Project Recap: Downsizing after 30 Years

Need: Our client wanted to downsize from a 3,000 square foot townhouse, which they lived in for 30 years, to a smaller space. With such busy schedules, they didn’t have time to pack up their belongings and also needed coaching when it came time to edit a lifetime of belongings to fit in their new home.

Solution: We broke the house up into categories, reviewing, editing and packing one category before moving on to the next. We started with the walk-in storage room as we knew this was full of items that were not used frequently. This was an easy editing exercise and gave the client confidence with her decision-making. We then moved on to seasonal

items, gym, office, non-essential kitchen items, followed by clothing and bathroom items. The entire editing and packing project took about a week. 

Pro Tip: Take time to create a staging / work area. Clear out a room or dedicate a space in the garage or hallway for a folding table, packing supplies, donations boxes, etc. You won’t waste time looking for packing tape and you won’t have to pack boxes while sitting on the floor! 

Products: We can’t live without these custom staging signs. There are 12 categories that cover every scenario in the editing process. We clipped these laminated signs to boxes in our staging area which eliminated the dreaded questions “Where should I put Donations / Trash / Etc.” 

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Company Spotlight: Grove Collaborative

When building our Tidy Nest supply kits, we look for cleaning and household products that are sustainable, non-toxic and cruelty-free – qualities that are very important to the team members of Tidy Nest.

Since we’re breathing new life into client’s spaces, we wanted to make sure we’re not introducing any toxic products or producing excess waste. Enter Grove Collaborative. Grove Collaborative is a customizable auto-shipment service that delivers all-natural household products right to your doorstep. Grove makes products that are created with organic and plant-based ingredients, and they never use synthetic fragrance (which is s incredibly hard to find – it’s in everything!). Shannon is passionate about using cruelty-free products and was pleased to discover that Grove works exclusively with Leaping Bunny certified manufacturers to ensure everything they offer is 100% cruelty free. 

Here are some products that are in our Tidy Nest supply kits: 

Glass Spray Bottles with Silicone Sleeve 

All Purpose Cleaning Concentrate

Walnut Scrubber Sponge

Grove Cleaning Caddy 

Trash Bags

European Dishcloth

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B2B - TidyNest & 203CandleCo.

We knew we wanted to support small businesses in Westchester and Fairfield counties when it came time to purchasing client gifts. Shannon turned to instagram for some inspiration and stumbled upon @203CandleCo. Before even testing one of their products, we knew we found what we needed.  Their candles are hand-poured using all natural, organic, and vegan-friendly products - characteristics that are extremely important to the Tidy Nest team. Plus we love supporting husband & wife teams!

We had such a hard time choosing a scent since we loved them all. We purchased a handful of options from Ally Bally Bee (a great store in New Canaan) and conducted a scent test. The scents were all great, that every scent got a vote and we were stuck with a tie! Ultimately, we decided on Sea Salt & Orchid and we couldn’t be happier.

Alicia and Alex were super responsive, extremely helpful and collaborative and even hand delivered our order of candles. We love them!!

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Check out Alicia and Alex’s company, 203CandleCo.

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Project Recap: Spring Organizing – Kitchen Cabinet Edition

Need: Even organizers need to take time to edit, edit again, re-sort, and change up their organizing solutions.

Solution: Review all content in cabinets, evaluate current organizing systems and make any necessary changes to the products, placement, and cabinet use.

Method:

1. Clear out each cabinet

2. are no longer of use.

3. Review contents – discard expired items, donate both duplicates and items that are no longer of use.

   We are sticklers about expirations dates (Shannon more than Jared) and even we found spices in our cabinet that had expired. It was a horrifying moment for Shannon, but a good lesson that even the expiration police can miss a date!

4. Analyze previous placement and make any necessary changes

   We originally had our baking supplies in mismatched jars, and after a few crazy months of non-stop work and travel, our baking cabinet got a little out of control, with no system whatsoever. We decided to forgo the mismatched jars and put all our flours and sugars in the ProKeeper containers from The Container Store. This line has snap-out levelers, dusting spoons & screens and terracotta disk inserts.

5. Implement new systems and products when needed

   We had an abundance of various teas in a corner of the cabinet. It was hard to identify our inventory and all the labels caused visual overload every time we opened the cabinet. We removed all the teas from the boxes and found a great storage solution. Now the tea nook is super calming… exactly how a tea nook should be.

6. Label!

   We prefer handwritten labels in our kitchen – we like the homey feel. We replaced all our printed labels with handwritten chalkboard stickers and washi tape labels.
   

