Organizing Tips from Orderly Places

Organizing Checklist for February

2012-02-01T04:41:00.000-08:00

January was a busy month. If you have packed away the holiday items and worked on your files, inventory and budget you can take some time this month to enjoy your entertainment and hobby spaces.

Sort through videos and CDs and remove those no longer used. Let’s face it, if you haven’t run them in the last couple of years, you probably will not. Our tastes in music and movies change over the years. Sell or pass them on to someone who wants them.
Clear the bookshelves of fiction you have already read and reference books. It is unlikely you will reread fiction and reference books become outdated quickly. Use the Internet to keep up to date on those topics. You can sell or donate those items and make room for more good reading on cold winter nights.
Review your cookbook collection and recipes you have collected. Consider online sites for new recipe ideas. I promise you can find any type of recipe you want with Google. Save only those with recipes you continually use or those with sentimental value.
Review the holiday magazines you purchased last fall, clip out items you want to save and recycle the rest. Consider donating them to local doctor’s offices, beauty shops, etc. I promise they need them. I personally am tired or reading Golf magazines when I am in waiting rooms.
Purge those catalogues, too. They are simply printed commercials and you know how much you hate those interruptions. Why waste time on the printed version? If you must, save the back page with the promotion codes, etc. If you need to make a purchase, you can go online, find the item and use the current discount.
Make the most of indoor time by finishing up indoor decorating projects and/or enjoying time on indoor hobbies. Sort through your supplies and remove those no longer useful.
Begin planning for early spring activities. Buy seeds now and consider planting them indoors for early blooms and crops. If that is not convenient at least you will have better seed choices now.
Make preliminary plans for spring or summer vacations. Early reservations are usually less expensive. Insure all travel tickets.

The days are getting longer now and with daylight savings time coming early in March, we will soon be spending more time outside. I look forward to spring flowers and green leaves on my trees

Organizing Tips for January

2012-01-01T16:04:00.000-08:00

Last year my January article suggested you eliminate one bag of donations/recycle a week and eliminate one hour of electronics to free up your time. If you followed through on it, you are well on your way in your organizing journey.

This year I will make another suggestion to jump start the organizing process. Keep a bag or box near your door for donations. Each day as you see an item that you no longer use, immediately place it in the container.

So many times we keep things “just in case I might need it” but we haven’t used it in years if ever. Impulse purchases and gifts are often put in drawers, cabinets or closets but never used. Free yourself of these items and make space for organizing what is left.

Other items may have lost their usefulness but could be used by someone else. Move those on to a higher purpose. If sentimental items are not being enjoyed or honored but rather packed away in a closet or attic, see if another family member has room to display or used them. Letting go an item doesn’t mean you forget the person or event.

If you are diligent to put an item in everyday, you will quickly see more space for the things you use and love. Of course a closet clean out could have enough items to meet your quota for a week or two. It is never too late to make changes to be better organized.

Here are more reminders for January.

Start a container for tax related items that arrive in the mail this month.
Update your paper and computer records by purging folders of items no longer needed. This will make planning a new budget for the year and preparing tax forms much easier. Shred old financial documents a little at a time or take them to a records management company to be shred professionally. If you have questions about how long you should keep some records, contact me or check out pages 135-138 in my book, Orderly Places.
If you have not already done so, get a new planner/calendar that shows a week at a glance and breaks each day into hourly segments. Schedule your daily activities in it. Most computers have programs to do this, as does Google and other online sources, at no additional cost.
Update your home inventory. Take pictures or make a video of every room, every closet, the garage and attic for insurance purposes. These pictures will also give you a fresh and objective look at the appearance of you spaces.

Set a goal to make this year a successful one for organizing your home. Every step will make it a more enjoyable place for you and your family.

Organizing the New Toys

2011-12-19T06:03:00.000-08:00

Preparing for New Toys

The organizing process almost always requires removing items that are no longer needed. Most children (and some adults) have too many toys and some are rarely used. Consider removing now those that are no longer useful, that have become obsolete, those children have outgrown and those broken or in need of parts or repair.

This is an excellent time to teach children to share and also make room for more appropriate items. Items that are in good condition can be taken to local charities or thrift shops. Taking pictures of the children with some of their favorite but no longer needed toys is a good way to remember the good times without all the clutter.

And don’t forget about the entertainment and hobby items no longer needed by adults. Replaced televisions, VCRs, sports equipment, etc. can be removed and donated to make more space in the home and provide items for others less fortunate to enjoy.

Taking the time now to make space for the new items coming into the house this month will make the task of organizing after the holidays much easier.

Organizing Checklist for December

2011-12-01T02:54:00.001-08:00

We are approaching the end of the year but this is a busy month for everyone. Some organizing strategies for this season have already been covered in the previous months. Here are some final reminders and tips to help you through the holidays and the end of the year.

Children and adults should take time to donate any items that are no longer useful. Many families will be forced to shop at thrift stores for holiday gifts and donating toys and clothing can be a blessing you will never see.

If you have not done so already, immediately send cards, packages, newsletters and email messages.

Begin traditions with your family if you have not already begun them. For young children, simple activities such as baking cookies or decorating packages are best. Older children can help with community or church events. The family can purchase gifts for an "Angel Tree", read the Christmas story together, watch a favorite Christmas movie, etc. Keep it simple.

Take pictures of family and friends and the decorations you chose as a keepsake and reminder for next year.

Be flexible on the big day and welcome any help offered. Don't sweat the small stuff and keep the mood light and happy.

Avoid the after Christmas sale unless you absolutely immediately need the items. Avoid the long lines, parking problems and traffic jams. Items that need to be returned can usually wait for a few days.

Resist the urge to buy more holiday decorations just because they are on sale.

Keep a journal of what worked and what didn't, the gifts you gave and any changes you would make in the future. Keep a list of clutter free gifts you can give next year. (A list can be found in my book on pages 103-105.)

Keep the collection of all the lists, ideas, recipes, pictures, evaluations, etc. related to the holiday in a manila folder or create a folder for them on your computer.

Plan the holiday clean up when others are there to help you. Make it as much a part of the traditions as decorating.

As you take down the decorations, consider purging what you can. Eliminate as much permanent storage as possible. Make sure all items are clean and in good repair. Try to maintain only those things with special significance or that cannot be replaced. Donate or pass on the others.

Consider color coding holiday containers and label with the contents.

If you have space, hang bows in bags on hooks to maintain their shape.

Set a family goal to make the holidays even more meaningful next year. Adopt a charity, volunteer in the community, participate in your church holiday program, etc. Write down your decision and make plans for it next year.

The Perfect Christmas Tree

2011-11-09T03:44:00.000-08:00

Not all families are created equal and neither are Christmas Trees. We have never had a very tall tree because it never suited our homes and I have always had artificial trees to reduce the extra care and mess. This is personal preference.

When the kids were toddlers we places a 3' tree on the buffet. By the time they were older, we lived in a house with a window seat in a very large bay window that begged for a 4' tree. Our next move was after the kids were grown and moved out for the most part. I wasn't really interested in continuing with a tree until I was reminded the grandchildren would expect one.

My new living room was smaller and the only logical place for a tree was on a card table that we placed over a trunk in front of the window. With a 4' tree on the table, it looked like a 7' tree and filled the window and our 9' ceilings nicely even from the outside. So I have never had to decorate a large tree.

