Looking Ahead

It may seem hard to plan for the future when so much remains uncertain right now but thinking about what goals and plans you want to achieve for the next year or two ahead is definitely possible. Thinking about what you want to accomplish can help you remain optimistic and keep you focused on moving forward. Making firm plans may not be possible while so much remains up in the air, but there is nothing stopping you from imagining what you want to do once it is safe to do so again.

Whether it is getting together with friends or travelling to a place you have never been to before or taking part in an experience you have always meant to do, there is no limit to what you can start dreaming and imagining about. And while you have time, why not do what research and planning you can now? Consider looking online or reading about what it is you want to do or finding programs on television that can get you to start thinking and imagining what might be possible hopefully not too long into the future.

If there has been anything that you have always wanted to do but never had the time to do it before, start thinking about what you could do to make it a reality. While it may be some time yet before travel and some experiences are possible, there are things you can do now like reviewing travel vouchers you may have accumulated from cancelled trips or getting in shape through at-home exercises to do a marathon you’ve always wanted to do.

This doesn’t have to be something you do alone either. Challenge friends or family members to take these steps towards future goals and dreams along with you. Over your next video chat or group call don’t be afraid to talk about activities you are most looking forward to doing again and what can be done now. Have you and a friend always wanted to take a cooking class? While you wait to take one together in person, why not look for virtual classes you can take at the same time? Or, if you and girlfriends have always wanted to do a wine tour, why not take some time now to read up on the best places to visit, what you should do, and everything else you need to know beforehand?

Even though it may seem like the big goals and plans you had for the year ahead might not be possible, try to focus not on what you can’t do, but what you can do. It may be small tasks or activities like researching a country you’ve always meant to travel to or testing out recipes to one day serve to family and friends, these activities can keep you moving forward and looking ahead to what you have always wanted to do.

The Right Tools for the Right Space

Kitchen cupboards and drawers are like blank canvases. There is so much potential for storage and even the smallest kitchen can still hold quite a few items. However, if each drawer and cupboard isn’t set up correctly, you could not only be missing out on valuable storage space, but have a harder time keeping your items neat and organized.

 Modular bamboo organizers are the most efficient and cost effective solution to common kitchen organizing problems. These organizers provide not only a stylish and upscale look to any ordinary looking drawer, but also a versatile method of organizing a range of items. From everyday kitchen utensils to smaller gadgets like can openers, you can easily keep loose items from getting lost or misplaced in any drawer.

This centre island holds a variety of kitchen items in its drawers.

Many of the drawers looked like this one, with kitchen items stored loosely without order.

The modular bamboo organizers make it easy to find and store any kitchen item.

Modular bamboo organizers come in a variety of sizes. You can purchase individual inserts or larger inserts with multiple compartments, which means these organizers can be used for so much more than just your cutlery. There is no limit to how you can use these to organizer your drawer!

The different sizes and shapes mean these organizers can create a customize look – without the price tag that often accompanies fully customized kitchen drawers and organizers. Use them anyway you want them and mix them around as your kitchen items and needs changed. Moving or renovating your kitchen? No need to worry, as these inserts are not permanently attached to your drawer. When you purchase these organizers, you are making a one-time investment that can be used for years in any space you may end up with in the future.

Recently, Calm Order used the modular bamboo inserts in a kitchen organization project. Previously, the homeowner’s utensils like the knives pictured above, were stored loosely in a drawer in the centre island. While they look nice and ordered in the picture, this wasn’t always the case. As the drawer is opened and closed, and items are used and put away again, nothing ever stays perfectly in place. Using the modular bamboo inserts, Calm Order was able to transform the completely open kitchen drawer by filling it with organizers of various sizes. Not only can more items be stored in the one drawer, but everything is kept neat and in order, and is organized by like object. When the drawer is opened and closed, nothing will shift or move out of place, and when items are put away, they will always be put back in an organized way. No kitchen item will get lost again in this drawer!

These inserts aren’t only limited to the kitchen – you can use them in bathroom vanities, office drawers or closet drawers. Add some organization to your drawers and cupboards with the completely customizable modular bamboo inserts. These inserts can be purchased here in over six different sizes. The options are endless!

Decluttering Goals: The Closet

Bedroom closets are often some of the most cluttered areas in a home. It is inevitable that after a while, the clothes, shoes and accessories we accumulate can start to overcrowd and clutter up the closet.

It isn’t easy to go through clothes either. Whether for practicality or sentimentality, it can be easy to justify hanging onto items that you really don’t wear that much or may not even fit so well anymore. Often, there is the thought that you might need it for a special occasion, or that you might fit into it again one day. While you don’t want to complete eliminate your entire wardrobe, a good organizing session and reset is important to do on a regular basis – especially after a major shopping trip.

When you’re going through your closet, go through everything – pants, shirts, dresses, coats, sweaters, scarves, shoes, bags – whatever you have stored in there. Try clothes on that you may not have worn in a long time. Do you still like the item? Does it fit? Is it worn, faded or torn? Be realistic with yourself – fashion and personal tastes can change, so don’t feel bad about adding it to the donate pile or the clothes recycle pile if it isn’t in good shape. If a button is missing or the zipper needs fixing but the clothes still fit and you like them, see if you can fix it yourself or if it needs to be done by a professional. Instead of adding it back into your closet so it can be forgotten again, put it in a place you will see it often so you remember to fix it. 

For clothes that don’t quite fit, it can be a difficult decision on whether or not you should keep them. Think about the item of clothing and be honest with yourself. If you are actively losing weight, and the item is only a size or two smaller, then it may be worth hanging onto. If it is a few sizes too big or too small, then consider giving it to away for someone else to use. It is not worth hanging onto items that you are more likely not to wear especially if you have no real intention of actually wearing them again. Anything that won’t be used is just adding clutter from your closet and preventing you from buying clothing that looks and feels good. It isn’t giving up but moving on and making the clothes available to someone who might need them more.

Placing the clothing and accessories you have decided to keep is also an essential part to maintaining an organized closet. It may be worth investing in proper hangers, shoe racks, and accessories holders to keep your items not always looking fresh and ready to wear, but easy to find. Consider sorting your closet into sections and sort items based on whether they are casual or more formal wear, what season you wear them in, or what colour they are. Having these items separated into different groups can make styling and putting an outfit together easier. For more tips on sorting clothes, check out this previous post on the blog.

Having an organized closet is an achievable and sustainable goal for the year. When you take the time to do an initial declutter and reset of the closet, you are making it much easier to maintain moving forward. Don’t let your hard-earned and stylish purchases languish in the back of your closet – make organization your goal this year!