5 Steps to Avoid Holiday Stress

There are plenty of things to stress about during the holidays...lots to do and not nearly enough time. Staying organized in any way possible will help you feel on top of things. Online ordering is a great way to shop efficiently, but it creates its own kind of clutter.  These small steps can help you get a handle on online and catalog gift ordering and keep from starting the new year with holiday clutter.

1. Unsubscribe. The easiest way to avoid email clutter is to make sure you don't inadvertently ask for mailings. Whenever you order online or register for a new account, there is often an "opt in" check box to receive future mailings. It's very easy to miss this check box and forget to "uncheck" it, which will result in many emails from each company, cluttering your inbox.  If you do miss this step and receive the emails, unsubscribe as soon as you receive the first email.  There is always an "unsubscribe" option down in the fine print at the bottom of the email. Of course, you then need to delete the message to keep the number of messages in your inbox down.  You'll be surprised how much this cuts down your email count.

2. Organize your email with folders. I know during the holidays, I exchange plenty of emails discussing gift ideas, coordinating who bought what, or sending links to websites. All of this adds to the inbox clutter. Just as with paper, folders help keep things straight. Start online folders in your email for online ordering, gift ideas, etc.  Put all confirmations and order status messages in the "online ordering" folder. It makes it far easier to find the details for shipping dates, missing orders, and returns.

3. Control the catalog pile. Catalog clutter can be tamed if you put unwanted catalogs in the recycling bin right away...like, on the way back from the mailbox. If you must keep catalogs, flip through the pages and find gift ideas, then cut out the pages of interest and put them in "ideas" folder.  Even better, as with email, you can "unsubscribe" from catalogs at: https://www.catalogchoice.org/ .

4. Keep it together. As packages arrive (or gifts are bought in stores), put all receipts and paperwork in one folder or envelope. Write a little note about who the gift was for, right on the back of the receipt. Very basic, yet very helpful.

5. Get rid of it. Once the holiday is past, returns and exchanges are made, and the bills are paid, there's no need to keep all of those emails, catalogs, or files of receipts. Start next year's holiday season by purging last year's records. Keep the receipts for things under warranty or big-ticket items, like appliances, but toss the rest. You don't need to keep the receipt for socks and pajamas for years. Really.

Keeping the Car Organized

John Gruen - www.realsimple.com

Between road trips to visit family, shopping, and the overall busyness that comes along with the holidays, does it sometimes feel like you spend more time in your car than in your living room? It's important to treat your car as an extension of your living space. The goal, of course, is to keep that space as organized as the rest of your home...or more organized! Having a place for helpful items in the car means that you can cut down on time preparing to get out the door, have a more pleasant trip with fewer inconveniences, and your car will stay neater since you've planned a home for everything.

The car essentially has 3 distinct areas:

The cockpit - The driver's space is the most important space in the car, right? Everything that needs to be accessed should be within easy reach. Distracted driving is a very serious issue so safety should always be the first priority. The ability to find what you need when it is safe to do so will minimize distractions. I keep the following items in a storage spot inside my car's driver side door.

• Hand sanitizer. I use it every time I get into my car. I assume I've ALWAYS touched something germy when in public. Overkill? Maybe...but it seems to work to keep me healthy.
• Mechanical pencil and paper. For all of those times you need to grab a phone number, jot down an address, or heaven forbid, share your insurance information with another driver, it's essential to have these around.. I find that pens dry out easily in the car, and traditional pencils break. Mechanical pencils seem to hang around longer.
• Extra straws and napkins. Sure, it may be healthier to avoid the drive-thru, but the drive-thru is often a fact of life. Another fact of life is that they will typically forget some key piece of your order there. Missing food aside, I'm certainly not going to turn around for a missing straw or napkin. I keep spares clean in a resealable storage bag.
• Spare change. This is a given in most cars, but establish a place for it. In my car, change goes in the ashtray, but most vehicles have a spot designated for change. As the change container fills up, keep just a few quarters and bring the rest with you into a store with a coin machine, like Coinstar. Most coin machines don't charge a fee if you receive a gift card as "payment" for the change you put in. It's a great service, and a way to keep the coin situation from getting out of control.

The passenger cabin -  I always think of the front seat as "first class", back seat as "coach", way back as "economy".  Perhaps that's because my family treats it this way.  The amenities vary according to seating class.

