Organizing Tips for July



The Family Room has probably been used all winter and now that the family is spending more time outside, it needs some tender loving care.  While the family is at the pool or outside playing, make the most of this time to organize it without interruption.  There are many different activities done in this space, so there are lots of tips to help you with each area.

• Be willing to purge items no longer used or needed to open up the space.
• Place items close to where they are used and within reach of all family members.
• Use containers on surfaces and in cabinets, shelves and drawers to hold similar items.  Use baskets or colorful containers if they will be seen on shelving.
• Group collections of items together. This is a more attractive way to display them.
• Use hidden areas over windows and doors, under sofas, and in functional furniture.
• Keep stacked and smaller items off the floor to make clean up easier and the room appear more spacious.  Place them in containers for easy clean up.
• 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 or hooks 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. 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 will 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.
• Mix books, plants, attractive storage containers or photographs on bookshelves for more interesting arrangements.
• Use vertical areas to provide extra shelves or cabinets for storage. 
• Upper bookcase shelves and over the window shelving can be used to display collectables and photographs.
• 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 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

It is the end of the school year and the children or grandchildren will be around so now is the time to prepare for the summer months ahead. 

This month we will tackle keepsakes, children’s rooms, travel and more.

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 someone who will appreciate them and has room for them.  Put those that you keep in a place where they can be enjoyed and given the honor and respect they deserve.  If you cannot let any go, then consider rotating those on display.

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.  Each Christmas I receive a calendar with pictures of my grandchildren taken each month the year before.  They are a mini scrapbook of 12 pages and all I need to remember those special occasions for that year.

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 items to save.  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.  (We don’t want to relive those not so good times!)

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

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:  http://organizingtipsfromorderlyplaces.blogspot.com/2009/06/pictures-for-inventory.html

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:

http://hrblogs.typepad.com/homeandgarden/2011/05/organizing-your-suitcase.html

The days will be hot and humid for the next few months but I am thankful.  I was too cold for too long last winter and I vowed not to complain about the summer heat when it arrived.  Even with the mosquitoes, I go outside everyday and appreciate seeing green trees and flowers.  I also appreciate returning to air conditioning!

 

 

Organizing Tips for May

Picture from allstarstorage.net

 

No one wants to be inside in the month of May.  Flowers have been blooming, the weather is mostly nice and we are tired of being in the house.  This is a good time to work on organizing the garage and getting the outdoors ready for summer activities.

Since the Garage is never first on our list of projects, let’s begin there.  During the winter it often becomes a temporary dumping ground for items.  If this is the spouse’s territory, be sure to work together as a team.  God forbid that you should purge or arrange items that were “special”.  I have found the most effective way to motivate a spouse is to begin purging and organizing your things.  Sometimes the guilt factor is motivating.  Sometimes.  Regardless, you never really can win a battle with a spouse.

                 Try to visualize zoning items you store in the garage.  Plan locations for gardening, sports  
               equipment, tools, automotive supplies, etc. so they are together and separated from other   
               areas.

       Take advantage of systems that will allow you to organize your items off the floor.  It is much easier and faster to clean with fewer items on it.   

       Check out the home improvement stores for hooks, peg boards or shelving units to hold items that are now stacked on the floor. For pennies or hundreds of dollars, you can invest in organizing solutions that will work for you. 

       Be sure to label bins and cardboard boxes used for storage. 

       Move out items you no longer need.  Only things you continually use should be kept. 

       Boxes of old magazines, newspapers, etc. should be recycled.  Let’s face it.  You didn’t have time to read them before and you won’t later on.  There are too many new ideas coming at us everyday and those articles are outdated.

       Review the sporting equipment to see if it is still needed.  Move on any you no longer use.  

       Look for specialty hooks, bags and shelves to store the equipment you save. 

       Be sure to keep children’s things at lower levels so they can access them without your help.

       A great plan would be to make room for the car if you have not already done this.  Your automobile is probably the second most expensive investment you have made so take care of it. 

       Mark off a space for the car on the floor.  Identify a wall item or hang a string or chain from the ceiling as a marker for how far you should pull forward.

       If outdoor, yard or garden items are kept in the garage, garden tools and accessories, look over each one and evaluate keeping, cleaning or removing it. 

       Remove rusted, broken or stained plant containers, stepping stones and other garden fixtures. 

       Create racks or hooks for the tools and locate them together in one area. 

       Specialty items are available to hang rakes, shovels, etc. so they do not get tangled together or take up floor space.

       Outdoor furniture may need to be cleaned before using, so check over each piece. 

       Toys that are outgrown or no longer needed can be moved on. 

       If you have water sports equipment or pool accessories, try to store those in good condition in their own area for convenience when they are needed. 

       Yard art is becoming very popular but be careful you do not allow it to take over.  It can become clutter just like anything else.  There is nothing more beautiful then flowering or luscious plants, shrubs and trees, so make them your focal point. 

       Adding hanging baskets or a border of blooming flowers can make a significant impact.

