SimpleSpaces Organizing

Thanks for all your Shoe Donations!

2012-01-26T09:06:00.001-06:00

Thanks to all of you, I was able to collect 280 pairs of shoes to donate to those in need in Haiti. Bev, from Kenosha, was my biggest contributor donating 27 pair of shoes. As a special thanks, she will receive 2 hours of organizing services.

I was collecting shoes in conjunction with NAPO (National Association of Professional Organizer). Our organization, to date, has collected 102,723 pairs of shoes!

The majority of Haitians live in extreme poverty. Shoes not only help prevent the spread of disease, they also provide the person the chance to hold a job or attend school. (Yes, even children can be barred from attending school if they don't have shoes.) Thanks again for helping to provide opportunities for Haitians to better their lives!

Taking a Break from Blogging

2011-10-31T21:51:00.001-05:00

Time management is necessary to keep life in balance. My life has gotten quite full. Business is good. I'm volunteering for a couple of causes that are significant to me. My three children are involved in many activities, so I'm chauffeuring them around and watching their performances. So after careful consideration, I have decided to stop blogging for a time. I am still in business and still organizing. I hope to get back to blogging. At this point, putting a hold on this, as well as a few other activities, allows me the time and serenity I require. That is what managing my time all is about!

Free Hazardous Household Waste Collection

2011-08-30T19:49:00.001-05:00

We all have them, unused cell phones, household cleaners, paint thinners, etc. Collect the toxins that are no longer used and get them out of your home. Taking care of household hazardous waste products safely improves the quality of your home environment by getting toxins out of area and leaves more space for the things you use and love!

If you live in Kenosha County, WI, now is the time to get those hazardous products out of your home. Kenosha has a FREE Household Hazardous Waste Program.

Residents of the City of Kenosha can drop their household hazardous waste at the Kenosha Water Utility at 4401 Green Bay Rd on The first Saturday of each month (except Holidays) December through April and the first and third Saturday of each month (except Holidays) May Through November from 8:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m.

Village of Pleasant Prairie Municipal Center is hosting a Hazardous Waste Collection for all residents of Kenosha County on September 10, 2011 8:00am - 1:00pm at 8600 Green Bay Road. They provide this service twice a year, in the spring and in the fall. See http://www.pleasantprairieonline.com/services/garbage/hazardouswaste.asp for more information.

Not from Kenosha County, WI? Google "hazardous waste collection" for your community to find services. Many counties have household hazardous waste programs. Residents must drop items at a specified location on the collection days. Types of items accepted vary by county. Contact your local town hall or sanitation company for information about hazardous waste collections in your area.

As our awareness of the dangers of disposing these household wastes improperly grows, more and more communities are providing this service.

Household Hazardous Waste items being accepted at these locations include: household cleaning products, bug sprays, batteries, vehicle fluids and cleaning products, oil based paints, paint related products, fluorescent bulbs, pool chemicals and garden/outdoor related products.

Protect our environment and keep your home safe and orderly by disposing of any unused hazardous waste properly.

Develop a Homework Routine

2011-08-30T07:41:00.001-05:00

Routine is defined as the usual sequence of a set of activities. Having an after school routine that includes a homework time benefits children and parents. When a predictable pattern of activities occurs, children know what is expected. Once the child recognizes that during this time, this activity will always occur, there is less resistance.

First, make a list of your child's after school and evening activities. This list may include: snack, "down time", physical activity, homework, sports, clubs, supper, chores.

Next, determine when your child is the most focused. Some children are ready to do homework immediately, while they are still in the school mode. Others need to eat something, run off some energy, or just relax a bit before they can hit the books. When is your child most ready for homework?

Develop the sequence of activities that works for your child and roughly assign a time to them. (ie. Snack, chores, play time, supper, homework, soccer, relax time, bedtime.) The order is more important that the time. If you child knows homework comes right after supper, for example, he/she expects to do homework during that time. Of course, if homework is after a less structured activity such as play time, a time would need to be specified.

Be prepared for homework time. See http://simplespacesorg.blogspot.com/2009/03/create-portable-homework-station.html for ideas on a homework station.

Children and adults thrive on structure. Having a predictable routine that includes homework will make the school year go more smoothly for everyone. Happy studying!

Win by Donating the Most Shoes

2011-07-29T22:22:00.001-05:00

Clean out those closets and box up those shoes you no longer wear. Others can use them.

Last year, after the devastating hurricane in Haiti, my husband spent 10 weeks in the Port au Prince area, helping in the recovery efforts. He witnessed poverty at a level we cannot even imagine here in the US. That is why I am so excited to participate in the Soles4Souls program. (www.soles4souls.org) From now, until December 1, 2011, I will be collected gently used shoes which will be distributed in Haiti.

How will sending shoes to Haiti help the people?

See a video made from photos taken while in Haiti. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hTaz6mi625w

There is no garbage removal system or sewer system in Haiti. Trash fills the roadsides, ditches, and waterways, which is a breeding ground for diseases. Disease and infections can be spread through people's feet. Footwear can protect the wearer from disease.

Also, many schools require students to wear shoes. Only 35% of children have access to a formal education. 48% of adults are illiterate. Your donation of a pair of shoes may allow a child to receive an education and with an education that child can escape poverty. The results of your donations can be huge!

So collect your unused shoes, your friends and neighbors' unused shoes and give me a call. I will be happy to pick up (within my area of SE WI and NE IL) any shoes you are able to donate. Contact me at 262-515-3200 or pam@simplespacesorg.com to arrange pickup.

Win organizing services: The person (within my area of SE WI and NE IL) that gives me the most pairs of shoes to donate to Souls4Soles for Haiti will receive 2 hours of organizing services.

Special Instructions: Do not wash shoes. Tie or rubberband each pair together.

Organizing Tips for Technology Use

2011-06-22T15:44:00.005-05:00

I am now a "content contributor!" A tip I submitted for an ebook has been published. The book is: Sync or Swim: 201 Organizing Tips You Need to Survive the Currents of Change. Sync or Swim is a practical book that addresses tons of annoying, everyday organizing problems with easy, quick "techno-lite" solutions especially for busy moms, young professionals with active home lives, and those of us who are not digital-natives! Click here to learn more about the book.

Organize the Garage in Seven Simple Steps

2011-06-22T14:34:00.006-05:00

The garage tends to be the holding spot for belongings we no longer want in the house, but aren't ready to give up yet. The "holding spot" will fill up if left unattended. Take the time to organize the garage while the weather is nice and before the task appears overwhelming.

1. When you move items to the "holding spot" in the garage, store them in a closed container, label and date them. If you haven't used the items in a set period of time, say one year, toss or donate the items.
2. Schedule a time to devote to the project. Include a backup date, in case of rain. Allocate plenty of time. Depending on the amount of belongings stored in the garage, this project could take an afternoon or a weekend.
3. Take frequent breaks and drink plenty of water.
4. Sort belongings into categories: lawn care, tools, toys, etc
5. Purge: get rid of what you don't use and items from the "holding spot" that are past their "use by" date.
6. Designate a specific area for each category – tools by workbench, toys by service door, lawn care items on shelf above mower, etc. Use containers for small items. Label containers. Consider labeling shelves also, so all family members know where items should be returned after use.
7. Reward yourself for a job well done with an activity you enjoy. (Avoid rewarding yourself with a purchase – adding more belongings to your home as a reward for getting rid of others can be counterproductive.) Read a book. Go to a movie. Play baseball. Sit by a bonfire with friends.

Prepare for Spontaneity – Invite Guests Over

2011-06-22T11:09:00.003-05:00

The weather is finally warm and people are enjoying the outdoors. This is the time for those spontaneous gatherings. It is a bit of an oxymoron – preparing for spontaneity. Having some items on hand, so you can invite guests over, spur of the moment without a trip to the grocery store, increases the chances of actually getting together.

Think simple, throw together foods. Consider who your typically guests would be in determining the menu. You'll have a different menu for families with young children than for a group of adults. Here are a few ideas to get you thinking:

Simple meals: Hamburgers & hot dogs on the grill, tacos, pizza – Have guests make their own personal pizza.

Appetizers: Frozen appetizers that can be popped in the oven at a moment's notice, veggies & dip, chips & salsa

Desserts: Ice cream with toppings, frozen yogurt, smores: graham crackers, chocolate bars (or my personal favorite – peanut butter cups), and marshmalloww

Beverages: Sweet tea, lemonade, bottled water, soda, wine, beer

What easy foods would you keep on hand? Think simple, make a list and get your supplies. Then next time you see your neighbors out working in their yard, invite them over when they are done and enjoy catching up!

Beginning of Summer “To Do” List (for families with children)

2011-06-07T22:49:00.003-05:00

Start the summer off by doing some planning and organizing.

With your family, make a list of "Family Activities" you would like to do this summer, for example: ride bikes to park, have a picnic, visit grandma... Schedule these events now. By planning ahead, you will get to do more of the activities you'd like to do.

Sort & purge all the papers your child/ren have brought home from school. Save a few samples of written work and a few pieces of art work – fewer than ten total. Write the child's name, grade, and year on each selection. Store in a bin, labeled with the child's name. See http://simplespacesorg.blogspot.com/2008/05/end-of-school-year.html for more ideas for memorabilia.

Toss school supplies that can't be reused and store the rest in a container labeled "school supplies." Next school year you'll have those supplies ready to go.

Make an Indoors "Unbored" List and an Outdoors "Unbored" List – for each, list at least 20 activities your child/ren enjoy doing. Have your children help brainstorm ideas. When your child says he/she is bored, suggest he/she check the list for some ideas. Really, this works!

Sort through toys. Toss any that are broken and donate or sell any that your child/ren have outgrown or no longer play with.

Sort through each child's closet. Toss, donate, or sell any clothing & shoes that they've outgrown or no longer wear.

Plan, declutter, then enjoy your summer!

My Techno Tip has been Published

2011-04-27T14:45:00.002-05:00

I am now a "content contributor!" A tip I submitted for an ebook has been published. The book is: Sync or Swim: 201 Organizing Tips You Need to Survive the Currents of Change. The authors, Judith Kolberg and Allison Carter, are gurus in the organizing industry.

Sync or Swim is a practical book that addresses tons of annoying, everyday organizing problems with easy, quick "techno-lite" solutions. Topics include using technology to: manage & store info, organize finances, keep the home & family organized, and wellness. This book is especially for busy moms, young professionals with active home lives, and those of us who are not digital-natives!

Click here to learn more about this ebook.

Quick Spring Cleaning Projects

2011-04-26T16:36:00.005-05:00

The weather is turning warmer. Now is the time to lighten the feeling in your home. Surround yourself only with belongings that you use, love, and enjoy. Making more space for your belongings will make spring cleaning faster & easier. Here are a few project ideas:
1. Garage: Grab a garbage bag and do a quick purge. Fill the bag with belongings that you haven't used in the past year. Either toss the bag or donate, depending on the condition of the items.
2. Linen Closet: Remove sheets, blankets, and extra towels that you don't use. Donation centers always need linens.
3. Bathroom: Dispose of toiletries that you don't use.
4. Kitchen: Remove pots, serving platters, and dish towels that are used only for special occasions. Store these on a shelf in the basement or attic, with holiday decorations, or in another out-of the-way location. This will provide more room for items used routinely.
5. Pantry: Check expiration dates and dispose of any food that is past its prime.
6. Bookshelf: Remove tchotchkes that have collected. Donate any books that are no longer of interest to you.
Purging will not only make spring cleaning more efficient; it may also lighten your spirits! Happy spring!

Child’s Bedroom Transformed

2011-03-24T14:46:00.010-05:00

We were so excited to get started on this bedroom that I forgot to take before pictures. Let me describe the before: the bed and floor were full of stuffed animals and other toys, moving around the room was difficult and trying to find a specific toy was overwhelming. Getting to items in the closet was tricky.

This young man made a list of his favorite toys, which were kept in the room. The rest of the toys were removed. His special toys were containerized by category and labeled. He loves having the floor space for playing. He can put his toys away, now that he has defined homes for them. And I witnessed his enthusiasm as he hung up his shirts and put them in his closet.

This is what I love about my work. The effect of our work in the room is much greater than the actual organizing. Imagine, now this child can put away his toys and find the clothes he wants. I believe every parent will agree with me – this is priceless!

Overflowing Kitchen Drawers?