• Snacks. Keep non-perishable, non-melting snacks handy. You may argue that snacks in the car aren't a necessity, but at some point you will be rushing and tired and stressed and in traffic and someone in the car will be ravenous. At that point, snacks will seem more necessary than gasoline. A resealable plastic bag in a pocket behind the seat or in the door works well.
• Trash receptacle. If you're going to eat in the car, you need a trash receptacle. Actually, you need a trash receptacle no matter what. I have a fancy, yet inexpensive, little trash bin that attaches to the back of my passenger seat. Driver and passengers can all reach it. A more basic trash solution is a plastic shopping bag. The key is to make sure it's secured and doesn't create it's own mess as it rolls around the car. Another interesting option is to use a dry food storage container, lined with a plastic bag. It stays clean and covered.
• Cleaning supplies. Waiting in the car seems to be an inevitable part of my day, whether it's waiting to pick up one of the kids or waiting for my next client. It make sense to have something to do while waiting in the car, and yes, I clean my windows and car interior while I wait. Window cleaner wipes are a wonderful invention to not only keep the insides of windows clean, but also remove dust and mysterious stickiness from the interior. Cleaning supplies also come in handy for situations that, well, require clean up.

The cargo area - You have to leave room for actual cargo, of course, but these are the items currently in my trunk:

• Extra rain ponchos in a resealable plastic bag
• Small, basic tools in a plastic shoe box
• Reusable grocery bags (all folded and stacked inside one)
• A large towel (for wet and muddy dog/messy kids)
• A small first aid kit
• Depending on the season, I also keep sunscreen, bug spray, and sports equipment contained in bins or boxes. Focus on making things easily removable so you can reconfigure and make space easily.

Car storage spaces vary widely from vehicle to vehicle. Some have tons of little nooks and crannies to stash stuff. My car is bare bones minimum, but it still works pretty well for me. The goal here is to identify what you should keep in the car, find the most likely space in terms of what can be reached from where, and then use bags and containers to keep everything under control. Treat your car like your home...Whenever you have any time at all - even if it's just a minute - use it to pick up trash, put things away in their proper place, and straighten up. Many more ideas can be found on my "organizing the car" board on Pinterest.

Did I miss anything? What else do you keep in the car?








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3 Tips for Downsizing Your Space

There's nothing quite like downsizing to make you realize how much stuff you actually have, and how much stuff you don't really want. People often equate downsizing with an empty nest or retirement, and while that is often true, the decision to move into a smaller place can happen at any time in your life. Downsizing doesn't always mean moving to a smaller home. Moving in with a significant other after living alone also means downsizing - for both of you - as your space effectively gets smaller and the other person's space is shared with you. Of course, the longer you've lived in your home, the more possessions you've probably accumulated, as well as those of your children, your parents, and other family members.

So, you've decided to downsize. Let's assume you already have the new space identified. Where do you start in your current home? How do you actually fit into that smaller space?

1. Choose a system -  Having a system to sort and label EVERYTHING is key to keeping the chaos under control. The system can be labels, colored dots for each category, or even physical relocation of items to spaces associated with each category (e.g., all the items moved into garage will go to storage) Categories to consider are "Going to the new place", "Give to someone else (adult children, friends, neighbor, etc.)", "Move to storage", "Donate", "Sell", and "Trash". I often suggest clients add another category for "Think about it." Depending on the circumstances of downsizing, it can be a difficult time. If you find that you're overwhelmed or feel like you're getting rid of too many things, and you come across something you're just not sure about, put it in the "Think about it" category and wait until the entire process is essentially complete. By then, you'll have a better idea of what you're keeping and whether you can/should keep the item in question. Be kind to yourself.  If something makes you feel more comfortable, keep it for awhile. You can always revisit that decision when you get to the new place. Sure, it's not the most efficient method, but it can ease the transition and lessen the feeling of losing all of your "stuff."

2. Assess the situation- Using the system you identified in the first step, you can now assess the situation by determining the dimensions of the new space. While it's important to measure each room itself, it's just as important to measure the length of each wall, even the narrow ones. It's also helpful to measure the furniture you have. Write down the dimensions of each piece of furniture. Then, take a good, long look at your furniture to figure out what you want to bring with you. Start by determining where you're going to put it in the new place. Keep only the items for which you actually have a place. Be realistic. You may love all of the chairs in your house, but if you can't fit them all in the new space, something's gotta go. When determining what to keep, view your possessions with a fresh perspective. Try to think of multiple purposes for the same item. Smaller spaces require items to do double duty. For example, can you replace an old dining room hutch and a hall table that you don't really love with an antique dresser that you really want to keep, giving you a place to keep your keys and store entertaining items?

3. Sort and label -  This is the exhausting step. Sort everything you own. Pictures, wall hangings, tchotchkes, mementos, holiday decorations and other decor items on display will not all have a home in the new place. Ask yourself, "Do I love this? Do I need this?" If you answer yes, these items will find a spot in the new home. If no, it's time to donate or sell it. If there are items that you love and can't part with, but don't need everyday, put these aside for storage/archives. A similar process takes place in the kitchen. If you are no longer throwing large dinner parties, perhaps your collection of serving platters is no longer needed. Not cooking for a crowd? Maybe it's time to donate the extra sets of plates. Finally, go through your clothing. Now is the time to be brutally honest with yourself. If you don't love it, don't keep it. If you're not going to wear it, donate it. When you can afford the extra closet to store old prom gowns and jackets with huge shoulder pads, that's fine, but are they really going to occupy prime closet space in the new home? Probably not.