       Once your garage is cleaned, you may consider a Garage or Yard Sale.  Here are some reminders.

       **Collect, clean and repair items weeks ahead as you purge spaces. 

       **Check prices of similar items.  Put on price tags and store in a common area.  (Preprinted price tags can be found in some stationery stores, dollar stores, etc.)

       **Choose a sale date.  Join with neighbors if possible for a common date.

       **Check community rules and get permits if necessary.

       **Arrange for charity pickup or make plans for items not sold.

       **Write ad for newspaper, Craig’s List, newsletters, etc.

       **Make signs and flyers for bulletin boards and curbs where allowed.

       **Obtain sufficient tables, racks, etc. for items to be displayed.

       **Get change for large bills and newspaper, bags, etc. for fragile items or large sales.

       **Use extension cords for testing electrical items.

       **Place pens, paper, calculator, extra price tags, tape, and stapler at check out table.

       **After sale, remove signs, clean area and dispose of unsold items as planned earlier.

A few other reminders for May:

       Change the a/c filter and have a routine inspection of all its components before the scorching days of summer arrive.

       Clean ceiling fan blades and give other fans an inspection.

       Clean the carpets and floors.  They were used and abused all winter and deserve a thorough cleaning.  If piles of clutter or stacks of items are on them, consider moving the items to shelving, cabinets or tables. 

       Floors are easier to keep clean when only furniture is on them. 

If you get all of this done in May, you are exhausted and need a vacation.  Thankfully summer will be right around the corner and you should take advantage of it.  Have fun!

 

Organizing Tips for April

Well, this update isbetter late than never!  The deer have eaten 90% of our azaleas and camellias so there are few flowers to enjoy this spring.  It is good, however, to have warm weather after an unusually wet, cold and messy February and March.

On the days that are left this month, 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.  I suggest rolling towels to make it easier for children (or some adults) to select their favorite from the stack with the least amount of disturbance to those remaining.

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.   I love the portable totes that can be easily moved to other storage areas.  Give one to each person using the bathroom is space is limited.  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.

Hopefully you have finished your tax forms for this year.  If you would like some help in deciding which papers you need to keep, here is a link to a chart of retention guidelines I posted today.

http://maryfrancesballard.blogspot.com/

Organizing Tips ;for March

With new snow and ice on the ground, it is hard to believe it is March on the calendar and spring arrives this month, at least on the calendar. Be prepared as Daylight Saving Time begins Sunday, March 9^th.  Set your clock ahead one hour.  This month we are concentrating on the attic and clothing.

• The Attic.  March is a good month for checking out the situation in the attic.  The warmer days allow you to spend time there without the coldest winter temperatures or the extreme heat of summer. 
• Unless you are storing items for another family member, the goal is to keep as little as possible in the attic.  It is usually inconvenient to access and too hot or cold to spend time there.  The extreme temperatures are also not good for many items to be kept there safely.  In addition, you must take care to prevent invasion by critters.
• If you are storing items for adult children or other friends or family consider asking them to retrieve them.  Setting a deadline to have them removed or they will be donated may spur them into action.  In my professional and personal experience, I have found that most people don’t really want them after being without for awhile.  You may be surprised that is the case with items you may have stored for others.
• For safety reasons and convenience, add lighting and secure floor boards in areas of the attic you must use.  
• For items you must keep, create zones for the types of items you are storing.  For example, holiday items can be labeled and stored together.      
• Use color coded containers or labels to help identify containers quickly.  These are most easily found during or right after the holidays or seasons.  I have found brown and orange bins in October and November, red and green in December and yellow in the spring.  Of course you can create you own color coded labels, too.
• Take care to cover wood furnishings with sheets or blankets.  Upholstered furniture should not be stored in the attic for many reasons. The extreme temperatures will cause the fabric to deteriorate and pests find the padding very inviting for nests.
• The attic is not suitable for candles, photographs, soft plastics such as in dolls, electronic media such as tapes, and many fabrics.  Papers and files will become brittle if stored for any length of time.  Unless they hold sentimental value, they should be recycled or shredded.  There is no need to keep old bank statements or cancelled checks and most financial documents as they are now kept by institutions in computer files.  Legal documents should be kept where the temperature is controlled.
• If there are many items left to store after sorting, purging and cleaning the attic space, it is a good idea to create a map of where items are located.  This will save much time when it is necessary to recover them.
• Clothing   As the days are longer and warmer, remove the heaviest clothing you will save to 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.
• Winter clothing takes up lots of room in closets and drawers because they are heavier and have long sleeves.  If there are items you did not use or those that children have outgrown, consider moving them out now. 

            Clothing closets are one of the most frequently requested areas to organize.  While there are great strategies to use in setting up closet systems, the biggest     problem is too many items.  Pareto’s rule applies here.  You usually wear only     20% of your clothing 80% of the time.  Being willing to let go of those items that you don’t wear, for whatever reason, will make the task of organizing the closet         much easier.