2011-03-24T13:25:00.014-05:00

Kitchen drawers tend to collect clutter. Why? They are convenient. Items we don't know where to put are tossed in kitchen drawers. Small objects not wanted on countertops are slid into drawers. Small items that we are afraid to throw away, even though we don't know what the items are for, get tossed in kitchen drawers. Here are some ways to prevent kitchen drawers from becoming stuffed:

Use dividers to separate items. In a drawer with all utensils, sort by type: spatulas, knives, measuring cups, slotted spoons. You will be amazed how much this helps in finding the utensil needed.
Assign a specific spot for each item.

Hot pads & utensils for cooking near stove
Knives by the food prep area
Flatware & serving utensils near eating space
Dish clothes & towels by the sink

Store items used only during the holidays. Storing those extra serving spoons and holiday towels used only a few times a year will free up space for those often used items.
Keep a minimum of tools and hardware in the kitchen.
Those little things that may be important, but you are not sure what for, are taking up your prime storage space. If you aren't ready to toss them, store those little pieces and parts in a small container in the garage or basement. If you haven't figured out what they are for in a year, it's time to get rid of them.

Organizing a kitchen drawer takes a short amount of time and will make using your kitchen so much more enjoyable! Which drawer in your kitchen bothers you the most? Take 30 minutes and transform that drawer into a functional space. You'll love it!

Quick Spring Cleaning Projects

2011-03-23T15:29:00.004-05:00

It's beautiful outside today. I've got a bit of spring fever.

I started by going through my "mismatched socks" bin. This is where I toss those socks that come out of the dryer without a match. When the bin gets full, I sort through it, matching up the socks.

Then I moved to the cabinet above the refrigerator. I sorted through the medicines, removing some that had expired, put the glues in a cup to contain them, and emptied the vase I put stamps in for my husband. (He collects stamps. I put the stamps in his stamp box in the office.)

I was on a roll. I headed to the dining room to empty out the hutch. I tossed several candles that were spent, put a table cloth that I don't use in my donation bin, and added a container for my kid's airsoft gun accessories. Yes, I keep airsoft guns in our hutch. This is convenient storage, close to the backyard, which is the only place they are allowed to use them.

That was all the time I had. In about an hour, I'd purged, cleaned, and organized three areas. Yippee!

Six Time Savers

2011-02-24T13:07:00.004-06:00

National Time Management Month is February. The eternal question, how can we accomplish everything we want to in the time we have? Managing time efficiently is definitely going to get you closer to achieving those goals. Here are six time savers to get you moving.

1. Be decisive – Make a decision and act on that decision. "Imperfect action is better that no action" according to Giovanna Garcia, life coach. Ignore those perfectionist tenancies!

2. Be organized – The average American spends 1 hour each day looking for misplaced items. Organize your space and just image what you will do with that extra 30 hours each month!

3. Create a sense of urgency – Eliminate interruptions, focus on the task and get it done.

Time savers I've blogged about before that deserve mentioning again are:

4. Setting Goals – Have daily goals, short-term goals, and long term goals.

5. Setting Priorties – Determine what activities and tasks are valuable and necessary for you and say no to those that don't fit with your goals.

6. Taking time for yourself – Moms are notorious for taking care of everyone else and forgetting about their needs. Taking time to renew your energy will make you much more effective in all your other roles.

We all have 24 hours each day. Use it to the fullest by eliminating time wasters and embracing time savers. What do you want to accomplish today?

Procrastinate, then Back to Reality!

2011-02-22T15:24:00.004-06:00

March 1^st kicks off National Procrastination Week! So, relax, put your feet up, and don't even think about those tasks you've been putting off.

Once the week is over, get back to reality! Procrastinating drains your energy, creates guilt, and leaves you in a time crunch.

1. First, figure out why you are avoiding the task. Is it because:

It's an unpleasant task.
You are unsure about how to do the task.
The task will involve making some decision/s you'd like to avoid.
You like the adrenaline rush of barely making the deadline.

2. Get Started - "The best way to get something done is to begin." - Author Unknown. Have you ever noticed that once you get started, the project isn't as bad as you'd thought; you get done in less time than you'd imaged, and now you have more time to do what you want to do.

3. Set Goals – Break the task into small portions. Set a date & time for completion of each portion. Enlist the help of an "accountability partner." Check in with that person when each step is scheduled to be completed. This is motivating and prevents the entire project from being completed at the last minute or not at all.

3. Reward Yourself – After completing a step, give yourself a small reward – 5 minutes of music, reading, or a short walk. Upon completion of the entire project, celebrate. Treat yourself to a larger reward – a massage, dinner at your favorite restaurant, watch your favorite movie. And remind yourself that you did a great job, worked hard, and were successful at beating your procrastination! Congratulations!

Organizing a Student Desk

2011-01-28T13:12:00.004-06:00

Students have a lot of items to store in their desks. Having a well organized desk will make finding school work and needed supplies much easier. Better yet, being organized may improve academic performance.

1. Use Folders: Teachers often have specific folder categories they encourage students to use. Find out what your child's teacher recommends and reinforce those. These are commonly used categories:

Homework Folder – mark one side "To Do" and one side "To Turn In". This folder is for school work that the student needs to take home, complete and return to school. Throughout the school day, when a student has unfinished work, put it in this folder. If he/she has time later in the school day, the work can be taken out of the homework folder and worked on. If not, it's ready to go home at the end of the day. When arriving at school, the "To Turn In" work can easily be located.

Stay Home Folder – completed and corrected work that is no longer needed at school. Fliers for parents can be put in this folder as soon as they are received.

Blank Paper Folder – paper student will need for his/her work.

Subject Folders – assign one subject per folder – store all handouts for that subject.

No loose paper in the desk. Every paper should fit in one of the assigned folder categories.

Label each folder.

2. Use a supply bag or box for pencils, crayons, erasers, ruler, and scissors. Use the pencil tray for only a few pencils and an eraser. All other small items ought to be containerized, so they are easy to find.

3. Keep only needed items in the desk:

Put garbage in the trash as soon as possible.

Toys take up valuable space. If students are allowed to bring toys for recess, store them in the child's locker.

Keep excess supplies at home or in your locker until needed.

4. Put items in the same spot in the desk every time they are put away. You'll know right where to look for needed supplies.

5. Organize the desk weekly to maintain order.

Talk with your child about ways to keep his/her desk organized. Ask to see the homework folder daily and the Stay Home Folder daily or weekly, depending on the teacher's schedule. Discuss any concerns with your child and your child's teacher. Encourage your child's efforts to become more organized.

Organizing Basics

2010-12-30T08:10:00.003-06:00

Organizing guru, Julie Morenstern, describes steps to get organized, using the acronym, SPACE.

1. Sort – Set up labeled containers (or designated floor space for large projects):

Toss – anything broken, outdated, unusable
Donate – any item that is not used
To Do – projects that haven't been completed. Be honest with yourself. If you don't have the time or knowledge, hire someone to complete the project or abandon the project and donate the supplies.
Keep in this area
Belongs elsewhere

Sort items from "keep" into specific categories to meet your needs: "winter decorations, spring decorations, _Name's_ _ off season clothing, pool supplies, outside toys."

2. Purge – This is getting rid of duplicates, items missing parts, and items you don't have a need for. Now that you've sorted you see you have more beach toys than your children ever play with. Now is the time to get rid of what is not used.

3. Assign a home – Determine where each item will go in the space. Put it as close to where it will be used as possible.

4. Containerize & Label – Use containers to hold small items. You've sorted & assigned a home. Now chose containers that are the appropriate size for the category as well as fit in the area selected as "home". Label the containers and shelves, so everyone will know where items belong.

5. Equalize – Make maintaining the order a part of your routine. Put things back when done to keep the space organized.

Adapted from "Organizing from the Inside Out," by Julie Morgenstern

January is “GO” Month (Get Organized)

2010-12-30T08:00:00.003-06:00

Becoming more organized is a top New Year's resolution. Just like dieting, results are less painful and more lasting if done in small increments. Don't put yourself through the torture of spending an entire weekend in the basement organizing your storage area. (To me this sounds like fun, but I'm a bit unusual in that way.)

Follow these steps for lasting change:

Set a goal. "I'd like my storage area organized by this summer, so I can locate and retrieve any belonging from the area."
Break the goal into small pieces. Assign yourself one manageable goal each week. "This weekend, I'll sort belongings to categories for 30 minutes." (see Organizing Basics) Or "On Monday, I will drop any donations at the collection center."
Have an accountability partner. Check in with your partner. Let him/her know your goal for the week, the progress you've made, and the challenges you've encountered.
Stay motivated. Focus on your big goal, picture your finished project, imagine your satisfaction, reward yourself, and continue on.

Quick & Simple Projects

2010-12-13T12:28:00.004-06:00

Becoming more organized is one of the top three New Year's resolutions. Here are some small project ideas. These can be completed in a relatively short time. They will increase the organization and efficiency of your home, leaving you more time for life, which of course, is the primary goal of getting organized.

Kitchen - Keep a grocery list on the refrigerator or inside a cabinet door and add items as you notice the supply is low.

Pantry – Have a tray stocked with items routinely used at meals: salt & pepper, napkins, butter knives. At meal time, simply transfer the tray to the table.

Corner Cabinets – Add a lazy susan so items in the back can be turned to the front for easy access.

Bathroom - Toss all the lotions, perfumes, makeup and samples that you haven't used in 6 months.

Linen Closet – Move sheets to the bedroom where they are used. Two sets of sheets per bed per season are plenty – donate extras. Determine how many towels you really need and donate the rest.

Laundry Room – Add a container for socks that are missing their mates and a container for items that have been left in pockets.

Clothing Closets – Donate any clothing/shoes that haven't been worn in the past year.

Living Room – Add a footstool with storage or a storage basket for newspapers & magazines. Routinely recycle publications. Cancel subscriptions that you don't consistently read.

Home Office – Sign up to receive paperless bills. Pay bills online or arrange automatic payments.

Tell me about the small organizing projects that have made a big difference in your home.

Consumable Gift Ideas

2010-11-30T20:43:00.004-06:00

With the current trends of going green and uncluttering our homes, consumable gifts are a great gift option. As you are trying to decide on a gift, think of the person's interests and activities. What does he/she enjoy & appreciate. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Practical gift cards:
Gas
Groceries
Phone
Auto service
Car Wash Tokens
Cleaning service
Entertainment:
Theater or movie tickets
Tickets to a sport event, concert, or special event
Movie rental gift certificates
Favorite Restaurant gift certificates
Museum tickets
Lessons for an area of interest – music, craft, sport
Gift certificate for a spa: massage, facial, manicure, or pedicure
Gift card for downloadable music
Fresh flowers
Wrapable gifts:
Candy
Candles – those that are completely disposable
Gourmet foods/beverages
Homemade foods
Stationary/Note Cards & stamps
Car Care Supplies
Art Supplies
School Supplies
Magazine subscription (purchase one to wrap)
The gift of time – coupons to:
Babysit
Run Errands
Prepare a meal
Together Time – plan a favorite activity for the recipient
For Children – coupons for fun:
Parent-child time – the child chooses the activity (within time & budget limits)
Stay up late
Dessert before lunch
Pajamas for the day
Choose menu for the day
Extra TV or video game time
No Chores Day
Donations to a favorite charity in the recipient's name

What are your favorite consumable gifts?

Kitchen/Dining Room Tables

2010-11-30T19:59:00.018-06:00

Tables do tend to catch clutter. Here are a few ideas to help you resist the urge to drop and forget:

Use an attactive table runner, placemats, and/or centerpiece to decorate the table.

Have a designated mail/bill paying station. If the table is used for these functions, store the supplies close by.

Create a "launching/landing pad" near the back door for items that will be leaving the home.

When shopping, allow time for putting away the purchases as soon as arriving home.

Plan to use the table for eating. Break out the candles and the good dishes often and enjoy the space!

10, 20, & 30 Minute Decluttering Projects

2010-10-14T10:58:00.005-05:00

Mark your calendar for Monday, Nov 22^nd. It's National Declutter Day, a day to remove some of the "stuff" from your home. Here are a few organizing project ideas, depending on how much time you have for this venture.

10 Minutes:

Quick decluttering: Walk through your home carrying a large garbage bag. Put in the bag any belongings that you don't use or love. Donate or toss the full bag.

Organize a utensil drawer. Use a drawer organizer to separate utensils by use. Donate gadgets and utensils that aren't used. Store utensils that are used only at the holidays with holiday decorations, leaving more space for what you need.

Decrease your junk mail by removing your name from mailing lists. Include all forms of your name. Within three months, there will be a reduction in junk mail. Write to:

Mail Preference Service
Attn: Preference Service Manager
Direct Marketing Association
PO Box 3079
Grand Central Station, NY

20 Minutes:

Clear out the junk drawer. Get rid of anything that has been sitting there, unused, for more than a year. Put back only what you use in the kitchen. Put away items that belong in other areas of the home.

