Tag: Gear wall

Shari’s Gear Wall

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Welcome to my Gear Wall!

Ready, set, let’s chat about all things Gear Wall related from how I got started to why I love it so much!

The wall is chalk full of my favorite outdoor gadgets… from my hydration filters, hammocks, workout items, my entire backpacking set up, and more.

How did I get started?

I diligently searched Pinterest for small space saving ideas when I lived in a 500 square foot studio apartment in my mid-20’s. At the time, I didn’t have enough wall space to make my “Gear Wall” dream a reality and all of my outdoor camping and backpacking items remained smashed in totes under my bed. The downside to having gear in totes is the inability to see it all. Any time I packed for an outdoor adventure, I’d have to dump my gear onto the floor and dig through it. 

A few years later, I was re-inspired by a picture my boss showed me. He had turned his spare room into an office and storage space. The storage was neatly along one wall with his backpacks, trekking poles, skis, and tennis rackets all perfectly displayed- inside his house! It looked like something that you would see in a clean and well-organized garage space.

I quickly googled the Rubbermaid Fast Track system and started to obsess over how it would look in my spare room. 

What hardware to buy and how to install?

That same day I went to Home Depot and purchased several fast track rails, wall panels, and the organizer accessories. I went home and measured my wall, located the studs, and started construction. With some help from my husband the Gear Wall came together very quickly and those old gear totes got re-purposed. I LOVE being able to see all my gear in one spot. The wall of outdoor gear and workout items is organized, easy to grab, and constantly evolving.

Why a Gear Wall?

I’m not going to try and “sell” you on the Gear Wall. I know it isn’t for everyone. BUT if I do inspire you to organize your gear in a way that serves you best, then my job here is done! My life has been positively impacted by simply getting items out of totes and being able to use them and see them.

Another huge benefit of the Gear Wall? It’s quite literally my ‘bug-out’ bag prep station. I can grab from this wall and go in a matter of minutes. On this wall, I have everything I need to cook, filter water, sleep, and create shelter. To me this wall radiates independence, confidence and the promise of future adventures! 

What do you think about creating a Gear Wall? I’d love to hear about your home organization tips & tricks!

Shari’s Essential Household Items

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Shari’s Essential Household Items

Okay y’all, bare with me for a few minutes as I give you my household essentials list. I decided to give you one recommended item for each room in the house. They may seem random but hear me out- I have my reasoning for picking each of them… 

Kitchen: Salad Spinner

Who knew I would love a salad spinner so much?! There are so many ‘pros’ but the number one is that it keeps salad clean and crisp for an extended amount of time. I leave the lettuce in the spinner for weeks (I am not kidding) and my life is forever changed. I have crisp, fresh, amazing salad any day of the week now. The only ‘con’ is that it can take up a lot of space in the fridge.

Living room: Cozy Knit Blanket

I am a big fan of fuzzy fleece blankets but for our wedding a family friend knit a neutral colored blanket for us and I LOVE cuddling up with it. I have recently been obsessed with searching knit blankets and maybe learning how to make them on my own. Oh hey, new quarantine hobby, amiright?!

Bathroom: Quip Electric Toothbrush

Okay this one was a hard one to choose because I really love my face wash and moisturizer but I will talk about them more in another post. I’d have to say my favorite item in the bathroom is my Quip Electric Toothbrush. I love the subscription aspect which takes the thinking out of replacing the toothbrush head. I love the color (I have gold), the quality, and the ability for it to travel with me (keep the plastic tube it comes in for easy travel).

Bedroom: Casper Original Pillow 

Obviously every bedroom should have a pillow but, to be honest, it has been hard to find a pillow I really like; not too soft, not too firm, will cover my ears if I want it to, etc. This pillow is the perfect mix of comfy and cushy but also holds your head up and allows you to sink in. I am not quite sure how to explain it but Alex and I got them as wedding gifts and they are a favorite of ours now.

Spare Room: Rubbermaid FastTracks Hang Rail 

This item is ideally used in a garage but we live in an apartment so I had to make due with what I’ve got. I was inspired after seeing a friend hang up his outdoor gear on the wall. It looked organized and useful. I thought about all the gear I have and decided I wanted to hang it up rather than store in several rubber tote bins. The “Gear Wall” was born after several trips to Home Depot and hours of rearranging. Now I am a huge fan of hanging up your stuff and making it look organized on the wall. Our Gear Wall includes our hiking and backpacking gear, workout gear, sports gear, and more. We absolutely love it!

*Kendall joked about wanting to see my list because she is going on a target run next week. Here you go Kendall and friends, I have linked all these items (except the last one) at Target 🙂  You’re welcome!