How Long Should you Keep Household Items - Our Guide

One of the biggest reasons why people have so much clutter in their home is because of the unknown timeframe on how long to keep household items. Since there are no expiration dates on many of our random items, chances are you’re most likely going to hold on to them longer than you should. If you want to have a neat and organized home clear of purposeless objects, it’s important to first understand how to disassociate yourself with feeling like you need to keep everything you have.

If you’re ready to start clearing out the clutter but have no idea where to start, below let’s take a look at certain household items and how long you should keep them before getting rid of them.

Clothing Items and Accessories

Most people have a hard time getting rid of their clothes, especially women. To get started, you should pull out the clothing pieces, shoes, and accessories that you have not worn in over 2 years. While you’re doing that, make a pile of items that are stained or in need of repair. For those items that are stained or need repair, you should stop and plan when you will have them serviced. If you notice after 1 week you still haven’t attended to them, it’s probably time to let them go. For the other items you no longer have a need for, you can donate them, sell them or give them away to friends and family.

Food and leftovers

It is easy to disregard expired food in our refrigerators or pantries. Great thing is, it is not difficult to tell if your food items are expired or not, so this step is quite easy. Most fresh fruits, vegetables, and leftovers may not come with expiration dates, but you can keep track of this yourself. After a trip to the grocery store, place your produce into containers, write the date of purchase on a sticky note or a label, and place it on the container. This will help you keep track on when the items was purchased or opened and when it needs to go.

Below is an outline of the shelf life of common fruits and vegetables

You can do the same for leftovers - but you should eat them within 2 days. Dairy products can usually be eaten up to 10 days after purchase. Eggs can last for 3 to 4 weeks after purchase - and can be frozen!

According to FoodSafety.gov, raw ground meats, all poultry, seafood, and variety meats should be refrigerated for up to 1 to 2 days. Raw roasts, steaks, and chops (beef, veal, lamb, and pork), refrigerated for up to 3 to 5 days. Cooked meat, poultry, and seafood can be refrigerated for 3 to 4 days. For red meat and fish if you don’t plan to use them right away it’s best to freeze them but you must eat them within 24 hours of defrosting.

According to the NHS, you can freeze meat for a long time and it will still be safe to eat, but the quality will decline so it's best to eat it within three to six months.

Cosmetic items

A MAC eyeshadow that cost $50 may be quite an investment, but it doesn’t mean that you should hold on to it for four years. Cosmetic items have expiration dates as well even though most people are unaware of this or choose to ignore it. Most mascara and eyeliners are best used within ninety days after it is first used.

Chances are that there will still be a lot of product left in the tube after a mere three months, but it’s best to get a new one as bacteria can build up in this product very quickly. Liquid foundation can last up to a year when kept away from sunlight and heat.

Most lipstick and lip glosses can be kept for six months up to a year before needing replacement. Makeup powder lasts the longest since you can use it for up to two years. That being said, if you detect a change in color or smell, discontinue use and throw it away.

Newspapers and magazines

Reading is a great activity, but it’s important to clear that pile of newspapers and magazines from time to time. If there is a particular article or photo that you’d like to keep, cut out the section and recycle the rest. There’s nothing wrong with keeping magazines around for a month or two, but as with newspapers because the quick turn around cycle, you should recycle them regularly.

If you’re looking for a professional organizer in Houston, TX to help make more space in your home or business, get in touch with Rescue My Space today. We’re always more than happy to help!

DIY Acrylic Dry Erase board

Now that my office is slowly getting closer to completion there are still some final touches I need to add to it before the big reveal. Being someone who enjoys writing things down I wanted to add a dry erase board to my office but not just any ole dry erase board, I wanted an acrylic board.

My first option was to purchase the board from this amazing maker I found on Instagram but after holding it off weeks later, I decided to take a leap of faith and make it myself. Guess what I did! Below you will see the steps I took to create my acrylic dry erase board. It only requires a few products and time but once you’re done you will have created your very own personal masterpiece.

MATERIALS

• Acrylic sheet

• Standoffs

• Decal - optional from Etsy

• Painters Tape

• Pencil

• Drill

• Drillbit

• A level

STEP #1 Because the acrylic sheet will come with a protective film on it. Don’t peel this film off until you’re ready to apply the vinyl decals which is at the end.

Start off with measuring and marking where you’re going to drill the holes in each corner. I measured about an inch and a half from the edge and covered the area with some painter’s tape on both sides.

STEP #2 Next, With a cordless drill fitted with a 1/2″ spade drill bit, drill a hole all the way through, peel the tape off, and clean up any ragged edges by scraping off the excess plastic that was removed.

STEP #3 Mark the area on the wall where the board will be hung. Take your board and place it against the wall in its desired location. Mark the 4 corners on the wall using a pencil and drill into the wall. Make sure you drill the correct size hole in the wall according to standoff screws.