Eliminate some paper. Recycle catalogs, magazines, newspapers.

30 Minutes:

Select the 2 to 3 most packed shelves in the linen closet. Pull out items, sorting into categories. Determine how many towels & sheet sets you need. Eliminate the excess. Could sheet sets be stored in the bedroom where they are used? Fold and return needed items to the shelves.

Grab a donation bag and head to a clothing closets & dressers. Toss in any clothing/shoes that you haven't worn and you don't feel comfortable in.

Take a little time to do some decluttering then stand back and enjoy the order you've created!

Simplify Holiday Shopping

2010-10-14T08:51:00.006-05:00

With the holiday season fast approaching, now is the time to start planning a shopping strategy.

1. Make a list of people you will be buying for. Try using a chart format. (See sample below.) List names across the top. (For a Holiday Shopping List Chart, email pam@simplespacesorg.com.)

2. Decide what you would like to give each person on the list. Using the chart, write the store you will shop at on the far left and the item to purchase under the name and across from the store.

Consider consumable gifts: gift certificates to a favorite restaurant, tickets to a special event, a magazine subscription, and food. Children love coupons. Be creative. Consider what the child would enjoy: an afternoon at the beach, stay in your pajamas until noon, desert before lunch.

Sample Shopping List:

Name Store	Child	Husband	Neighbor	Home
Target	Basketball		Picture frame
Toys R US	Lego car
Best Buy		A new gadget
Dollar Store	Stocking stuffers			Wrapping paper, Ribbon
Make	Coupons		Coupon for babysitting

3. Plan the shopping to prevent multiple trips to the same store. Remember to use your list at the store. Mark off those gifts you purchase and highlight those you didn't find. See if those items may be available at another store on your list.

4. Shop efficiently. Shop stores that are in the same area at the same time and when you have a bigger block of time to shop. Stop at an isolated store when you are in the area for another activity or when you have a short time to shop.

5. Relax and enjoy the holidays!

Goal: Space to Play

2010-09-27T14:14:00.007-05:00

This bedroom had accumulated boxes of "stuff" for 5 years. This young lady now has space for her treasures and toys, space to play, and room to hang her original artwork on the walls.

9 Ways to Prepare for Disaster

2010-09-27T08:33:00.006-05:00

Are You Prepared? Sept is National Preparedness Month. This campaign began seven years ago, urging Americans to be ready for a variety of disasters. We hate to think of experiencing a crisis and thankfully, the majority of us will not experience a major disaster. Yet, being prepared, in the event that there is a disaster in your area, is so important. Following are 9 ways to be prepared.

Have a first aid kit in your home.
Have a first aid kit in your vehicle.
Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen. Regularly review how to use the extinguisher. Keep it in a location near the exit.
Keep a fire extinguisher in the garage.
Change smoke detector batteries regularly. (Set specific times of the year, for example, when the time changes in the spring & fall.)
Have a Survival Kit: Include items such as: water, food & can opener, battery powered radio, flashlight, extra batteries, first aid kit, dust masks, cell phone, blankets, whistle (to alert others), items to meet your specific needs, such as medicines or diapers & formula.
Make a Plan – Discuss with everyone living in your home what to do in case of:

Fire
Medical Emergency
Threat of Violence
Types of emergencies common to your region: tornado, earthquake, flood, wildfire, electrical outage, mudslide, etc

8. Designate an out-of-the-area contact. If you are separated from loved ones in a disaster, you may be able to reach a long sitance contact when local communications are not functioning.

9. Be Informed.

What is the best/safest way to handle each of these disasters?
What community resources are available when a disaster occurs?

Taking the time to prepare for the possibility of these disasters is important. Hopefully, you will never need to use the plans that have been made. Don't take the chance.
Go to: http://www.ready.gov/america/npm10/index.html for more information.

Items in Transition

2010-08-09T19:15:00.006-05:00

Items that need to be taken elsewhere, fixed, or put away become clutter unless there is a transition spot for them. Do you have a place for…?

Library books – shelf or basket where you read.
Dry cleaning – bag in closet or laundry room.
Items to donate – bin in trunk of car or convenient closet or laundry room.
Items that need repair – bin in garage or kitchen.
Purchased items that need to be returned or exchanged – bag in car or "launching pad" - a spot designated for all the items you'll need when you leave the house.
Borrowed items that need to be returned – bag in car or "launching pad".
Items that need to be returned to their "homes" in a different area of the house: a spot for items to take downstairs or upstairs, a spot for items to go to the garage, etc. – basket, bag hanging on doorknob, or bin near the transition area.
Items that your children have left out and need to put away – basket or shelf in living room/family room.
Clean laundry for family members to put away – shelf in laundry room, laundry basket in child's bedroom.

What transition spot could you not do without?

Professional Organizer’s Closet

2010-08-09T18:28:00.005-05:00

I've been asked what my closet looks like. Here it is.

Top shelves: Off season clothes and seldom used items.
On the Shelves: commonly worn folded items and shoes. Dress shoes and off season shoes are on the floor at the back of the closet.
Shelves on right: pajamas.
Long Hanging: dresses & dress skirts, pants, robe, and clothing I've worn for a short time that can be worn again before washing. Behind are belts and necklaces.
Top hanging – items worn more often: casual tops & jackets, purses (looped on hangers)
Lower Hanging – items worn less often: t-shirts, blouses.
All the clothing is in the closet – no dresser. This way everything can be seen at a glance.
The wastebasket is for laundry. Because it's full in two days, it's a reminder go throw in a load of laundry.

Suggestions:

Organize your closet in a way that works for you. The important concept is that you can see and easily reach what you'd like to wear.
Keep enough space on hanger rods that you can easily hang clothes. The rod is not meant to be packed full.
Keep a small container for garbage in the closet – for clothing tags and emptying pockets.
Remove from the home what you do not wear.
If there is enough space, keep a container for items to donate. When you put on an outfit and think, "I hate the way this looks" or "This is uncomfortable", put the clothing directly in the donation container.

Your clothing closet should contain items that you love and you feel comfortable and confident wearing.

It’s All Too Much

2010-07-28T15:16:00.002-05:00

When I take my kids to the library, I always check the organizing books. This week I found It's All Too Much, by Peter Walsh. The book was a quick read, gives some great ideas about developing routines, and is thought provoking. Why do we (Americans) tend to buy so much? What drives us? What are we hoping to gain?

It's All Too Much looks at organizing from a different angle than the majority of organizing books. Many organizing books go through the mechanics of getting a space organizing. Walsh looks at consumerism and our emotional attachments to our belongings. I got these points from the book.

We often define ourselves by the things we have. You are not your belongings – maintain a comfortable amount of things and enjoy yourself in your space.
Shopping is a national pastime. Shopping for the sake of shopping inevitably results in clutter.
Replace shopping with "experience" activities – outdoor fun, family games, exercise, reading, or any activity that you enjoy. Save what you'd have spent on shopping for a vacation.
Determine the amount of belongings you have based on the space available. (Typically we overstuff our space, buy a bigger house, rent storage space, and/or complain about lack of space.)
Use the one in, one out rule. Before making a new purchase, decide if you have the space for it. For each new item brought into the home, remove a similar item. Using this method, you maintain an organized space, preventing the clutter from returning.

This book is really about changing our perceptions about belongings and their significance, thus changing our feelings about what we want to surround ourselves with. Walsh emphasizes that our relationships are what is important, and ultimately, who wouldn't agree with that!

#1 Key to Organization

2010-07-13T07:01:00.004-05:00

The #1 Key to getting and staying organized is to simplify. The volume of belongings is directly related to the time involved in keeping those items organized. Consider shoes for example. Keeping 30 pairs of shoes neatly arranged is much easier that keeping 300 pairs of shoes under control. This holds true for all belongings. So the question becomes, how do I simplify?

Studies show we typically use only 20% of what we own. Seriously take a look at items in your home that are taking up space and are rarely, if ever, being used. Donate those items that you don't use, love, and enjoy.
Ask yourself, how many _______________ do I need? Keep your favorites and give the rest to someone who can use them.
Consider renting large, seldom used items instead of purchasing. Is the rental fee worth the cost of more storage space for other items?
Before purchasing an item, determine where it will be kept. If space is not available, ask (1) Do I really need this item? (2) What can I dispose of to make room for this new item?
When bringing a new item into the home, remove a similar item from the home.
You have permission to remove from the home items that were a great deal, were gifts, and that were expensive. If you aren't using them, they are taking up valuable space. Let them go.
Store holiday serving dishes, linens, and any other items used only at that holiday with the holiday decorations. Store them in an out of the way location, freeing up closet and cabinet space for those items used frequently.

Your belongings are meant to add comfort and joy to your life. When they are falling out of the cabinets or preventing closets from being closed or stopping you from finding the items you want, they are not serving their purpose. Simplify and enjoy the calm.

Garage Sale Purge

2010-06-22T08:29:00.005-05:00

I'm not a fan of garage sales. There is a significant time investment with the chance of a small return. We had a neighborhood garage sale last weekend. I hadn't planned to participate. My children thought it would be great fun. They found several toys they could agree to sell, so I consented.

I needed to find some items I could get rid of. I checked closets, drawers, the attic & basement asking these questions:

When did I last use this?
Do I love it?
How many of these do I have and how many do I need?
Is the item in good condition? (I even threw out a few items that were worn.)

I came up with several items I could add to the sale. It wasn't a huge sale. We didn't make much money. Anything that didn't sell, I loaded up and dropped at a donation station. If I'd decided I didn't need these items anymore, there was no point taking them back into my home. I gained storage space, which made all the time worth it!

Does this mean I'll have more garage sales? No. I don't enjoy it. I will look at the belongings I'm storing with a more critical eye and donate those I don't love and use regularly. Purging belongings by deciding if they had more value in my home or in a garage sale worked well. In fact, yesterday I noticed some cookie cutters that I haven't used since last summer. Time to move those to my donation bin and make more room for the items I do use.

What helps you to purge no longer used items from your home?

From Chaotic Storage to Peaceful Retreat

2010-06-17T05:55:00.013-05:00

I've seen many homes where the extra bedroom becomes the "catch-all" room. At first, belongings are neatly stacked along the walls; slowly the piles take over until no one knows what goes where or even what they have stored in the room. Finding an item stored in the room becomes an adventure, usually not an enjoyable one!

This owner had goals. She wanted this room to become a peaceful getaway where she could write and meditate. She was motivated. She was willing to donate many items and make room in the attic and storage shed for other items in order to get the space she dreamed of.

She has a writing space with convenient storage for her writing materials. The closet is neatly organized, so she has access to items in storage. Containers are labeled. Shelves are labeled, so she knows exactly where items belong. She has her sanctuary!

No More Late Fees

2010-06-08T08:31:00.004-05:00

According to a Harris Interactive Poll, 23% of adults say they pay bills late (and thus incur fees) because they lose them. Now, more than ever, eliminating those late fees is a must. Paying bills on time not only saves money, it improves your credit score.

Developing a routine for dealing with mail and paying bills is a great way to prevent late fees.

As soon as you get the mail, sort into:

Recycle - put in recycling immediately.

Shred - paper with identifying information should be shredded. If it's not convenient to shred immediately, put in a "To Shred" file or container.

To Read (for leisure) - store near your favorite relaxing & reading spot. Once the items have been read, recycle or pass them along to someone else.

To File - file immediately or put in a "To File" file and deal with on a weekly basis.

To Pay/Action Items - place mail that needs attention in a "To Pay/Action" file or basket.

Set a specific day and time to take care of To Pay/Action Items. (For example, every Friday at 5:00 PM.) Allow enough time to complete this task - at least one hour.

Attend to items in the To Pay/Action Items: pay bills, make phone calls, balance the checkbook, etc., taking care of all the items in this file.

File items from the "To File".

Shred mail that has accumulated in the shred container.

Developing a system for handling mail and specifically bills, will prevent late payments, eliminating the late fees and keeping more money in your pocket! What will you do with the money you save?

Painless Unpacking

2010-04-30T08:26:00.005-05:00

After a vacation, do the remnants hang around the house for weeks, cluttering up your space? Follow these steps to remove the vacation remnants before they become clutter.

As soon as possible after arriving at home:

1. Unpack the car completely, including the trash.

2. Gather laundry baskets or large containers to use for sorting.

3. Empty all luggage, sorting the contents into containers. Suggested categories:

Laundry
Clean clothing
Toiletries
Memorabilia

4. Return the items to where they belong.

5. Return luggage to storage area.

Shortly after the vacation:

1. Replenish depleted items from your toiletry bag and store with your luggage.

2. Memorabilia: Process photos in your preferred method. Sort through memorabilia: get rid of duplicates and keep only what has significance for you. Store in a large envelope or small memorabilia box, labeled with the location of the vacation and the date.

