The secret to successfully purging your belongings

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK Downsizing

You never notice how much stuff you have until it’s time to move it. One of the best times to purge is when preparing for a move. Save yourself the trouble of packing and unpacking more than you need to and get rid of unnecessary items before you pack. Follow these guidelines for an easier move and purge of your home.

Setting up the purge

As you go to pack up each room, give yourself four piles: keep, donate, sell, and trash. Notice there is no “maybe” pile. The maybe pile tends to be clothes you can’t fit in, things you won’t fix, and stuff you won’t use or need to have. “Maybes” belong in the donate, sell, or trash pile.

Before you put anything into a box ask yourself, “When was the last time I used this?” If you haven’t used it in the last three months, ask yourself, “Is this a seasonal item?” If it’s not a seasonal item – think your favorite sweater you haven’t worn in three months because it’s 90 degrees outside or your artificial Christmas tree -then you probably don’t need it.

Bathroom

The bathroom is one room of the house where it is easy to build clutter without recognizing it. Those mini bottles of hotel shampoo, bottles of aspirin with one pill left, and nail polish that has hardened in the bottle can add up to a lot of clutter.
Most of the items in your medicine cabinet will belong in the keep or trash pile. First, throw out anything expired. Next, look at things that are nearly empty and merge them into one bottle to save space -think putting two bottles of lotion together or putting all those loose bobby pins into one bag.
As far as towels go, your need will depend on the amount of people in your home. Unclutterer.com recommends this formula for deciding how many towels to keep: (House residents + guest bedrooms) x 2 = Sets of bath towels and washcloths.

Kitchen

Tupperware containers you never returned to their owner, a drawer full of pens that don’t write, or the pile full of your kids’ old school papers … no matter which category you fall under, the kitchen is also a big junk magnet. The real problem with kitchen junk is a majority of the clutter tend to be items you need and use, but you just have too many!

While the standard kitchen items such as cutting boards, oven mitts, or plates do seem necessary, multiples of them probably aren’t. This includes crockpots, vegetable peelers, corkscrews, can openers, coffee makers, cast iron skillets, and cheese graters.

Meanwhile, a majority of junk-drawer trash is in the form of takeout menus and condiment packages. Most restaurants have their menus available online, so go ahead and put all those takeout menus in the recycling, throw away those packages of red peppers from your favorite pizza place, and the pens that don’t work – pitch them. Remember, you don’t want to move junk – if you refer to it as the “junk drawer” it’s probably best to put its contents in the trash.

Living room

Packing up areas like the living room or dining room tend to be easier because they normally have less storage space than other rooms. When packing up your living room most of the choices you’ll have to make will be based on entertainment items like books, magazines, DVDs, and CDs.

Put any magazines into recycling (you will get more). Look over your collection of movies, CDs, and books for things you can do without. You can decide which you might be able to sell and which of these you can donate. If it’s not entertaining you anymore, get rid of it and let it entertain someone else. Also look for any knick-knacks or decorations you don’t really love anymore. Let your new place have a fresh start.

Bedroom

Your bedroom is where you go to unwind and to find sanctuary. Nothing can ruin your relaxation time like a cluttered bedroom. When it comes to bedding you shouldn’t need more than two sets of bedding per bed. Apartment Therapy points out that you may need more than this if you have young children.

Many people find they like to read a good book to unwind from the day, but those books tend to pile up. When packing up your bedroom consider donating books you don’t intend on reading again. Be aware of the hidden things you should purge. A lot of the things stored under your bed are there because you’ve convinced yourself you need to have it, but it’s not something you actually use. If there are things you haven’t used or don’t need, save yourself the box space and donate, sell, or trash!

Closets

This space is the hardest to purge for many people and is the only room you are allowed to make a “maybe” pile in order to avoid putting things you should get rid of directly into the “keep” pile. For non-seasonal items ask yourself, “When was the last time I wore this?” “Does it still fit?” “When will I wear this again?” Don’t ask yourself, “Will I wear it again,” because it’s easy to tell yourself you will and then keep it, only to have it stay on the hanger and never see the light of day again.

