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Post by lg on Mar 5, 2024 2:51:22 GMT
My cupboards in the bathrooms are super awkward as we have under mount sinks and all the pipes are there… and they are wall mounted cabinets so there’s a gap at the bottom (designed the bathrooms so they are exactly what I want.)
This means there are a lot of weird spaces in the cupboard but I’ve been able to pare down what we store in there enough that I have a set of cleaning supplies and hand soap refill in each bathroom cupboard as well as toilet paper refills etc
Makes it so much easier when I come to clean the toilet etc, I already don’t want to do the task but at least having the supplies there means it’s not a huge effort AND sometimes if I’m in the room for another reason I’ll wipe a mirror etc while I’m there.
This is one of my favourite life hacks as I’m a super lazy person.
Less stuff, put it where you use it, everything has a place and if the place is full somethings gotta go.
And then my daughter got into skincare and it all went to hell 🤭
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Post by dewryce on Mar 5, 2024 3:23:36 GMT
My cupboards in the bathrooms are super awkward as we have under mount sinks and all the pipes are there… and they are wall mounted cabinets so there’s a gap at the bottom (designed the bathrooms so they are exactly what I want.) This means there are a lot of weird spaces in the cupboard but I’ve been able to pare down what we store in there enough that I have a set of cleaning supplies and hand soap refill in each bathroom cupboard as well as toilet paper refills etc Makes it so much easier when I come to clean the toilet etc, I already don’t want to do the task but at least having the supplies there means it’s not a huge effort AND sometimes if I’m in the room for another reason I’ll wipe a mirror etc while I’m there. This is one of my favourite life hacks as I’m a super lazy person. Less stuff, put it where you use it, everything has a place and if the place is full somethings gotta go. And then my daughter got into skincare and it all went to hell 🤭 I am your daughter in this situation, and you. I wear many hats  We have a medicine cabinet so it’s fairly easy to store all of my face goop in there and it doesn’t interfere with the rest of the bathroom. But like you, I keep some of cleaning supplies and an extra hand soap under the sink, and that’s it. Our toilet paper goes in the wall cabinet above the toilet, along with what used to be the more commonly used cleaning supplies of windex/paper towels/clorox wipes. (Up high for my back issues). But, since I’ve started this next trick I don’t have to use them nearly as often. I have about 2 dozen white washcloths that I keep in a small drawer in the bathroom. When I’m washing my face and putting on all of my magic potions I use that to dry my face and keep my fingers clean between products. When I’m done I use the opposite side of the washcloth and wipe the mirror, then the counter, then the faucet and sink. Due to our sleep schedules I wash up after DH so this way they are almost always pristine. Then wash the washcloths with our white towels on hot. |
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Post by dewryce on Mar 5, 2024 13:13:00 GMT
Daily declutter task from My Simpler Life Declutter Calendar:
Declutter bathroom knick-knacks and things on the wall.
I don’t have anything to declutter, but a couple of frames on my wall keep going crooked so I’m going to use some quakehold product to try to keep them straight. Otherwise they will have to go, because I’m like a human level and they’re driving me crazy.
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Post by **GypsyGirl** on Mar 5, 2024 16:37:54 GMT
Sometimes the best organizing/purging sessions are impromptu. Sunday afternoon I began moving the old paint cans to my work table so I can start to dispose of them. DH got a new blower for his birthday so he quickly volunteered to blow the leaves out. That led to doing a much needed purge and reorganizing what was left, as well as wiping down all the dust (detached unfinished garage so it gets very dusty). We filled the 90 gal. trash bin over half full and added to the recycling bin. Some stuff (empty pots and archery target) were moved behind the garage. A pile of stuff for donation is ready to get rid of later this week.
Four hours later everything was organized and easily accessible! It did a number on my allergies but was worth it in the end. Still need to start on the paint cans but the bin is nearly full so will do that this weekend.
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Post by Linda on Mar 5, 2024 18:31:37 GMT
Our donation pile was a big mess - I have paper ream boxes (with lids) that our donations go into before they actually get dropped off but someone (not naming names but...wasn't me) was just piling their stuff on top of the boxes and yeah...
So I dealt with that.
And I went in and organised the utility room off the garage (with the water heater and water softener) - our non-Christmas holiday totes are in there and that area was a mess; the extra organising containers are also and ditto. At least the recycling totes were neat.