STEP #4 Once all 4 holes are in place, hang your acrylic board into the screws and tighten the stand offs tightly to ensure your board is secure.

STEP #6

Take a step back and admire the master piece you’ve created! Oh and did I forget to mention, custom…

If you’re interested in watching the tutorial, check it out below!

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6 Ways to Stop Sentimental Cluttering

Humans are emotional creatures - we are driven to hang on to things that we don’t necessarily want because we feel some sort of emotional connection to them. When it comes to decluttering, there are times when items have a significant emotional value that prevents us from wanting to throw it away. This is fine in most cases, but when you’re looking to declutter your space and make room for new things like furniture or equipment in your room, these old items will have to be discarded. In this article, we’ll talk about the six ways you can prevent and resolve sentimental cluttering so that you can enjoy a more spacious room overall. Let’s get into it!

1. Think About the Value
The first and most important thing that you need to think about is how much you need something and why the item is worth keeping. There are times when we keep things around because we feel that we need to do so, even when those things may lack worth. It’s important to recognize when you are doing this to learn how to get rid all of items, as they’re preventing you from moving on with your life.

2. Feel Free to Get Rid of Gifts
Many people don’t want to throw away gifts, because they feel as if they are responsible for taking care of them despite the fact that they may not really want them. If it’s been 10 years and you haven’t used the toaster that your distant aunt gave you yet, it’s fair to say that you never will. Donate or sell - either is better than letting it sit around unused.

A box full of sentimental items

3. Don’t Feel Guilty
One of the reasons why people are reluctant to throw away items in their home is because they feel guilty about getting rid of them. As we mentioned, you shouldn’t let guilt prevent you from moving on with your life. Therefore, feel free to get rid of the souvenirs from Egypt that you got from your distant cousin if you never plan on using them.

4. Upload Your Photos
Nowadays, we have access to digital technology that allows us to keep track of information, data, photos, and memories of an event or a trip without having to spare any physical space for them. If you have boxes on top of boxes of old photo albums, it’s time to upload them onto the Cloud so that you’re able to access them from any device you want at any time.

5. Donate Things You Never Use
If you have a piece of clothing that you haven’t worn in years because you don’t fit it or don’t like the style anymore, it’s time to get rid of it. Don’t think too much about the sentimental value that such pieces of clothing may have, as the majority of clothing holds some level of sentimental value anyway. When it comes to clothing, be picky. Keep only the most precious pieces and get rid of all the ones that you don’t need.

6. Make a Scrapbook
If you prefer to save your memories in small tidbits, having a scrapbook is a good direction to take. You don’t need a lot of supplies to start one; some newspapers, an empty notebook, a glue stick, a few markers, and you’re all set! You can preserve your most precious memories in a small book that you’ve made for yourself -- what better way to look back on your life than that?

If you’re looking for a professional organizer in Houston, TX to help make more space in your property, get in touch with Rescue My Space today! We’re always more than happy to help.

3 Simple ways to hang a skirt

#1 - THE FOLD OVER

• This is probably the easiest and most common way to hang a skirt. You will need the skirt and a hanger.

• All you need to do is place your skirt through the hanger and that’s it. You can adjust one side of the skirt to either hang over a bit or to match

• As long as the skirt is made of a thicker material, folding is the suggested option since they are less likely to wrinkle or crease.

 #2 - CLIP-IT

• Use a clip-style hanger or detachable clips to secure your skirt at the waistband. This option will prevent the skirt from creasing.

• Adjust the skirt to make sure both sides are balanced to prevent unevenness while hanging.

• You can also use various alternative clips to clip your skirt to the hanger like binder clips and/or heavy duty paper clips - as long as the the clips are large enough

#3 - CLIP-IT (add fabric)

• For embellished or sensitive material skirts, fold a piece of fabric like felt or tissue paper in between the hanger and clip to protect the detailing and/or to prevent scratches on the skirt.

• So grab the skirt waistband and place the fabric on the skirt.

• Once you’re comfortable with the placement, assuming the clips are on the hanger, clip it in place. Make sure the clips and fabric are in intact to ensure the skirt is secure. This will prevent it from slipping out.

• Adjust the hanger accordingly to make sure both sides are even and you’re done!

Honestly there are many ways and different hanger options that can properly hang a skirt. The options that I mentioned allow you to use a hanger you already have as well as use items you already have.

If you’re in the Houston area and would like to learn more about different ways to organize your closet, feel free to get in touch with Rescue My Space today! We’re happy to help.

3 Storage Systems that will help you get Organized

Having storage is an important aspect of a home nowadays. Because the average American family has over 300,000 items in there home, having a place to store said items is crucial. I’ve come across a lot of storage solutions and have chosen my top favorite inexpensive and aesthetic pleasing storage systems on the market today. Best of all, these storage systems are practical since they can be hung thus using vertical spaces that are usually unused.