You can do it!

While purging your belongings can be scary, it will make you feel better afterward and make your move a little lighter. Remember, for seasonal or larger items, storage is always an option. Don’t feel obligated to purge everything but use discretion.

Content developed in association with The Parham Group and Noah’s Ark Self Storage.

11 dorm room essentials you can’t live without

Dorm Room Essentials picture

Written by Katie Peterson

As you begin packing to move into your college dorm room, it’s easy to be overwhelmed with the prospect of fitting all the stuff you’ll need for a whole semester in the back of a car. There are so many things you want to take with you; you have a pile of items already forming, and have been making Pinterest crafts for months! Although we’re sure you’ve read every dorm-packing list the Internet has to offer, there are a few essential items you may have overlooked that will help to ensure you are prepared for the semester ahead.

Ways to keep cool

As many college dorms do not have air conditioning, fans are good investments to help keep you cool and comfortable. You can place a box fan in your window or purchase an osculating fan to keep the air moving on hot days.

Power strips

With all the computer cords, phone chargers, and desk lamps you’re sure to have in your room, power strips and a couple of small extension cords are essential to staying charged up.

USB memory stick

The last thing you want to happen is for your laptop to crash on the night before a big paper is due and lose all of your work. Buying a memory stick and backing up your documents as you write is a good habit that will save your sanity.

To-go coffee mug

Coffee lover or not, you’ll definitely want to pack a travel mug for dorm-life. In college, travel mugs become essential for when morning classes start before ten and for when late night study sessions turn into really late night study sessions. They also work well if you have a meal plan, in which case most colleges will let you fill up on beverages before you leave the dining hall.

Laundry materials

A good choice while living in a dorm is laundry detergent Pods that come in individual packages. If you have stairs to climb to wash your laundry, these are more convenient to transport and they prevent the messy dripping that can happen when using bottles. Another good idea is a collapsible drying rack for the clothes you can’t dry. You can stow it away when it’s not in use and your clothes won’t be draped all over your furniture while they dry.

An umbrella

A good umbrella is a must, especially if you are going to school in an area that receives a lot of rain! Remember, unless your campus is one building, you will be walking outside for most of the day to get to your classes. Don’t get caught uncovered!

Dishes and utensils

Make sure to either purchase some cheap plastic dishes or disposable ones to use in your room. Sometimes getting out of your dorm room to go to the dining hall is just too much of an effort, (or you ran out of meals for the week). For times like these you’ll want dishes and utensils to eat your meals without ever having to leave your room.

Small tool box with the important stuff

Packing a small tool kit with a screwdriver, hammer, and tape measure will come in handy more than you would think. It also might make you popular amongst the less prepared members of your floor.

Command™ products

Command™ strips and hooks are absolutely essential for dorm life. Anything you might want to decorate; walls, ceilings, or doors can be dangerous for your wallet without the proper adhesive. Command™ products will prevent damage to your room when it’s time to remove your decorations at the end of the year. You’ll be glad you invested in the fall when you don’t have to cough up money for damages in the spring.

Shower organization

Find out what kind of bathroom you are going to have in your dorm. If you will be using a community bathroom, you will want a shower caddy to bring all of your toiletries to and from the bathroom. If you share a bathroom with a roommate or suitemates, you might want to purchase a “shower tower” to help organize everyone’s items and keep the bottles off the floor.

Your brain!

When packing to move into your college dorm the MOST essential thing to bring is your brain! Do your research beforehand and learn what you can about school rules, storage options, and what your roommate plans on bringing. This will help you become prepared and ready with everything you need for a full semester of fun.

There’s no guarantee you’ll be able to remember everything you will need while packing for college, but with this list of dorm room essentials, you’ll remember a few of the most important ones. Besides, if you do end up forgetting anything you can’t live without, you have an excuse to visit home for a weekend or get your first care package.

