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| Trigger Memory Systems |
| Education Through Imagination |
| ...committed to instilling an unquenchable desire to learn that will last a lifetime. |
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| The Inexpensive Homeschool/Scrapbook/Office Organizer |
| Now, lest anyone get the wrong impression, let me start by saying that I'm really NOT materialistic. In fact, as far as "stuff" goes I've never been real big on needing all the goodies and brand names. However, every once-in-awhile I see some "thing" that I just really, really want! Have you been there? You keep checking back in the catalog or web site, or walk by the store just to see if it's still there. Now, it's not like you could ever afford it but JUST IN CASE (you know, Publisher's Clearinghouse suddenly shows up at your door) you just want to know it's still there. Well, that's been the case with me and a certain organizational tool. Ever since I first read about the wonderful storage units at Storage and Display Solutions. I've repeatedly checked back just to plan out how I might fill them, where I would put them, etc. I LOVE these units, but the nearly $300 price tag (not including shipping) makes it highly unlikely that I will ever own one. Besides, I didn't want just one, I wanted several! One for craft supplies, one for schooling, one for scrapbooking, well, you get the idea. One day as I was drooling...um, I mean looking, I realized that I could probably imitate this unit fairly inexpensively. I finally gave it a shot and am very pleased with the results. I made one trip to Walmart and spent 30 minutes at home putting it together. I LOVE IT!! Since I'm so excited to share I didn't even wait until it was finished before taking photos. My husband has agreed to attach the whole unit to a board with casters so that I can easily turn it from side to side. Now, this isn't the quality of the original, I'm sure. If you have the funds, definitely get the real thing. But if you're looking for a quick, inexpensive storage solution, read on. |
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| The catalyst to my homemade storage solution was a need to have all my business items in one place. Business supplies were getting mixed with personal and school supplies by my desk and computer. You know, all those notebooks look alike, don't they? As you can see, on the left, I simply assembled one of those wire organizers you can purchase for $15. (This is probably half of a pack) There is an extra shelf at the top that I attached with wire ties (also knows as cable ties). These little babies are the secret of the system. On the right you see (well, it's hard to see so look closely!) a clear graduated holder for various files. This rack already had two holes drilled in it so it was simple to attach to the grids with the wire ties. I have room all down the side for additional baskets as I find necessary. |
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| On the back of the organizer is a memo board/white board. This board was easily attached with the sticky squares that came with it, however, had they not been strong enough I would have attached a picture hanger and used wire ties. The basket below holds pens and is attached with wire ties. Any basket with holes can easily be attached to the unit. On the right is another tiered organizer. This one has optional dividers. It holds stationary, envelopes, scissors, etc. Another basket holds promotional pencils. |
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| I also purchased several baskets in different sizes that I have yet to use. A pack of 3 - 4 is only 94 cents. Any basket with holes can be easily attached. You could also use S-hooks to hang items like scissors, hole punches, etc. |
| I now have a great unit with everything I need right at my fingertips. Once the unit is attached to a board with casters I'll be able to rotate it easily. I can always add more baskets as I find the need and I can easily remove those that I already have attached if I want to reconfigure the unit. I'm planning to make a scrapbooking unit next. This one will have many closely spaced shelves for papers, again attached with wire ties. I'll use S-hooks to hang decorative scissors. The wider baskets will be perfect for stamps and pads. Markers can go in the long, thin baskets. Oh, the possibilites! As far as cost, the above unit cost me less than $30. Small Baskets 3/.94 or 4/.94 Large Basket 3.94 Tiered Organize 8.96 Tiered Sorter 8.96 Wire Ties .97 Memo Board 4.92 I already had the wire grids & connectors but you can purchase a set, which would make two organizers for $15. If you'd prefer laminate to the wire, you can find closet organizers that seem as if they would work. In the shower section you'll find various sized baskets that attach with suction cups. It is my guess that these would work well on the laminate. I hope this helps some of you get creative. Feel free to submit your ideas and we'll be happy to share them. |
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