happy living Design

fabric box storage collections

So versatile, so pretty and so organized...for every room of a home.  I kick myself every time I think of how I passed up all those marked-down boxes that Hold Everything was selling off when they closed up shop.  But I have three favorite go-to online shops to buy beautiful fabric covered storage pieces.

Not in any particular order...

CB2
   

west elm
 

and KOLO (more specifically for photographs, but their boxes can be used for all sorts of things)
 

I know I've mentioned KOLO before and probably will again.  west elm's collection is now 20% off!  Right now, CB2's colors are my favorite, but how great is that west elm red?  These pieces are great for rooms that have shelving instead of cabinets to keep items together and looking great.  I do consider this type of storage as an investment because they are not the least expensive option...but worth it, I think for a long term solution.

more *moving* resources

Relative to hiring movers to move you and your stuff, it seems to me that the consensus is to get REFERRALS from friends and family and anyone else that you trust.  I have heard that most of the people dissatisfied with their movers found them online.  Luckily, I know a number of people who have moved in the last couple of years and we are starting there.  I recommend you do the same.  Here's a good checklist from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

So what about preparing for when the movers come to pick up your stuff?  Unless you're lucky enough to have the financial resources to have someone pack your entire house for you, there's quite a bit to do.

Of course Martha has a helpful timetable, a list of essential packing supplies and tips for successful packing.  Also check out the long list of moving articles at Better Homes & Gardens.

('Moving House, Mongol Style' photo by flickr member louise.stringer)

living with books

You know, even though it's like 90 balmy degrees here in Philly, it is still Spring!  It better be, since I haven't washed a single window screen at our house yet (a fun yearly Spring task).  Anyway, since it's still Spring, that means there is still time before the Summer Solstice (6/21) to tackle some spring cleaning and organizing.

My hilarious husband sometimes calls me his "little OCD".  That is not to make lite of a truly debilitating disease, he's just making fun of my bee buzzing around the house while he tries to watch The Waterboy for the 1,268th time.  Two things: 1. I am constantly rearranging things in our house and 2. I have a lot of books = I am constantly rearranging a lot of books.  Although the boy would dispute this statement, I have downsized my book collection only keeping my most favorite and treasured reads or books that are constantly referenced = big, heavy bags of books that go to Goodwill, regularly.

Things to contemplate:
:: rethink all the books that you keep stashed around the house.  I am lucky enough to have a great public library system, so I can try out a book and usually I find that I can copy or scan one or two things out of it instead of buying the entire book.  Saves money and space.
:: If you have allergies, try to keep books out of the bedroom.  They quickly collect dust and are hard to clean without damaging them.
:: display your most favorite and colorful books as accessories.  They can add visual interest to any room.
:: arrange books on shelves by color.  It can turn a cluttered looking bookshelf into a great focal point.

My first attempt in our living room...needs work.

S e e  a l s o:

Organzing Books by Spine Color with Victoria at sfgirlbybay.

 

And checkout flickr user santos' composition.

 

And lastly, Yvestown.