What advice do you have for dorm moving? We’d like to hear! Like us on Facebook for more helpful tips and updates. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® is the first and largest franchised moving company in the United States. Let us help move you forward!

Surviving your move: What to know about moving into your first apartment

Apartment moving pic

Written by Katie Peterson

At TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® we know moving can have its fair share of challenges. There’s the packing, the cleaning, and let’s not even mention move day itself. Moving into your first place is stressful, and apartment moving has its own set of headaches. Neighbors are more like roommates, there are a ton of rules and regulations while renting an apartment, and what about all those stairs? We’ve come up with some tips to help you survive your first apartment move.

Ask questions

-Ask the landlord about any concerns beforehand. Good questions to ask might include what kind of maintenance is available if something goes wrong in the apartment, how old the building is, and even questions about the previous tenants. Your landlord will love bragging about any new construction, and you will be making a more informed decision about your new place as a result.

-If you have a chance, talk to some of the current residents of the building while you are there. What do they think of the landlord? How are the other tenants in the apartment? This will help you make an informed decision about the apartment and give you a chance to introduce yourself to some of your future neighbors if you are already serious about renting.

Be prepared and organized

The actual move into your new apartment is all about being prepared and organized throughout the process. With these tips in mind, you’ll be ready for anything that comes your way.

Before your move:

-Make sure to bring paper documentation to your lease signing. This might include proof of employment or a copy of your lease with highlighted areas you might have questions on. Especially in competitive markets where multiple tenants are looking to rent, it pays to be prepared! This will also give your landlord a good idea of your trustworthiness and ability to bring important documents in on time (like your rent).

-Schedule a walk-through of the apartment with your landlord before you move in. This is a good opportunity to take photos of the condition of the apartment for reference when you are negotiating your security deposit. The photos can also be used to ensure you took care of the apartment when you eventually move out and want your deposit back.

-Measure the dimensions of your new apartment before you buy furniture or bring in items you already own. This will save you the headache of having to return any items that won’t fit, and the backache of your movers trying to fit the furniture through the door. Important spots to measure include the area for a washer and dryer and the nook for your refrigerator (if you have to supply them), tight doorways, and wall space for seating.

On move day:

-First things first, clean every nook and cranny of your new apartment! Scrub all those places you won’t ever be able to get to once your furniture is moved in, and even the places you will. It will save time and energy later in the day when all you have to do is a quick trip around the apartment with the vacuum.

-Schedule a timeframe to move into your new place at a reasonable and respectable time. The earlier, the better! Make sure you have enough time to finish moving in before residents in your apartment building are thinking about going to sleep. Your neighbors will appreciate meeting you during daylight hours as opposed to when they are complaining about the noise in their pajamas.

-Schedule any big items you’ve purchased to be delivered on separate days or spaced apart on the day of your move. Items such as mattresses and large furniture pieces will have their own deliveries and can create inconveniences on move-in day if arriving all at once. The day after your move, or a few hours after the movers have gone, are good times to schedule these deliveries to ensure the elevators and parking lots aren’t crowded and remain accessible to other tenants.

Be friendly and considerate

-This probably goes without saying, but be friendly! Introduce yourself to your surrounding neighbors. Even if you don’t go around knocking on your neighbors’ doors be sure to say “hi” in passing or on the elevator. You might make new friends, or at the very least, get to know their names in case their mail ends up in your box by accident.

-Make sure your landlord knows who you are and has a face to go with your name. It will be useful for him/her to know you in case you have a maintenance problem or you are a few days late on the rent. A little effort will ensure your landlord knows you as more than just a name on a check.

-Be considerate of the noise level and your activities at certain hours. Bouncing a basketball in your room on the third floor is never a good idea, especially if it’s at three o’clock in the morning.

Moving into your own apartment for the first time can be exciting, scary, and stressful all wrapped up in one. Making preparations beforehand, staying organized, and being considerate of your neighbors are great ways to help you survive your first apartment move!

What advice do you have for moving into your first apartment? We’d like to hear! Like us on Facebook for more helpful tips and updates. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® is the first and largest franchised moving company in the United States. Let us help move you forward!