Of course, continuing this process is the key to keeping your downsized space organized. Before you bring a new item into your home, determine if you love it, if you need it, and where you can keep it. Yes, downsizing can be stressful, but once you get to the point that you have just enough of the things that you want and need and everything has its place, it can actually be quite a relief!

Figuring Out Where to Start

There's a common phenomenon that takes place in our homes. We stop seeing our surroundings. Much like I lived with an unpainted door for more than a year without actually noticing the unpainted door, people live with all kinds of unfinished projects. They simply become part of the surroundings and disappear. So, too, does the pile in the corner, the clutter on the desk, the collection of coats hanging from every possible hook, "stuff" that you don't see on a daily basis. It magically disappears. Unfortunately, it's only invisible to us, the owners of the stuff, and it's often the first thing that visitors will see. When I work with clients they often seem surprised when I want to tackle the piles in the corners (Where did that come from?!) ... and almost everyone has piles in the corners. If you don't, chances are good you're not looking for advice here. 

It can feel overwhelming to know where to start organizing and improving your space. You know you need to start small, but how do you figure out where to start? The good news is that it doesn't take a professional to figure out what needs to be tackled first. Take a picture of your space right now. Take a quick look at that picture, preferably on the computer screen, where it's bigger. What's the first thing that grabs your attention? That should be the first thing you tackle. If your eye is drawn to something in the room, others will be drawn to the same thing. Then take a good long look at that picture. Does the room look balanced? Does it look like there is too much of something? Or not enough? Try to look at your space objectively and think about what would make you like it more. Then take action. It's that easy. Maybe it will lead to asking for help from a professional organizer, handyman, or decorator, but not necessarily. Many projects are much simpler than that.

Taking a picture of an area gives you a better perspective on what needs to be addressed. It allows you to "see" your room more clearly. Just like a candid photo can sometimes shock you into action (I can't possibly look like that! That's it...back to the gym!), your room's candid photo may also inspire you to take on mini-improvement projects. It often goes beyond organizing and into decorating, but it's really all about improving your space. Just take it one step at a time.

The best part? Taking your own "after" picture and giving yourself a pat on the back. Success!

Taming the Paper Piles

Sorting through the mountain of paper that builds in our lives can be intimidating.  When there is no filter on what goes into the pile, it easily gets out of hand. Important papers get mixed in with junk, and the pile grows. When you know there is one important paper in a pile, even if you can't quite tell what's in the rest of the pile, the entire pile is labeled "important" in your mind. That makes sense, until all the piles are important and you can't see the surface of your desk. How do you tell if you should keep a piece of paper? This is where many of us get stuck. Let's work on applying a filter so that the piles stay in control.

Whether you are working your way through your office or starting on the mail pile on the counter, ask yourself the following questions:

Do I need to keep it? Other than tax documentation, the answer to this question is often, "No." Once receipts have been checked against your account, there is no need to keep them. In today's digital age, there is very little paper you need to keep. This question alone will place a good portion of the pile in either trash, recycling or shredding.

• Do I need to take action on it? Bills to be paid fall into this category. Do you need to sign it? Return it? Give it to someone else? Put it in an "action" pile.  If not, shred it if it contains personal information. Recycle everything else.
• Do I need it for taxes? If it's paperwork you'll need for taxes, file it with other tax papers and make tax preparation time a breeze.
  

Do I want to keep it?  This is tricky. You put the paper in the pile in the first place because you thought you wanted to keep it, right? What's interesting is that what you thought you wanted to keep a month ago, or a year or more ago, sometimes doesn't make sense today. There are some follow up questions that go with this.

• Is it still relevant? Instructions for items you no longer own, sign up sheets for last year's summer camp, and expired coupons are perfect examples. Straight to recycling.
• Can I find this easily elsewhere? Keeping papers for reference does makes sense in some cases. If it's the only copy you have of something or it's not easily found elsewhere, keep it, either in your files or in your Command Center. If you can easily look up directions, recipes, or instructions online, you don't need to keep the printout. Straight to recycling.
• Is it a memento?  Papers that you're keeping for sentimental reasons are perfectly fine, but not in your files. They are better kept with your mementos, and you have a place for mementos, right? Straight to storage.

If you answer these questions and you still want to keep the paper, that's fine. It's time to file. If you're not much of a filer, your file categories should be as general as possible. Get related papers into a file folder. The "relation" can be whatever makes sense to you. Maybe it's everything having to do with your health, or school, or each of your children. It doesn't have to be terribly specific at first. It gets the pile off the desk and into the drawer. From an access point of view, yes, you may need to spend a little more time searching, but you'll be starting from the right spot and you only need to go through one folder. If you find that you are accessing the same types of papers often, pull them out and give them their own category. If the folder is getting out of control, then work on subcategories. It's a gradual process of developing files. I recommend you don't jump right into specific subcategories if you've never had a filing system. Trust me on this one. You will end up with many, many folders that each have one or two pieces of paper in them.


