Organizing Checklist for January and 2013

Happy New Year!  Once again I must get used to writing the date for the new year correctly.  You would think by now I would not start the year with 19 but old habits die hard.  For those of you who like to plan ahead, I have an organizing agenda for the year that will include the checklists for those topics each month.  In addition, I will include other items that need to be addressed that time of the year.  Here is the schedule:
January--Paper, Files, Home Office
February--Books and Hobbies
March--Attics, Clothing
April--Linens and Bathrooms
May--Garage and Yard
June--Children's Rooms, Guest Room/Spare Room
July--Family Room or Den
August--Toys, Electronics (are they the same thing?!)
September--Bedrooms, Clothing
October--Dining Room
November--Pantry, Kitchen
December--Holiday

Now on to January.  It is time to deal with the papers and other items in home offices.  Regardless of the size or space you have to manage the running of the home, you need a clutter free space to pay bills, keep records and manage accounts.  The computer was supposed to make us a paper free socieity but we all know that did not happen.  We bought printers and made matters worse.  Here are a few tips to help with this areas.

• Create an inbox for incoming papers:  mail, bulletins, newsletters, schedules, etc.  Put this in the space you normally drop mail.  Select categories and put the paper that enters the house in the correct section.  If you use a compact hanging file box, make a hanging folder for each category that fits your situation.  Drop the papers in it and deal with them when necessary or the file is full.  I continually get feedback from clients on how this one thing helped them to get control of incoming bills, etc.
• Save only legal documents or papers related to your home or health in a permanent file drawer or box.  You do not need to keep the statements from every institution after they have been checked for accuracy and/or paid.  Those accounts are kept in computer files by the institution that you can access if necessary.  Even appliance and electronic manuals are kept online now.
• Purchase a fireproof/waterproof box for storing originals of legal documents and information that relates to your accounts, etc.  This will be heavy but can be locked and withstands destructive elements in case of disaster. It can also be accessed by you when banks with safety deposit boxes are closed.
• Shred old documents with personal information and recycle the rest.  Minimize your paper storage.
• Stop magazine subscriptions and get your information at the library or online.  Move out all older magazines.  If you have read them, you don't need them.  If you have not read them by now, you won't read them in the future.  The same goes for newspapers.  Except for the Sunday edition with coupons (if you are a couponer), most news and obituaries (of course) can be found online.  Remember magazines and newspapers are more than half advertisements.
• Throw away catalogues as soon as they come in.  Save the discount label if you decide to order something online or by phone.  Looking through catalogues is like watching a very long commercial.  What a waste of time!
• Speaking of time:  Use a calendar with a week at a glance that breaks the days into house.  Smartphones and computers have free calendar programs like this or you can use a paper version.  Block out your activities and you will see the available hour you have to do the things you have put off.
• Clear the desk, counter, table or whatever you use for office activities every night before going to bed. 
• If you would like more information on guidelines for saving papers, I have a document I will send to you.  Email me through my website:  www.OrderlyPlaces.com and let me know you want it. My book also has more detail on organizing your papers, files and office.  It is in your local library and can be purchased online from Amazon or my website. 

Organizing Checklist for December

The end of the year is almost here but this is probably the busiest month of the year. Here are some final reminders to help you through the holidays.

• 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.
• 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. I offer items to my children and grandchildren as often as I can consider color coding holiday containers and label with the contents. Many stores sell
  containers and/or their lids in orange for fall and green and red for December holidays.
• 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. And if the holidays and your situation in general is more than you want to tackle alone, we are available to help you any way we can. Feel free to contact us through our website:  

Organizing Tips for November

 

 

Somewhere in cyberspace are the organizing tips for October.  They did not appear as they should have when I signed in today.  Perhaps they will appear as they were scheduled but just in case, I will post them again at the end of this post.  It would be good to check over it if you are planning any special holiday meals.

On to November! 

With such a dramatic weather event to end this October, it is hard to get in gear for the winter holidays that are just around the corner.  Inevitably they will come and planning ahead will make the tasks much easier.  Here are several reminders plus strategies for getting your kitchen ready for the holidays.

To begin the kitchen organizing, 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. 

Inventory the pantry.  If yours is normally full it will be difficult to add the special holiday items you need this time of the year.  Check the expiration dates on spices and some staple items you have not used in a long time.  Eliminate or use immediately all you can to make more storage space.

