6 Tips To Make Organization Easier

 Keeping your apartment clean can be a challenge for everyone.  Many times this chore gets tossed to the side because of work, plans, or activities.  However, you may be making this chore harder than it has to be.  Apartment Therapy has gathered some great tips on making this chore a lot easier.  This advice will help your home stay cleaner longer, and it will give you more time to do the things you would like to do.


You may have discovered (thanks to this post) that you've been making keeping your house clean harder than it has to be. Might you also be making it harder to keep your house organized, cleaning's important and annoying cousin? A stress-free house is not just a dust-free one, it's one where you can find stuff when you need it and don't have stacks of unnecessary stuff adding to your home's clutter. Check out this list of six ways you might be making it harder to stay organized and see what you can eliminate this weekend!


1. You don't immediately toss unimportant stuff
Put a recycling bin next to your mail box and a shredder next to your door. The moment you get your mail, toss what you don't need, shred personal info-marked things you don't need and then immediately file what you need to file. Don't put things in a basket to look at later. If you want to look at it later — just put it where it's supposed to be anyway, and go look at it later there.

2. You emotionally hold on to stuff you know you don't need
This is always a tough one, since objects can have memories attached to them. But we're not talking about that stuff. We're talking about the hiking boots you've never worn once that you keep hanging on to because you might climb Everest one day. We're talking about the "perfectly good" things you bought for a good reason but have never used once.When it comes to keeping organized, having more stuff than you need to organize is just silly. Less stuff, less things that will need organizing.

3. You've convinced yourself you don't have enough room, and so have given up hope
Hey we get it. Having a tiny home is tough on staying organized, especially when you lack obvious storage. But don't give up and give in. Kick that defeatist attitude to the curb! Pay attention to the first two tips in this post for sure. But then also make sure you're maximizing the storage you do have. Got three inches under your bed? Use them! Have only one hanging rod in your closet? Come on — fit more in there! Don't have any shelves above your doors or up high? You've got to be kidding me. If you don't have room for the things you legitimately need, make room. But don't make extra storage for future stuff, as you'll definitely find something to fill it up with.

4. You haven't given yourself the right tools
The trick here is really giving yourself the right organizing tools that work for you. Spend a week or more really looking at your home and where the clutter collects. Are you someone who tosses clothes around your room when trying on outfits and never re-hangs them up? Either switch to drawers or plan your outfits ahead of time and place an over-the-door hanger in the room just for that purpose. Are you a chronic junk drawer creator? Fill it with dividers so you're forced to stick to a system. You don't have to get fancy and drop a ton of money at the Container Store, but do invest in the tools you'll need if they'll help you.

5. Your filing system is too complicated and so you never stick with it for long
That's really awesome that you spent that weekend alphabetizing and labeling and whatever else-ing until your home was the absolute pinnacle of organization — for like a day. But if something is too complicated — or too hard to get to — you won't stick with it. And sometimes being too specific with labels can work against you — when you come across something that doesn't perfectly fit into a label you end up not putting it away and a pile gets started. And piles multiply faster than tribbles.

6. You're not asking for help when you need it or setting boundaries
There's no shame in asking for organizing help from a friend if you need it. But you also need to learn to ask for help with the people you live with — work with them on showing them the organizational methods you've put into place and tell them it's important they follow them, too.

The Best Iced Tea

Are you a fan of iced tea?  It can be a favorite drink to cool off with in the summer.  However, store bought brands or the same iced tea over and over again can get old. We have gathered some great tips on how to make the best iced tea.  Keep reading and you can learn more at The Kitchn.



1. Use loose-leaf tea and brew it twice as strong.

Because iced tea gets diluted, you really want to extract the maximum amount of flavor from your tea. I recommend using loose-leaf tea. Tea bags are fine if you're in a hurry, but you'll get a lesser quality of tea and can't measure it precisely.

The easiest way to make iced tea is to make a hot brew. Make it twice as strong, strain it out, and then pour it over ice. For example, if you would normally use 1 teaspoon of tea for 6 ounces of water, use 2 teaspoons of tea. I tend to use a large pot and let the tea swirl around and then pour it through a strainer. A tea ball or small infuser is a big no-no because the leaves aren't able to rotate and expand to provide a lot of the flavor.

The hot brew method is especially important for green tea, which can get bitter if you cold steep it. However, black tea can work as a cold brewed tea, where you can infuse the tea in cold water overnight and then strain it the next day.
2. Go beyond standard green or black tea.

