I am out of room for all the stuff that has to be in the meds cupboard, we purge the contents of the bins as the needs change, but it still leaves me with a mess.  Now I have 4 bins above my microwave, one for my meds and medical needs, one for the kid’s things, one for pain relievers (Tylenol, Tums, Motrin etc…) and one for the misc. things- band-aids, Benadryl, disposable thermometer covers, motion sickness bands, ear plugs, Nyquil, etc… I straighten them quite regularly but as soon as someone has a need for something out of that cupboard, we close our eyes as we open it and hope nothing falls from above and bonks us on the head!

Thanks for the questions, Amy.  I’ve got a house full of sickness this week so it’s a great time to share a few of my favorite tips for controlling my medicine mess.

Step 1: Divide and Conquer

We’re all organizers at heart so we tend to put like things together.  Unfortunately sometimes keeping everything in one place contributes to the problem.  So my first recommendation is to divide up your medical supplies into two groups – the stuff you use on a regular basis and the stuff that you need on random occasions.  Keep the most-used supplies in your kitchen and shift the less-used and bulk items to another spot (like the top of a linen closet or cleaning cupboard).  *While you’re sorting, be sure to check expiration dates and purge any old stuff.  I found some allergy medicine from 2006 when I was prepping to take pictures for this post.

Step 2: Ged Rid of the Excess

One of the things I hate about medicine storage is the packaging.  No two bottles/boxes are the same size so they’re impossible to store neatly.  I solve this problem by ditching the original bottles of our frequently used meds and adding the pills to spice containers instead.  The spice containers store neatly in my kitchen cupboard and have a clear front so I can see when I’m running low.  I bought my set of 6 at WalMart for $6.  If I need to make notes about the dosage, I just write it with a sharpie on the bottom of the bottle.  The same concept would also work with small Gladware containers.  I only use this trick for our frequently-used meds.  The less-used meds have more specific dosing info and are more likely to expire before we use the whole package so I keep them in their original containers.*If you have little kids, be sure to put your containers in a safe place because these containers aren’t child-proof.

Step 3: Keep It Contained

When it comes to organizing our less-used medicines I have a simple 3-box strategy – Kid Meds, Adult Meds, and First Aid.  Each is stored in a small plastic bin in the linen closet of our master bath; bigger things like heating pads and humidifiers are tucked behind the bins on the same shelf.  I prefer these cheap, hinge-lid bins because they’re big enough to hold the basics and small enough to store side-by-side on the shelf.  Again, I try to get rid of excess packaging (like the band-aid boxes) but hang on to any packages that give me important dosage information.

Amy also asked about where to store daily pill boxes so they’re not in plain view of visitors but also not ‘out of sight-out of mind’.  The solution to this problem is easier than you think, Amy.  Just find another location in the kitchen that is used everyday – like the cupboard where you keep your glassware.  Add a few velcro strips to the back of the pill box and the inside of the cupboard door (I like 3M Command Adhesive Strips).  That way your medicine sorter is in plain sight to those who need it but out of sight to visitors.  If the cupboard isn’t an option, try adding magnetic tape to the back of your sorter and popping it on the side of the fridge.

Thanks for the all the great questions, Amy.  I hope these simple tips will help you and everyone else out there get your ‘medical messes’ organized and under control.  Just thought I’d pass it on.

Honestly, I don’t see a big problem with this.  The fact of the matter is that I rarely use most of the items that are back there – like the fragile glass salad bowl we got for our wedding or the trio of cheesecake pans I purchased years ago.  In my opinion, you should focus your organizing efforts on areas that get the most use and not stress over the spots that are rarely seen.  That being said, it is important to make things accessible.  After all, every now and then we have company over and I have to pull out the glass salad bowl for Sunday dinner.

One way I’ve found to simplify this process is to add inexpensive tap lights to the insides of my lower cupboards.  It’s amazing how much easier it is to find what I’m looking for when there’s a little light to guide my way.  Just being able to see the back of my cupboard without pulling everything out helps a ton.  For one thing, it helps me remember what I have – so when I’m trying to think of what to make for Sunday dessert I can check the pans cupboard and remember how many different dessert options I have.  Secondly, it helps me actually use what I have – because when the belgian waffle maker is easy to spot and easy to put away I’m much more likely to pull it out and whip up some scrumptious waffles for breakfast.  Finally, it keeps me from over-spending – because when I actually can see how stocked my cupboards are I’m far less tempted to buy the latest kitchen gadget.

I found my cheap tap lights at Wal-Mart.  I bought a pack of 4 for around $2.  I used 3M command adhesive strips to attach them to the ‘ceiling’ of the cupboard.  After using them for a few weeks, I ended up moving them down to the upper wall of the cupboard so I could see and tap them a little easier.  I’ve also upgraded to the LED-style tap lights (available at WalMart, Target or the dollar store).  They’re a little more expensive but they take far less battery power so you end up saving money in the long run; especially when you’re toddler discovers how fun tap lights are to play with.

