Container Store Hanging Files Storage Option

We had a den/office in our Midwest home. There were two very large file drawers that were packed with stuff. Everything was very organized and easy to find. When we moved to DC fifteen years ago we had 500 square feet to live in. Obviously we didn’t have an office. Most of the items in all the files were destroyed before we moved. We ended up getting a few accordion files to try and maintain some order. But over the years everything ended up in drawers and finding things was a pain. Now that we moved to northern Virginia, we sorted through all the files and paperwork and dumped more of it. We now live in 1000 square feet but don’t have any dedicated filing space. Documents are scattered around or piled up next to where I sit for easy access. So we decided it was time to get organized again. We went to the container store to find a hanging file option. I didn’t want a space occupying file cabinet, so we ended up with a box that hopefully will become the go to for everything and will be stored in the closet. We found some hanging files to put in it but one of the packages didn’t come with the tabs - quite annoying. Now I just need to sort through everything and purge - again. I’m just not motivated to do it right now. So the box is sitting in the corner of the dining room. Hopefully we can start dumping things soon. I know I will feel much better about getting somewhat in control again. 

Container Store Oxo Suction Sponge Holder and Trays

The Container Store is an interesting place to browse. After receiving an herb garden housewarming kit from our dear friends, we thought a little tray was needed to place the biodegradable pots on if we were to put them on the window sill. So after lunch we searched aisle by aisle to see if we could find something. It became a toss up between the white or clear acrylic trays. Luckily I could look up the pot dimensions on Amazon to make sure we didn’t get something too narrow to fit the base of the pots. While walking about we saw a few handy gadgets for the stainless steel sink that is housed in our large kitchen peninsula. We don’t have a drawer in front of the sink and a counter dish drying rack wouldn’t look very good. So we got an OXO suction cup sponge holder that can be hidden from view. I could spend a lot of time checking out all the interesting items that are not only useful, but keep any place near and organized. I’m glad I saved all the containers and baskets we have received over the years as they have all come in handy. And if the pots don’t last we will find a use for the small trays. 

Container Store Shoe Rack

We had a California closet in our Midwest bedroom. We also had a tiny version of California closets installed in our tiny condo on Capitol Hill. We just moved to a really nice - and new - condo in Virginia. It’s just 1000 square feet so we still need to maximize space. Luckily our bedroom closet is quite large. We need to use it for our clothes, but also for laundry shelves, and all other storage. I managed to figure out how to organize it using a rolling cart I used for an additional clothes rack, and two other rolling carts we used in our storage closet. But what I didn’t have was a shoe rack. We stored our shoes in the shoe bag that was nailed to the back of a door as well as inside the entryway hall closet enclosed bench. So yesterday we went to the container store to pick up a couple of three tier shoe racks - one for each of us. They were easy to assemble and worked very nicely as they can expand to the desired width. Although nothing is covered at least everything looks relatively neat. We are also trying to make a habit of walking only with slippers in the house to keep things clean. That may be more of a challenge. 

Harris Teeter Twist and Store Container vs Container Store

Having two LG tiny washer/dryer combo units in each apartment, we have to use a high efficiency laundry detergent. Otherwise the “regular” kind will ruin the machine. Last year we got a really nice hard plastic kitchen container that has a clasp at the Container Store to keep the washing powder in along with the scoop. It was just neater and easier to handle because the tops on the Tide box don’t work very well once they are open. That plastic container was put on the kitchen shelf in the unit where the washer/dryer is in the kitchen. The washer/dryer in the other unit sits in a tiny closet under the archaic HVAC system. Any time there is a water leak, all the items sitting on the shelves above it get wet. That leaves a soggy mess for anything cardboard. So while grocery shopping today we looked for a plastic container and we found a similar style for $20! Rather than get that, we decided the $2.99 two container twist and store Harris Teeter brand would do the job. So we poured the remaining Tide in the two containers and they fit nicely on the shelf, won’t spill, and will stay dry. I’m not sure why it took us so long to finally do this minor improvement. But we feel like we accomplished a major feat. How we miss our combination mud room, huge laundry room with its own sink on the main living level of our old home in the Midwest. That’s what urban living in an 1890’s condo unit does for you. 

I Love the Container Store

Now that we have finished our bathroom renovation and floor upgrade, there are always some little items that need attention to finish off the new rooms. And the Container Store is my favorite place to get the ideas and the materials to get things organized. The razor needs a place to be stored, so there is a suction cup with a holder that can be attached to the glass door. The sponges need a place to hang, so the command clear hook works well. Then a place for Qtips and cotton balls is required so a couple of clear non glass containers work nicely. The toilet bowl and grout cleaner brushes are a necessity too. While we were there we picked up two white door stoppers and a plastic secure top container to keep the tide clothes washing detergent in. I thought the cabinet undercounter shelf would work but had to make adjustments and swap it out with another piece I was already using. All in all it was worth the trip. I could spend a lot of time in this place getting ideas to keep things organized. But my husband doesn't share the same feeling, but is always a good sport helping me to pick out what might work best.

OXO Good Grips Glass Snap Containers at the Container Store

I think some of our food containers are as old as when we moved to our DC house from the Midwest -  which would be almost 11 years - if not older. They are plastic, and getting to look pretty bad. When my husband starts to complain about something, then it is time to replace whatever it is. So we went to the Container Store this afternoon to look at our options, and pick up a couple of other things. We like OXO products, and we found a set of four containers with lids in a color that my husband loves. We thought we might try glass this time instead of plastic because it would look nicer, but it could also break sooner. The containers have a lot of nice features - Freezer, Oven, dishwasher, and microwave safe. They aren't the biggest pieces, and I can't see any use for the tiny one. But we don't have huge amounts of leftovers either. After that purchase we went to the grocery store. I saw a bunch of Tupperware type containers that probably would have done the job too, but they were all plastic. We will see how these work out. Let's hope neither of us has slippery fingers. I'd like these to last another eleven years.