Thanks for watching! I appreciate all of you who leave comments here! I’m going to take a break from the comment section for a while so my apologies if I don’t get back to you right away! You can always DM me on Instagram or Twitter or email if you have a quick question or whatever 🥰 LOVE YOU GUYS 🥰🥰
I bet customers loved working with you! People can tell when the passion for something is sincere and that positive energy is contagious and fun to be around!
Learning that not everyone can organize the same way helped me considerably. I had to find a way that worked for me. As a visual person I will forget I have something if I cannot see it.
@@Dana-ml7sy this is a great idea! And if you use the Frixion pens, or a sheet protector and a wet or dry erase marker, you could reuse the sheet multiple times!
@@queenofputrescence5167 I really appreciate her approach. Years ago I read an article about Pilers and Filers. Clutter Bug takes it to the next level of understanding personal organizational needs.
Not buying storage solutions until everything is decluttered makes sense. It's actually just more stuff until you get organized! Thanks for pointing that out!
Yea then it's more of a reward to go shopping for the solutions. Hearing it now makes SO much sense but until she said it, I would have bought bins an then used them to replace the broken ones and never "declutter" until those bins broke an needed to be replaced...again.
I so agree, The Container Store was the best job I’ve ever had! I also loved that there is NO PHONE at the checkout area; so the customer is priority, not taking calls while serving others!!! Awesome, fun place to work and the company really appreciates the employees!!!
I LOVE hearing how other stores operate! I still work at TCS in the DC metro area. We do have phones in the checkout area, but they are rarely used. Mostly they are used if we need to call the resource center for a register issue (btw they are corded since the store is old). But yeah, its really fun!
Oh wow, is there anything more annoying than to be up at the register all ready to pay & then have the clerk answer the phone & just leave you waiting? One day when a clerk pulled that I just left my item laying on the counter & walked out!
My biggest organization mistake was thinking that buying lots of organization items (bins, trays, dividers, boxes, etc.) were the key to actually getting and staying organized. Turns out, for me, most of them made organizing more difficult, as I tried to break items down into categories that were too small or too discrete. Which creates a LOT more work in staying organized. If you put all your socks in one place...easy! If you break down by colors or length...way more time. Also organization containers also take up room and limit your capacity, like in the pantry. It's also ok to open your pantry or cabinets or drawers and it's "good enough". So find your sweet spot. Loved the part about organization being a learned habit, which is what I have found. FYI, I am not a minimalist and I love my stuff!
I have been a “back stock” person for over 37 years- my mom and other family call it “keeping the pantry full for bad weather” in Maine (though I left 37 years ago to follow my husband in his military career) and they all are very organized about it- a friend in CO calls it a “prepper pantry”. Either way, keeping extras is always a good idea regardless of weather or economy or pandemics. And the “touch it once” is so smart! I always enjoy your videos!
Times were different back then. Pantries were typical - no internet or easy ways to shop. My mother never had a drivers license back in the 60s, so there was lots of “back-stock”.
Oh wow! I had piles in my room as a teenager too, and told my mom the exact same thing...that I knew where everything was. We fought about it till my mother just started keeping my bedroom door shut so she wouldn't have to look at my mess! I thought that was a good solution. When I moved away from home, it suddenly became important to me to keep everything clean, neat and organized. I knew how because I'd been watching my mother all those years. I can understand what you mean about working at The Container Store. I've longed at times to work at Joane's Fabrics because I love being in that store! I'm SO happy when I'm there! I could work with all that sewing, knitting and craft material all day long, while getting ideas for my next projects! I enjoyed listening to you SO much! Hope you make many many more videos!!!
I was raised a sewer by a mom and grandma that sewed and my first job was actually JoAnn Fabrics! I can tell you it was every bit as fun as it seems and I loooved that job! Those of us who worked there did get ideas for our next projects and we all used to joke how we'd spend half our paychecks there >_< I hope you get to work there someday! :D
@@virgierutledge3004 Wow! What a way to train a child! Two good traits for the price of one: making bed and going to school! Your parents sound like they were very wise! And congrats on reaching your age!! I'm only 65. I'll only catch up to where you are in 5 years and we'll, then, you'll still be ahead of me! 😊
@@luthiengs Thank you! I don't think I'll end up working at Joanne's though. I'm retired and disabled. I couldn't possibly stand up or walk around enough for a work day....not even a part day. I can stand up about 15-20 minutes max on a good day. But it is good to hear it was fun to work there! Right now, I probably have enough fabric, yarn" embroidery thread, sewing supplies, art supplies, craft supplies, silk flowers n etc. to last a lifetime....and if I walk into a store, there would be something like a magnetic force field causing me to buy more!! I do love it there!
I found large plastic white trays from chicken breasts, washed out, were perfect for organising underwear. Clear fruit punnets in different shapes & sizes helped me separate my stuff in drawers or cabinets. Long oblong deep boxes of bulk bought cat food were ideal to put my baking trays in or cut down boxes were ideal to put the excess packets in my larder. My used herb & spice jars are used to store my own spice mixes or used to store my seeds. You don’t always need store bought items, although you have actually bought them! . You can spend a fortune on containers that you don’t need. Splurge when you can afford it & when it’s necessary. The plethora of utube videos on organising has spawned a desire for everyone to have a kardashian style pantry or wardrobes without having the space or money for the outlay. This lady is a more practical.
I've also found that many people are afraid to get rid of stuff that they never use/wear because they spent money on it. Give that up! If you bought something and you never use it or wear it, give it away! I always have a box going for donating. It makes me happy to know that someone else can use the great stuff I bought that I thought I'd use or wear. Spread your wealth around rather than have it clutter up your house!
I purchased my Elfa over the door system from the Container Store here in Chicago because of you. When I went to the store I told them that you were a former employee on the East coast and that you taught me about the system😁😀😁
Every time I walk into the Container Store, I sniff a big sniff and begin to sing like Cinderella. It is my store and my happy place. It's a good thing the nearest one is 60 miles away. I agree with all five lessons. Spot on. Also, when I got home from work, I made myself do 7 things (throw in a load of laundry, pay a bill, write a grocery list etc). That way when the weekend came, most of my cleaning and organizing for the week was done. I was also that mom who made her kids Halloween costumes in July. I was a teacher and had no time for stuff like that once school started. Love your enthusiasm, your smile, and your channel!