As the years passed, my husband and I got older and I was becoming an expert at purging belongings, so we decided to move all the Christmas bins permanently out of the attic and into the garage. I scaledd down to 2 bins and a tree. Since I have a brown thumb and have always mixed fake and real plants around the window in my home, I decided it was time to add the 4' spruce to my collection (without the decorations). Now I always have a little tree in my living room on the floor along with other plants. It is good at blending in with the rest of my "eclectic" decor. (The politically correct description.)

After Thanksgiving, the card table is put over the trunk and covered with a green sheet, the tree is placed on the table, and it is decorated. The amount of time and space saved is great. It really is the perfect Christmas tree.

Organizing Checklist for November

2011-11-09T03:32:00.000-08:00

Ready or not, the winter holidays are coming quickly. Here are a couple of reminders plus more strategies to get you through the next few weeks.

Have packages for mailing out of town ready to send. Some overseas deadlines occur in November. Even packages to domestic locations should be ready to ship by the end of the month.

Now is the best time for online shopping. Almost all stores are offering free shipping and the selection is better now than later. Be sure to save receipts until after the holiday so items can be returned if necessary and to validate any charges on future credit statements. It is a good idea to keep this in a special envelope, folder, box, basket, etc.

Last month we reminded you to purchase holiday cards if you are particular about them. Now is the time to address and get them ready to mail. Email greetings can wait until December.

And I can never stress this point enough: If you choose to send a holiday newsletter, remember to keep it short and sweet. The shorter, the sweeter. No bragging is allowed; keep it newsy with love and appreciation for the input the recipients have had in your lives.

If you begin your holiday decorating early, be selective as you pull out the boxes of decorations. Pass on those items that you no longer like or use to save space and time. Permanent wreaths for the door can have the bow and a few leaves or flowers changed each season and will not have to be packed and stored. I purchase the inexpensive wreath decorations for my permanent vine wreath each season and toss them after use. They are normally dirty or faded anyway.

Stand alone decorations specific to the holidays take lots of time in packing and unpacking each year and require more storage space. By simply adding decorative bows, etc. to lamps, candles, house plants, etc., you can make your home festive without needing extra storage bins and space after the holidays.

In addition to the kitchen organizing we suggested last month, spend some time going through the kitchen equipment. Now is a good time to donate or sell those pots, pans, small appliances, tools and utensils you do not use. If you have not used an item in the past year, it should not be taking up valuable real estate in your kitchen. Consider storing it in a more remote place in the house if you cannot part with it. A good article on selecting basic pots and pans was written by Pat Caudill on his Facebook article: https://www.facebook.com/#!/CookingForLife.biz Check out his website: www.CookingForLife.biz.

Avoid shopping on Black Friday unless you absolutely must go and be sure to stick to your “needs” list. Going into the stores with their displays of special pricing, etc. is an emotional trap waiting for your hard earned cash. And all that stuff you don’t really need will clutter your house. After years of getting up before dawn to hit the sales, I have learned it is much smarter to just stay home that weekend, get more sleep and decorate. If you love the adventure, if you only buy what you need and is on your list, and if you don’t mind crowds and insane traffic jams and parking, go for it and send me your stories! maryfrances@OrderlyPlaces.com

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Organizing Checklist for October

Fall is officially here. In some parts of our country the weather may not show it, but it is time to get moving towards the season filled with decorating and entertaining. This month we will concentrate on getting the kitchen organized and ready for holiday cooking and serving.

Inventory your linens and purge what you haven’t used in years. If some hold sentimental value, see if someone in your family can use them and give them the honor they deserve. If some are in need of repair, make the decision to take care of that or to move them on. Removing those that you do not use will make more space for those that you love and use.
Look over your dinnerware and remove pieces that cannot be used because of chips or other damage. If there are odd pieces that cannot be used with other items, move them on, too. Complete sets that are stored in boxes and never opened should be sold, donated or given to someone who wants them. As with your linens, move on pieces that are simply taking up space.
If you send holiday cards and are very selective in what you prefer, purchase them now while the selection is good. You can find good sales on them later on, but the selection will not be as favorable.
Inventory your spices, extracts and specialty kitchen gadgets before the holiday rush. Remove those that have expired or no longer useful and make a list of what you will need for holiday cooking. Be careful not to purchase items that you will not have room to store the rest of the year.
Inventory your cookbooks and recipe collection. Purge those that are no longer useful. Remember recipes for anything you need can be found online.
Inventory the pantry making note of items you will need for special recipes you use during the holidays. Look for specials on these items in the local grocery stores.
Continue sorting summer clothing and other hot weather items. Donate or sell those you no longer want or need.
Begin the purge of toys that children have outgrown so there is room for new items that arrive during the holidays.
Clean the windows, inside and out. Most of the summer grasses have shed their pollen, the weather is good for outdoor work and the busyness of November and December will make the task more inconvenient. For a review of Windex Outdoor, check out the posting for August 17, 2010 on my special tips blog. http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=7640181261458137999&postID=3051892184347792985

The end of the month also brings Halloween and the Trick or Treat invaders.

First you want to be sure the pathway to your door is safe. Remember to clean the driveway, sidewalk, steps and porch while it is still daylight. Fallen leaves can be slippery especially when wet so they should be removed as well as any toys, twigs, etc. Make sure this area is well lit by leaving your porch light and any other light fixtures on during the Trick or Treat hours. Those hours are set by each locality.

It is recommended that you give only individually pre-wrapped candy and keep it in a convenient basket, bowl or other container that is easy for you to manage at the door. You should not allow each child to reach into your container to get the candy since each one could be contaminating the other pieces with his hands. Rather, you should choose and drop the candy into each child's bag yourself. Keep hand sanitizer near the door and use it yourself as often as you think necessary.

As an extra precaution, you may want to use disinfecting wipes to clean your doorbell or door handles if you keep it closed between visitors. This can be done periodically during the evening or at the end when Trick or Treating is over. It is a shame we need to be so careful, but it is always better to be safe than sorry and we want to do our part in keeping our homes and neighbors as healthy and safe as possible.

Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Organizing Checklist for September

This month marks a shift in the thinking and planning for many of us. Summer vacations are behind us, we look forward to cooler temperatures and we plan for the upcoming holidays. Below are some strategies to help us make the fall transition including tips for organizing the bathrooms.

Take advantage of paper, office and stationery sales of items left over from the Back to School supplies. These will often be found in the clearance isles and bins.
Begin looking for new planners and calendars for next year. The selection is better in early fall. Pick one that allows you to write in daily activities.
Update the fall activities on your family calendar. Consider state fairs, apple and pumpkin picking, fall festivals, new community classes, etc. Send out “Save the Date” for any holiday activities you are hosting. .
Cull the magazines, save only needed articles and recycle the remainder. If you must purchase holiday magazines, be selective and recycle after reading.
Donate summer gadgets you did not use this year. If you ever need them again, you can get them at that time. Don’t let them take up valuable storage and work spaces.
Remove summer decorative items and toss those that are faded or worn. Pull out the fall decorations and donate those that are no longer useful.
Clean the windows and exterior items around the house. You will have more time and better temperatures this month than later on in the season.
Bathrooms are abused during summer month with extra showers, more bodies at home and higher humidity. Take inventory of supplies needed to clean and restock them.
Clean out the old sunscreens, summer make up and lotions. Remove expired medications, etc.
Purchase cold and flu preventatives, remedies and medications now. They will be harder to find with the onset of flu season
Inventory linens, remove those no longer needed or in disrepair. Make a list of what is needed.
Install under the bathroom sink slide out trays or baskets to contain items that are difficult to reach. Styles are available to go around the plumbing efficiently.
Install a magnifying mirror designed for wall mounting. It will save counter space.
Additional storage can be added with shelves or cabinets over the toilet, skirts around free standing sinks, or bags with pockets on the back of the door.
Use hooks rather than bars for children to hang towels or washcloths. They are easier to manipulate and are more likely to be used.

