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Organization Tips for each room using these smart storage solutions.

Organizing your home doesn’t have to happen all at once. Go room by room with these organizational tips and decluttering ideas for kitchens, bathrooms, living areas, and more. Follow these room organization ideas to establish order one space at a time.

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Organization Tips to create Kitchen Storage Zones

Group items in your kitchen by their function. In this cooking space, a stand mixer tucks in the corner by the refrigerator, and shelves above house mixing bowls and baking necessities. On the opposite side of the refrigerator, a breakfast prep zone has all morning must-haves: shelves with bowls and glasses, coffee mugs, and canisters of cereal.

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Squeeze In a Pantry

If you don’t have space for a walk-in pantry, squeeze one in with this clever organizing tip. Designate a cabinet for dry goods and snack storage, and position shelves at short heights to optimize storage. To boost usable space, outfit the interior of each cabinet door with shelves or racks that can hold smaller items such as spices.

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Rethink Kitchen Drawers

Kitchen drawers are typically shallow and narrow, ideal for utensils and linens. But larger drawers can be a smart addition to a kitchen’s storage plan. Ideal for spaces with open shelves or limited upper cabinet storage, these dresser-like drawers can house stacks of dishes or bulky pots and pans. Because they pull out, all of the contents are easily accessible, and the drawers limit reaching overhead. A pegboard and tall, sturdy pegs keep items in place and can be reconfigured to accommodate differently sized and shaped items.

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Pantry Storage Containers

The right containers are key to keeping your pantry in order. Sort items by category into baskets or bins, and add labels to easily see where everything goes. Use clear, airtight plastic or glass containers (like this Better Homes & Gardens Glass Food Jar Set, $17, Walmart), to decant dry goods such as cereals, flour, sugar, and rice.

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5 Tips for Millennials Buying Insurance

Posted on January 13, 2020August 25, 2023 by Shield Insurance Agency

Shield Insurance Agency Blog | Millennials Buying Insurance |

Adulting (verb) – acting like an adult or engaging in activities usually associated with adulthood, often responsible or boring tasks.¹

5 Tips for Millennials Buying Insurance

If you’re a millennial, you know this definition all too well. You’ve reached the age where you may be taking out student loans, buying or renting a place to live, having kids, and, ultimately, purchasing insurance. These major life events for millennials make it extremely important to have a financial security net. And that’s exactly what insurance is: a financial security net. So it’s troubling that a survey from Princeton Survey Research Associates International named millennials the most under-insured generation.

There are many reasons why people of all generations avoid purchasing insurance. It‘s often seen as a big investment, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s an expensive one. In fact, insurance probably costs less than you think. For instance, according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), millennials overestimated the cost of renters insurance by more than five times its actual cost per year.

Also, the complicated terms can make finding a policy a puzzling experience and the subject matter can be tough to digest. No one wants to think about being in a car accident, experiencing a break-in, losing everything in an apartment fire, or any other sort of bad, unexpected event. But these things can happen, so you’ll want to be prepared.

And don’t let any initial confusion or preconceived notions drive you away. You’re a millennial, after all! Your generation is always tackling new challenges and expanding the way the world works, oftentimes in brilliant ways.

Insurance provides essential financial protection for your future, so now’s the time to start “adulting” and take that first step.

Here are five tips:

Shop smart. When looking for insurance, your No. 1 priority should be to find adequate coverage. Price is important, but you’ll want to determine what coverage you need first. Then you can fit that coverage into your budget and determine which carrier can provide you with the most comprehensive policy. You may be tempted to choose insurance with the lowest price tag, but if you don’t have enough coverage (or the right kind of coverage), you will see less financial benefit when it comes time to file a claim.
Look for discounts. Once you evaluate your coverage needs, factor in your budget and find ways to save. Ask your insurance agent if there are any discounts on your coverage. Often, carriers offer discounts for things like paying your policy in full, staying auto accident-free or, if you’re in school, getting good grades. You also can save money by “bundling” multiple policies, such as purchasing a home and auto policy from the same carrier.
Fill in the gaps. An average policy will cover the basics, but you may need to add extra coverage to meet your unique needs. For instance, you may have items like electronics or a nice piece of jewelry that would be financially difficult to replace, even with the assistance of your average renters or homeowners policy. You may want to add additional coverage for these items.
Purchase life insurance—you aren’t too young. Life insurance is essential, no matter how young or old you are. And for millennials, buying now may be a smart move because it’s cheaper to buy a life insurance policy when you’re young and healthy. This kind of insurance can help your family cover unexpected costs in your absence, including student loan debt or a mortgage, in addition to end-of-life costs. And if you have kids, a life insurance policy can also support their education or childcare expenses. Additionally, every millennial should consider long-term disability coverage, which helps you stay afloat financially if an accident happens and you become disabled and unable to work.
Talk to an independent agent. An independent insurance agent is an essential resource when purchasing insurance—especially if this is your first time. An independent agent works with multiple carriers, different from captive agents who can only sell insurance from the carrier they work for. Working with an independent agent can help make sure that you are getting the best coverage, for the best price. You’ll also benefit from independent agents’ insurance knowledge; they know how to talk you through your options and actually explain what each policy includes. An independent agent will make sure all of your assets are covered, help you find discounts or other ways to save, and be a valuable resource as your life changes and your insurance needs change, too.