I haven’t written a grocery list since I discovered my Google Home Mini. I have one in many rooms. All I have to do is say “Ok Google...put carrots on my shopping list” and it updates the grocery list app on my phone. That way I always have my grocery list with me! Love, love, love technology!
The year I was expecting twins in November, I did bulk shopping for household cleaners, pantry dry goods and cans and my Christmas presents in August. I decided I quite liked being that organised so every year until they all left home I continued to Christmas shop in August. Much less stressful. Always have a backstock system. My closet has 33 matching turquoise coat hangers for project 333 clothes decluttering. When I run out of hangers I have too many clothes and it's time to give some away.
This makes so much sense. I worked at Bed Bath and Beyond where we had a similar system at the end of the night. Straightening up is different from cleaning. I no longer waste my Sunday evenings cleaning. Have everyone do a 10 minute touch throughout your house. That includes lining items up on a shelf/counter, catching wayward items that missed the hamper, fixing the pillows/blanket on the sofa. Play 3 songs or set a timer and you'd be surprised at the difference in such a short amount of time. The key is not to get stuck on one item and keep moving. Cleaning will be easier when things are organized and in order.
Touching things once was a rule my grandmother had for herself. She was an incredibly busy woman. Head nurse of the hospital I was born in, was a registered dietician and owned her own health food store and raised 3 kids while she had 2 full time jobs! She always called herself a lazy housekeeper as she never wanted to duplicate her efforts (touching the same things twice). I can still hear her voice in my head, don’t put it DOWN, put it AWAY.
Appreciate the insightful tips. Hadn't thought of back stock, that's one I'll add. You have a very likable personality with an upbeat, happy vibe. I enjoy listening to you explain things with a hint of humor & your gorgeous pearly whites make your smile even sweeter. Thank you for sharing! Wishing you abundant Blessings!
I'm moving soon and I really want to buy organizing stuff before I move. Now I'm convinced that it's good idea to wait and see what kind of space I'll be working with. Thanks Kay! 🙂 You're definitely my favorite organizing channel 💖
I have never physically been in a Container Store. It would feel like a fairy tale! I work at a grocery store, and the merchandising is my favorite part
I'll bet Container Store felt the loss when you left. I enjoyed watching your video. If I could muster the energy to push back from this desk, I might even go organize something. Your enthusiasm is great, your dog is cute, and the diversion to show us the sleet added a special j'en ne sais quoi that made me smile.
My Grandmother always said "don't put it down, put it away" , another of her sayings was "a place for everything and everything in it's place", I find the older I get the more I keep telling myself, each time I got to just dump it. Some days are easier than others :-)
Stumbled onto your channel after doing a Minimal Mom & A Slob Comes Clean marathon. I'm SO happy you were in the suggested video bar!!! Love love love, many thanks for sharing your insight and tips. The encouragement from all of you is changing lives!!!
I worked at the container store when I was 19-20 yrs. old and I LOVED it. It was one of my most favorite jobs. Everything about them as a company, etc.
So my friend and I road tripped up to Charlotte, NC a couple weeks ago to the Container Store. I wanted to reorganize part of my pantry again. I had a list of specific items I’d found on their website so that made it very easy. I was able to incorporate those items into my pantry and it came out very spiffy. I wish we had a CS closer, but it was totally worth the road trip. 👍🏻
This makes a lot of sense. It's like creating a spreadsheet or a document. You do all the typing first and then you do the formatting on the entire document or spreadsheet last. It saves oodles of time and generates a consistent look. I love the way you explained the backstock items. That's something I definitely need to work on. Ditto with the buying organizing solutions before organizing. So I've found that while I could use half the stuff, I had too many unused organizing solutions. New subbie btw. I just love the way you communicate. It all just made so much sense.
Love the one touch rule! Didn’t realize it until I just heard you talk about it! I know I don’t need any more hangers. As soon as I correctly declutter my closets, I’m going to have a ton of hangers. Glad I discovered the flat velvet hangers years ago.
Love the uniformity idea. Knew I could easily do that. Got up. Rearranged my closet. Purged a bit as I moved things around. Now it looks great. Very satisfying. No big decisions. One little victory. And little victories encourage more movement toward the desired goal. Thank you
Well, not me but I'm going to try that later today and what doesn't fit will go into the China cabinet cause I hate the way those mugs look in the kitchen.
Great tips! A massage therapist I worked with ad a retreat center had worked in hospitality, and streamlined how we stacked sheets on our open shelving. He played with the the sheets we got back linen service, to determine the best fold, so we could most efficient place them on the massage table, and unfold without needing to turn them! Those little touches do make a difference!
Kay, you as a kid, “But I know where everything is!” That one story was so funny! We all get called out by our mothers over one thing or another. 😀 Thanks for the video, it’s great as always. Hi Clover Bean! 🐶
Oh my, your channel caught my eye and was surprised to hear you talking about the Container Store. I worked for TCS for 5 years and had to stop due to health. Never really worked retail prior to this and doubt I would have liked it at any other place. I totally loved my time with this store (Austin location). I worked the trucks and although very hard work, it was my fav!!!!
We love a girl we genuinely loves working and talking about the container store! I have never been to one but hope to as soon as it’s safe. #earlysqad I can also relate to the weather we have sooo much snow!!!
Loved how you explained things and broke it down. Feel like I can grasp it better. Thank you so much. Love your personality too. You seem like such a sweet person. Enjoy your evening. And day
What I've learned is that i have a bunch of containers in my home already. Those Amazon boxes are super sturdy and the Dollar Tree plastic containers are great.
I love you! Your enthusiasm is contagious and I appreciate that you don't make less organized folks feel bad for our lack of organizational skills or dedication! :)
Thanks for such great tips!!!! My dad was a retail manager so I still have many of the habits he taught us like uniformity and hanging all my clothes the same direction. It really does make a difference! Thank you also for saying that you were messy as a kid. My mom and I fought about it constantly and she still doesn’t believe I can be a neat adult. 🙄
I love it when I hear other people talk about working at TCS. I still work there going on year 6 in a few months. But everything you said was SPOT ON! I started on trucks, but found I did better at designing closets ;) Liked your point about backstock. I always tell my customers to aim to have their spaces 80% filled 80% of the time. That way, they can have wiggle room to place backstock items of their space a little more with new items before rotating them out. Organization WILL NOT work if you are buying stuff before decluttering. Instead, you will buy more crap to mask the crap instead of mastering it.Speak the truth girl! Love what you are doing. Keep up the great content.
