6 Tips to creating more space in your "small" apartment

Living in a big city like New York can sometimes mean you have to sacrifice your living area for a much smaller apartment (a teeny tiny one).

 With that said, here are six ways to make the most out of the limited space in your apartment specifically. If you don’t live in an apartment, you can focus organizing a space home :

INSTALL MURPHY BEDS

When you don’t have a lot of space to work with, you have to make the most of the space that you do have. Start by getting rid of things you don’t need, and making sure everything you have is foldable and or adjustable so that it doesn’t have to take up as much space. The first thing you should look at is your bed, as it’s often the most immobile and cumbersome object in the room.

A great solutions is getting a Murphy bed. These beds are space-efficient, as they can be made to fit in your wardrobe, behind the bed or even hidden underneath the floor. Another version is a lofted bed that can be hoisted up during the day which will provide you with more floor space.  

Before you consider this bed option, you must first advise with your apartment management to make sure the structure of your apartment is secure and to ensure your space can support the mechanism of this type of bed.

USE WALL HANGERS

 Vertical areas in the home are the most least used spaces therefore it’s so important to use this space during your organizing project. When you don’t make use of it, the walls of your room are just wastes of space. Why not make it work to your advantage with wall storage? You should look to put up a few hangers to keep store your things on the wall. We’re not talking about putting up some paintings, but coats, lights, and other tools that you use often. This will help to save you a lot of space in the cabinet and drawers so you can fit more stuff in there.

BLEND THINGS INTO THE WALL

When you have something that you can’t put away, sometimes, the best thing to do is to just make it less visible. For example, if there’s a pillar on one side of the room that takes up a lot of space, paint it the same color as the wall. This way, your eyes won’t be drawn to it, and you won’t feel as if it’s taking up as much space as it actually does.

CARRY MULTI-PURPOSE TOOLS

Multi-purpose tools can help to make your life a lot easier, as you don’t have to worry about having one tool for every job. Instead, you can keep one tool that serves many functions, and that can help to save you a ton of space. Things like Swiss army knives, utility belts, and multi-function screwdrivers are all great examples of those.

USE BINS

If you don’t have a storage system, your small apartment will fill up with stuff very quickly. To avoid this, make sure you have enough boxes and baskets to stow away your things. You should look for storage boxes that can be stacked on top of one another so that you don’t waste too much vertical space.

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If you’re looking for a professional organizer in Houston, TX to help make more space in your apartment, get in touch with For Your Corner today! We’re happy to help.

It's 2019!

10,9,8,7,6,5,4,3,2,1 … Happy New Year!

I've probably seen over 30 balls drop in my lifetime and it still never gets old.

I don't know about you but last year was quite interesting (for lack of a better word). All that has occurred in the country, with Rescue My Space, and in my life has been a whirlwind of emotions, victories and some misses but who's counting.

The most important take away I've gotten from this year is to embrace change and to learn from it. In my younger years, this concept was improbable because it was difficult to understand that good things come from change especially if the change leaned more towards pain or rejection.

Now that we are in the new year, which means new beginnings, new experiences, it is time to finally let go of that anger, that guilt and oh let's not forget, that shame and own it.

We're bringing in 2019 with a BANG …

That means we've got to clear out all of the baggage we want to leave behind in 2018 but in order to do so, it has to first begin with our stuff.

Yup, I mean that t-shirt that used to fit you two years ago, that bra that digs into your side boob or that two-decade old paperwork. Whatever it is you need to clear out, we're going to start now and leave it all behind.

I've created a video to help give you some ideas on what you can get rid of now without looking back (below).

Let me know:

1. One thing you'd like to get rid of out of your life.

2. One lesson you learned that has changed you.

3. One negative thought you're ready to leave in 2018.

Let me leave you with some words of wisdom I once heard: No one can make you change who you are but you alone.

Until next time!

Closet Declutter & Organization for Fall

The weather is changing and you’re beginning to see the leaves turn colors, there’s pumpkin spice is in the air (my personal favorite) and Halloween and Thanksgiving decorations have come out. The autumnal equinox has just begun. It’s not until the chilling wind hits your skin when you think to yourself, “I have nothing to wear,” even though we all know you do.

First thing first, go to your closet and stand inside of it or in front of it for some of us and look around. Yes, you caused this and no one else. The skirt spillage and shoe overload was something you created because the story of not having anything to wear has been something you’ve sung to yourself for many years. Your closet is in havoc and needs to be de-cluttered before the weather really changes and before you think of purchasing new anything, you need to get your shit together.

If you are someone dealing with this problem of have too many clothes in your closet which makes it impossible to find the appropriate clothing options for the fall, these tips will help you, only if you implement them and combat your clothes clutter before the winter comes.