Fruity teas tend to make really great iced tea, like our Tangier tea that's black tea with apricots in it, or our Immortal Green Tea that's Japanese green tea with peaches and passion fruit. Rooibos teas also tend to make great iced tea and they're caffeine free. Some people might like a flowery iced tea with rose or jasmine, while others might prefer a spiced chai iced tea. I encourage people to experiment. Try different flavors; you never know what you will like.
3. Sweeten with juice or lemonade.

A great alternative to sugar is adding something like juice or lemonade. Trader Joe's makes a dynamite organic pink lemonade and a pomegranate limeade. If you add 1 cup of that to 8 to 10 cups of iced tea, it's not a traditional half-and-half Arnold Palmer ratio, but you just get a little kick of flavor and sweetness. Pomegranate juice can also provide a boost of sugar and vibrant color.

4. Go wild with fruit.

There are so many other things you can add besides sugar, if you get creative. For example, try any fruit that's local, fresh, and sweet —whatever you get at the farmers' market. After the tea has brewed, let it cool 4 to 5 hours at room temperature, and then add fruit. You can then drink it immediately or let the fruit steep overnight, kind of like a sangria.

My favorite fruit to add is watermelon, which adds a natural sweetness and looks pretty. Apricots are also great; they seem to suck in all the bitterness of the tea and release tons of sweetness. Figs are amazing. We freeze figs and then throw them in a Vitamix with tea; you're getting sweetness, fiber, and your daily serving of fruit.

Oranges are obviously a natural accompaniment to tea, as are lemons. Limes are tricky; they get bitter after awhile, especially if they have the rinds.

Blueberries don't do much flavor-wise because of the skin, but they're pretty, especially on top or frozen into ice cubes made from iced tea (which are great because they don't dilute the tea).

Raspberries and strawberries taste great but fall apart after a bit. For fruits that disintegrate, you might want to strain them out after they have steeped, and then add fresh fruit at the last minute for visual appeal.
5. Play with herbs.

When things are intensely flavorful, then I think people don't miss the sugar. In addition to fruit, herbs can add a lot of flavor. I like lavender in everything; it's pretty and it really adds a different flavor. There are so many incredible kinds of mint to experiment with — chocolate mint, lemon mint, mint basil, spearmint. Rosemary is interesting, also chamomile. Think of iced tea like cocktails. It doesn't have to be boring and out of the bottle.
6. Just experiment!

I consider everything. If I like the way it tastes, I'll put it in tea. I've even put Sriracha in tea, although I found that a smoked pepper worked better. We've used lots of different things: stone ground Mexican chile chocolate; chai with almond butter, cinnamon, and cream. Just experiment! Unlike coffee, with iced tea if there's a flavor you like, you can replicate it. You can have fruity, floral, savory, sweet, umami. Whatever you like, there's no right or wrong. If it makes you happy, go for it.

Get The Right Gift

As an adult, buying a gift can be difficult and time consuming.  You want to get your friend or family member something they want, but also that they can use.  This is not always the easiest task.  Here are some great tips and tricks on how to get the perfect present for your loved one.  Keep reading and you can learn more at apartment therapy.


Waking up on Christmas morning as a kid was like, well... waking up on Christmas morning. Presents. Presents everywhere! But now as an adult, I know the old maxim to be true: It really is better to give than to receive. Nothing feels better than presenting a much-adored gift to a nephew, sister or friend that you love. Finding the right gift is all about knowing where to look.

The number one strategy for giving great gifts is simply to know your giftee. There's no substitute for a close friendship and knowing each others' tastes. But if you're stuck in a rut for ideas and a big birthday is looming on the horizon, here are a few places you can look to find the perfect present for your giftee:

1. Search for Their Amazon Wish List

If your intended gift-getter keeps a virtual wish list with Amazon, your job is already done! Consider it like an "anytime" registry; it's becoming more common for people who aren't expecting a baby or getting married to keep and share ongoing lists of gifts they love. Wish lists set to public are easily searchable, so head to the Amazon Wish List page and enter a name or email.

2. Find an Old Registry

Even if your giftee has been settled down for several years, their old wedding orhousewarming registry might still be active online. If there are any unfulfilled gifts lying dormant on the list, snatch them up for an unexpected gift you know they'll love. I wouldn't approach this technique blindly, though; think about how their life might be different now than when they registered and make sure your gift is still a good idea.