To organize it, use the trays, containers, turntables, and/or racks to help you group items in the same category together.  Keep items you use everyday in the most convenient spaces.  Small boxes, envelopes or packages should be grouped in clear containers so they are not lost on the shelving and can be easily accessed. If shelving is deep, use baskets or trays to hold items so they can be pulled forward to access items in the back.  Finally, try to leave a few inches of empty space between categories of food on the shelves.  This allows room for new items and also gives an appearance of order. 

Make a list of what your holiday recipes require and what you will need during the next few weeks.  Some special seasonal items will disappear from the grocery shelves before the holidays so shopping for those now will be advantageous.  Check off all ingredients you already have so you do not duplicate items that will take up valuable shelving.

Keep records of all you holiday planning, meals, events and reminders for future holidays.  It will make planning for next year so much easier.  I have a folder (on my computer) with the menus, grocery lists, guest lists, etc. that I update every year.  I print those out, take notes on the printed copies and then update my original files. 

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 these in a special envelope, folder, box, basket, etc. designated only for them.

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 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. 

As I have advised every year, 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

 Organizing Tips 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 dining room and/or eating areas organized and ready for holiday entertainment. 

• If you have a dining room that is not used often, the table can become a dumping ground for items put there temporarily.  What starts out as the mail mutates into miscellaneous things coming into the  house.  Start today to make it off limits for the temporary put down.
• 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.  Remember 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 out, 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.
• Provide adequate seating for all those eating together.  Folding chairs can be used and stored in a closet or other storage area afterwards.  Wooden posts located on the wall of the garage can be used to hang them so they do not take up floor space.
• Cloth or paper napkins can be placed in an attractive basket, bowl or tray and serve as a centerpiece.
• Placemats are more versatile to use than tablecloths and can be left on the table as decorations or stacked in the center with a napkin basket.
• Dinnerware, flatware and serving pieces should be located in an area convenient to setting the table and replacing after clean up.
• Special occasion or seasonal dinnerware or silverware should be kept only if used and you have sufficient space for it.  .
• Table cloths can be stored in shallow drawers or hung over a dowel or hanger covered with the empty roll from wrapping paper or paper towels.  Slit the roll on one side and slip it over the rod.  Hang it in a closet.  This will prevent additional wrinkles.
• Additional linens can be stored in the drawers or shelves of dining room furniture such as chests or buffets.  You may also use a linen closet if one exists.
• Consider placing a clothing chest with drawers in the dining room if no longer needed for clothing.  It is ideal for linens.

Additional Activities to make the dining room more functional

• The dining table may be a good choice for homework if the room is good for studying.  A tote with desk supplies may be used and then stored when the work is done.
• It may also used for craft projects or other art activities.  Cover the table with a protective cloth, cutting board or plastic before using it. Portable storage for those supplies make it easier to clean the area when done.
• If the family needs home office space, reserving a corner of the dining room for that activity is a good use of space.  Choose a table or desk that compliments the other furnishings.  Some items can be stored in the furniture already there or in rolling carts and file trolleys that can be moved to a nearby closet when not in use. 
• If there is not space in the family room for board games and card playing, those items could be stored in the dining room for use there..
• When not used, keep the tops of buffets, chests and china cabinets clear and free of clutter..
• Keep the table attractive when not used with a centerpiece and/or tablecloth.
• Use washable decorative fabrics on surfaces to reduce the amount of dusting.

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.

·        It is recommended that you give only individually pre-wrapped candy. Since this is the beginning of flu season, 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.

·        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. Keep hand sanitizer near the door and use it yourself as often as you think necessary.  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.

 

 

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 in organizing clothing and closets.

Most of us have attachments to our clothing, especially those that were expensive. I have had great success with a local consignment store and recommend them. It is less hassle than a yard sale and you will get some return on your financial investment.

Of course, I also recommend donating to worthy charities. Not only will you make your space more livable, but you will be helping those who simply cannot afford purchasing clothing otherwise. It will be a double blessing!