Tidy Tip:
As mentioned earlier, we’re the expiration police - when you’re swapping out containers, remember to write the expiration date on a piece of washi tape. You can conceal the label by hiding it on the bottom of the jar or container.  We think washi tape works best here. We also like to label the inside cabinet door with the inventory for easy reference (see spice cabinet photo).

Products:

·  The Container Store: ProKeeper Baker’s Storage

·  The Container Store: InterDesign Linus Spice Rack

·  The Container Store: Linus Tea Storage Box

·  Target: Threshold Round Glass Spice Jar With Copper Metal Lid

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Project Spotlight: Tea Storage Box

When working on our tea & coffee cabinet we identified that the biggest issue contributing to the chaos in the cabinet was the various tea boxes we had accumulated. Tea boxes are never the same size, style, font, etc., which caused “visual overload” every time we opened the cabinet. We decided to remove all the teas from the original boxes and looked for a storage solution to house our collection. We knew we wanted something see-through even though we love a good wooden tea box. We ended up with the Linus Tea Storage Box from, you guessed it, The Container Store.

Because of our abundant collection of teas and coffees, we knew we’d need more than one box. We liked the stackable option and the 8 deep compartments of the Linus Tea Storage Box.

Now the tea/coffee cabinet is super calming… exactly how it should be.

The Container Store: Linus Tea Storage Box

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Project Recap: Closet Close-Up

Need: Maximize the space in a linen and utility closet and make it accessible for young children

Solution: Install organizing solutions that would utilize the depth of the utility closet and implement streamlined folding techniques in the linen closet. Labels were a necessity!

Method:

1.     Pulled everything out of each closet

2.     Categorized contents

3. Reviewed and edited all categories – discard expired products, stained linens, and items that are no longer used.

4. Identified storage solutions that could be reused (three-tier drawer unit, plastic shoe boxes, bamboo drawer organizers)

5. This household has young children so we needed to take into consideration the products that the children would need access to, like sunscreen, band aids, and towels. These items were put aside for the lower shelving.

6. Installed deep drawers for easy access for the kids while utilizing the depth of the closet. Since this closet contained a lot of products with labels, to cut down on the visual clutter, we chose a drawer with a cloudy façade to subtly conceal the products.

7. We folded linens uniformly and kept the linens stack low for easy retrieval.

8. We chose to print labels on clear tape for a subtle directory.

Pro Tip:  

Utility Closet: Drawer inserts are key when using these drawers. These inserts keep products upright, so your products don’t topple over when you open the drawers.

Linen Closet: We like to stuff a set of bed sheets inside one of the matching pillow cases. Who doesn’t want to open a cute linen package when it’s time to make the bed?

Product Links:

The Container Store: Like-it Modular Drawers

The Container Store: Like-it Modular Drawer Organizers

The Container Store: White Elfa Mesh Drawer

The Container Store: Gray Under Bed Storage Bag

Target: Sterilite Three- Drawer Cart

Linnen Closet Before & Afters

Supply Closet Before & Afters

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Behind the Scenes: Supplies

After every job, we clean out our supply bags because inevitably the bags get trashed during a job. Tidy Nest team members are working so quickly and using a ton of supplies, that by the end of a project our bags are certified disaster zones.

We like to tackle this task like any other project - pull everything out, categorize, toss obvious trash, replenish low supplies, add new supplies.

We absolutely love these Umbra Rectangular Navy Crunch Bins from The Container Store. They hold everything we need, fold up flat when not in use and the blue denim look hides wear and tear. Plus the braided handles gives the bags a little extra flare. All the supplies are contained in Shannon’s favorite Zippered Vinyl & Mesh Pouches.

Some unexpected items in our supply kits include:

• Shoe covers

• Flashlight

• First aid kit

• Goo-gone

• Fanny packs (they’re super helpful and can end up saving you time)

Our Must have items in a supply kit:

• Shannon: post-its, fanny pack, laminator, step-stool, water

• Jared: trash bags, first aid kit, binder clips, Velcro cable ties, folding table

• Taylor: staging signs, sorting cubes, disinfectant wipes,  label maker, tea

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Product Spotlight: Garden Bucket Caddy

Spring organizing doesn’t have to be all indoors. It’s the perfect time to edit your outdoor tools and garden supplies. We were frustrated with this floppy tote - it didn’t stand up, you couldn’t find anything in the center section and the tools kept falling out of the outside pockets. So we ditched it for this more sturdy and practical caddy from Friskars. All you need is an empty 5 gallon bucket with a lid. The canvas caddy attaches snuggly  around the top of the bucket. There are 10 deep compartments of various widths perfect for clippers, scissors, gloves, plant labels and twine. The inside of the bucket houses the larger tools and the super sharp knives and clippers.

