A resource for those seeking information on organizing and transforming spaces.
Organizing Team Gear: How To Keep Group Uniforms, Pom Poms, And Accessories Tidy
Being part of a team is an important part of healthy development for kids. Studies show that participating in groups such as cheerleading, competitive sports, and clubs helps kids learn to better interact with peers, experience both wins and losses, work out differences, and more. But these fun and healthy activities present some fairly serious organizational challenges for parents and coaches who keep team gear at home.
Being part of a team is an important part of healthy development for kids. Studies show that participating in groups such as cheerleading, competitive sports, and clubs helps kids learn to better interact with peers, experience both wins and losses, work out differences, and more. But these fun and healthy activities present some fairly serious organizational challenges for parents and coaches who keep team gear at home.
Between items such as uniforms, shoes, hair and makeup accessories, and cheer poms, it’s important to get a handle on it so things don’t — literally — start piling up! When you learn to successfully corral everything, you’ll be able to happily take advantage of extra gear and cheer uniforms for sale without worrying about where you’ll store it all once you get home.
Start With a Defined Drop Zone
Choose one space in the house where all team gear will live. That might be a spot near the entryway, a corner of a bedroom, or a section of the laundry room. Keep it small and clearly defined. Use a basket for each child, a set of labeled hooks, or even a cube organizer with bins. Once that zone is in place, it becomes the go-to spot for uniforms, practice clothes, and accessories — no more gear drifting across every room.
Use Clear Storage and Simple Labels
Uniforms and cheer gear tend to include small parts that are easy to lose: bows, socks, hair ties, safety pins. Use clear plastic bins or drawers so you can see what’s inside without digging. Create broad categories such as “Uniform Pieces,” “Shoes,” or “Extras,” and label each one. The goal is quick access and low effort, especially for those many times when you’re heading out the door and don’t have time to hunt for the right socks.
Make Hanging Space Work Harder
Uniforms stay in better shape, and less wrinkly, when hung up, and that also keeps them out of piles. If you’re tight on closet space, consider a hanging rack behind a door or a tension rod in an unused nook. Assign a hanger for each event type (practice, competition, or game day) and keep those outfits laundered, rotated, and ready.
Make a “Go Bag”
Scrambling should take place on the sports field, not in the kitchen. Get your team player their own large “go bag” and stock it with event-day essentials. This would be all the things that your busy child goes looking for at the last minute. Think extra hair ties, safety pins, snacks, and backup uniforms, cheer poms, socks, mouth guards, etc. For extra points, take it a step further and print a checklist and tuck it inside the bag’s front pocket. After each event, restock what’s missing. This small step prevents last-minute rushing.
Reset Weekly to Avoid Pileups
At the end of each week, take 10 minutes to reset the system. Toss dirty items in the wash, put everything back in its labeled place, and clear out any items that snuck into the wrong bin. A weekly reset is more manageable than waiting for the clutter to take over. If kids are old enough, involve them in the process. They’ll be more likely to stick with the system if they help maintain it.
Rotate Seasonally
Once the season wraps up, pack away the gear in a labeled bin. Include everything from uniforms to bows so you’re not digging through offseason items when the next activity starts. Store the bin somewhere accessible, like a closet shelf or under a bed. When the next season begins, you’ll know exactly where to find what you need and what still fits.
A Little Structure Saves a Lot of Stress
Organizing team gear doesn’t require fancy containers or a full closet makeover. It just needs a simple structure that everyone in the household can follow. When uniforms have a place, accessories are easy to grab, and bags are prepped in advance, daily routines run smoother and faster, relieving stress and the need to try and save time getting there in the car or racing onto the field.
Not only will your home feel more organized, but your child will feel more confident heading into practices and events knowing exactly where everything is and that they have all their essentials on hand. And that’s a win for your team!
AUTHOR BIO: Jennifer Cronin is Vice President of Cheerleading Company, Inc., a Dallas-based manufacturer and retailer of custom cheerleading and dance uniforms, apparel, and accessories. With more than 25 years of tenure, Cronin oversees all facets of the company with a customer-centric approach.
Sources:
https://www.varsity.com/news/benefits-of-cheer/
Everything You Need To Know About Owning a Pole Barn
There are many good reasons to own a pole barn. Here’s why some property owners should consider investing in one for work, projects, or extra space.
