Tidy Tips: Denim Storage

Many of our clients struggle with storing their denim. There's no right or wrong method - it depends on the space, lifestyle, collection. Scroll through to see some methods we use to store denim. 

Hang pants using pant hangers

Pro: Visually pleasing, open-end hanger design allows for fast access, non-slip coating, good for high inventory 

Con: Hangers are pricey, need to have the hanging space in closet 

Hang pants using crisscross method

Pro: Easily access the waistband to see size/style, great for closet with short hanging space, good for high inventory

Con: More time consuming to hang

Tidy Note: This is Jared’s go-to method for storing his denim because he has a ton of different styles and sizes. 

File Folding

Pro: Quantity is visible, good for low inventory 

Con:  Challenging to identify different sizes and styles, need a drawer or basket, does not work on shelves 

Tidy Note: This is Taylor’s go-to method for storing her denim because she has a low inventory and limited space. 

(One File Folding Image)

Flat Folding 

Pro: Quick method, good for low inventory, ideal for open shelves so inventory is visible 

Con: Waist band has more material than the hem causing the stack to be lopsided - to eliminate this issue, you can alternate stacking the waistband and hem sides. Difficult to remove denim from bottom of the stack 

Tidy Note: This is Shannon’s go-to method for storing her denim because she has a low inventory of denim (and her days working in retail have made folding denim second nature). 

(Two Flat Folding images)

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Editing Your Beauty & Skincare Products

Editing is not just for clothes! Beauty products and skincare products need to be edited from time-to-time to avoid the clutter. Follow these easy steps to keep your product inventory manageable. 

1. Lay everything out on a solid background - think white towel - so you can easily see colors. 

2. Group items by makeup, skincare, haircare. 

3. Check the consistency of the products  - if things are discolored, smell different or the consistency has changed, set aside to discard. 

4. Check expiration dates. Discard anything that has expired. Check out our recent blog post on beauty expiration dates here.

5. Eliminate duplicates (give to friends, create a travel bag, set aside to discard).

6. Place remaining inventory back in your storage system grouping by type (makeup, skincare, haircare) then subcategorize as you see fit. Check out our previous blog posts on the systems we like to use.

7. Repeat this a few times a year!

Pro Tip: When it comes to discarding - If it’s unused, donate it. If it’s been used and still good but not in your repertoire, offer it to a friend. If the product has expired, check the packaging to see if it can be recycled. Some companies like Lush and MAC accept empties. Companies like Colgate and Garnier have partnered with TerraCycle and will accept empty product packaging from any brand. 

Links: 

Mac Cosmetics

Lush

Colgate

Garnier

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Expiration Dates: Beauty Products

An extremely important part of editing is checking the expiration dates of your products! We’re trained to check expiration dates on food but have you checked expiration dates on your beauty products? We put together a quick list of most commonly used beauty products and their expiration dates.

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Summer Organizing Tips

It’s Summer (yasssss) and that means lots of outdoor activities. To be properly prepared for each requires just a little bit of planning, and that little bit of planning can make all the difference in creating your picture perfect summer. We’re sharing some of our favorite Summer Organizing Tips to get you ready for the grill, the beach, road trips and picnics. Enjoy!

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BBQ/Picnic Supplies

Create a caddy for BBQ supplies so you’re not rummaging through your kitchen cabinets everytime you want to eat outside. Pick a caddy that holds silverware, napkins, plates, condiments,  etc.

•Target: Thirstystone Galvanized Steel Silverware Caddy

•Williams Sonoma: White Hapao Flatware Caddy

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Grilling Tools

Grilling tools are cumbersome and shouldn’t take up prime real estate in the kitchen. Try storing  them in a long lidded container, hang them on the grill using a rack or if you have room, get a weatherproof prep cart to store all BBQ supplies. 