I loved working for The Container Store, too! Best job ever. My fellow employees and I used to joke that we had to work there to support our habit... our organizing habit, that is. These are great tips, thank you! ~ Lisa
I love going to TCS. My only complaint is that the last time I went in to order an Elfa closet system I had drawn a detailed plan of what I wanted, gave it to the designer, and waited an hour while she input it into the system. However she had not actually input my design. She had created her own design which was very similar to the system I currently had and knew would not work for me. I let her know that I didn’t want that design and she almost refused to put in the design I had given to her. Fortunately a manager came by and told her to input my design, but that ended up taking another hour. I eventually got my design and installed it, and I love how it functions. I know people who work there think they are experts but since I came in with the exact plan I wanted, I think she should have honored my request and used my design. It would have saved us both a lot of time and frustration.
That sucks that you had that experience! That sounds really frustrating! I would always warn a customer if I thought their idea might not be space efficient or unusable but if they wanted to do it anyway I’d just do it LOL.
10:59 My mum straight went ahead - organized everything in my cupboard and my world used to come to an end as I could find nothing! I could only find things in my pile! Things have changed, my 2 year old son is now teaching me about mess - everyday all day! I guess what goes around comes around at least at times 😊 Happily taking the lessons..
You have a beautiful smile! I am organized. I am the person spending way to much and purchasing the wrong products. Never thought to buy afterwards. Good video, excellent tips.
Ha! Love how you started with the in-home backstock. I've been doing this for decades. Then again, I've been in retail jobs since, egads, Mervyn's, in the mid-1980s. Nowadays, as a caregiver, backstock has been a lifesaver. Touching once is a bit more difficult. Because, well, I touched it to pick it up at the store. Then again to get it rung up. And then again to bag it. Then again to put it in the car. And then again to get it out of the car. And again to get it to the correct room. And THEN touching once?! Ha! Once things are finally getting out of the bag, then yes. And there's a box for what goes to the backstock in the basement. With three dogs, I can't just set it on the floor :: ha ha ha :: On being uniform. Hellz, yeahs, ALL hangers are the same. Except. My closet has all black, the same plastic. In the laundry, they're the same only white. And my father's are again the same, only blue. Makes it very simple to know the state and next step for clothing. As for containers and organizing things ... when mom passed, found out she was a hoarder, and there was sooooooo very much here. Had to buy over 30 clear bins. Labeled them and put things in the appropriate bin when going through over 16 estates (she collected everything from everyone who passed that no one else wanted), and ended up with three estate sales because there was just too much. Finally, when organizing, I've discovered that when it deteriorates, that means it probably appears to be organized but isn't fitting your needs. Figure out why something got out of place, then assess whether it's the correct space for it, and how the process needs to change, or to move the item's home to fit the established needs. Thank you for the great video, fantastic energy, and pawdorable puppy!
Loved this video. I actually do store my mugs with the handle to the right. They fit better in the cabinet and the handle is right there when you need to grab one.
I really needed to hear this. Ive been a mess since I was a kid. I too used to have piles and knew where everything was in them and I was fine with that. Little did I know that when I got older Id meet the love of my life who is a complete neat freak :) I've been trying really hard as of lateto be more organized for the both of us. My mess really gives him so much extra work and it's not fair to him. I will try these tips. Thank you so much!
Recently found your channel, and have used many of your suggestions. My procrastination has decreased ... now just need to reduce my ,"Analysis Paralysis".😄 TFS 👍
There were so many useful tips here, I tend to be that everything In a pile type so that one touch system sounds really good but also something I need to pay attention to learn.
I work in a grocery store and most employees never catch onto this tip, but I noticed in my first year there that we ran sales in cycles (6 wks, 3 months, twice a year, and yearly). The one that I love the most that I point out to the customers all the time is the 3 month sale of dry and can goods. I call it the Big Pantry Stuffer sale. It's where you go in and all of your canned veg, soups, pastas, rice, etc are on sale for a great price that you walk away $100 poorer but you won't be worrying about pasta for a whole year. And if you miss it by one week, wait. It happens every 3 months, so get making some room in your cupboards to do your big stock up (with lovely organizing, of course).
On the flip side of back stock! I've come across people who only back stock. For example, their coffee is in the pantry on the other side of the kitchen. Or their spices. Or the coffee maker is in a cabinet, or the toaster! And when I ask them "Do you do make coffee or toast everyday?" THEY SAY YES! Back stock is needed, but so is "stock" stock! Keep those things you're using daily out and accessible!
New subscriber!Damn, your good! I personally, have had a very hard life in my 65 yrs. Went through abuse, being attacked in my late 20's, I have gone through some mental obstacles, causing "buying things, I didn't need, therefore, boxes unopened in a room for years. Then piles of clothes, shoes, jewelry, etc.....It took a kick in the butt just recently (hospitalized with several blood clots in my left leg & severe case of cellulitis in my left arm)to get me going! As soon as I can walk safely without a walker, baby steps, starting in bathroom cleaning out old makeup, so I can get to my shower chair. Then, remove boxes, shoes, handbags, in front of my closet door, then I can clean out the closet, & put the clothes that I use and fit me, in their place. I actually bought from the Container Store, a blank paper (for copy machines) to use for my makeup. (Still, in box)Also, place my handbags in baskets I bought for the top shelves. 3rd, remove pile of clothes & place in my bureau drawers, to get to my standing jewelry box! Thank you, for inspiring me! I'm determined!!! Want to get to jewelry my mum gave me years ago, b4 she passed in 2016.
Soon as you mentioned the “Touch it Once”, I paused the video and hung up my coat 🤦🏾♀️! 🤣🤣🤣 makes sooo much sense! Was a pleasure watching your video. In the midst of decluttering this year.
Lol, I also had many retail jobs and agree you can definitely apply their organising and display approaches at home :-) You made me remember a school friend who described her cleaning and organising method as 'Tidy Piles of Mess'. Stacks of whatever all round her room like skyscrapers in a city. She had a long duster and would just sweep round the piles occasionally :-) :-) :-) Hugs to you and the Bean!