            Creating zones in your closets for types of clothing will make keeping it           organized easier.  Group types of clothes together with durable hangers.  Above   all else, do not use wire hangers.  They are not good for you clothing or closet.

            As you sort and group your clothing you will begin to see what you have in      excess and what you may need to purchase to complete an outfit.  Put those needed items on a list and try to purchase only those when shopping. 

            While consignment shops usually only take current season clothing, removed    items can be donated to a charity or sold in a yard sale.  Moving them out will give you more space for the items that you do love and wear.

• 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.  Consider going in with neighbors or friends to draw more customers onto your street.
• 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.

 

 

Organizing Tips for February

If you have to stay inside because of uncomfortable weather outside, you may want to spend time with your hobbies or books.  Getting those organized can make it much easier to enjoy those activities.
Since there are so many types of hobbies and since we often take on too many, this blog will be a long one.  I have gone into more detail in my book, but you can begin with these tips.
      Books

• Keeping fiction books that you have read serve 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.)
• Make friends with the library. 
• Use vertical areas to provide extra shelves or cabinets for storage. 

Hobbies

• Limit the number of hobbies you take on:  two is best or three if it is related to the one of the others. 
• Do not try to purchase every new tool or supply for that craft when it comes along.  Most specialty gadgets are rarely used and take up valuable space.
• Finish one project before you start another one.  I know that is difficult when classes come along to teach a new technique.  Go to the class and take notes if you must, but do not start another project. 
• Purchase kits when they are suitable.  It will save you time in making choices and money in purchasing supplies you don’t use.
• Use storage containers designed for your items if they are convenient for you to use.  It is usually the most efficient use of space.  If those are too expensive, try to find a less expensive but similar substitute container in the fishing tackle, laundry or kitchen storage area of the store.
• Consider over the door style shoe bags with clear pockets for sorting and storing small items.
• Portable totes, rolling carts or drawers, wheeled suitcases and crates are all options when space is limited.
• Fill the closet in a spare room with shelving for containers or stacking drawers for your craft items.
• Folding or card tables can be used for projects if no other surfaces are suitable for your projects.  These can be stored under beds, behind tall furniture or in other storage areas.
• Purge items you have not used and realize now you probably will never use.  Our tastes and preferences change over time and there is no point in keeping something just because you thought you might use it.  Sell or donate it to your craft group or guild.
• Store craft magazines and how to booklets in a magazine holder.  When it is filled, use the one in one out principle.
• Use peg boards to store tools and supplies that are used often.
• Convert chests, china cabinets and other furniture into attractive storage for your supplies..
• Discard unflattering, foggy or distorted photos.
• Invest in a digital camera and begin using online services to create scrapbooks, calendars, cards and more.
• Consider scanning older quality photos rather than saving them for scrapbooks.  Companies that offer those services are listed in the resource section.
• Plan a photo give away day for those photos you no longer need or want. 
• Shoe boxes or similar photo boxes can be used to store saved photos.
• If upgrading to equipment or supplies with more features, sell or donate the equipment and supplies it replaces.  Do not keep it just in case you might need it.
• Use crafting/sewing tables with adjustable legs so it can be lowered to a comfortable level.
• Divided plastic drawer sets and towers can be used to store supplies.
• Purge patterns and fabrics and sell or donate those you no longer use or like.
• Create a cutting/project/pressing table by placing a table on bed risers to make the height more back and neck friendly.  Cover it with a padded board for pressing.  A cutting mat can be placed on top of this as the need arises.
• Keep projects portable in the extra large zip top bags.
• Consider fishing tackle boxes for sorting and storage of small notions, beads, wires and tools.
• Store stacks of containers on shelves in bookcases or cabinets with identifying labels on the front edge.
• Save only very special greeting cards you have received.  Cut off the verse and name of the giver to save and discard the front and envelope.
• Make memories of sentimental items by creating shadow boxes, framed photo collages, pillow tops, album covers or quilts.  These can be passed on to other generations.
• Make a child’s craft kit by storing the supplies in a zip top big bag.  Everything will be ready for them to use and clean up will be simple.
• Eliminate excessive gift wrapping supplies by investing in one or two rolls of paper.  White or paper bag brown can be used for any occasion.  They can be decorated with markers or rubber stamps or left plain with a pretty bow.  Store in a flat container under the bed or in containers designed for them.  Keeping one bright and one pastel roll of ribbon is sufficient. 
• Use special ribbon holders if you maintain several rolls.  These make it convenient for you to pull off one ribbon at a time.

Collections

• Valuable collections such as rare coins or jewelry should be appraised, inventoried and stored in a safe place.
• Purge items you have collected but have no sentimental value and you do not want to display.  See if a family member wants them before selling or donating.
• Have pictures taken of you with the item before removing it if you no longer have room for it.
• Limit the items you collect to the space that you have to display them.  If you insist on storing some of them elsewhere, rotate them through your display so you can enjoy what you have.
• Group your collections together for the most attractive arrangements.
• The best collectible is money.  Save it in interest bearing accounts rather than spending in on other items to collect.  It takes no storage space and grows in value.