I keep these 3 things in my purse at all times:
1. A small notebook
2. A pen
3. A small tape measure
In the notebook, I keep track of all the things that I’m watching for as I shop the thrift stores and garage sales. When you’re thrifting, you need to be prepared to make a decision quickly. If you come back tomorrow, that perfect cabinet you were eyeing may be gone.
Since I know that I need a cabinet that is no more than 49″ wide and 49″ tall for my entryway, I’m prepared to make a quick decision. And since I have that teeny tiny tape measure in my purse, I don’t have to try and guess what size it is.
The notebook keeps me from making impulsive purchases that end up not working in my house. I have enough of those in the basement already. I am really bad at estimating sizes, so I need to write down the dimensions that will work in my house.
That tape measure has prevented me from making many a bad purchase. And helped me make some great ones!
What is your can’t-do-without decorating tool?
{ 31 comments }
I always keep my chair fabric with me and a notebook that has a running list of things that I am always on the lookout for.
Melanie´s last blog ..Prairie Dust made me bite the dust!
I carry my tape measure everywhere I go too. I also carry paint chips of the colors in my house …. just in case.
Really good advice. I have a small plastic bag I carry in my purse that’s loaded with small fabric samples. I love your notebook idea. I’m always “wondering” and sometimes pass on good stuff because I’m uncertain if something will work in my home.
Marla @ Always Nesting´s last blog ..Has Spring Sprung??
Kimba,
these tools are great to have in your purse. I would have to pair down what I have in my purse to carry all that though. LOL, I don’t want to be weighed down.
Cheryl´s last blog ..GIVEAWAY!!
Right there with you on the tape measure! It’s a must have!
Cherish´s last blog ..A Big Piece of My Heart
a camera…If I see something I like I take a photo…When its time to purchase if I dont remember where it was normally the pic sets me off to where I saw what I saw.
Amanda´s last blog ..Calling all VS Pink Nation members
I use a mini photo album to keep paint chips and fabric swatches – toss it in my purse and I’m off to shop. Here’s a link to the post:
http://cleanmama.blogspot.com/2010/01/paint-and-fabric-swatch-folder.html
Becky – Clean Mama´s last blog ..Window Treatment Question and SPRING ZONE CLEANING – DAY 9
Ditto on the little tape measure and pen/paper. I also keep all the paint chips for my rooms, and a list of items that I would like to have (if I found a great deal on them) in my purse at all times. Also, coupons!
Sara @ Russet Street Reno´s last blog ..LavenDon’t
I always have the tape measure with me but I love the idea of the notebook with measurements and things I am looking for. I have been known to buy something that won’t fit.
Thanks for sharing.
Brooke
Brooke´s last blog ..Creative Decor by Brooke: Creative Decor by Brooke: Cedar Post Candles
Wow, I think like Kimba……I too carry a little notebook in my purse full of notes and measurements as well as a tape measure. I think i’d be lost without that notebook
.
Blessings,
Lisa
This is such a great reminder! I NEED to do this. Thanks!
Sara @ Queen of the House´s last blog ..tour o’ thrift
This is good advice! I list all my projects on my computer/blog, but I need to get it in a portable file!!
We’re in the middle of a big attic reno, so I do always carry my paint chips/fabric swatches with me, along with a tape measurer….and I try to take my iphone in for pictures if there is something I think I can replicate on my own with my existing items. That has saved me lots!
I TRY to remember to keep my tiny little measuring tape in my purse, but it often misses the boat when I trade out purses, which is often. It really is a great thing to have if you stop in at Salvation Army a lot, which I do. I may “borrow” some of the paper ones from IKEA next time I am there. I could fold it up and keep it in my wallet.
Good advice! I often tell myself I need to carry a little tape measure with me for those times when I’m not sure about the size of a piece. And most times, I forget to take one. I do keep the notebook and pen – perhaps I’ll remember to add the tape measure now! Thanks for the tip.
Kacey´s last blog ..More Future Transformations
Hi Kimba,
I keep a list on my note pad in my phone of what I’m looking for. Since my house has lots of open space, I’m not that picky about size, I just go with my heart.
I do keep a tape measure in the glove compartment of my truck, though. You never know when you might need it!
