Around the House

Organizing Tips for June

(Illustration from RealSimple.com) 

 June is the busy month of weddings, graduations and outdoor activities.   The best organizing approach is to work in the areas that are already requiring time.  Since it is the end of the school year and the children or grandchildren will be around, one subject to consider is their spaces and the keepsakes you have been saving for them.  Of course travel is on the mind of most of us, too.

An avalanche of school papers may be arriving for you to handle this month.  My best advice is to
let the child decide which to keep.  Keepsake boxes or binders can be used for these.  Give
one to each child and let it be the only place for special saved items.  If it gets too full, let the child decide what to keep and what can go.  Resist the urge to get more or bigger boxes.  Think
about how many things you really need from your childhood to remember the good times.  Of course there are items they have made that you will store with your keepsakes, but be selective. 

Children now have time to go through their rooms and eliminate items they have not used or no longer want or like.  Clothing that no longer fits can be sorted for sale or donation.  Children grow
quickly and by fall most of what they wore during the past year will not fit.  Thankfully not much variety in clothing is need for the summer months.  If you are storing them for younger siblings, remember to label them as to sex, size and season.

Children need limits on everything except love and affection.  They should not be allowed to
collect an unlimited amount of matchbox cars, Barbie clothes, t-shirts, flip-flops or anything else.  Let the space determine how much can be easily organized in the given space and draw the line
there.  You will be teaching them good organizing habits and a lesson that there are limits in life.  Should they want a new item, remind them something they already have must go.  This is the “one in—one out” rule that we all should follow.

Too many of anything means none of them are special.  This includes collections such as china,
dolls, salt and pepper shakers, stamps, etc.  If space is limited and many of these items are stored in the attic or closets, consider saving only those that have special meaning and letting the
remainder go to other family members or donate or sell them to anyone else who will appreciate them and has room for them.  Storing keepsakes out of site does not honor or respect the memories that go with them.  Put those that you choose to keep in a place where they can be enjoyed and given the honor and respect they deserve.

Photographs are another source of keepsake clutter.  Save only the best from each activity.  No one needs 100 pictures of the beach vacation.  A few special pictures are all that is needed to capture that special time.  There are lots of ways to sort and save them in colorful scrapbooks and online in creative formats.  I am not a scrapbooker, but I do admire the projects and products available from Creative Memories and other sources.

Make a point of enjoying the outdoors while the weather is nice.  Keep outdoor umbrellas closed when not in use.  It will extend their usefulness and prevent damage during high winds or thunderstorms.  I have personal experience with this one.

And speaking of storms, this is the beginning of hurricane season.  If you live in an area affected
by hurricanes, high winds or rising waters, you should review the list of necessary emergency items and secure those now.  Be sure to update your household inventory.  More information on it can be found on a previous Blog I posted:  http://organizingtipsfromorderlyplaces.blogspot.com/2009/06/pictures-for-inventory.html

If you will be traveling this summer, create a permanent travel kit with activities for yourself and family.  If it is only used for travel, the items will appear to be almost new and more interesting. 

If you travel often and if you have storage space, create a permanent supply box or bag with items you always need.  Some of these may be duplicates of items you use everyday at home but you will not need to disturb those.

A permanent travel checklist that you keep on your computer or in a convenient notebook is a great strategy to prevent forgetting items you always need.  I keep one just for quilt retreats, my favorite travel experience! 

For information on organizing your suitcase, check out this article I posted last summer  http://hrblogs.typepad.com/homeandgarden/2011/05/organizing-your-suitcase.html

 If you have questions or suggestions, please feel free to contact us through our website:  www.OrderlyPlaces.com

 

Organizing Your Car

The family automobile has become an integral part of our lives.

Some of us would argue we live in our cars.  And it appears the more space it has, the more stuff we carry in it.  If you transport young children, then the amount grows exponentially. 

With the recent empahsis on organizing, I have found there is a plethora of products to help us keep order within our vehicles.  The pictures above are some of those I found online but any automotive parts store or section in local box stores has them, too.  While I am all about using products designed for specific tasks, I think some everyday products we already have could be useful in containing and separating car stuff. 

One problem I have is keeping food from rolling out of the plastic or cloth grocery bags as I drive from the store.  Most are too full  or awkward to tie up and it seems every stop and go releases at least one item from those bags.  Some vehicles have hooks installed on the back of seats to hang bags, but since many do not, I am recommending using totes, boxes or bins with firm sides to hold those flimsy bags.  The totes that fold down flat when not in use are especially convenient.  One large plastic bin would keep several bags secure and can be used for sporting equipment, emergency supplies, etc.