Great tips, thank you! We recently moved into a small home which is going to require some good ideas for storage, and I'm glad to have found your channel. I'm somewhat organized, but in "piles." So, now I'm going to put away that pile of clean dishes and see what else needs a quick put away!
You're so gosh darn sweet, the thought of sleet and snow just melted away. Hope things are warmer for you today. We've had 70's during the day here in Chicagoland. The Container store is such a great place. They've saved so many people's lives with all their amazing storage strategies. It boggles the mind really. Keep these wonderful vlogs coming, beautiful lady. Your smile and inspiration is so appreciated!
Just found you and I'm currently binge watching but let me say, you describing your first apartment is basically me right now in my first own place..You give me hope!
It makes me feel better that I bought a lot of very inexpensive (50 cents to $1) white containers that are ad odd size, but I bought about 2 dozen! But you said uniformity was good...which is good! Because there is ALWAYS new stuff coming out to entice us to buy the new thing...but what I have can look nice. And I also loved the comment about putting handles all to the right because it creates a neat and uniform look. Will do and thank you!
Easy, interesting, and manageable steps! Just what I needed, although I'm in a different phase of life: decluttering & thinning to downsize for retirement. Thank you!
We’re not retired, but I’m downsizing because I’m exhausted from all of it. And society seems to want to shame those of us who love beautiful things. It’s a weird feeling.
Same here. I grew up in the middle of no where and we'd get snowed in multiple times every winter. Also we'd usually not have power for 2-3days sometime in the winter so I just kept the habit.
Yes. I do this for paying bills too. I put the mail on my desk. I may not open it the second I walk in the door but when I open the bill, I schedule the payment. I don't want to have to touch it again later. It helps to have a very detailed budget for every week of the month, I even color code each week, so I know exactly which paycheck will pay which bill. For example gas & electric bill is always the first week of the month which is listed in purple. lol. Becoming super organized with money helped me pay off debt too. Now if only I could organize our kitchen and all the coupon booklets that come in the mail that I want to remember to use!
Yes, I know those fights about messes all too well, especially women are so harsh on other women and girls regarding order. I used to joke that you can be the worst serial killer instead of a kind and giving person caring about important issues in the world as long as you are tidy and slim as a woman. Thank you for the encouragement and the separation of organizing and emotions!
You are a gem. I love your positive energy. Thank you for such useful tips! So glad i stumbled upon your channel. I mean, who doesnt love an adorable cavalier ❤❤❤
All I want for Christmas is to become more organized!! So glad your video popped up! Now I have a place to go to work on my improved skill set. Thanks for the video!!!!
Oh my goodness!! I’m such an organization nerd and you are my people!! I absolutely loved your video and you are just adorable. Great suggestions. Thank you.
You are so uplifting! I’m with you on being organized. Some new Ideas. Thank you. I try face all my panty items label out; in the fridge too. Looks so much less cluttered. I will definitely check back in you your channel. Xo
I play autoharp, kazoo, and sing 8 languages in 4 octaves! Tiny habits has helped me so much with organizing and cleaning. I can become so overwhelmed!
the white 'sleet' is actually called "Graupel, also called soft hail or snow pellets, is precipitation that forms when supercooled water droplets are collected and freeze on falling snowflakes, forming 2-5 mm balls of rime. The term graupel is the German language word for sleet. Graupel is distinct from hail and ice pellets" --- from Wikipedia. To me, it looks like styrofoam.
Thanks for watching! I appreciate all of you who leave comments here! I’m going to take a break from the comment section for a while so my apologies if I don’t get back to you right away! You can always DM me on Instagram or Twitter or email if you have a quick question or whatever 🥰 LOVE YOU GUYS 🥰🥰
I bet customers loved working with you! People can tell when the passion for something is sincere and that positive energy is contagious and fun to be around!
I had a lot of fun with people!
I agree. Passion is the perfect word here.
You beat me to it. Came here to say just that!
Learning that not everyone can organize the same way helped me considerably. I had to find a way that worked for me. As a visual person I will forget I have something if I cannot see it.
Keep an inventory sheet blue - tacked to a door or use a book to keep in /out records. Just remember to use it & update it!
@@Dana-ml7sy this is a great idea! And if you use the Frixion pens, or a sheet protector and a wet or dry erase marker, you could reuse the sheet multiple times!
I'm the same way!
Check out Clutterbug on CZcams! She organizes for four different personality types.
@@queenofputrescence5167 I really appreciate her approach. Years ago I read an article about Pilers and Filers. Clutter Bug takes it to the next level of understanding personal organizational needs.
Not buying storage solutions until everything is decluttered makes sense. It's actually just more stuff until you get organized! Thanks for pointing that out!
Yea then it's more of a reward to go shopping for the solutions. Hearing it now makes SO much sense but until she said it, I would have bought bins an then used them to replace the broken ones and never "declutter" until those bins broke an needed to be replaced...again.
I totally agree
I so agree, The Container Store was the best job I’ve ever had! I also loved that there is NO PHONE at the checkout area; so the customer is priority, not taking calls while serving others!!! Awesome, fun place to work and the company really appreciates the employees!!!
I LOVE hearing how other stores operate! I still work at TCS in the DC metro area. We do have phones in the checkout area, but they are rarely used. Mostly they are used if we need to call the resource center for a register issue (btw they are corded since the store is old). But yeah, its really fun!
It's so nice to hear that the company appreciates their employees. Unfortunately, that is hard to find nowadays😥
Oh wow, is there anything more annoying than to be up at the register all ready to pay & then have the clerk answer the phone & just leave you waiting? One day when a clerk pulled that I just left my item laying on the counter & walked out!
@@LarryNewmanSusanNewman same!
So so true about buying organizers too soon. Ive sometimes find that I actually don’t have to buy stuff and can use what I already have
My biggest organization mistake was thinking that buying lots of organization items (bins, trays, dividers, boxes, etc.) were the key to actually getting and staying organized. Turns out, for me, most of them made organizing more difficult, as I tried to break items down into categories that were too small or too discrete. Which creates a LOT more work in staying organized. If you put all your socks in one place...easy! If you break down by colors or length...way more time. Also organization containers also take up room and limit your capacity, like in the pantry. It's also ok to open your pantry or cabinets or drawers and it's "good enough". So find your sweet spot. Loved the part about organization being a learned habit, which is what I have found.
FYI, I am not a minimalist and I love my stuff!
