FIVE THINGS TO BUY NOW 

I just finished enjoying my coffee and reading the newspaper outside by my newly created "happy place". The store ads remind me that this is one of the best times of the year to make organizing purchases.  Kids are going off to college and the stores offer their best storage deals.  Let me share with you the five things you should consider purchasing now.

#1  Clear Storage Containers 

Always look for clear boxes with flat fitting lids.  Avoid lids with hinges or split tops, they do not stack well and can be hard to access.  Clearly mark your contents with a label that shows from the inside.  Store on utility shelves, or stack 3-4 high with heaviest boxes on the bottom.  I find the best buys at Target, K-Mart and other large discount stores.  Target has 56-quart boxes like the one pictured here for about $6.

#2  Rolling Carts

These rolling carts can be used to store crafts, tools, special paper, tax documents, family papers, jewelry, gift paper or cards, lingerie, photos and much more.  I use several around the house.  The picture at the right shows my office supply cart that rolls right under my desk.  These carts don't go on sale very often, but Staples had them in the Sunday paper for 50% off at $15.  That is a very good buy.  Sometimes Target will have them on sale too.

#3  Pencil Boxes

For about $.50 to $1.00 these pencil boxes come in handy to hold jewelry, small tools, computer drives/disks, cash for school lunches, emergency kit supplies, make-up, or any small item that gets lost in the drawer.  Stack them to maximize space.  This is the best time of year to find good deals on these nifty containers. 

#4  Binders

Like the pencil boxes this is a good time of year to pick up binders.  You can get away with using lightweight binders for storing papers that you will not access frequently.  Opt for the heavier binders if you will be using them often.  Binders with front and side pocket windows for labels are handy.  I find that stick-on labels rarely stay stuck on.  You can always label the binder with a permanent marker, but that limits future use.  Binders used with 3-ring pockets or page protectors inside are great for instruction manuals, restaurant menus, recipes, craft instructions, newspaper or magazine articles, medical or school records, or music.  Look now in the "Back to School" section of your favorite store.  Binders at office supply stores go on sale frequently.  Costco has good deals too.

#5  Decorative Storage Baskets

Decorative storage baskets can hide junk quicker than you can say "hide my junk."  I have a large storage box (clear of course) in my basement that holds a variety of smaller storage baskets.  Whenever I need to contain a small mess, I grab a basket like I did for my make-up and hair products in this photo.  I also use a basket to contain the mail, separate family papers, hold remote controls, and to keep snacks handy.   To avoid a messy look try to keep color or materials similar.  Baskets can be pricey, but they are almost always on sale somewhere (try K-mart, Michaels, Target, Costco, etc).  Right now Michaels has baskets 40% off.  Be sure to measure the space where the basket will go before you buy.