Finally, if you're going through a major file clean-out, consider a shredding service. For a fee (roughly $10/box), companies will come and pick up your shredding and provide you with a certificate of destruction. If you have a shredder, and you've been holding on to shredding because the task is too overwhelming, this service could be perfect for you. Be honest...you already have a pile somewhere of things waiting to be shredded "when you have time", don't you? When you consider how long it takes to shred multiple boxes of paper, the value of this service is obvious. Not only do you save time, the boxes are immediately removed and your space is clear. No more paper piles? Priceless.

3 Steps To Conquer Pantry Mayhem

Kitchen layouts vary, cabinets vary, and where people keep their food varies, but most kitchens have one thing in common: pantry mayhem. Food is notoriously hard to keep track of in the pantry. Whether it's re-buying items that you didn't realize you already had, or finding that the item you need is way past its expiration date, having a well-organized pantry will save you time, money and aggravation. Follow these easy steps to an organized space:

1. Clean - Take everything out of the cabinet. If you have more than one cabinet with food items in it, empty all of them. Wipe down the shelves. I'm always amazed at how messy the food shelves become. How did all of those crumbs get there? And what's so sticky? If you have wire shelving, you are already aware of the aggravation of bottles falling over and small items becoming unbalanced on the wire openings. It's hard to keep things neat if you can't keep them upright. Now is a good time to put something over the shelf surface to smooth it out, especially where bottle are kept. Inexpensive plastic placemats work well.

2. Inventory -  Check expiration dates. I recommend you do this little project before trash day, because you will generate a lot of trash and recycling here. If items are close to their "best by"date, plan on using them right away. Make a list of meals/recipes you can create with these ingredients. As a bonus, you'll have that nagging "What's for dinner?" question handled, at least this week. This is a good time to take inventory and make a shopping list for what you need to complete the meals. Make a note of the fact that you have 12 cans of soup but no crackers. Buy crackers and hold off on the soup for a while. Simple.

3. Organize -  Whenever possible, consolidate open packages. Consider keeping an open container of loose snack bars and granola bars for quick access. You can use a plastic container that is missing its lid (another mystery for another blog post), or a shoe box or basket would work as well. Group like items, such as soups, other canned goods, baking goods, cereals, snacks, etc. Place these items in the cabinets that make the most sense. Snacks and frequently used items should be at eye level if possible. Less frequently used items can go in a lower cabinet. As much as your kitchen allows, group items in a logical way in logical places. Sounds obvious, I know, but you'd be amazed how often this simple concept isn't put into practice.

One note about containers and canisters. They can be a fantastic way to have an organized pantry, but you need to be realistic. If you and your family will keep them filled, go ahead. It's a perfect way to keep items fresh. Sometimes these storage options actually create more headaches and take up more space. In my house, the three cereal containers I have are rarely emptied since the "end of the box" phenomenon is in play. For some reason once a new package is opened in my house, it's rare that the last of the old package will ever be eaten. I have no idea why this is, but you will typically find three mostly-empty cereal containers and three open cereal boxes. It's crazy, I know. Six boxes of cereal may be overkill, but the fact that they all take up so much space is what really makes me nuts. Try to find solutions you can live with and maintain.

That's all there is to it. If you repeat these steps every few months, it will take no time at all to conquer the mayhem and keep your food cabinets under control.



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Another Opportunity For a New Year's Resolution

Another new year, another opportunity for a New Year's resolution.

Getting organized is on the "top ten" lists of New Year's resolutions every year for a very good reason. Many of us aren't as organized as we wish we were. 2013 can be the year that changes. If getting organized is on your list of resolutions, here's how to make sure you're successful.

1. Make a plan - It's overwhelming to try to tackle everything at once. Make a list of what areas of your home you'd like to organize so you can see the entire big picture. You may find that there are areas that you're actually satisfied with. Perhaps your closets are fine, but your garage needs work. Do you want to organize your paperwork this year? Do you want your closets in order? Keep in mind that, like getting in shape, getting organized is a lifestyle change. New habits need to be formed. For each of the areas on your plan, take "before" pictures, no matter how small the project is. That means even if you're working on a junk drawer, take a picture before you start. You don't need to show anyone the picture, but it serves as a reminder of all of your progress. Once we get going on an organizing project, we often forget what it looked like before. You'll have to trust me on this one.

