Another small project

What does your trunk look like? What about the inside of your car? Has it become a catch-all for the candy wrappers and junk mail. Does your trunk house sports equipment and re-usable bags that you always forget to take in to the grocery store? Do the kids in the back seat use that as their "play-station?" 

I don't have small children, and I don't have a problem, usually, with organization. I have the necessities inside my car and in the trunk. But I find myself frustrated with not being able to access what I need while I am driving or forgetting the bags when I run in to the grocery. Then I am left holding all the plastic bags and cutting off the circulation in my fingers as I maneuver trying to get my keys into the locks..well, let's just say I don't use my smarts all the time. 

As far as my trunk goes...It's HUGE!  Many have jokingly commented that I could get away with transporting a dead body or two in that trunk. But lately I can't squeeze a few limbs into it now (joking, of course)! I even have an organizer back there, but it has become a dumping ground of sorts. To be fair, I have been trying to help my new husband move in to my house, but still, how long can I hold on to those empty boxes in my trunk?

So, my solution?

I put this together and will have it in the passenger seat every day. Let's start with the container. I had ordered this from QVC. (http://www.qvc.com/8-Way-Folding-Trunk-Organizer-with-Waterproof-Thermal-Carrier.product.V31626.html?sc=V31626-SRCH&cm_sp=VIEWPOSITION-_-1-_-V31626&catentryImage=http://images.qvc.com/is/image/v/26/v31626.001?$uslarge$) It can be adjusted to fit your needs. Right now I have it set up with two compartments. One has ALL of my reusable bags, folded down very neatly. I got that idea from Pinterest. (http://www.pinterest.com/pin/196610339958848074/) I have about 10-15 regular bags of varying sizes as well as three thermal bags - not including the one that came with the organizer. 

In the other side, I have a de-icer for my windshield and a scraper (which is a piece of junk and needs to be replaced). I always need tissues, so I have a box of them and I also lined a container with a plastic grocery bag for my trash. I have found it too difficult to stretch my arm to "search" for the hanging bag on the back of the passenger seat while I am driving, so an open container works better.

Since this particular organizer can actually have two more sections (I have it folded this way for now) this organizer can grow with my needs. If I travel or I need to open up another section for something I can use it temporarily, or use it for something else that I deem important enough to have with me all the time.

As far as my trunk goes...

I will have a picture of that later, since it it too cold to do anything for long periods of time outside. I have a plan for that and it will look terrific - once I trash those empty boxes and actually put stuff where it belongs.  My goal is, though, to have my trunk clean enough so I won't have to try and cram my groceries in the back seat or be embarrassed because I have to flag down a stranger to help me unload the trunk to get to my spare tire! Heavens! What WILL they think when they find a dead body? 

Until next time, when I attempt to organize another part of my life,

Petra

A New Day

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by all of the chaos in your home or in your life?

Have you ever been late to anything because you couldn't find the things you needed to get out of the door on time?

Have you ever walked through the door of your home and, instead of feeling calm and relaxed, you feel stressful?

Is there just one area of your life you just need a little help with?

I have always fancied myself as an organized person. But at times I feel as if those tactics I once thought were so helpful no longer work for me. Let me show you an example:

(before)

 So, as many of know, I live in rental property where I cannot make any structural changes. And because I live in a trailer with paneled walls I cannot even make certain cosmetic changes. I "inherited" a single wire shelf above my washer and dryer. This is the ONLY place I have to store all of my laundry and cleaning supplies as well as any other extraneous items that tend to get dropped off when we walk in the door.  I thought I was pretty organized. But this just wasn't working for me. 

(after)

So, I headed to the nearest Dollar Tree and found a few baskets. I got each one of the "old" baskets down and filtered through it. I realized I hadn't used some of the items in the 2 years that I had been here. I tossed everything old and unused and then sorted the remaining items. Here is what I have (nicely labeled for those others living in the house with me):

• Laundry
• Rags
• Cleaning
• Misc
• Car cleaning/acces. (in a handled divided container)

The laundry detergent needs to stay on the dryer along with a basket containing such small items like light bulbs, extension cords, and glasses wipes. My tool bag with a few small necessary tools is handy when I need to make repairs or assemble something. I am hoping to one day own a slew of power tools which I will keep in a spiffy garage! (A girl can dream, can't she?)

So this is my first "publicly advertised" job. It seems easy enough, but it only took me two and a half years to get it done. So I truly understand the hearts of so many out there that desperately WANT to become more organized but just NEED a little help. Let me help you.

I will post more pictures, helps and advice and I may possibly try my hand at vlogs. So stay tuned!  You never know what kind of stuff you might find here!

See you next time!

Petra