3. Pop Over to Pinterest

On my Pinterest page, among the photos of awe-inspiring interiors (that I will never own) and complicated recipes (that I will never make), I also keep a few pin boards of more realistic lifestyle inspiration, such as serving pieces I love or books I plan to read. If you can't turn up a wish list or registry for your giftee, their Pinterest page might offer some fresh ideas.

4. Examine Their Home and Wardrobe

Notice a favorite brand? A sports team they root for? Do all their books share a common subject? Looking into somebody's home is like looking into their brain. Try to find a theme in what a person already owns, then you can get creative from there. When you put some time and thought into finding the right gift, there's no way the person you're buying for won't love it.

5 Ways to Change the Feeling of Your Home

How do you currently feel about your apartment?  If you are looking for an escape, you might need to change your perspective in your apartment.  This does not mean renovating the entire space or buying all new furniture.  A few simple things can make your home feel brand new, and it will also help you learn to love your home that much more.  You can learn more below and at Apartment Therapy.


You could change your home or you could simply change how you feel about your home. Why not try a little of both? Here are five ideas to help you tweak your space so it's more comfy, inviting and happy, plus five ways help you have a more positive outlook so you'll enjoy spending time in your space no matter what.

Do This:

Change the lighting. We say it all the time: if you want your home to have a golden glow, good lighting is the easiest and fastest way to get there. Each room needs at least three separate lighting sources (and that ceiling monstrosity doesn't count). Here are some of our lighting tips to get you started.

Get a plant. Bringing a living thing into your space will help the whole place (and you) feel fresher and more alive.

Clean the windows. You'll be amazed at how much brighter (literally) your outlook on the world will be if you're not looking at it through a layer of grime.

Decorate with something sentimental. This is a great way to feel connected to your home. Adding some family history or travel souvenir with memories attached will give even a cold, impersonal space instant personality.

Buy a little treat. Something new (make it bright!) will give you a little lift and punch up your space. Treat yo'self.



Feel This:

Focus on one thing you love. Every room has something you love in it. Make a conscious effort to train your eye to go to that thing the moment you walk into the room. Those positive feelings will start to add up over time, really!

Relax and restart. Bursting through the door after a rough day doesn't start your evening in a good mental place. Don't take your bad mood out on your house! Rest, grab a shower, get yourself a snack, whatever you need to reset your attitude and begin the next portion of your day on the right foot.

Ignore the decor. There's so much more going on at home than simply pillows and paintings. No matter the state of your space, the people and pets will always be up to par. Hang out with them for a while and forget your house woes.

Get grateful. You have a lot to be grateful for so write it down. Seriously, get out a pen right now and write down one thing you're grateful for in your home (even if it's just that you have a home!).

Do something fun. Making memories is key to feeling connected and at home in your space. Like game nights? Go for it. More the quiet type? Curl up with a book and get cozy.

Tips for Living on Your Own

Do you live on your own?  Living on your own for the first time can be exciting and terrifying all at the same time.   The first time living on your own there are always ways to make you feel more comfortable while you get used to not having a roommate. 

These tips below can help you save money and prepare for the challenges of being the only person in the household.  Keep reading and you can learn more at Apartment Therapy.



1. ECONOMIES OF SCALE
Problem: Generally, the more you buy at one time, the cheaper it becomes. While a family of six cruises through a pot of chili, that much food can get wasted in a household of one. It's also more expensive to buy smaller quantities of toilet paper and other household supplies.
Solution: The Kitchn has some great tips for cooking on your own. For everything else, consider teaming up with a friend, family member, or neighbor to split that 24-pack of toilet paper. You’ll save money and space in the process.



2. HEAVY OBJECTS
Problem: You get an itch to decorate first thing on Saturday morning and find yourself stymied by your grandmother’s huge, six ton armoire.
Solution: Don’t hurt yourself by trying to lift things yourself. First, break the piece down in any way to make it manageable: empty contents, remove drawers or legs. If it's still too big or heavy, round up a friend or next-door neighbor to help you out on the fly. Otherwise, save up all your little odd jobs and hire someone one Saturday afternoon to knock out everything out on your to-do list that requires help.



