How to build a cat shelter with plastic bins
September 17, 2015
Winter weather can be deadly for our feline friends.
If you’re a cat lover like me, it can be difficult to ignore the feral kitties that come begging for food. Sometimes these felines come knocking, but for whatever reason we just cannot welcome them into our homes. That doesn’t mean we can’t help.
The colder months are creeping in on us. Whether you have feral cats that roam your yard or just prefer letting your pets explore the outdoors, plastic bins can be used to make some inexpensive, very cozy kitty homes.
How to build a cat shelter
The easiest way to create a DIY cat shelter is by stacking two different sized plastic bins. Use a large plastic bin as the main unit, cutting entrance and exit holes. Then place the smaller bin inside and cut matching holes. From here, fill the space between the bins with your choice of insulation to help maintain body heat. Put the lid on the smaller bin and place more insulation on top. Next, put the lid on top of the large bin and – voila – kitty house!
Ideas for insulation include: blankets, foam insulation and straw. If you’re not sold on the plastic bins, consider:
- A styrofoam cooler
- Picnic cooler
- Storage bins
What to keep in mind
When building an outdoor shelter for family or feral cats, remember:
- Keep shelters away from dogs!
- Keep shelters out of sight from any indoor cats you may have. When indoor kitties get a glimpse of other strange cats roaming around their domain, it may trigger some aggressive behavior inside the home.
- Consider cutting two entrances so cats have an escape if confronted by opossums, raccoons or other rodents.
Find a wide selection of plastic bins at Organize-It.
Jewelry Tree Meets Soap Pump
September 16, 2015
How great would it be if everything you keep on the bathroom counter could be replaced by one magnificent organizer? Well, now it can.
My bathroom counter sees a lot of clutter. Hair ties, washcloths, earrings that MUST come out as soon as I get home from the office — it’s never ending. And before now all I could do was try to neatly put it on a shelf above the sink, keeping the counter clear for the others who frequent the restroom. But, inevitably, things were always falling off. Plus, the cluttered look just always got to me.
About a week ago we got this awesome new product — and it’s the perfect solution for my water closet clutter.
This all-in-one jewelry tree, soap pump and towel bar comes in a compact design that securely sits on your bathroom counter. The sleek brushed steel finish and clean straight lines create the perfect modern accent that compliments any traditional or contemporary decor.
The pump holds up to eight ounces of liquid, whether you choose to use it for hand or face soap, or even lotion. The tree has a non-slip bottom so it stays in place, even on slick counters. But the best part is the two movable arms. These bars are great for washcloths, jewelry, hair accessories and more. The bottom of the stand even has a lip around the edge so you can use it as a jewelry tray. I like to leave rings and earrings here when I’m too busy to put them away right away. It’s even great for setting out your accessories the night before work to cut down your time trying to get out the door.
This stainless steel jewelry tree and soap pump is sure to last years and always look great whether you utilize it in the bathroom, on your nightstand, vanity or in a walk-in closet.
Find this awesome piece and other products like it at StacksandStacks.com.
Over the door organizer has more uses than you think
September 16, 2015
Over the door shoe organizers have their place in life. Or so we thought.
Turns out, these excellent organizers are star workers throughout the entire house. They’re great for storing your favorite footwear, of course, but have you considered using them to:
- Sort dolls, matchbox cars and other toys
- Create an advent calendar
- Store bathrooms essentials and cleaning products
- Snack storage in the pantry
- Winter storage for gloves, scarves and hats
- Storing spray paint in the garage
- Creating a vertical herb garden in the kitchen
- Storing gift wrap and other craft supplies
There are a ton of different styles, sizes, fabrics and other features that you can find these over the door organizers in. My favorite one is this 20 Pocket Shoe Hanger. I love the gray, tweed-like fabric the most. It really creates a sleek, chic look that compliments any decor — it doesn’t just look like a storage piece! I also prefer the vertical pockets because they’re easier to re-purpose. I always keep some Peds footies in a pocket or two for easy access when I grab some flats. I also keep extra laces for my Dr. Martens and Converse Chucks. In the past, I have even stored inserts and heel pads for heels in this pockets.
If you are considering using an over the door shoe organizer for other household products, the vertical pockets are the best way to go. They securely hold weight and can keep items visible so they’re easy to find when you need them.
This over the door organizer has 20 pockets that can comfortably hold up to 10 pairs of shoes. The unit hangs over any standard sized interior door thanks to three metal hooks that slid over the top of the door. No tools or hardware is required for installation — which is as easy as sliding it over the door. The hooks are even designed to prevent scratches and wear on wood doors.
Find this awesome over the door organizer and other products like it at StacksandStacks.com.