This month, I've been digging into the terrifying world of...wait for it...home organization! Now, don't get me wrong. I keep a pretty neat and tidy house. I know where a lot of stuff is. I mean, I know where most of it is.
But I know I could do better. Not only that, but getting my home organization under control could even give me more time to do other things (like playing with my cute kiddos!).
So, where to start? Amy Bolder of Simplicity Professional Organizing says, to get started with home organization, "Give yourself a clear timeframe to work within, stay in your chosen zone, and work within micro zones with that area until each area is complete."
Well, in the interest of getting jumpstarted, in this week's blog, I looked at three problem zones: The kitchen, the closet, and the home office. Deep breath...
The Kitchen...Not so long ago, at a get-together for some friends, two local moms, Laynie Travis and Betty Ann Walker, shared some tips for getting organized quick, starting in the kitchen. These simple tips included...
- Putting baskets in drawers for sorting utensils.
- Using glass bins for sugar and flour.
- Keeping containers for utensils by the stove.
- Making up a basket for kids for easy to grab snacks.
No, it's not rocket science exactly, but I've started implementing several of these, and it does make a difference. Surprise, surprise. And sometimes, it just takes a small victory to keep going, right? So, that led me to the next spot...
The Closet...When it comes to this problem zone, Becky Marple of Bee Neat Professional Organizing said it's important to first get rid of things you don't need. "If this is difficult," she added, "either recruit a family member or friend who will help 'encourage you along' in the process."
Fellow moms Travis and Walker had these tips to add for closet organization...
- Use all the same hangers (this is a big violation for me...I'm terrible about just keeping the store hangars!)
- Set time to clean out your closet quarterly so it doesn't become overwhelming.
- Keep baskets for laundry, dry cleaning, ironing, donating, and delicates.
"If you don't use it or wear it, let it go!" said Amber Austin of Dwelling Place Organizing. Also, she recommended storing items as close to where you use them as possible, making it easier to put them away.
Home office...I don't really have an "office," per se. I have a computer desk with all my work files, a filing cabinet upstairs, a bulletin board in the laundry room where I keep a calendar, and a dry-erase board with a "running" shopping list in the kitchen. I've found that even though my life isn't confined to one office, this is what works for me. In addition to these things, Travis and Walker also recommended a basket for filing (which I've added).
While you may not find these tips earth shattering, when you start doing simple things that it make it easier to find what you need, put things away, and keep on schedule, you do begin to climb a mountain one step at a time.
And that means I'm excited. I'm excited to keep going. Because I do see how making small changes can be a huge stress reliever. That doesn't mean I've got this home organization thing conquered. Not by a long shot. But it's a start.
Just remember, asking for help isn't a bad thing. And that's why, next week, I'll be talking one last time to my local home organization professionals to find out why I may, one day, ask for an experienced hand!
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