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Post by dewryce on Mar 6, 2024 18:05:01 GMT
Daily declutter task from My Simpler Life Declutter Calendar: Get rid of multiples of hair dryers and curlers.This is one I have a hard time with, not with multiples, but with getting rid of them. They don’t pass the ‘used in the last year’ test, but they do pass the ‘expect to use in the next year’ test. But, they pass that all the time and I never use them except when we go on vacation, and not even always then. The issue is that I have nerve issues so my arms go numb when I hold them above my shoulders so it makes styling difficult. It being so thick and long just makes it take forever. But, it is no longer thick because I’ve lost so much between my thyroid disease and losing so much weight. And I’m planning on getting a lot cut off in the next few months. And they are good quality items so they do not pass the ‘replace in 20 minutes for under $20 rule.’ Apparently I needed to work through that, thanks for listening!  Any advice? |
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Post by Linda on Mar 6, 2024 19:06:40 GMT
dewryce - are we talking ONE hairdryer and ONE curler or several items? If one of each, I would probably keep them (I mean I wouldn't personally but haven't used either since jr high, lol). If more than one, is there one of each that is more likely to be used and maybe pass along the others?
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Post by Darcy Collins on Mar 6, 2024 19:10:26 GMT
dewryce - are we talking ONE hairdryer and ONE curler or several items? If one of each, I would probably keep them (I mean I wouldn't personally but haven't used either since jr high, lol). If more than one, is there one of each that is more likely to be used and maybe pass along the others? I’d keep too - and have - one curling iron and one straightener that aren’t used annually. I do use them occasionally and I have the space for them so don’t have an issue. |
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Post by crazy4scraps on Mar 6, 2024 19:16:14 GMT
Daily declutter task from My Simpler Life Declutter Calendar: Get rid of multiples of hair dryers and curlers.This is one I have a hard time with, not with multiples, but with getting rid of them. They don’t pass the ‘used in the last year’ test, but they do pass the ‘expect to use in the next year’ test. But, they pass that all the time and I never use them except when we go on vacation, and not even always then. The issue is that I have nerve issues so my arms go numb when I hold them above my shoulders so it makes styling difficult. It being so thick and long just makes it take forever. But, it is no longer thick because I’ve lost so much between my thyroid disease and losing so much weight. And I’m planning on getting a lot cut off in the next few months. And they are good quality items so they do not pass the ‘replace in 20 minutes for under $20 rule.’ Apparently I needed to work through that, thanks for listening! Any advice? Maybe make a “if I don’t use this before XX date, out it goes” rule? Maybe that’s 18-24 months from now, you know when you would be most likely to use those items again. I have the opposite problem in that I could probably use an extra hair dryer. We need one at the lake on occasion and don’t have an extra at home we could bring there and leave there. DD has a curling iron she never uses, but it was expensive and she’s not quite at the age where she might want to, plus we have the space to just leave it in the cabinet where it is so it stays. |
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Post by **GypsyGirl** on Mar 6, 2024 19:28:19 GMT
This is one I have a hard time with, not with multiples, but with getting rid of them. They don’t pass the ‘used in the last year’ test, but they do pass the ‘expect to use in the next year’ test. Unless you are going scorched earth on your decluttering/purging, there is nothing wrong with having a set of curlers, etc that you rarely use IF you have the space for them. Mine sometimes don't get used for a few years, but I have the space and they are good quality. It is important to realize that while the decluttering rules of "Haven't used in a specific time frame" or "Can replace in 20 minutes for under a specific amount" can be useful, they are not written in stone. Not everything is going to qualify under those terms. |
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mich5481
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Post by mich5481 on Mar 6, 2024 19:42:27 GMT
Daily declutter task from My Simpler Life Declutter Calendar: Get rid of multiples of hair dryers and curlers.This is one I have a hard time with, not with multiples, but with getting rid of them. They don’t pass the ‘used in the last year’ test, but they do pass the ‘expect to use in the next year’ test. But, they pass that all the time and I never use them except when we go on vacation, and not even always then. The issue is that I have nerve issues so my arms go numb when I hold them above my shoulders so it makes styling difficult. It being so thick and long just makes it take forever. But, it is no longer thick because I’ve lost so much between my thyroid disease and losing so much weight. And I’m planning on getting a lot cut off in the next few months. And they are good quality items so they do not pass the ‘replace in 20 minutes for under $20 rule.’ Apparently I needed to work through that, thanks for listening! Any advice? Have you thought about getting a blow dryer stand? It seems like there are a few options on Amazon, which may make it easier for you to use at least the hair dryer. |
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Post by dewryce on Mar 6, 2024 20:10:57 GMT
