The return of my students has, in grand fashion, coincided with the departure of a favorite co-worker and my subsequent move to (yet another) shared office.

In the midst of all this, the reorganization that I started in my spare bedroom hit a snag from which it hasn't recovered since my last trip abroad.

Use mailing tubes cut to different lengths for storing things and reducing clutter.

Such are the stressors of a recovering pack rat.

And while I've diligently taken steps to remove some of the clutter with each move I've made -- both professionally and personally -- there are still some things lingering that I feel I should keep. As you know, I'm particularly partial to crafting implements and office supplies.

So, to reduce some clutter -- and make use of some more -- I took on a project using old mailing tubes that I'd been keeping to "recycle" when needed.

Slicing the tubes into various lengths gave me storage for objects of various heights: paintbrushes, scissors, pencils, paper clips, etc. And I was lucky that I had mailing tubes of various circumferences to accommodate my needs.

It's easiest to cut the tubes using a coping saw, but box cutters or even a sharp kitchen knife can make easy work of the task. Then it's all about how to decorate them and get them in place.

Using two end caps (or covering one end with paper and tape), you can have a closed container to pack items away or travel with them. By closing only one end you can have easy access to desk items or frequently used supplies.

But the possibilities don't stop with a single container. I've also used various colors of duct tape to bundle differing lengths together in an homage to the desktop organizer.

The ways in which you can arrange the mailing tubes are limitless, as are the possibilities for what they can organize.

And, really, that's what being a recovering pack rat is all about: getting rid of what you don't need, finding an accessible place for what you do, and using recyclables to make it as affordable and efficient as possible.

Mailing tubes, top, were cut to different lengths, above, for a variety purposes from holding pens on a desktop to storing household items. (Vanessa Cook)

Vanessa Cook is a former copy editor for the Southeast Missourian who dabbles in decorating.