Hugs,
G
Gina @ The Shabby Chic Cottage´s last blog ..Transformation Thursday: pretty little pillow
Definitely a notebook as well, and also definitely a tape measure, though it’s not always in my purse, just when I’m out and about and know I need something with specific measurements. Also, I have to say one of my best organizers is my list of unfinished blog posts in Live Writer. It’s a great reminder of all the projects I have going and what I need to do to get them done.
Birdie @ A Chirp in the Forest´s last blog ..A Leafy, Wreathy Spring!
A tape measure finds it’s way in to my purse often. BUT the most important thing in my purse is a card with the interior dimensions written down of my SUV. If I am thrift shopping and find a great piece, I have to make sure I can haul it home!
gail
gail´s last blog ..Simple art project
That’s such a great idea, I love it!!
Rochelle´s last blog ..FRIENDS & Newly Married Life
I’m right there with ya sister. I carry the same things…and I would be so lost without them!
Layla
One tool that I find handy is a piece of notebook paper. It’s 8 1/2 x 11, you can carry it folded or usually borrow one where ever you are and use it for measuring..
Mary Lou´s last blog ..Mary Lou Rutledge
Oh!! That’s what we need to be doing! Thanks for the thought! I work at an antique mall which is in a 1910 Schoolhouse, and I constantly get ideas and write them down. Just don’t think of doing that when I’m out shoppin.
~ Heather from Bizy Janes
I carry all those things in a “paper” day planner that holds all my lists-what I’m looking for, dimensions, paint chips and fabric swatches. I also carry a piece of paper with body measurements of mine, my hubby, and fairly recent for my kids-no need to try on-just use the tape measure to see if it will fit! I misplaced my planner once, and thought my life was over, so I’ve got alot of that stuff on my crackberry now, that’s also where I keep pictures.
Great reminder! During rummage sale season I have a small photo book with a bunch of info. I include lists of what I’m looking for, a few dimensions and photos I’ve taken of most of my display/decor areas at each of the seasons/holidays. Those photos come in handy. Now I need to remember to take that & a tape measure along all year!
I have lots of decorating tools for work with clients (paint color fans, furniture sliders, picture hanging tools, etc.) but the tools that I use the most are definitely my tape measures. I carry 4 of them in my decorating bag so that I can lay out multiple tape measures at once to help people visualize dimensions (eg: the length, width, and height of a table).
Amy at The Red Chair Blog´s last blog ..Dollar Tree…Literally!
I have just started carrying around a tape measure in my purse. It sure has come in handy lately. Does a camera count as a decorating tool? It seems I always have it by my side, or in my purse. Man, is that purse getting heavy!!!
Blessings!
Traci´s last blog ..More Black Bed Inspiration
You are such a smart cookie! I carry a tape measure and my iphone so I can snap a photo and I have started taking notes on the phone, too. I’m so addicted to that thing! I think I may need to do a backup notebook just in case…
Southern Fried Gal´s last blog ..Another Day at The Old Mill
I used to carry a notebook and tape measure but I downsized my purse and didn’t get back into carrying it again. Some great ideas here in the comments section.
grannyann´s last blog ..Tuesday Tidbits
I know that this might be a given to most people-but I am the queen of spray paint and repurposing things-and I forget this all the time.
Go into a thrift store with the question in mind:
How will spray paint change this?
Can I repurpose this as something else?
Like I said-it might be a given, but there are many times that I have walked into the thrift store and walked aimlessly. As soon as I got these questions in my head-my cart quickly fills up!!
oh yea-my idea notebook. I always have a wishlist in there of things I am looking for.
Right now-
the peerfect shaped teapot
a floor lamp
a LARGE lamp!
Tausha´s last blog ..I couldn’t take it anymore!!!
This looks like a ♥Friday’s Favorite♥
sandi @ the whistlestop cafe´s last blog ..Friday’s Favorite Linky Party
For me my decorating tool, other than my laptop is my phone. I take pictures while shopping make notes in the note pad of measurements or shopping stops. So glad I wasn’t born 20 years earlier.
pamela´s last blog ..Bedroom Sneak Peeks or So Far I’m Not Loving It
Someday we are going to paint the house so I carry paint chips. So when I buy new things I know it will match the plan!
NerdMom´s last blog ..Healthcare Wisdom From Obama’s Cousin