L E T S B E G I N

#1 - Go through your entire closet and only select the clothing items that should only be worn in the Spring and Summer time. All your tanks, tube tops, daisy dukes, mini dresses, flip flops, sandals, straw hats, Crocs (if you wear them outdoors) and other warm temperature wearing items will leave or be out of reach. Typically this step requires that you empty your closet first but because we are getting our closets ready for the Fall season, we are doing it a little different. Once you’ve completed this step …

#2 - Fold all items neatly and place them to the side. Make sure you have something to put them in once you’re done.

#3 - Focusing on your hanged fall clothes, arrange them according your current lifestyle. For example, if you go to work five days a week, your work clothes may be placed in the front of the closet since these are the clothes you tend to where most often. If socializing is your thing, placing those clothes near the front or in an area that’s easily accessible may work best for you. The goal here is make sure the placement of your clothes works with your lifestyle because if executed correctly, you will cut your clothes surfing time in half.

#4 - Take out your scarves, hats, and gloves and do a mini sort through to make sure you still love them. If you don’t have a use for them, you know what to do. If you do, fold them and place them in a bin that is easily accessible. Of course, if you prefer hanging them that works too!

#5 - It’s finally time for the most important part, shoes! I put them last because shoes require a bit more time. Again, because we’re not necessarily doing a massive de-clutter, this step wont require as much emotion … but if you come across a pair of boots that have seen better days, again you know what to do. :) For all shoes that are for warmer temperatures, place them either in totes like the above mentioned or in a less accessible area in your closet. Because the goal is for you to find anything in less than a minute, keeping unwearable items out of the way will add more time to your day and more space to your closet.

Fall season is the time when we should get cozy and slow down. As the year is ending, it’s important we prepare ourselves for the new beginnings as we let go of the past.

If you’re interested in learning more about ways to organize your space for any season, feel free to leave a comment below.

I’ve also created a video on this so if you’re interested in watching me show you how to de-clutter your space for the Fall season, click the video!

Until next time!

Storage Basket Ideas

S T O R A G E   B A S K E T S    F O R   A N Y   S P A C E   I N   Y O U R   H O M E

R O O M    I D E A S 

S N I D A D

I N D R E S S

G U A L Ö V

F L Å D I S

P L U M S A

D I I

With the ever so changing way we store our home goods, one of the best ways to organize and display your throw blankets is in storage baskets like the ones above.

Not only can you find various options, they are inexpensive (for the most part) and can fit in multiple home styles. If you’re interested in learning about the above storage baskets and how you can use them, keep reading.

S N I D A D

This basket is a personal favorite of mine because of its straw like appearance and openness. Because it’s so open, it’s perfect for items you want to display, like throw blankets and pillows. Of course, you can add anything in the basket but if your goal is to create an organized and visually appealing space, the best items for this basket is anything that is nice to look at.

I N D R E S S

Unlike the Snidad basket, this basket is very space specific. The reason why I say this is because it is colored, though neutral and it fits well in a more monochromatic space. Since this basket is closed, you’re really able to put anything in it. Other than putting your blankets and pillows, you can put remotes, books or anything you like to use in your living space.

G U A L Ö V

Because of the lid, this basket is multifunctional. Other than having additional storage, it also comes with a top which allows you to not only store things in it, you can place items on it.

F L Å D I S

Not only is this basket spacious, in the case you choose switch to another basket, it folds flat and can be put away easily. If you do end up using it, it’s great for really anything that can fit in it. The most popular use for this basket is to place indoor plants in it. Plants like parlor palms, fiddle leaf figs or even white bird of paradise fits perfectly in this basket.

P L U M S A

Perfect for a nursery or a playroom, this basket maintains its spot as the most versatile amongst the others. Not only is it gender neutral, it is made out of cloth making it easy to wash when needed. The leather handles make it easy to carry plus it has a hook-friendly hanging function.

D I I

This is another collapsible bin that can be easily stored away when not in use. It is a perfect addition to a nursery, home office, craft room, living room and many other spaces that require storage. The black canvas makes stains invisible to the eye and can mesh well with multiple home styles.

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So here it is! These are the baskets that have been on my radar and I believe can work in any space. I come across so many storage options for items in our homes and believe storage baskets help keep our space organized and look put together.

I would love to know from you guys what type of basket(s) you use in your home and how you use them.

In the meantime, if you’re interested in learning about what basket will fit your home style, feel free to leave a comment below.

Until next time!

4 Simple ways to Minimize Mail Clutter

Hello - I'm back! I know I've been gone for a while but I'm here and ready to help you get more organized.

One of the questions I get most often is “How should I organize my mail?” Though there are many ways to do so and honestly it really depends on your habits but if you’re interested in learning how to decrease the clutter before it takes over your kitchen counter, I have some simple tips that can help you with that.