2. Create mini-goals - Instead of getting your entire life in order, set smaller goals to start. Don't worry about getting the entire office under control, just start with a desk drawer. If you tackle a desk drawer every week, you'll have an organized desk in less than a month. Yes, that may seem like a long time to clean a desk, but it's manageable to work in small chunks, and in the end, it's a clean desk! If you're working on a closet, start by just going through your sweaters one day, shoes the next, etc. If it's paperwork you're going after, start with just one file folder. Baby steps... and every step counts. The key here is to complete the entire step. Don't place items somewhere "for now", do it for good!  Unsure what to keep and what to toss? This article may be helpful: http://www.kiplinger.com/magazine/archives/paper-records-what-to-toss-what-to-keep.html

3. Set limits  - If organizing projects stress you out, set a timer and limit how much you work on organizing projects.You have an entire year to work it out. It doesn't have to be done in a day. If the timer goes off and you're in the zone, by all means keep going, but give yourself permission to stop when it rings. It's far less intimidating when you consider that you can probably easily sort clutter for 30 minutes, or 15, or even 5. Any amount of effort gets you closer to your goal.


Of course, in the end, don't forget to take "after" pictures and give yourself a pat on the back. This is going to be the Year of Organization!

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Reclaim Your Kitchen Counter With a Command Center

Do you have a pile of clutter somewhere on your kitchen counter? Of course you do. Take-out menus, papers from school that may have to be referenced again, classroom phone lists, gift certificates, postcards from that service company you might want to call someday, a bit of writing, such as a poem or joke, that you found that you want to keep and share... the list of things in our kitchen counter clutter piles goes on and on. Do you have a place for things that aren't files but that you want to make sure you don't lose? These items can all neatly be collected in what I call the Command Center .
A quick trip to the office supply store is all that's needed to get your Command Center in order. Start with a sturdy 3-ring binder. Depending on the size of the pile you're organizing, a 1.5 inch binder is probably a good starting point. Don't be afraid to buy a fun print or wild color...have a little fun with it! Tabbed dividers, clear sheet protectors, and slash-cut pockets round out the supply list. If the binder has inside pockets, stash your checkbook, stamps and return address labels there, then set up tabs for each category.

Here is a suggested list of tabs to start your Command Center (in no particular order):

• To Do: Forms that need to be completed, order forms, sign-up sheets... you know the pesky pieces of paper that need action, but not this second. Keep them up front and you'll always know what has to get done next and where to find that form on a moment's notice.
  
• Take-out Menus: Maybe it's just me, but this is a "go-to" pile in my house. We keep it handy for times when I'm not cooking. Yeah, it's a well-worn pile. Pocket tabs work well for this.
• Contacts: If you have children that are in school, you know that every fall, the stack of classroom directories, phone lists, teacher/school contact information, club and sports team rosters will grow. Every year, toss the previous year's lists and start fresh. Clear sheet protectors are perfect for these lists.
• Gift Cards/Gift Certificates: If you keep them in a central location, you'll know just the spot to check when you're making plans for a night out or heading out to shop. How many of us haven't used gift cards because we misplaced them? Or kept forgotten gift certificates for so long the places are no longer in business? One pocket is all it takes to keep them accessible.
• Tips/Notes: What do you do with all of those handy tips you cut out of magazines in hopes of trying them out? Keep them in this one spot and you'll always know where to find that perfect cleaning solution recipe or project instructions (origami, anyone?). Again, put each tip in a clear sheet protector so it's easy to flip through when you're looking for something.
• House/Car: This is the place to keep those postcards or coupons you get in the mail for home/lawn/car services that you don't need right now, but want to keep for future reference. When it's time for that chimney cleaning, firewood order, or brake job, you'll be ready to call.
• Receipts: Maybe you already have a system in place for how you keep track of receipts.  If you do, I recommend keeping it. I use this tab for "temporary" receipts of purchase - records you need to keep only until you receive your order for things such as Girl Scout cookies, school picture order forms, subscriptions, and online order confirmations, to name a few.

Once you've put items into the Command Center, see what's left in the pile and create additional custom tabs for yourself. Some words of caution: avoid the use of "Miscellaneous" when you're making your tabs. This tab will balloon out of control because it's easy to categorize every little thing as miscellaneous. Putting a little effort into figuring out into which tab it belongs will ultimately improve your organization skills. Trust me on this one.

Keep the Command Center in an easily accessible place so that you can put items there BEFORE they become a clutter pile (some suggestions: kitchen cabinet, desk drawer, living room bookcase... be creative). Every so often, flip through the Command Center to toss old, obsolete, and expired items. That's all there is to it.  Get ready to take command of that clutter pile and reclaim your kitchen counter!

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Two Words That Might Be Keeping You From Getting Organized

I have found that there is one particular phrase that can keep you from getting organized. It's a phrase I hear repeated over and over again in my clients' homes. It stops organization projects in their tracks. What is this powerful phrase? "For now." Yup, that's it. Just two words. Is it even possible that two little words can have such an effect? Definitely. There are plenty of times when doing something "for now" is perfectly fine, such as temporary solutions until a final one is put in place. For example, if your new furniture isn't going to be delivered for another week, you can keep your books in that box for now. That's not the situation I'm talking about.