For items you like to have handy while you are on the road, there are organizers that fit on the seats, between the seats and hang over the seats.  The style that hangs on the back of the seat in from of children seem to be popular for storing items children can access to keep them occupied and happy. I am certainly in favor of those.  I use a dishpan between the front seats in my van to hold a box of tissues, pens, paper, a toiletries bag (be prepared is my motto, too) and a water bottle.  It is waterproof and easy to move in and out.  Other specifically designed products have dividers to help keep items organized.  I recommend any of them, too. 

If attractiveness is a high priority or if your car is used for business and you want to apprear more professional, there are product lines that have matching sets of totes, boxes and bins.  These are good investments if you plan to keep and use them for longer periods of time. 

This discussion could not be complete, however, without mentioning the importance of maintenance.  Like any other space, it is important to continually monitor the amount and types of things in the car.  Clean out items you no longer need or use, eliminate trash that may collect in the containers and wipe up any spills before stains become a problem.  Even grit and dirt can accumulate causing wear and tear. 

Items that roll around in the car as you drive can be a distraction and even worse dangerous.  Containers are a great way to keep the interior and trunk of the car in order.  Find some that work for your situation and put them to use.   For more information or to contact us, visit our web page:  www.OrderlyPlaces.com

Hot in Style Spring 2012

Are you wondering what is hot in style right now, well we have found the answer...Birds! Home accents are paying homage to our fine feathered friends. You can find them on Rugs, Lamps, Pillows, Bowls, Ceramic Pieces and atop mirrors. So go out and get your bird on people!

Here are a few examples where you will see the bird trend at its finest.

Organizing Tips for May

No one wants to be inside in the month of May.  Flowers have been blooming, the weather is
mostly nice and we are tired of being in the house.  This is a good time to work on organizing the
garage and getting the outdoors ready for summer activities. 

Since the Garage is
never first on our list of projects, let’s begin there.  During the winter it often becomes a temporary dumping ground for items.  If this is the spouse’s territory, be sure to work together as a team.  God forbid that you should purge or arrange items that were “special”.  I have found the most effective way to motivate a spouse is to begin purging and organizing your things.  Sometimes the guilt factor is motivating.  Sometimes.  Regardless, you never really can win a battle with a spouse.

Take advantage of systems that will allow you to organize your items off the floor.  It is much
easier and faster to clean with fewer items on it.   For pennies or hundreds of dollars, you can invest in organizing solutions that will work for you.  Check out the home improvement stores for hooks, peg boards or shelving units to hold items that are now stacked on the floor. Be sure to label bins and cardboard boxes used for storage. 

Move out items you no longer need.  Only things you continually use should be kept.  Boxes of old magazines, newspapers, etc. should be recycled. 
Let’s face it.  You didn’t have time to read them before and you won’t later on.  There are too many new ideas coming at us everyday and those articles are outdated.

Review the sporting equipment to see if it is still needed.  Move on any you no longer use.  For those you save, look for specialty hooks, bags and shelves to store those.  Be sure to keep children’s things at lower levels so they can access them without your help.

A great plan would be to make room for the car if you have not already done this.  Your automobile
is probably the second most expensive investment you have made so take care of it.  Mark off a space for it on the floor.  Identify a wall item or hang a string or chain from the ceiling as a marker for how far you should pull forward.

If outdoor, yard or garden items are kept in the garage, garden tools and accessories, look over each one.  Remove rusted, broken or stained plant containers, stepping stones and other garden fixtures.  Create racks or hooks for the tools and locate them together in one area.  Specialty items are also available to hang rakes, shovels, etc. so they do not get tangled together or take up floor
space.

Outdoor furniture may need to be cleaned before using, so check over each piece.  Toys that are
outgrown or no longer needed can be moved on.  If you have water sports equipment or pool accessories, try to store those in good condition in their own area for convenience when they are
needed. 

Yard art is becoming very popular but be careful you do not allow it to take over.  It can become
clutter just like anything else.  There is nothing more beautiful then flowering or luscious plants, shrubs and trees, so make them your focal point.  Adding hanging baskets or a border of blooming flowers can make a significant impact.

Once your garage is cleaned, you may consider a Garage or Yard Sale.  Here are some reminders.

