Over the door organizer has more uses than you think

Over the door shoe organizers have their place in life. Or so we thought.
Turns out, these excellent organizers are star workers throughout the entire house. They’re great for storing your favorite footwear, of course, but have you considered using them to:

  • Sort dolls, matchbox cars and other toys
  • Create an advent calendar
  • Store bathrooms essentials and cleaning products
  • Snack storage in the pantry
  • Winter storage for gloves, scarves and hats
  • Storing spray paint in the garage
  • Creating a vertical herb garden in the kitchen
  • Storing gift wrap and other craft supplies

There are a ton of different styles, sizes, fabrics and other features that you can find these over the door organizers in. My favorite one is this 20 Pocket Shoe Hanger. I love the gray, tweed-like fabric the most. It really creates a sleek, chic look that compliments any decor — it doesn’t just look like a storage piece! I also prefer the vertical pockets because they’re easier to re-purpose. I always keep some Peds footies in a pocket or two for easy access when I grab some flats. I also keep extra laces for my Dr. Martens and Converse Chucks. In the past, I have even stored inserts and heel pads for heels in this pockets.

If you are considering using an over the door shoe organizer for other household products, the vertical pockets are the best way to go. They securely hold weight and can keep items visible so they’re easy to find when you need them.

This over the door organizer has 20 pockets that can comfortably hold up to 10 pairs of shoes. The unit hangs over any standard sized interior door thanks to three metal hooks that slid over the top of the door. No tools or hardware is required for installation — which is as easy as sliding it over the door. The hooks are even designed to prevent scratches and wear on wood doors.

Find this awesome over the door organizer and other products like it at StacksandStacks.com.

 

 

First aid storage with a little character

I bet you never thought first aid could be stylish.

Whether you’re at home, at work, have kids or don’t, a first aid kit is a must-have. But the bulky, old-as-time latching metal box we all think of doesn’t have to take up space in your home.

first-aid

Here are two relatively new items on our site that caught my eye in the office:

Fun for the family

This handy plastic box is shaped like the classic first aid cross we all instantly recognize. This fun spin on the classic is great for classrooms and young kids.

  • Helps you stay prepared for all minor medical emergencies.
  • Box is shaped in the first aid symbol so it is easily recognizable.
  • Allows you to choose your own emergency medical supplies.
  • Four storage compartments allow you to organize supplies.
  • Great for in the car, the classroom, at work and so much more.
  • Constructed from heavy-duty plastic in a classic white color.
  • Lid lifts off so you can easily access the supplies stored inside.
  • No first aid supplies are included with the storage kit box.

Retro style for the eclectic

So maybe that latching metal box isn’t too far off. This modern spin on the classic box you’d find in the nurses station is a great way to be prepared and add some fun to a modern bathroom.first-aid-3

  • Great for storing and organizing all of your first aid essentials in one convenient location.
  • Rugged metal construction with latching clasp.
  • Divided shelves are great for organizing bandages, medical tape, cleaning wipes and more.
  • Durable white powder-coated finish.
  • Includes screws, wall anchors and keyhole style cutouts for wall mounting.
  • Shelves are not adjustable or removable.
  • No medical supplies are included.

Find these products and more at OrganizeIt.com.

How to clean a tie and properly store it

Tie, Necktie, Adjust, Adjusting, Man, Business

It’s happened before. Many swanky, expensive ties have been sent to an early grave after a losing battle against beer, tomato sauce, mustard and more. But what if there was a way to save those ties from demise. The question: how to clean a tie.

Storage

Proper tie upkeep is more than one step. Yes, we know that proper storage is essential. Keeping your ties correctly put away protects them from creasing, wrinkling and other unfavorable outcomes. A standard tie rack will keep your accessories in line. Anything from a small cedar hanger to a rotating, light-up display is available — it just depends on your collection.

Every day care

The way you treat your tie is important too. Take your time putting your tie on and untying it too. Untie your tie by reversing the steps you followed to tie it; do not simply pull the thin end through the knot and definitely do not store it with the knot still intact. Pulling stretches the silk or material and leaving it knotted creates creases and folds that will be difficult to remove later.

Cleaning: the  basics

Yes, removing those stains from ties — especially silk ones — seems impossible. The most important thing you need to remember is NO water. Water ruins silk ties so you need to be clever with your stain fighters.

  • Rubbing alcohol can be gently dabbed on the infected area. Blow dry immediately and repeat up to three times if needed.
  • Talcum powder or corn starch can be used to soak up oily stains. Cover the stain and let it sit over night. This method can also be repeated over the same area if needed.
  • If you’re more likely to trust the professionals, try dry cleaning. Or if you want to keep it simple, try a laundry stain remover — just pat it dry and remember not to wet the area with water.

Looking to clean a different material? Check out this awesome info-graphic from our friends at Ties.com.

Or, to avoid stains all together, you can just throw your tie over your shoulder when digging in. It’s not very suave, but it gets the job done.

Necktie Care Chart