Now that you're unpacked, you can enjoy "home sweet home" and the memories of your wonderful vacation!

I Love My Walk In Closet!

2010-04-28T15:22:00.009-05:00

This closet already had some organization to it, prior to my visit. Out-of-season bedding was bagged and stored on the top shelf. Some clothing to give away had been sorted, bagged, and was ready to go.

Still, reaching the back rod was difficult due to the items on the floor. Laundry baskets kept in the bedroom were also storing clothing, because their was no room in the closet.

After six hours of sorting and organizing, a van full of items were donated, and the closet, dressers & bedroom were functioning as the client wanted. She was exhausted and thrilled!

Purge Hazardous Waste Properly

2010-04-19T14:59:00.002-05:00

Purging unused belongings is a great step in getting organized. Not every household item can be put in the garbage. When getting rid of your clutter, be aware of what items can harm the environment and learn how to dispose of those properly.

Here are just some items that are hazardous:

Aerosol cans
Batteries (rechargeable and button)
Break/transmission fluid and antifreeze
Car batteries
Computers, TVs, cell phones
Fluorescent tubes
Gasoline and other flammables
Household cleaners
Mercury thermometers and switches
Motor oil and filters (used)
Needles & syringes - home generated (Seal in hard plastic or metal containers)
Paint (oil based) and paint thinners – in most areas, latex paints can be put in the garbage after the paint is completely dried. Adding kitty litter to the paint will expedite this.
Pesticides and herbicides
Pool chemicals and poisons
Propane tanks
Solvents

Many counties have household hazardous waste programs. Two or more times per year the county will collect certain hazardous products. Residents must drop items at a specified location on the collection days. Types of items accepted vary by county. Contact your local town hall or sanitation company for information about hazardous waste collections in your area.

Taking care of household hazardous waste products safely improves the quality of your home environment by getting toxins out of area and leaves more space for the things you use and love!

What's in Your Linen Closet? 7 Ways to Make Space

2010-03-23T16:25:00.012-05:00

Why is it that linen closets become the drop spot for items to be tucked away and forgotten forever? I'll be the first to admit, little of what I have in my linen closet is actually linens. There are cleaning supplies, light bulbs, board games, small dumbbells, and a few linens.

After everything that was no longer used or belonged elsewhere was removed from this closet, there was room to space. (Later the vacuum and other cleaning supplies were added to this closet, making more space in the extra bedroom.)

A linen closet is often a convenient spot to store items that will be used in the living areas of the home. Here are some ideas to make the best use of that space.

Store sheets in the bedroom where they will be used to free up this prime space.

Remove from the home any linens that haven't been used in over a year. If you've gone through a complete change of season without using them, chances are someone else could use them.

Store holiday linens in long term storage with the rest of your holiday decorations. When you decorate for the holidays, that will be your reminder to use those linens.

Determine what categories of items belong in the closet. These should be items that are used close to this area of the home.

Remove items from the closet that belong elsewhere.

Assign a specific category to each shelf.

Use containers to corral small items of the same category & label the containers.

The linen closet in most homes is a convenient storage space. Make the most of it!

Reduce Housework by 40%

2010-02-23T11:04:00.007-06:00

Cleaning professionals say that getting rid of excess clutter reduces housework by 40%. - from www.NAPO.net.

It's that time of year – time to do a thorough cleaning of your home, open up the windows, let the fresh air in, and get rid of the dust. This is also a great time to evaluate your belongings and get rid of any clutter that is weighing you down.

Consider the chotskies in your home. They tend to collect dust and add time to housecleaning. Select a few that you absolutely love and get rid of the rest. If there are several you can't bear to part with, store some and rotate them.
Examine your clothing. The majority of the clothes in our closets are rarely worn. Pick out the clothes that feel comfortable, are flattering, and you love to wear. Donate what remains.
Dig to the back of the linen closet. Have you used those items in the past year? Get rid of the worn towels, the scratchy or mismatched sheets, and any other unused items.
Open those kitchen cabinets. Pull out the unused small appliances, excess serving utensils, containers with missing lids, worn dish towels, etc and get rid of them.

Items you aren't using get in the way and take up space. Making space for the items you use and enjoy will cut household chores and make access to those items easier, gaining more time for other activities. And who couldn't use more time!

4 Ways to Use Time Efficiently

2010-02-16T14:07:00.006-06:00

Believe that time is going to help you do what you want.
- William Morris Hunt

February is Time Management Month. Here are some ways to make good use of your time.

Say no to a task that is not necessary or fulfilling. You have a limited amount of time, so prioritize.

Delegate one of your responsibilities. What is one small (or larger) but necessary task that you can hand off to a family member or colleague?
Set a timer when starting a task that you tend to get very involved in and stop when the timer goes off. This prevents you from getting so wrapped up in a project that time gets away from you.
Make a list of 5 things you'd like to accomplish this week. Schedule a time for each project. There may be interruptions and you may not complete all. You'll have made progress!

We've got 24 hours each day. Use that time in a way that "helps you do what you want"!

Hoarders Show

2010-02-11T09:14:00.004-06:00

I had the incredible opportunity to help on a project for the Hoarders show on A&E. http://www.aetv.com/hoarders/video/ Doug is a single father who adopted two special needs children. He's been overwhelmed with their needs and the home has suffered. He risks losing his children.

You won't see much of me in the show. What you will see is an amazing transformation in the home. Professional organizers from NAPO-WI provided over 100 hours of service. 1800 Got Junk hauled away approximately 10,000 pounds of items removed from the home. A cleaning company made the home shine.

I worked on the little girl's room. When she came home from school after the first day of work, she immediately saw a photo of her birth mom we'd uncovered in her room. I was privileged to witness her jubilation. It was an amazing moment for everyone in the room.

Brenden McDaniel, professional organizer and owner of Action Organizing, lead this project. He continues to work with Doug. Brenden has reported that Doug has done a phenomenal job maintaining the home.

I'm grateful that I could be a part of such a life changing event. Working with the team of professionals was inspiring. I love what I do!

Teaching 2nd Graders Organizing Skills

2010-01-25T13:32:00.002-06:00

As you may know, January is GO (Get Organized) Month. To promote awareness of what professional organizers do, I brought NAPO (National Association of Professional Organizers) in the Schools, an organizing program, to Salem Grade School in Salem, WI. I visited five classrooms and talked with second and third graders about the challenges a student faces when he/she is disorganized. Students were amazingly attentive. They brainstormed ideas on how to get more organized. They recognized that being organized will help school performance and allow more time for play. Smart students!!!

To learn more about the NAPO in the Schools program go to http://www.napo.net/who/involvement/naposchools.aspx?AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1

I enjoyed presenting the program, teachers appreciated the message, and the students seemed to love it. What a fun way to start the year!

Setting Goals for GO Month

2010-01-12T14:26:00.002-06:00

January is not only the time to make resolutions; it's also "GO (Get Organized) Month". Both of these events are about setting goals. How can these goals become new habits?

Create SMART Goals:

Specific: answer who, what, when, where, and why.
Measurable: quantify the goal.
Achievable: Is my goal possible? How much time do I need? Do I need help?
Relevant: I cannot control what the people around me do. Is my goal something within my control?
Time-Bound: note specific dates & times for small steps to be completed.

Here's an example of a SMART Goal: "I will organize my linen closet on this Saturday, beginning at 10:00 AM. Upon completion of this project, I will be able to locate belongings in this closet in less than 5 seconds."

Temptation is to jump in and get started on the project. Take the time to clarify your goal. By reminding yourself of your ultimate goal throughout the project, chances are more likely that you will indeed persevere to complete the project and reach your goal!

Three Common Resolutions

2010-01-12T14:18:00.004-06:00

Getting More Organized is an extremely popular New Year's resolution. Organizing space, being on time, and using time more efficiently are common New Year's Resolutions.

Organize office/home: People resolve to improve their space so they are able to locate belongings easily when needed.

Be punctual: People whom are often late get frustrated with their habitual tardiness. They resolve to go to bed earlier and wake up earlier in an effort to be punctual.

Improve time management skills: People want to get more out of their day and life. They resolve to spend more time with family, exercise, spend time enjoying a hobby, and excel in their professions.

adapted from http://www.newyearfestival.com

SimpleSpaces Organizing and Hoarding in the News

2009-12-15T08:39:00.005-06:00

Estimates suggest that one to two million people in the United States struggle with the issue of hoarding - accumulating items to the point that they overrun the home and affect daily life. This issue has been in the media recently, raising awareness, not only of the challenge some people struggle with, but also letting those who hoard knwo that they are not alone and that help is available.

I recently had the opportunity to work with American Hoarders as they cleaned a home of a couple that struggles with hoarding issues. I worked with the clients to organize their pantry, closet, and master bathroom. The couple agreed to be interviewed by Channel 3 News in Madison, WI, to share their story. You'll hear a little from me in the news clip at http://www.channel3000.com/family/21647380/detail.html

For people struggling with hoarding, the organizing process is full of difficult decisions and is exhausting. The end result is worth the challenges. They have their space back. They can use belongings that they may not have had access to for years. They can invite family and friends into their homes. Celebrate!

Prioritize Holiday Activities

2009-12-09T08:49:00.004-06:00

The holiday season can get hectic. When it's the fun crazy-busy holiday spirit that's great! When it's that stressful, "oh, my gosh, I'm never going to get everything done!" madness, it's time to look at what your wants are for the season. This is one time of year where time management and setting priorities is so vital to enjoying the season.

What is important for you & your family?

What traditions are important for you.
What would you like to add to your preparation & celebrations?

What activities can you discontinue?

What activities do you find stressful?
What activities are not enjoyable?
What traditions have lost their meaning?

Who can help?

Delegate – get family & friends involved.
Work together – anything is more fun when done with a friend.
Pay for services – hire a teen to wrap presents, or watch the kids, while you shop or bake.
Trade services – you love to bake and your neighbor loves to decorate. Bake for her while she decorates for you.

Make a plan:

List those activities you want to partake in.
Schedule the activities; write them on your calendar. If you have more activities, than time, look for activities to eliminate or delegate or participate in certain activities every other year. Take care of yourself - allocate down time.

Yes, there are more questions than answers above. This is not about what someone else thinks should be important. This is about using your time in a way that is meaningful for you and your family. I encourage you to take the time to reflect on these questions, and then celebrate the holidays in a way that adds significance to your life. May you find peace and serenity in this holiday season!

Hall Bookcase

2009-11-30T10:26:00.009-06:00

Before & after pictures sometimes don’t tell the whole story. This beautiful built in bookshelf in the hallway had become a “catch-all”. The client loves books and had two large bags of books that she hadn’t been able to enjoy. The books had been sitting in bags in the corner of the kitchen. She couldn’t see what books she had so was looking forward to finding a “home” for them, where they would be easily accessible.

All the items that belong elsewhere were removed. Also, a box was filled with books to be given away. This left so much room for books; a dream come true for the client! All the books fit, with room to spare. There are actually more books on this shelf than when we started the project. There was even room for a book with beautiful pictures to be displayed opened. Each time the homeowners walk down the hall, they can enjoy the pictures, turning pages occasionally to enjoy the whole book.

That peaceful feeling the client was enjoying as I left that day is the story. That’s what made this organizing project a great success!

Maintaining Order

2009-11-30T10:09:00.004-06:00

You’ve worked hard to get your home organized. Belongings are in convenient spots, you can find what you want, and your home looks great! Now, how do you keep it that way? Here are a few organizing routines to help maintain order.

Always put items back in their assigned “home”.

Follow the one-in, one-out rule. When you purchase a new item for the space, remove an item from the home.

Spend 5-15 minutes daily, putting belongings in their assigned spots. With children, make this fun:

Set the timer for 5 minutes and see how much they can get done.

Make a reward a part of the routine: once the area is picked up they play outside, get to watch tv, or play a favorite game.

Work with young children, making clean-up a fun time.

Have an “accountability partner”. Check in with your partner weekly to report on the condition of the area of concern.

When a shelf, cabinet, or drawer gets too crowded, select an item or two to remove from the home.

When each season ends, donate any clothing items you haven’t worn.

“No empty hangers” signal: Use this as a sign that there are more clothes than needed in the closet. Pick several items to give away.

A few routines to keep children’s toys manageable.

Celebrate an “unbirthday” or a “1/2 birthday”. The child picks a toy to give away. Then reward the child with cake and ice cream!