Think ahead for the holidays. If you plan to make holiday gifts, plan and start now or you may not have them ready in time. More tips on these activities in the next few months

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Organizing Checklist for August

Organizing Tips for August

This month brings us the back-to-school events, the end of summer sales and final trips to the beach and other vacation destinations. Planning for fall activities is a good idea, too.

There are two areas that benefit from organizing in August: school and office.

Many states have a weekend of freedom from sales tax to help with school supplies. Many office and stationery supplies are covered, too. These stores will identify covered items for you. In Virginia the tax holiday is August 5-7, 2011. What's Exempt: During this three-day period, purchases of qualifying school supplies selling for $20 or less per item, and purchases of qualifying clothing and footwear selling for $100 or less per item will be exempt from sales tax.

Most stores have increased their inventory of school and office supplies. You can find a better selection and better prices this month. Make a list and try to find those things you need while there are good choices. Plan ahead for consumable items like printer paper, notepads, etc. Be sure you have room to store these items. Clean out items that are no longer useful or in disrepair. Organizing your files is a great indoor activity when the weather is too hot for outside work. For children, check the supply list created by the specific school or teacher.

Think ahead in purchasing children’s clothing. My oldest child grew 3” the first two months of his 9th grade year. The clothes I purchased early in August to get the best selection were too small in October. (This was before long baggie pants were acceptable.)

If you plan on having a yard sale in the fall, begin planning now. Start gathering items that you need to move on, clean and price them. Young children have probably outgrown last year’s school attire. Take an inventory to see what you can sell or donate now. As colder weather and winter approach, you may need to take another look at heavier clothing to see what can be eliminated.

Go to Craig’s list or EBay to determine a reasonable price for selling your items. In fact, you may want to put some of the items up for sale there now so they won’t take up storage space in your home. If you want to join with others in a sale, pick a date now that is good for everyone.

More on Fabric Storage

2010-10-24T17:07:00.000-07:00

My previous post discussed one way to keep fabrics organized and with the greatest visibility. Since then I have been forwarded to another blog by my quilting friend, Eileen Green. The latest post there has one of the most impressive fabric organizational systems I have seen.

In years past, I have seen slide shows of the sewing studios of some of the country's best quilters--Sue Nickels, Caryl Fallert and others. But this set up is beyond words. You must go to the source and check out every picture. Eileen and I are trying to decide if it is inspired or insane. You decide for yourself. It is the posting for October 23, 2010. Either way, she has more "play" space, "play" money and "play" time than me.

http://stashmanicure.blogspot.com/

Organizing Fabrics

2010-09-27T08:07:00.000-07:00

The goal in any fabric organizing system is to have the fabrics available to see without moving them around, to have the fabrics contained so they don’t fall all over the place when securing what you need, and to have the space be reasonably attractive.
It appears that regardless of how you get them, most fabrics will need to be refolded to be organized efficiently. Even fat quarters are folded in a plethora of ways depending on the store that sells them. While you can purchase plastic templates for doing this, I suggest you create templates that are suitable for your particular spaces.

Pieces larger than on yard can effectively be stacked on shelves. Most shelving in closets or bookcases is 10” to 12” deep, making it perfect for one fourth of your fabric width. I would make a template for it 1” less than its depth, about 6”-9”wide for smaller yardage and 12-15”” wide for larger yardage. This width can be adjusted to the width of your shelves so you can maximize the number of stacks in the space. Be sure to allow room for the fabric itself and “breathing” room between stacks. If you buy it on the bolt, you can leave it on that and save a shelf or space just for bolts.

For maximum visibility on the shelf, leave the fabric folded with the selvages together so it is about 20”-22” wide and wrap it around the width of the template. Place the selvage edges on the bottom edge of the template so only the selvage half of the fabric will actually be on the template as you wrap. Using a flat surface makes the process easier as you can keep the fabric straight while you are wrapping.

When the fabric is completely wrapped, fold the half of the fabric not on the template over the fabric that is on the template bringing the edges even. Place the fabric on the shelf with the selvage end against the back or wall. You will have a nice round, folded edge on the front that allows you to identify and see more of the fabric. You can leave the template in place or pull it out and use it for the next fabric.

Similar templates can be made for containers that hold fabric pieces smaller than one yard. Measure the height and width of the container leaving space for the fabric around it. Wrap the fabric so that you have one last fold for the edge you will see. This may take some trial and error at first but allows you to see more of each fabric placed in the container.

No doubt many of you out there have huge fabric “collections” and this strategy may be too time consuming to consider. Depending on your satisfaction level with your system, you may not want to try this, you may want to begin this system with new pieces or you can start with one area and gradually do more. We each have systems and preferences that work best for us.

Great Product: Windex Outdoor Multi-Purpose

2010-08-17T17:09:00.000-07:00

It isn't a new product but it is new to me. Windex Outdoor is a great product for washing the outside of your windows with your garden hose. You attach the ready to use bottle to your hose, turn on the water and spray. One setting is for clear water, the other takes the solution from the bottle and sprays it. For stubborn spots, they recommend scrubbing, but I did not need it.

I am recommending this product even thought I have a newer home with the tilt-in double pane windows that can be cleaned on both sides from inside the house. I have had 2 problems doing this: First, some of my windows are blocked with furniture making it cumbersome to get to them. Second, I do not have screens on my windows so some debris that would be stopped by the screens lands on the window panes or trim. I have not enjoyed cleaning that stuff before I can clean the window. (I realize there are pros and cons to screens but I will save that for another posting.)

There were 13 large windows, 2 sliding door sets and a front door panel that I cleaned and there was still some solution left in the container. I paid about $8 including tax for the quart container. It took me less than 30 minutes to do all of them. It would have taken much longer if I had done it from the inside and they were very clean. Because my windows attract everything from spider webs full of bugs and pollen to oily fumes from vehicles going up and down the street, it always took several cleanings with paper towels when I did it from the inside of the house. No more. This product has convinced me that it saves time, money and energy. In fact, I might even consider cleaning them more than twice a year!

My final recommendation is to clean when the sun is not directly on the windows or in the hottest part of the day. You want the solution to stay wet and set a few seconds before you rinse it off. I realize having a 2 story home may make reaching the upper windows with a hose more difficult, but you can't go wrong for the ground floor or if you have a ranch style home. This product can also be used on patio furniture and siding.

Your Home--A Resort!

2010-07-15T17:46:00.000-07:00

If you have toured a Model Home or vacationed at a Time Share or Vacation Home, you understand how simplicity gives a feeling of relaxation, calm and peace. Realtors know buyers want to see open spaces free of clutter because it has an inviting presence. The rule, “less is more” definitely applies to all of these living spaces.
It is possible to make your home that place of tranquility by keeping it simple.