Ready. Set. Rescueeeeeee! 

The first tip to minimizing mail clutter is to:

discard spam mail before you enter your home

 When you check the mail before you step one foot into your home, throw away/recycle the mail that you don’t want. If you not comfortable with throwing mail out without shredding it, try placing the shredder outside to avoid you from going into your home.

dedicate 5-10 minutes to sort through your mail as soon as it coming into your home

For the other mail that may require more attention, only devote 5-10 minutes to go through them. Because for the most part we already know what mail we are expecting, it shouldn’t take more than 10 minutes to sort through. If you receive a letter that requires more attention, focus on that particular one last and try to resolve the issue if any, there and then. For example, if you received a wedding invitation that required you to fill out an RSVP, its best to fill it out at that moment than waiting to the very last minute because you forgot. Try not to put it off because the last thing you want to do is forget an important date.

opt-out spam mail

If you’re tired of receiving spam letters like magazines, credit card applications, coupons and etc., there are a few websites out there that work to help you remove your information from these lists. Funny enough some of the companies will be happy to remove your information since doing so will help them save money from printing. Below is a great link that has a list of website that will help you opt out.

Go here: www.ecocycle.org/junkmail

automate your mail (Go Paperless)

 My favorite and probably the easiest way to minimize your mail is to go paperless. Thankfully a lot of places like banks, department stores even healthcare providers offer this option. I believe going paperless is a much safer and secure way to stay organized. You get an email when your digital statements and documents are available and you can access your account statements and documents at your convenience online or nowadays via an app. Just simple!

At the end of the day, its all about your habits. If you are willing to get up for work, eat lunch, dress your bed, get dressed or even bite your nails, you too can get a handle of your mail. Start small. Try 1-2 of the tips mentioned and see how it works for you. If they don’t, try another one or two. It’s all about figuring out what works best for your current lifestyle and repeating it over and over until it becomes second nature.

Try it and let me know how it goes. Until next time!

Let It GO!

This concept sort of seems obvious since letting go of anything really only requires a trash bin and a thought. Like, you take an item and throw it away therefore it will never be seen again, right?

If only it were that simple.

With landfills constantly growing where 4000 – 5000 tons of trash is being processed per day six days a week especially here in the Houston alone, the idea of individuals having difficulties letting go of possessions may seem a bit hard to believe.

But believe it. With the amount of pressure we have to get the latest items or to have the next best thing, it's no reason why the average American household owns about 300,000 items.

I'll be first to say "We have a Problem" and "We need HELP."

I personally believe there are major stages in our lives when we should let go of stuff. Because we’re constantly evolving and looking for different ways to re-invent ourselves, what better way to do so than to let go of all things that no longer bring positivity, make us upset or no longer serve us. If you’re wondering, “what the heck does things serving us mean?” Well since you asked, it’s when something hasn’t been used for long time (over 2 years), it doesn’t make your life better, it conjures negative thoughts, or is just plain fugly and clashes with your home décor.

So here are 3 Stages in our lives when we should start thinking of letting things go.

L O S S

I have always been skeptical when dealing with this subject because of the multiple emotional stages death brings. There is no true way to say how someone should cope with loss yet alone move on but one thing I know is the belongings that are left behind typically never get used. A lot of times, it gets put in a room or thrown in storage and left alone for years. Unless, the items are valuable and have been appraised for a dollar amount you’re willing to accept, or there’s a family member who has a use for it, it may be time to let it go. Of course, I do believe it’s okay to hold onto some items especially if they ignite emotion and you're not ready to let go. For those items I’d suggest putting them in 1 clear container (Yes I said 1) and storing it away. Whenever you’re ready to let them go, you will know.

A  B R E A K U P

I’ve been through several break ups in my lifetime and this has been something I’ve followed for many years and each time I did, it worked. After a breakup, regardless of what it is, get rid of everything your ex gave you. Whether that’s a ring, a pen or even a house. It’s important that you remove yourself from these past possessions because once the relationship is over, you’ll need to detox your life from all things that remind you of that person or of the old you, so you can move and experience what's new to come. 

L O S I N G  W E I G H T

When you're losing weight you’re not only getting rid of pounds, you’re also getting rid of all the negativity that came with those pounds. During this phase in your life, you’ll be discovering a new you and with that comes new possibilities, new adventures and let’s be honest, new stuff. That means, those old clothes that no longer fit, let it go. This also includes old habits, old thoughts and old behaviors.

So instead of viewing your weight loss on a linear aspect, try viewing it as an onion with many peels. Before you get to the core which is the actual shedding of the pounds, look at the various characteristics in your life that may need some reviewing. I'm more than positive you will need to let go of something on the way. 

