Storage hacks you definitely want use between fall-winter, winter-spring seasons

The changes in season should be exciting. Keep your transitions from fall to winter or winter to spring organized and easy.

SNS - Seasonal change brings fresh routines. It also brings clutter. So many families need smarter spaces and affordable storage ideas that fit daily life. That is why storage hacks locals swear by matter in every city. A tidy home feels easier to manage. Protected items stay ready for future use. Clean systems support daily living and make moving simpler.

Storage Hacks Locals Swear By: Easy and Practical Tips for Every Home

A good organization solves daily stress. Clear containers make everything visible. Simple labels prevent confusion. Strong storage shelves give items a home. These hacks support moving plans, garage spaces, closets, and rental storage units.

Photo: Arina Krasnikova/PEXELS

Sort First, Then Store: Reduce What You Carry Each Season

People collect more than they use. Each season gives us a chance to review items and make your home clutter-free with simple habits. Sort clothes by fit and comfort. Donate what does not serve you. Pack off-season items right after sorting. Follow storage hacks locals swear by to keep piles from growing. A small session each month helps avoid overload.

Use short lists:

Keep items you love and use.
Donate clean items that no longer fit.
Recycle broken pieces.

Quick sorting helps with moving preparation, too. Smaller loads reduce stress and cost.

Protect Seasonal Clothing With Breathable Bags

Clothes need safe storage from moisture. Cotton storage bags allow air to move. This prevents stale odor. Vacuum-seal bags save major space for winter coats. Shoe boxes keep their shape. Add lavender pouches for a fresh scent. Store clothing by season at the top of closets or in under-bed bins.

Plan Space for Kids As They Grow

Photo: Cottonbro Studio/PEXELS

Families change fast. Kids grow fast. Toys shift with interests. Sports gear changes each year. Create zones for each child. Use boxes with photos for kids who cannot read yet. Place heavy items low. Install hooks for sports bags to keep floors clear.

Weather-Safe Storage for Outdoor Gear

Summer gear needs winter rest. Winter gear needs summer rest. Use sturdy bins for camping tools. Hang bikes safely on walls. Keep beach gear in mesh bags so sand drops away. Simple storage habits keep gear ready for the next season.

Use Vertical Space to Open Your Floors

Empty floor space creates calm. Wall shelves help organize books, board games, and seasonal décor. Pegboards hold tools and crafts. A tall shoe rack near the door keeps heavy boots upright in winter. Vertical space helps small apartments feel roomy.

Digital Lists Help Track Stored Items

A simple photo album on your phone works better than memory. Take one photo per box. Add a note with the contents. Include the location of each box. Digital tracking supports quick finding and faster unpacking during moves.

Photo: RDNE Stock Project/PEXELS

Label Boxes With Clear, Short Words

Labels clear confusion. Use bold markers. Write one or two words per side:

“Fall Jackets”
“Holiday Lights”
“Football Gear”

Place labels on more than one side. This helps when boxes stack in storage units.

Create A “Next Season” Bin

Prepare one bin for items you will use soon. Keep it close. In early fall, place winter hats and gloves here. In spring, swap swim gear into that bin. One easy bin saves digging through stacks.

A Moving Insight: Local Storage Can Support Family Life During Seasonal Change

Families often move to reach better schools or kid-friendly areas with parks. During moves, items shift between homes and storage units. This period shows how our needs change with the seasons as we look for seasonal storage solutions that support daily routines. Parents want toys and school items close by. They keep holiday decorations out of the way. They plan access to seasonal sports gear for active kids. Smart storage connects home comfort and moving organization. Many movers share helpful guides, including storage hacks locals swear by, to help families adjust to space step by step.

Food and Pantry Rotation

Pantry space shifts with seasons, too. Winter soups need space. Summer snacks need airflow. Rotate cans based on expiration. Glass jars protect dry goods. Strong clips close snack bags. Keep a small box of emergency food in a high space so kids stay safe.

Clean Before Storing Seasonal Items

Dust and dirt spread in closed spaces. Quick cleaning keeps items fresh for next year. Wash beach towels before storing. Dry tents before folding. Wipe down skates after the season ends. This protects gear and keeps pests away.