Finally a ray of sunshine in the YT community. I'm obsessed
Thank you ☺️
I agree! Great personality and fantastic smile
I have been a “back stock” person for over 37 years- my mom and other family call it “keeping the pantry full for bad weather” in Maine (though I left 37 years ago to follow my husband in his military career) and they all are very organized about it- a friend in CO calls it a “prepper pantry”. Either way, keeping extras is always a good idea regardless of weather or economy or pandemics. And the “touch it once” is so smart! I always enjoy your videos!
Times were different back then. Pantries were typical - no internet or easy ways to shop. My mother never had a drivers license back in the 60s, so there was lots of “back-stock”.
I love the little weather-related "meltdown" you had in the middle of the video. It made me laugh. 😂
Oh wow! I had piles in my room as a teenager too, and told my mom the exact same thing...that I knew where everything was. We fought about it till my mother just started keeping my bedroom door shut so she wouldn't have to look at my mess! I thought that was a good solution. When I moved away from home, it suddenly became important to me to keep everything clean, neat and organized. I knew how because I'd been watching my mother all those years.
I can understand what you mean about working at The Container Store. I've longed at times to work at Joane's Fabrics because I love being in that store! I'm SO happy when I'm there! I could work with all that sewing, knitting and craft material all day long, while getting ideas for my next projects!
I enjoyed listening to you SO much! Hope you make many many more videos!!!
I loved school. So my parents threatened not to let me go to school unless my bed was made. I thank them. I am 70 now.
I hope you get to work at Joann's Fabric Store. With your passion, knowledge and expertise, they would be very lucky to have you as a team member.
I was raised a sewer by a mom and grandma that sewed and my first job was actually JoAnn Fabrics! I can tell you it was every bit as fun as it seems and I loooved that job! Those of us who worked there did get ideas for our next projects and we all used to joke how we'd spend half our paychecks there >_< I hope you get to work there someday! :D
@@virgierutledge3004 Wow! What a way to train a child! Two good traits for the price of one: making bed and going to school! Your parents sound like they were very wise! And congrats on reaching your age!! I'm only 65. I'll only catch up to where you are in 5 years and we'll, then, you'll still be ahead of me! 😊
@@luthiengs Thank you! I don't think I'll end up working at Joanne's though. I'm retired and disabled. I couldn't possibly stand up or walk around enough for a work day....not even a part day. I can stand up about 15-20 minutes max on a good day. But it is good to hear it was fun to work there! Right now, I probably have enough fabric, yarn" embroidery thread, sewing supplies, art supplies, craft supplies, silk flowers n etc. to last a lifetime....and if I walk into a store, there would be something like a magnetic force field causing me to buy more!! I do love it there!
I found large plastic white trays from chicken breasts, washed out, were perfect for organising underwear. Clear fruit punnets in different shapes & sizes helped me separate my stuff in drawers or cabinets. Long oblong deep boxes of bulk bought cat food were ideal to put my baking trays in or cut down boxes were ideal to put the excess packets in my larder. My used herb & spice jars are used to store my own spice mixes or used to store my seeds. You don’t always need store bought items, although you have actually bought them! . You can spend a fortune on containers that you don’t need. Splurge when you can afford it & when it’s necessary. The plethora of utube videos on organising has spawned a desire for everyone to have a kardashian style pantry or wardrobes without having the space or money for the outlay. This lady is a more practical.
I've also found that many people are afraid to get rid of stuff that they never use/wear because they spent money on it. Give that up! If you bought something and you never use it or wear it, give it away! I always have a box going for donating. It makes me happy to know that someone else can use the great stuff I bought that I thought I'd use or wear. Spread your wealth around rather than have it clutter up your house!
🙌🏽 PREACH
I purchased my Elfa over the door system from the Container Store here in Chicago because of you. When I went to the store I told them that you were a former employee on the East coast and that you taught me about the system😁😀😁
How sweet. Hope u had a good experience🙂
Every time I walk into the Container Store, I sniff a big sniff and begin to sing like Cinderella. It is my store and my happy place. It's a good thing the nearest one is 60 miles away. I agree with all five lessons. Spot on. Also, when I got home from work, I made myself do 7 things (throw in a load of laundry, pay a bill, write a grocery list etc). That way when the weekend came, most of my cleaning and organizing for the week was done. I was also that mom who made her kids Halloween costumes in July. I was a teacher and had no time for stuff like that once school started. Love your enthusiasm, your smile, and your channel!
I haven’t written a grocery list since I discovered my Google Home Mini. I have one in many rooms. All I have to do is say “Ok Google...put carrots on my shopping list” and it updates the grocery list app on my phone. That way I always have my grocery list with me! Love, love, love technology!
@@gratefulketo2211 My husband now does all of the grocery shopping and list making. :)
Nancy Tim ... so you have your very own app!
The year I was expecting twins in November, I did bulk shopping for household cleaners, pantry dry goods and cans and my Christmas presents in August. I decided I quite liked being that organised so every year until they all left home I continued to Christmas shop in August. Much less stressful. Always have a backstock system. My closet has 33 matching turquoise coat hangers for project 333 clothes decluttering. When I run out of hangers I have too many clothes and it's time to give some away.
This makes so much sense. I worked at Bed Bath and Beyond where we had a similar system at the end of the night. Straightening up is different from cleaning. I no longer waste my Sunday evenings cleaning. Have everyone do a 10 minute touch throughout your house. That includes lining items up on a shelf/counter, catching wayward items that missed the hamper, fixing the pillows/blanket on the sofa. Play 3 songs or set a timer and you'd be surprised at the difference in such a short amount of time. The key is not to get stuck on one item and keep moving. Cleaning will be easier when things are organized and in order.
I just imagined you as a kid. Those bright, shining eyes of yours are still there as an adult. 🙂
Lol if you did not know her as a child this would be wild
You’re so inspiring. Good tips. You must be so much fun to work with.
Touching things once was a rule my grandmother had for herself. She was an incredibly busy woman. Head nurse of the hospital I was born in, was a registered dietician and owned her own health food store and raised 3 kids while she had 2 full time jobs! She always called herself a lazy housekeeper as she never wanted to duplicate her efforts (touching the same things twice). I can still hear her voice in my head, don’t put it DOWN, put it AWAY.