Remove objects that you no longer use or like.
Eliminate items that are duplicates, in disrepair or soiled.
Keep visible loose items in attractive containers.

These can help make your home more attractive and easier to clean and maintain. It can be a place you enjoy with freedom to create, relax, be inspired or energized.

If you are stuck on what to do, ask a family member, friend or even a professional organizer for ideas and strategies to make your home more like a resort. You will be glad you did.

Covers for Wire Shelving

2010-06-17T06:58:00.000-07:00

Most new homes and those with closet rennovations have the ventilated wire shelving installed. I am sure they have advantages over wood shelving but we are very familiar with their disadvantages. The most frequent complaint I hear (and personally experience) is the inconvenience of no solid surface for placing small or irregular shaped items. There are solutions which I have summarized below.

1. Fabric covers. Not my favorite. Unless you purchase heavy fabric backed vinyl and cut it to fit, this option is not much better than nothing.
2. Plexiglass or acrylic sheets. Depending on the thickness the cost can be prohibitive. In order to have a good fit, it must be purchased and cut to order at a glass company. Call for information and estimates before you get your hopes up.
3. Roll out plastic. Depending on the thickness, this is not much better than fabric. I do not recommend the stick on variety as it leaves a residue on the underside of the shelf.
4 Shelfanator covers. These are thinner than acrylic but very supportive, come in different depths and can be cut with a knife to fit. I learned about these through another organizer and they can be purchased at some local hardware stores. If purchased from Ebay, they can be very cost effective. You can check them out at this link. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rhFPetAz1LE
5 Wood. Thin sections of plywood or its equivalent can be cut to fit. These leave unattractive edges but are usually more affordable than the plexiglass depending on the thickness of each.

The remaining solution is to use flat bottom containers for items you place on the shelves. To date, that has been my choice but I am leaning towards the Shelfanator. After the organizer, Terri Stephens, posted her recommendation for them on our organizing chat group, these items on Ebay began to disappear quickly. If you think you might like them, I would go to Ebay first.

The Perfect Purse Dilemma

2010-05-26T09:38:00.000-07:00

I am not a purse expert but I have had lots of trial and error with them, mostly error. I obviously like having everything organized and convenient in my life including my purse.

First, it must be large enough for everything I may need without everything going to the bottom and becoming lost as in a Bermuda Triangle. It must have pockets for keeping everything contained and easy to find, and it must be lightweight even with all my stuff.

Most of those with lots of built in pockets are made from brightly colored fabrics that become tiring (or out of style God forbid), worn on the handles and not a good fit for a versatile wardrobe. If you should decide to own more than one (and they are not inexpensive) you have to move everything from all those pockets into another set of pockets. Not fun. The non-fabric versions I have tried are just plain ugly. I am no fashionista but I just don’t like ugly.

Enter the purse organizer, an insert with pockets of its own that can be moved from purse to purse (Purseket is the brand I used). It comes in different sizes to fit individual needs. But it adds cost and weight to the purse and is not easily moved from purse to purse when full.

Finally there is the basic purse with some pockets that has changeable covers. These are upscale (meaning expensive) versions of the button bags of the early 1980’s that made a brief resurgence in the last year or so. The larger version can hold the insert organizer which will be necessary as everything you own would otherwise fall into the abyss at the bottom. And of course, it is heavy. The smaller version just won’t hold everything.

Alas, I am still experimenting. When I find the perfect purse, I will let you know.

Which Stuff is Important?

2010-05-18T05:48:00.000-07:00

One way to answer this is to consider what you would take with you in an emergency. After a natural disaster or devastating loss of homes, we have all heard the voices repeat that all that matters is that the family was safe. But as we see images of them sifting through ruined belongings, we know their loss is great.

Things are important to us; however, we should be able to prioritize our things and make choices when spaces become cluttered.

I challenge you to look around and make a list of what you should absolutely grab if you only had 15 minutes to get your belongings out of the house (furniture would not be listed). Of course, you should already have the emergency box with important papers ready to go.

Some stuff is just stuff and living without it makes cleaning easier and accentuates the importance of the items that are left.

Motivation to Organize

2010-05-11T00:57:00.000-07:00

In education we were told if we kept doing the same old things, we would get the same old results. In other words, we needed to try something new to get different results. I think the same thing applies in organizing.

To get yourself motivated, begin stimulating your brain with new activities in other areas first. Instead of watching the same television shows, watch something different. Even if you don’t like it, your mind will be stimulated in critical thinking.

You can try a new food product or recipe, go to a different grocery store or in reverse down the isles of your favorite store and drive a new route to work. Then start thinking about what needs organizing in your home. You may have some fresh ideas that will get you moving.

You may be surprised at the motivation you have once your brain is engaged in new patterns of thinking. Carol Miller, a quilter, gave me the inspiration for this and I must say it works. Give it a try for at least a week and let me know what happens.

Daily Organizing Tips

2010-04-20T05:09:00.000-07:00

There are some things you can do everyday to get or stay organized.
• Get up and dressed before you leave the bedroom.

• Make your bed when you get out of it.

• Avoid the temporary put down. Return everything to its home. If items do not have a specific, permanent home, make one for everything you own.

• Remove one item from you home each day. Worn out clothing or linens, utensils you do not use, outgrown toys, etc. Make a game with your children to find something in their rooms that can be removed. Donate or recycle those appropriately.

• Use a one in one out rule. If something new comes into the house, something similar must go.

• Keep a written daily, weekly and lifetime “to do” list and check off items as you do them.

• Have a clean-up time for the family members before bedtime.

• Clean the kitchen before you go to bed.

• Put out clothing, pack lunches, prepare backpacks and anything else you can do for the next morning. It will help prevent morning “emergencies”.

By establishing routines, you and your family can have a more a more organized, peaceful and secure environment.

How Much Stuff is Clutter?

2010-03-16T04:25:00.000-07:00

Those attending my presentations often want to know how much stuff they can have and when does it become clutter. And my politically correct answer is always, “That depends”. In fact it depends on lots of variables such as: how much space do you have, are you happy with the way it looks, can you use what you have efficiently, can you move around safely in your spaces, can you find anything in one minute?

It is obvious that someone with a 3000 sq. ft. house can have more stuff than someone living in a 1000 sq. ft. But all of us want to make the space that we have attractive, functional and safe.

I suggest you take pictures of all of your spaces as they are now. You will be very surprised at what you see. We often cannot look at our things objectively because they have become common place or normal to us. Clutter can be disguised that way. Pictures are a much more objective way to see things as they really appear.

Print the pictures if you can so you can spend time evaluating them. Then circle the areas in the prints that do not look good to you and make a plan to change them. You will be surprised at the feeling of accomplishment and satisfaction you will have when it is done.

Organizing vs. Cleaning

2010-02-23T05:48:00.000-08:00

It is true that organized and decluttered spaces that are not really clean appear to be cleaner and more attractive than spaces that are sanitized but cluttered.

This doesn’t imply that you should not keep up the cleaning schedule but rather that to have your spaces looking clean, they should be organized.
When clutter is removed from spaces, it allows you to make cleaning easier and quicker. Think about it. Do you have to move stacks of books, magazines, toys, dishes or papers around before you dust, polish, vacuum floors or wipe down counters? Doing those extra activities makes it more difficult to get the cleaning jobs done.

