It's Tool Time!

Hey Happy Tool Time, Sorters!

If you’re not living in an area where I can help you in person, then consider referencing my tips and favorite products and it will almost be like I am there with you. Ok, maybe not, but I’m always rooting for anyone to get organized!

Some Happy Sort tool favorites, ordered in a way that you might need them:

The Best Unpack Tools

Tiger Tacos – Neither a tiger, nor a taco, but this set of orange taco shaped wonders will keep those moving box flaps down so you don’t get bonked in the face with them and can pull out items with ease. If you're concerned about the tacos becoming clutter when the job is done, I hear you. They may not be necessary if you're doing a one-and-done move/remodel project as they would just be another thing to find a home for. I carry them around because we constantly use them on the job. However, you can always just push an open box up against a corner or another stable item to keep the flaps held open and out of harms way while unpacking.

Retractable Box Cutter – Great for opening moving boxes and to have around in your utility drawer (aka junk drawer) for opening any box (think of those frequent shipping boxes at your doorstep). The retractable feature means there is a much less likely chance of accidentally getting nicked and the blade is ceramic, so no rust or metal injury worry.

4’ Adjustable Height Folding Table – When you are unpacking, it always seems like there is never enough work surface. This table is great for unpacking and stacking dishes on if the countertops are full, or for folding clothing to put in your closet. Trust me, after hours hunched over taking things out of moving boxes, you don’t want to continue that process by folding sweaters on a low bed. Tuck it in a closet, hang it in a garage, or hide it under a bed for future uses for a party or your next jigsaw puzzle. 

Pop Up Tables Are Perfect Work Stations

The Essential Home Set-Up Tools

When it comes time to go shopping in-store for new containers or decor, pop a keychain measuring tape on your keyring to take with you to make sure you find items that will fit. No matter what, any type of measuring tape is always a good idea to have on hand when moving in or out of a home.

Drawer liners – These are not necessary for all areas or homes, but good for spaces that might get crumb laden, like the silverware drawer, or sticky and wet like under the sink. It takes a lot of time to cut them for every single drawer and cabinet, but when we are on the job, we set up a crafty cutting station with a few tricks that makes the process go quick! 

Your's Truly Cutting Liners

Tip! Open your Notes app here. You’ve heard the saying measure twice, cut once. You’ll follow this rule of thumb when it comes to adding dividers, containers, or drawer liners to drawers and cabinets to prevent wasted materials or imperfect fits. For drawers, measure the width, depth and height of the inside of the drawer. For cabinets, besides the depth and height, you will want to measure the width of both the full inside and the opening between the hinged open doors (which can be narrower and obstructive if not planned around).

Joie Thumb Scraper – So, you’ve bought your bins, but what about those annoying labels?! This little guy protects you from using your fingernails and ruining your latest mani. A few pushes, and those price and product stickers will be gone. 

Best Tool On and Off the Job

Tip! If the label is extra sticky, try using a hairdryer set on high on it for a minute before you fully remove it with the thumb scraper. The heat from the hot air makes the sticker removal much cleaner than trying to scrub it off cold.

P-Touch Cube Plus Bluetooth Label Maker – You may find that this becomes your new best friend. Watch out, it can become addicting to label everything. Just steer clear of labeling your pets, they won’t like that! There are many varieties of label makers, this just happens to be the Happy Sort favorite because it is rechargeable, portable, and syncs with a phone. When adding a label maker to your home, consider the size of labels you'll most often need, the size of a keypad you are comfortable operating (some can be very tiny and unforgiving when you press the wrong key), the variety of tape styles and sizes for the machines, and where you can store it (some big label makers are space hogs!). With most Happy Sort projects, labeling is included at no charge, so you can always leave the sweat work up to us if peeling and sticking 100 labels is not your thing.

Ultimately, hiring an unpack team like Happy Sort will speed up the unpacking process and get you comfortably settled in to your place much sooner. Then you can use your actual dishes and not paper plates…maybe for some tacos! 😉

Happy Organizing!

Stay tuned for more next month!