Today the Lifestyles Channel is holding a potluck / picnic of sorts. Each of the channel blogs will be somehow discussing potlucks and picnics today - a favorite recipe, maybe some ideas for decorating, and so on. At Declutter It, we’ll look at organizing that darn grilling area.

Now, I don’t BBQ, or even own a grill, mainly because I don’t eat meat. That said, I’m a fan of grilled veggies, and also have known my fair share of grillers. However, if I say something crazy, now you know why.

Quick clean up: Place a tub of soapy water next to the BBQ. As you need to, toss used spatulas, plates, and so fourth into the water. MAKE SURE you use a container with a lid if small children will be at the BBQ; open water and kids, well, they don’t mix. Also make sure you don’t stick your hand into the soapy water and stab yourself with a skewer; which frankly sounds like something I might do.

Get your spice on: Yeah, I never spice up meat, but even I think this spice stick is ultra cute and handy. Fill it with BBQ spices and hang it on the grill - too easy.

Get the kids to do almost everything: They’re young and healthy, they can take it. Let them shuck corn, snap beans, set the table, make lemonade, peel fruits, and clean up at the end. One it’ll keep them busy. Two, it frees you up time to spend on cooking and relaxing. Three, it builds character.

Got grill trouble?: Icky grills with rusty parts can be quickly fixed up with one good old can of coke. Scrub it on and see results. I’ve never actually coked up a grill. However, on one of my road trips my car broke down in Flagstaff (I believe) and the AAA car guy just poured coke on my rusty, gross battery, and my car was as good as new. Yay coke. Just don’t drink it. Now that you know it dissolves rust; do you really want to drink it?

Turn your hosted BBQ into a potluck: This obviously cuts down on any organizing and planning you need to do. Ask for food and you shall get it.

What other ideas do you have for getting your summer grill events organized?

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If you want to clear out some clutter, and are having issues getting motivated, here’s one way to get moving.

Call up a couple local charities that accept household items, toys, art supplies, books, clothing, and more. Ask what they need. Make an appointment on a set day, at a set time to drop off some goods you have that they need. It’s easier to sort and give up items that are going to a good cause; especially if you’ve made a commitment to an organizing. Women’s shelters, homeless youth transitional shelters, and low income child care centers are some ideas of organizations to call.

You may also qualify for a tax break for donated items - just keep an itemized list so you’ll know what to list on your return.

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If you’re headed to the beach, park or hiking trails, and your child MIGHT need a bucket, then the Scrunch-bucket collapsible bucket is perfect. This bucket is a great maybe bucket, because you can fold it, roll it, and smash it up small to fit in your bag. Much better than having to carry a bag and three big plastic buckets that your kid may or may not use. With the scrunch-bucket, if a rock collection attack hits, you’re all set.

Visit the Scrunch-bucket website to learn more.

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Loose change is super annoying. I tend to use my debit card for just about everything, but once in a while I do use cash, and change happens. I don’t keep a change purse, because it’d be a waste of an item for me. What I do is I keep a little bowl right by my entry door, and when I walk in I grab any change from my bag and dump it in the bowl. This means I don’t have to check all over the house when I want to turn my change in at my bank. I don’t have much change so every once in a while I just gather it up, count it, roll it, and save it for the bank.

Banks differ: My bank actually takes loose change (not all banks do so check with your own bank). Some banks take loose change for a fee, others don’t charge you. My bank will add change to my account rather quickly, if you roll it. If I just toss a bag of change at them, they note that exchanging the coins for cash can take up to a week and a half.

As noted, I roll my own, using basic paper coin roll casings, however, if you have a lot of loose change you might want to try a more sophisticated organizing system.

The Money Wrapper Bank sorts, stacks, counts coins, and then delivers them into individual preformed wrappers. For what it does, this coin bank is a pretty good deal too - just over $20.

I’d maybe consider the Coin Counting and Sorting Tubes. Since I use basic wraps, it might make my coin sorting go a little faster.

lf you’re a spy with coins then the CC-410 Automatic Coin Counter and Coin Sorter. This baby sorts up to 600 coins per minute! Wow. The site I found this at - SpySite, is noted as being good for fulfilling all your spying needs. I don’t know weather to be intrigued or a little freaked that people are actively shopping for spy stuff. I do like the sleek design of this coin sorter though.

And in crazy coin counter news, look at this machine. It’s big, it’s bulky, and who would have enough coins for the CM Manual Klopp Coin Counter? Also, it’s pricey. I’m too much in shock to tell you how much. Not sure you’d believe me anyhow. It’s recommended for things like car washes and on-the-go sales folk.

Ok, last up, not a coin sorter, but a related post that’s way too cool not to see - Robotic Piggy Bank Eats Money, Gives Me Nightmares. Seriously, click that link. You won’t be sorry.

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My TV stand is actually a chest. It was my grandmas, and I love it. It needs re-sanded and oiled, but it does well as a TV stand. Of course my TV is not that large so it sits well on this chest along with the DVD player. The best thing about my chest is that it does double duty. It’s packed full of boxes I want to keep; such as old baby clothing and a few other things.

Here are some pieces of furniture you can use as basic furniture pieces, and also use to store stuff in:

A chest - obviously! I love this chest below, it’s great because it’s not funky with locks and shiny hinges, it’s simple so if you did use it as a TV stand, it’s not obnoxious. That’s how mine is, but not quite this pretty. You can also use chests as bedroom, or entryway seating and still store items inside.

[Beautiful chest from Martin Davis Furniture Design - go visit, all the pieces are gorgeous]

A good ottoman with storage is the perfect living room solution. You can store CDs or DVD in long ottomans or kids toys in smaller ones. You can also use it for small items that look messy - magazines, remotes, and so on. Plus of course, you get to double use an ottoman to sit on or put your feet up. Here are two choices:

[Hess Ottoman from Houseworks]

Uno Storage Table/Ottoman - this awesome ottoman below does triple duty with storage, sitting, and table capacity. Very nice, and a sleek design to boot. Available at Jensen - Lewis.

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