Before or after gift-giving celebrations: get rid of toys that are broken or no longer used. When you notice child hasn’t played with a toy or hasn’t worn certain clothes, ask, “Can we give this away?”

Rotate toys. All toys do not need to be available at one time. Store some toys in a convenient location and switch what toys are in storage occasionally. When you bring the stored toys out, they are like new to your children! (If the child doesn’t play with the toys just out of storage, it’s time to get rid of the toy or put it in storage until a younger child is ready for the toy.

Keep a “donation” tote in a convenient spot – laundry room, garage, or trunk of your car. When you come across an item you haven’t used in over a year, toss it in the donation tote. Drop the items at your favorite donation station.

What routines do you have to keep your home in order?

Snowball Effect

2009-11-30T10:04:00.003-06:00

Have you experienced the “snowball effect”? My husband and I just purchased loft beds for two of our children. This means we need to find space to store their old beds. I don’t plan to give them away, because I imagine they’ll both be ready for their standard beds again in three to four years. The beds will fit in a little used closet in the finished basement. Now, where do I store the sleeping bags that had been in that closet? That’s the snowball effect – the movement/storage of one item affects several other items.

You probably notice the snowball effect most often when bringing big items into the home. Be aware of how placement of small items in the home can also take on the snowball effect. For example, say I am putting dishes away. There’s not enough room for all the cups, so I put a few where the bowls usually go. Then I stack some bowls on the plates, because there is not room for them in their normal “home”. Now all the plates won’t fit in the stack with the bowls, so I need to find a spot for them. This can happen in drawers, cabinets, and closets – everywhere items are stored.

To prevent the “snowball effect”, evaluate the cause of the lack of space. Are there too many of an item assigned to the space? Do you need to create more storage space? Can any items be removed from the space? How can the space be used more efficiently? Finally, get into the routine of always returning items to their assigned spots to prevent the snowball effect from taking over.

Procrastination

2009-10-26T13:53:00.002-05:00

I’ve been avoiding completing my estate planning for a long time. I don’t want to decide who would take care of my children. I don’t want to think about not being the one to raise them. Finally, after 12 years of procrastinating, I have completely this unpleasant task.

People tend to procrastinate for any number of reasons:

1. Lack of time
2. Lack of information
3. Perfectionism
4. Want to avoid decisions
5. Want to avoid uncomfortable feelings

How does one get past the procrastination phase?

· Schedule a time to get started. Treat this time as an appointment. Don’t cancel or reschedule!

· Get more info. Ask for help from a friend that has the skills & knowledge needed for the project. Or hire an expert to walk you through the project.

· Break the project into small steps – focus on one step at a time.

· Reward yourself. What do you enjoy? Plan to do the activity when you’ve completed each step. Plan a bigger reward for completion of the entire project.

· Use your support system – talk and/or journal about any uncomfortable feelings about the project.

What have you put off in the past? And what have you done to get past the procrastination?

Making Space

2009-10-06T21:50:00.004-05:00

This summer, when we were on vacation, we stayed at a hotel that served a continental breakfast. They had a Belgian waffle maker station, which my children loved, so we decided to get one for our home. Where was I going to put this new appliance? I like how my kitchen cabinets are organized. There is enough space in my pantry and cabinets that I can get what I want without needing to move anything around. Adding a waffle maker would make it more crowded than I like. Could I get rid of the wok? I only use that a few times a year. How about donating those small casserole dishes that I rarely use? I haven’t yet decided where this new item will go or what will be displaced. I’ll experiment with a few options and determine what works best. To keep my cabinets efficiently organized, something will need to go.

When bringing a new item into your home, consider the following:

How often will I use this item?

Is there space for the item in my home?

Where will it be stored?

What item(s) will be displaced?

What can I get rid of to make space for the new purchase?

Making the decision about storage space each time you make a new purchase not only prevents impulse purchasing, it can also prevent storage areas from becoming overstuffed and overwhelming.

"Perfectly" Organized

2009-09-29T21:38:00.003-05:00

A few weeks ago, I was going to an organizing event with a fellow organizer. I’d printed out directions from MapQuest. My colleague had a GPS, so we used that instead. We were almost to our destination, when the charge on his GPS died. We tried to find the charger. It was not where he normally keeps it. Turns out, his son had taken it to the house to charge his phone. By this time, we were past the road listed on the MapQuest directions. We didn’t have the phone number of our destination, so couldn’t call for help. We resorted to a map, which I couldn’t read, because I don’t have bifocals. (I’m in denial that I’m to that age!) What a comical situation: two professional organizers totally unprepared! Between the map and my MapQuest directions, we eventually found our way. Forty-five minutes later, we made it to our destination!

Had we been “perfectly” organized, this situation wouldn’t have happened. Forget about being perfectly organized! It creates stress and is time consuming. “Livable” organization is the goal, being organized enough to find your belongings when wanted and having time to relax and enjoy those people and activities that are meaningful for you. Aim for livable organization, which creates peace and saves time.

Saver Syndrome

2009-09-22T10:01:00.003-05:00

My husband is a saver. He likes to keep belongings from his past. Every once in a while I will gently broach the subject of donating some of his “stuff”. He has probably sixty cassette tapes that we have been storing in our entertainment center. He has not listened to any of them in at least ten years. A few years ago, I asked him about getting rid of them. He said “no.” This weekend, I asked if he’d go through them with me and let go of those he no longer wanted. He was willing. He found several tapes that he didn’t need, because he also had the music on CDs. Then he picked out those he had rarely listened to even when they were new; more to get rid of. Now we were getting somewhere! He started picking out those he really liked and put them in the “keep” box. Slowly he narrowed down those to keep to less than half of the original amount. Yah! Now we have more room to store CDs and Wii games.

Chances are that members of your household have different organizing styles. Respect everyone’s style and together develop guidelines that work for everyone. Organizing For Your Brain Type, by Lanna Nakone, is a great book that explains different organizing styles and how people with different styles can coexist peacefully.

My second point: Make purging a part of your routine. When one new item comes into the home, one item goes out. When the shelf or closet or cabinet is full, look at what can be removed. When you notice items aren’t being used, review what you have. That may motivate you to use the item. If it doesn’t, donate it.

Now my husband knows what music he has on tapes. He may start listening to them. If so, great! If not, we’ll go through the process again in a year or two and he’ll be ready to let go of more.

Quick Tip - Wastebaskets

2009-09-15T10:44:00.010-05:00

How many wastebaskets do you have in your home? Homes typically have wastebaskets in bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, and offices. This is one case where more is better. Place wastebaskets in any area where trash is generated.

Consider putting wastebaskets in the following areas:

Bedrooms
Craft Space – one near each area where trash is generated
Garage – one by the workbench, one by gardening supplies, etc
Living room – use a decorative basket with a lid
Patio – select a container with a sealed lid or place the wastebasket in a sheltered area

Julie Morgenstern, organizing expert and author, recommends the “kindergarten” model for organizing – place items close to the area where they will be used. The same holds true for wastebaskets. They are more likely to be used when they are conveniently located.

Time Management is for Kids, Too

2009-08-26T15:53:00.003-05:00

Adults often have many obligations – work commitments, family life, volunteer activities, and the list goes on. Children are also balancing more and more activities – school, sports, clubs, etc. As a new school year begins, talk with your child about managing his/her time. Together with your child, determine an appropriate amount of involvement based on the child’s age, personality, and needs.

How much time each week will the child participate in after school and/or evening activities? *What activities are required? *What optional activities is he/she interested in?

How much time is needed daily for homework?

How much “down-time” does your child need to function at his/her best?

When is family-time?

When will the child take care of his/her chores?

Discuss these questions with your child and help him/her set priorities. Together plan a daily routine that includes the child’s priorities, homework, chores, and time to relax. Then, enjoy a balanced and productive school year!

Prepare for Back to School

2009-08-18T21:54:00.004-05:00

Another school year is upon us! The older my kids get, the faster the summers go! Planning ahead will help to make the transition to school days go more smoothly. Here are a few things you can do to prepare.

Command Center - Ready
The command center is the information hub. Include a family calendar with everyone’s schedules marked. Update this as soon as a new event is planned. Designate a specific spot for children to put all the papers they bring home from school. Have files for scheduled events, phone numbers, school information, etc. Spend 10 minutes daily keeping this area current.

Determine how school memorabilia will be handled. See my blog, "End of School Year," May 28, 2008 for ideas.

Homework Station - Set
Make a homework area. Include typical homework supplies – paper, pencils, eraser, etc. See my blog, “Create a Portable Homework Station”, March 3, 2009 for more ideas.

Go Shopping

School Supplies – Check the list of items required for your student. Make sure you have what is needed and get extra of items that will need to be replaced throughout the year.
Clothes – Go through closets; remove clothing that is too small, worn out, or your child doesn’t wear. Shop for any needed items.

The beginning of a new school year is exciting! It can also be quite hectic, until a routine is developed. Get a jump-start by making some preparations ahead of time! Then enjoy the last days of summer and the start of the school year.

What's In Your Wallet?

2009-08-04T08:49:00.004-05:00

Several years ago, while on vacation, my husband’s wallet was stolen. He had credit cards, checks, photos, and a special note his mom had written to him 15 years earlier. He spent an entire afternoon calling credit card companies to report the loss. After we got home, I spent 8 hours calling every company we get a monthly bill from. We have many our bills set up on automatic debits, so I had to complete new forms with our new bank account number. And of course, losing the special note was the biggest loss of all. That was irreplaceable. My family & I are leaving for our summer vacation tomorrow. You can bet our wallets will be down to the bare minimum!

Yes, even something as small as a wallet needs to be organized, and right before vacation is the perfect time to take care of this task.

Remove items you don’t need.
Carry few credit cards.
Make copies of the front & back of credit cards, so you have all necessary info if your wallet gets lost or stolen.
Health insurance theft is the newest form of identity theft. Experts suggest you do not carry your health insurance card, and instead carry a copy of the card with the group number blocked out.
Never carry your Social Security Card.
Have duplicates of any photos you carry.

Now you can relax and enjoy your vacation!

Back to School Shopping

2009-07-28T22:23:00.003-05:00

Yes, it’s that time again. Today I took my three boys shopping for school supplies. Here’s our routine. At the end of last school year, we received a list of required school supplies. I filed these in our “School” file.

This morning, I took out the lists along with all our school supplies left over from last year. Each of my children took his list and marked off items we already had. Of course, for younger children, parents will need to help.

Then we went to the store. Each of the boys picked out his supplies and checked them off the list as the items were put in the shopping cart. (One of my boys even took a clipboard so checking off each item was easier!)

I always buy extra of items that need to be replenished - paper, glue, folders, and pencils. Prices are great during back to school sales and having the supplies at home is so convenient during the school year.

When we got home, we spread everything out on the floor. The boys picked out their items, labeled everything, and put their supplies in their backpacks and a storage bin. I made a list of a few additional items the boys wanted. Then, we stored the bins.

We’re ready for school to start! What routines have you found that are helpful as you get ready for school days?

Making Space in My Closet

2009-07-14T20:27:00.003-05:00

This morning I spent ten minutes making my closet a more pleasant place to be! I’ve had three pair of pants and two blouses in there that I haven’t been able to wear in over a year, since I've gained a few pounds. I’ve been thinking that I’ll lose that weight and be able to wear those clothes again. Quite some time ago, I moved those clothes to the back of my closet.

I’m still not ready to give up on losing the 10 pounds. Today, I stored the clothes in a basket, labeled it, and put it on the top shelf of my closet. If, in 6 months I still don’t fit into the clothes, I’ll move them to my “donation” basket and get rid of them for good.

(While I was going through my clothes, I also pulled out some that I haven’t been wearing and put them in my “donation” basket, leaving more room in my closet for the clothes I love.)

This is a great way to deal with those items that you’re having difficulty letting go of. Box the item and label the box with the contents and the date you’ll get it out of your house if you haven’t used it.

School Memorabilia

2009-07-07T13:18:00.004-05:00

Throughout the school year, when my kids bring home a particularly special work of art or written work, I put their creation in a tote to save for them. Everything else goes in their drawer. Today I made a deal with my kids, ages, 12, 12, and 10. I’d do their chores, if they’d go through their drawer of school papers from the past year and pick out which they’d like to keep.

First, let me explain our tote concept. Each child has a tote labeled “Name’s Memorabilia”. This is for all their memorabilia for all of their school years. Their only guideline is they can’t keep more than can fit in the tote. We have gone through the totes once removing some items to make more room. Now they have gotten the idea of saving a few memorable pieces and tossing the rest.

