What is Being Organized?

They say beauty is in the eye of the beholder and in some ways, being organized means different things to different people.  Even professional organizers differ in the way they define and characterize being organized.  Regardless of the definitions, being organized is a positive thing just as being disorganized has negative connotations.

It is true each of us will have our own organizing styles just as we have individual personalities and preferences.  But there are some common threads that characterize organized spaces.

1.  They have items arranged so they are not overcrowded.  There are not too many items in the space and each can be accessed easily. 
2.  Similar items are grouped together.  We call it "like with like". 
3.  Items are contained so they remain in their designeated space without falling out or wandering into other spaces.
4.  Items are placed where they are used.  The more frequently they are used, the closer they should be.
5.  Every item has a permanent, specific home.  Nothing else is put in that space so it can always be found and always be returned to its home.

In organized spaces, any item can be found withing a minute, cleaning is easier and spaces have a sense of calm and peace.  We live in a universe with orderly systems all around us and I believe we can never be truly content until our personal spaces are orderly too.

Back to School Starts at Home

Most parents are anxiously preparing for the first day of the new school year by purchasing the items requested on the teacher's or school's supply lists. But this activity is only a small part of making the year more successful for the children.

Getting the house in back to school mode is also necessary. Some activities that need to be considered are: establishing a drop off and pick up area in the home for book bags, athletic equipment, etc.; creating a study zone for homework; setting up a schedule for after school activities, homework and family time; maintaining a central message and planning area and providing routines that work for everyone.

Each family will adapt these activities to their preferences and ages of the children, but making sure everyone is on board from the first day is important. Creating a checklist for each child, maintaining a school activities and events calendar as well as checking the teacher's web site can also help in keeping up with daily schedules and staying ahead of possible changes and special events.

As the school year progresses, changes can be made to adapt to new activities. Flexibility and preparedness will make transitions much easier for everyone. Keeping a positive attitude goes a long way in success for everyone.

Rubbermaid's Easy Find Lids Containers

Rubbermaid is now providing storage bowls that have tight fitting plastic lids, the “Easy Find Lids Containers”. For those who prefer microwaving, these are perfect for storing leftovers and then reheating without the lids. (Cover with paper to prevent splattering.)
They are available individually and in sets. As resusable containers, perfect for the refrigerator, freezer, microwave and dishwasher, you can't find anything any better. They are good for going green, too. Check them out wherever you find Rubbermaid products.

Crafting Can Get Crazy

Making something with your own hands is an opportunity to be creative and produce something that will enhance your life and often that of others. It is rewarding to see the items you have created be appreciated by others and sometimes be a source of additional income.

Those who have these unique abilities often find themselves learning more and more crafting techniques and building an accumulation of supplies that are needed to make the products. When there is no limit to the kinds and amounts of projects, disorganization can occur.

As a professional organizer and former craftaholic, I can recommend limiting the number of different crafts you make. If you love sewing, limit yourself to projects that use fabrics. It may be quilts (my favorite), purses, aprons, jumpers or tote bags. If you like rubber stamping and papers, limit yourself to cards, scrapbooks, invitations, etc. If you like beading, limit yourself to making jewelry, embellishing clothing and other accessories. In other words, try to stick with crafts that are related in the supplies they require.

The problem occurs if you try to do beading, rubber stamping, sewing or other combinations of crafting. Unless you have a very large space for storage and working, it is very difficult to organize so many different types of supplies. For those who do have large workrooms, keeping the different craft supplies in separate zones makes is much easier to store and access those items.

Crafting is a great outlet for relieving stress and producing objects that can bless you and others. Keeping the amount of supplies to a reasonable number is an exercise in self discipline. We all can use more of that.