**Collect, clean and repair items weeks ahead as you purge spaces. 

**Check prices of similar items.  Put on price tags and store in a common area.  (Preprinted price tags can be found in some stationery stores, dollar stores, etc.)

**Choose a sale date.  Join with neighbors if possible for a common date.

**Check community rules and get permits if necessary.

**Arrange for charity pickup or make plans for items not sold.

**Write ad for newspaper, Craig’s List, newsletters, etc.

**Make signs and flyers for bulletin boards and curbs where allowed.

**Obtain sufficient tables, racks, etc. for items to be displayed.

**Get change for large bills and newspaper, bags, etc. for fragile items or large sales.

**Use extension cords for testing electrical items.

**Place pens, paper, calculator, extra price tags, tape, and stapler at check out table.

**After sale, remove signs, clean area and dispose of unsold items as planned earlier.

A few other reminders for May:

Change the a/c filter and have a routine inspection of all its components before the scorching days of summer arrive. Clean ceiling fan blades and give other fans an inspection.

Clean the carpets and floors.  They were used and abused all winter and deserve a thorough cleaning.  If piles of clutter or stacks of items are on them, consider moving the items to shelving, cabinets or tables.  Floors are easier to keep clean when only furniture is on them.  

For more information or questions, you may contact us through our website:  www.OrderlyPlaces.com 

 

 

Hidden Storage Spaces

If your space seems just too small for the things you need, then using hidden spaces is one way to stretch the storage or display space you already have in your home.

Many organizers do not support the use of under the bed storage, but I consider it one of those great hidden spaces. It is ideal for storing off-season clothing and other items that are not needed frequently. Currently there are many types of containers designed specifically for storing items under the bed and it is a good choice to use them. Most are wide, flat and covered and are usually made of fabric or plastic. Choosing one that is sturdy and slides in and out easily is important. If your bed is too clse to the floor for storage, bed lifts can be purchased to raise it up.

Another hidden space is behind entry doors to rooms. Most doors are placed in the corners of walls, but the door frame itself provides a narrow storage area when the door is open and a very accessible space when the door is closed. Racks can be placed on the wall itself or on the back of the door to hang many types of items. If you do not want to attach anything directly to the door, there are over-the-door style racks and hooks for nearly every type of item that needs organizing.

For those that have collectible items that are for display only, placing shelving above the windows is an option to expand display areas. Other spaces can be found on the tops of kitchen and bathroom cabinets that do not reach the ceiling and the tops of tall bookcases or chests.

Functional pieces of furniture can offer additonal storage space, too. Window seats and ottomans with storage under the cushions are a good choice as are coffee tables, end tables and night stands with shelving or drawers. Adding fabric skirts to sofas and chairs or hanging linens to the floor over tables also provides hidden space for storage. Board games, videos and other entertainment items can be kept there.

If you have adjustable shelving, you can reduce the wasted space above items by lowering the shelf above and adding a new shelf. Wire shelf racks and two tiered turntables are also options for adding space between shelves. Don't forget the space above the top shelf in closets. An additonal shelve can often be added above it to expand storage possibilities.

Some furniture can serve more than one purpose when moved to another room. Bedroom chests can hold linens when moved to the dining room, desks can be used as vanity dressers and china cabinets can become bookcases.

Let your creativity come forth as you organize, and let us hear about your innovative solutions. You can contact us through our website: www.OrderlyPlaces.com.

Organizing Tips for April

April cannot decide if it will be warm or cool. Our area has the last day of potential frost as April 15^th but that has not always proved to be true. It is also the month of spring rain as in “April showers bring May flowers”. On the cool or rainy days, take some time to organize your linens and bathroom(s).

If space is limited in linen closets, consider placing extra sheet sets in the bedroom where they are used. They can be stored in closets, inside under the bed containers or even under the mattress of that bed.

Replace heavier bedding with lighter weight items. Some quilts or comforters need only to be put through the “air” cycle on the dryer to remove dust. Store them in pillow cases or the large plastic bags now available to keep them clean. Vacuum bags can also be used but be aware they will gradually allow air to return.

Remove sheets, blankets, etc. that are torn or in disrepair. If they can be fixed, find someone to do it, otherwise, recycle them to local pet shelters or other appropriate places.

 

We often collect pillows and other bedding to have on hand in case guests stay overnight. Evaluate what you have that has rarely or never been used. Perhaps some of them can replace those you have removed, or they can be donated or sold to allow room for better organization of the space.

