"Birds of a feather flock together" is an idiom used to indicate similar people sticking together. It also can apply to organization within our homes or offices. In order to be able to locate things, store items together that are easily associated.
For example, our suitcases are stored in a certain closet. With the suitcases is a box that contains travel adaptors, airplane neck inflatable pillows, money belts, luggage tags, and other useful travel items. We go to that closet for suitcases, and right there are items that we might need for travel.
As you think of a particular activity you enjoy and for which you keep supplies, consider whether they are stored together in a place easily located.
Friday, April 17, 2015
Thursday, April 16, 2015
Why Declutter?
Someone recently asked why I like to organize. I had two immediate thoughts that might be a catalyst for some readers to move toward decluttering:
1. You can find things when you need them.
Have you ever bought products or clothing, then weeks later discovered a stash you didn't remember you already had? When someone needs tape, can you find it immediately? So much time and money are wasted because of disorganization in homes. Clearing out the clutter and actually having a home for everything can help with this.
2. Housekeeping is easier and takes less time.
When you are organized and your home is decluttered, there's less to maintain and clean. You have fewer gadgets and use the ones you've kept over and over. There are bare floors and table tops so vacuuming and dusting can be done quickly. The house stays neat when there is less stuff everywhere, and you can welcome guests at any time without panic or even hesitation!
If you want to live as I've described, continue on the path toward decluttering your spaces. It will simplify your life.
1. You can find things when you need them.
Have you ever bought products or clothing, then weeks later discovered a stash you didn't remember you already had? When someone needs tape, can you find it immediately? So much time and money are wasted because of disorganization in homes. Clearing out the clutter and actually having a home for everything can help with this.
2. Housekeeping is easier and takes less time.
When you are organized and your home is decluttered, there's less to maintain and clean. You have fewer gadgets and use the ones you've kept over and over. There are bare floors and table tops so vacuuming and dusting can be done quickly. The house stays neat when there is less stuff everywhere, and you can welcome guests at any time without panic or even hesitation!
If you want to live as I've described, continue on the path toward decluttering your spaces. It will simplify your life.
Wednesday, April 15, 2015
Shoes for Repair
Do any of your shoes sit unused in a closet because they need repair? Find a shoe repair shop. Often they are connected to dry cleaners. I would suggest putting the shoes in your vehicle so the next time you're out doing errands, you can swing by the shop and drop them off. From my experience, new heels can run $10 - $25. Soles can be more expensive. It generally takes a couple of weeks. The cost is worth adding years to quality shoes.
If something is just sitting around waiting to be repaired, it is clutter. Make a plan to get it fixed to restore its functionality. If it's not worth the money to repair it, toss it or donate it so someone else can repair and benefit from the item.
If something is just sitting around waiting to be repaired, it is clutter. Make a plan to get it fixed to restore its functionality. If it's not worth the money to repair it, toss it or donate it so someone else can repair and benefit from the item.
Tuesday, April 14, 2015
Well Placed Station
An organizational tip…do you have a place where your everyday paperwork supplies reside? Many would use a desk, but that may not be the best spot. Think through where you set your mail, where kids are doing homework, the location of the non-cell phone. Are supplies within reach for where those activities take place? Does everyone in the family know where to find a pair of scissors, the postage stamps, scrap paper for messages?
Our desk isn't anywhere near the outside door, and but that's where most of our activity happens. I set up a drawer in the kitchen right near where we exit the house as our supply station. Since we grab outgoing mail right before walking out the door, the stamps, address labels, and address book are in the drawer. There is also a long narrow basket containing pens and pencils, scissors, white-out, extra keys to the cars, and tape. Though it's a small drawer, we also have pads of paper for messages and lists, a container of paper clips, deposit slips, and bank books. Since it won't fit in the drawer (it might not close), the packing tape for packages and glue are sitting in the cupboard directly below this drawer. Everyone knows where to go for those supplies, it's located in the center of the action, and it stays organized. It saves a lot of time having it in that setting.
Think through where you keep those items. Is someone always scrounging for scissors? Can you find stamps when needed? Do people have to write phone messages on napkins for lack of a notepad? You may need to think "out of the box," or desk, to come up with a convenient, well-placed station.