Take a look at the below and let me know which one do you have or would you like in your home.

T H E A L G O T S Y S T E M

The Algot Series system is the most popular storage system at Ikea. It’s easy to install and can be configured in multiple ways. Best of all, it now comes in black which makes it more compatible to be used in various styled homes.

T H E E L F A S Y S T E M

Probably the most popular storage system on the mark thus far and I see why. Not only is it minimal looking, it also can be configured in multiple ways. The best part is you can go inside your local Container Store and have a closet specialist help you create a custom system.

T H E S T R I N G S Y S T E M

This system is a great balance between functionality and minimalistic style. It’s affordable, easy to assemble and easy to install which to is a WIN WIN in my book! Though this company is in Sweden, delivery is easy and they ship to most states in the US.

As you can see all of these systems are pretty easy to install and can fit most if not all styles. They are just perfect storage solutions to organize any space. If you’re interested in learning more about how these storage systems can help you organize your space, please let me know in the comments section.

If you’re in the Houston area and want to add any of these storage systems to your home, get in touch with Rescue My Space today! We’re happy to help.

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Links to all Storage Systems below:

T H E A L G O T S Y S T E M

T H E E L F A S Y S T E M

T H E S T R I N G S Y S T E M

5 Storage Bins perfect for Organizing a Small Pantry

Pantries are like the arteries of the kitchen. Even though the kitchen is the heart, without the arteries pumping blood to the heart, it will fail. They also come in different shapes, sizes and structures. Some take up 1/4th of the kitchen, some are in arms length and some are hidden within cabinets. With there differences, they are important to have and probably suffer the most because of the many items inside them. If you are someone suffering with a small pantry, below are 5 different storage bins that will help keep your pantry organized.

The Tosca basket is one of the most sought out bins on the market. It’s minimalist appearance allows it to fit in different pantry styles. Also, with it’s small size, it will fit perfectly in a small pantry. To conclude the handles make it easy to be moved in and out.

Items you can place in it:

• Boxed items

• Packaged Items

Tosca Basket with Wooden Handles

The loft woven storage bin is a bit different since the interior is lined with fabric. That means the components that will be placed inside of the bin will be protect as well as your shelves. It does come in 2 sizes so if you have a small pantry, you have an option. To conclude the handles make it easy to be moved in and out.

Items you can place in it:

• Packaged Bags

• Loose Items

• Bottled Liquids

Loft Woven Storage Bins with Handles

Water Hyacinth bins are another sought after bin. They are not only stylish, they are inexpensive and can fit with any style. In small pantries they are perfect to store almost everything. To conclude the handles make it easy to be moved in and out.

Items you can place in it:

• Boxed items

• Packaged Items

• Bottled Liquids

• Loose Items

Mocha Water Hyacinth Storage Bins with Handles

Though not typically used in a pantry, they are stylish and sturdy. If you have an open pantry, these a great because of it’s beautiful appearance. Most importantly this bin is roomy and perfect to storage different types of items. As the other, the handles make it easy to move.

Items you can place in it:

• Boxed items

• Packaged Items

Blue Two-Tone Storage Bins with Handles

Whatever you want to organize these plastic storage bins are perfect for a pantry. Not only are they durable, they fit in any room seamlessly and their the most inexpensive out of the bunch. Because of their durability all spills and breaks are easy to clean up.

Items you can place in it:

• Boxed items

• Packaged Items

• Bottled Liquids

• Loose Items

• ANYTHING!

White Plastic Storage Bins with Handles

If you’re interested in learning more about different ways to use the mentioned bins inside or outside of the pantry, let me know in the comments below. Also, if you’re looking to getting your pantry organized and you live in the Houston area, get in touch with the Organizing Consultants at Rescue My Space today. Happy Organizing!

8 Common Household Areas To Declutter Weekly

Your home is your haven where you can return for rest after a long, tiring day. However, your home is also the place for items you’ve purchased, which means that the rooms in your house can easily become cluttered. In order to prevent that from happening. It is essential to keep on top of it. You’ve got to declutter from time to time if you expect to maintain a clean, organized and relaxing space. So, without further ado, here are eight spots you should clear out every week:

THE BATHROOM

From old toothbrushes to brand new lotion bottles, your bathroom is a familiar spot for health and beauty related products. Slowly, the clutter will accumulate around the counters and in the medicine cabinet. Take some time to get rid of empty shampoo bottles and used toiletries. Check the expiration dates for everything and keep what you’re likely to use out. Invest in long term storage solutions and put what you want in them. This will help your bathroom look tidier and organized.

THE FRIDGE

Does your fridge smell of moldy cheese? Check behind the drawers and throw it out immediately. It’s easy to forget about old food in the fridge, and these things can clutter up the shelves. Make it a routine to throw out used jars and expired food. This will open up more shelf space and help your fridge to run more efficiently. Not only will you reap the benefits of more food storage space, but clearing and cleaning your fridge will prevent bacteria from spreading to new food.