 

Make similar decisions about your bathroom linens. Towels and wash cloths that are in disrepair should be removed and replaced with those you have been saving for a special occasion or purchase additional items on sale. Most department stores have linen sales throughout the year and discount or outlet stores also offer good savings.

 

Many cotton items will dry rot if not used over a period of time. This often occurs on the folded edges so check those that have been sitting on the shelf for a longer period of time.

 

Clear the bathroom counters and contain any times that must remain there. Use trays, baskets, bins, etc. to make clean up easier there. Be diligent in removing old or expired products and store duplicates of items in another area.

 

Be sure all products in the bathroom have a label. This is especially important with medicines. You may check out taking expired medicines to your local pharmacy or ask them the best way to dispose of them. Flushing in the toilet or garbage disposal is no longer recommended because of contamination of local waters.

 

If the bathroom needs updating, consider using hooks rather than bars for towels. Children find them much easier to use so be sure to put those lower on the wall or door. Consider using dark or disposable towels for removing make-up

 

Placing a magnifying mirror on the wall saves space and is more convenient that a portable model. Using pull out shelves or wire baskets under the sink will make access much easier to items stored in the back of those cabinets.

 

Keeping these areas organized requires daily maintenance because of daily use. Setting up a schedule and requiring participation of all the family members can help keep them clean and neat.

If you have organizing ideas or questions, I would love to hear from you. You can contact me by email: maryfrances@orderlyplaces.com

Transforming your Bathroom

Want to achieve a fresh new look for you bathroom, simple embellishments can do this without breaking the bank. The elements that will pull your design together are hardware and accessories. They are the crowning touches! The old rule no longer applies; your fixtures and hardware don’t all have to match. You can mix different materials like glass, crystal, brass, metals (bronze being a top choice) and textures together.

The overall design trend is moving towards a more transitional look which is very evident in hardware choices, focusing on clean simple lines, moving away from excessive detail and ornamentation. One of the manufactures classifies it as having an “Industrial Chic Touch with a Rustic Country Elegance.”

To make your design stand more apart from the crowd, change out your built in cabinetry for a free-standing decorative vanity. It’s like having a piece of furniture in your bathroom, giving it a more personal and original feeling.

Don’t forget about a new light fixture and if your budget allows, flooring. Vinyl flooring can mimic tiles and there are some very reasonably priced tiles to choose from in the market.

Making one or more of these changes can make a huge difference in your Bathroom.

                                                                     Before                                                                        

After

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Organizing Tips for March

 

Spring arrives this month, at least on the calendar. Daylight Saving Time begins Sunday, March 11^th. Set your clock ahead one hour. This month we are concentrating on the attic and clothing.

• This is the time to get indoor tasks finished so you can enjoy the outdoors as soon as the warm weather is here. Whatever the project, do not let it drag on or remain unfinished until next winter. Make that final to-do list and get it done.

• The Attic. Unless you are storing items for another family member, the goal is to keep as little as possible in the attic. It is usually inconvenient to access and too hot or cold to spend time there. The extreme temperatures are also not good for many items to be kept there safely. In addition, you must take care to prevent invasion by critters.

If you are storing items for adult children or other friends or family consider asking them to retrieve them. Setting a deadline to have them removed or they will be donated may spur them into action. In my professional and personal experience, I have found that most people don’t really want them after being without for awhile. You may be surprised that is the case with items you may have stored for others.

For safety reasons and convenience, add lighting and secure floor boards in areas of the attic you must use.

For items you must keep, create zones for the types of items you are storing. For example, holiday items can be labeled and stored together.

If there are many items left to store after sorting, purging and cleaning the attic space, it is a good idea to create a map of where items are located. This will save much time when it is necessary to recover them.

• Clothing As the days are longer and warmer, remove the heaviest clothing you will save to summer storage. This may mean to the back of the closet, to another closet or storage area, or out of the house permanently. If they will be part of a future yard sale, store them in the area set aside for that.
• Winter clothing takes up lots of room in closets and drawers because they are heavier and have long sleeves. If there are items you did not use or those that children have outgrown, consider moving them out now.

  Clothing closets are one of the most frequently requested areas to organize. While there are great strategies to use in setting up closet systems, the biggest problem is too many items. Pareto’s rule applies here. You usually wear only 20% of your clothing 80% of the time. Being willing to let go of those items that you don’t wear, for whatever reason, will make the task of organizing the closet much easier.