The problem I'm talking about is all about procrastination. It's not taking the time to figure out where something should be kept, or not putting things where they belong right away. As you're going through a pile of clutter, do you shove those last few items on a shelf "for now"? Do you put the folded laundry into piles and leave them there "for now", to be put away later? What about dropping that spoon or plate into the sink when the dishwasher is empty? You could bring it all the way to the dishwasher and keep the kitchen neat, avoiding a second step later. Often just a few more steps can bring you to the final step. 

One way to break yourself of the "For Now" habit is to time how long it takes to finish the job. You'll realize that it's usually just a few minutes, or seconds, even. Once the laundry is folded, putting it away is just a few more minutes, and the payoff is a tidy room. If you have files set up for bills, don't just stack the pile on the desk, go the extra "mile" and put them right into the files. It's very simple, but very effective. Some clients feel that it breaks your momentum when you are working on a project to stop and finish those little jobs, like filing. Leave some time at the end of any project to finish it up. Bring things all the way back to where they belong in the house, put them in the proper place, finish up the job. Right now. 

The fact is, looking at unfinished projects is just psychologically draining. Those little piles have big consequences: they add to the feeling of being overwhelmed, create a cluttered environment, and keep you from being organized. The next time you hear yourself say you'll put something there "for now", stop and ask yourself if you can put it somewhere for good. It's a subtle change that will bring you well on your way to having an organized home... and life!

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5 Easy Steps to an Organized Garage

Summertime is here…warmer temperatures means we're exposing more. More of the garage, that is, as outdoor activities take center stage and the garage door gets left open all day.

Yes, I know that the garage isn't the same as your house, but think of how many people can see inside that garage. Does the space look the way you like? Can you find everything you need? Does everyone in the family know where to put things back?

Now is the perfect time to get the garage in order.  Some people recommend you take everything out of the garage as the first step to cleaning out. While this certainly allows a deep cleaning of all the nooks and crannies, it also makes the project feel a bit overwhelming and leaves you in the position of having to finish the entire garage in one pass, or leave your belongings in the driveway.  I don't recommend de-cluttering a room or a basement by removing everything and putting it all back in, and I don't recommend it for a garage either. By following these simple steps you'll be all set in no time.

1)      Identify: What are the types of items that will be stored in the garage? Examples of "types" are sports equipment, lawn/yard tools, hardware, paints/chemicals, trash and recycling…you get the idea. Keep in mind if there are some items that are kept elsewhere, like the basement or the shed. As always, expect there to be "donation" and "trash" piles as well.

2)      Sort: Starting in one corner, pick up the first thing you see and determine if that's where it belongs. If it isn't put it in one of the designated areas you just identified. Repeat with the next item. And repeat again. At this point, you're only sorting, not worrying about how it will be stored. That comes later. Just get things in the right "neighborhood" for now. As you sort, consider whether you really need to keep the item. If you have multiples of something, consider donating a few of them. (I found 10 umbrellas last time I cleaned my garage. Go figure.) Outgrown bicycles and cleats, sports equipment, old tools, and unused materials from previous home improvement projects are all things that can be donated. Only keep what works, has all of its parts, and is in use currently. If it doesn't meet those criteria, it's probably ready for the trash.

3)      Clean: As soon as a space is cleared, sweep it out, or use a shop vacuum if you have one, and don't forget those cobwebs above. Be reasonable with the level of cleanliness you're going for - it's a garage after all - but getting the leaves and dirt out will make the garage look orderly and will help keep the house clean, too.

4)      Inventory: This is the step where you now figure out what you're trying to store. Now that everything is sorted into those "neighborhoods" from Step 2, you can easily see what you're dealing with and determine how each should be stored. Do you need access to the item regularly? Items like bike helmets should have a designated spot, where it's easy to grab them. Scooters and skateboards also need ready access in our garage, so they have a prime real estate spot. Are there any items that are routinely aggravating to you because they're inaccessible? In my house it was heavy duty extension cords. They were never where I could easily get to them, so I avoided any outdoor task requiring electricity, which included vacuuming out my car, trimming the hedges, and using the weedwacker. The cords are now stored on a reachable hook, right near the garage door. Lucky me...I have many more projects I can get done now.

http://www.solutions.com/1/1/240-overhead-storage-organizer.html

5)      Store: For items that you need access to occasionally, consider shelving. Items such as paints, chemicals, and hardware can be stored in plastic bins on the shelves. Hooks provide quick access to things like backpacks, helmets, and extension cords. Lawn care tools are best stored on hooks designed for that purpose, found at any home improvement store. Hang items that aren't used regularly from the ceiling, in an out-of-the-way spot. Items such as ladders or bicycles that are rarely used are good candidates for this space. Finally, consider using the space over the garage doors for storage of bins. Shelving systems for this exact purpose, one of which is shown at the right, can be purchased in many locations. Holiday items, off season clothing, or items that are only used infrequently, like camping gear can fit on these shelves, freeing up precious garage floor space.

