You don't have time to read a book about it or take a seminar, so here are a few simple tips and rules to help you work toward your organization goals (In no particular order):
1. Create a home for everything - The first rule in organizing is everything has a home. It’s a simple rule and the most important, but often overlooked. So, if it doesn't have a home - assign one.
2. Use a labeling system - Whether it is a label, a picture, or a color-coded system - make sure you have some sort of labeling system. Even if you think you will remember where things go, labels are a handy reminder and visually make things look more organized. It also makes it easier for those who weren't involved in the organizing process to know where things go.
3. Have a donation box handy - or several. Make sure it is in plain sight, and easy to use. Modge podge an old box, or use a pretty bin or basket. (Don't forget to label it). When you buy something new, toss something in the donation bin; when you realize something doesn't fit, or you can't remember when you used it last - donate it. When the box is full, put it in the car and drop it off on your way to work or home.
4. Create a command center - When you walk in the door, you need to have a place to put everything: your keys, purse, bags, shoes, mail, and anything else you have in your hands should not end up on the floor or the table. Every command center is different, you can incorporate everything from a binder of take out menus to a chalk board for notes - just make sure it works for you.
5. Keep it handy - Use baskets and bins without tops for most things, especially if you use these things often. Use open shelving for pretty dishes and take the doors off of closets when you can. If you can see your stuff, you will have a tendency to keep it looking neater - plus you will see what you have and not go out and buy more!
6. Honor your memories - We can have a tendency to think we need to save every picture, every card, and every drawing in order to honor those memories. The problem with this is you end up with boxes full of stuff packed away in the closets; eventually forgotten about. Instead, choose the very best and special items, make a book of them and then display on a bookshelf where you can enjoy them everyday.
7. Keep a hangers basket in your closet - Its a little thing, but it can make a big difference in the way your closet looks and the time you spend on laundry day. When you take something off a hanger, throw the hanger in a basket in your closet instead of hanging it back up.
8. Reuse and repurpose - Containers can be expensive, but they are necessary. Modge podge diaper and shoe boxes, and reuse for toy bins, take the labels off of jars and use for your makeup brushes, pens, change, bulk food, etc.
9. Group and categories like things - Group things that go together in a container, basket, or bin. The first thing to do when organizing a space is to pull everything out and then group like things with like things. Then containerize and label.
10. Be portable – Keep cleaning supplies in a tote with a handle; this eliminates having duplicate supplies all over the house. Put art and craft supplies in a cart that rolls so you can set up to work wherever you like. Have a purse organizer of some sort so that you can easily switch purses. Create a mini diaper bag or box for easy changing on the spot. Use plastic file boxes with lids instead of a large file cabinet – you might want to file while watching your favorite TV show! Be portable, be mobile, and keep it easy to make changes if need be.
The easiest way to get organized is to ask for help; let a professional organizer help you!
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