Climate Control for Delicate Items

Heat breaks glue. Cold cracks plastics. Photos warp. Artwork fades. Delicate belongings need stable temperatures. If you use a rental storage space, ask for climate-controlled options. Movers can also advise on packing for fragile items.

Clear Walkways in Storage Units

Clear paths help fast access. Place long-term items against the back walls. Keep often-used bins in the front. Heavy boxes should stay low. Safety matters every time you visit the unit.

Keep Seasonal Décor Together

Holiday decorations scatter across homes. Pack décor from each holiday into its own set of bins. Color-code lids for quick recognition:

Red for winter holidays
Orange for fall and Halloween
Green for spring events

Separating décor helps you swap seasons without searching.

Smart Furniture Storage

Some furniture hides space inside. For example, storage ottomans hold blankets. Plus, benches with cubbies hide shoes. In addition, under-bed drawers work well for winter sweaters. Overall, choose furniture that helps place items away with ease.

Check Items Twice Per Year

Use spring and fall to check everything in storage. During these reviews, look for moisture or pests. Also, check expiration dates in the pantry box. At the same time, review kids’ items as they grow. With this habit, twice-yearly checks stop waste and keep gear ready.

Seasonal Storage and Moving Go Hand in Hand

Moving often happens during the season change. New homes demand fresh space planning, and organizing your storage helps families settle faster. Families arrive with summer gear but prepare for winter. Local movers help protect items through these changes. They share tips to store smarter so homes feel spacious from day one. This is why storage hacks locals swear by continue to help so many households each year.

Seasonal Change Can Feel Easier With Smart Storage

Season change should feel exciting. Yet, clutter can spoil that feeling. So, smart planning helps remove stress fast. First, use clear systems. Next, choose strong bins that last. Then, track items with simple lists. Also, make access easy for the whole family. That way, daily life flows better with the changing weather. Whether settling into a new space or preparing for a move, trust simple storage hacks locals swear by to support comfort all year.

Community steps up with hundreds of pounds of food for holiday drive

The Champaign County Holiday Food Drive brought in 431 pounds of food for local families in need. Donations included canned goods, pantry staples and fresh potatoes. Community support has been strong throughout the drive.

CHAMPAIGN — A steady stream of generosity has been flowing into the Champaign County Extension office this month, as community members dropped off bag after bag of food for the annual Holiday Food Drive. What began as a simple call to help local families has turned into a heartening display of neighbors stepping up for one another during a time when many could use a boost.

Volunteers have sorted through an impressive variety of donations — everything from soups and canned vegetables to rice, macaroni and cheese, peanut butter, and condiments. One unexpected but welcome staple has been the repeated delivery of fresh potatoes, a gesture that Extension staff say will make for plenty of hearty Thanksgiving side dishes.

Photo provided

“The turnout for this food drive has just been amazing,” said University of Illinois SNAP-Ed educator Tracy Bowden. “It’s great to see the community come together and support each other during this challenging time.”

This week, the donations began making their way into the community. University of Illinois Extension SNAP-Ed is distributing the collected items to three Head Start locations and three food pantries across Champaign County. One of the first deliveries went to the Community Service Center of Northern Champaign County in Rantoul.

By Monday afternoon, Nov. 24, the cumulative weight of donated food had reached 431 pounds — a number that reflects both need and compassion.

All items collected through the Holiday Food Drive will continue to support families and individuals throughout the county, offering a measure of comfort and nourishment as the holiday season unfolds.

TAGS: Champaign County holiday food assistance programs, University of Illinois Extension SNAP-Ed initiatives, local food pantry donation needs Champaign County, community-supported holiday food drives Illinois, Head Start food distribution partnerships Champaign County

Help feed Champaign County families through the SNAP-Ed holiday food drive

The Holiday Food Drive runs through Nov. 26, accepting non-perishable items at the Champaign office. Each donation supports pantries and households across the county. Even small contributions can make a big difference this season.