Our desk isn't anywhere near the outside door, and but that's where most of our activity happens. I set up a drawer in the kitchen right near where we exit the house as our supply station. Since we grab outgoing mail right before walking out the door, the stamps, address labels, and address book are in the drawer. There is also a long narrow basket containing pens and pencils, scissors, white-out, extra keys to the cars, and tape. Though it's a small drawer, we also have pads of paper for messages and lists, a container of paper clips, deposit slips, and bank books. Since it won't fit in the drawer (it might not close), the packing tape for packages and glue are sitting in the cupboard directly below this drawer. Everyone knows where to go for those supplies, it's located in the center of the action, and it stays organized. It saves a lot of time having it in that setting.
Think through where you keep those items. Is someone always scrounging for scissors? Can you find stamps when needed? Do people have to write phone messages on napkins for lack of a notepad? You may need to think "out of the box," or desk, to come up with a convenient, well-placed station.
Monday, April 13, 2015
Duplicates
A friend of mine discovered eleven spatulas in her kitchen drawers. My brother and I found over 50 screwdrivers in my dad's workshop. We owned three camera tripods for taking timed family shots or holding the camera perfectly still.
Here are some arguments for keeping duplicates:
"But what if one breaks? I'll have a replacement!" (or 49)
"I like having a variety." (How many eggs do you plan to fry?)
"Each has a particular specialty." (Really, could you accomplish what you need with just one?)
I donated one of our camera tripods. Now we have a tall and a small, not two small ones.
Think about your possessions. Do you have multiples that aren't needed and are taking up space and your time/effort to keep them? Try to pare down your supply to what you need.
Here are some arguments for keeping duplicates:
"But what if one breaks? I'll have a replacement!" (or 49)
"I like having a variety." (How many eggs do you plan to fry?)
"Each has a particular specialty." (Really, could you accomplish what you need with just one?)
I donated one of our camera tripods. Now we have a tall and a small, not two small ones.
Think about your possessions. Do you have multiples that aren't needed and are taking up space and your time/effort to keep them? Try to pare down your supply to what you need.
Saturday, April 11, 2015
Ask Yourself
A couple of questions I learned from Lorie Morrero, author of The Clutter Diet, that might help you in decision making, (which decluttering is all about…decision making:)
What would my friend say about this item? Keep or let go?
and
What's the worst thing that will happen if I donate or recycle this?
What would my friend say about this item? Keep or let go?
and
What's the worst thing that will happen if I donate or recycle this?
Friday, April 10, 2015
Furniture
Sometimes we have too much furniture. There are pieces taking up space, unused. If Great Aunt Sophie's tweed recliner was given to you when you were first setting up a household, but now you decorate with modern-style furnishings, you have options. Ask another family member if he needs it. Sell it on Craig's List as there are many college students and new couples needing pieces. Donate it to a charity such as Salvation Army or Goodwill.
"But I've had that desk since I was ten!" could be another argument against unloading a large piece of furniture. If you don't love it or it isn't useful to you, it's OK to take a photo of it and let it go.
Family heirloom pieces are difficult. If you got stuck with it or truly wanted the rocking chair at the time, it doesn't mean you have to keep it forever. This feeling of responsibility for old things appears to be a rather new phenomenon. An elderly family member of ours had treasures in the upstairs of her garage. When asked what to do with those pristine vintage suitcases and other antiques, her comment was, "Just throw them away. They're old." There was no sentimentality. We were appalled and a family member rescued them for her home which is tastefully decorated with antiques. Again, this is a difficult dilemma and must be met head-on with your individual situation. The bottom line is, don't feel trapped to care for things you don't really like or need.
I donated a desk yesterday that I bought at a craft fair in 1986. It has served its time with me and one of my children. Now someone else can benefit and we have more space.
"But I've had that desk since I was ten!" could be another argument against unloading a large piece of furniture. If you don't love it or it isn't useful to you, it's OK to take a photo of it and let it go.
Family heirloom pieces are difficult. If you got stuck with it or truly wanted the rocking chair at the time, it doesn't mean you have to keep it forever. This feeling of responsibility for old things appears to be a rather new phenomenon. An elderly family member of ours had treasures in the upstairs of her garage. When asked what to do with those pristine vintage suitcases and other antiques, her comment was, "Just throw them away. They're old." There was no sentimentality. We were appalled and a family member rescued them for her home which is tastefully decorated with antiques. Again, this is a difficult dilemma and must be met head-on with your individual situation. The bottom line is, don't feel trapped to care for things you don't really like or need.
I donated a desk yesterday that I bought at a craft fair in 1986. It has served its time with me and one of my children. Now someone else can benefit and we have more space.
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