Mar. 3, 2009 - Order in the home - Part 2

The next step that I find helpful is to evaluate problem areas.  Do you have closets, drawers, or cupboards that are bursting at the seams?  Does every flat space in the house continually fill with "stuff"?  Whatever the problem area is, I find it essential to make a list that includes each area.  Then one by one (be patient!  This could take months to do this.) you can go through the list and evaluate. There are many possible solutions but here are some things to keep in mind: A. If closets and drawers are still too full, perhaps you didn't go deep enough during the "dejunking" process.  That is ok.  Make multiple passes if necessary.  If you keep more stuff than your house will reasonably hold you will continue to battle your possessions on a daily basis. B. There are many helpful storage options out there.  I love the IKEA Expedit series.  I also frequently use different size plastic bins to maintain order.  They are great for childrens' toys.  Another organizational tool is the Trofast system, also from IKEA. C.  I find a filing cabinet to be extremely helpful.  I have a folder for all sorts of topics.  Examples are: coupons, insurance, school subjects, crafts, catalogs.  For every piece of printed material (magazines excluded) I receive, I try to handle it only once.  I either toss it, file it or deal with it.  Filing and tossing are fast and can fit it just about anywhere.  The ones that require action need to wait sometimes so you can create a file folder to keep these "action" items.  Just be sure to include a weekly time in your schedule to keep this folder in check. D. Store things as close to where they get used as possible. E.  Consider whether you have a training issue (yours and your children's) on your hands. F. Children's toys can easily get out of hand.  If after getting rid of excess you find this area to be a trouble spot, try the rotation method.  Divide toys into two or three groups.  Put one group away in whatever place you store toys. The remaining groups go into boxes or bins.   They can be stored in a closet, garage, or basement (if you live outside of Texas!)  You can determine the appropriate interval for rotation based on your children's ages.  For young children weekly might work well.  Older children sometimes get involved with bigger projects with their toys so monthly might be good, but pick what suits your family.  When the time comes, rotate one group out and another group in. There are numerous answers to dealing with your problem areas but by listing them out and making a plan, you are taking steps to eliminate them or at least get them under control.  Don't be afraid to try different solutions!  Sometimes one doesn't work so pick another.  Happy organizing!

Post A Comment! Send to a Friend!