What To Look For When Purchasing Under Bed Shoe Storage
February 4, 2016
So your shoe collection has gotten a little out of control again, huh? No worries, there are many tips and tricks we keep tucked under our sleeve here at Shoe Racks Blog that we’re just dying to share with you. First on the list: under bed shoe storage.
“But that’s so obvious,” you say? Yes, under the bed organizers are a go-to for many reasons, but do you know what to look for? There are hundreds of under the bed shoe storage pieces to choose from out there on the world wide web and no two are created the same. We’ve tested many of them and figured out the musts any good under bed shoe organizer needs. Here they are:
Handles
Just because you’re taking to storing footwear under the bed doesn’t mean you’re not still planning to show off those kicks. Under the bed shoe organizers that have side handles make it easy to regularly access the pairs you tuck away. Big, bulky plastic organizers with lids lack this detail every time.
Zippered Closures
Access is a big part of any storage piece. Once you’ve pulled out your shoe storage, you want to be able to quickly get inside. We found that organizers with zipper closures rather than lids we’re easier to get into. With the zipper, you don’t have to pull out the entire organizer if you’re just reaching for a pair in front. Plus, you don’t have to take the top completely off and move it to the side. This little detail really added to convenience and cutting down time on your morning routine.
Obviously, we recommend an organizer with any kind of closing top. Lids and zippered covers alike both keep your shoes nice and clean, safe from dust, bugs and pets who like to chew.
Clear Vinyl Top
Never underestimate the power of see-through vinyl. There’s just something satisfying about being able to find that perfect pair of pumps without even opening the lid on your organizer. Trust us, the viability will help you every time.
Fabric
Vinyl, hard plastic, canvas — there are so many different makes and models of shoe organizers. While they’re all a great way to protect your favorites, we at Shoe Racks Blog unanimously decided that fabric or canvas is the best choice — and for one simple reasons: cleaning. Anything that can be thrown in the washing machine for a quick clean is a winner in our book.
What We Recommend
With all of that in mind, we recommend the Cedar Underbed Shoe Storage Organizer from Organize-It. This storage piece has all of our must-haves plus some great other features. You’ll find the handles, zippered closure, clear vinyl top and fabric body — but you’ll all see it has side pockets for extra storage like laces or inserts, plus cedar wood inserts that add a lovely fresh scent to your shoes. It’s like a perfect little bed to tuck-in your shoes.
Find more tips and tricks like this at OrganizeIt.com, StacksandStacks.com and Organization-Store.com.
Valentine’s Day: Acrylic Jewelry Organizer
February 4, 2016
Valentine’s Day is closing in on us and the pressure to find the perfect gift for our loved ones is weighing heavy. While roses, chocolate and jewelry seem like a quick fix, I encourage you to think outside the box — well, maybe inside the box this time.
Acrylic jewelry organizers are a great gift for ladies who already have a collection of Valentine’s Day jewelry piled up. These durable and sleek storage pieces are a great addition to vanities, closets and dresser tops. They display as well as organize precious pieces, all while protecting them from dust, tangling and scratching.
A hanging necklace holder makes an excellent gift. Crystal clear acrylic makes up this entire piece, allowing a clear view of contents at all time. Hang numerous necklace from the 12 hooks, all of which are attached to a removable lid that lifts up to reveal contents. Necklaces hang so they do not tangle or knot. This display case makes a great statement piece, too, when you show it off atop a personal vanity, bathroom counter or dresser.
If you’re sweetheart is more of an earring collector, an acrylic display screen is a gift she’ll love. Earrings stay organized, properly stored and easily accessible for your morning routine, too, when you use an earring screen. The accordion style design stands freely and can accommodate up to 128 sets of earrings of all styles; store your studs, hoops, and dangling pairs all next to each other.
If your special someone wears jewelry of all kinds, a small chest of drawers is the perfect gift. With three drawers, she can store as well as organize rings, bracelets, necklaces and other accessories. Padded drawers will protect her jewelry from scratching, tangling or knotting. Little pulls make it easy to access contents and the top of the organizer can even be used to stack remaining pieces. The compact design is also great on display.
Make Moving Easy with Furniture Templates
January 12, 2016
Photo courtesy PanASpace.com.
Whether you plan on buying a home in the new year, treating yourself to new furniture or simply moving once again at the end of your lease, I have something that is going to make your life much easier. As a habitual renter in a metropolitan area, I know the grief of trying to fit your furniture into a new space. Similarly, as my parents continue to pawn off furniture on me, I know how tricky it can be to add new pieces to an already existing decor. As I check the real estate listings for a new place to call home this year, I have no fear that I will be able to fit my furniture in a convenient — and attractive — way, no matter where I end up. That’s because I have these awesome Plan A Space furniture templates.
