Monday

January is Get Organized Month, Part 3

This week, we’ll conclude with ideas for organizing the bedroom and closets.


BEDROOM

• Create a serene sanctuary for sleep and relaxation.

• Clear out shoes you trip over, laundry, extra clothing, toys, pet products, papers, and cosmetics.

• For each bed, it’s ideal to have three sets of sheets: one on bed, one in laundry, and one on the shelf. To make things easier, use a different color for each bed or family member. Cottons in whites, lights or neutrals are most soothing.


LINEN CLOSET

• Store linens and towels in a utility closet with shelves, or dedicate one shelf in a closet near the bathroom or bedroom.

• Create a shelf for extra toiletries, gift wrap and household items such as light bulbs and batteries. Stacking bins, baskets, turntables and drawers with labels work well for these products.

• Store the vacuum and toolbox on the closet floor.

• For maximum storage, the ironing board and iron can be hung on the door.


CLOTHING CLOSETS

• Review clothing and donate items you haven’t worn In the past two years. Make space for the new.

• Sort everyday clothing so like items are together and safely store special occasion or out-of-season clothing.

• Joan Crawford was right. No wire hangers! Also toss plastic from dry cleaners. It’s not good for the clothes or you.

• Set up convenient shoe storage on racks or shelves.

• Place a hamper for laundry where convenient and box or basket for donations to be emptied when full.


BATHROOM

• Create a clean, serene, spa-like room so you can prepare for the day and recharge in the evening.

• Clear excess toiletries and clutter strewn about. Decant or contain products to create a spa-like atmosphere without advertising.

• Use different color towels for each family member.

Ah, relax! Enjoy better health, productivity and serenity that comes with a beautiful home and workspace. When you need help getting to that Zen zone, please call on me. Organized space works!

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January is Get Organized Month, Part 2

By proclamation from New York’s Mayor and throughout the nation, January has been named “Get Organized Month.” So let’s continue our ideas for organizing the home. This week, we’ll cover the kitchen and living room. I hope you are enjoying these tips.

KITCHEN & PANTRY

• Clear out unhealthy foods in cupboard, refrigerator and freezer. Check expiration dates and ingredients.

• Keep a running grocery list and be sure to take it to the store.

• If you have the space, stock up on staples and paper goods to save time.

• Arrange similar cans and other basics together to avoid purchasing items you already have. Always stock newer items in back so you use the oldest first.

• Containerize dry goods in canisters to prevent mess and bugs. If purchasing a set, square stacking containers save space.

• Toss chipped dishes, plastic without tops or bottoms and scratched Teflon pans. Place like items together in cabinets nearest to dishwasher or sink. A pot rack saves space. Donate mismatched items which are still usable.

• Place special occasion dishes and serving pieces on top shelf of cabinets since you don’t need access often.

• Everything in the kitchen must be functional. Evaluate large appliances that hog counter space and gadgets that clog the drawers. Eliminate rarely used items: apple and pineapple corers, egg slicers, etc. A good set of sharp knives safely stored work best.


LIVING ROOM

This is where we read, relax, socialize, watch television and movies, listen to music. Clutter prevents you from being comfortable whether alone or when entertaining.

• Create a comfortable conversation area. Each seat should have a table at arms reach to rest a drink.

• Hide tech equipment and media or simply organize it to your preference and style.

• Sort and purge bookshelves. Edit collections annually. Keep the best and lose the rest.

• Eliminate unnecessary bric-a-brac which tend to collect dust.

• Use a magazine basket to contain magazines currently being read.

• Edit photographs, crafts and memorabilia, storing them in archival boxes or scrapbooks.

Next week, we’ll talk about ideas for organizing the bedroom and closets. If you need help in any of these areas, please call on me. Organized space works!

January is Get Organized Month

I hope you enjoy these New Year tips ...

January is the perfect time to put your New Year’s resolutions into action. I’m sending a brief guide over the next three weeks to help you get started.

Whether you have a studio apartment or a house, the goal is to eliminate clutter and maximize space. A place for everything and everything in it’s place. It’s tempting to purchase organizing items but until you have sorted, purged and measured, you won’t know precisely what’s needed – and these can become part of the clutter. Daily maintenance for 15 minutes or a half hour will prevent having to spend days or weeks to catch up.

Here are a few ideas to help you create a fresh start for the new year with healthy, calming spaces. Of course, not all ideas apply to everyone.


ENTRYWAY

• In the entry area, place a table or chest with a basket on top to store mail until you process it.

• This “landing strip” should hold a bowl or tray to drop keys in as you enter.

• Use this area to place items you plan to take with you when leaving.

• A decorative container can hold umbrellas.


HOME OFFICE / OFFICE

• Your desk is a work zone. Place items on it which are in regular use, not your entire stash of supplies or other household items.

• Set up and maintain equipment so it functions properly.

• An armoire or shelving system with boxes is a neat way to keep paper, materials and supplies contained.

• A file system is essential for home and business. It should enable you to locate an important document in less than two minutes. Weekly filing eliminates stress.

• Gain control of your financial life. Eliminate late fees by logging bill payment reminders onto your calendar. Your file system helps you store documents and prepare taxes in a timely manner.

• Organize your computer with a set of folders to keep digital files and email easy to file and retrieve.

• Your day planner is an essential time management tool. Whether you prefer digital or paper, use one calendar to keep your daily focus on what matters.

• Place a shredder near the desk and use it to shred financial solicitations and sensitive documents with account numbers.

Next week, we’ll look at organizing the kitchen and living room. If you need help in any of these areas, please call on me. Organized space works!