When warmer weather arrives we want to spend our time outdoors. Finishing up indoor activities can be done if a cold spell arrives or on those rainy April days. This month we want to concentrate on our clothing and linens. This may seem a daunting task, but attacking one closet at a time over several days makes the task easier and usually more successful. If you are planning a yard sale, tackle those areas early in the month.
• Organize your wardrobe so spring and summer clothing is more convenient to reach and use. The back of the closet, a spare closet, attics, basements, garages or under the bed are all options for temporary storage of off season items. As you do this, check clothing for repairs or necessary cleaning.
Move out all the items that are no longer useful to you. If you are unsure of moving it on, pack it in a dated, labeled container and if you need it in the next year, you will know where it is. If you don’t use it in a year, move the contents of the container to a higher use or purpose by donating or selling them.
• As you change over the clothing for children, pack the too small clothing in containers that label the sex, size and season of the items in it. It will be easy to identify for a younger sibling later on or for a family member or friend who can use them.
• Organize the foyer or coat closet in the same way as your wardrobe. Lighter jackets should replace the heavier coats. Be sure the coats are cleaned and ready for use next fall.
• 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. This is a good time to organize the linen closet and move out the towels, sheets and blankets that you no longer use. Animal shelters often need those worn or out of style washable items.
Consider rolling towels so favorite items can be reached without going to the bottom of stacked items. This is especially convenient for children who have their special towels. The rolls can be stacked or placed upright in containers for easy access.
Sheet sets can be folded and placed in a pillowcase so the items do not separate. If space is limited, they can be stored between the mattress and springs of the appropriate bed.
• Get the outdoor grill ready for use. Pull out your favorite grilling recipes and your favorite grilling utensils and put them in a convenient location. Purchase the ingredients you use most for outdoor cooking.
• When the heavier pollen season has ended, clean the windows so you can enjoy the beauty of the spring flowers and birds as they arrive. For information on the Windex Outdoor Cleaner, check out this link: http://organizingtipsfromorderlyplaces.blogspot.com/search?q=windex
• Get your outdoor furniture clean and ready to use. Don’t be tempted to keep items that are no longer needed, that have served their purpose and are beyond repair.
• Pick some early blooming flowers and dress up your dining room, foyer or living room tables. They will brighten the days with April showers.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Monday, February 28, 2011
Organizing Checklist for March
Spring arrives this month, at least on the calendar. Daylight Saving Time begins Sunday, March 13th. Set your clock ahead one hour.
Remember our goal this year: Each week remove one bag of items for recycling, trash or donation and remove one hour of electronics from our schedule. Don't be discouraged if you are behind in the process. Begin this week no matter where you fell behind.
• This is the time to get indoor tasks finished so you can enjoy the outdoors as soon as the warm weather is here. Whatever the project, do not let it drag on or remain unfinished until next winter. Make that final to do list and get it done.
• With temperatures not too hot or too cold, this month is the best time to check out the attic. Often the morning sun will warm the space enough for working before the heat of the day makes it too uncomfortable.
Review that space and determine if any items can be removed to sell, donate or pass on to family or friends. You should do it before the summer sun makes it impossible.
It is best to store items in air tight containers in order to discourage pests from getting into them. Do not store photographs, candles and some plastic items as the attic heat will ruin them.
• Now is also the best time to clean out the garage, especially on the days when the temperatures are more moderate. Hopefully you have made room for probably your most expensive investment other than your children or house—the automobile. If not, consider a renovation that includes space to park it there.
Create zones for the items you store in the garage. The goal here is to keep as many items off the floor as you can. Separate sporting equipment, gardening items, cleaning supplies, tools and other hobby equipment.
• If you have considered the possibility of having a yard or tag sale. It is never too early to plan and prepare for one. . This month is the time to set the date and work towards that goal. May and June are great choices as it is not too hot and people are on the move.
• As you clean these areas and move out winter items later on, you have the opportunity to sort and price items that would be good to sell. Any items that remain after the sale can be donated to a local charity or thrift store.
• As the days are longer and warmer, remove the heaviest clothing, bedding, etc. for summer storage. This may mean to the back of the closet, to another closet or storage area, or out of the house permanently. If they will be part of a future yard sale, store them in the area set aside for that.
• Spring will arrive on the calendar. I just hope there is no snow on my daffodils when it comes. It has been a long, cold winter and I am ready for warm temperatures, leaves on the trees and flowers in my yard. And I pray I don’t complain about the heat this summer.
Remember our goal this year: Each week remove one bag of items for recycling, trash or donation and remove one hour of electronics from our schedule. Don't be discouraged if you are behind in the process. Begin this week no matter where you fell behind.
• This is the time to get indoor tasks finished so you can enjoy the outdoors as soon as the warm weather is here. Whatever the project, do not let it drag on or remain unfinished until next winter. Make that final to do list and get it done.
• With temperatures not too hot or too cold, this month is the best time to check out the attic. Often the morning sun will warm the space enough for working before the heat of the day makes it too uncomfortable.