dewryce - are we talking ONE hairdryer and ONE curler or several items? If one of each, I would probably keep them (I mean I wouldn't personally but haven't used either since jr high, lol). If more than one, is there one of each that is more likely to be used and maybe pass along the others? One hairdryer w/ diffuser, one chi ceramic flat iron, and one of those Revlon hair dryer/brush combos. Those are the ones I used most “frequently.” Also a chi curling iron and huge round rollers you put in then dry your hair. With the haircut I’m considering, closer to shoulder length, I’m more likely to use those than I was with my long this hair. I also have a chi flat iron stand, which is made of a heavy duty plastic. Is this not going to melt? They’re all super old, but I’m not really into styling hair so I don’t know that I’d notice a difference with the newer products. Up to 5 years ago whenever anyone borrowed my hair dryer they commented how it was better than any they have found even though it was at least 10 years old at that point. No one else has used it since then. So, technology may have made huge strides, I don’t know, but for my purposes I’m not sure that matters. I’d keep too - and have - one curling iron and one straightener that aren’t used annually. I do use them occasionally and I have the space for them so don’t have an issue. I definitely have the room; these plus DH’s trimmer are all that are under that side of the sink. I’m just working on really decluttering our stuff, not quite to the point of minimalism, but not too far off in some areas and it is feeling fantastic. I’m going back and forth with this, would it feel great and let me let go of the guilt of owning but not using these items, or would they be items when I do want them I really wish I had them? Maybe make a “if I don’t use this before XX date, out it goes” rule? Maybe that’s 18-24 months from now, you know when you would be most likely to use those items again. That’s a great idea and I have a ‘time will tell’ bin for a lot of kitchen supplies right now, I don’t know why it didn’t occur to me to do that with these, thanks! All of our camping supplies are our least favorites from when we’ve had duplicates, but y’all go there so often I’d consider just buying an inexpensive one. It is important to realize that while the decluttering rules of "Haven't used in a specific time frame" or "Can replace in 20 minutes for under a specific amount" can be useful, they are not written in stone. Not everything is going to qualify under those terms. I agree, and that’s how I’ve done my decluttering up until this last round, which is why I still own them.  This time I have crept a bit closer, but still not close, to scorched earth decluttering and it has felt so wonderful. I’ve made so many strides this time around that I never have before and didn’t even think I wanted or needed to. For years everyone felt like our home has more of a hotel vibe with our lack of belongings, and y’all know I thought I was in the maintenance phase of decluttering. I was so wrong! It has felt absolutely amazing and lifted a weight off my shoulders I thought wasn’t there anymore. So now I’m left trying to decide if these items would lift even more. Lots of good food for thought, thanks ladies! I think I’m going to put them in the ‘time will tell’ bin at least until after we go to DisneyWorld road trip in the summer. I should have my new haircut and style by then and plenty of opportunity to use them. They will be out of the living area of the home and the decision made so maybe that will take the weight off my shoulders. But I have an out if needed. |
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Post by dewryce on Mar 6, 2024 20:15:13 GMT
Have you thought about getting a blow dryer stand? It seems like there are a few options on Amazon, which may make it easier for you to use at least the hair dryer. I had forgotten about those and haven’t looked into them in a long time. I don't have room where I’d want to store a stand since it wouldn’t even be a once-a-week use item, but maybe they’ve got more compact ones now. Thanks for the reminder! |
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Post by Legacy Girl on Mar 7, 2024 5:41:06 GMT
I tackled two lazy Susans in my kitchen tonight. I really hate them because they're not functional so that's where things in my kitchen go to die!  I threw away three bags of expired or unused products and ordered new pie-shaped organizing bins to keep items from falling off the shelves. I'm excited to get my order and perhaps store some different items in there than I have been. Maybe if I consolidate DH's food stuffs in there, he will use them since they'll all be centrally located in his own little space. We shall see! Now to begin working to clear the kitchen countertops. |
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Post by mikklynn on Mar 7, 2024 13:51:37 GMT
I tackled two lazy Susans in my kitchen tonight. I really hate them because they're not functional so that's where things in my kitchen go to die! I threw away three bags of expired or unused products and ordered new pie-shaped organizing bins to keep items from falling off the shelves. I'm excited to get my order and perhaps store some different items in there than I have been. Maybe if I consolidate DH's food stuffs in there, he will use them since they'll all be centrally located in his own little space. We shall see! Now to begin working to clear the kitchen countertops. Here is a dream solution for those corner cabinets with a lazy susan: linkMy sister-in-law put them in her kitchen. I was blown away by how much storage it added. |
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Post by Legacy Girl on Mar 7, 2024 17:08:31 GMT
I tackled two lazy Susans in my kitchen tonight. I really hate them because they're not functional so that's where things in my kitchen go to die! I threw away three bags of expired or unused products and ordered new pie-shaped organizing bins to keep items from falling off the shelves. I'm excited to get my order and perhaps store some different items in there than I have been. Maybe if I consolidate DH's food stuffs in there, he will use them since they'll all be centrally located in his own little space. We shall see! Now to begin working to clear the kitchen countertops. Here is a dream solution for those corner cabinets with a lazy susan: linkMy sister-in-law put them in her kitchen. I was blown away by how much storage it added. Love this idea! We're hoping to sell our home in the next couple of years, otherwise I'd consider it. Thank you! |
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Post by dewryce on Mar 7, 2024 19:14:59 GMT
Daily declutter task from My Simpler Life Declutter Calendar:
Declutter the shower or bath area.