Remember, the benefits of instant lighting aren’t limited to the kitchen.  They’re great for all your dark organizing trouble spots – like in the bathroom cabinets, under the backseat of your car, or under your kids beds.  I’ve got them stashed all over the place.  They’re simply a great way to keep things organized and under control.  Just thought I’d pass it on.

Last year, the magazine Real Simple suggested adding a loop of colored twill tape to your towels to help guests know which towel is theirs.   I’ve never had that problem, but I thought the idea would work well in my kids’ bathroom.

I bought each child their own brightly-colored towel in the linens section of WalMart and found the twill tape in the craft area (next to the rick rack and zippers).  To attach the tape to the towel, I simply made a loop, folded the ends under, and then stitched it to the midpoint of the towel several times with my sewing machine.  The sturdy loops launder really well and are much easier for my kids to manage.  I didn’t have room to install four hooks in my kids’ bathroom, so I have them hang their towels right on the shower curtain hooks

The kids are only allowed to use their own color of towel – that way I can tell who is responsible for any wet towels I find on the ground.  In fact, I actually removed all the other towels from the linen closet so they don’t have the option to grab a new one if they neglected to take care of their own.  It’s a simple solution that makes a big difference at our house.  Just thought I’d pass it on.

I’m joining a few Linky Parties for this post…

Until that happy day arrives, I’m afraid I’m stuck with the status quo…sticky tubes of crusty toothpaste and scary kid toothbrushes that look as if they’ve never encountered running water.  In the past, I’ve used plastic baskets inside the drawer in a feeble attempt to protect the wood.  Of course the big problem with this solution is that it assumes your kids will actually put their dental supplies in the baskets and not just shove them in the back of the drawer, like mine seem to do.  Plus, every now and again you’re actually obligated to clean those sticky baskets – gross.  I needed a better plan.

Last week, as I was lining my cookie sheet with aluminum foil to avoid having to wash it later, it dawned on me.  Why not get rid of the baskets all together and opt for an easier, disposable solution.  I grabbed the foil and headed to the kids’ bathroom.  Ten minutes later (nine of which were spent trying to clean the old toothpaste off the bottom of the drawer) I had a sparkly-clean drawer that was toothpaste-proof.  Now, when the goopy mess starts to build, I just toss out the foil and add a new sheet.  It’s cheap, easy, and totally kid-friendly.  Just thought I’d pass it on.

A Sewing Magnet: I have to thank my big sister, Amy, for passing this tip on a few years ago.  Bobby pins and metal clips are staples in lots of little girl hairstyles.  Instead of digging them out of the bottom of your bathroom drawer, try keeping one of these cheap little magnets on your counter.  It will catch the stray pins and keep them close at hand when you’re trying to secure a bun or hair section.  You can buy one for a few dollars at any craft store or in the craft section of Walmart.

A Pony Loop: Okay so I made up that name…I have no idea what this thin metal ring is called, but I find it indispensable.  I use tons of these little, clear elastics in my girl’s hair and used to keep them in a basket in the bathroom.  The problem was they never seemed to stay there.  They end up on the floor, down the sink, and any number of other places.  A few years back I found one of these little rings and decided to use it to help me win my battle with wandering ponies.  As a side benefit, the ring travels incredibly well.  Whether you’re trying to do a french braid on the way to church or packing for a trip to Grandma’s this little ring will save you tons of trouble.  I haven’t been able to find them for ages then, at Walmart today, I noticed them attached to a package of Goody-brand pony tail holders.  I snatched up two just in case they disappear from the market again.

A Seam Ripper: I have one of my brilliant blog commenters to thank for this one.  When I published my post on pixie flips last year a reader named Toshia recommended using a seam ripper to remove the little clear elastics from hair.  I loved the idea and made a run to Walmart that very day to pick one up.  One year and countless pixie flips later I still use it as a painless alternative to yanking.  Needless to say, Toshia, if my daughters could thank you they totally would.

Well, there you have it.  Three very cheap ways to make your mornings a little easier.  If you’ve got other easy hair tips to share or sites to recommend I hope you’ll add them to the comments area.  Heaven knows my girls would be thrilled if I could pick up a few more pain-free solutions.  Just thought I’d pass it on.

I found my answer in the closet/container aisle of WalMart.  I bought this clear, plastic shoe caddy for $9 and mounted it on the back of the kid’s bathroom door.  I wanted the girls to be able to find coordinating hair stuff easily so I organized it by color rather than type.  The more common colors – like pink, blue and silver have several slots.  The less common – like black, brown and red have one each.  The top rows are tough for my little girls to reach, so I devoted those slots to more formal pieces that we don’t use very often.  Basic pony tail holders and pony beads are used all the time so they’re stashed in the big bottom slots.