Pro tip: Put the top on the bucket and you have a seat for weeding!

Link: Fiskars Garden Bucket Caddy (bucket not included)

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Product Spotlight: Acrylic Makeup System

Today’s consumer packaging is lightyears ahead of where it was say, 10 years ago (doesn’t that Method soap dispenser look nice next to your sink?) When you have makeup and products that have beautiful packaging, they should be on display and enjoyed as well. To help showcase our beauty products, we love to use acrylic systems, but they can get a little pricey after adding on all the various components for lipstick, brushes, pallets, etc. So we put together a list of our favorite systems for you in every price range — just click any link below. Enjoy!

$$$$ - The Original Beauty Box

$$$ - The Container Store

$$ - Target

$ - Amazon

If you haven’t used acrylic before, here’s an example of how the Beauty Box acrylic system can transform your makeup to make everything visible, more accessible and more attractive.

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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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Project Recap: Art Cart

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BEFORE

Tidy Nest was hired to create a system for the abundance of art supplies in a playroom. Art and office supplies are Shannon’s all time favorite items so she could not have been been more excited to tackle this project (plus it was for her five-year-old niece).

Need: The parents wanted to create a functional system for their children’s growing art supply collection. This system needed to be child-friendly and encourage creativity. There also needed to be a system for the children’s already-created and work-in-progress projects… a typical problem for parents.

Solution: Introduce containment for all supplies using child-friendly organizational products.

Method:

1. Removed all contents and sorted the supplies (yes, even the loose pom poms and jem stones)

2. Edited all supplies - duplicates went into back stock, broken or dried out supplies were discarded

3. Decanted supplies like paint, markers, crayons, etc.

4. Installed organizing solutions - we selected plastic and acrylic containment for easy cleanup (plus they are lightweight). Shannon wanted to introduce some more color to the already colorful playroom so she chose Jade Y-weave baskets from Target.

5. Labeled baskets and shelving for easy clean-up! We went with handwritten chalk labels for the playful look!

6. Collected all art projects both finished and in the works. finished projects were added to a binder with sheet protectors, works-in-progress were corralled in a basket on a bakers rack.

AFTER

Pro Tip: Use Artkive Box or the Artkive App:

Artkive will send you a box that you can fill up with your kids’ art, you send back to Artkive, they'll professionally photograph it and turn it into a stunning, keepsake book. If you have time to photograph the art yourself, just download the Artkive app!

Click to learn more about the Box or the App!

Products (Click The Links Below):

• Target: Jade Y-Weave baskets

• Amazon: 10 Piece No Spill Paint Cups with Colored Lids and 10 Piece Large Round Brush Set with Plastic Handles

• Amazon: Crayola Ultimate Crayon Collection with Caddy

• Amazon: Utility Caddy

• Amazon: Two-Way Paper Organizer

• Amazon: Vertical File Folder Storage

• The Container Store: Smart Tote & Inserts
  

Click through for more project photos

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Getting To Know The Tidy Nest Team

Taylor | Organizer & Community Manager

What’s your favorite space to organize? And what’s the hardest space you’ve ever tackled?

If I had to pick just one...it’d probably be my bathroom cabinets and beneath the bathroom sink. I get up pretty early for my 9-5 job and it’s a huge timesaver to have exactly what I need in the same spot it always is. The hardest space for me is always closests. My boyfriend has more clothes than me and trying to make it all work in our small one-bedroom apartment is tough.

What’s the one item you must have when organizing?

The one thing I cannot live without when organizing is a garbage bag. I am a huge fan of getting rid of old things to make space for new things. I make sure to do all of my organizing when nobody else is home... :)

What do you like to do when you’re not organizing?

If I’m not rearranging something in my apartment I’m probably listening to Shannon talk about rearranging something in my apartment. Otherwise, I love bike riding around Jersey City, trying the newest local restaurants and binge-watching The Sopranos.

What’s your go-to song to get motivated?

Anything by my favorite band, California Honeydrops.

What’s one tip you have to stay on track during a project?

It’s key to remember that organizing and reorganizing take time. To avoid getting overwhelmed, take mini (timed) breaks in-between projects.