 THE CLOSET

Decluttering your closet doesn’t have to take up a lot of time. Simply remove unwanted and unworn clothes and give it a good dusting once in a while. Neatly fold your clothes and create categories or designated areas for storing your clothes. This will make your closet look tidier and help you find the items you need faster.

THE BEDROOM

Now that you’ve tidied the closet, it's time to move to your bedroom. Pick up yesterdays clothes from the floor and dress your bed even though of course, we know you do this in the morning. If you come across items that are not being used or don’t belong in your bedroom take them out and consider donating or selling them. Nowadays there are many platforms you can sell your clothes on. All you need to do is take great photos and price it below market value. For the items that don’t belong, send them to their designated place. Understand that your bedroom is one if not the most important area that you want to be decluttered and because you spend a lot of time sleeping there every night, you must take care of it.

THE WASTE BINS

Emptying your trash cans and recycling bins weekly ensures no unpleasant smells develop. A full bin attracts flies and maggots, which is why you want to make sure that you empty it as soon as it’s full. Don’t forget the little bins in your bathroom and bedrooms either. Although these tend to fill up slower, it is still a good idea to clear them out every week just to keep on top of things.

THE HALLWAY

You can prevent piles of clutter from building up in your entryway by consistent tidying. Don’t leave mail and advertising leaflets on the floor. Recycle or throw away what you don’t need. Put the shoes you hardly wear back onto the shoe rack and neatly store your coats in their designated areas. You’d be surprised at how much space you can create by just putting things back to where they belong.

THE COFFEE TABLE

A common bedrest for your mail, TV remote, and other general small items, your coffee table can quickly fill up with everyday products that you frequently use. This leaves no space to actually put down your cup of coffee, the intended use for the table. You need to clear the table weekly and give the surface a quick wipe to ensure it is clean and clutter-free.

YOUR MAKEUP BAG

Makeup bags are filled with necessities that are typically used daily. Items like lipstick, eyeshadow and extra brushes are commonly found in there. However, sometimes you don’t use everything in that bag, and it’s just adding extra dead weight. Try emptying everything out and deciding what you want to keep. The more minimal your makeup bag is, the easier it will be to find anything.

If you’re looking for a professional organizer in Houston, TX to help make more space in your home, get in touch with Rescue My Space today! We’re happy to help.

3 simple ways to handle your Clothes Clutter + BONUS TIP

1.  KNOW YOUR STYLE

As we get older our style typically follows and because of this its important that you update your closet accordingly. Go through your closet and pick out all the clothes that no longer fit your style. Rather than giving them out to your local charity, try seeing if either a friend or a close family member would use it. If so, plan on sending the items to them immediately. I’d also suggest you try selling them. There are various resale apps out there that will help you do so. If nothing transpires from either suggestions, then you can send them to your local charity.

2. DOES IT SUIT YOUR BODY?

From child birth, to the freshman 15 to having a full time job, our bodies are evolving and not at the pace we’d like it to. I myself have gained 10 pounds (honestly closer to 15 pounds) in the last year and have caught myself wanting to purchase clothes I’ll probably wear in the future. After trying the clothes on I knew they didn’t suit me well but I was so stuck on the fact that they were cute, I didn’t realize I probably wouldn’t even wear them. Go in your closet and try on your entire wardrobe but only focus on the ones that you haven’t worn in over a year. If you notice, they no longer fit your body comfortably, then it’s probably time to let them go.

3. ALWAYS HAVE A BUDGET BEFORE YOU GO SHOPPING

Budgets are important to have when you’re really purchasing anything. A great way figure out a wardrobe budget is to first have a purpose when shopping (why are you going shopping? What is your shopping goal?) and next is to know what stores you’ll be shopping in. You don’t want to go to Saks 5th but have a Forever 21 shopping budget. So most importantly you have to be realistic. For example, if you need to buy a dress for an event and the budget you give yourself for said dress is $75, that means you must find a dress less than $75 (including tax) to be within your budget. Therefore the lower you are the better. If you stay true to your shopping budget you will notice how less often you actually go shopping and most importantly your closet will be clutter-free and organized.

BONUS TIP - SLEEP ON IT BEFORE YOU BUY

I can’t tell you how much sleeping on it has helped not only keep money in my pocket, it has helped minimize the clutter in my closet. Sleeping on it, which means, instead of impulsive buying you go sleep. If you find yourself thinking about the items within the next 2-3 days then you buy them. What you will discover is you’re less likely to buy those items if you give yourself time to think about the items you’re considering purchasing.

If you’re looking for a simple and better way to handle your clothes clutter, Rescue My Space can help you achieve your home goals today. We’re happy to help!