Review that space and determine if any items can be removed to sell, donate or pass on to family or friends. You should do it before the summer sun makes it impossible.
It is best to store items in air tight containers in order to discourage pests from getting into them. Do not store photographs, candles and some plastic items as the attic heat will ruin them.
• Now is also the best time to clean out the garage, especially on the days when the temperatures are more moderate. Hopefully you have made room for probably your most expensive investment other than your children or house—the automobile. If not, consider a renovation that includes space to park it there.
Create zones for the items you store in the garage. The goal here is to keep as many items off the floor as you can. Separate sporting equipment, gardening items, cleaning supplies, tools and other hobby equipment.
• If you have considered the possibility of having a yard or tag sale. It is never too early to plan and prepare for one. . This month is the time to set the date and work towards that goal. May and June are great choices as it is not too hot and people are on the move.
• As you clean these areas and move out winter items later on, you have the opportunity to sort and price items that would be good to sell. Any items that remain after the sale can be donated to a local charity or thrift store.
• As the days are longer and warmer, remove the heaviest clothing, bedding, etc. for summer storage. This may mean to the back of the closet, to another closet or storage area, or out of the house permanently. If they will be part of a future yard sale, store them in the area set aside for that.
• Spring will arrive on the calendar. I just hope there is no snow on my daffodils when it comes. It has been a long, cold winter and I am ready for warm temperatures, leaves on the trees and flowers in my yard. And I pray I don’t complain about the heat this summer.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Organizing Checklist for February
January was a busy month. The aftermath of the holidays and the beginning of a new year creates much activity. February is not so hectic and should allow time for creativity to chase away the frigid temperatures. This month’s focus will be on the Books, DVDs, Cookbooks and Hobbies.
Reminders for Each Week (can include the new organizing strategies for this month)
• Remove one bag of items
• Eliminate one hour of electronics
• Clean and organize one drawer
• Clean and organize one cabinet or closet
• Remove back issues of catalogues, magazines and newspapers.
• If you have not done so already, clean out the file folders, update the yearly budget, and shred unwanted financial papers. Only this year’s information and legal documents should be kept in your nearby reference files.
• 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.
• Cull the cookbook collection and consider online sites for new recipe ideas. Save only those with recipes you continually use or those with sentimental value.
• 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.
• 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. For more details on organizing hobbies and crafts, here is a link to my notes on it. http://organizingtipsfromorderlyplaces.blogspot.com/2009/08/crafting-can-get-crazy.html
• Begin planning for early spring activities. Buy seeds, sharpen garden and lawn tools.
• Make preliminary plans for spring or summer vacations. Early reservations are usually less expensive. Insure all travel tickets.
Stay warm. This cold weather has to end sometime!
Reminders for Each Week (can include the new organizing strategies for this month)
• Remove one bag of items
• Eliminate one hour of electronics
• Clean and organize one drawer
• Clean and organize one cabinet or closet
• Remove back issues of catalogues, magazines and newspapers.
• If you have not done so already, clean out the file folders, update the yearly budget, and shred unwanted financial papers. Only this year’s information and legal documents should be kept in your nearby reference files.
• 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.
• Cull the cookbook collection and consider online sites for new recipe ideas. Save only those with recipes you continually use or those with sentimental value.
• 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.
• 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. For more details on organizing hobbies and crafts, here is a link to my notes on it. http://organizingtipsfromorderlyplaces.blogspot.com/2009/08/crafting-can-get-crazy.html
• Begin planning for early spring activities. Buy seeds, sharpen garden and lawn tools.
• Make preliminary plans for spring or summer vacations. Early reservations are usually less expensive. Insure all travel tickets.
Stay warm. This cold weather has to end sometime!
Monday, January 3, 2011
Organizing Checklist for January
If this economy has taught us anything it is that we can get by with less. I think we can safely say less of just about everything.
This year I challenge you to declutter the excess from your spaces by donating or recycling one bag of items a week. Then free your schedules by eliminating one hour of electronics each week (television, wii, search engines, email, etc.). Only replace those with things or activities that fill a definite need. You may be surprised as your attitude towards “stuff’ changes for the better and you will have more time for important things. Just think, at the end of the year you could have 52 less bags of stuff and 52 more hours in your week for things that count.
Some organizing reminders for January
• Set at least one new personal goal for the year. Break it down into manageable tasks and put those on your calendar.
• If you have not already done so, get a new planner that shows a week at a time and breaks the days into hourly segments. Organize your daily activities with it. Many computer programs will allow you to do that.
• 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 preparing tax forms much easier, too. Shred old financial documents a little at a time or take them to a records management company to be shredded professionally.
• Set a schedule to clean and organize one drawer or closet each week. Write it down and pencil it in your planner. Even it it has to be changed, it is a reminder. If you don't write it down, it probably will not get done.
• With shortened days and longer nights, make sure every light fixture has working bulbs. Brighter environments can brighten the outlook of those who are photo sensitive.
• Try online resources for new recipes. You will find you can remove of some of those cookbooks and magazines with recipes.