Both are important. But if you keep your spaces organized, you will save time and energy cleaning them.

To Shred or Not to Shred, That is the Question.

2010-02-09T04:25:00.000-08:00

If you have been working on organizing your papers, you are faced with the decision of what should be shredded or what can simply be recycled or thrown away. Plainly put, not everything with your name on it must be shredded in order to protect your identity.
Why is it not necessary? If your name, address or phone number is listed in a local phone book or on the Internet, it is already out there for the world to see and access whenever they want it. Otherwise, how could you get so many unsolicited pieces of mail or phone calls? Check it out for yourself on Google. Put in your name or phone number and everything else will appear. One former student even found the names of my children on Google. It is apparent evidence that their Wii or phone was dead and they were really bored..

Assuming you are protecting your identity by shredding every document, sales flyer, catalogue, etc. with your name or address on it is a waste of time and will eventually burn up your shredder. It is much more profitable to shred financial documents and those that contain account numbers, birth dates or other highly sensitive information.

Don't let the shredding task become overwhelming and cause you to give up on your organizing project. You really can get and keep control of your papers with the suggestions we have made here in the last few weeks.

Organizing Your Filing Cabinet

2010-02-02T07:14:00.000-08:00

After collecting your documents for filing your taxes, you have a great opportunity to organize your reference files. These are papers usually found in your filing cabinet or boxes that you need to keep for a certain length of time but not forever. Receipts, paid bill statements, payroll stubs and financial statements are examples of these papers.

One good rule of thumb is to permanently save the end-of-the-year statement from financial institutions and employers. But the verified monthly statements or updates for the previous year can be bundled together and kept out of the current filing system somewhere else in the house. Every year those can be replaced with the updated papers from the more recent year and then shredded. Any verification or reconciliation requiring them would normally be passed in that length of time.

In addition, computer and/or online records are now kept by almost all institutions making it possible to track down information you may need in the future. Keeping every statement or purchase record indefinitely is not necessary and can create clutter and confusion in your paper filing system. This makes it harder to find what you really do need.

An inexpensive and simple reference filing system that anyone can use is found in the chapter on paperwork in my book, complete with sample pictures. It does not require any special supplies and can be adapted to any categories or filing preferences. And I am always available by phone or email.

Organizing a Message Center

2010-01-26T05:54:00.000-08:00

A great paper organizing strategy is to create an area in your home where frequently used and current information is stored. This area can be as small as the corner of a kitchen counter or as large as a desk with drawers and wall shelving or cabinets. Most importantly, it should be in the most convenient area of the house.

This is the grand central location for the family calendar, a phone, the incoming paper box and the household notebook that were described in the previous blog posts. In it is kept the schedules, current mail, phone messages, and important contact information. Other inportant documents that are used often or needed in case of emergency should be included. Once established, everyone will know where the information they need is kept.

Organizing with Household Notebooks

2010-01-20T07:54:00.000-08:00

In addition to having an incoming paper box for sorting as described in the last post, having a household notebook for frequently used information is a good idea. A 3 ring binder with subject tabs and clear protector pages is a great tool for keeping papers that need to be close at hand because of vital or frequently used information.

Some items that can be placed in it are frequently used addresses and phone numbers, school menus, sports calendars and schedules, field trip information, favorite recipes, birthday information, etc. Each notebook would be filled with items specifc to each family.

Ideally this notebook should be located in a central message area but because it is portable, it can be taken anywhere it is needed.

Organizing Incoming Papers

2010-01-19T05:15:00.000-08:00

In our last posting, I stressed the importance of reducing the amount of paper you currently have in your home.

The papers that you must or want to keep should be sorted as soon as you come into the home with it. If it is mail, papers from a conference, notes from your child's school, the weekly church bulletin or notes you took from a phone conversation, you should give it a home where it can be located again quickly.

My favorite sorting tool for incoming papers is a hanging folder box with folders labeled with the categories that describe the papers that you normally keep. Most homes can have folders for bills, receipts, permanent items to be filed (such as insurance policies), items that need you to respond or do (invitations, reminders) coupons if you save them, items you want to read later such as newsletters. You may also need a folder for school, church, garden club, soccer team, etc. A sample picture of one is found in my book with more details on using it.

There are many very attractive boxes in several sizes available now that can be used for these folders. Of all the organizing strategies I have taught or used with my clients, this incoming box for sorting papers vertically is the one from which I get the most positive feedback. It can be a life changing tool.

Organizing Paperwork--Reduce, Recycle

2010-01-05T11:05:00.000-08:00

Today and in the following weeks I will explain the paper management strategies I think are good because they can be adapted to any organizing style and do not require specific systems to be purchased.

At once recycle or discard anything that does not have your name on it. If it is addressed to Occupant, Neighbor, Resident, etc. then don't bother to open it. Remove any catalogues you did not order. Remove any items that have been replaced with a more up to date issue such as magazines, insurance policies, membership information and cards, and anything not related to legal or financial accounts.

Check with the IRS at http://www.irs.gov/ for tax related documents that you may need to keep. Usually legal documents should be kept forever, and only keep end of the year financial and payroll statements unless there are errors that need to be documented.

If you have concerns or questions about any particular document, contact your accountant or financial advisor for specific advice. More detailed information on retention guidelines and other paper management are in my book, Orderly Places, which is available from my website and Amazon.com.

Organizing Holiday Clean-up

2009-12-29T19:59:00.000-08:00

Some tips to make holiday clean-up orderly:

Only save what you love, use and have room to store. Pass on, sell or donate the rest.
Make sure all items are clean and in good repair before storing.
Use specialty containers to protect breakable items or those difficult to store.
Label all containers so they can be easily located next year.
Consider color coding containers for holiday and seasonal items.
Hang bows in bags on hooks rather than stacked in boxes to preserve their shape.
Plan a clean-up time when others can help you and consider making it part of the holiday traditions.
Add food, music, games, etc. to make the task more pleasant.
Resist the urge to buy more holiday items just because they are on sale.

Enjoy the Holidays

2009-12-22T06:13:00.000-08:00

This week is not the time to worry about things or stuff. It is the time to concentrate on people and relationships. In the matter of a few days, all of the tinsel and lights will be gone but hopefully our friends and family will still be with us. It is important that we make the most of our time with them and not allow the strappings of the holidays to get in the way.

Why not spend some time sharing good memories, fun times you had together, common interests and loft goals? Reflect on what has made the relationships special and build on that. Take photos that you can enjoy for years to come and share a story or two that can be passed down to your children.

Next week we can take care of things, but this week we should go with the flow and make the most of our time together with those we care about and love.

Organizing Holiday Cards

2009-12-15T06:58:00.000-08:00

December usually brings greeting cards to our homes with messages, pictures and newsletters from friends and family far and near. You can enjoy them for days or weeks by keeping them nearby during the holidays. Decorated open baskets, bins or boxes can hold them in convenient places. They can be opened and propped up on mantels, buffets or tables, or they can be strung across windows, walls or doorways much like clothing on a clothes line (for those of us old enough to know what a clothes line is).

After the holidays, resist trying to keep all of them as they will create a source of clutter in a few years. Save the photos only if you will honor them by displaying in an album, frame, scrapbook or photo box. If cards or letters contain messages you want to save, clip those and donate the fronts of cards to nursing homes, daycares, or other places that hold craft classes or create crafting projects. Keep a check list or data base for current addresses and other notes about the sender and update it each year.