7 toy storage solutions that will save your sanity

Playing

Whether through a few too many well-meaning gifters or by your own hand, you may have reached a point where there are too many toys and something needs to be done. There are several benefits to downsizing and better storing your children’s toys, from encouraging creativity to simplifying your life. If this sounds good to you, here are some tried-and-true dos and don’ts to get you started.

DO:

Rotate toys

Consider packing away toys that aren’t played with as much. Every few weeks, make a point to rotate them back in and pack away another few toys. Make sure when you do this that you are involving your child in these decisions. According to Dr. Kim John Payne, “An avalanche of toys invites emotional disconnect and a sense of overwhelm.” Playful Learning actually has this down to a science, spinning off a ton of reasons you’re going to love it, including fewer sibling fights, easier cleanup, and deeper engagement with the toys that remain.

If you’re in need of storage for toys in rotation, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® provides a variety of boxes ranging in size to fit any toy you’ve got!

Get crafty

Making toy storage into a DIY project has the added benefit of giving you a chance to get crafty. If you enjoy that sort of thing, this can be a fun activity you can even get the kids involved in. Bianca over at Cute DIY Projects shares more than 30 of her favorite toys storage ideas for crafty moms, including arty wooden crates, a toy box on wheels, and toy sacks for quick picking up on-the-go.

Upcycle household items

Repurpose used items around the home instead of throwing them away. Not only will this help get your toy situation in order, it’s good for the environment and saves you money. Common items to consider include planters, coffee tins, baby wipe containers, paint cans, and mason jars. Slap on some paint or fancy paper and you’ve got custom-made home storage without spending a bundle.

Get smart about space

Ottomans with hollowed out insides for storage are your best friend. Not only can they enhance the decorative appeal of the home, you also are maximizing your space. Using hanging storage is another way to maximize limited space. Combine your crafty and upcycling skills to deliver a triple threat of hanging toy storage that’s cute, crafty, and green!

DON’T:

Buy containers without planning

Before heading out and stocking up on containers, take inventory of what needs to be contained. For example, is it a small-toy situation that could use a sack? Are there too many stuffed animals, something a stuffed animal hammock could solve? Making a list and customizing your storage solutions will not just save you money, it will save you the insanity of having a bunch of unused containers floating around adding to the clutter.

Take a one-size-fits-all approach

Different containers serve different purposes. It’s a common mistake to buy a bunch of storage containers that are all the same size and use them for everything. Instead, try to diversify. Some popular examples of toy storage types include steel trunks and storage baskets. Wall organizers, hanging baskets, under-the-bed storage, and caddies also are popular choices.

Forget your audience

While organization is great, don’t forget your audience! When plotting your toy storage solutions, ensure the toys you want your children to access can be safely and easily accessed. In addition to considering physical constraints, think of ways to make it fun so that your kids will want to play along. This could be in the form of a storage crate or sack custom to each kid, or a chalkboard toy box they’ll want to use again and again!

Content developed in association with The Parham Group and Noah’s Ark Self Storage.

Rock the block with your next garage sale

Written by Jessy Howe

Garage sale shopper

Garage sale season is upon us! In an effort to de-clutter your home of items you no longer need while making some extra spending money, we’ve gathered our top tips to throwing a rocking sale!

Choose the date

Many communities have “neighborhood sales.” If your area does this, take advantage! Traffic will be busier than normal and those who are out are ready to find your treasures. Have your sale over the course of two days, Friday and Saturday typically have the best results, and be ready for customers early. 8 a.m. is usually a great time to start.

Pricing

We recommend pricing everything you intend to sell. With people making a mess of your tables all day, you’ll be thankful each item is tagged. Pick up sticker price tags from your local dollar store, they usually have a selection of blank or pre-printed price stickers to choose from. Masking tape is a great price tag alternative. Go with “easy-to-pay-for” prices. What I mean by this is tag your items at .50 cents, $1, $5, and so on. Not .30 cents or $1.70. Lastly, price to sell! This is something my mom has always said when it comes to yard sales. You will not get $15 for your worn jeans, even if they are in good condition.

