Residential Organizing

“I’ll get to it later” – sound familiar? We all have busy lives and it’s easy to let things pile up. Sure, we’d rather have fun than file, but do you realize that coming home to clutter is stressful? Wouldn’t you rather come home to a peaceful, organized haven than piles of paper and things to do? If so, here are some tips to help you get started:

Hallway:

Designate a place for keys that’s right by your front door, then come home and put them there – and no where else. This way, you’ll always know where they are.

Kitchen:

Keep a pad of paper, pen, and an envelope with any grocery coupons all together. Every time you run out of something immediately write it on your grocery list.

Take your grocery list and coupons with you.

Type up an alphabetized list of spices you have in your cabinet and tape it to the inside cupboard door – you’ll always know what you have/need.

Clothes closet:

Work from the inside out. While no one but you sees the inside of your closets or drawers it’s the easiest way to get organized. Every time you open your doors, drawers, etc. and can’t find something it delays everything else that comes after – and it’s just not a great way to start your day.

File your clothes – but NOT by color. Do not put all black together for example, you’ll never be able to find anything, rather consider these options: File by type: sleeveless, long sleeves, dresses, pants, etc.

Rid your closet of all those extra hangers that constantly get tangled, but don’t throw them out, instead bring them to your dry cleaner – you’ll be surprised how grateful they are.

Don’t keep your shoes in their original boxes – take them out and either store them on a hanging rack on the back of the door, or on the floor of your closet. But do keep the boxes so you have a place to store them off-season.

Dresser drawers:

Designate a type of clothing to be stored in each drawer: gym clothes, sweaters, etc. Don’t mingle clothing types.

Keep underwear in clear storage bins within the drawer without the lids.

Bathroom:

Use an attractive storage container to keep extras of items you buy in bulk.

Purchase a hanging shower caddy that has enough room for all your bathing, hair, and shaving needs – one with a hook helps washcloths and shower caps hang conveniently and dry out after use.

Fold towels and pile them by type – you’ll enjoy opening up your linen closet to find towels folded neatly and all bath towels, hand towels, and washcloths together.

Garage:

Your garage CAN look and smell great with a little care. There are so many garage storage solutions to choose from, just pick one that works for your needs.

Set up sections for each type of storage: gardening, home repair, laundry, etc.

Get stuff off the floor using hooks and wall-based storage systems – this will also save your back when looking for items.

Other storage solutions:

The room under your bed is a great place to store off season clothing in special under bed storage bins – just make sure they’re clear so you can easily see what’s in them.

Same is true for the room under your couch.

Behind large pieces of furniture is a place to store flat items such as artwork you’re tired of looking at but don’t want to let go of.

Use clear storage containers whenever possible.

Use empty suitcases to store seldom-used items.

Constantly edit your closets, drawers, etc. If something hasn’t been used in a year, let it go.

Bill paying:

Use a file folder to store bills as they come in to be paid.

Set up a filing system by debtor: car insurance, store credit cards, general credit cards and file them alphabetically. Once bills are paid, file statements in their respective files.

Always keep a file for your taxes. For example, “2004 Tax Stuff” and throw all applicable receipts in their as they are paid.

Don’t forget to set up a file for your banking as well. After balancing your checkbook each month, file statements away for safekeeping.

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