CHAMPAIGN - There’s something about the sound of a can dropping into a donation box - a small, metallic note that carries a quiet kind of hope. Each clang, each thud of a box of pasta or bag of rice, echoes louder this time of year when neighbors start thinking less about what’s on their own tables and more about how to fill someone else’s. That’s the spirit behind the University of Illinois Extension SNAP-Ed Holiday Food Drive, which is now underway to help stock pantry shelves across Champaign County before the holidays arrive.

Photo: Jacob McGowin/Unsplash

From Monday, November 10, through Wednesday, November 26, community members are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to the Extension office at 801 North Country Fair Drive in Champaign. Donations can be dropped off Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. All contributions - from a single can of soup to a full grocery sack - will go directly to local pantries and families who could use an extra helping hand this season.

“We know that the holidays can be a challenging time for many families,” said Tracy Bowden, University of Illinois SNAP-Ed educator. “Every food item donated helps ensure that our neighbors have nutritious meals to enjoy during the season.”

The most helpful items are shelf-stable staples: canned vegetables and fruit, pasta, rice, cereal, peanut butter, and other non-perishables. A few simple items from one household can easily turn into a warm meal for another.

For many in the community, the food drive isn’t just about generosity - it’s about connection. It’s about slowing down long enough to remember that even a small gesture can ripple outward. As grocery costs rise and pantry shelves grow thin, every donation becomes a message that says, you’re not forgotten.

If you’re able, take a moment this week to drop something off. It may not seem like much, but to the family unpacking that bag later this month, it will mean everything.

For more information about the Holiday Food Drive, contact Tracy Bowden at tbowden@illinois.edu.

Needed clothing often out of reach thanks rising cost of living, one company is helping change that

BPT - Families in poverty often spend over 80% of their income on food, housing, childcare and healthcare, leaving little room for essentials like winter clothing. Unfortunately, many children miss school or cannot fully participate because they do not have warm coats or shoes. This lack of warm clothing has a ripple effect and is one of the reasons 32% of children in the poorest school districts are chronically absent.

A new partnership between the national nonprofit Operation Warm and Subaru is helping to provide these essentials, offering brand-new, high-quality coats, shoes and socks for children in need.

The Subaru Loves to Help initiative will help over 630 Subaru retailers deliver winter clothing to underserved communities across the country.

Subaru retailers will also host on-site gifting events or coordinate drop-off deliveries based on the community's needs. Events will provide children the opportunity to select brand-new coats, shoes and socks.

Other articles:

August is National Breastfeeding Month

Photo: Samuel Lee/Pixabay

by Sentinel News Service

CHAMPAIGN - Every August, communities across the United States come together to celebrate National Breastfeeding Month, a time dedicated to promoting the benefits and importance of breastfeeding. This month-long observance aims to raise awareness, provide education, and encourage support for breastfeeding mothers and their families.

In conjunction with National Breastfeeding Month, the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District (CUPHD) announced its third annual breastfeeding supplies drive. Building upon their past success the drive will take place during the entire month of August.

Sarah Chai/PEXELS

The donated supplies will be given to parents enrolled in the WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Program. This program offers support to expectant and postpartum parents, helping them learn about breastfeeding and overcome any obstacles they may encounter in achieving their individual breastfeeding goals.

The WIC program's mission is to safeguard the health of low-income pregnant women, new mothers, breastfeeding women, infants, and children up to age five who are at nutritional risk. It provides nutritious food to improve diets, offers education on healthy eating and breastfeeding, and connects participants to healthcare services.

National Breastfeeding Month was established in 2011 by the United States Breastfeeding Committee (USBC) to align with World Breastfeeding Week, which takes place during the first week of August. The initiative was created to bring greater attention to breastfeeding as a key component of public health and to advocate for policies that support breastfeeding mothers. The month-long celebration serves as a platform to highlight the critical role that breastfeeding plays in the health and well-being of both mothers and infants.