  While consignment shops usually only take current season clothing, removed items can be donated to a charity or sold in a yard sale. Moving them out will give you more space for the items that you do love and wear.

  • If you have considered the possibility of having a yard or tag sale. It is never too early to plan and prepare for one. This month is the time to set the date and work towards that goal. May and June are great choices as it is not too hot and people are on the move. Consider going in with neighbors or friends to draw more customers onto your street.

  
  If you have comments or questions, please feel free to contact us through our website: www.OrderlyPlaces.com or by email: MaryFrances@OrderlyPlaces.com

Using Containers Effectively

Using containers is one of the best ways to create and maintain organized spaces. Items on shelves, in cabinets and even in drawers should be arranged so they do not fall on other items, move around in the space or mix with other items.

There are some guidelines to remember in choosing containers.

• Use the most attractive containers in places where they are on display or seen. Decorative boxes and baskets are options for containers that will be seen by everyone. Those containers used in closets, cabinets or drawers need not be as attractive or expensive.
• Keep like items together in containers. Do not mix types of items such as pens with paper clips or earrings with bracelets.
• If there is more than one of the same type of item, containerize them together.
• Separate items from each other in a drawer or cabinet with dividers or containers.
• Group small items on a shelf in containers. Sauce packets in a pantry and rings in a jewelry box are examples of items that could be grouped together and contained.
• Containers should fit the space and hold the designated items in an orderly fashion. Using the same size, style, etc. creates a more attractive system.
• Measure spaces and items before purchasing any containers.
• Use square or rectangular containers whenever possible as they are more space efficient than round or oval ones.
• Clear plastic containers are the most versatile and functional because you are able to see the contents clearly. Label containers that are opaque.
• It is preferable to used stacked drawers units rather than stacking more than 3 containers together. It is too difficult to get to the items in the lowest container.
• Use trays or shallow boxes to contain items on dressers, vanities, counters, etc. It makes cleaning those surfaces quicker.
• Consider recycling boxes and other containers in the home for a new use rather than purchasing new containers the same size.

In today’s organizing happy world, there are containers available in every size, shape, color, material and price. There are even stores and outlets opened specifically for selling containers and organizing supplies. With so many choices, there should be something for everyone. Make using containers a habit and your organizing and cleaning tasks will be much easier. For more information, please feel free to contact us through our website: www.OrderlyPlaces.com or email us: maryfrances@OrderlyPlaces.com.

Safely Destroying Papers and Documents

The fear of identity theft and not knowing how long to keep documents accounts for much of the paper clutter professional organizers see with new clients. In our January 24th post there are recommendations on how long to save most documents. In general documents that describe who you are and what you own should be saved. Most monthly statements, tax records over 6 years old and expired policies can be destroyed.

As incredible as it appears, your name, phone number and address are not confidential. Try any of them on Google and you will be surprised. So it is a waste of time and energy to shred every envelope with your name on it as I have seen clients insist on doing. The important information to shred is anything with your account numbers, medical information, social security number or financial documents including offers for credit cards.

Another concern arises on how to destroy those papers. Where there is an accumulation of years of papers that need to be shredded or burned, it is not a good idea to shred them yourself. Most home and small office type shredders are not made for large amounts of paper to be put through them at one time or in one session. The motors will burn up before the job is done. If you shred documents on a daily or weekly basis, these work fine. The most secure are those that cross cut or shred the paper vertically and horizontally. If you have a fireplace or wood burning stove, you may be able to use it to destroy papers. In addition, there are some localities where outdoor burning in metal barrels is permitted.

If you are, however, one of those who has a paper accumulation of several years and you need them shredded, I recommend having a professional records management company destroy them with a certificate of destruction. Their facility is secure, they require identification, and the destruction is done promptly. I also recommend using communtiy shredding events. While I understand there have been programs showing how one can put back together a document that has been shredded by some of these companies, this was in a controlled setting where the shreds could be gathered and reassembled. Most mobile shredding units are so large and the amount and of papers they are shredding so diverse, that being able to find the shreds of any one document would be statistically impossible. Of course the hysterics that follow such programs often cause nothing to be done and the pile of papers continues to stack higher and higher.

As you complete your tax forms and documents this year, evaluate your paper situation. If you have documents you no longer need, make the decision to remove them safely and permanently. For more information on retention guidelines, search the IRS website at www.irs.gov or contact us through our website www.OrderlyPlaces.com. We look forward to your comments or questions.