Get Yourself Organized

Just some quick entries for keeping things organized. These entries are those that don’t require and entire post or page to explain. Skim though and see if any strike you as a way to organize something for you. I’ll post some photos when I’m able.

Jar Rack

These are easy and very handy. Can be used under a workbench shelf, under cabinets or for a flat surface. Use jars that have screw on lids. They can be either plastic or glass and of any size (if mounting underneath something). Clear is recommended but not crucial.

For hanging jars use two screws to secure your lid to the underside of nearly anything that can support the weight you will be adding once jars are full. Use a tape line to use as a guide so your jars will be organized as well. Then fill your jars and screw them on to their lids. You can either glue an example of what is inside to the face. Make sure it is visible once it is securely hanging. You can label it or just view to see if it’s clear.

Tips

If using mason jars, securely glue the ring to the lids before mounting. This will keep it from spinning. You can also drill a small hole in the lip and use a flat head nail to stabilize it before mounting the flat part with the seal.

Put small jars, like baby food or jelly jars in the front and larger ones in back.

You can also use an upright support or a post to make a tower of jars.

Wall Mount Jar Holder

You will need; a board, picture hangers, some hose clamps, a few flat head screws and some mason jars (colored ones are nice for this). Place picture hangers securely on the back of the board so it will allow your screws, on the wall, to hit studs (16″ on center is a general rule). You can find studs firsts, screw in your support screws and then mark your board to place picture hangers on the back of it. Use the hose clamps to hold your jars in place. Use 2 flat head screws, (2 will keep the clamp from tipping to one side or another) close together, to secure the clamp to your board.

NOTE: The clamp goes around the body of the jar, not the neck, unless you use another small strip of wood to butt up to the neck of the jar, so it will allow the jar to hang straight. To keep board from splitting, drill pilot holes slightly smaller than your screws, first.

Check out images of Mason Jar Organizers for some ideas to fit your needs.

For counter top display and storage use a narrow wine rack and have the bottoms of the jars facing out (use size appropriate jars).

Hair Dryer Holder

I like to use a wall mount bathroom cup holder to store my hairdryer above my medicine cabinet. Does anyone ever actually use a cup that sits upright in their bathroom?…..ewww. However, they make great hairdryer holders. This of course depends on whether or not the snout of your hairdryer will fit in the hole. If your lucky enough to have one that has open slots for toothbrushes, you can hang sever things from it. The open slots will allow you to slip cords through them, for curling irons, straighteners and such.

Gift Wrap Storage

Try using a garment bag for your gift wrap storage needs. Most will easily handle the weight. I would personally reinforce any part of the bag with duct tape if needed. You can hang these just about any place. If it is deep enough, you will have room to hang another small bag or pouch to hold your ribbon, tape, tags or whatever else you may have, inside the garment bag above your rolls. To keep paper neatly on the roll, use old rolls and untwist them on their seams. You can get two if a short cover will be fine. just cut in half and place over your good rolls of paper.

Quick Plastic Bag or Rag Holder

Find a shirt, with a scoop neck and appropriate size, that you can use for this project. You will be sewing up each side, removing the sleeves/arm openings and sewing the bottom shut. Hang it on a standard hanger or with one that has sturdy clips on each side.

Be sure to insure your hanger will be snug and not too wide across the shoulders. You can do this by turning the shirt inside out and then lay flat on any surface. Take your hanger and lay it across the shirt and use a pin to mark it. This will be where you seam will need to be. If you have a Serger, this task will only take a few minutes to complete. Standard sewing methods will require you to hem where you need to cut excess fabric away so it will not fray. You now have your old rags or plastic shopping bags all organized in one place.