What's in My Work Bag? The Tape Measure

Do you remember Felix the Cat? If not, here's a little background: Felix the Cat was a cartoon character. Felix had a 'bag of tricks' also known as the 'magic bag.' He always had what he needed when he needed it--and it was all in that bag.

When I go to a client's home, I bring a tote bag of basic organizing supplies. Some of my clients have called it my 'magic bag of tricks' because the contents of that bag seem to 'magically' help them get organized.

What's in my 'magic bag of tricks?' I'll be sharing the contents with you in blog posts called 'What's in My Work Bag?' Today's first nosedive into my workbag brings up...

The Tape Measure

If tape measures were not such an important tool, there would be no such thing as the saying, " Cut once, but measure twice."

Using a tape measure is critical to organizing any space in your home--especially when incorporating organizing products into that space. 'Measure twice and buy organizing products once' is my motto!

I don't just carry one tape measure. I carry TWO. One is 15 feet long and the other is 5 feet long and attaches to a clip in my bag. Why two? Each organizing job is different. I could be organizing a large house one day and a studio apartment the next. I could be measuring a double closet in the morning and measuring kitchen drawers in the afternoon. No need to use the 15 footer if I'm checking out the size of a medicine cabinet. On the flip side, it would be tedious to attempt to measure and organize a garage with a five foot long tape measure.

Tape measures are equally as important to me at work and at home--I keep one in the kitchen. I even carry a teeny tiny 3 foot measuring tape in my purse! This comes in handy when I'm in a store and I need to measure an item for my home or believe it or not, the waistband of pants for my 5 year old who is super-skinny.

Tape measures aren't just for Professional Organizers. Everyone should own at least one for their home.You never know when you'll need to measure the size of your room, the length of your curtains, or a space that needs an organizing product. For a great selection try your local hardware store or big box store such as Home Depot or Lowe's.

And always remember, 'Measure twice and buy organizing products once!'