We had a fun morning remembering events from the past year as they sorted through their drawer of papers. They each picked some items to keep and recycled the rest. The keepers then are moved to their totes and stored in the basement (humidity controlled) and their drawers are empty, ready for next school year’s work.

This is a routine we enjoy each year. It’s not only fun, it’s educational. My children are practicing decision making and learning to sort, prioritize, and set limits for themselves.

What are some ways you handle memorabilia?

Purging Files

2009-06-23T22:24:00.004-05:00

Office files need to be purged periodically. Here are a couple of routines for keeping your files updated.

Set aside time once a year to go through every file. Discard any documents that are no longer needed. Shred those that have identifying information on them. When papers are filed, the most current typically are placed in the front of the file. If you’ve followed this method, finding and discarding the older documents is just a matter of flipping to the back of each file and removing those that are obsolete.

Another option is to purge documents when adding to a file. For example: I keep a “Schedules & Invitations” file. This contains information about activities my family is involved in. I put invitations here after the date has been written on the family calendar. When we are going to an event, I pull out the invitation so I have any pertinent information and remove any outdated schedules and invitations at that time. That file is purged!

Hint: On each of file folder, label how long the records within should be kept. Consult with your accountant regarding records retention guidelines or see IRS Publication 552, Recordkeeping for Individuals http://www.irs.gov/publications/p552/ .

Supply Kit for Traveling

2009-06-09T11:57:00.001-05:00

If you’ve got an “on-the-go summer” planned, you may want to create a supply kit to keep in the car.

Include typical first aid supplies, such as:

bandages in a variety of sizes
gauze pads
tape
scissors
antibiotic ointment
antiseptic wipes
tweezers
instant cold compress

If you already have a first aid kit, check supplies. See what needs to be added and replace any item that has past its expiration date.

You may also want to include:

hand sanitizer
baby wipes
sunscreen
bug spray
after-bite gel
blanket
snacks

Preparing the supply kit means you’ll be ready for the unexpected, leaving more time for summer fun!

Organizing for Summer Convenience

2009-06-01T21:56:00.002-05:00

Here are some simple changes to make in your home for the summer:

1. Place a large lidded bin on the patio to hold outdoor toys. A container close to where the toys are used makes pickup easier.

2. Put sunscreen in a basket by the back door to catch the kids before they get out the door.

3. Store towels near the back door for easy access for kids planning to play in the water. (I use my dining room hutch.)

4. Put a clothes-drying rack on the patio for hanging wet towels & swimsuits to dry.

Small changes in the organization of the home put these summer supplies at your fingertips. What simple adjustments do you make in your home for the summer?

Short-Term Goal Setting

2009-05-26T09:37:00.004-05:00

My 10-year-old son’s goal was to finish a book. He made the following “To Do” list:
1. read
2. think
3. read
4. think
5. think
6. read
7. think
8. snack
9. read
10. think
His list continued to #23. I use lists for daily tasks, weekly chores, household projects, shopping, long-term goals, etc, which is why my child is making a list on how to read a book. Lists are helpful for me. They do not work for everyone. Here are a few ideas about setting short-term goals:

1. If the activity can be completed in less than 5 minutes, do it now.

2. Prioritize – pick 1 to 3 things you’d like to accomplish today.

3. Designate a specific time to complete the activity.

4. Estimate the time you’d expect the activity to take, and then add extra time to allow for interruptions and surprises. Some experts suggest doubling the estimate.

5. When you have a large project, break it into small steps. Focus on one step at a time.

Whether you make lists or not, planning is critical in achieving goals.

Our Throw-Away Mentality

2009-05-19T22:24:00.003-05:00

I just watched a thought-provoking video at www.storyofstuff.com. According to the speaker, Annie Leonard, only one percent of products purchased are still in use six months later. Now, I realize statistics can be misleading. This statistic probably includes consumables like food and cleaning supplies. Yet, this does make me stop and think.

And so, I’m asking myself, “How much am I consuming and how fast am I consuming it?”

Every time a new item is purchased, you need to find a space for it. At some point, there is no more space and organizing the area is necessary. Limiting what comes into your home is the “green” thing to do, it saves money, and it makes organizing your space easier.

Take a look at what comes into and out of your household. Before purchasing, ask yourself, “Will I still be using this in six months?” “Do I already have an item that can serve this purpose?” “Can I rent or borrow this, instead of buying?” “Will I use this often?” “Do I absolutely love it and will I still enjoy this item next year?”

My resolve: I’m going to work on using less paper. What is one thing you can do to decrease your consumption?

In Case of Emergency File

2009-05-12T21:47:00.002-05:00

A few years ago, a good friend of mine passed away. She had taken care of all the bills and record keeping. Besides dealing with the grief of her loss, her husband had to quickly get a handle on their financials, which only added to his incredibly difficult situation.

Who pays the bills, files important documents, keeps the financial records in your household? If something were to happen to that person, would someone else be able to step in and take care of the finances?

Donna Smallin, author and professional organizer, recommends making an “In Case of Emergency File”. Ask yourself, “What would someone need to know to take over the finances in this household?” Include necessary information in one file. This may include: bank acct numbers & passwords; phone numbers of attorney, accountant, financial planner, investment broker; location of important document: social security cards, insurance policies, will, power of attorney.

Let significant people in your life know about this file. Review this file yearly and make any necessary updates. This is a mundane job. Force yourself to take care of this. Your family will appreciate it in the unlikely event of a tragedy.

Bill Paying Routine

2009-04-28T19:14:00.003-05:00

Right now everyone is watching how he/she spends. Developing a bill paying routine will prevent late payment fees and higher interest rates.

Many people enjoy the convenience of paying bills online and using personal financial software that reminds them about upcoming bills.

Some people, even technology users, prefer to pay bills the old fashioned way, by writing checks. Here is an option for those people.

1. Using a monthly calendar, highlight the paydays.

2. Gather the due dates for all bills, quarterly and yearly as well as monthly bills. On the day a bill needs to by paid, taking into account delivery time for mailed payments, write the payee and approximate amount due.

3. Keep this calendar in a “To Pay” file and as you receive bills, add them to the file.

4. Schedule a specific time, on every payday or within a few days of payday, to attend to financial responsibilities. At this time, take care of all the bills that need to be paid before the next payday. On the calendar, check off bills as they are paid.

Now more than ever, staying on top of your financial situation is important. This method is especially helpful for visual people, because they are able to "see" all their bills at a glance.

Develop A Routine That Works - Changing the Sheets

2009-04-21T22:18:00.003-05:00

I’ve written before about the importance of organizing based on your lifestyle and what works for you. Here is a prime example.

Last week I was talking to my neighbor about our routines for changing the bedding. On Monday, I strip two beds, launder the sheets and remake the beds with the same sheets. On Wednesday, I strip the other two beds and do the same. This method works for me because I hate to fold the sheets. The only time I fold sheets is when the season changes and I switch the type of sheets on the beds.

My neighbor prefers to change all the bedding in one day. All the beds get fresh sheets and she tosses the dirty ones in the laundry room until a few days later, when she washes, dries, folds the sheets, and puts them away until next week.

My point: a major component of keeping your home and life organized is developing a routine that fits your personality and style. Gather organizing ideas from others and use the ones that work for you. So, what is your routine for changing bedding?

Getting the Laundry Done

2009-04-06T21:31:00.002-05:00

Traditionally, best practice for getting the laundry done has been to assign a laundry day, one day designated exclusively to doing load after load of laundry. For today’s typically family that often would mean spending one weekend day taking care of laundry. Weekend time is so valuable! Who wants to spend it doing laundry?

Here is another option: Do a load or two of laundry each day. In the morning, before leaving for work, throw a load in. When you get home, put that load in the dryer and start a second load. By the end of the evening, two loads are done.

Getting children involved: have each child take their full laundry basket to the laundry room. If each child has enough clothing for a dark and a light colored load, one child’s laundry can be done in an evening and putting the clothes away is a snap, since all the clothing washed goes to one room. (Side note: use a laundry bag for each child’s socks to make sorting the socks go faster and prevent socks from disappearing inside sweaters.)

The traditional suggestion has been to have your children collect their clean clothing from the laundry room. The difficulty is, if the child doesn’t get their laundry, the laundry room gets cluttered. Another option is to put the clean clothing in a laundry basket and put it back in the child’s room for him/her to put away.

Of course, as children get old enough to do their own laundry, teaching them and allowing them to take care of their clothes is the most efficient way to take care of the laundry.

Finding Balance

2009-03-17T08:57:00.001-05:00

A part of time management is finding balance in life: making time for self, family, work, and volunteer commitments.

Your entire day is booked with many activities: working, sleeping, cooking meals, exercising, volunteering, family time, relaxation time, etc. In order to add another commitment, something will need to be given up.

When considering involvement in a new activity, here are a couple of questions to ask:

1. Is the new activity of great interest to you?
2. What current activity will you be giving up or doing less of?
3. Is the new activity worth the loss of the current activity?

Considering your answers, make the decision that makes the most sense for you.

Organize Using Repurposed Household Items

2009-03-10T09:11:00.005-05:00

Everyone is looking for ways to save money. Instead of purchasing containers to organize your home, here are some ideas of items that can be used.

1. Cardboard shoeboxes – for storing craft items, controllers & games for gaming systems, DVDs, food items such as mixes or seasonings that come in bags, small toys such as matchbox cars or Polly Pockets.

2. Coffee cans – for storing plastic bags: put a can in the kitchen and one near each wastebasket in bathrooms & bedrooms.

3. Egg cartons – for beads & small crafts, and earrings -hot glue a piece of fabric (I like velveteen) in the carton to give it a luxurious look.

4. Cereal boxes – from the bottom of the box, mark 2” up, cut along that line – this is a great size for organizing drawers: in a desk for pens, pencils & small office supplies, in the kitchen for utensils, and in the bathroom for toothpaste, floss, combs, makeup.

5. Printer paper boxes – if you have access to these, they are great for storing everything. Having uniform size boxes makes efficient use of the storage space.

*Remember to label your boxes!*

Repurposing everyday household items as organizing containers is a wonderful way to get organized and save money. (Plus, it’s good for the environment.)

Create a Portable Homework Station

2009-03-03T10:28:00.005-06:00

Many children do their homework at the kitchen table. To be prepared, have school supplies in a portable workstation. When it’s homework time, all the needed equipment is there.

Items needed may include: pencils, pencil sharpener, eraser, paper, glue, and crayons. Older children may also need: pens, dictionary, calculator, and stapler.

A timer helps some children focus. Typically, have student work for 20 minutes; take a 5-10 minute break, then back to work for 20 minutes, etc.

Files, folders, or drawers for:
* Lined Paper
* Completed & Graded Work (to stay home) Look through these papers as
often as your child brings work home. Get rid of what is no longer wanted often. (See http://www.simplespacesorg.blogspot.com/search/label/school - End of the School Year, May 28, 2008, for ideas on saving your child’s work.)
* Important Information for parent – schedules, newsletters, field trip information
* Project Files – for projects that are to be completed over a period of time
when the majority of the work is done at home. (Have a separate file for each project.)

Younger children will need help sorting their papers. Work together, so as the child gets older, he/she is able to take responsibility for sorting papers as they are brought home.

What to use as a Portable Workstation:

- Plastic storage drawers with 3 drawers: one drawer for supplies, one for paper & projects, and one for completed work & important info, OR
- Basket: Use folders for paper items and smaller containers for supplies, OR
- Table top file: use files for paper items and containers for pencils, crayons, etc. (The containers should fit in the file so there is only one item to move when it’s work time.)

Have a storage spot close to the kitchen table for your portable workstation so set up and put away is fast and convenient.

When it’s suppertime, pack up the portable homework station and put it away. You’re got your table back for mealtime!

Routines to Simplify

2009-02-24T21:25:00.003-06:00

1. Put an “errand” basket or bag by the door. Fill it with library books to return, items to return to the store, dry cleaning, etc. Then grab the basket and go.

2. Sort dirty clothes by laundry load: white, colors, and darks. When there is a full load, take care of it. This takes 10-15 minutes out of your day instead of spending most of a day doing all the laundry at once.

3. Use a custom grocery list. I know, I’ve said this before, but it bears repeating. www.casorganize.com/files/grocery_list6.doc has a wonderful list. Edit the list, so it contains the items you shop for. This makes shopping so much more efficient.

4. Sort the mail as soon as you bring it into the house: bills, to read, to respond, to file, toss, and shred. Take care of toss & shred immediately. Put a basket for the “to read” pile near your favorite spot to relax. Put the “bills”, “to respond” and “to file” piles in specific spots in your office. When it’s time to pay bills and take care of the paperwork, you’ll have everything sorted and ready to go.

