Organizing Tips for January

I want to update you on the format I have used for the past 12 months and will be in place in the future.  Often when I speak to groups, I give a handout with a suggested schedule of organizing strategies for each month.  The tips I have used for the past year have followed that schedule.  Below is the last post I will make on this blog, as each of the following months would have the same tips as those posted last year.  To see the month's tips you would like, simply go to the archives for 2014 on the right side of this page and they are listed in chronological order.  I hope you find some new tip that will be helpful to you.  A sample is listed below.

In January we want to work on our papers and home offices

• 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 planning a new budget for the year and preparing tax forms much easier.
• Shred old financial documents a little at a time or take them to a records management company to be shred professionally.  If you have questions about how long you should keep some records, contact me.
• 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.
• If you have not already done so, get a new planner/calendar that shows a week at a glance and breaks each day into hourly segments.  Schedule your daily activities in it.  Most computers have programs to do this, as does Google and other online sources, at no additional cost.
• Update your home inventory.  Take pictures or make a video of every room, every closet, the garage and attic for insurance purposes.  These pictures will also give you a fresh and objective look at the appearance of you spaces

The family office or management space may be a designated room or a corner of the dining room, family room, bedroom or in a seldom used closet.   Regardless of the space available, some basic organizing principles need to be considered.

If no area is available for separate office space or office furniture, consider using the dining room or kitchen table.  All of the necessary supplies, files, etc. could be placed on rolling carts or portable totes that are stored elsewhere.  This is not as convenient but can be a successful alternative when space is limited.

• Provide a writing surface for correspondence, writing checks and taking notes.  This may be a table, a corner counter or standard style desk.
• Make provision for a computer.  This could be a desktop model or laptop that takes less space.
• 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.
• Consider replacing electronic items with wireless alternatives.
• Include a comfortable chair and good lighting. 
• Office supplies such as paper, envelopes, paper clips, etc. can be stored in attractive containers on the writing surface if the space is large enough.
• Use drawers to contain supplies not stored on the writing surface.  These may be part of the desk design or a free standing unit that is nearby or under a larger table.
• Filing supplies should be large enough to handle the family files.  This may be file boxes for different categories of files, a cabinet with pull out drawers, or a rolling file trolley that can be stored in a closet when not in use.  Refer to Chapter 11 for suggestions on managing papers.
• A telephone should be close at hand.
• If there is sufficient space, a bookcase for reference materials and other items is beneficial.
• If this office space is a convenient area to locate the family message center, consider placing those items in it.  The best scenario would be to have them together in the most visited part of the house.
• If this space is in a more remote location, include containers for incoming and outgoing papers.  This would include papers arriving from the incoming papers file box located in the more convenient place in the house.
• Regardless of its location, keep the surfaces clear before leaving it each time.

Set a goal to make this year a successful one for organizing your home.  Every step will make it a more enjoyable place for you and your family. 

 

Organizing Tips for December

photo courtesy of tasteofhome.com

We are approaching the end of the year but this is a busy month for everyone.  Some organizing strategies for this season have already been covered in the previous months.  Here are some final reminders and tips to help you through the holidays and the end 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. 
• 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. (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 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 put up and 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. 
• Consider color coding holiday containers and label with the contents.
• 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 holiday program, etc. Write down your decision and make plans for it next year.

Organizing Tips for November

Photo courtesy of hgtv.com

 

With the holiday season approaching, this month we will concentrate on organizing the kitchen and pantry.  At the end of this article are a few other tips to consider in November.  Hopefully these will make planning and staying organized easier.

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!)