Make it a family affair

Ask your family and friends if they’d like to get in on the fun! Chances are they’ve accumulated some junk as well. Because multi-family sales are larger, they are more appealing to those driving by and provide incentive to stop. Keep items separated when selling by putting that family member’s initial on the price tag. Keep a notepad at your cash table with columns for each seller to jot down who has made what.

Prepare for the weather

Unless you are in a garage or barn, set up a tent or canopy if possible. You’ll have a shady area to cool down on a hot day and a place to move your items if it rains. Cover your tables with tarps overnight to avoid the trouble of taking your set up down just to put it back together the next morning.

Set-up matters

Trust me when I say that appearance does matter. People are more willing to stop when they see you have items nicely set out. Put your children’s toys in one area, books and movies in another, fold men’s clothes on one table and women’s clothes on another, you get the idea. An organized sale makes it easier to look through, and buy!

Garage sale set-up

Let people know!

Post to Facebook on community garage sale pages in your area, or perhaps your town’s Facebook page shares these type of updates. Purchase an ad in your local paper- normally no more than $10- and include when, where, and a brief list of items your selling. Descriptions can be as simple as “women’s clothes, baby clothes and toys, antiques, furniture, tools.” If you choose to have a multi-family sale, be sure to mention this. Most importantly, put signs out near busy intersections and at the end of your street to help direct people. Use large letters and stick with simple wording such as “Garage Sale” followed by your address and directional arrow.

Include your kids

If you have children they can easily be part of the weekend. Bake cookies the night before and set out a cooler of bottled water for them to sell, or set up a lemonade stand. They’ll love having their own job and will be occupied throughout the sale.

Donate what’s left

Pack up the items you are left with at the end of the weekend and donate them to a shelter or organization in your community. If you are in need of cardboard boxes for your donation items, visit your local TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® to choose from a variety of sizes.

Do you have any garage sale tips to live by? We’d love to hear them! Like us on Facebook for more helpful tips and updates. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® is the first and largest franchised moving company in the United States. Let us help move you forward!

A clean closet makes for a happy home

Written by Jessy Howe

Tips to an organized closet!

Decluttering your closet can be quite the task and it’s definitely not the most fun weekend activity. Often times there never seems to be enough room and the mess always works its way in, despite our best efforts to find a place for everything. Through a mixture of personal trial and error and Pinterest inspiration, we’ve gathered some of the best ideas on mastering the challenge of a clean, organized closet you’ll never want to leave!

Clear out your clothes

The best way to begin tackling your closet reorganization and gain additional room is to clear out clothes. Begin by trying on everything! Yes, everything.

Keep the item if: you love it, you wear it often, it is flattering, or if it has sentimental value.

Throw the item away if: it is damaged beyond repair. If it has a minor blemish such as a missing button, this is a quick fix. If it has a rip or permanent stain, it goes in the garbage.

Donate the item if: it is in good condition, you no longer wear it, it no longer fits, or if you just don’t need it.

If you’re like me and can find a “good” reason to keep everything or there is just an item you’re feeling a bit indecisive about, put it in a bag. In three months, revisit the bag and items inside and reevaluate your decision to keep, donate, or toss out.

Go by season

Out with the cold, in with the warm. Store away your bulky sweaters, boots, and scarves in a box (or suit case!) during the spring and summer months. When the weather begins to cool down again, clear your closet of shorts, swim suits, and sandals and replace them with your cold weather items. If you’re in need of a storage box for an inexpensive price, we carry a wide variety, including wardrobe boxes!

Keep the floor neat

Floor space is commonly overlooked as an area for organization. Consider investing in a shoe rack to neatly place shoes or line up baskets or bins to store your swim suits, ties, or hats while keeping them out of sight.

Use the door to your advantage

Display accessory items by purchasing over the door hooks to hang belts, ties, bags, and scarves. Over the door jewelry organizers and shoe bins can also be a huge help, especially since shoe organizers can store almost anything!