That was my mantra! My kids still remember me saying it! “Don’t put it down, put it away!👍🏻❤️
This is what I need to do...stop putting it down and put it away 😀
Thanks for sharing your story about your grandmother.I ⚘
Appreciate the insightful tips. Hadn't thought of back stock, that's one I'll add. You have a very likable personality with an upbeat, happy vibe. I enjoy listening to you explain things with a hint of humor & your gorgeous pearly whites make your smile even sweeter. Thank you for sharing! Wishing you abundant Blessings!
You're such a more mature version of me, not "older" mature but tons more wiser than I am. Thank you for your help and advice. It's greatly needed.
“Every subscription feeds a Cavalier!” Girl, you’re awesome! Love your channel and of course that pupper too!
I'm moving soon and I really want to buy organizing stuff before I move. Now I'm convinced that it's good idea to wait and see what kind of space I'll be working with. Thanks Kay! 🙂 You're definitely my favorite organizing channel 💖
I have never physically been in a Container Store. It would feel like a fairy tale!
I work at a grocery store, and the merchandising is my favorite part
@@cvelasquez8041 I actually have one in my city 🤣
Yeah - merchandising fulfills your inner neat freak!
I'll bet Container Store felt the loss when you left. I enjoyed watching your video. If I could muster the energy to push back from this desk, I might even go organize something. Your enthusiasm is great, your dog is cute, and the diversion to show us the sleet added a special j'en ne sais quoi that made me smile.
Thank you for leaving such a nice comment 🥰 It made my day!
My Grandmother always said "don't put it down, put it away" , another of her sayings was "a place for everything and everything in it's place", I find the older I get the more I keep telling myself, each time I got to just dump it. Some days are easier than others :-)
GRANDMAS KNOW STUFF ❤️
Stumbled onto your channel after doing a Minimal Mom & A Slob Comes Clean marathon. I'm SO happy you were in the suggested video bar!!! Love love love, many thanks for sharing your insight and tips. The encouragement from all of you is changing lives!!!
I worked at the container store when I was 19-20 yrs. old and I LOVED it. It was one of my most favorite jobs. Everything about them as a company, etc.
So my friend and I road tripped up to Charlotte, NC a couple weeks ago to the Container Store. I wanted to reorganize part of my pantry again. I had a list of specific items I’d found on their website so that made it very easy. I was able to incorporate those items into my pantry and it came out very spiffy. I wish we had a CS closer, but it was totally worth the road trip. 👍🏻
You’re like people who road trip to an IKEA! Enjoy your pantry. 😀
This makes a lot of sense. It's like creating a spreadsheet or a document. You do all the typing first and then you do the formatting on the entire document or spreadsheet last. It saves oodles of time and generates a consistent look. I love the way you explained the backstock items. That's something I definitely need to work on. Ditto with the buying organizing solutions before organizing. So I've found that while I could use half the stuff, I had too many unused organizing solutions. New subbie btw. I just love the way you communicate. It all just made so much sense.
Thank you for sharing what mistakes your clients have made so we can avoid making them ourselves.
It’s not even 6 a.m. on a Saturday, and you have me ready to go into the kitchen and turn all my mug handles to the right!
Do ittttttttt 🤣
Me too
Love the one touch rule! Didn’t realize it until I just heard you talk about it! I know I don’t need any more hangers. As soon as I correctly declutter my closets, I’m going to have a ton of hangers. Glad I discovered the flat velvet hangers years ago.
Love the uniformity idea. Knew I could easily do that. Got up. Rearranged my closet. Purged a bit as I moved things around. Now it looks great. Very satisfying. No big decisions. One little victory. And little victories encourage more movement toward the desired goal. Thank you
I have all my mug handles facing in the same direction. I thought it was just and OCD habit of mine.💜💜🐶
LOL not just you! Once I started doing this I was hooked and can’t help myself
@@TheOrganizedSoprano 😂 me too
Well, not me but I'm going to try that later today and what doesn't fit will go into the China cabinet cause I hate the way those mugs look in the kitchen.
@@TheOrganizedSoprano p pop ‘´´
Me too!
I love your voice in speech! I can imagine how beautiful it is in song!
☺️☺️☺️☺️
Plus so pretty!
Great tips!
A massage therapist I worked with ad a retreat center had worked in hospitality, and streamlined how we stacked sheets on our open shelving. He played with the the sheets we got back linen service, to determine the best fold, so we could most efficient place them on the massage table, and unfold without needing to turn them! Those little touches do make a difference!
When you said, "... I was a piler that had piles everywhere but I knew where everything was..." So relatable and also still me 😩 😂
Great energy. Very engaging presentation. My spouse and I are former TCS employees. You nailed it!
Kay, you as a kid, “But I know where everything is!” That one story was so funny! We all get called out by our mothers over one thing or another. 😀 Thanks for the video, it’s great as always. Hi Clover Bean! 🐶
Oh my, your channel caught my eye and was surprised to hear you talking about the Container Store. I worked for TCS for 5 years and had to stop due to health. Never really worked retail prior to this and doubt I would have liked it at any other place. I totally loved my time with this store (Austin location). I worked the trucks and although very hard work, it was my fav!!!!
We love a girl we genuinely loves working and talking about the container store! I have never been to one but hope to as soon as it’s safe.
#earlysqad
I can also relate to the weather we have sooo much snow!!!
We had our first 6 inches of snow the day after Labor Day. It was a shock to everyone but the dogs.
@@nancytim1486 wow that is early! my dog loves the snow so much her favorite thing is to jump around outside and eat it!
Loved how you explained things and broke it down. Feel like I can grasp it better. Thank you so much. Love your personality too. You seem like such a sweet person. Enjoy your evening. And day
Thank you!
What I've learned is that i have a bunch of containers in my home already. Those Amazon boxes are super sturdy and the Dollar Tree plastic containers are great.
I love you! Your enthusiasm is contagious and I appreciate that you don't make less organized folks feel bad for our lack of organizational skills or dedication! :)
Thanks for such great tips!!!! My dad was a retail manager so I still have many of the habits he taught us like uniformity and hanging all my clothes the same direction. It really does make a difference!