That's all there is to it. The key is to think about how you use your garage and keep the items used the most in the most convenient and accessible space. Items such as recycling bins are most convenient when they're kept near the door into the house. Tools will be put back more easily if you can reach their storage area. Many of us don't put thought into how to organize the areas of our garage functionally…but you'll enjoy your garage much more when you do!

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It's the Little Things

Often, it's the little things that bring joy.  Take, for instance, the IKEA RATIONELL VARIERA plastic bag dispenser. The fact that it costs only $1.99 is reason enough to be joyful, but it's also incredibly versatile. This small wonder attaches to the wall with either adhesive strips or screws and can be used for countless organization applications.  First, the obvious: it dispenses bags, just as advertised.  It holds LOTS and LOTS of bags, neatly and accessibly, but here (in no particular order) is a list of some other unexpected uses that I've found.

1. Store wrapping paper – It's the perfect size to hold wrapping paper rolls neatly. I have mine on the inside of a closet door. It works perfectly to keep the rolls in order. If you have the space, you could really go crazy and put categories of paper in each – Holiday, Birthday, All Occasion.

2. Organize toys – It's a creative way to keep tall skinny toys in order in a playroom, like the race track pieces shown in picture #2. Some other toys that fit perfectly: small plastic bats, kids' golf clubs, batons.

3. Create a light – A bedside lamp from a plastic bag dispenser? Yes! Check out "ikeahackers.com" (link below) for instructions on how to make this cool wall sconce.

4. Store craft supplies – Tame unruly balls of yarn, prevent unraveling, and create a yarn dispenser. No more tangled messes! The same principle applies to ribbons as well.

5. Hold plants – I originally saw this idea as a way to keep plants out of reach of cats, but it really does offer an imaginative way to clear pots off the flat surfaces of your home while still enjoying greenery. No cats required to enjoy this use.

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References:

1. gall-erry.blogspot.com

2. tpcraft.blogspot.com/2012/02/ikea-hack-for-hot-wheels-track.html

3. www.ikeahackers.net/2011/10/low-budget-bedside-lamp.html

4. www.ikeahackers.net/2007/07/crafty-trash-bag-holder.html

5. www.lifehacker.com.au/2011/03/protect-plants-from-cats-with-a-bag-holder/

Where Does Everything Go?

Whenever someone looks at my before and after pictures the inevitable question that follows is always, "Where did everything go?" The short answer: where it belongs! Yes, that's oversimplifying so let's cover it in more detail.

1) Trash/Recycle/Shred - Although I never force anyone to throw things away during a project, I do encourage the homeowner to think about the item. Keeping an item just because you always have isn't an acceptable answer. Things that fall into this category tend to be broken items, items that are beyond cleaning, and items that are now worthless such as user manuals for items long gone, clothes that aren't good enough to donate, paperwork, phone books, magazines, files for the car you owned 15 years ago...you get the idea. Depending on the project, this is often the largest category of "stuff" during a project. Somehow it expands to be far larger than the original space.

2) Donations/Sales - For the most part, cluttered spaces often are packed with perfectly good items...that you'll never use again. But someone else can, and will, so this is where donations (and sales) come into play. By the time a person has actually reached the point of decluttering a space, having the items removed immediately is usually the preferred method. On occasion, a person is planning on a yard sale or on-line posting and these items are prepared accordingly.

3) Archives/Memorabilia - Areas that are cluttered in our living spaces often have items that are meaningful and sentimental, which is fine.  However, if the plan isn't to display those items proudly, then it's time to pack them up and keep them safe. Generally cluttered areas, like desks, kitchen counters and living room tables often accumulate LOTS of archives that can be packed up and removed from the space.

4) Transfers - During the process of decluttering, areas are established for everything. Yes, everything. If it doesn't already have a designated place, we'll define one. Then, as the project continues, we put everything in its place, "transferring" it there. This is always an extremely satisfying step. This is where you realize you can be organized because you know where to put things back. You may have known where to put some things, but when you know where EVERYTHING should go, it's a great feeling of accomplishment...and the beginning of an organized space for a lifetime.

The things that are meant to stay in the space are then organized. This means utilizing the closet space, shelving, and storage containers in the space, and then arranging your items in a way that is both aesthetically pleasing and functional. That's it! Mission accomplished...an organized space!



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Thinking Outside of the Drawer

There is rarely enough storage space in a bedroom, or at least it feels that way. Whether the issue is not enough drawers, not enough floor space for dressers, or a tiny closet with minimal hanging space, it's important to think outside the box, or drawer, in this case.