Breastfeeding provides numerous benefits for both mothers and their babies. For infants, breast milk is a complete source of nutrition that contains antibodies, enzymes, and hormones crucial for their development. It helps protect against infections, reduces the risk of chronic conditions, and promotes a healthy weight. For mothers, breastfeeding can lower the risk of certain cancers, aid in postpartum recovery, and strengthen the bond with their baby. Additionally, breastfeeding has economic benefits, reducing the need for formula and healthcare costs associated with treating illnesses.

Through the breastfeeding supplies drive, CUPHD hopes to support WIC families by providing them with the supplies they need to breastfeed longer to meet their breastfeeding goals and improve their infant's health.

Items needed include nursing pads, pillows, and covers; breast milk storage bags; electric and manual breast pumps; and breast pump accessories. All items must be received new and sealed in their original packaging.

Photo: Brytny.com/Unsplash

National Breastfeeding Month is a vital initiative that brings attention to the importance of breastfeeding for maternal and infant health. By participating in this celebration, individuals and organizations can help create a supportive environment that empowers mothers and promotes the well-being of future generations.

A curated Amazon wish list is available for virtual donations. Donated items will be sent directly to CUPHD to distribute to clients enrolled in the Breastfeeding Peer Counselor program. Donations from this list can be made year-round.

Products can also be donated in person at CUPHD, August 1-31, at the WIC intake window inside the CUPHD main lobby.

Ways to donate:

Online: Amazon wish list
The wish list will remain open year-round, 24/7.

In-person:

CUPHD Champaign WIC desk (201 West Kenyon Road, Champaign): Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m.—noon, 1:00 p.m.—4:30 p.m.
CUPHD Rantoul WIC desk (520 East Wabash Avenue, #2, Rantoul): Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday, 8:30 a.m.—noon, 1:00 p.m.—4:30 p.m.
Orchard Downs clinic (2040 South Orchard Street, Unit 2040-A, Urbana): Thursday, 8:30 a.m.—noon, 1:00 p.m.—4:30 p.m.

Urbana Farmers Market WIC booth
Saturday, August 24, 7:00 a.m.—noon
Come celebrate National Breastfeeding Month with breastfeeding-related games, giveaways, information about WIC and breastfeeding laws, and more!

The Giving Place seeking donations to help Unit 7 families

TOLONO - In addition food donations, The Giving Place is seeking kids clothing, especially for young boys, this month.

"The Giving Place started as a way for our church and other community churches to minister to the Unit 7 School District and help those in need," said Mike Williams. "All donations of food are most welcome as the need in our community is great. This ministry can’t survive without the support of our community."

Any family in need residing in the Unit 7 school district is encouraged to visit The Giving Place Wednesdays from 4:00 – 6:00. TGP is located at 113 N Bourne in Tolono.

This week, the organization served seven families, which included 18 adults and seven children, with eight boxes of food totalling $400.

Williams said the ministry will continue for as long as they are able to do so and thanked those who donated items throughout the year.

Donated items and food may be dropped off every Wednesday between 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. or every first Saturday between 9:00 a.m. - Noon. TGP asks that donation not be left outside the building during closed hours.

Roch's to host Fine Arts program fundraiser this weekend

ST. JOSEPH - The St. Joseph-Ogden High School Fine Arts is holding a fundraiser this Sunday at Roch's Place in downtown St. Joseph.

Proceeds from the event will be donated to the fine arts program at the high school.

"Bring your family, your requests, and your wallets and let's pack the place for the SJO Fine Arts!" organizers wrote on Facebook.

Logan Allen Music is headlining the three-hour event slated to start at 3 p.m.

Giving Place continues to help local families in need

TOLONO -- The Giving Place seeking donations of canned fruit, canned beans, canned tomato products, canned spaghetti sauce, 100% juice, canned vegetables, mac & cheese, and pasta meals.

The Christian ministry also publicly thanked the Tolono Presbyterian WYN Youth Group for donating over 100 boxes of cereal.

Located at 113 North Bourne in Tolono, TGP is a Christian ministry serving families in need in the Unit 7 School District on Wednesdays from 4:00 – 6:00. Last week, the organization helped nine families, including a new one, which included 28 people and 16 children with the weekly food pantry.

TGP's next free-clothing giveaway will be from 9 am to noon on Saturday, December 3.