Organize in a way that makes sense

There is no right or wrong way to organize your closet as long as it is done in a way that makes sense to you. But rest assured, once you find your organization method, getting ready each morning becomes so much easier. Some of the most common ways to organize are arranging by color, sleeve length, or by type of item. For example hanging all button-up shirts, followed by all t-shirts, followed by all sweaters and so on. Another idea is to categorize sections such as work clothes, dress clothes, casual clothes, and workout clothes.

Organized and clean closet

Once you’ve found a process that works for you, hold yourself to it! This might be the most important tip in mastering closet organization. Revisit the status of your closet every few months so your hard work doesn’t go to waste.

If you have any closet organization tips we’d love to hear them! For more closet inspiration and tips, visit our Pinterest board or like us on Facebook. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® is the first and largest franchised moving company in the United States. Let us help move you forward!

Refreshing your home in preparation for spring

Written by Jessy Howe

It’s nearly time to enjoy the long-awaited spring weather once again! With the warm sunshine and flowers beginning to bud, there is nothing worse than coming back inside to space that feels like it could use freshening up! Below is a checklist of spring cleaning to-dos in each room of your home, but before we get to that, here are a few simple tips to help this process run smoothly.

Do a quick inventory check of your cleaning supplies before beginning your spring cleaning. If you find you’re out of paper-towels or running low on Windex, make a list and head to the store.
Consider investing in a cleaning caddy. These are inexpensive and can be found at most stores. They are convenient not only for carrying supplies through the house while you clean, but also to provide an organized storage place for your items.
I find it is easiest to work on one room at a time. Jumping around the house from room to room allows for distraction, tasks not being completed, and results in spending much more time cleaning then necessary.
Due to the amount of deep cleaning that is done during the “spring cleaning cleanse”, remember it is okay if not everything is completed at once. Spread your tasks out between two days to avoid feeling overwhelmed or simply take breaks between rooms.
During this time, I also gather unused items and put them in either a donation bin, or storage spot for garage sale items come summer. Since I am already going room to room deep cleaning, it is easy to lump this into my spring cleaning routine.

Now on to the list. As mentioned, I find it most efficient to clean one room at a time so naturally tasks are separated in this fashion. Of course depending on where you live or if you reside in a house versus an apartment, the list may vary from person to person, but hopefully it will serve as a good starting guide when you begin your spring cleaning!

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK Spring Cleaning Checklist

If you have any spring cleaning tips we’d love to hear them! For more cleaning tips and tricks, head on over to our Pinterest page or like us on Facebook. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® is the first and largest franchised moving company in the United States. Let us help move you forward!

Accessories: Organize them to find them!

Written By Arika Ford

“Don’t just put it down, put it away!” This statement rings true in households throughout the country, my mother used to say it to me, now I say it to my family. It’s so much easier to set something down than to put it where it belongs. If you’r e anything like me, you have a mess of gorgeous costume jewelry that doesn’t get used because it’s tangled and disorganized. How much money have you spent on your jewelry, scarves, hats, and purses? Are you getting your money’s worth? I know, I have my favorites too, there’s the jewelry I wear everyday while the trends are wasting away in a wadded up pile in my jewelry box because I am in a rush and don’t have time to dig through them.

If your accessories were conveniently organized and easy to access, I know you would take my mother’s advice and actually put things away where they belong. Ladies, I have some life-changing tips to help you get organized so you can actually wear those expensive pieces you’ve bought over the years.

Dig out old picture frames, jewelry, and a few ornate hooks to create a picture perfect display of your favorite jewelry sets. If the picture frame is old or dull, purchase spray paint (my favorite is gold and silver with the glitter specs in it) and freshen them up. Use simple hooks or fancy dresser drawer knobs to hang your jewelry on. Drill the hooks in the wall inside the frame and then use them to hang your earrings, rings, bracelets, and necklaces on. This is a fun way to decorate your dressing area or closet and keep those sets together and organized.