3. LONELINESS AND BOREDOM
Problem: Even if you have tons of friends, a boyfriend/girlfriend, sometimes being home alone at night is a downer. Everyone likes someone to turn to to express outrage over Ann Coulter’s most recent comment, or to rub it in when you get that night's Final Jeopardy question correct.
Solution: Create structured ways to leave the house and regularly interact with others— especially if you also work at home — at the times you feel most alone. Sign up for yoga classes, or join a book club. Host regular dinner parties, or even low-key television watching sessions with another person who shares your love ofMad Men. Lastly, think about adopting a furry friend. (Because everyone talks to their pets, no matter what we tell others.)



4. FEAR FOR SAFETY OR WELL-BEING
Problem: Maybe you are scared of axe murderers at night. Or, you worry about falling down the stairs and having no one find you for days. These are very rare yet valid concerns that shouldn't be deal breakers.
Solution: Yes, there’s always LifeAlert. And the pet (dog) you adopted to thwart loneliness will also help deter any meanies. Otherwise, set up a check-in system with a friend/neighbor and agree to touch base with each other regularly via text or phone. Ideally, this person will live alone as well, so the benefits go both ways. If one party is suspiciously quiet, either expect a welcome knock on your door, or head on over to check out your buddy.



5. DELIVERIES AND REPAIRS
Problem: You're only one person, and can only be so many places at one time. If you expect a package during the day, or need something repaired, there are only so many times you can take off work to be there in the flesh. There's no one right answer for this problem: the solution depends on your unique situation and needs.
Solution: For mail, check out this post on How to Manage Home Deliveries. For repairs, arrange to work from home one afternoon (again, if this is feasible). Renters can often ask landlords to greet the person on site. If you know and completely trust your repairman or contractor, install a key safe outdoors, then change the combination once the work is done. If all else fails, and you have to take the time, try scheduling appointments first thing in the morning, or as the last slot in the day.

5 Tips for a Self Sufficient Pantry

Anyone is capable of making foods from scratch. Being prepared is half the battle to being able to make everything fresh.  These tips below explain how to preserve, prepare, and store food ahead of time to use later in the week.

These five time saving tips will help you have a self-sufficient pantry that will help you throughout the week.  This will allow you to cook all the meals you want without wasting extra time in your busy schedule.  You can learn more at The Kitchn.


When Lyn's friends hear about all the foods she makes from scratch, their first response is usually: how do you have the time? It's not an unreasonable question. Lyn works full-time as an Energy Efficiency Program Manager for the city of Boston, which means she doesn't have a lot of free time during the week to devote to cooking, preserving, and canning.

So how does she find the time for her many cooking projects? It's all about being smart with what you make and how you prep and store the ingredients you have. Here are her 5 time-saving tips for keeping a diverse, self-sufficient pantry that'll feed her any day of the week:




Lyn likes knowing that if for some reason she wasn't able to get to the grocery store for days or weeks, she'd still be able to feed herself with homemade food from her pantry and freezer. "I'm certainly not preparing for the zombie apocalypse, but having some self-sufficiency in terms of being able to make certain things [is really important]," she says. "There’s something to said for learning to make things from scratch… most of the things you buy in the supermarket, you can make yourself."

Lyn's 5 Time-Saving Tips for a Diverse Pantry That'll Feed You Any Day of the Week

The magic of the slow cooker. "Soak beans overnight, pop them in the slow cooker in the morning and have cooked beans for dinner. You can do grains and veggies in the slow cooker, too."

Prep ingredients ahead of time. "Prepare and chop ingredients one day a week and then use the prepared ingredients for the rest of the week."

Commit to a few preserving days during the summer. "One day around Labor Day for tomatoes, a day in July for blueberries, a day in June for strawberries, etc. All it takes is one day of work and you have tomato sauce, frozen blueberries, or strawberry jam for the whole year! A friend from law school does his preserving days with his whole extended family, and they include wine in October!"

Join a food swap. "I started the swap in Boston to diversify my homemade pantry. If you're the type who will tire of strawberry jam after a few months, take the jars you preserved yourself and trade them for someone else's blackberry preserves and last winter's grapefruit marmalade. That way you get a fun social event and homemade food out of the deal."

Learn the proper way to store fresh veggies. "With a farm share, I had to learn about correct storage of vegetables to ensure that they stay fresh and usable throughout the week. Helpful storage tips include using an ethylene gas absorber and putting a wet paper towel in your lettuce bag to keep it hydrated and crisp."

Happy Fourth of July and Trivia Answer

We hope everyone at Equinox has a great Fourth of July!  The answer to your trivia question is below.

Answer: Two

Did you get it right?