Make decisions now so that when the holiday clean up begins, you will have a plan for those cards.

Holiday Decorating Tips

2009-12-08T04:35:00.000-08:00

It is very easy to accumulate many holiday decorations over the years. All of these take lots of storage space not to mention the time to unpack and repack year after year.

If you choose not to have door decorations all year, consider changing from wreaths to door swags for the holidays. It is easier and less expensive to find storage containers for those. Try to find decorative elements for them that will pack without damage so it can be hung each year without a lot of fuss.

Ribbons can give a basic theme in your decorating. Purchase one large roll of ribbon that can be tied around candle bases, lamps, door knobs, greenery, etc. This makes decorating simple and effective. If you purchase the rolls on sale after the holidays, you need not save the used ribbon. It is difficult to store tied ribbons so they look fresh again next year.

Purge holiday items that are not your favorites, which you have not used lately, that have no sentimental attachments or that are not in good repair. They take up space in your home and head (remembering you have them and where to use them). Save only those you like or your children will want when you are gone.

Organizing Holiday Cooking

2009-12-01T20:08:00.000-08:00

Starting early is certainly one way to make holiday cooking an easier task. There are certain foods our families have come to expect this time of the year, but often we want to add something new to the celebrations. This does not mean you need to buy another cookbook. My guess is that you already have more than you actually use.

A clutter free way to find new ideas and recipes is to go online. One year I tasted a chocolate dip at an event and decided I wanted to find out how to make it. I went to Google, typed in chocolate chip dip and the web sites popped right up. On the allrecipes.com site there were several recipes to choose and I picked the one with the ingredients I normally have. I printed the recipe, but I could have saved it in a recipe folder on the computer and had it available there, too.

So if you want to add something new to the menu this holiday you need not spend extra money and take up extra space with more cookbooks. In fact, this might be a good time to purge some of those you have never or rarely use and open up some space in your kitchen. Food for thought.

Organizing Thanksgiving Week

2009-11-24T04:29:00.000-08:00

Here are two good tips to keep Thanksgiving Week an orderly and peaceful event.
1) Use a detailed schedule to plan the activities for the week. Work backwards from the time of the big event (Thanksgiving Dinner is usually it)and schedule the activities in minutes and hours. Be flexible with the amount of time you allow for meal preparation, decorations, clean up, etc. You should do as much ahead of the big day as possible.

2) Do not leave home for Black Friday sales unless you are prepared. Use whatever media you have to decide where you should go, when you should get there and what you will buy. Make a list and stick to it. Being surrounded by great deals on so many items will tempt you to buy items you really don’t need but hate to pass up. This can be a great budget buster as well as a clutter creator. Retailers are counting on getting you in with the super sale only to have you lured into buying the other wonderful items not on your list.

Consider staying home for a peaceful end to the week and shop online if you must make purchases. Many outlets have the same sales online with free shipping this time of the year. With no parking problems, traffic jams or lines at checkout, you can have even more to be thankful for this week.

Organizing Tips for Thanksgiving

2009-11-17T18:36:00.000-08:00

This is the week to make final plans for Thanksgiving. Next week begins the preparation. As you get ready for the big day there are some good organizing tips to remember.
1. Keep good records of your planning. This is especially important if you are entertaining at your house. If you use a computer, you can keep a folder just for this holiday and include files regarding guest list, menu, recipes, grocery list, decorations, time schedules,etc. If you prefer paper files, create a master folder or notebook and have a section devoted to each of these items.
2. Make notes as you prepare your house and meal. I print out my menu, grocery list and recipes and make notes directly on them as I proceed throughout Thanksgiving week. If I forgot something that should have been on the list, I write it in. If I should have invited someone that I left off, I make a note of that, etc.
3. After the celebration, I update my files to include my evaluation of what happened. If I had too much turkey but not enough dressing, I make a note of it. If I didn't allow enough time for the ham to cook, I note that on my time schedule. Anything I can think of improving or changing is recorded on the files so that I won't make the same mistakes again.

Keeping good records, notes and updates now can save you time, money and energy the next time you have your Thanksgiving feast.

Declutter for Your Health and Safety

2009-11-10T15:31:00.000-08:00

We all can recognize that crowded hallways and other traffic lanes in a home can be hazardous. Keeping those pathways clear prevents falls and allows us a way to exit in case of emergencies. It is important to keep clutter from forming in these areas for safety reasons.

Another health hazard concerns the way mold and mildew can form under and around clutter. When bags of items are left on the floor for extended periods, moisture can build and create the conditions for those to appear and grow. Make a point of putting items away as soon as possible so you don't forget and leave them where they will be neglected and become an eventual health problem.

It is not only important to keep pathways in the home clear for safety reasons, but putting items where they belong can promote a healthier environment.

Organizing After Halloween

2009-11-03T08:49:00.000-08:00

Are you wondering what to do with all the Halloween stuff? The candy is easy. Send what no one likes off to work, put the chocolates in the refrigerator and place the remaining in a bowl to be available for anyone wanting to take one. This can be at home or work.

The remaining items are not so easy. To eliminate clutter, see if any of the costume pieces and decorations can be recycled for the remaining fall decor. If not, save only those things that will be in great shape next year. Place those in a labeled container and store out of site. A garage shelf, attic or basement area is the best place.

The best organizing recommendation is to avoid owning too many decorative things that can become clutter. Avoid purchasing items that cannot be transformed into a suitable use throughout many seasons. Recycling is good for the environment, the pocketbook and effective organizing.

Trick or Treat Suggestions

2009-10-27T05:39:00.000-07:00

This week ends with Halloween and the flood of kids at your door dressed in their festive costumes will be ready for your handout.

A few tips come to mind as we prepare for this invasion. First you want to be sure the pathway to your door is safe. Remember to clean the driveway, sidewalk, steps and porch while it is still daylight. Fallen leaves can be slippery especially when wet so they should be removed as well as any toys, twigs, etc. Make sure this area is well lit by leaving your porch light and any other light fixtures on during the Trick or Treat hours. Those hours are set by each locality.

Your method for handing out candy this year is especially significant this year since the H1Ni and other flu viruses are spreading rapidly so much earlier than the normal flu seasons. It is recommended that you give only individually pre-wrapped candy and keep it in a convenient basket, bowl or other container that is easy for you to manage at the door. You should not allow each child to reach into your container to get the candy since each one could be contaminating the other pieces with his hands. Rather, you should choose and drop the candy into each child's bag yourself. Keep hand sanitizer near the door and use it yourself as often as you think necessary.

As an extra precaution, you may want to use disinfecting wipes to clean your doorbell or door handles if you keep it closed between visitors. This can be done periodically during the evening or at the end when Trick or Treating is over. It is a shame we need to be so careful, but it is always better to be safe than sorry and we want to do our part in keeping our homes and neighbors as healthy and safe as possible.

Holiday and Seasonal Wreaths

2009-10-20T09:18:00.000-07:00

Living in the colonial area of Virginia all of my life, I have become accustomed to seeing wreaths on doors as decorations. This is especially true during the winter holidays. Unfortunately, storing them can be an organizational problem.

If you have considerable or unused storage space, I recommend using the plastic or cardboard containers designed especially for wreaths. Over time they will save you time, space and money in storage of these items.

