http://unclutterer.com/discuss/forum/work The community for people interested in home and office organizing. en-US Mon, 13 Feb 2012 11:23:31 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q http://unclutterer.com/discuss/search.php http://unclutterer.com/discuss/topic/too-much-of-a-free-thing#post-37347 Wed, 26 Oct 2011 09:26:18 +0000 hmr 37347@http://unclutterer.com/discuss/ <p>Thanks, everyone, for your responses. The office as a whole as come to an agreement that one cabinet in our shared closet should be used to hold the bulk of teh "breakdown" items. A small assortment will be kept in a smaller cabinet near the actual microwave and coffee maker, but once we have reached capacity, we can accept no more items until we have used up some of what we have already.</p> <p>The Saver got on board as the rest of the office started cleaning out other little used items and spaces (we dumped three big bags of unneeded research data, some of which reached back over 20 years). I think it helped that we didn't single out any one person or type of item, but rather took it as an opportunity to toss stuff from every corner of the office suite.</p> <p>It will be a few weeks more before we have everything in complete order, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel, and I have some great resources now for the items we don't need.</p> <p>Thanks again, all. And keep your fingers crossed we can keep up the momentum. </p> http://unclutterer.com/discuss/topic/too-much-of-a-free-thing#post-36878 Sun, 16 Oct 2011 03:19:58 +0000 lottielot 36878@http://unclutterer.com/discuss/ <p>Offer on freecycle? There may be someone local who could use the stuff, like someone planning their own wedding on the cheap or something, or a small caterer who would love to save some money.<br /> Since it's an ongoing problem, I would try to look for an ongoing solution if possible. </p> http://unclutterer.com/discuss/topic/too-much-of-a-free-thing#post-36826 Fri, 14 Oct 2011 13:15:46 +0000 needtocleanhouse 36826@http://unclutterer.com/discuss/ <p>1. Offer them to the next caterer<br /> 2. Offer them to a homeless shelter<br /> 3. Offer them to an organization that feeds the homeless<br /> 4. Offer them to a food bank<br /> 5. Offer them to staff via a box labeled "Help Yourself" that you set up in the room </p> http://unclutterer.com/discuss/topic/too-much-of-a-free-thing#post-36825 Fri, 14 Oct 2011 12:48:22 +0000 Rosa 36825@http://unclutterer.com/discuss/ <p>HMR, is there a group at your university that either feeds free meals to students (my university had one, called "Free Lunch") or is made up of students who feed homeless or others? If there's a nursing program they probably have students volunteering at Open Arms or hospice programs. I would start with university organizations because I would be they'd pick up for you.</p> <p>If not, specific suggestions: Meals On Wheels, Food Not Bombs (they cook at ABC No Rio on the LES), Coalition for the Homeless (Coalitionforthehomeless.org).</p> <p>Since there's a constant influx of new stuff, putting a pickup or dropoff date on the calendar each month or each quarter (depending on storage space) shoulnd't be difficult. </p> http://unclutterer.com/discuss/topic/too-much-of-a-free-thing#post-36820 Fri, 14 Oct 2011 12:11:37 +0000 JayEff 36820@http://unclutterer.com/discuss/ <p>Put everything that you want to keep in a box, and put that box in your office. </p> <p>Then, send an email out to everybody (1) explaining that you are going to throw away (or recycle) all the [list items] in the [list location] on [specify date], and (2) letting everybody know that they are welcome to take any of the stuff before that date.