|
|
Storage Kits |
|
Storage kits are a great way to make household tasks easier. Create one for any recurring task which requires specific tools. Some examples include: a first aid kit, a homework kit, a cleaning kit, a mending kit, a fix-it kit, a picture hanging kit, a bicycle repair kit, a gift wrap kit, and a correspondence kit (mail), to name a few.
Below are some suggestions for what to include in your various storage kits. Please note that these lists are not all-inclusive. They are meant to get you started. Feel free to add or take away from your kits according to your specific needs.
Note: This page contains affiliate links.
Below are some suggestions for what to include in your various storage kits. Please note that these lists are not all-inclusive. They are meant to get you started. Feel free to add or take away from your kits according to your specific needs.
Note: This page contains affiliate links.
First Aid Kit |
|
|
When it comes to storage kits, no home should be without a first aid kit of some kind. While it's true that pre-made first aid kits are readily available, most will not contain all the items you see listed below. By purchasing your own supplies you can divide them up into multiple first aid kits. In addition to having a well-stocked kit in your home, it's a good idea to create a smaller version for each of your vehicles. It's also nice to make mini first aid kits for each member of the family to carry in their backpack or purse.
When it comes to storing your first aid kit, a tackle box makes a super functional case. It's portable and has lots of compartments for dividing up supplies.
|
|
If at all possible, your first aid kit should be stored near a water source for ease in rinsing out wounds. An alternative is to store a jug of distilled water next to your kit. Wherever it's stored, the location should be intuitive to you; you don't want to have to think too hard in an emergency. Also make sure everyone in the family (including the babysitter) knows where this storage kit is stashed.
Suggested items to have in your kit include:
- Adhesive bandages (assorted sizes)
- Moleskin (for blisters)
- Butterfly closure strips
- Sterile gauze pads (assorted sizes)
- Hypoallergenic adhesive tape
- Triangular bandages
- ACE elastic roller bandage
- Antiseptic wipes or spray
- Saline solution for cleaning wounds
- Antibiotic ointment (check periodically for expiration)
- Anti-itch cream
- Disposable gloves
- Thermometer
- Tweezers
- Scissors
- Instant cold pack
- Cotton balls/cotton swabs
- Hand sanitizer
- Bulb syringe for flushing out wounds
- Space blanket (lightweight, compact emergency blanket)
- First aid pamphlet
Cleaning Kit |
|
|
Another must-have form of storage kit is a cleaning kit. If you live in a multi-story home, I recommend having a cleaning kit on each floor. That way you don’t have to haul your supplies up and down the stairs when you want to use them. Keep your kit in a caddy like this one with a convenient handle for transporting cleaning supplies from room to room. If you have small children in your home, be sure to store it in a safe location out of the reach of little ones.
|
|
Items to store in your cleaning kit include:
- All-purpose cleanser
- Glass cleaner
- Floor cleaner
- Abrasive cleanser
- Furniture polish
- Sponges
- Squeegee
- Paper towels
- Dust cloths/rags
- Feather duster
- An old toothbrush
Mending Kit |
|
|
Mending kits are another essential form of storage kit. I like to keep a mending kit in the laundry room for quick fixes like sewing on a button, but you can also keep it in your sewing room if you're fortunate enough to have one. Another good idea to have a small mending kit in the car for emergency
|
|
wardrobe malfunctions. You can purchase ready-made mending (i.e. sewing) kits, or you can put your own together. Below are examples of both.
If you're assembling your own cleaning kit, be sure to include:
- Small set of scissors
- Assortment of needles
- Small spools of thread in a variety of colors
- Pin cushion or magnetic pin holder
- Thimble
- Assortment of generic buttons
- Flexible measuring tape
Homework Kit |
|
If you have school-age children it's useful to have at least one homework kit. Stock this storage kit with whatever school supplies your child regularly uses to complete their homework. If you have multiple children you may want to have multiple homework kits, depending on their ages and needs. Ideally kits should be portable so that kids can easily get them out when they need them and put them away when they're done.