If storage space is limited or becoming crowded, I recommend owning only one wreath for your door. Choose a basic wreath color that contrasts with the color of your door. Natural grape vines, cane or straw as well as artificial greenery or other bases are sturdy and can last many years. To it add an inexpensive bow and/or swags of color. Swags of leaves for fall, flowers for spring and summer and holly with berries for winter can be purchased inexpensively to add to the base. Even the dollar type stores carry suitable items for the base.

When the season has ended, dispose of the unsuitable decorations. They have probably faded and become soiled anyway. Then purchase a new set for the next season. The expense of new decorative items is off set by the initial cost of different wreaths for each season and the storage requirements they have.

More Tips on Holiday Cards

2009-10-15T15:35:00.000-07:00

Since holiday cards are displayed so early and they are picked over long before mailing, I have already reminded you now is the time to find the best selection. I have a few other suggestions.

1. Consider choosing one design for everyone and adding a personl note to make it special. Save one of the cards with the year written on it so you will know you have used it and when.

2. If you do not have time for personal notes in each card or if you want to add a family newsletter, make the newsletter short and sweet. The shorter the sweeter it is. While it is fine to mention you took a trip to China, you need not list every city you visited. If your child graduated from college, you do not need to list all of the awards and job offers. Tell the news but leave off the bragging. In addition, it will take time to read the newsletter and most people do not take the time to do that while opening the daily mail. One paragraph that you are alive and well on planet earth is fine. A family picture printed on the page or added is good, too. Just remember, less is more.

3. Keep your address file up to date so cards are not returned because of incorrect address. And when you receive a card, check the return address to be sure that is the one you have on file.

4. Purchase "forever" stamps and resist the urge to buy holiday stamps unless you are sure you will use all of them. If the price of postage goes up, your "forever" stamps will still be accepted and you will not have to purchase or add those one cent stamps.

Holiday Planning for October

2009-10-12T18:51:00.000-07:00

Before the Halloween costumes are put on sale, many retailers have already displayed their Thanksgiving and Christmas decorations. Unfortunately this means the best selection for those items are available now and some desirable items may be sold before we are ready to use them.

One item that should be purchased early is holiday cards. Consider purchasing one style for most or all of your list to make the task easier to accomplish. Gifts that need to be sent out of town should also be purchased early so mailing deadlines can be met. This is especially true for those shipped out of the country.

Planning on using items already in the home as part of holiday decorations will save time, space and money. Adding holiday bows to candles, lamps, railings, etc. is one simple way to add color and a festive atmosphere rather than purchasing special items to fill those spaces. Planning now will make that activity easier later on in the season.

Organizing Tips for Fall

2009-10-04T14:46:00.000-07:00

Cooler weather in most parts of the country is a welcome change for most of us. As nice as summer weather can be, change is good and the fall colors on the deciduous trees makes this time of the year even more enjoyable. Fall is also a good time to organize certain parts of your home.

Now is the time to assess your wardrobe and purge cool weather clothing that no longer is useful to you. Styles change, clothing may be in disrepair or your may have changed sizes over the summer. Whatever the reason, if parts of your wardrobe will not be used in the future, remove them and pass them on to a more useful purpose. If they are in good shape, they can be sold, donated or passed on to someone that would enjoy them. If they are in disrepair and cannot be fixed, perhaps an animal shelter coud use them as bedding.

Outdoor equipment for entertaining and yard and garden tools should be cleaned and prepared for storage. Keep those rakes handy for raking leaves if you are one of those who have been blessed with shade trees but clean them after their final use. Finding a suitable space for outdoor items during the colder months can be difficult but new products have been introduced that will protect them from the elements. Check with your local garden supply or home improvement stores to see what is available in your area.

Where Do You Start?

2009-09-23T19:37:00.000-07:00

If you are overwhelmed at disorganization around you, the best advice is to start in a small area first. It may be a kitchen drawer or one shelf in a bookcase, but making it organized will give you a sense of accomplishment and the motivation to move on to other areas.

Another approach may be to tackle the area that irritates you most. If it is stack of papers on the kitchen counter, getting those sorted and off that surface will give you added counter space as well as peace of mind.

Regardless of the approach, doing something will start you on your way.

Paper or Plastic?

2009-09-15T20:56:00.000-07:00

Many grocery stores and other retail outlets have added a new option to packing your items. It is the bag made from recycled materials. They come in many colors and often have the store logo printed on them. While not everything that is promoted under the "going green" agrees with my preferences, I do love these new bags.

In fact, I have found I use them for many things in the house in additionn to carrying groceries home. Because the bottom of these bags are wider than most, they are able to carry or contain items that are not suitable for most tote bags. Those with the reinforced bottoms of plastic or covered cardboard are the most useful as they create a firm structure for placing items.

Some uses are carring books to the library, containing craft items, storing purses, packing dry goods for a picnic, etc. If you have not tried them, you may be surprised at how useful they can be.

What About Self Storage Units?

2009-09-08T19:42:00.000-07:00

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/06/magazine/06self-storage-t.html

Check out this very enlightening article about the use of self storage units. If you are renting one, you may find yourself described in it.

One of the most intersting comments was from a man who said he was storing a table that cost him $1000 because he didn't want to sell it in a yard sale for $10. But if it is costing him $100 a month to rent the storage unit, he will have paid for that table again in 10 months and if he leaves it there 5 years, it will cost him $6000. Is his table worth that much? Better to have $10 in the pocket than a table and $6000 disappeared.

Unless there is a very temporary need for self storage, it is much better to donate unwanted items or those no longer needed to a better use or sell them for whatever the market will bear. Keeping items in self storage for a rainy day may cause a flood of financial distress.

Is There Hope for Chronic Disorganization?

2009-09-01T17:21:00.000-07:00

Absolutely yes, there is hope for anyone experiencing disorganization. There may not be the 60 minute miracle you see on several popular television programs, but it is possible to change the situation.

The A & E channel is now showing a series of programs on hoarding, an extreme area of disorganization. It can also be downloaded from their web site. One of the more important aspects of these programs is the hopelessness that the clients display. With years of accumulation of all kinds of things and refusal to deal with their situation, most have been threatened with eviction from their homes.

Just as it took many years for their environments to become inhabitable, it will take time for emotional and mental attitudes about their "things" to be resolved and their homes to be changed into safe, clean and pleasant places to live. Their willingness to work with a team of specialists including therapists and professional organizers will make the journey more successful.

Most of us have never experienced disorganization to this extreme, but we all need to be aware that over time any situation can deteriorate if we are not diligent to maintain a satisfactory level of organization in our homes. Professional organizers can help with strategies and solutions that will make that process easier and more successful.

What is Being Organized?

2009-08-24T14:42:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-17T10:41:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-12T05:21:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-04T13:45:00.001-07:00

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.

Suitcase Organizing

2009-07-26T16:57:00.000-07:00

This year I have travelled more than any other year and I am fine tuning the art of packing a suitcase. I will admit I am high maintenance so this ritual is always problematic.

At the professional organizers conference in April, I was challenged by another organizer to reduce the amount of stuff I pack. She had flown to Florida with only one 21" suitcase that fit in the overhead compartment of the plane. I had travelled in my van with that suitcase, the 26" version and an overnight toiletries bag.