My daughter's room is a perfect example.  She doesn't like having clothes on hangers and therefore, hangs up very few items. Dresses are the only things that were on hangers in her closet.  What that resulted in was an overstuffed dresser and an empty closet.  For a while I fought her on this and continued to hang things up when I helped her put away her laundry, but basically the clothes that were hung were never worn. Not only that, but because the drawers were so packed, she essentially only wore whatever was on top, so only a few items of her wardrobe ever made it into the rotation. I was convinced she would eventually want to hang more of her clothes someday, so I was reluctant to install a closet system. So how could we use the closet without a remodel? The answer was a relatively inexpensive and versatile unit, ClosetMaid Cubeicals^® 6 Cube Organizer, shown here on the right.

Since she likes to have everything visible, we set up the shelving system with folded items that were normally stuffed into drawers.  This allowed everything to be stacked and accessible. Her dresser drawers were actually too large for socks and underwear to be kept separately, resulting in wasted space, but she didn't want them combined (heaven forbid!).  The easy solution was to use the two canvas drawers for each.  We used hooks to keep accessories, such as belts and bags handy.

The other side of the closet is still used for hanging items, but this side can easily be used now exactly in the way she needs it. The drawers aren't overflowing, and she's actually wearing all of her clothes! Success!

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Cutting Down on Cleaning Up

As we go about our daily lives, we pick up countless items in our home and put them back down again.  The only problem with this is that where we put them down is rarely where they belong.  Our possessions get spread out throughout the day. Look around the room where you're currently sitting...is there anything out of place? I don't know what your room looks like, but without much effort I can make a list from my home on any given day: the cordless phone is nowhere near its base, the pens are nowhere near the desk, the shoes are nowhere near the closet, the socks are nowhere near the laundry (perhaps that's unique to my house, but socks are always where they don't belong), the glasses are nowhere near the dishwasher.  That's just a quick list.  Perhaps you have a similar situation. If you don't, then congratulations are truly in order. As we've discussed in previous blogs, having a place identified for everything makes bringing everything back to "base" just as easy. Once you have that worked out, there's just one key step to cutting down cleaning up: NEVER leave a room empty handed.  Yes, it's simple, but very effective.

Every time you get up, bring something to the next room that belongs there. Consider how often you move from room to room and how many items you could put away in just one day.  It will eventually (dare I say, quickly?) become a habit. Of course it's a never-ending cycle and things will reappear, but it is so much easier to keep your space tidy if you don't need to dedicate long stretches of time to straightening up. It's a constant process, and one you can share. Family members will love the little reminders to take something with them when they leave the room, trust me. Okay, maybe you shouldn't trust me on that one. Although they may not love it, it WILL help.

Now, if you're not passing by the home of the misplaced item on the way from the living room to the kitchen, all is not lost. A little trick is to move the item closer to its base. Although I usually go the extra mile and put the item away, I have been known to move things to the doorway of the room it belongs in if I'm really pressed for time. It gets closer to where it needs to be and is ready for when I walk into that room.  Use the partial move method once you're into the routine of putting things away, since you don't want to add unnecessary piles. If it belongs on another floor of the home, get it just a little closer by putting it on, or near, the stairs. Remember safety first: don't put in where someone can trip.  Once there is an item waiting for you, you'll never walk up or down the stairs empty handed, right?

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The First Step to Getting Organized: Just Start

I have often thought that sometimes the hardest part of running is putting on my shoes. I really enjoy running and I love how it makes me feel, but when you're already cozy on the couch, well, it's easy to forget all that. In organizing, as in running, the first step is the challenge. There's only one way past it - just start and the rest will come.

How do you get over that feeling that the couch is the better option? A little change of perspective may help. Don't view your organizing project as a marathon. Think of it as just stretching your legs. People are often overwhelmed with the idea that everything needs to be done at once, and done right the first time. You can do the equivalent of a quick run around the block. Pick just one small area to focus on and organize that. Maybe it's even just decluttering a corner of a room. Every step counts.

Tell yourself that this is just a trial run. Don't view your results as the final answer; view this as playing with new drawer configurations, or rearranging shelves, or trying out some containers. You don't need to commit to the perfect solution. Be happy with the fact that you're moving in the right direction and making it better. Remember, every step counts. Who knows? The interim solution you create may even ultimately meet your needs.

Tempting as it may be, don't start with shopping. When I first started running, I didn't have any fancy gear. I got out there and ran a little first, then added pieces as I figured out what I needed. The same thing applies to organizing. Don't worry about having the right supplies before you even start. Try out some alternatives using what you already have in your house. If they don't work, change them up again by buying something new. If baskets don't work, try hooks. If boxes don't work, try shelves. No matter what you do, you probably will need to tweak whatever you've done in time as your needs change, and that's okay. Forward movement is the key. Just start and you'll get to the finish line. Baby steps…

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