A variety of containers can be used to house homework kits. My favorite is a caddy of some sort because they have different spots for different types of supplies. Keep homework kits in whatever room kids do their homework so they're easily accessible.
Typical supplies to store in your homework kit include:
Typical supplies to store in your homework kit include:
- Pens
- Pencils
- Markers
- Colored pencils
- Ruler
- Glue sticks
- Scissors
- Sticky notes
- Stapler
- Calculator
- Protractor set
- Highlighters
Picture Hanging Kit |
|
When it comes time to hang a picture, think how nice it would be to have all the supplies conveniently stored in a single container - a picture-hanging kit. This is another kit that would store really well in a small tackle box with a divided tray.
Items to keep in your picture-hanging storage kit include:
Items to keep in your picture-hanging storage kit include:
|
|
Fix-It Kit |
|
A fix-it kit makes simple repairs even easier. Keep everything you need to perform basic fixes in a small plastic toolbox either in the garage or wherever you store utility items (light bulbs, batteries, etc.) inside your home. Consider stocking your fix-it kit with the following supplies:
|
|
Correspondence Kit |
|
A paper processing center is a great way to keep paper clutter from piling up. Establish a system for dealing with incoming papers that includes a correspondence kit. Stock this storage kit with mail opening, bill paying, and letter writing materials. Store your kit wherever you do your corresponding and bill paying. A pretty lidded box or canvas storage box with drawers makes a good storage container for this kit.
|
Stock your kit with the following:
|
|
Car Safety Kit |
|
|
There are a variety of car safety kits available on the market. You can find them at your local auto parts' store and any department store that sells basic automotive supplies. You can also create your own if you prefer. The idea is to have everything you might need in the event of an emergency.
In addition to the items in your emergency kit, it's always a good idea to have wet wipes, water bottles, and n0n-perishable snacks in the car (and possibly some hand sanitizer).
|
Things to include in a car safety kit:
|
Other Types of Storage Kits |
|
Storage kits are a great way to simplify recurring tasks. Storing all the tools you need to get a job done in one portable container saves time and frustration. The possibilities are endless and depend on your lifestyle, hobbies, and personal needs. In addition to the kits mentioned above, here are some other suggestions:
- Bicycle Repair Kit: Include extra inner tubes, Allen wrenches, tire levers, spoke wrench, patch kit, chain lube, bicycle multitool, and a mini bike pump.
- Gift Wrap Kit: Include gift bags, gift wrap, ribbons, bows, gift tags, scissors, clear tape, and pens.
- Pet Grooming Kit: Include nail clippers, hair clippers, shampoo, brushes/combs, etc.
- Nail Care Kit: Include nail clippers, nail scissors, cuticle trimmer, cuticle softener, push sticks, nail files, buffers, nail polish remover pads, and nail polish.
- Candy Making Kit: Include molds, thermometer, drizzling scoop, slotted spoon, spear, cradling spoon, 3-prong fork, wooden sticks, cellophane squares/bags, dropper, funnel, and any other tools you might utilize in candy making.
- Cake Decorating Kit: Include pastry bags and piping tips, icing smoother, fondant smoother, flower nails, side scrapers, icing pen, lifter scissors, gel coloring, measuring spoons, sprinkles, and so forth.
- Play Dough Kit: In addition to play dough, include molds, cutters, stencils, rotary cutters, rolling pins, extruders, sculpting tools, and any other accessories for working with play dough.
- Jewelry Making Kit: Include pliers, tweezers, scissors, awl, caliper, tape measure, cording, wire, jump rings, clasps, hooks, and other types of findings.
As you can see, there is really no limit to the type and number of storage kits you can create. The goal is to make finding what you need simple so that you can accomplish whatever task is needed and return things easily to their rightful home.
If you found this page helpful, please share it on social media. If you've got an idea for a storage kit not mentioned here, please tell us about it in the comments section below.
If you found this page helpful, please share it on social media. If you've got an idea for a storage kit not mentioned here, please tell us about it in the comments section below.