If you travel to BBQ… Camping Tool Organizer

If you have a grill… Grillinator BBQ Tool Rack

If you have the space…. Keter Unity Indoor Outdoor BBQ Entertainment Storage Table/Prep Station

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Charcoal Storage

Keep charcoal in a galvanized trash can to ensure it stays dry. Side Note: We use this for Bird Seed too (not the same can…)

Amazon: Galvanized Steel Trash Can

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Car Organization

You’re most likely living out of your car during the summer months - traveling to parks, hiking, picnics, impromptu pool parties, etc. Keep a bag of essentials in your car to avoid packing each time you leave the house. We like bags with structure so they stand up -  Scout Bags are super durable, multifunctional and come in fun prints. For specific trunk organizers try a solution with straps to keep secure. 

Amazon: SCOUT BAG, Large Utility Tote Bag with 4 Exterior Pockets and Max-Capacity Zipper

Amazon: Drive Auto Products Car Trunk Organizer Storage with Straps

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Picnic Supplies

Having a picnic in the park or tailgating at a concert can be a lot of work gathering all the supplies. Pack a picnic supply kit in the beginning of the season and keep it on hand so all you need to do is pack food! We use Scout bags because we love our multifunctional they are (see link above). Mark & Graham has a smart design - three sections, collapsible and has a removable cooler. 

Mark & Graham: Calistoga 2-in-1 Car Organizer, Thick Navy Stripe

Don’t forget to pack:

Picnic blanket 

Frisbee / Lawn games

Playing cards 

Bug spray and SPF

Reusable bottles, cutlery, napkins, plates, etc. 

Bottle opener

First-aid kit 

Baby wipes/ wet naps /  antibacterial spray

Beach Towels

Bathing Suits 

Sweatshirt 

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The Refrigerator 

This one may not be as obvious, but with kids in and out of the refrigerator, more entertaining and (hopefully) a plentiful bounty from the backyard garden, the refrigerator can get a little chaotic. 

While rainbow sorted refrigerators are gorgeous, they don’t work for many households. A quick fix - keep everything in glass containers and jars so everything is visible. Kids snacks should be contained in a drawer or area of the refrigerator so the don’t have to spend time rummaging around. We like to keep items corralled in bins and drawers lined for easy clean-up. 

The Container Store: InterDesign Linus fridge bins (in various sizes).

If you’re avoiding plastic of any kind (good for you), try using baskets instead. 

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10 Tips for a Tidy Spring

Spring is always a great time for home organizing projects. While Tidy Nest has been busy on-site helping our clients get ready for spring, we wanted to share some easy spring tasks that you can tackle on your own!

Here are our Top 10 Tips to get your home ready for Spring:

1. When switching out your winter clothes, use weather-tight bins to ensure your clothing is protected from moisture, dirt and pests.

2. This is a great time to identify the items you didn’t wear this season and donate or give to someone else who will enjoy them.

3. Add cedar & lavender sachets to your closet and storage bins to get rid of any musty odors. These are easy to DIY, or to find at an Arts & Crafts store or from Amazon.

4. Go through your pantry and discard any expired items and donate any non-perishable items you don’t use.

5. Take everything out of your refrigerator, discard any expired items, wipe everything down and add some baskets or see-through containers to corral loose items like kids’ snacks, fruit or that hot sauce collection.

6. Edit your food container collection, recycle anything that doesn’t have a top!

7. Find your sunscreen from last summer and check the expiration date. If it’s expired, you can actually use it as shaving cream, unless it looks and smells funky...then toss it!

8. Wipe down all your winter boots and shoes and store them in shoe containers to avoid dust and mold. Be sure to add one of your cedar & lavender sachets to keep the shoes smelling fresh. You’ll add years on to your shoes’ lifespan!

9. Pull out all your outdoor garden supplies, wipe everything down and take stock of what you have / don’t have so you’re not overbuying on that first trip to the nursery!

10. Clean out your car! Replace the snow brushes for the picnic blanket, throw away all those old receipts and food wrappers, and remove all the contents from your car console.

From your home, to your garden and your car, you’ll find yourself more inspired by the spaces you’ll be frequenting this Spring!

Happy Organizing!

-Tidy Nest Team

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