• Arrange food items, cookware and utensils used in food preparation as close to the range and refrigerator as possible.
• Remove items from one cabinet at a time and sort.
• Dispose of any expired food products, broken appliances, containers without lids, lids without containers and excess margarine tubs, grocery bags, etc. that you may have collected.
• Place any food products, cookware, appliances or utensils you do not use in a donate or sell container.
• Clean the cabinet and place a shelf liner that can be wiped clean on the shelf.
• Place similar types of food items together.
• Canned foods can be placed on stair step shelves that can adjust to the width of the cabinet, in gravity feed containers like those used for soda cans or on pull out shelves or racks.
• Spices can be stored on smaller stair step shelves in cabinets or drawers or on turntables.
• Unless you use them quickly, boxes of cereals, pastas, rice and other dry goods that have been opened should have the contents moved to air tight containers.  Clear plastic containers or recycled clear glass food containers with labels are good choices.
• Use a standard size of food container for leftovers.  The lids should fit the shallow and deeper containers to make organizing easier.  Square and rectangular containers use space more efficiently and clear containers make identification easier.
• Free standing wire shelves, under the shelf wire baskets, pull out wire baskets or shelves and turntables are all options to add more storage space in the cabinets.
• Drawer dividers should be used to contain utensils, knives and other small items.
• Potholders should be kept near the range in a drawer or container on the counter.
• Hanging racks with hooks from the ceiling or placing a towel rod or dowel with hooks on the wall under cabinets can be used for pots and pans or large utensils.
• Magnetic tool strips can be mounted on the wall for knives and other metal utensils.
• Racks and hooks can be placed inside cabinet doors to hold smaller items.
• Pull out shelves and/or wire baskets are essential for storing items in the back of lower base cabinets.  It is very difficult to reach items so near the floor and so far inside the cabinet.
• Store small packets of drink mix or sauce and seasoning mixes together in small square containers on the shelf.
• Wire racks designed to hold pan lids can be used in deep cabinets to store cookie sheets and baking pans vertically rather than stacking them.  Cabinets over built in ovens are an ideal placement for these.  Permanent vertical dividers are also a good idea for that space.
• Pot lids can be hung inside some cabinet doors on specialty racks or behind a towel bar mounted so the handle at the top of the lid catches on the rod. 
• Label shelves inside cabinets so that other family members will return items to their home.
• If your pantry or refrigerator has wire shelves, consider purchasing acrylic or plastic shelf covers. Measure for a good fit.
• The refrigerator should have similar items grouped together.
• Use the designated bins in refrigerators for those items.  They are designed to maintain the correct temperature and humidity for those items.
• Add turntables, free standing wire shelves and other space saving items to the refrigerator to keep items organized.
• The door is the warmest part of the refrigerator.  Do not store eggs, milk or meats in it for food safety reasons.
• Cookbooks should be stored near this zone, but should be purged so that they do not take up valuable space.  Try not to store any on the counters. 
• Cookbooks you do not use can be donated or sold.  If you must keep those, consider displaying them on the hidden spaces at the tops of counters or on shelves over doors or windows in the kitchen. 
• Keep an attractive container with pens, pencils, note pad and scissors in a convenient location in case they are needed.

More November Tips

If you send holiday cards, buy, address and get them ready to mail.  The earlier you purchase them, the better the selection.   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.

If you use a paper planner, purchase one now.  The selection is better and you can begin putting important dates for next year in it.  I recommend a planner that shows a week at a glance with the days divided vertically into hours. 

There are several good tips to keep Thanksgiving Week an orderly and peaceful event.

 1)  Use a schedule to plan the activities for the week.  Work backwards from the time of the big event (Thanksgiving Dinner is usually it).  Be flexible with the amount of time you allow for meal preparation, decorations, clean up, etc.  You should do as much ahead of the big day as possible. 

2)  Do not leave home for Black Friday sales unless you are prepared.  Use whatever media you have to decide where you should go, when you should get there and what you will buy.  Make a list and stick to it.  Being surrounded by great deals on so many items will tempt you to buy items you really don’t need but hate to pass up because they are such a great deal.  This can be a great budget buster as well as a clutter creator.  Retailers are counting on luring you in with the super sale only to have you lured into the other wonderful items not on your list.

Consider staying home for a peaceful end to the week and shop online if you must make purchases.  Many outlets have the same sales online with free shipping this time of the year.  With no parking problems, traffic jams or lines at checkout, you can have even more reasons to be thankful.

           

Organizing Tips for October

photo courtesy of Marthastewart.com

Holiday entertaining is coming upon us and it is never to early to prepare for it.  The Dining Room is one of those areas we can organize early so it will be waiting while we cook, shop and decorate.

For Meals in the dining room

• 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.
• If remodeling, consider hardwood, attractive ceramic or vinyl floors for easy clean up.
• 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.

For storing related items

• Furniture used for storage should fit the size of the room.  Pieces that are too large will make mealtime difficult.
• Corner cabinets are a great use of space and if large enough can store many types of items.
• Special occasion dinnerware or silverware should be kept only if used or you have sufficient space for it. 
• Purge dinnerware sets that are incomplete, those you do not like or have broken and chipped pieces. 
• Do not store china or other dinnerware sets that are never used away in packed boxes.  If they are sentimental pieces or family heirlooms, pass them on to a family member or someone who will use or display them.  If they are respectable items, demonstrate that by enjoying them and not packing them away or out of sight.
• 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

• Use the dining table for craft projects or other art activities.  Cover the table with a protective cloth, cutting board or plastic before using it.
• The 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.
• 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.  More details about home offices are in Chapter 21.
• 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 on that table.
• Keep the tops of buffets, chests and china cabinets clear and free of clutter.
• Do not allow the table to become a dumping ground for items entering the house.
• Keep the table attractive 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 turned on the entire time.

