The backstory. Part of what draws me to Computer Science research is my general love of thinking about optimal solutions given a set of constraints, and testing out (and measuring the success of) new ideas . I like playing strategy board games , grouping errands to minimize travel time and distance , and packing exactly without excess . Unrelated: I’m also sensitive to visual overcrowding and cannot concentrate when my surroundings are messy or disorganized .
The catalyst. Enter two baby boys across three rough pregnancies during my postdoc and a worldwide pandemic imprisoning our family of 4 in a tiny urban apartment with no childcare options or any outside help for more than half a year. You get it. Maybe.
The outcome. Planning, executing, and iteratively refactoring organization solutions to enable everyone in the family to independently find and use their stuff safely and put it away themselves was essential for life but also, turns out, an essential form of selfcare for me. Our friends have been so delighted by some of my systems that they’ve encouraged me to share my ideas with you all. Hope you enjoy!
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In engineering (and design), geometric constraints refer to limitations on a single entity (size, location) and dependencies on pairs of entities ↔ (distance, arc angle). Our laundry room was a great exercise in satisfying geometric constraints! [Read More]
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Multipurpose 3'x3'...
entryway, pantry, coat closet, drop zone...
Our (third floor walkup) condo has no entryway, no pantry, and a single hallway closet. This tiny 3’8”x3’3” closet is the most utilized square footage in our home and has an enormous number of functions to fulfill. [Read More] -
Spicing up our utility room
while paring down our assorted sundries
The phrase “technical debt” refers to the unavoidable cost of future maintenance or reworking of a (software) system where speed/hacks were prioritized over quality during development. My “utility” corner of the laundry room had accumulated enough debt to render it nonfunctional. [Read More] -
Organizing extra takeout cutlery
with VERY EXTRA custom 3D-printed bins
I was looking for an excuse to design a custom 3D print in TinkerCad anyway, so what better project than to finally fix an irksome problem: organizing our disposable, takeout cutlery?! [Read More] -
Jars, jars, jars!
so good that they deserve their own post
I love a good, multifunctional home product (even more than I despise single-purpose appliances). Mason jars are the most ubiquitous kitchen item we own, and I’m here to give you the DL on why they’re my absolute favorite. [Read More] -
A faux garage in Cambridge
or how I decked out my storage unit
Our storage unit in the shared, unfinished basement of our 1890 condo had turned into a dark, scary dumping ground for stuff we didn’t need (but didn’t want to deal with) and a whole bunch of stuff we did need but couldn’t access! Time for a fix! [Read More] -
I built a fireplace!
TL;DR it's awesome
Is there anything cozier than a warm fire crackling in a brick-surround fireplace in your own home to get you through the long, dark, cold Boston winter? No way! So I needed to find a way to get one! [Read More] -
Taming the torrent of TOYS
...consider me influenced
You’re well aware of the problem. So let’s cut straight to my fun solutions, all inspired by one of the best pieces of mom advice I’ve gotten: “Don’t focus on having a perfectly clean house, focus on having an EASY TO CLEAN house.” [Read More] -
Making (and getting rid of) kids artwork
sans tears from Amma or babies
Enabling kids’ independent “art” and then shamelessly getting rid of the results without triggering any tantrums is most definitely an art in and of itself. [Read More] -
1 bathroom ↔ 4 people
half of whom can't reach the sink
Ah, the joys and horrors of POTTY TRAINING !!! Let me tell you what is NOT going to work: A bathroom where the kids can’t… access the toilet , turn the light on/off , or wash/dry their hands . (Plus anyway this bathroom was gross and weird.)... [Read More] -
Linens in mailboxes
a most sensible location
I used to keep spare sheets and towels in our laundry room (like a normal person) until detergent dripped all over them one day… Finding a new spot for our linens was necessary but nonobvious, since bedroom closets are less accessible, and we don’t have a linen closet. I... [Read More] -
Just need my phone+wallet+keys
micro-optimize these three, please
Adam Sandler said it first: “Good things come in threes: need my phone , wallet , keys .” It’s true! We need this trifecta every single day, and so micro-optimizing how we interact with these things has enabled us to start our days efficiently and stressfree. [Read More]