Purchase an inexpensive jewelry organizer and fit it right into your dresser drawer. I like to purchase clear plastic organizers and line my dresser drawers with contact paper to add a pop of color. Store all of your rings in one section and all of your earrings in another. If you cannot find contact paper, you can always use double sided tape and scrap book paper or any other type of paper you like. I also enjoy purchasing small sachets to keep my drawers smelling fresh and aromatic.

Hang a shoe organizer on the inside of your closet door for scarf storage. These types of shoe organizers are not only wonderful for scarves that you have rolled up and stored in each compartment, but you can also store rolled up tights, panty hose, and even your favorite pairs of socks. Be creative. Shoe organizers are great for storage, use your Imagination and make it yours!

A shadow box is a fun and decorative way to store earrings, rings, and broaches. Simply hang one on the wall or fasten it to the top of your dresser for vertical-style storage. Either way, it is decorative and easy for putting your jewelry away and keeping it organized. Shadow boxes are also wonderful for stacking, just be sure you securely fasten them together to prevent toppling.

Use skinny vases or candlesticks for organizing bracelets and watches. vase Tall, skinny vases don’t take up a lot of space and are perfect for setting on your dresser or night stand with pretty bangles or your favorite watch to be stored on. As long as the vase has a broad bottom it will catch your bracelets and keep them from being tangled. I also like to use a small figurine, like an elephant with its trunk up, to store my wedding ring on. Keep the figurine in a
special spot where you can easily access it for safe and consistent storage of your most prized rings.

I urge you to be creative with items you already have. Refresh existing pieces around the house for fun and decorative displays of your jewelry and accessories. Whether you are moving into a new home and want to organize your accessories, or you are ready to reorganize your items with summer fast approaching, these tips are key to staying organized. Have fun with it and get friends involved!

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® is the first and largest franchised moving company in the United States. Subscribe to our blog and like us on Facebook to keep up to date on moving and organization tips and tricks.

Organizing your not-so organized closet

Written by Nicole Harrison

Closet organization is not many people’s strong suit. Closets are the one place in a home where things get shoved when guests come over, and it’s safe to say items accumulate easily in these hidden corners of the home. If you’re anything like me, you rarely spend time cleaning and organizing your closet because let’s face it, who has time for that? Having a clean closet is beneficial for so many reasons – the number one being our sanity. A well-organized closet helps you come up with the perfect outfit especially on those mornings you’re running short on time.

Here are five foolproof tips to give yourself a clean, stress-free closet.

Color code your clothing. This one is self-explanatory. When you are looking for that one grey shirt you got from your aunt Betty for Christmas and can’t seem to find it anywhere, a color-coded closet is the perfect solution. Not only does color coding make finding clothes easier, but it looks refreshing and put together.

Categorize your clothes. Sort your clothes in different categories. Put blouses, sweaters, cardigans, t-shirts, dress pants, dresses, skirts, button downs and whatever else you have hanging in your closet in their own sections. You will find it extremely helpful to keep your dress and casual clothes in separate locations. Categorizing clothes make TMATSPRING2013140-2627556146-O s putting outfits together a breeze.

Invest in organizers. Trust me on this one. If you don’t have built-in shelves in your closet, we recommend you invest in some kind of organizer. These are perfect for your shoes, sweaters, pants, and other items you don’t have places for. One of our favorite and most handy organization tips is to take your old moving boxes and cover them with scrapbook paper or fabric and use them as bins for small, miscellaneous items. If space is an issue consider investing in a wardrobe box where you can fit three feet of hanger clothes from your closet in addition to out of season shoes and store in a basement or utility room until the seasons change.

Flip your hangers. Do you have too many clothes? Is it hard for you to get rid of the clothes you don’t wear? After you have organized, color coded, or categorized your closet, you can start the downsizing process. This trick will help solve your crowded closet problems. Flip all of your hangers backwards for a certain time period (usually three or four months does the trick). After you wear something hang it back up facing the normal direction. At the end of the three or four months, get rid of the clothes whose hangers are still backwards. If you’re still unsure about tossing certain clothes, ask yourself if you would buy it again today.

