on hand all the time? Here's a pantry staples checklist. You can adjust it according to your family’s needs and tastes.
Do you buy in bulk? Buy these items once or twice per month. These big-ticket items can suck up your weekly budget quickly, so I have found it helpful to spread these purchases out over the course of a month.
Step 4: Plan ahead
Create a weekly meal plan and use the store’s weekly advertisement to see what ingredients will be on sale. According to the Today Show, name brand items typically go on sale at the beginning of each month, and store brands at the end of each month. Also, don't forget your coupon organizer!
Eating something before you head to the store and having a calculator handy to add up your total as you shop are great ideas, too.
Step 5: Bring your reusable grocery bags
They are fantastic. The benefits are many, but my favorites are how much they hold and that I can carry them on my shoulder. Keep them easily accessible in your cart so you’re not digging around for them at checkout time.
Step 6: Stay focused and check out efficiently.
Get your bags on the conveyer and make sure your purse is handy and ready to go. Keep similar items together – produce, meats, breads and frozen foods. Organizing the grocery items before the cashier swipes them means they will end up in your bags in the same order, making it easier to put them away when you get home.
Have your coupons, bottle slips and payment method ready.
By now it should be simple to get your groceries home and unpacked. On average, I now only spend 20 minutes prepping, an hour shopping and 15 minutes putting the groceries away. It didn’t happen overnight, but eventually grocery shopping has become a much simpler task - one I dread a lot less.
How do you currently stay organized for grocery shopping?
-Jacquie
Posted on Thu, Dec 01, 2011
As the temperature begins to drop and that white stuff that crunches with every step begins to blanket the sidewalks, my mind is filled with memories of winter. But this story is certainly not one of my fondest - it has nothing to do with the fun winter activities such as ice skating, building snowmen or roasting chestnuts on an open fire (really, who does that?).
Instead, I remember the time that I decided to move apartments during the frigid Michigan winter [insert intense shivering and teeth chattering here].
I might as well add that one to my list of “good ideas.”
After renting a moving truck for the day and cramming every single one of my belongings into it, I arrived at my new apartment only to find that I was locked out. Awesome. Thankfully, I was able to find a spare key hidden in the garage. Finally I could begin to move in.
This basically sounds like a nightmare and, for many reasons, it was. My small hands were numb and everything was covered in a thick, wet layer of snow. But after a few days of unpacking (and unthawing), I realized that something great had come out of the whole experience.
Prior to moving, I was constantly complaining about having too much stuff. Throughout the process of packing and unpacking, I was able to sort through my items and create “pitch, donate, and keep” piles. I recommend this method to anyone moving, downsizing, or just simply trying to declutter a living space.
The “pitch” pile: These are the items I pitched into my neighbor's yard as I made my way into my new apartment. Just kidding. This heap consists of items that I have no need for and I didn’t think anyone else did either, so I simply recycled what I could and pitched the rest into the nearest dumpster.
The “donate” pile: It speaks for itself. These items were taken to donation centers and consignment shops. Why not recycle what you have and maybe make a little money in the process?
The “keep” pile: I kept these items and planned to sort through them as time went on, just in case there’s anything that I’m really not using that could benefit someone else.
Another super bonus that hadn’t even crossed my mind until now is that I had started spring cleaning a few months early! Because of my previous sorting and purging, my closets feel airier, dresser drawers shut without a struggle, and everything has a place. Going through belongings and taking inventory a few times each year allows you to determine what items are actually used and definitely lightens the load come spring time.
I'm glad I had the opportunity to do this. It’s a great feeling to be able to come home to a clean, organized home with less stuff. I just need to make a mental note that moving during the cold winter months is quite possibly one of the worst, most uncomfortable, rotten ideas ever.
How often do you sort through your stuff? What system do you use?
-Adrienne
Posted on Wed, Nov 23, 2011
Cool things are all around us in the home organization and design world. Here are some of the sweet things I came across this month and would love to share with you. Take note: many of them would make great holiday presents!
1. These Designer Series cutting boards are so fun and functional. Not only would they look great on display in a kitchen pantry, but they also help those who prefer to use separate cutting boards for different food types. Available in poultry, meat, seafood and fruit and vegetable, the cutting boards give everyday food prep a funky twist!
2. Hang your artwork with these curtain wire clips. The clips are perfect for showcasing art projects in a craft room or anywhere else in your home. One of the best perks? These clips make it especially easy to rotate artwork as your mood changes.
3. Do you love your iPhone? Do you like to sleep? “Sleep On It” is a free iPhone alarm clock app that records how much you sleep. Other cool features include the capability to add info about the quality of your sleep, your moods, meds, and more for the purpose of determining what affects your sleep and how much sleep you really need to feel rested and energized.
4. Instead of writing a reminder on your hand, you now have the option of wearing it! The Post-It watch wraps around your wrist and sticks - just like a wrist watch. These sweet reminders can also be propped on your desk or stuck on any surface.
5. Doodle, draw and create at the dining room table. These chalkboard placemats allow you to leave yourself and others notes and reminders, entertain at meal time, or use as place settings for dinner parties. Clean-up is easy: simply wipe them clean with a damp cloth! They’re versatile and can be placed just about anywhere around the house: prop them in specific locations for family reminders and announcements, grocery lists, party menus, game scratch pads or school practice.
Did you come across anything awesome this month? Would you sleep soundly knowing that your iPhone was keeping track of your slumber? Are wrist watch Post-It notes the new "must-have" accessory?
-Brie
Photo credits: Designer Series cutting boards from Epicurean, curtain wire clips from Ikea, "Sleep On It" from MedHelp, Post-It wrist watch from PA-Design, and chalkboard placemats from b.a.friend