 

o In the closet, remove all empty hangers first. Look at each piece of clothing and make a decision to sort as follows:

o It fits, I wear it—leave it in the closet

o It does not fit—donate/sell pile. It will probably be out of style when it does fit.

o It needs repair--if it is useful, place in a repair pile. If not repaired in one month, remove it.

o I do not wear it or like it—donate/sell pile

o I am not sure--place in separate pile, label and date. If not worn in one year, donate/sell.

o Clean the closet area, and reconfigure the rods, shelves if needed or desired.

o Additional hanging space can be made by installing an adjustable hanging rod.

o Replace wire hangers with more suitable ones but save a few if needed in garment bags when traveling. Orderly Places has a tip sheet on types of closet hangers.

o On closet shelves, clamp on dividers can be used to separate clothing or they can be placed in suitable containers.

o Use hanging racks for the backs of doors or on rods to store bulky or specialty items.

o As you return items, sort the clothes you will wear and keep by type-blouses, pants, dresses, skirts, etc. Sub sort these by colors as much as possible. Place items worn together with each other. This makes it easier to know what you have and find items easier.

o Look at what you have and make a list of items you really need but are not there for future purchases. Determine to buy only what is on your list. One suggestion is to limit the number of prints and multi color designs and use mainly solids. This allows more flexibility in creating outfits and using accessories.

o Clothing in drawers or chests or on shelving should be organized with the same process as with closets. Use dividers or containers to separate categories, colors, etc. in the drawers.

o Some clothing can be rolled rather than folded to make sorting and access easier.

o Shoes can be stored on hanging sorters or under shorter clothing in racks or shelves. If they are stored in boxes, use clear plastic or label with pictures or descriptions. I also recommend sturdy under the bed containers for off season shoes.

o Evaluate the accessories you have to determine if they are still usable. I had quite a collection of scarves back when Oprah made them popular and finally gave them up after taking my own advice. They still have not made a comeback and if they do, they will be different, I am sure.

Additional unrelated tips:

In the next month or so, stock up on cold and flu products. It is often difficult to find those you prefer when they are needed most.

As much as I hate it, now is the time to plan for the holidays. Pencil in some activities, gifts, meals, etc. in your planner. More tips will follow in the months to come.

Organizing Tips for August

Illustration from marthastewart.com

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 the first weekend in August. What's Exempt: During this three-day period, in general 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.  For children, check the supply list created by the specific school or teacher. 

Clean out stationery and office 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.   Look for free shredding events in your area to dispose of confidential papers without burning up your shredder.  We have personal experience in that activity!

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 on those sites 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.  Remember, you can always donate items to a local thrift store or charity and possibly bless someone less fortunate.  It is good to pay forward.

Organizing Tips for July

Elfa Over-the-door Media Storage Rack

from The Container Store

      It is July and it is hot and humid, no surprise there.  I wonder if we spend as much time in air conditioning in the summer as we do the heated rooms in the winter.  Since we are enjoying our living rooms, family rooms or dens, let’s get them organized this month.  Here are some tips that might be helpful to you.

• Arrange electronic items such as televisions, CD and DVD players and video games in one area so the wires and cables can be contained together.
• Label each end of cables and wires related to the computer and other electronic equipment.  It will save much time in connecting or reconnecting
• Use wire baskets that can be mounted under shelves or cable ties to contain wires.
• Purge videos, CDs and DVDs that are no longer used.  Sell or donate them to a local charity, nursing home or hospital.  If you want to locate one again, they can be rented or borrowed from local libraries.
• Renting or borrowing movies and games is an excellent organizational choice and sets a good example for your children in managing finances and spaces.
• Store CDs and DVDs in their case vertically on shallow shelves or if space is limited, they can be removed from the case and placed in notebooks or cases with plastic sleeves.  Sort and arrange by category.
• Videos can be stored vertically on shelves or in shoe box type containers.  Do not stack flat as accessing those on the bottom is more difficult.
• Remotes and game joysticks should be contained in a basket, decorative box or container designed specifically for them.  Keep them within easy reach of the chair or sofa.
• Place a table or shelf near every seating area.  Large coffee tables can take the place of several small end tables.  Choose one with storage shelves, cabinet doors or drawers.
• Provide an area for playing with toys if you allow that activity.  A lower cabinet can be used to store those items or they can be taken back to the bedroom in a tote box or rolling crate.
• For reading areas be sure to have a comfortable chair with adequate lighting and a place to store books, magazines, newspapers, etc.
• Books should be purged from bookcases.  Keeping fiction books that you have read serves no purpose except to prove you own them.  Sell or donate them knowing you can borrow it from the library if you have time to read it again.
• Non-fiction books should be grouped by category.  Since information is always changing, using older books as reference many not provide recent findings.  Let them go and use the Internet to find the latest information.  The books are not your brain and letting them go will not cause you to forget what you have learned.  (Old age, however, may cause you to forget.  I speak from experience once again.)
• Sets of encyclopedias are dated the moment you get them.  Use the Internet or library for research.  Use their encyclopedias if you want to teach your children how to use them.
• Make friends with the library.  It is a wonderful place of knowledge and entertainment for your children and prevents book clutter from residing in your house.  Most offer excellent programs for adults and children.
• Mix books, plants, attractive storage containers or photographs on bookshelves for more interesting arrangements.
• Upper bookcase shelves and over the window shelving can be used to display collectables and photographs.
• Collections of similar items are more attractive when grouped together in displays.
• Keep an attractive container with pens, pencils, note pad and scissors in a convenient location in case they are needed.
• Card tables can be used for board games, craft activities or other projects.  When you are finished it can be folded and stored under the sofa, behind large furniture or in a nearby closet.
• If the family office is located in this room, reserve a space for a table or desk.  A drawer or attractive containers can hold desk supplies. 
• If a computer will be located in this room, consider placing a wireless system in your home to eliminate having to connect all of the components with cables.