This year I challenge you to declutter the excess from your spaces by donating or recycling one bag of items a week. Then free your schedules by eliminating one hour of electronics each week (television, wii, search engines, email, etc.). Only replace those with things or activities that fill a definite need. You may be surprised as your attitude towards “stuff’ changes for the better and you will have more time for important things. Just think, at the end of the year you could have 52 less bags of stuff and 52 more hours in your week for things that count.
Some organizing reminders for January
• Set at least one new personal goal for the year. Break it down into manageable tasks and put those on your calendar.
• If you have not already done so, get a new planner that shows a week at a time and breaks the days into hourly segments. Organize your daily activities with it. Many computer programs will allow you to do that.
• 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 preparing tax forms much easier, too. Shred old financial documents a little at a time or take them to a records management company to be shredded professionally.
• Set a schedule to clean and organize one drawer or closet each week. Write it down and pencil it in your planner. Even it it has to be changed, it is a reminder. If you don't write it down, it probably will not get done.
• With shortened days and longer nights, make sure every light fixture has working bulbs. Brighter environments can brighten the outlook of those who are photo sensitive.
• Try online resources for new recipes. You will find you can remove of some of those cookbooks and magazines with recipes.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Organizing Checklist for December
This month I have edited what I wrote this time last year. It is a busy time for all of us and having a master checklist as well as more detailed to do lists will help keep you organized. This checklist is more detailed and longer than most monthly posts because of the importance of this time 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.
- Finish that Christmas newsletter and get those cards in the mail. Purchase "Forever" stamps rather than Christmas stamps. They can be used even when postage goes up. Better yet, try sending an email message saving time and money and not adding clutter to the receivers.
- Most online stores have sales and purchases will have free shipping now . Be sure they will be delivered in time.
- Keep all receipts in one special place for easy access if needed later on.
- Purge the refrigerator and freezer of as much as you can to make room for holiday items. Make a grocery list of what you will need for your holiday events or feast. Keep the list, recipes and menu close at hand.
- Begin decorating as soon as convenient. The best time is when you have help. Make the most of what you already have. Basic wreaths that can have the bows and decorative items changed with the seasons never need storage. Adding holiday bows or greenery to other permanent accessories in your home (such as candles, lamps, plants, etc.) are a festive touch that can be tossed afterwards. Avoid purchasing items specific to any holiday as they require storage space the remainder of the year.
- Wrap packages as soon as you have them. If you decide to set aside a specific time, be sure you don't forget where they are hidden. (I have done that more than once!) Keep wrapping papers to a minimum. One or two plain colors and assorted colorful bows are best. Children can decorate brown paper or white papers with colorful markers, stamps, etc.
- 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.
- Make a detailed schedule of what needs to be done before the big event. Work backwards in hourly increments on the big day and daily for a few days before.
- 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 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.
- 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 manilla folder or create a folder for them on your computer.
- As you take down the decorations, consider purging what you can. Eliminate as much permanent storage as possible. Try to maintain only those things with special significance or that cannot be replaced. Donate or pass on the others.
- 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.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Organizing Tips for November
Ready or not, the winter holidays are coming quickly.
- If you send holiday cards, buy, address and get them ready to mail. Consider creating an attractive e-mail card wherever possible and save the environment, time and money. You can even include pictures, etc. If the recipients love paper cards, they can print it.
- 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.
- Have packages for mailing out of town ready to send. Some overseas deadlines occur in November.
- Now is the best time for online shopping. Almost all stores are offering free shipping and the selection is better now than later.
- Send out “save the date” or invitations for holiday gatherings. The earlier the better as this is a busy time of year for everyone.
- Maintain a current inventory of food supplies. Check the pantry often to be sure you do not get caught short as grocery store shelves get depleted quickly. I have already purchased my frozen pumpkin pies and Pillsbury All Ready Pie Crust. (Please don’t cringe; my family doesn’t know the difference!)
- Create a holiday folder on paper or on the computer. Include your calendars, schedules, gifts, menus, decorations, invitations and invitees, etc. I even make notes of how much food I prepared and how much was left over. This makes planning the next year so much easier.
- 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. If you love the adventure, you will only buy what you need, and you don’t mind crowds, go for it and send me your stories!
Friday, October 1, 2010
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 holidays.
• Remove the remaining summer decorative items and toss those that are faded or in disrepair. Pull out the fall decorations and donate those that are no longer useful or you no longer like.
• 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.
• Look over your dinnerware and remove pieces that cannot be used because of chips or other damage. 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.
• 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.
• Remove old magazines and catalogues. Resist the urge to replace them with holiday issues. The temptation is great, I know.
• 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
• Remove the remaining summer decorative items and toss those that are faded or in disrepair. Pull out the fall decorations and donate those that are no longer useful or you no longer like.
• 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.
• Look over your dinnerware and remove pieces that cannot be used because of chips or other damage. 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.
• 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.
• Remove old magazines and catalogues. Resist the urge to replace them with holiday issues. The temptation is great, I know.
• 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
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