My last trip was for 9 days and included a dress up affair as well as more casual events and 4 stops along the way. I eliminated the 26" suitcase so there was a measure of success in downsizing. One good organizing strategy I used was to pack my most travel friendly clothing so wrinkles would not be an issue. Knits are better than woven fabrics for packing and blends or synthetics are better than cotton and linen. They are not more comfortable but they look better after being crushed for several hours. If ironing is an option after you arrive, any fabric will do.

There will be more travelling in my future so I am testing all new clothing with the "ball it up in your hand" method to determine its travel worthiness. Taking items that can be hand washed and will dry quickly is another good strategy to reduce the number of similar items needed. Finally, good wardrobe planning with clothing pieces that can be used several times is the best way to reduce the amount of items.

Planning, practice and persistence are always good strategies for any organizational problem and should make suitcase organizing more successful with each trip. Now I must practice what I preach.

About That Laundry

2009-07-13T13:58:00.000-07:00

Just like dirty dishes, there is never an end to the laundry pile. Managing it so that it doesn't take over your life is a worthwhile and attainable goal.

And just like the dirty dishes, if you take care of a smaller amount at a time, the task is not as overwhelming. Putting a load in the washer before leaving for work or in the morning if you are home everyday or every other day will start the process. The load can be moved to the dryer in the afternoon and retrieved before going to bed. This will keep the task from being an all consuming activity.

Use as few hampers as possible, but be sure they are convenient to children so they aren't tempted to throw their clothing on the floor. And remember, if it is not in a hamper, it will not be washed. Stick to that rule for everyone in the house.

Freedom From Stuff

2009-07-06T03:42:00.000-07:00

This past 4th of July weekend had me thinking about more about freedom than I have in the past few years. I am certainly grateful for the freedoms we have in this country, freedoms that were won with very costly sacrifices. But today my thoughts are on being free from the stuff we have.

Too much stuff takes away our freedom to enjoy what we have. It crowds our spaces so we can't enjoy our homes. We are continually moving things around to clean or be comfortable because stuff is in the way. It crowds our schedules with too many things to clean and maintain. The bottom line of this is how it robs us of time for our family and friends.

To be free from stuff will require some costly sacrifices. It will require letting go of things you purchased that were never used, things that have emotional attachments but are boxed up and never enjoyed, things that are crowding out the more important things and things you simply don't like but feel guilty about letting go.

If you have just too much stuff, let this be the time you will take the first step towards the freedom of more space in your home and time in your day.

Organizing Collectibles

2009-06-30T04:34:00.000-07:00

We love collecting things. For some it is a hobby, for some a passion and for others an obsession. Perhaps we simply love those things or we possibly think that one day they will be so valuable that we can sell them and send a kid to college or retire early.

Problems in collecting can occur, however, when you no longer have space for the collections. If you are collecting simply for the enjoyment these things bring, then you should display them so they can be enjoyed. Storing them in a box in a closet or the attic is not enjoying them. If they are seasonal items, then rotate the items when appropriate. If you simply do not have the space to enjoy them, then consider choosing the most special items to display and find another home for those remaining.

Some options for a new home might be family members or friends that appreciate the items and would display them. You could also sell the items to someone who respects their value and is willing to pay you for the privilege of owning them.

If you are collecting for a future return on your investment, then be sure to keep an accurate inventory of the items, consider insuring them and monitor their value on a regular basis. You just might be able to send that kid to Harvard one day.

How Many Magazines?

2009-06-22T05:35:00.000-07:00

After looking at 3 large cardboard boxes of magazines in a garage, I started thinking about how many you should keep. To be realistic, you need to consider how many minutes or hours in a day you can devote to reading. Most of us have very little so we have to decide what is the most important thing for us during that time.

Since 70%-80% of magazine pages contain advertisements, the best use of time would be flip through the magazine quickly and to tear out any articles or pictures you want to keep and store those in a folder. Editors will admit they recycle article ideas every 2-3 years with just an update, so keeping magazines longer than that is repetitive. In addition, most information is available on the Internet and it will not clutter your space assuming you will refrain from printing everything.

To set yourself free from the magazine clutter, do not continue your present subscriptions no matter how good the offer. Tear out any articles you must keep and donate the rest to your local doctor's office, beauty shop, emergency care facility or other waiting rooms. If you have ever spent considerable time in those, you know they need them.

Pictures for Inventory

2009-06-08T13:11:00.000-07:00

There are many good reasons to take pictures of your spaces. Last time I wrote about using them as an instructor in knowing how to get started in organizing. But pictues can also be used to keep a record of your household inventory.

For insurance purposes, you should have an itemized list of the things in your space. This would include all of your furnishings as well as personal belongings and financial records. Most professional organizers support the idea of being very thorough and detailed in your descriptions. The easiest way to approach the project is with pictures.

Begin by taking pictures of every room. This would inclue the walls and floor so all the furnishings are captured. If any of the furnishings contain drawers, cabinet doors or shelves, take pictures of the contents in them. Don't forget closets. Depending on your camera memory, this make take several rounds of taking pictures, downloading them, clearing the camera card memory and staring over again. If you are not using a digital camera, you will need lots of film.

After all of the pictures are stored or developed, being making a list of everything you have. Where appropriate, list the approximate original cost and purchase date. While personal items may change frequently, having a base list of your possessions will make an accounting of your things so much easier should the need arise.

Make copies of this list and store them in a fireproof box, a safety deposit box, of off site with family or friends. Keeping a copy in your emergency exit files is a good idea, too.

No one wants to think about a disaster affecting them or their home, but being prepared for one is a proactive way to protect what you own.

Picture Perfect Places

2009-05-30T15:27:00.000-07:00

Have you ever thought, where do I begin to organize this room? If so, you might want to consider taking pictures of that space.

Using your camera, take shots from several views so that none of the details in the room are missed. Depending on the type of camera you use, print the pictures so you can study the elements in the room. I think you will be amazed at the items you see on paper.

Many of the things in the room that you hardly noticed before will now appear to have more significance. This is because we get so used to seeing some things that they become like background wallpaper. We hardly notice them.

This is particularly true of clutter or extra "stuff" that takes away from the attractiveness of the space. The picture reveals this in a way our eyes will miss or take for granted.

To organize the space, begin removing those clutter items. Pay close attention to things that are on the floor, the items stacked on tables or other surfaces, and the amount of space around the furnishings. To create a room that appears organized and spacious, you may need to rearrange some of the furniture or eliminate a few pieces.

After your initial organizing session, take more pictures from the same views and compare the before and after shots. You may be pleasantly surprised. If not, keep trying until the room is picture perfect. And let me know if I can help you with it.

Ziploc's New Flexible Tote

2009-05-22T14:46:00.000-07:00

Arriving in stores this month is the new storage product from Ziploc, Flexible Totes. Unlike the flat Big Bags, this product is deeper for storing bulky items. I previewed this product at the 2009 conference Expo of the National Association of Professional Organizers.

With a standard zipper top, it can be filled and then closed much like plastic bins but it is flexible and soft. It has a mesh insert that allows more flexibility after it is filled and air to flow in and out preventing mildew from forming. It can be found wherever an expanded line of Ziploc products are sold. As a more structured alternative to the Big Bag, it gets an A+ and the handles make it much easier to carry. It comes in two sizes, XL and XXL and is reasonably priced. Check one out.