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Post by dewryce on Mar 7, 2024 20:10:49 GMT
We use our corner lazy susan unit for our small appliances and it works well. The InstantPot doesn’t fit though, and that bugs me (like with like!). Our biggest issue with it is that we installed the trash can right next to it and we keep that open while we cook so that can be a pain. So when we finally get to wiping down the inside of the cabinets we’ll probably move some storage items there instead since we don’t usually access them while prepping a meal.
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Post by iamkristinl16 on Mar 7, 2024 21:33:18 GMT
I have a love/hate relationship with the lazy susan as well. Our bottom shelf broke so we have the top turning shelf and then the bottom is open. I have some shelf organizers in there but it gets cluttered and hard to find things in there anyway. On the top shelf I have canned food, and on the bottom is where I keep protein powder, collagen, bags of chips or other snacks, etc. I tried putting the crock pot, pressure cooker and foodsaver down there but it was hard to get things in and out so I moved them back where they were.
On Pinterest there are posts for corner cabinet drawers which would be really nice.
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Post by iamkristinl16 on Mar 7, 2024 21:45:53 GMT
My grandma died last summer and my stepdad's mom just moved to assisted living, so my mom is texting me asking if I want random things that were either of theirs. For example, today she asked if I wanted my grandma's overnight bag, or if I had a use for one stray pillowcase. I know that my mom is very frugal and all, but is this normal? Like, why would my aunt, who found the pillowcase, spend the time sending texts to everyone (and then my mom texting me and probably my siblings as well) about ONE pillowcase? Also, I live in another state. So it's not like she can just run it over to me. Why wouldn't my aunt just donate it?
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Post by lg on Mar 8, 2024 1:29:47 GMT
My grandma died last summer and my stepdad's mom just moved to assisted living, so my mom is texting me asking if I want random things that were either of theirs. For example, today she asked if I wanted my grandma's overnight bag, or if I had a use for one stray pillowcase. I know that my mom is very frugal and all, but is this normal? Like, why would my aunt, who found the pillowcase, spend the time sending texts to everyone (and then my mom texting me and probably my siblings as well) about ONE pillowcase? Also, I live in another state. So it's not like she can just run it over to me. Why wouldn't my aunt just donate it? They’re probably just fearful of you asking about a specific item in a week that’s special to you but no one else that they just donated or threw away. I preempted this when my grandfather died and clearly let my mother know I wanted the old wooden crates in his shed and that was it. Literally it. No need for appliances, crockery, sheets etc as I have my own. She asked me about one or two other larger garden tools (which I took) but that was all. |
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Post by lg on Mar 8, 2024 1:35:28 GMT
Just treated myself to a couple of inexpensive storage containers for the bathroom and under the sink - they are cleared out and it stops the bath bombs and epsom salts from spilling on the shelf.
Also stops things being shoved into the cupboard by dd.
Replaced containers under the kitchen sink with drawers that are easier to pull out and clear so I can see what I have left.
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Post by Legacy Girl on Mar 8, 2024 2:12:31 GMT
Cleaned out the 'fridge. Ugh...I hate that job! But the trash truck comes tomorrow and out it all goes!
