Clutter is a common woe we know (and loathe!). Instead of getting overwhelmed with the mess this spring, get a jump start on Operation Organization with closet storage hacks that will keep *all* those pretty items contained. No matter how small your space is, you can go from a lackluster clothing hodgepodge to a luxe dressing station with just a few simple DIYs. These projects are easy and require only a few essentials, so you’ll be on your way to stylish space in no time. Scroll on for easy fixes that’ll make your inner hoarder giddy.
DIY Graphic Laundry Baskets
It’s perfectly acceptable to keep your dirty laundry out in the open with these graphic baskets that are as sassy as they are sensible. Customize them with all your favorite phrases or paint colors for a solution that makes it okay to wait a little longer between laundry days. (via Studio DIY!)
DIY Wall Organizer
Corral the cutest items from your closet shelves on a wall organizer with pretty color-coordinating vessels. The real trick to finishing off this piece is jewelry storage — genius! (via Brit + Co)
DIY Marbled Ring Dishes
Rock your ring-hoarding habit in these marbled dishes. The color combinations are endless, so have fun with the creation process — and make a few extra to gift to your BFFs! (via A Beautiful Mess)
DIY Accessory Organizer
Supplement your storage with this easy-make accessory organizer. Stack your best hats, coats, and purses on it to house those items currently crumpled in the corner. (via Brit + Co)
DIY Geometric Closet Panels
Details are everything. Put your jigsaw skills to the test with white-on-white additions that add flair to the everyday closet panel. (via A Beautiful Mess)
DIY Macrame Curtain
Closet doors are so last year. DIY a curtain that gives off all the boho vibes while hiding your closet’s contents inside. (via A Beautiful Mess)
DIY Ladder Shelf
Okay, so this one may not fit in your closet, but it’s a great way to make space IN your closet by clearing out all your trinkets and displaying them in style. (via Brit + Co)
DIY Flamingo Wall Hooks
Your flamingo obsession just entered the bedroom. Use these adorable hooks to display hats and scarves. Or all your bras and undies, why not? Have fun with it! (via Aww Sam)
DIY Acrylic Earring Holder
Displaying your earrings is a surefire way to wear more of them more often, since you’ll actually be able to find the right set to match your outfit. (via A Beautiful Mess)
DIY Color-Dipped Clothes Hangers
Hangers are a closet must, but they don’t have to be boring. Make sure they’re adorable and color coded. (via Sugar & Cloth)
DIY Foam Markers
Prevent the last minute clothing scramble (and messes) with days-of-the-week foam markers. (via Brit + Co)
DIY Copper Eyelash Pink Box
Boxes are useful for more than just storing your pretty jewels. You can use them to keep your unmentionables in order, or to keep tabs on things like your wedding garter. (via Enthralling Gumption)
DIY Fabric Storage Bins
Take one look at this clutch situation and tell yourself you don’t want to have extra storage for sweaters, school tees, and cold weather acessories. We dare you. (via Brit + Co)
DIY Dowel Coat Tree
These are most often found in entryways, but they sure help lighten the load of a buckling garment rack. Throw your sweaters and pants that aren’t ready for the wash on here instead of over the back of the chair. (via Emily Henderson)
DIY Colorful Catch-Alls
Save the bottom of your handbag from the loose change, tissues, scribbled notes, and all the other stuff that ends up there. (via The House That Lars Built)
DIY Trellis Clothes Rack
Store this wall rack in the back of your closet as backup for extra pieces that don’t make it on a hanger… you’ll thank us later! (via Fall for DIY)
Your relationship with your finances is one of the most important relationships you'll ever have, and you can't avoid it. That said, for many of us, the pandemic only added to our financial stress. If you find yourself feeling frazzled, just remember that financial insecurity isn't a net-worth issue — it's a mindset issue. And, we happen to have plenty of advice on how to turn your money mindset around so you can take charge of your funds once and for all.
To start, feeling secure begins with a strong foundation, and there's no better time than now to get started stacking the bricks. It's easy to get swept up in the January "new year, new me" mentality, but really? Any time is the right time to get yourself in order. You don't need to wait for a new year, a new moon, the right moment, or a sign from above. You don't even have to start on the first day of the month — you just need to start.
Introducing NerdWallet: A Safe and Reliable Money App
To help with that, we've put together a list of the just-right-for-you ways that NerdWallet can help you monitor your financial outlook. Haven't heard of them yet? NerdWallet is a personal finance company that helps consumers make smarter financial decisions. Their website and app let you compare different financial products, find articles and tools to make financial decisions with confidence, and keep tabs on your finances (hey there, credit score, I see you!) all in one place. Plus, NerdWallet has over 75,000 glowing reviews in the App Store (and a 4.8 star rating) if you want to read up on any more testimonials.
Tim Chen, NerdWallet's CEO and co-founder, started this financial journey in 2009 after his sister needed help finding a credit card. Even with an economics degree and a Wall Street background, it took awhile for Tim to find the right recommendation (so don't feel too bad when it takes you a while, too). Their mission is to bring clarity to all of life's financial decisions.
So it's safe to say that NerdWallet is a pretty good sherpa for your journey, too.
Get the most from your money
Did you know that the money you park in a savings account can lose value? Harsh, but true. If your money isn't earning interest that's on pace with inflation it will actually be worth less to you in the future. And if the bank charges fees? Forget about it. Make sure you're earning the interest you deserve and come out on top. NerdWallet has researched dozens of financial institutions to help consumers find the best options. The hard work has already been done for you, so you can just select the account that works best for you and your nest egg.
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Once everything is set up, tracking and managing your finances is what will keep the money machine running smoothly. You can create an account either through the site or the app and link your bank accounts, then keep tabs on all your finances in one place. Get a clear picture of your saving and spending, get insights into how to master your money, and even build your credit score all in one place.
Get extra credit points
Do you have the best credit card for your lifestyle? Some cards give cash back on every purchase, ones with travel perks, and ones that charge way less interest than you're paying now. NerdWallet takes the guesswork out of choosing the right credit card with simple side-by-side comparisons of different credit cards so that you feel confident choosing the right one. Whatever you want to do, NerdWallet can help you find the best credit card to get it done.
Know your options for settling down
Mortgage rates are pretty low and it looks like they're going to stay that way for awhile, so buying a home might be the move sooner than you think. But there's so much more to a mortgage than just the interest rate! To help you choose a mortgage lender, NerdWallet has in-depth reviews on multiple lenders in a mixture of categories so you get the home loan with the mortgage rate, term, and fees that's right for you.
Settle an old score
NerdWallet helps you monitor your credit score for free and helps you see how little things (like raising the limit on your credit card or paying your bills on time) can increase your score. NerdWallet partners with TransUnion® to provide your VantageScore® 3.0, based on information in your TransUnion® credit report. Your score and credit report information are updated weekly. But that's not even close to all:
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When it comes to managing your money, safe and reliable is where it's at. Establishing a healthy relationship with your finances begins when you take control and practice habits that build wealth. Signing up just takes a few minutes. Set your intentions to build a solid financial foundation, it will only strengthen your relationship with your finances. And don't be afraid to get a little nerdy while you're at it.
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