Organizing the New Toys

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 Your Filing Cabinet

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.

Holiday Decorating Tips

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 After Halloween

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.

Holiday Planning for October

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.

About That Laundry

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.