The Giving Place seeks donations

TOLONO -- The Giving Place seeking donations of cereal, canned fruit, canned beans, canned tomato products, canned spaghetti sauce, canned meats, 64 oz. 100% juice, mac & cheese, and other pasta meals for their ministry.

Located at 113 North Bourne in Tolono, TGP is a Christian ministry serving families in need in the Unit 7 School District on Wednesdays from 4:00 – 6:00.

The Giving Place is also looking for fall and winter clothing donations.

"If you have any gently used clothing - especially jackets/coats, they would be greatly appreciated," Mike Williams said. He added: "If you know of any families in Unit Seven that are in need, please encourage them to visit The Giving Place."

The local charity organization will host a Free Clothing Giveaway on Saturday, November 5, from 9 am to noon.

The Giving Place helped Unit 7 families

The Giving Place is a community outreach program that helps those going through hard times economically. Designed to help families in the Unit 7 school district, the ministry provides food and clothing for those in need.

In the past week, The Giving Place provided assistance to 12 families, 25 adults and eight children.

The charitable organization thanked Pastor Catherine Thomas and several volunteers for serving those who sought help during the past week and for their help in cleaning, sorting and stocking racks on Wednesday. They also thanked everyone who generously donated food or money to the ministry to make their work possible.

"We are in need of the following items: canned fruit, (especially pears, fruit cocktail, mandarin oranges, pineapple & applesauce), snack items of all kinds, and peanut butter," wrote Mike Williams in an email.

Normally, The Giving Place does not accepting clothing items, but with cold, winter weather now settling in East Central Illinois, they are now accepting donations of new or gently used, clean winter coats, hats and gloves/mittens. Due to the COVID-19 crisis, the organization is not accepting new volunteers at this time.

Blood drive to be held at local church on Tuesday

There will be a blood drive this Tuesday, March 10, at the St. Joseph Church of Christ.

Donating blood is safe, quick, and can provide the gift of life. According to the American Red Cross, one donation can save up to three lives.

Walk-ins are welcomed at this Tuesday's drive and donors are encouraged make appointments online on the Mobile Blood Drive Schedule for priority service. Appointments can also be schedule via phone at (217) 367-2202.

At the time of this article, 16 time slots remain available for donations this week.

Sponsored by the Community Blood Services of Illinois, donations will be accepted from 4:30pm until 7pm. CBSI is the exclusive provider to Carle Foundation Hospital and OSF Heart of Mary Medical Center.

CBSI asks that you consume a meal prior to your donation and provide recent photo identification to verify their identity.

For more information contact the Primary Blood Drive Coordinator Talen Hawkin at (815)883-1966.

The St. Joseph Church of Christ is located at 226 East Sherman.

Flashback Friday: Win clinches 19th consecutive playoff appearance

Jack Bock carries the ball for the Spartans

This #Flashback Friday goes back to the 2009 football season. The explosive Jake Bock is slowed down by a Carlyle tackler during the Spartans' home game on October 17. The St. Joseph-Ogden football team posted their 6th win of the season after a impressive 41-7 win over the visiting Indians. The victory clinched the program's 19th consecutive IHSA playoff appearance. Bock ran for 165 rushing yards and tallied two touchdowns for SJO. Click here to see all 41 photos from that game a decade ago. (Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)

Left: Cody Bohlen kicks an extra point for the Spartans. The win was extra special and dedicated to the wife of athletic trainer Casey Hug who recently underwent surgery for breast cancer. Players' helmets bore pink ribbons while many had pink shoe laces. Coaches and staff wore pink shirts and hats to show their support. Donations taken at the gate and proceeds from the 50/50 drawing were earmarked to help cover treatment costs. Right: Bock takes a hand off from Blake Hoveln during first quarter action. (Photos: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)

Receiver Dakota Hicks leaps for a catch on the two yard line. The senior then stretched over the goal line to pile on another six points in the Spartans' rout over Carlyle that year. The Spartans went on to finish the season, 8-3. Click here to see all 41 photos from that game a decade ago. (Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)