5. Set a goal for each day. Determine one thing you want to accomplish each day. It may be as simple as doing something you enjoy for 10 minute or one small step toward a much bigger goal.

National Time Management Month

2009-02-16T21:34:00.004-06:00

February is National Time Management Month. Here are a few methods to help you use your time efficiently:

1. Block uninterrupted time for activities:

Group errands and plan the shortest route.
Check & respond to emails only twice per day.
Let the machine get the phone when you are involved in another activity.
Make time for family & self.

2. Prioritize: Decide what tasks are most important and focus on achieving those tasks.

3. Develop routines: Laundry on Monday, scrub floors on Tuesday, groceries on Wed, etc.

4. Delegate: Give all family members responsibilities based on their ages & abilities.

5. Use a calendar: Keep track of everyone’s schedules in one spot.

Labeling File Folders

2009-02-09T13:36:00.003-06:00

Organizing paper can be a tedious task. Put on some music, invite a friend to join you, and make it fun. You'll be thrilled when it's done!

Labeling - Use labels that make sense for you. For example, a file with a college savings plan for your child could be labeled 529 Plan, College Savings, Education Savings, Tuition Savings, etc. Choose the label that fits what you would think of. For labels in the “Action Items” category, use verbs: to do, pay, read, discuss, etc. (Printed labels are easier to read and invoke a calmer feel than handwritten labels.)

Tabs - Using 5-tab hanging file folders:

Put each category on a tab on the far left of the file. For example: Bank Statements.
Leave the second tab spot empty.
Stagger the tabs for the subdivided categories in the 3rd through 5th tab holders. For example: put “Checking Account A” in the 3rd tab holder, “Checking Account B” in the 4th, “Money Market Account” in the 5th (last), then return to the 3rd tab holder for “Savings Account”, etc. This method gives an “outline” effect. Finding the broader category on the left is easier when the tabs for the subdivided categories are separated.

Setting up a functional and attractive filing system takes time. The results are well worth the effort. Instead of filing & bill paying being a stressful ordeal, they become a simple task.

Organizing Home Office Files

2009-02-03T13:00:00.008-06:00

Last week I talked about organizing your desktop. Today, let’s focus on the files.

1. Sort papers into broad categories. Common categories are listed in bold.

2. Next, sort into categories within the broad headings. Samples are listed below.

3. Many of the categories will then need to be subdivided. For example, divide "Bank Statements" into: Checking Account A, Checking Account B, Money Market Account, Savings Account, etc.

4. Alphabetizing the files within each category.

5. Label each file folder. (I’ll write more about this next week.)

Action Items: to do, pay, read, etc. Some people prefer to have these files on the desktop, while others prefer to have them in the file cabinet.
Financial Records: bank statements, loans, pay stubs, receipts, tax records, etc.
Lifestyle Records: church, classes, pets, volunteer work, etc
Vital Records: certificates, education records, employment info, medical records, will, etc.
Trash/Recycling: any info you no longer need. 80% of what is filed is never referred to again, so consider if this is something you will look at again.
Shred: any trash that has identifying info: social security number, account numbers, passwords, etc.

I am using the categories of financial, lifestyle, and vital records from Julie Morgenstern’s book, Organizing from the Inside Out.

Desktop Organization

2009-01-27T21:41:00.002-06:00

Desks seem to be a magnet for clutter. The top of the desk is “prime real estate”: it is your workspace. Keep the area cleared off, except for the job you’re working on. The easiest way to gain more desk space: Hang family photos and certificates on the wall.

People who like visual cues often prefer to have items used on a daily basis stored on the desktop: pens, stapler, paper clips, post its, etc. Use one desktop organizers for these often used items. Current projects can be neatly stored in a desktop file or in hanging wall files. (Wall files mean more work space.)

People who prefer to have items tucked away could use the most convenient desk drawer to store those items used daily. Use a drawer organizer so the items are sorted and easy to locate. Current projects can be stored in the front of a file drawer that you can reach easily from your chair, typically on the right for a right-handed person and on the left for a left-handed person.

First, determine which of the above methods would work for you, and then make these small changes to reclaim your workspace.

“It’s Time For Change!”

2009-01-20T13:25:00.002-06:00

Sorry, with this being inauguration day, I couldn’t resist. This is truly an historic day, no matter what your political views!

Getting more organized is one of the top ten New Year’s resolutions people make. Is it one of your resolutions? What space in your home do you look at and think, “It’s time for change”? What steps have you made to get organized?

Thinking about getting organized DOES count as a start. This is planning time. What do you want to change? Envision what you would like the organized space to look like. What do you use the space for? What is working for you in this area? What isn’t working? What items belong here, but you can never find? What doesn’t belong here, but you always find here?

Now, bear with me as I use another quote, “Just Do It”. Getting started is always the hardest part. Set a date, write it in ink in your calendar, and do not cancel this important appointment with yourself. Having a person to cheer, encourage, and help you as you work on the project can keep you motivated and makes the job more fun.

See the April 30, 2008 article, “Five Steps to Get Rid of Clutter” for guidelines that may be helpful in completing your organizing project. Recognize what needs to be changed, make a plan, and do it!

Double Wammy - Toys, Toys, Toys

2009-01-06T09:05:00.003-06:00

My home has been hit by a “double wammy”. In the past month, not only have we celebrated Christmas, all three of my children have celebrated their birthdays. You can guess where I’m going with this. We have had an influx of new toys, gadgets, and games.

How do keep the flood of gifts from throwing your home into a jumbled mess? You need to make space for the new items by purging. Get rid of what the kids are no longer playing with. Donate, toss, or sell the items, just get them out of the home.

Next, find a “home” for all the new items. Some toys may fit into already designated spots. The new doll can join the basket of other dolls. New containers may need to be purchased & labeled for a new category of items, such as the coin collecting kit.

The assigned “home” should be as close to the area the toy is used as possible, so the doll basket will go next to the doll house, the tricycle in the basement or garage, and the science kit near the kitchen sink.

Avoid the overwhelming feeling of chaos. Get into the routine of getting rid of unused items and assigning a specific spot for every item in the home. In this way, keeping control of all the “stuff” becomes much more manageable.

Holiday Cards & Photos: What Now?

2008-12-30T07:02:00.004-06:00

Now that the holidays are over what do you do with all the cards & photos you’ve received?

First of all, I am giving you permission to throw these away. Really, it's okay to throw away photos and letters. Get rid of those that are not significant for you.

For the photo cards that are keepers, decide how you want to store these:

* Put them in an envelope marked with the year and store them in a file or memorabilia box. Use photo safe products to preserve photos.

* Scrapbook them or hire someone to do this for you.

* Scan them and store them on your hard drive or burn a disk, then toss the paper copy.

Holiday cards can be reused to make decorations or gift tags. Senior centers, day care centers, and a plethora of other organizations accept donations of holiday cards. Just google “holiday cards donate” to find an organization that would appreciate the cards.

Remember, save only what you will refer to again in the future.

Forget Perfection - Relax & Enjoy

2008-12-16T09:46:00.003-06:00

We’ve been busy preparing for a celebration: shopping, decorating, wrapping, baking, & sending cards. Christmas is almost here. Take a look at the items still on your “To Do” List. Which ones can you skip this year? If it hasn’t been done yet, maybe it can be skipped. Circle only those items that have to be done and cross out the rest. Of the circled items, can any jobs be delegated to others? Can you buy cookies this year instead of baking? Can you hire a teen to wrap gifts? Ask for help.

Enjoy what you’ve done this holiday season and don’t fret over what didn’t get done. Remember, the holidays are not about having everything perfect. They are about celebrating, relaxing, and enjoy family & friends.

Makin' a List, Checkin' it Twice

2008-12-09T13:35:00.002-06:00

We’re in the midst of holiday preparations. Now’s the time to check your list and update. What still needs to be done?

Shopping – for gifts, for entertaining, gift wrapping supplies, holiday cards

At home - prepare guest bedroom, wrap gifts, decorate, bake

Go to post office – get stamps, mail gifts, mail holiday cards

Make a list of what you need to do. Be specific. List the stores you plan to shop at and the errands you need to run. Then pace yourself. Try to cross one item off your list daily to prevent a last minute rush.

Gift Wrapping Station

2008-12-02T12:47:00.002-06:00

With the holidays upon us, everyone is busy decorating, shopping, baking, and preparing for a celebration. To prevent a last minute wrapping marathon, set up a gift-wrapping station.

1. Designate a flat surface for wrapping – a folding table set up in a bedroom, basement or seldom-used room, a counter height dresser in a guest bedroom, or a desk.

2. Store supplies near the wrapping area:

*Put rolls of wrapping paper in a trash can or tall basket.
*Store gift bags in a large, durable gift bag or a basket.
*Contain the bows in another gift bag.
*Store rolls of ribbon on a trouser hanger that has the horizontal bar that opens up. Thread the rolls through the bar, shut it & hang it from the leg brace of the table, the side of the can/basket, or in a nearby closet.
*Tags, scissors, tape, and pens can be held in a desktop organizer or stored in a dresser or desk drawer.

3. Wrap gifts as soon as possible after you get them home from the store!

Happy Wrapping!

Organizing Items I'm Thankful For

2008-11-25T20:09:00.004-06:00

Interlocking drawer organizers – Use these in the kitchen, bathroom, and office to keep supplies sorted. They come in a variety of sizes & shapes; so can be customized for your needs.
Lazy susans – These provide easy access to items in narrow cabinets and corner shelves.
Decorative baskets – Great for hiding newspapers, magazines, toilet supplies, toys, etc.
Shoe box size containers – As well as storing shoes, these are the perfect size for storing snacks, bags of muffin mix, crackers, and toys.
Sweater size containers – Put one on the coat closet floor to hold shoes and another on a shelf for hats, mittens & scarves. They are also great for toys.
Big totes - For storage of holiday décor, camping supplies, childhood memorabilia, out-of-season clothing.
Label maker – Label everything, then everyone knows what belongs where!
Colored hanging files – Color code by category, makes filing easier.
Dry erase magnetic calendar – Keeps the family informed of everyone’s schedule.
Appointment calendar – Keep appointments, to do list, and my schedule in one handy spot.

National Declutter Day

2008-11-18T11:28:00.002-06:00

This Saturday, November 22, has been declared National Declutter Day. Statistics show we typically use only 20% of what we own. Take some time, even just ten minutes, on Saturday to get rid of a small portion of that 80% that is taking up space and collecting dust.

Grab a garbage bag; scan your shelves, closets, and cabinets. Toss anything in that you haven’t used in the past year. Donate or resell items that are in good condition. Toss items if they would not be of use to others. Get the family involved. See who can fill his/her bag with the most clutter.

Or

Focus on one small area of your home that you’ve been meaning to organize. Keep the project small – one shelf of a closet or one drawer in the kitchen. Sort what you have in the area. Get rid what you never use. Arrange what is left. Return items that belong elsewhere to their “homes”. If you are still in the organizing mood after the first small project, continue.

Keeping a home clutter-free does take time. Remember to routinely take that time to prevent overwhelming clutter from taking over. When done, congratulate yourself and celebrate by doing something you enjoy. Read a book, play video games, have dessert…

Dealing with Winter Wear

2008-11-12T09:48:00.002-06:00

The weather is turning cooler. Now is the time to prepare for the onslaught of winter gear that comes with living in the North.

First, put away all the summer gear, since you won’t have a need for it for several months. While you are at it, evaluate what you have. Have you used the item over the past summer? Is it still in good shape? Will it still be of use to your family next summer? If the answers to any of these questions are no, get rid of the item. Store the remaining items. Mark the container “Off Season Outdoor Gear”. Then in the summer, winter gear can be stored in the same container; although you may need more containers for all the winter wear.

Now, pull out all the winter outerwear. Get rid of anything that family members have outgrown or are no longer using. Make a list of replacements that need to be purchased. The next step is to find a “home” for everything. Use hooks or hangers for coats and snow pants. Containers or over-the-door purse organizers keep hats and mittens accessible. Boot trays are a wonderful way to protect floors from wet, dirty boots.

Also plan a routine for dealing with the wet outerwear after a romp in the snow. Here are a few options:

All wet items are put in a laundry basket, and then thrown in the dryer.
Wet coats & snow pants are hung over the bathtub to dry.
Mittens, hats, and boots are placed near a heating register until dry.

Winter is almost here. How do you get ready?

Labeling is Key

2008-11-04T21:28:00.003-06:00

A few weeks ago, I talked about the importance of labeling when organizing electronics. I want to stress the importance of labeling throughout your home. Label shelves and containers, even when the items inside the containers or on the shelves are clearly visible.