</p> <p>Once all the junk is taken or thrown away (or recycled), put the stuff from the box in your office back into the conference room. </p> http://unclutterer.com/discuss/topic/too-much-of-a-free-thing#post-36789 Thu, 13 Oct 2011 16:47:49 +0000 xarcady 36789@http://unclutterer.com/discuss/ <p>I would designate specific space for these leftover items--a reasonable amount of space. Like one drawer and one box or one shelf. Then fill the rest of your storage space with the things you actually need to store. </p> <p>Box up all the extras and trot them down the hall to Mr. Saver. Inform him that you've had to reorganize the supply cabinets and these items don't fit. He can store them in his office; he can donate them somewhere; or you can throw them out. His choice. Present him with an accomplished fact and let him deal with the problem he has caused. </p> <p>Moving forward, clearly label the space allotted for these leftovers. Inform Mr. Saver, when he tries to cram more stuff in, that it doesn't fit and he will either have to take them home or store them in his own space. I would make it very clear that I have no problem tossing the stuff, and that if he wants to save it, he can't take up valuable office supply space to do so. He is the one that wants to save it; he is the one who then has to deal with it. (Assuming Mr. Saver isn't the head of the department.)</p> <p>Me, I'd try to the be the first one in the room after the meetings were over, just so I could throw out the stuff I know won't be used again. </p> <p>If that won't work, put the stuff out on the conference room table at a time when there isn't a meeting, with a huge "FREE STUFF" sign on the door. At least some of it will disappear before you know it. </p> <p>Another thought--if the food and supplies are coming from the campus food service, call them and see if they will take any of it back. Or even if they have large trash cans that you can deposit it in. Or if they know if any of it is recyclable. </p> http://unclutterer.com/discuss/topic/too-much-of-a-free-thing#post-36787 Thu, 13 Oct 2011 16:43:41 +0000 Lori Paximadis 36787@http://unclutterer.com/discuss/ <p>I second that: soup kitchen or mission. Churches, even if they don't host one themselves, will know where they are, so it shouldn't take more than a couple phone calls starting with the closest church to find someone who can use them. </p> <p>Food pantries that give out bags of groceries might be another route to go. </p> http://unclutterer.com/discuss/topic/too-much-of-a-free-thing#post-36786 Thu, 13 Oct 2011 16:42:14 +0000 luxcat 36786@http://unclutterer.com/discuss/ <p>I work as a salesperson who often has meals catered to the clients that I am presenting to. Each office has their own solution to this.</p> <p>1) has their own reusable plates and silverware at the office, a dishwasher, and a person assigned to run it each day (complicated)</p> <p>2) donates to soup kitchens or missions as Julia said</p> <p>3) recycles on their own (easy in our city, where clean plastic ware and un-used paper plates, styrofoam plates, and unused paper napkins can all be recycled in curb side bin)</p> <p>4) gives written notices to anyone who brings in food from catering, etc that only exact amounts of service ware are welcome (caterers like this, saves them $)</p> <p>I've had to deal with all four... they all are pretty simple for me when I place the food orders... but knowing how it is in offices I know that even simple things can be made so complicated by people like The Saver! </p> http://unclutterer.com/discuss/topic/too-much-of-a-free-thing#post-36785 Thu, 13 Oct 2011 16:32:16 +0000 Julia 36785@http://unclutterer.com/discuss/ <p>Soup kitchens or missions that serve meals might be able to use these things. </p> http://unclutterer.com/discuss/topic/too-much-of-a-free-thing#post-36783 Thu, 13 Oct 2011 16:27:44 +0000 hmr 36783@http://unclutterer.com/discuss/ <p>I hope the forum members can help with a positive outcome for our office dilemma.</p> <p>I work in an administrative office at a large urban (NYC) college. As such, we have a conference room we use for various meetings, and is reserved by other departments for their meetings.</p> <p>Refreshments are a large part of the meetings.</p> <p>Since the refreshments are usually delivered, they come with the various utensils needed to consume the food (forks &amp; knives, napkins, small condiment packs). Also, the items are often packaged on heavy duty trays. This is all very convenient for the various staff members who are handling the meetings, but it is starting to overwhelm the space.