These helpful paper templates are available in different collections — bedroom, dining room, nursery, living room, office, home theater, patio and even photo frames — that will help you organize your entire home. The life-sized templates are made from heavy weight paper that is easy to trim to size, but will not tear during use.
They come packed in a durable plastic tube, too, so you can store them for re-use. As I view different rentals, I can bring along some of these templates to ensure my furniture will fit in certain spaces. I have been doing this for my bed and living room couches; I want to make sure — before I even express interest — that my king size mattress and two couches won’t over burden the spaces.
Each pack features multiple pieces, so you can plan out the whole room before moving a single piece of furniture; You’ll be surprised at how much easier it is than constantly rearranging heavy items. These templates save your floors from scratches or scuffs, but they also save your back and joints from the stress of excessive lifting.
Each template is marked with common sizes of each piece of furniture as well, taking the guess work out of re-sizing them to match your pieces; The paper pieces can be cut of folded.
So far, I have had great success with these layout templates. I have weeded out some rentals with tiny bedrooms and I am already planning some positive feng shui to implement in my new living space.
Here is a break down of each set and what they include:
- Bedroom:
- (1) King Bed: 84 by 90 inches.
- (1) Queen Bed: 66 by 90 inches.
- (1) Full Bed: 60 by 83 inches.
- (1) Twin Bed: 45 by 83 inches.
- (2) Night Stand: 48 by 30 inches.
- (2) Chairs: 42 by 42 inches.
- (1) Chest/Dresser: 72 by 30 inches.
- Living Room:
- (2) Sofa/Love seat: 96 by 42 inches.
- (1) Left Arm Sectional: 96 by 42 inches.
- (1) Right Arm Sectional: 96 by 42 inches.
- (1) Sectional Corner: 42 by 42 inches.
- (2) Chairs: 48 by 48 inches.
- (1) Rectangular Cocktail/End Table: 60 by 36 inches.
- (3) Square Cocktail/Ottoman: 48 by 48 inches.
- (3) Round Cocktail/Ottoman: 48 by 48 inches.
- Dining Room:
- (1) China cabinet and server: 22 inches by 80 inches.
- (1) Round dining table: 48 – 84 inches in diameter.
- (1) Rectangular dining table: 48 inches to 102 inches.
- (8) Dining room chairs: 27 inches by 27 inches.
- Picture Hanging:
- (3) 14-1/2 inches by 17-1/2 inches.
- (2) 11-1/2 inches by 13-1/2 inches.
- (2) 10-1/2 inches by 10-1/2 inches.
- (1) 9-1/4 inches by 18-1/4 inches – Horizontal.
- (2) 9-1/4 inches by 18-1/4 inches – Vertical.
- (2) 24 inches by 18 inches.
- (1) 9-1/2 inches by 15-1/2 inches.
- (2) 10-3/4 inches by 14 inches.
- (1) 14 inches by 14 inches.
- Nursery:
- (1) Changing table: 56 inches wide by 22 inches deep.
- (1) Chest: 42 inches wide by 22 inches deep.
- (1) Crib: 60 inches wide by 32 inches deep.
- (1) Rocker: 32 inches wide by 28 inches deep.
- (1) Bassinet: 33 inches wide by 19 inches deep.
- Office:
- (1) Credenza/Hutch: 72 by 22 inches.
- (1) Executive/Standard Desk: 72 by 42 inches.
- (10 Desk Return: 60 by 30 inches.
- (2) File Cabinet/Book Case: 72 by 30 inches.
- (3) Desk/Guest Chair: 27 by 27 inches.
- Home theater:
- (1) Flat screen television: 70 inches by 40 inches.
- (2) Left arm chair: 42 inches by 30 inches.
- (2) Right arm chair: 42 inches by 30 inches.
- (4) Armless chair: 42 inches by 26 inches.
- (4) Straight arms: 8 inches by 42 inches.
- (4) Slanted arms: 8 front by 12 back by 42 inches long.
- Patio:
- (2) Love seat/sofa: 84 by 38 inches.
- (2) Chaise loungers (each printed over two sheets): 84 by 38 inches.
- (2) Round dining/side table: 48 inches in diameter.
- (1) Square dining/cocktail table: 48 by 48 inches.
- (2) Lounge chairs: 42 by 42 inches.
- (8) Bar stools: 21 inches in diameter.
- (4) Dining chairs: 27 by 27 inches.
- (4) Square cocktail/end tables: 27 by 27 inches.
- (1) Rectangular cocktail/end table: 60 by 36 inches.