How to Organize

Image by meglet127 via Flickr

Following the 10 steps to organizing can help you meet your goals of a clutter free home.

1. Take a look around and view the big picture: how do you want your home to look like? view all your spaces and the items that occupy it. Vision what your end goal is for each area and jot it down in your notebook. For example take a look at your family room, is there clutter beside and around the entertainment center? Items lying on the floor like remote controls, DVD’s, magazines. Focus on what you want to do with the room and jot down what it will take to keep it organized.

2. End goal visualization: Imagine  the room/space as you would like it. Keep this image in mind as with step 1 to keep yourself focused on organizing.

3. Priority list: once you have gone through your house envisioning how each space will look (organized) start a task list. Break down each area into sub tasks, make sure they are manageable. Each area or room should be listed as a separate project and then each project/room should  be broken down into sub-tasks.

4. Think like an artist: What does a artist start with? a  blank  canvas. Remove everything from the room/area you are about to organize.

5.  Stack: using your organizing tool kit sort everything into four piles: Keep (going back in to the room), Toss (to the dump it goes), Donate (off to a charity), and repair (fix it)

6.  Review your piles: Remember the big picture you have envisioned in steps 1 and 2. Review all the items in each pile and see if they fit into the big picture. The goal of this step is to focus on the keep pile.  Do you need or love that item? Why are you keeping it and does it fit into the big picture.  If your hesitating on deciding on an  item in the keep pile maybe it should be moved to toss or donate. Sometimes you have to let go.

7.  Every item needs a place:  make sure each item has a home. Do not let items sit about in an non defined area. Remember to keep like things together. For example you have removed everything from a room. In the keep pile are there items that should be placed in another room or storage area?

8. Containers: Once you have organized or designated items for certain rooms and storage areas then purchase storage containers. Remember to measure the space where the containers will reside before going to store to ensure you get the right size.

9. The most important task/step in organization is: Put things back into their designated space after it’s used. Get in the habit and over time you will realize that just putting items back in their “home” will keep your house de-cluttered. Trust me on this one but once your in the habit of putting things away you will wonder why you didn’t do it earlier!

10. Maintain and re-assess: As your life changes so will your organization needs. Re-assess every so often when there is a change in your life like marriage, children, divorce etc.

Related articles

• De-clutter when? (declutterdujour.wordpress.com)
• Which Room Holds the Most Clutter? (casasugar.com)

Image via Wikipedia

Before you start Organizing your home you should assemble an Organizer‘s tool kit. These 6 items will help you expedite your organizing.

1. Label maker: Go with a simple model. Look for a comfortable keyboard and portability. One with a QWERTY keyboard is best.

2. Boxes & bags: Assign bags or boxes for the following categories: Keep, throw out, donate, recycle and move ( to storage or another part of the house)

3. Measuring tape: You will use the measuring tape to measure designated storage space before purchasing storage containers.

4. Permanent marker & Labels: The marker will be  used to on the labels to identify the contents of each bag or box. Plus marking the label on the final destination of the box or bag. i.e. basement, storage, donate etc.

5. Tote bag: I find that a grocery tote from one of the major chains is cost effective and sturdy for the job at hand. You will use the tote to carry your Organizing tool kit as you organize your home

6. Notepad or Spreadsheet: You can use the old school notepad to write down ideas, tasks to complete or other items that come up when organizing. Or you can create a simple spreadsheet in excel or a similar program to gather your information and monitor your organizing tasks.

Organize before you start organizing and it will go much smoother and with less stress.

Image by frankfarm via Flickr

Here are some helpful tips to get your spice pantry started:

Use clear containers. It’s easy to see what you’re looking for.

Alphabetize spices. Having a system makes it easier to know that “saffron” is next to “sage”.

Store spices in a dark, cool place. Spices lose freshness in direct sunlight and heat. Store sesame seeds in the freezer to prevent them from going rancid.

Replace spices after six months. The freshness expires around then. Definitely replace them after a year.
* Color: Look for vibrant color.
* Smell: Spices should have their pungent smell.

Related articles

• 10 Practical Ideas for Better Spice Storage (thekitchn.com)
• A Sleek, Wall-Mounted Spice Rack (casasugar.com)
• DIY: Magnetic Spice Strips (casasugar.com)
• Spice Things Up (wellnesslibrarian.wordpress.com)

Organize your garage

Is your Garage becoming a parking spot for items other than your car? Reclaim your parking spaces by utilizing the wall space. By mounting a pegboard system will get your tools — rakes, hoses, sports equipment, even wheelbarrows — off the floor and out of the way, plus you’ll always be able to see what you have. Make more space by moving items on the garage floor to a row of shelves above the board. Keep a sturdy step stool or ladder handy so you can safely access overhead gear. Also: Make sure to secure bulkier items to the board with a bungee cord.
Hint: the key to success to keep your garage clean is what comes down from the wall must go back up.