The great thing about this system is that it’s very kid-friendly.  For example, if my little 5 year-old is wearing a yellow shirt she doesn’t have to ask me to help her find something that coordinates anymore; she just digs through the yellow slot and chooses what she’d like – whether it be a flower, clip, or headband.    Because it’s on the door (and they have to look at it while they brush their teeth and get ready for bed) they seem to be much better at putting things away as well.  The benefits of the shoe caddy solution aren’t limited to just my girls either.  Its conventient location is handy for me too because it’s really easy for me to grab what I need with one hand and still hang on to my daughter’s pony tail, pixie flip or braid with the other.  I’m sure you Moms of girls will understand.  

It’s a simple and cheap solution that has saved me tons of hassle during the get-ready-for-school morning rush.  If you’ve got girls in your family I highly recommend you give it a shot.  Just thought I’d pass it on.

Then last week I had one of those ah-hah moments that every mother loves.  I was filling the tub for my youngest kids when I noticed that, unlike my daughter, I didn’t have to adjust the handle when filling the tub.  I seemed to know - from years of experience, I guess - just how far to turn the handle to get the water to the right temperature.  It occured to me that if I could somehow mark that “perfect” spot for my daughter, she’d be able to do the same.  I quickly grabbed a pink Sharpie from the junk drawer and, while the water was still running, marked the faucet handle.  I put one small stripe on the wall fixture and another in the same location on the handle (click on the picture above to get a closer view).  When the stripes are aligned, the water coming from the faucet is a perfect kid-friendly temp.

So far, the results have been great.  Now when my daughter needs to start her own bath or shower she just lines up the pink stripes, waits for the temperature to regulate, and then hops in.  It also came in handy today with my little five-year-old.  I started the tub for her and then went to clean the kitchen while she hopped in.  Apparently she bumped the handle during her entry because within a few minutes she was screaming about the “super-cold water” that was pouring out of the faucet.  In the past I would have had to drop whatever I was doing and go fix it for her…but not this time.  I just reminded her about the pink shower stripes and told her to make them touch.  She adjusted the handle all by herself and was happy as a clam in her warm, bubbly bath.

If marking up your fixtures with permanent marker makes you nervous, try a bright shade of nail polish instead – just create little dots instead of lines.  That way if you ever need to remove or adjust the marks a little nail polish remover should do the trick.  It’s not a revolutionary idea, but when it comes to managing the everyday motherhood obstacles, every little bit helps.   Just thought I’d pass it on.

I’ve wrestled with my shower frustration for years now.  Then last week a simple solution to my years of shower hatred hit me right in the face…literally.  As I was scouring the scum-covered door, one of the glass panels popped out of its track and fell into the shower.  I thought about putting it back on and then realized that the door would be much easier to clean if I left it off the track.  Within ten minutes I had popped both panels off their track, cleaned both sides of the stubborn glass, and popped them back into place.  As a bonus, while the shower doors were off the track drying, I was able to step into the shower and scrub the walls and floor.  It was so much easier to get to all those hard-to-reach nooks and crannies now that the doors weren’t in the way.  At last, I’d found an easy and effective way to get my shower clean. 

Of course, immediately after figuring this out, I was kicking myself for not thinking of it sooner.  I bet most of you figured it years ago.  In fact, I bet you guys have tons of great tips for a lack-luster house-cleaner like me.  So for today’s ‘Talk To Me Tuesday’ post, I’m asking for you for your favorite cleaning tips.  Are there cleaning products or tools that you can’t live without?  Have you found any tips or tricks that make your cleaning process easier or faster?  If so, I hope you’ll share it with the rest of us.  I can’t wait to hear what you come up with.  As always, for those of you that comment, thanks – in advance – for passing it on.

Of course, the downside to all this aquatic activity is the piles of soggy suits I find all over the house. I can’t count the number of times I’ve found a sopping wet suit in the back corner of a closet or in a heap on the bathroom floor. Not to mention the time I’ve wasted hunting for misplaced suits when we’re trying to get out the door. I needed a simple solution that would protect my floors from the drips and teach my kids a little responsibility at the same time.

Thankfully, an easy solution was only a few dollars away.  First, I purchased some inexpensive but sturdy suction cup hooks from Wal-Mart ($2.50 for 2 hooks). Next, I placed the hooks on the shower wall in the kid’s bathroom; one hook for each child.  I wanted the hooks to be accessible for all of the kids, so I positioned them fairly low on the shower wall.

The results have been fabulous. Now, when we come home from a day of summer splashing, the kids know right where to hang their suits. Better yet, they also know just where to look when it’s time to suit up again. Friday’s my day to wash the linens (see Mom Game Plan post), so on that day I simply add the swimming suits to my towel load and throw them in the wash. When I’m restocking the linen closet later that day, I just toss the suits back onto their hooks.

I know it’s not a particularly creative solution, but it works…and it costs less than $5.  It’s tough to beat that. Just thought I’d pass it on.