February 10, 2022
How do you like it when someone shows you a new product you never heard of? I’m hoping to do that a few times, right now: Clear storage containers and the best phone case ever.
ITEM ONE: CLEAR STORAGE CONTAINERS
For organizing, you can’t beat clear storage containers.
Let me show you 3 different clear options, depending on what you’re storing.
First, from The Container Store, their Smart Store Clear Compact Plastic Bin set. The set is around $30 and gives you several sizes to try. If you like that acrylic look, the clear clean shiny containers, it’s worth it to make the investment.
If you want more options, cruise the aisles at Homegoods or TJMaxx — you’ll find so many acrylic containers in both the kitchen and bathroom sections.
Not only do these make great storage options for you, they also make a really beautiful (and useful) container for a gift basket!
Second, If you like “sets” of containers, you’ll love this set from Walmart, also about $30. There are 20 (not kidding, twenty) 5-Quart Stackable Plastic Organizer Boxes. These wouldn’t be used to store heavy things, but seriously would organize a whole lot of stuff.
Small toys, shoes, craft supplies, even kitchen or bathroom goods.
You know the saying: “A place for everything, and everything in its place.”
Third, for larger items, especially clothing or luggage, you need these Clear Drum Liners. They are basically extra large trash bags that are clear, so you can see the contents easily when they’re stacked/stored. Use them when you’re moving, or when you’re storing out-of-season clothing, stuffed animals, whatever you’re putting away.
A box of these will last me a long time, always over a year, even if I’m giving some to friends. Once you have them, you’ll reach for them often.
Want to label them? You can make your label and drop it right down into the bag! Position it right at the edge. You’ll be able to read it clearly. So much better than trying to tape labels on the outside!
CLEAR STORAGE CONTAINERS
Clear containers help you get your items organized, while keeping them easy to find. They work in closets, refrigerators, pantries, bathrooms, and bedrooms. And don’t forget attics and garages. They’re great for toy storage and for collections of things that you need to keep handy.
Keep clear storage containers in mind as you plan your next “organizing project” (especially Spring cleaning)!
And now, the other thing…
ITEM TWO: BEST PHONE CASE
There is something I recently discovered, and I’m too enthusiastic not to share it with you.
I’ll even tell you exactly how I found it. First, the history. (Hint: Third time’s the charm.)
I’ve used smart phones for years now (even though I’m probably not qualified). Nevertheless, I felt it was important to protect and I used the Otterbox Defender. It really did protect. Nothing can happen to your phone with this thing. During the years we’ve used this phone case, we’ve never had a cracked screen or any damage to the phone itself.
I can’t show disrespect for the Otterbox Defender, but I did start to long for something more feminine. And I even got one. A cute pink, shiny, phone case.
I loved that thing and used it for a long time. It was scary, like taking the training wheels off. Happily, I didn’t hurt my phone and I never got tired of seeing the case. And yes, toward the end there were a couple of dings and chips on the case. But not on the phone!
Eventually, it was time to upgrade phones again.
You’ve done this, bought phones. And you know what I’m about to say: The price tag nearly sent us to the hospital, and the panic inside me wanted the security of the Otterbox again. After all, it’s the perfect protection.
But later, in the store viewing the choices, I realized I didn’t really want the bulky Otterbox. After all, it’s kind of masculine, right? I missed shiny and pink and cute. I missed having a pretty phone like the young people I’m around.
Fortunately there was only one Otterbox at the store to fit our phones, and GrandDaddy definitely wanted it.
I ducked my head demurely and said I’d just wait and look online. On the outside I was politely waiting. On the inside I was beyond excited about the search for the perfect and best phone case.
I read reviews, compared features, looking for the best phone case. And one case kept coming to the top of the pile every single time. Something I’d never heard of: Smartish.
The version I finally settled on is called Gripzilla. And the style (Fresh Prints) is what I want to show you:
This is the perfect blend of cuteness and protection. And I mean that in every way. It’s sturdy, like the Otterbox, and also has formed grips on the sides. And it’s cute! You know what? You can even upload your own photo to be printed on it!
Just go look. Their website is so well done, full of fun and humor, but serious products. It takes a minute to navigate, figuring out just how to make your selection, but it’s oh, so worth it.
I do like this case better than either the Otterbox Defender or the cute one I had later. But those others served me well and I count them as top quality items also.
Be sure to look at their screen protectors, too. Mine is perfect, and was super easy to apply.
That’s the big news I wanted to tell you: Smartish. Go cruise around their site and you’ll see what I mean. So many useful features that show they really did come up with products that make things better.
Is that enough for today? If you like product reviews, here’s a link to a quick replay of previous collections: Household Essentials You Will Love from August 2021.
There you’ll find so many useful items, plus a review of previous product recommendations. I’m betting you’ll find something new.
If you’re stumped, if you’re overwhelmed or if you stalled out on organizing, I’ve got something I want you to read. My post on Housecleaning Systems. A lot of encouragement to get started, completely possible even for the busiest messiest person. I should know. 😉
DISCOVERING GREAT THINGS
Household Essentials topics are my version of that exciting moment when you find out about something that somehow had bypassed you.
I’m so serious when I say I remember exactly where I was when I found out about
and so much more. I’m not even ashamed when I remember it. I didn’t know, and then I did. That’s always a good moment and I need more of those.
I’m also excited when I consider the little “shopping buzz” I get when I’m purchasing something to solve storage problems for my household. I actually tried to start a personal shopping ministry once but it was perpetually underfunded. 😆
What will you do?
Will you take a hard look at your most frustrating and persistent storage issues and make a plan to tackle them?
When you address a repeating frustration with a lasting solution, you decrease your stress and increase your peace.
I’m for that!
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-Grammye
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Get started sorting, transporting, and exporting. (But not hoarding.)
Sounds like we need to go shopping! Whether it’s virtual or on foot, I’ll see you in the orderly aisle, right? 😉
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Clear storage containers are such a good idea because you can see what’s in them without having to open them! Those phone cases sound really good too, I like the design you chose.
You are exactly right about the clear containers. It just makes things so much easier — especially if you are looking for one thing stored away. And the phone case! It has saved me a couple of times on a clumsy phone drop. Thank you, Sophie, for stopping by!