Advantages of labeling:
* Everyone in the home can see where items belong.
* When an item is not in it’s space, the label indicates what belongs there, and so other items do not take over the “reserved” space.
* Identifying what is in containers is fast & easy.
* When consumable goods are depleted, shopping needs are clearly visible.

So, grab a marker and stickers or a label maker and start labeling!

Electronics Everywhere!

2008-10-21T21:34:00.002-05:00

How many cords, battery chargers, and remote controls are in the average household? I have no idea, but I do know that keeping track of what electronics parts go with which can be quite a task.

Labeling is the key. Those little hand held labelers are wonderful, but not necessary. Writing on a little piece of paper and attaching the paper with transparent tape can serve the same purpose.

When a new gadget comes into the home, label all the electronic pieces. This will keep the accessories from becoming electronics that no one knows what they are for, yet everyone is reluctant to throw out, because they might be important. Sort through the existing electronics and label those that you know the use of.

As for the rest of the tangled cords, are you brave enough to toss them? Gather them together and store them in a remote area of your home. When six months have gone by and you haven’t used them, it’s time to get rid of them. If you are still hesitant, give it a year. You’ve gone through every season and event. If you haven’t used the electronics by now, changes are slim to none that you will ever use it. It’s time to toss it.

Craft Storage Room

2008-10-14T20:26:00.011-05:00

I’m always excited to see the progress in a room. This storage area had become a collect all. The owner wanted it to be a storage area for craft supplies as well as a temporary storage for work supplies. We started by sorting, getting rid of items that were not of use and moving some items to long-term storage in the attic. Craft items were stored on shelves that were easiest to access. Work supplies were put on the far left shelf for longer-term storage. Everything was containerized and labeled, not only were the containers labeled, but the shelves were labeled as well. Now when a container is removed, it’s “home” is clearly marked so it can be returned to the same spot.

The week after this project was completed, her children completed a couple of craft projects. Because they could easily access the craft items they wanted, they were motivated to create! To me this is the best compliment. The family is now using this area as they had hoped to!

Keeping Track of Passwords

2008-10-07T13:14:00.007-05:00

I was ordering a few things online this morning. For each site I ordered from, I needed a password. I’m on password overload! How many passwords to you have? And how to you keep track of them? Do you have yellow sticky notes with passwords cluttered around your computer? Or do you use scraps of paper with passwords jotted on them stuck in a desk drawer?

There are a ton of password managers available on-line. For those of us who are technically challenged, don’t have that many passwords to justify a password manager or feel paper is safer than a computer for password storage, here is another option.

Make your own Password Records Chart. List your passwords by category. Possible categories may include: bills, online shopping, work, personal. Within each category, list your accounts (website addresses) in alphabetical order, along with the user name and any other pertinent information. Create the chart using a word processor, filling in all the necessary information, except the passwords and date the password was changed. Write passwords & dates in pencil, so you can change them as needed. (I recommend using lines on the chart, but being one of those technically challenged individuals, I don't know how to make them in this format.)

Password Records Sample
-- Bills ----- User ID --- Password --- Date Password Changed --- Other Info
Cable Website
Electric Website
Internet Website
Mortgage Website
Telephone Website

Keep your Password Records Chart close to your computer for easy access, in a locked drawer or a file with a label only you would recognize as passwords. Make sure one other person knows where this important information is, just in case of an emergency.

Halloween is Coming!

2008-10-01T09:06:00.004-05:00

Even if you don’t celebrate Halloween in a big way, now’s the time to start planning.

If you decorate your home for Halloween, look at the decorations you haven’t put up this year. Is there a reason you are saving them? If you no longer love them, they are looking tattered, or you don’t have the space for them, consider getting rid of them. This frees up storage space and makes decorating next year that much easier.

Also think about costumes. Halloween snuck up on my sister-in-law one year. She rushed out to shop at the last minute, spending an incredible amount of money on a costume her daughter wore for three hours. She vowed to never let that happen again! Decide on costumes now. (I know with children this is tricky, because they change their mind every two minutes!) Start collecting items needed for the costumes. See what you have on hand then shop to complete the look. Consider trading costumes worn in previous years with friends for a no cost new costume. The key is to start planning now.

Groceries & Meals

2008-09-23T21:15:00.002-05:00

Going to the grocery store and planning meals are my least favorite things to do. Here are a few ideas to make these events a little less painful.

Use a preprinted grocery list, like the one found at www.casorganize.com/files/grocery_list6.doc. Customize it, adding items you use and remove items your family doesn’t purchase. As you notice you are running low on an item, mark it on the grocery list. Before you go shopping, look through your cabinets or pantry and skim through your list to see what other items need to be added. Using a list with the items already sorted by category makes the grocery shopping go much faster. No more backtracking through the store for items missed the first time through.

As for meal planning, search your cookbooks to find 15-20 entrees that have common ingredients that you almost always have in your pantry. List the entrees by the main ingredient. Make a note of where to find each recipe (cookbook and page number) and the time it takes to prepare the entree. When you ask yourself, “What’s for dinner?” pull out the list and pick one.

What do you do to simplify meal preparation?

Family Schedules

2008-09-16T21:54:00.004-05:00

How do you keep track of everyone’s schedules? If you have school age children, in the last few weeks your home has been flooded with important dates to remember. Add scouts/brownies, sports, and/or clubs and you’ve got schedules coming out your ears!

Get a calendar to record all these events. Use a calendar that has enough space to record all the activities your family participates in. When a notice for an event is received, mark the date with the time and any pertinent information. Use a specific color pen or highlighter to designate each family member’s activities.

Keep the notices to refer to later. You may want to have a file to keep all events notices in. Another option would be to use a binder with page protectors. Each notice can be slipped into a page protector. Divide the binder into sections, marking each family member’s name on a tab. File schedules in the appropriate person’s section for easy reference.

Keep the calendar in a convenient spot where all family members can refer to it often.

Are Toys Taking Over?

2008-09-10T15:49:00.003-05:00

Children tend to accumulate so much stuff! Between celebrations and loving grandparents they are showered with toys and clothes. Try adopting some give away routines to keep the toys from taking over.

Celebrate an “unbirthday” or a “1/2 birthday”. The child picks a toy to give away. Then reward the child with cake and ice cream!
Before or after gift-giving celebrations: get rid of toys that are broken or no longer used.
When you notice child hasn’t played with a toy or hasn’t worn certain clothes, ask, “Can we give this away?”
One in/One out rule: when a new shirt is received, get rid of an older shirt.
“No empty hangers” signal: Use this as a sign that there are more clothes than needed in the closet. Have your child pick several items to give away.

Keep a “To Give Away” container in a convenient spot to put items in that are no longer needed. When full, take it to a local charity or store it in a “garage sale items” area.

Develop an Organizing Routine

2008-09-03T08:37:00.002-05:00

I read that maintaining the average home requires 2-3 hours of organizing per day. That’s a lot of time! My thoughts on that:

One person can’t maintain a home – it’s a team effort. Get everyone involved. Give children responsibility for their belongings and give them reminders, until they develop the habit of putting things away. Set up a routine that includes a reward for organizing. For example: Once you've put the groceries away, you can read for 20 minutes.

Make organizing a part of your routine. What I mean by that is: when you are done using the cereal, put it back in the cabinet (unless it’s empty – then put it in the recycling!). When you are done brushing your teeth, put the toothbrush & toothpaste away. You get the picture. If you leave everything out that you use, the job of organizing becomes an overwhelming task. But, if you put everything back in its’ “home”, organizing becomes a habit.

What Does Organized Mean?

2008-08-27T04:36:00.001-05:00

Chances are that you do not live alone. And chances are that each person in the home has a different idea of what an organized space looks like. Setting guidelines that take into consideration all family members wants regarding organization makes for a win-win situation.

Shared spaces need to meet the expectations of everyone. For example: if children play in the living room, a rule may be that when done playing, the toys must be picked up and put away, OR at the end of the day, all toys must be put away.

Guidelines for the bedroom may be more flexible: bed must be made, dirty clothes go in the laundry basket, clean clothes must be put away, there must be a clear path to exits, and once a week everything must be picked up and the floor vacuumed. This allows each person to organize his/her space based on his/her wants.

Now, if the previous listed guidelines would cause stress for another family member, those guidelines are not appropriate for that home. Develop guidelines that all family members are comfortable with. Then make sure the rules are followed by having “organizing time” a part of your daily routine.

Keeping the Car Clutter Free

2008-08-19T22:41:00.003-05:00

Like the rest of the home, the car, too, can be organized to make your travel time a bit more relaxing.

When putting gas in the car, empty out the trash. (Not while the gas is pumping – safety first!)

When arriving at home, remove all items from the car that do not belong in the car – coffee mugs, soda cans, water bottles, children’s games/toys (unless they are containerized and are used for travel time entertainment only), etc – and return them to their rightful home.

Convenient items to keep in the car: first aid kit, phone book, coupons, snacks, items needed for errands, such as, purchases to be returned/exchanged, library books to be returned, and of course, maps.

Have a wastebasket (Velcro on the bottom of a small wastebasket will hold it in place) or a bag (looped over the arm of a seat) available for garbage.

Organizing the Refrigerator

2008-08-13T14:32:00.002-05:00

Try these tips for organizing your refrigerator:

Store like items together. Categories may include: dairy, meat, fruit, veggies, condiments, and leftovers. Condiments may be further divided by use, for example: ketchup, mustard, and pickles together.
Put more perishable items on lower shelves, which are cooler and never in the door, which has the most temperature variation.
Always put items in the spot assigned. When an area has extra space, resist the urge to put other groceries in that spot.
Use containers to keep small items, such as cheeses or snacks, together.
Develop the routine of looking through the fridge and tossing food that has lost its freshness. A good time to do this is on the day before garbage pickup.

Some benefits of an organized fridge include, less food will spoil, making a grocery list is easier, because you can see what items need to be restocked, and less time is spent with the fridge door opened, conserving energy.

Back to School

2008-07-29T20:28:00.005-05:00

It’s time to start planning for a new school year. Good planning can prevent lost paperwork, late assignments, and the chaos of looking for misplaced homework.

Designate a spot for:
1. Papers

*For parents to sign/fill out and return to school.

*To recycle (Keeping all papers for a few weeks will prevent assignments from accidentally being thrown away.)

*To keep (Limit this to a few special pieces.)
2. Homework
3. Backpacks
4. Library books

Allocate an area for doing homework. Stock the area with needed supplies: pencils, pencil sharpener, eraser, paper, glue, crayons, dictionary, calculator, etc.

Developing the routine of putting all school items in their assigned spots can help the school year go more smoothly.

Traveling with Children

2008-07-22T22:07:00.004-05:00

When planning a summer vacation with children, preparing for the travel is almost as important as planning the actual vacation. I recently took a 13-hour road trip with my three children. I was nervous about being the only adult with a 9-year old and two 11-year olds. Here are a few ideas that helped make the car ride go more smoothly.

1. Listen to a book on tape/CD checked out from your local library.

2. Play car games: travel bingo, the alphabet game (find each letter of the alphabet on signs), 20 Questions… The list is endless. If you need ideas, check out www.momsminivan.com/.

3. Pack snacks & beverages.

4. Set up a reward system. For each hour that the children get along and are pleasant, they earn a reward. Young children need rewards more often, possibly a quarter for each half hour. Older children may be motivated by the opportunity of earning $1-2 per hour.

5. Can the “How much longer” question be avoided? Prior to the trip, have each child make a chart counting down the number of hours the trip is expected to be. If the trip takes 10 hours, have the child write the numbers 10 down to 0 on a paper. After each hour of driving, announce that an hour has gone by. Have the child cross off the number 10. Now the child can see there are 9 hours left. Continue the countdown until you've arrived at your destination!

So, as you are preparing for your summer vacation, be sure to plan for the travel times. Good planning will help to make the trip a memorable experience. Happy Traveling!!!

Stop and Smell the Roses

2008-07-15T22:22:00.004-05:00

An organized space contributes to reduced stress, financial savings (no need to buy duplicates), and time savings (less time looking for items and less time maintaining your belongings). Life seems to be busier than ever. With children, work, laundry, maintaining our home, and the list goes on, I certainly am guilty of getting caught up in the "rat race". Keeping a balance of work and fun is so important.

Make sure to include time in your week to relax and enjoy yourself. If you never seem to find the time to “stop and smell the roses”, schedule the time. As Charles Buxton said, “You will never find time for anything. If you want time you must make it.”

A goal of having an organized space is having more time to do those things you enjoy doing. What is it you love to do? Schedule it!