Clean your closet. Once your closet is sorted and organized, take time to deep clean it. Just because it looks nice doesn’t mean it’s clean. Vacuum or mop the bottom of your closet and take a rag and wipe down the walls. Most likely you will find dust bunnies on the bottom of your closet. Spending time deep cleaning your closet will add that extra sparkle as a finishing touch.

These simple steps should be a helpful guide to get your closet in tip-top shape in no time. If anything, hopefully this post inspired and motivated you to go through your closets and get organized. This winter has consisted of brutal temperatures and icy roads, organizing your closets could be the perfect cure to your cabin fever!

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® is the first and largest moving company in the United States. Let us help move you forward! For more helpful tips and information on moving services subscribe to our blog and like us on Facebook.

Preparing to downsize using these helpful tips

Written by Nicole Harrison

You’ve decided to downsize. After finding the perfect place and closing on your new home, oftentimes the panic starts to set in. Thoughts start racing through your mind as you lay awake at night wondering what you’re going to do with all your stuff. You have so many treasured items you’ve been holding on to for years, now you’re asking yourself “keep it or trash it?”

As you start the downsizing process, it is recommended you make a concerted effort to work on one room at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed. As you begin assessing and sorting through your household items, keep three categories in mind: save, donate, or throw away.

Questions to ask yourself

We have created a few questions to help make your downsizing plans go as smoothly as possible. When sorting through items stored in various areas of your home, ask yourself the following questions:

Do I love it? Have I used/worn it in the last six months?
Does it have sentimental value?
Am I keeping it out of obligation or expectation?
Is it broken? If yes, is it fixable?
Do I own more than one of these?

Asking yourself these simple questions should give you some guidelines when going through your items. How you answer these questions will give you a more definite idea as to whether you want to save, donate, or throw away items. Remember, if you find yourself keeping something “just in case,” it’s a good indication you should donate it or put it in storage.

Measure your furniture

In addition to sorting through smaller items, you need to reassess the “big” stuff. Measure your furniture and large decorative pieces such as sculptures, paintings, etc. Get the measurements of your new rooms to be sure your current furniture will fit. Before moving into your new home, create a mock layout of each room. Use the furniture and room dimensions to ensure your large items will fit. Creating a mock layout is a terrific way to evaluate your furniture and to decide if you will keep it or buy new. Two Men and a Truck

If you find yourself getting rid of numerous household items, consider hosting a yard sale! Getting extra cash from your old stuff is always nice! Yard sales are great incentives for household owners to part with more items.

Storing your items

Once you have downsized and completed your move, you may be challenged with a lack of storage space in your new home. Take advantage of the nooks and crannies your home may have. These hidden spaces, such as under a staircase or odd-sized closets, can be transformed into storage spaces. Both are great places to build shelving units. Shelves are one of the best ways to store a variety of items, and you can even add decorative bins to shelving units to group together smaller items that are hard to store — while dressing the shelf up! Another great place to utilize for extra storage is under your bed. Invest in long, skinny containers that you can slide under your bed, as this storage spot is perfect for those “someday” items. Finally, invest in an ottoman that has a removable top where you can store blankets or other household items. Ottomans are a terrific asset that have multiple uses.

Oftentimes, downsizing creates a headache and a whole lot of stress no one wants to add to their daily lives. With these pointers, we are hoping it will help make your downsizing process go as smoothly as possible.

At TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® we realize moving needs are unique for every customer, so we’re ready to customize a move to ensure the best moving experience. Our uniformed movers and drivers participate in extensive training; they are permanent employees and undergo background checks and drug testing. They are committed to exceeding expectations and ensuring your move is completed efficiently to keep your moving costs affordable.

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® is the first and largest franchised moving company in the United States. Let us help move you forward! For additional tips and information on moving or packing services, subscribe to our blog and like us on Facebook.