</p> <p>I have one office member who is something of a pack rat (The Saver). He saves all of the above mentioned items with plans to use them again. Some of the items (napkins, forks) are great to have around for lunch and coffee breaks. But other stuff (condiments, over sized trays) collect dust and hang around for years. For example - I have a medium sized box in one of out storage closets, FILLED with the disposable tongs given out when salads are ordered.</p> <p>I know that it is easy to say, "Don't have the items put in with the delivery," but given how many different departments use the paces, it is not practical to assume 100% compliance. There will always be napkins (and other items) coming into the room.</p> <p>So what I am left with is a massive overload of "disposable" food serving items that I have no use for, and no space for. I would be happy to throw everything away (I know, I know! Not great for the environment, but you can't believe how much we have!) , however the Saver can't just get rid of the accumulated items by tossing them. He would see this as wasteful.</p> <p>I think the best thing would be to donate the items, but I need some VERY specific ideas. Just saying "Goodwill" is not enough. This is an office set up, so the time and effort put in would be above and beyond for someone (probably me) and I want to feel confident that the items are going to be used. If I'm going to spend a Saturday at the office every few months, I want it to be worth it.</p> <p>Can the forum members offer some advice? Once we have a plan in place, I can monitor the piles and every few months suggest we offer another donation, but where?</p> <p>Thanks in advance. </p> http://unclutterer.com/discuss/topic/the-quest-for-uncluttered-work-snacks#post-33513 Tue, 30 Aug 2011 15:56:45 +0000 chacha1 33513@http://unclutterer.com/discuss/ <p>I have access to a refrigerator, so ...</p> <p>cottage cheese cups<br /> greek yogurt<br /> V8 Fusion<br /> individual applesauce (mott's healthy harvest w/blueberry)</p> <p>plus on desk:<br /> banana<br /> pistachio nuts</p> <p>and in case of emergency:<br /> small dark chocolate bar! </p> http://unclutterer.com/discuss/topic/the-quest-for-uncluttered-work-snacks#post-33461 Tue, 30 Aug 2011 08:14:27 +0000 shebolt 33461@http://unclutterer.com/discuss/ <p>Protein bars<br /> Plain oatmeal packets &amp; honey<br /> Cans of filling, healthy soup (like black bean)<br /> Spicy almonds (the strong spice ensures I don't eat too many)<br /> Protein powder &amp; a shaker container</p> <p>I keep frozen berries(for the oatmeal) in the office fridge</p> <p>And every day I bring my lunch, some fruit, and a greek yogurt. </p> http://unclutterer.com/discuss/topic/the-quest-for-uncluttered-work-snacks#post-33460 Tue, 30 Aug 2011 07:13:59 +0000 s 33460@http://unclutterer.com/discuss/ <p>Oh, also,<br /> - Triscuits<br /> - peanut butter (spooned right from the jar or spread on toasted pita…)<br /> - small foil packed tuna or salmon (2.6 oz) is a great, quick lunch, with some Triscuits or in a tortilla wrap. I just use scissors to cut the pouch open and a fork to eat straight from the pouch.<br /> - small cans of V8 juice<br /> - peanut M&amp;Ms (but I had to go "cold turkey" on those, since they're sooooo yummy)<br /> - kandy korn (around Halloween time!)<br /> - fruit (apples, bananas, clementine/small oranges, etc.) </p> http://unclutterer.com/discuss/topic/the-quest-for-uncluttered-work-snacks#post-33459 Tue, 30 Aug 2011 07:07:40 +0000 s 33459@http://unclutterer.com/discuss/ <p>- granola bars (Nature Valley or Kashi)<br /> - trail mix (I mix my own with a couple of varieties of nuts (peanuts, cashews, almonds, pumpkin seeds) and a little dried fruit (raisins, cranberry raisins (craisins))<br /> - gum<br /> - Kashi GoLean or Fiber One cereal (you don't have to keep the whole box at work; just fill a small container or jar and keep that in the office; refill at home once a week or so)<br /> - yogurt, with a spoonful of GrapeNuts cereal for crunch<br /> - Quakes mini-rice cakes</p> <p>Also, I keep my own fork, spoon, and knife in the office for when I bring/make my own lunch or even bring in take-out. </p> http://unclutterer.com/discuss/topic/the-quest-for-uncluttered-work-snacks#post-33451 Tue, 30 Aug 2011 04:49:06 +0000 mili 