Pole barns have become increasingly popular among property owners seeking versatile, cost-effective building solutions. This construction method eliminates the need for a traditional concrete foundation, making it both faster and more affordable to build.
Here, we’ll explore everything you need to know about owning a pole barn to help you make informed decisions every step of the way.
What Exactly Is a Pole Barn?
A pole barn is a building constructed using the post-frame method where large wooden posts serve as the primary structural support. These posts, typically made from treated lumber, are embedded directly into the ground at depths ranging from four to eight feet, depending on local building codes and soil conditions.
The posts support horizontal beams called girts, which in turn support the roof trusses. This creates a framework that can span large distances without interior support columns, providing maximum usable space inside. The exterior is then clad with metal siding and roofing materials, though other options are available.
5 Key Benefits of Pole Barn Ownership
Owning a pole barn offers various benefits, including:
Versatility: These structures can serve numerous purposes, including storage, workshops, garages, event spaces, and even residential buildings.
Durability: Pole barns are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, offering long-lasting protection for your belongings or activities.
Quick construction: Post-frame buildings can be assembled quickly and efficiently, reducing labor costs and construction time.
Spacious interiors: The absence of interior load-bearing walls allows for large, open spaces that can be tailored to specific needs.
Customizability: The design and materials used for pole barns can easily be customized to match aesthetic preferences or practical requirements.
Planning and Construction
Building a pole barn requires careful planning and execution to ensure a sturdy, functional structure. Start by selecting an appropriate location with solid ground and good drainage to prevent water damage. Next, design a layout tailored to your intended use, factoring in dimensions, access points, and any additional features such as lofts or partitions.
Once your plans are finalized, acquire high-quality materials, including treated posts, durable metal panels, and proper hardware. During construction, ensure accurate post spacing and alignment, as these will provide the structural framework for the entire barn. Finally, knowing what season is best to start your pole barn build will ensure there are no interruptions or delays.
Maintenance and Longevity
Pole barns require less maintenance than many building types, but regular inspections are still necessary to prevent small issues from becoming expensive problems. Check the posts, foundation, roof, gutters, and siding annually to inspect for mold, rot, and insect infestations.
Proper ventilation prevents condensation that can damage stored items and building materials. Be sure to seal gaps where rodents might enter, keep vegetation trimmed away from the building, and address any wood damage promptly.
Pole barns offer compelling advantages for many property owners, but they’re not the right solution for everyone. By considering everything you need to know about owning a pole barn, you can decide whether you should invest in one yourself.
Taming The Medicine Cabinet: What To Keep, Toss, And Restock
Medicine cabinets are deceptively easy to ignore. Once you shut that door, all the clutter is nicely tucked away behind the mirror, never to be seen again — until next time. The fact is, having to face that clutter every single day doesn’t only make your life harder; it makes it more likely that you’ll run out of necessities, accidentally ingest expired products or actually become ill due to one of the above.
Medicine cabinets are deceptively easy to ignore. Once you shut that door, all the clutter is nicely tucked away behind the mirror, never to be seen again — until next time. The fact is, having to face that clutter every single day doesn’t only make your life harder; it makes it more likely that you’ll run out of necessities, accidentally ingest expired products or actually become ill due to one of the above.
No part of these scenarios needs to happen. Whether you’re doing a whole house decluttering or just trying to make a small little oasis in your bathroom, the medicine cabinet is an ideal place to begin. It’s small enough to be manageable and important enough to take priority over other organizing tasks. Let’s begin.
Start by Seeing What’s What
First, you need to get the big picture. Clear off a table, pull everything out of the medicine cabinet and lay it out. One by one, examine each item. If you’re like a lot of people, you’ll likely come across items you forgot about, duplicates, and things that expired years ago. That’s OK. That’s why you’re taking care of it now.
Now that the medicine cabinet is clear, it’s time to give it a thorough cleaning. Sticky spills and old residue tend to build up over time. You’ll be surprised how little spots accumulate. Get it as close to looking new as possible. If it’s worse for wear, consider treating yourself to a brand new medicine cabinet.
Check Dates and Let Go of What’s Expired
Medication doesn’t last forever. Expired pills and liquids can lose their effectiveness, or in some cases, even become unsafe. If the date is missing or the label is unreadable, lean toward caution and put it in a discard pile.