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Getting To Know The Tidy Nest Team

Jared | Co-Founder & Chief Executive Organizer

What’s your favorite space to organize? And what’s the hardest space you’ve ever tackled? My favorite space to organize is a home office. I’ve spent so much of my career working with entrepreneurs whose work spaces looked like they should have been quarantined. In that particular line of work, you have to wear so many different hats and keep track of many different kinds of information; so if you have a disorganized space, you’re creating unnecessary stress and landmines for yourself. Whether you’re an entrepreneur or just working from home, having a welcoming and  organized office space can completely change the way you approach your work and improve your actual health by reducing stress.

The hardest space I’ve ever tackled is definitely a basement storage room which contained about 30 years of family history. From trunks full of photos, files, legal documents, books and trinkets, to furniture, artwork, holiday decorations, sporting equipment, mattresses, boxes of random items from a second home, and old but expensive sound equipment -- just about every item required several steps to edit and the project took weeks. With that said, it was probably the most rewarding job I’ve done as well.

What’s the one item you must have when organizing? A staging table. Most items we’re editing are in drawers, cupboards, shelves, etc… so I find it most helpful to have a big table where we can group those items together and edit the entire collection versus editing piecemeal.

What do you like to do when you’re not organizing? When it’s warm, anything outside. Most other times I’m probably seeing live music.

What’s your go-to song to get motivated? Right now, probably the Allman’s studio version of Jessica.

What’s one tip you have to stay on track during a project? My number one tip is to divide and conquer. If you break down an organizational project by sub-projects and create a to do list in chronological order, you can track your incremental progress in real time. If you’re staring down a project in its entirety, chances are you won’t even start it.

Getting To Know The Tidy Nest Team

Shannon | Co-Founder & Chief Operating Organizer

What’s your favorite space to organize? And what’s the hardest space you’ve ever tackled?

My favorite space to organize is an office. I love to sort office supplies and create a space that produces creativity and order.

Hardest space would be a playroom or child’s bedroom because children have a hard time editing their treasures.

What’s the one item you must have when organizing?

Post-its. I can’t live without them.

What do you like to do when you’re not organizing?

When I’m not organizing, I’m at Pilates or yoga class, aspiring to be Martha Stewart, studying Ayurveda, or exploring hiking trails in New York State.

What’s your go-to song to get motivated?

24K Magic by Bruno Mars. All day. Every day.

What’s one tip you have to stay on track during a project?

Create a schedule and STICK TO IT!  

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The Evolution of the Tidy Nest Logo

Early on in our graphic designer search, we struggled to find someone who understood our vision for Tidy Nest and could properly represent our two, very different, personalities. Most designers are eager to please and tell you what you want to hear, but it takes a competent mind to help extract the brand vision in your head and get it out on paper. While we gave designers explicit instructions not to show us designs with actual nests in them, they often did so anyway, proving to us that they really weren’t listening to us; they were listening to themselves.

So after many weeks of nests and animated birds, we decided to follow the recommendation of our friend Carter and engage BabyGiant, a leading design agency in the UK.  After one call with James, the head designer, we immediately felt like he got our personalities and what we were trying to accomplish with Tidy Nest. By the end of our first call, he was giddy with excitement, because he already had an initial idea for us. About a week or so later, we were done. James successfully combined his minimalist style, his unusual attention to hidden detail, and his creative expression with the vision for our brand and the finished product really captures the essence of the brand.

While the hidden details are, well, hidden, they are plain to see if you look for them. Here’s an excerpt from James’ email to us, explaining how he arrived at the design:

1. By mirroring two T’s and reflecting them, I was able to create the structure for the Bird house (or the home in general) - these two T’s represent the two of you and the partnership you bring to the business - I love how they seamlessly flow into each other showing your connection.

2. By connecting them the way I have, I was able to add in a little bird to the top of the design - this helps to tie into the brand...this really shows the personality and character of the design and brings that light hearted fun side to the forefront.

3. What’s also really nice is that by adding in the little door, I was able to create out “n” shape - so in its entirety it’s actually a TN monogram

4. Its super clean and precise nature is a visual metaphor for the structure you bring to the home - this logo is as tidy as your business offering.

5. Going with a clean curved type direction really adds that approachability - it’s calming and endearing…

James’ creativity and ability to elucidate his thinking made all the difference for us. If you’re looking for a logo for your own business or project, take your time. It’s often the first task you want to accomplish because the logo sets the tone for the business, and since that’s the case, it’s vital to get it right. I know for us, Tidy Nest seemed a bit blurry when we were looking at cheaply animated birds and oddly constructed nests; but things really came into focus with James’ sleek. Hopefully our clients like it as much as we do!