Organizing Tips for September

Photo from Ikea

Organizing  our clothing is a very significant part of our life and it is a continual process.  It takes money, time and space. Pictures of many closet systems look organized mostly because there are so few items in them. 

     * It is thought that clothing belongs to Pareto’s 80/20 rule.  Applied here it means 80% of the time you choose to wear only 20% of the clothes you own.  More than likely you repeatedly wear the clothing that is the most comfortable, looks the best on you and is the most versatile with your lifestyle and other items in your closet.  Those are the pieces you want to keep and use to guide you as you build a wardrobe.

      * Make a list of the types of clothing you need and how many of each.

            *If you establish a limit for how many pieces of clothing in each category you need, then deciding which items to keep is easier for you.  When every piece has been evaluated and sorted, then you are ready to organize.

• If it no longer fits or is uncomfortable to wear, it should be moved on. 
• If it is out of style or not flattering, it should be moved on.  Forget the idea of saving it because styles repeat themselves.  When it does come back in style it will be different in length, color, etc. and not what you hoped it to be.
• If it needs repairing and you will actually do it or pay to have it done, it should be placed in that sorting category.  (Note:  I sew but my children actually outgrew clothes needing repair.)
• If it needs cleaning, it should be placed in the laundry area or the car for the trip to the cleaners. 
• If you have not worn it in a year but it fits you and your wardrobe, it may be passed on or put in the “I am not sure” category. 
• If you like it and it fits but you don’t have anything to go with it, consider making a list of coordinating items you would like to buy so that you can wear it.
• If you already have enough of that item, let the extras be moved on.
• Is it worth the trouble it causes?  Too much care, snagging easily, riding up or down on your body, catching on other items, etc. are all reasons to move clothes out of your closet and life.
• Purge any items that are not worn, that do not fit or that need repair and won't be fixed.. 
• Do not save items for a special occasion someday. They are taking valuable space.  Keep only those garments that you actually use.
• Use dividers and/or containers within the drawers and shelves.  Some specialty containers are available for separating all types of clothing including socks, bras, lingerie and more.  You could use simple boxes to do the same thing.  Before making any purchases be sure to measure the spaces. 
• Rather than stacking similar clothing in a drawer, some items can be rolled and arranged so that each piece is visible.  This keeps you from having to dig under piles to get what you need.  On shelves, rolled items can be placed upright in containers which go on the shelf.

If you are really serious about have your clothing organized you will have to move out some of your things.  When you do, you will find you have the space to sort and categorize them more efficiently.  Personal preference is the name of the game as you do this. 

 

You must decide what works best for you:

• Sort by color
• Sort by ensemble
• Sort by use--work, gym, etc.
• Sort by type-pants, tops, dresses, etc.
• Sort by hanging up, folding on shelf, rolled in drawers, etc.

Organizing is a trail and error process.  If one system does not work for you, then change it until it is  simple to use and maintain.  Once it is workable you will be amazed at the time, space and money it will save you.

Organizing Tips for August

Photo courtesy of goodhouskeeping.com

 



This month brings us the back-to-school events, the end of summer sales and final trips to the beach and other vacation destinations. Planning for fall activities is a good idea, too.  After a few tips for making the most of the back to school sales, we will concentrate on organizing the toys and electronics.

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, 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.  Clean out 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.   For children, check the supply list created by the specific school or teacher. 

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 there 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.

Tips for Organizing Toys

• Children learn from their toys but there should be limits on how many they own and how many they can have out at one time.  Decide what that will be ahead of time and stick to it.  Encourage relatives and friends to give clutter free gifts to your children.
• Toys should be more difficult to get out than put away.  Books that are stored upright on a shelf are easy to pull out and more difficult to put back in order.  A better choice would be a dishpan, bucket or basket that makes the child look for the book he wants but will be easy for him to drop it back in when he is done with it.
• Depending on the age of the child, most toys should be kept in open bins arranged in cubes or shelves and labeled so that clean up easy.  Picture labels can be used for toddlers and large word labels for children learning to read.
• Some special toys or games can be stored on a higher shelf where only a parent can reach it as a reward or incentive for cooperation, responsibility, etc.
• Hanging pockets and plastic stacking drawers are good choices for small toys such as doll clothes, matchbox cars or train pieces.
• Puzzles should be kept in their original box.  The corners may need to be reinforced with clear tape.  Another choice is zip lock bags with the picture included.  Color code the backs of the pieces for each puzzle with markers or crayons. Then the correct pieces can be returned to the proper box if more than one puzzle is out at a time.
• Other storage options are over the window shelving to display some collectible toys, corner nets to hold stuffed animals and totes on wheels to transport toys that can be taken to other rooms temporarily.

Tips for Organizing Electronics

• 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 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.

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.