Wait, though: don’t flush medicine down the toilet unless the packaging specifically says it’s safe to do so. Instead, ask your local pharmacy or urgent care clinic if they participate in a medication disposal program, or follow FDA guidelines for sealing and tossing medications in household trash.
Sort What Stays by Function and Use
Now that you’ve cleared out what doesn’t belong, look at what’s left. Daily-use items such as pain relievers, allergy meds, and first-aid supplies should be stored within easy reach. If you have children in the home, make sure everything is stored out of reach or in a locked cabinet, depending on the items.
Group like items together so they’re easy to find when you need them. Think in categories: stomach relief, cold and flu care, wound care, and so on. Simple dividers or small bins can help without adding visual clutter.
Restock With Essentials, But Don’t Overbuy
Now’s the time to fill in gaps. Think about what your household has needed over the past year, especially during cold season or after minor injuries. It’s helpful to keep a digital or written list of essentials to check off as you restock.
Stick to basics that support common needs: pain relievers, bandages, thermometers, antiseptic cream, allergy medication, and fever reducers for kids if needed. Avoid the temptation to buy “just in case” items that you rarely use. That’s a fast path to cluttering things up again. A well-curated cabinet works better than a stuffed one full of things for some future situation that may never happen.
Plan for Easy Maintenance Year-Round
Once your medicine cabinet’s clean and organized, the goal is to keep it that way. Every three to four months, do a quick sweep for expired products or nearly empty packages. A seasonal reset — before cold and allergy seasons, for example — can keep your household better prepared and reduce those last-minute pharmacy runs.
A Small Habit That Pays Off Big
A clean medicine cabinet may seem like a small thing, considering all the organizing you may have planned, but it can save time, prevent waste, and make stressful moments easier to handle. Whether it’s a fever in the middle of the night or a scraped knee after school, having what you need, and where you expect to find it, makes a world of difference.
Take the time to get your medicine cabinet tidy now, and you’ll thank yourself over and over, every time you open the door.
AUTHOR BIO: Dr. Mark Durcan is Chief Medical Officer at ClearChoiceMD, which provides immediate care for adults, children, and infants at 21 convenient urgent care centers across New Hampshire, Maine, Massachusetts, and Vermont. Durcan has been a physician with ClearChoiceMD for over 10 years and has been Regional Medical Director since 2023 and Chief Medical Officer since 2024.
Sources:
https://homemadelovely.com/how-to-organize-a-medicine-cabinet-safely/
https://www.scripps.org/news_items/3037-6-tips-to-clean-out-your-medicine-cabinet
https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/where-and-how-dispose-unused-medicines
The Art of Multi-City Living: Using Storage to Seamlessly Split Your Time Between Locations
Learn how using storage to seamlessly split your time between locations makes multi-city living stress-free across all your homes.
Living in more than one city feels exciting. Each place brings fresh energy, new faces, and the chance to shape different routines. The shift keeps life interesting, but it also adds pressure when you are always deciding what to carry along and what to leave behind. Using storage to seamlessly split your time between locations takes away much of that pressure. Instead of dragging everything with you, you keep certain things safe and ready for later. This small change helps you stay flexible, travel lighter, and enjoy the movement between cities without the usual stress of multi-city living.
The Growing Appeal of Multi-City Living
More people are choosing to split their time across different cities. Some move for work, others follow family ties, while many seek new experiences. Shifting between locations no longer feels unusual, especially with remote jobs and flexible housing making it easier to move around.
The appeal is clear. You can enjoy warm weather in one city, cultural events in another, and friendships spread across both. Storage plays an important role in this setup because it supports the freedom that comes with multi-city living. Without it, carrying everything back and forth would quickly turn excitement into exhaustion.
Why Storage is a Game-Changer
Constant travel between cities often leads to heavy bags and cluttered spaces. Packing and unpacking take up energy that could be spent enjoying your time in a new place.
Storage offers a break from that cycle. It keeps your belongings safe so you don’t have to move everything at once. It can help with how to make moving less stressful. Using storage transforms the process into a less overwhelming relocation, letting you focus on the experience rather than the logistics.