Organizing Tips for June

Illustration from RealSimple.com

June is filled with activities and it is difficult to think about organizing.  The best approach is to work in the areas that are already requiring time.  Since it is the end of the school year and the children or grandchildren will be around, one subject to consider is their spaces and the keepsakes you have been saving for them.  Of course travel is on the mind of most of us, too.

An avalanche of school papers may be arriving for you to handle this month.  My best advice is to let the child decide which to keep.  Keepsake boxes or binders can be used for these.  Give one to each child and let it be the only place for special saved items.  If it gets too full, let the child decide what to keep and what can go.  Resist the urge to get more or bigger boxes.  Think about how many things you really need from your childhood to remember the good times.  Of course there are items they have made that you will store with your keepsakes, but be selective. 

Children now have time to go through their rooms and eliminate items they have not used or no longer want or like.  Clothing that no longer fits can be sorted for sale or donation.  Children grow quickly and by fall most of what they wore during the past year will not fit.  Thankfully not much variety in clothing is need for the summer months.  If you are storing them for younger siblings, remember to label them as to sex, size and season.

Children need limits on everything except love and affection.  They should not be allowed to collect an unlimited amount of matchbox cars, Barbie clothes, t-shirts, flip-flops or anything else.  Let the space determine how much can be easily organized in the given space and draw the line there.  You will be teaching them good organizing habits and a lesson that there are limits in life.  Should they want a new item, remind them something they already have must go.  This is the “one in—one out” rule that we all should follow.

Too many of anything means none of them are special.  This includes collections such as china, dolls, salt and pepper shakers, stamps, etc.  If space is limited and many of these items are stored in the attic or closets, consider saving only those that have special meaning and letting the remainder go to other family members or donate or sell them to anyone else who will appreciate them and has room for them.  Storing keepsakes out of site does not honor or respect the memories that go with them.  Put those that you choose to keep in a place where they can be enjoyed and given the honor and respect they deserve.

Photographs are another source of keepsake clutter.  Save only the best from each activity.  No one needs 100 pictures of the beach vacation.  A few special pictures are all that is needed to capture that special time.  There are lots of ways to sort and save them in colorful scrapbooks and online in creative formats.  I am not a scrapbooker, but I do admire the projects and products available from Creative Memories and other sources.

Make a point of enjoying the outdoors while the weather is nice.  Keep outdoor umbrellas closed when not in use.  It will extend their usefulness and prevent damage during high winds or thunderstorms.  I have personal experience with this one.

And speaking of storms, this is the beginning of hurricane season.  If you live in an area affected by hurricanes, high winds or rising waters, you should review the list of necessary emergency items and secure those now.  Be sure to update your household inventory.  More information on it can be found on a previous Blog I posted: Click here.

If you will be traveling this summer, create a permanent travel kit with activities for yourself and family.  If it is only used for travel, the items will appear to be almost new and more interesting. 

 If you travel often and if you have storage space, create a permanent supply box or bag with items you always need.  Some of these may be duplicates of items you use everyday at home but you will not need to disturb those.

A permanent travel checklist that you keep on your computer or in a convenient notebook is a great strategy to prevent forgetting items you always need.  I keep one just for quilt retreats, my favorite travel experience! 

For information on organizing your suitcase, check out this article I posted for the local newspaper:

Click here

Enjoy this month of weddings, graduations, flowers and outdoor opportunities.  June is special in many ways.