Thank you also for saying that you were messy as a kid. My mom and I fought about it constantly and she still doesn’t believe I can be a neat adult. 🙄
I love it when I hear other people talk about working at TCS. I still work there going on year 6 in a few months. But everything you said was SPOT ON! I started on trucks, but found I did better at designing closets ;) Liked your point about backstock. I always tell my customers to aim to have their spaces 80% filled 80% of the time. That way, they can have wiggle room to place backstock items of their space a little more with new items before rotating them out. Organization WILL NOT work if you are buying stuff before decluttering. Instead, you will buy more crap to mask the crap instead of mastering it.Speak the truth girl! Love what you are doing. Keep up the great content.
I work at a grocery store and try to organize my groceries the way they do. Thank you for this informative and entertaining video.
You are a delight!! It's refreshing to hear someone talk about how much they like their job! Thanks for sharing!
I loved working for The Container Store, too! Best job ever. My fellow employees and I used to joke that we had to work there to support our habit... our organizing habit, that is.
These are great tips, thank you! ~ Lisa
I love going to TCS. My only complaint is that the last time I went in to order an Elfa closet system I had drawn a detailed plan of what I wanted, gave it to the designer, and waited an hour while she input it into the system. However she had not actually input my design. She had created her own design which was very similar to the system I currently had and knew would not work for me. I let her know that I didn’t want that design and she almost refused to put in the design I had given to her. Fortunately a manager came by and told her to input my design, but that ended up taking another hour. I eventually got my design and installed it, and I love how it functions. I know people who work there think they are experts but since I came in with the exact plan I wanted, I think she should have honored my request and used my design. It would have saved us both a lot of time and frustration.
That sucks that you had that experience! That sounds really frustrating! I would always warn a customer if I thought their idea might not be space efficient or unusable but if they wanted to do it anyway I’d just do it LOL.
10:59 My mum straight went ahead - organized everything in my cupboard and my world used to come to an end as I could find nothing! I could only find things in my pile! Things have changed, my 2 year old son is now teaching me about mess - everyday all day! I guess what goes around comes around at least at times 😊 Happily taking the lessons..
You have a beautiful smile! I am organized. I am the person spending way to much and purchasing the wrong products. Never thought to buy afterwards. Good video, excellent tips.
Thank you!
I love to hear that you were messy as a kid... that’s encouraging! Thanks for this great information.
Ha! Love how you started with the in-home backstock. I've been doing this for decades. Then again, I've been in retail jobs since, egads, Mervyn's, in the mid-1980s. Nowadays, as a caregiver, backstock has been a lifesaver.
Touching once is a bit more difficult. Because, well, I touched it to pick it up at the store. Then again to get it rung up. And then again to bag it. Then again to put it in the car. And then again to get it out of the car. And again to get it to the correct room. And THEN touching once?! Ha! Once things are finally getting out of the bag, then yes. And there's a box for what goes to the backstock in the basement. With three dogs, I can't just set it on the floor :: ha ha ha ::
On being uniform. Hellz, yeahs, ALL hangers are the same. Except. My closet has all black, the same plastic. In the laundry, they're the same only white. And my father's are again the same, only blue. Makes it very simple to know the state and next step for clothing.
As for containers and organizing things ... when mom passed, found out she was a hoarder, and there was sooooooo very much here. Had to buy over 30 clear bins. Labeled them and put things in the appropriate bin when going through over 16 estates (she collected everything from everyone who passed that no one else wanted), and ended up with three estate sales because there was just too much.
Finally, when organizing, I've discovered that when it deteriorates, that means it probably appears to be organized but isn't fitting your needs. Figure out why something got out of place, then assess whether it's the correct space for it, and how the process needs to change, or to move the item's home to fit the established needs.
Thank you for the great video, fantastic energy, and pawdorable puppy!
Love your communication style, upbeat attitude, and how you break down the concepts.
Thank you
Loved this video. I actually do store my mugs with the handle to the right. They fit better in the cabinet and the handle is right there when you need to grab one.
going into dishwasher too.
I worked in one for 3yrs in NYC it was my best retail job ever. I worked over night as a merchandiser. I have to say I miss it sometimes.
I really needed to hear this. Ive been a mess since I was a kid. I too used to have piles and knew where everything was in them and I was fine with that. Little did I know that when I got older Id meet the love of my life who is a complete neat freak :) I've been trying really hard as of lateto be more organized for the both of us. My mess really gives him so much extra work and it's not fair to him. I will try these tips. Thank you so much!
Recently found your channel, and have used many of your suggestions. My procrastination has decreased ... now just need to reduce my ,"Analysis Paralysis".😄 TFS 👍
There were so many useful tips here, I tend to be that everything In a pile type so that one touch system sounds really good but also something I need to pay attention to learn.
You're cute & talk as fast as my daughter so I smile a lot when listening!
I work in a grocery store and most employees never catch onto this tip, but I noticed in my first year there that we ran sales in cycles (6 wks, 3 months, twice a year, and yearly). The one that I love the most that I point out to the customers all the time is the 3 month sale of dry and can goods. I call it the Big Pantry Stuffer sale. It's where you go in and all of your canned veg, soups, pastas, rice, etc are on sale for a great price that you walk away $100 poorer but you won't be worrying about pasta for a whole year. And if you miss it by one week, wait. It happens every 3 months, so get making some room in your cupboards to do your big stock up (with lovely organizing, of course).
On the flip side of back stock! I've come across people who only back stock. For example, their coffee is in the pantry on the other side of the kitchen. Or their spices. Or the coffee maker is in a cabinet, or the toaster! And when I ask them "Do you do make coffee or toast everyday?" THEY SAY YES!
Back stock is needed, but so is "stock" stock! Keep those things you're using daily out and accessible!
I love your happy, bubbly personality! You seem to be great at your job!
Thank you!
Thanks, you are such a delightful host, and I learned some new tricks too.
"Every subscription feeds a Cavalier" Perfect opportunity to use my new Clovermoji!
New subscriber!Damn, your good! I personally, have had a very hard life in my 65 yrs. Went through abuse, being attacked in my late 20's, I have gone through some mental obstacles, causing "buying things, I didn't need, therefore, boxes unopened in a room for years. Then piles of clothes, shoes, jewelry, etc.....It took a kick in the butt just recently (hospitalized with several blood clots in my left leg & severe case of cellulitis in my left arm)to get me going! As soon as I can walk safely without a walker, baby steps, starting in bathroom cleaning out old makeup, so I can get to my shower chair. Then, remove boxes, shoes, handbags, in front of my closet door, then I can clean out the closet, & put the clothes that I use and fit me, in their place. I actually bought from the Container Store, a blank paper (for copy machines) to use for my makeup. (Still, in box)Also, place my handbags in baskets I bought for the top shelves. 3rd, remove pile of clothes & place in my bureau drawers, to get to my standing jewelry box! Thank you, for inspiring me! I'm determined!!! Want to get to jewelry my mum gave me years ago, b4 she passed in 2016.