33451@http://unclutterer.com/discuss/ <p>Honey's a great multi-tasker. You can<br /> - sweeten drinks (definitely tea, which many including yours truly think is way better with honey than with sugar, but I've even heard it used in coffee in a pinch)<br /> - use it as a snack for a good burst of energy (I've had a couple of spoons of it on like 12 hours worth of empty stomach and managed to go another 2-3 hours easy depending on activity)<br /> - add to stuff like yoghurt and bread to make a more complete meal<br /> - use it to soothe a sore or tired throat and soften a hoarse voice - handy if you need to talk ina more formal way eg presentations etc. Much better than chocolate, which can even roughen your vocal chords - or so says my long-ago singing teacher :-)<br /> - in a pinch, it even helps with cracked lips - it ain't no Rosebud Salve, but if your lips have cracked from the infernal over-chilling common to so many office buildings, putting a dollop right on the cracks offers immediate relief; a few continued applications will improve the situation. You need the extra applications because the honey doesn't have the consistency to stay on the lips like lip salves do, even if it's pretty thick - it drips so you end up having to lick it off lol (actually, if possible try to dab off instead of licking off - saliva exacerbates the cracking). That's because no matter how viscous, honey responds to heat - like your body's - by liquefying, ie becoming runnier).<br /> - it's even purdy to look at, all golden brown 'n' stuff ;-)</p> <p>In short, it's both a seasoning and a stand-alone foodstuff ;-)</p> <p>The only difficulty is the packaging, but only if it's in a jar - if it's in a dispenser it's easy. Look for portable 'purse pack' type dispensers that contain about 100g - they contain as much as a week's worth, but are much smaller. Failing that, get small jars of about 30-40g - portion-sized. That way you don't have to mess around with spoons or jars that got stuck shut because you didn't have a wet cloth to hand to clean the lip :-) </p> http://unclutterer.com/discuss/topic/the-quest-for-uncluttered-work-snacks#post-33444 Mon, 29 Aug 2011 23:19:57 +0000 guest 33444@http://unclutterer.com/discuss/ <p>Haha, I do actually keep some chocolate in my desk, jbeany!</p> <p>Thanks for your ideas so far, everyone! </p> http://unclutterer.com/discuss/topic/the-quest-for-uncluttered-work-snacks#post-33430 Mon, 29 Aug 2011 21:32:40 +0000 snosie 33430@http://unclutterer.com/discuss/ <p>I have with me at the moment<br /> - puffed corn (rather than popped?!)<br /> - one tin of tuna<br /> - rice or corn things for tuna or cheese<br /> - one tin of soup (justincase I don't bring leftovers/don't want to go out)<br /> - seaweed strips (yum!)<br /> - potato crackers (like normal crackers, just wheat free)<br /> - 1/4 camebert in the fridge (with the crackers)<br /> - pre sliced cheese in the fridge<br /> + daily lunch in fridge and fruit (golden kiwi mmm) on my desk.</p> <p>It seems a lot, but it takes up no space, ensures variety (no boredom) and all healthy (ie no wheat, dairy etc). And I don't like nuts, whic is why they don't feature! </p> http://unclutterer.com/discuss/topic/the-quest-for-uncluttered-work-snacks#post-33425 Mon, 29 Aug 2011 21:05:23 +0000 jbeany 33425@http://unclutterer.com/discuss/ <p>Beef jerky<br /> Flavored almonds<br /> Glazed walnuts<br /> Dried cherries<br /> Crackers and nutella or peanut butter</p> <p>How is it no one has mentioned chocolate yet? Come on, be honest; you know you have some! </p> http://unclutterer.com/discuss/topic/the-quest-for-uncluttered-work-snacks#post-33424 Mon, 29 Aug 2011 20:27:29 +0000 Ella 33424@http://unclutterer.com/discuss/ <p>trail mix<br /> unsalted organic almonds<br /> pretzels filled with peanut butter<br /> individual cups of applesauce<br /> dried apricots, raisins, prunes, apples<br /> protein bars </p> http://unclutterer.com/discuss/topic/the-quest-for-uncluttered-work-snacks#post-33423 Mon, 29 Aug 2011 20:17:17 +0000 EraserGirl 33423@http://unclutterer.com/discuss/ <p>wasabi peas.<br /> but they sometimes come in bags, so i kept a canister for my snack storage...remember bugs...</p> <p>pocky sticks </p>