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Though it may appear when you let something go it requires a lot of physical manipulation but in all honestly it's more than that. Letting go requires loads of mental activity which may be difficult to confront at once but over time it will get easier especially for those more sentimental stuff. 

If you have items in your home that are difficult to let go, let me know in the comments section below so we can discuss how to let them go. 

Thank you for your time and I hope this pushes you to begin your organizing journey. 

Until next time! 

3 Simple Tips to tackle a Cluttered Space

So you walk into your room and you can’t find your favorite top. You’re walking through stuff, you’re stepping on stuff and you’re falling on stuff. You’ve now spent way too long looking for it and now you’re late to your first date.  

Your room is cluttered and you need help!

1.     S T A R T   S M A L L

Allocate 2-3 hours or the amount of time you’re willing to dedicate to organizing every week until your space is completely organized.

It’s important to keep in mind that the 9 months of clutter didn’t get that way in a couple of hours. So, the longer it took your space to get where it is, the longer it may take you to get through it.

So, in those hours, you will begin organizing one area at a time. If you want to start with your drawers, start there first and only work on that drawer until you completely organize it before you go to another area. Try not to jump from one place to another because this is what causes us not to finish.

But once that alarm goes off and your time is up, you’re done for the day and you can focus on another task. This will prevent you from the overwhelm you may get from taking on the entire space at one time.

2.     S O R T   Y O U R   I T E M S

Rather than sorting your items into a “KEEP”, “DONATE” or “TRASH” pile, group like items together and then sort through each individual pile and only decide on what you want to keep.

For example, let's say you want to organize your pens. You’ll need to gather all of the pens you have in your space. This means you need to go through your entire home or office and gather all of your pens and place them in 1 pile. Next, go through the pile and only choose the pens you love. During this step, you’ll be able to determine which pens no longer work, make your hands ache or are just right out ugly. If you don’t know already this is the pile you will be getting rid of for good.

The awesome part about this process is it removes the pressure from decision making and allows you to choose the items you truly love.

 Try it and let me know if it works.

3.     P R A C T I C E    L E T T I N G   G O

Because practice makes perfect, before you take on any organizing project, you should practice letting go. You should First let go of the items that are the easiest to get rid of. For example, start by letting go of a dirty towel, old ripped clothes or expired food. Because these items typically don’t require much thought and lack emotional attachment you’re likely to let them go the easiest.

So go around your home and practice letting go of less meaningful things.

·      That old balled up receipt… Let it go!

·      That old and worn boyfriend shirt…. Let it go!

·      That expired candy bar… Let it go!

·      That picture of you and your ex-best friend who stole money from you… LET THAT SH%@ GO!

·      Those old batteries that no longer have life… let's say it together… Let it go!

 As you practice letting go, you will find it much easier to let go of those more meaningful possessions that you’ve accumulated over the years. Once you start letting them go you will begin to notice your space staying organized and most importantly your life improving.

Until next time! 

The Power of Clarity

For the last couple of weeks, my life has been hectic. If you don’t know, I do have a corporate job where I go to work Monday – Friday and honestly, it takes a lot of my energy. One of the reasons why my videos now go up every so often and let’s not talk about blog posts or the lack thereof is that I’ve been feeling overwhelmed and drained.  I have so many ideas I want to bring to the world but the moment I get home, I’m physically done for the day. 

So, the reason I’m bringing this up is because my home has been suffering a bit. My space is in shambles both physically and mentally. My laundry is overflowing and each room in my home is out of whack. My life feels like its falling apart and a lot of times I want to give up. Give up on what I want to accomplish that is. My first instinct is I should quit my day job and focus on growing my business but then reality sets in and I don’t. I can’t. I need the money. It’s like I’m tied to my job and each time I try to run away; the rope pulls me back.

With all this said, if you are experiencing something similar or need a change in your life, don't give up. Please don't. There have been so many instances where giving up would mean having an easier life, spending more time with my friends and family but because of my goal, which sometimes feels bigger than myself, is much more important, I'm still here.

So I made a change, a necessary one at that. 

Last week I scheduled in 2 hours to organize my space and man do I feel great. I started small in one area of my home and slowly moved on to bigger portions. I didn't do it all at once, rather I took baby steps. I now feel lighter and my mind feels clearer. Though I still have some more to go, it's not as daunting. You see, organizing your space is not about how fast you do it or how tidy it looks, it's about creating a space that makes you feel good. A space that speaks to your soul. A space that's forgivable when you slip up but is always ready for change. 

I know I preach this constantly and still stand by it but sometimes you don't always practice when you preach especially when you're experiencing setbacks in your life and that's okay. It's all about re-balancing to put you back on track. I believe it's because of these "pitfalls" why we supersede our goals.

If you're going through anything similar, let me know below and let's start a conversation. 

As always, talk to you soon!