Organizing Tips for April





April cannot decide if it will be warm or cool.  Our area has the last day of potential frost as April 15^th but that has not always proved to be true.  It is also the month of spring rain as in “April showers bring May flowers”.  On the cool or rainy days, take some time to organize your linens and bathroom(s).

If space is limited in linen closets, consider placing extra sheet sets in the bedroom where they are used.  They can be stored in closets, inside under the bed containers or even under the mattress of that bed.

Replace heavier bedding with lighter weight items.  Some quilts or comforters need only to be put through the “air” cycle on the dryer to remove dust.  Store them in pillow cases or the large plastic bags now available to keep them clean.  Vacuum bags can also be used but be aware they will gradually allow air to return.

 Remove sheets, blankets, etc. that are torn or in disrepair.  If they can be fixed, find someone to do it, otherwise, recycle them to local pet shelters or other appropriate places.

 We often collect pillows and other bedding to have on hand in case guests stay overnight.  Evaluate what you have that has rarely or never been used.  Perhaps some of them can replace those you have removed, or they can be donated or sold to allow room for better organization of the space.

Make similar decisions about your bathroom linens.  Towels and wash cloths that are in disrepair should be removed and replaced with those you have been saving for a special occasion or purchase additional items on sale.  Most department stores have linen sales throughout the year and discount or outlet stores also offer good savings. 

 Many cotton items will dry rot if not used over a period of time.  This often occurs on the folded edges so check those that have been sitting on the shelf for a longer period of time.

 Clear the bathroom counters and contain any times that must remain there.  Use trays, baskets, bins, etc. to make clean up easier there.   Be diligent in removing old or expired products and store duplicates of items in another area.

 Be sure all products in the bathroom have a label.  This is especially important with medicines.  You may check out taking expired medicines to your local pharmacy or ask them the best way to dispose of them.  Flushing in the toilet or garbage disposal is no longer recommended because of contamination of local waters.

 If the bathroom needs updating, consider using hooks rather than bars for towels.  Children find them much easier to use so be sure to put those lower on the wall or door.  Consider using dark or disposable towels for removing make-up

 Placing a magnifying mirror on the wall saves space and is more convenient that a portable model.  Using pull out shelves or wire baskets under the sink will make access much easier to items stored in the back of those cabinets.

 Keeping these areas organized requires daily maintenance because of daily use.  Setting up a schedule and requiring participation of all the family members can help keep them clean and neat.

If you have organizing ideas or questions, I would love to hear from you.  You can contact me by email:  maryfrances@orderlyplaces.com

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