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Post by natscraps on Mar 8, 2024 2:31:12 GMT
I have bins that I got from container store that fit in the lazy susan cabinet. It’s where we keep the tupperware and lunchboxes. And actually that’s what I managed to declutter this past week. I’ve been in quite the mood so productivity is down
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Post by iamkristinl16 on Mar 8, 2024 2:59:58 GMT
My grandma died last summer and my stepdad's mom just moved to assisted living, so my mom is texting me asking if I want random things that were either of theirs. For example, today she asked if I wanted my grandma's overnight bag, or if I had a use for one stray pillowcase. I know that my mom is very frugal and all, but is this normal? Like, why would my aunt, who found the pillowcase, spend the time sending texts to everyone (and then my mom texting me and probably my siblings as well) about ONE pillowcase? Also, I live in another state. So it's not like she can just run it over to me. Why wouldn't my aunt just donate it? They’re probably just fearful of you asking about a specific item in a week that’s special to you but no one else that they just donated or threw away. I preempted this when my grandfather died and clearly let my mother know I wanted the old wooden crates in his shed and that was it. Literally it. No need for appliances, crockery, sheets etc as I have my own. She asked me about one or two other larger garden tools (which I took) but that was all. My grandma had moved to assisted living in 2019 so they went through most of her items then. I got a chair and some other items that my mom asked if I wanted. I could see her asking about more items from step grandma since they are just going through her things now (and she thinks that all of her treasures are very valuable and it means a lot to her that things go to family). But the one lone pillow case just seemed odd. |
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Post by lg on Mar 8, 2024 5:14:00 GMT
Oh fair enough iamkristinl16, maybe it’s the good old adage of people who are grieving or overwhelmed doing odd things? |
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Post by mikklynn on Mar 8, 2024 12:20:40 GMT
My grandma died last summer and my stepdad's mom just moved to assisted living, so my mom is texting me asking if I want random things that were either of theirs. For example, today she asked if I wanted my grandma's overnight bag, or if I had a use for one stray pillowcase. I know that my mom is very frugal and all, but is this normal? Like, why would my aunt, who found the pillowcase, spend the time sending texts to everyone (and then my mom texting me and probably my siblings as well) about ONE pillowcase? Also, I live in another state. So it's not like she can just run it over to me. Why wouldn't my aunt just donate it? It's that generation, I think. My mom struggled with everything. She was certain someone would want all her stuff. It was a very painful experience for us to help her empty her home. I got to the point where I brought things home and tossed into my own trash can. I was filling up my neighbor's cans, too. I can relate to the pillowcase. My mom shouted at me and literally cried over throwing away half a package of disposable diapers that were at least 20 years old. |
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Post by crazy4scraps on Mar 8, 2024 15:06:26 GMT
I have two of those lazy susan corner cabinets at home and I mostly love them. I went through all of the stuff in the Tupperware/Rubbermaid one last year and really cleared out a lot of the random stuff and organized the rest. For the most part it has stayed fairly organized in spite of my family who can’t seem to follow the program, LOL. The other one has most of the small appliances like the blender, panini press, food processor, the largest pots, oversized mixing bowls and my KitchenAid bowls.
We have a weird one at the lake cabin in one corner that I didn’t realize wasn’t like the ones at home until after it was installed. The ones at home have a full round, two level turntable inside so no matter where the turntable is positioned, the corner door can be closed. The turntable in the one at the lake cabin has two levels but it’s only 75% of a circle so the cutout in the lazy susan has to be positioned at the front to close the door which is a bit aggravating. It’s surprising how much less fits in that cabinet as a result.
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mich5481
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Post by mich5481 on Mar 8, 2024 16:20:16 GMT
I'm going through some of my clothes in the other bedroom downstairs. I am getting rid of all of the 3x clothes, and most of the 2x ones. There are some shells I want to try on to see if they will work under sweaters or suit jackets.
I'm going to put them in my car today, so I can drop them off to donate the next time I go to town.
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Post by **GypsyGirl** on Mar 8, 2024 16:37:00 GMT
I'm going through some of my clothes in the other bedroom downstairs. I am getting rid of all of the 3x clothes, and most of the 2x ones. There are some shells I want to try on to see if they will work under sweaters or suit jackets. I'm going to put them in my car today, so I can drop them off to donate the next time I go to town. Congratulations on your weight loss! |
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Any advice?
This time I have crept a bit closer, but still not close, to scorched earth decluttering and it has felt so wonderful. I’ve made so many strides this time around that I never have before and didn’t even think I wanted or needed to. For years everyone felt like our home has more of a hotel vibe with our lack of belongings, and y’all know I thought I was in the maintenance phase of decluttering. I was so wrong! It has felt absolutely amazing and lifted a weight off my shoulders I thought wasn’t there anymore. So now I’m left trying to decide if these items would lift even more. 
I threw away three bags of expired or unused products and ordered new pie-shaped organizing bins to keep items from falling off the shelves. I'm excited to get my order and perhaps store some different items in there than I have been. Maybe if I consolidate DH's food stuffs in there, he will use them since they'll all be centrally located in his own little space. We shall see! Now to begin working to clear the kitchen countertops. 
