Recently I discovered that Amazon has a large trade-in program that lets you send in items for free in exchange for an Amazon gift card! Eligible categories include: Electronics, Books, Video Games (media and hardware), and Movies & TVs.

This is a great way to de-clutter your space, especially from old cell phones, DVDs and textbooks!

I recently ran across this New York Times article in which the writer visited Google’s headquarters. What struck him was the number of monitors on each developer’s desk-two or more per user. One of the main reasons I recommend two monitors is that it saves time and boosts productivity. If your job requires the use of multiple applications simultaneously or toggling between lots of windows consider using dual monitors to streamline your workflow. For example, a designer or programmer using various programs can code on one monitor and view results on another. If you are creating a report and need to conduct research, having two screens helps you read and type at the same time-no more maximizing and minimizing screens!

• Tote bags for carrying shower or gardening supplies can also be useful for emergency auto repair items. 
• A messenger bag filled with a first aid kit, bottled water, granola bars, a blanket, and warm clothing in case of a breakdown is also a great thing to keep in your trunk.
• Small plastic shoe boxes can be used to corral and hold small items like gloves, tissues and sunglasses inside the car. 
• Keep items from shifting in the trunk with boxes, crates or bins. Ones with handles are especially convenient for carrying groceries or other shopping purchases into the house. Look for solutions that fold down when not in use for space-efficient storage. 
• Let the kids travel with their own backpacks to keep their things in one place and prevent little items from being lost along the way.

It’s all about being mobile these days and now the Container Store makes getting organized easier with their new website that is optimized for your smartphone. You can check for product availability, read customer reviews, find store locations, and even buy your items from your iPhone and pick them up yourself. 

One of my favorite products is their boot shaper to keep your favorite shoes organized!

Now that stores are encouraging all of us to be more eco-conscious, having these environmentally-friendly totes in your purse will help you say “no” to both paper and plastic bags. These totes from Chico are large enough to carry groceries, machine-washable, and fold down into a pouch only 3.5”x5” so you can toss one into your purse or pocket. Bags like these are great to keep by your entryway so you can remember to grab them on your way out.

With so many different styles for every season, we are definitely wearing boots year-round which means more items to organize in the closet! I like to recommend a boot shaper for keeping your boots paired together and standing tall.  Most of them have a spring-loaded design to provide the right tension and fit snugly inside the boot shaft.  So, instead of letting your boots slip to the bottom of your closet where they risk getting wrinkled or lost, place them on a shelf or hang them on a rod so you can easily retrieve them.

Green organizing tip: You can achieve the same results by placing a sturdy rolled-up magazine inside each boot.