So positive to watch. I feel like I can organize anything. Thanks for sharing
White stuff looks like groppel (sp?). Mixture of rain, snow, and frozen rain. Like soft hail.
Soon as you mentioned the “Touch it Once”, I paused the video and hung up my coat 🤦🏾♀️! 🤣🤣🤣 makes sooo much sense! Was a pleasure watching your video. In the midst of decluttering this year.
Lol, I also had many retail jobs and agree you can definitely apply their organising and display approaches at home :-) You made me remember a school friend who described her cleaning and organising method as 'Tidy Piles of Mess'. Stacks of whatever all round her room like skyscrapers in a city. She had a long duster and would just sweep round the piles occasionally :-) :-) :-) Hugs to you and the Bean!
Great tips, thank you! We recently moved into a small home which is going to require some good ideas for storage, and I'm glad to have found your channel. I'm somewhat organized, but in "piles." So, now I'm going to put away that pile of clean dishes and see what else needs a quick put away!
The 4th point is huge. I learned it the hard way.
I loved truck processing. To this day, if I’m in TCS, I will pull products flush to the edge of the shelf. 🤣😂🤣
I do it too still, girl 🤣
You're so gosh darn sweet, the thought of sleet and snow just melted away. Hope things are warmer for you today. We've had 70's during the day here in Chicagoland. The Container store is such a great place. They've saved so many people's lives with all their amazing storage strategies. It boggles the mind really. Keep these wonderful vlogs coming, beautiful lady. Your smile and inspiration is so appreciated!
Just found you and I'm currently binge watching but let me say, you describing your first apartment is basically me right now in my first own place..You give me hope!
It makes me feel better that I bought a lot of very inexpensive (50 cents to $1) white containers that are ad odd size, but I bought about 2 dozen! But you said uniformity was good...which is good! Because there is ALWAYS new stuff coming out to entice us to buy the new thing...but what I have can look nice. And I also loved the comment about putting handles all to the right because it creates a neat and uniform look. Will do and thank you!
As a fellow former TCS employee, this video was fun to watch. I definitely learned a lot from working there. I've subscribed! 😊
Yay!!!
Easy, interesting, and manageable steps! Just what I needed, although I'm in a different phase of life: decluttering & thinning to downsize for retirement. Thank you!
We’re not retired, but I’m downsizing because I’m exhausted from all of it. And society seems to want to shame those of us who love beautiful things. It’s a weird feeling.
I applaud your efforts and philosophy, Annie! 👏👏👏
Kay ~ this video is so full of joy 🤩 Thank you for sharing your skills gained while working at The Container Store. Smiles for you and Clover 🌱🎶💕
Lol!!!! My mom and I also had that very same discussion many times. I was not born organized. I definitely had to learn that skill
I'm glad that I found your channel! I definitely need help with organizing! Thanks for the tips!
You are very positive and delightful to listen to!
i've always had back stock, wasn't out of things when the pandemic started, even hand sanitizers...touch it once goes for paper work too
Kate D
Same here
Same here. I grew up in the middle of no where and we'd get snowed in multiple times every winter. Also we'd usually not have power for 2-3days sometime in the winter so I just kept the habit.
Yes. I do this for paying bills too. I put the mail on my desk. I may not open it the second I walk in the door but when I open the bill, I schedule the payment. I don't want to have to touch it again later. It helps to have a very detailed budget for every week of the month, I even color code each week, so I know exactly which paycheck will pay which bill. For example gas & electric bill is always the first week of the month which is listed in purple. lol. Becoming super organized with money helped me pay off debt too.
Now if only I could organize our kitchen and all the coupon booklets that come in the mail that I want to remember to use!
You are a joy to watch.
Yes, I know those fights about messes all too well, especially women are so harsh on other women and girls regarding order. I used to joke that you can be the worst serial killer instead of a kind and giving person caring about important issues in the world as long as you are tidy and slim as a woman. Thank you for the encouragement and the separation of organizing and emotions!
You are a gem. I love your positive energy. Thank you for such useful tips! So glad i stumbled upon your channel. I mean, who doesnt love an adorable cavalier ❤❤❤
All I want for Christmas is to become more organized!! So glad your video popped up! Now I have a place to go to work on my improved skill set. Thanks for the video!!!!
You are a hoot! So fun to watch you. I cleaned out a drawer while watching you. Glad I found you!
Oh my goodness!! I’m such an organization nerd and you are my people!! I absolutely loved your video and you are just adorable. Great suggestions. Thank you.
Yup. Unorthodox orderliness. It was my thing. Who could've known the PEACE waiting for me on the other side??? Skill learned and obsessed over now!🤭🤭
Good presentation-nice, clear style. Adorable doggie!
Thank you so much ☺️
You are so uplifting! I’m with you on being organized. Some new Ideas. Thank you.
I try face all my panty items label out; in the fridge too. Looks so much less cluttered. I will definitely check back in you your channel. Xo
Great information. I use the one step method when I sew quilts or same items I assembly line sew.
I play autoharp, kazoo, and sing 8 languages in 4 octaves! Tiny habits has helped me so much with organizing and cleaning. I can become so overwhelmed!
You sound like you’d be FUN to jam with! ❤️
the white 'sleet' is actually called "Graupel, also called soft hail or snow pellets, is precipitation that forms when supercooled water droplets are collected and freeze on falling snowflakes, forming 2-5 mm balls of rime. The term graupel is the German language word for sleet. Graupel is distinct from hail and ice pellets" --- from Wikipedia. To me, it looks like styrofoam.
I’ve never heard of Graupel! I’m so excited to learn about it, thank you ☺️
I think of sleet as icy rain.
I just learned to call it hail
You are delightful and super informative! ***Subscribed!***
I appreciate your tips. Very helpful. Thank you.
In regards to that weird snow/sleet thing happening... it's known as Graupel or snow pellets.
"Graupel".. now that's one I haven't heard since visiting family in colorado. I thought it was called "grawpel" 😁