Bulky items like furniture, seasonal clothing, or sports equipment can stay stored until you actually need them. Traveling with only what matters keeps trips lighter and transitions smoother, giving you more freedom to enjoy life across cities.
Choosing What to Store and What to Carry
Deciding what travels with you and what stays behind is key to smooth multi-city living. Everyday essentials like toiletries, a few favorite outfits, and work items should always travel. These are things you need immediately when you arrive.
Bulky or seasonal items are better off in storage. Winter coats, large kitchen appliances, or extra furniture can take up space and slow you down if you carry them back and forth. Keeping them stored lets you switch locations without stress.
Important documents, valuables, or sentimental items should stay with you. Even if everything else is in storage, having your essentials on hand gives peace of mind. Rotating items between your cities, like wardrobes or sports gear, can make each space feel ready when you arrive.
Smart Packing for Multi-City Life
Packing efficiently makes life across cities much easier. Start by grouping items by purpose, such as work, leisure, or daily essentials. This method keeps everything accessible and avoids last-minute scrambling.
Labeling boxes clearly and using bins for fragile items is another simple step. A few minutes of organization up front saves hours later. Digital inventory lists can also track what’s in storage and where it is, making retrieval quick and stress-free.
Consider rotating items between cities based on seasons or usage. Keep only what you need immediately at each location. This approach helps you travel lighter, reduces clutter, and ensures each space feels functional the moment you arrive.
Picking the Right Storage Option
Not all storage units are the same, so choosing the right one matters when using storage to seamlessly split your time between locations. Short-term storage works well if you move frequently, while long-term options suit items you don’t need immediately. Consider your schedule and how often you’ll access your belongings.
Location and access hours are also important. A unit near your city residence saves travel time, and flexible hours make picking up or dropping off items easier. Climate-controlled units protect sensitive items like electronics, artwork, or delicate fabrics from damage.
Security features are worth checking. Cameras, locks, and staff monitoring give peace of mind, especially for valuable or sentimental items. Picking a storage option that fits your lifestyle lets you travel freely while knowing your belongings are safe.
Balancing Comfort Across Cities
Keeping both homes comfortable makes transitions smoother. Small duplicates of everyday items, like kitchen basics, toiletries, or bedding, save time and prevent last-minute shopping. Having a few personal touches in each space makes them feel lived-in rather than temporary.
Storage helps maintain that balance. You can rotate seasonal items, extra furniture, or decor as needed, keeping each city ready for your arrival. This way, both homes feel familiar and welcoming, even when you are moving back and forth frequently.
How Storage Helps You Save Money
Moving frequently can be expensive if you transport everything or buy duplicates in each city. Storage reduces that need. By keeping larger or less-used items in one place, you avoid repeated shipping or moving costs.
Smaller apartments or temporary rentals become more practical when bulky items stay in storage. You can rent spaces that fit your current needs without paying extra for furniture or storage at each location. This flexibility saves both money and stress.
Storage also prevents unnecessary purchases. Instead of buying items you already own, you can rotate belongings between cities. Over time, this simple approach cuts costs and keeps your lifestyle organized without extra spending.
Simple Routines That Keep You Organized
Maintaining a smooth multi-city lifestyle is easier when you have a few consistent routines. Small habits can prevent stress and make transitions seamless.
Check your storage regularly – Visit or review your items to keep track of what you have.
Update your inventory list – Note what’s in storage and what travels with you.
Plan ahead for trips – Decide what to pack before each move, so nothing gets forgotten.
Rotate seasonal items – Swap clothing or gear based on the current city’s needs.
Set reminders – Use phone alerts for storage renewals or seasonal swaps.
These simple routines help you stay organized without overthinking. Over time, they turn moving between cities from a chore into a smooth, predictable process.
Living Seamlessly Between Cities
Life across multiple cities can feel effortless when you plan smartly and use the right tools. Using storage to seamlessly split your time between locations allows you to move without dragging unnecessary weight, while thoughtful packing and routines keep each place ready for your arrival. You focus on experiences, friendships, and work, rather than worrying about logistics. With a clear system in place, switching between locations becomes part of the lifestyle rather than a hassle. Each city can feel like home, your essentials are always at hand, and the freedom of multi-city living becomes truly enjoyable. The right balance of preparation and flexibility turns constant movement into a smooth, rewarding rhythm.
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