New Year, Fresh Start...

We tend to make unattainable New Year's Resolutions and in 3 weeks feel defeated and stop working toward our goals. I want to give a few tips on how to start a new year with easy to incorporate actions to make a huge difference in your household organization and decluttering. The main objection for a professional organizer is to create a functioning space that is organized and creates less stress in one's day to day living.

1.  In all your closets take the hangers and hang then backwards. When you wear something hang it back up the correct way. At the end of a season all the hangers that are still backwards are the clothes you do not wear; donate them to a local shelter or clothing bank. This will lighten your load of clothing and make packing up your out of season clothing easier as you have already sorted through them.

2.  At your front door area make a spot where you place or hang your keys, keep your sunglasses, mitts hats, gloves, sunscreen etc. so that you have everything you need at your finger tips for when you head out for the day. Make sure each family member has their own spot so they can do the same. This makes getting out of the house easier and fast as you are not rushing around looking for your keys or gloves.

3.  Make it a habit to take the mail to a designated paper area, meaning a place that you go through your mail and sort and file it. Try not to open your mail until you know you have the time to go through it all at once (this will stop the piles of papers you have all ove your house) and are able to take papers to correct areas of the house if needed; office, filing cabinet, kitchen etc. If you create a paper station even better. Use hanging files to create sections for specific papers; bills, coupons, taxes, receipts etc. Use this station daily and make it a weekly task to go through the folders and take the actions needed; such as pay a bill, make a phone call, file paper away.

4.  Every night before bedtime get into the habit of having a tidy up time for 10 minutes. Get all the family members involved, at any age, and put away items that are in the living room and take items to where they belong if not supposed to be in the living room. Take all toys and other items that are designated for bedrooms with you when heading up to bed.

5.  Make it a habit that everytime you leave a room you take something from it to return it to its home. We are human and we will always leave things laying around as we were in a hurry or got distracted by something else. This will lessen the amount of tidying up you will do in one given time throughout the day/week.

6.  If you have children make it an after school routine, you and the children go through their back packs, go through agenda, empty out the lunch bag/thermos, complete homework and then prepare their back pack with all the needed books and homework for the next day.  Make your child's lunch for the next day while they are doing homework and keep it in the fridge until the next day for them to take to school. This will make the morning go by easily and with less to do.

I hope you have found the above tips/actions helpful. Try one tip at a time, when you feel comfortable with it add another one and so forth. We need to do things step by step not all at once, we will set ourselves up to fail if we do.

As a professional organizer I am always looking for new ways to support my clients and to create easy and organized routines in their lives. If you have a helpful tip please share it with us.

Thanks for stopping by, from Serenity Organizing Solutions, we want to wish you a Merry Christmas and a Safe and Healthy New Year.

Organize the kids toys.

For most of us the holidays are just around the corner and this means presents and what do most kids want and get? Toys! If you already feel like it is an never ending battle of trying to clean up toys and keep them tidy here are a few tips to help stay organized:

1.  Limit the amount of toys to all areas of the house. In the play room/area keep most of the toys in baskets/bins/boxes and on shelves. This area is a toys allowed zone and you know that this is where the majority of toy clutter will live. In the bedroom allow books and approx 10 toys/games.  This will give your child something to do while in their room and will limit how much you need space for. In the living room allow 5 toys per child, this again will limit the toy clutter and will make for tidy up to go quickly. I also suggest you keep small pieced toys in the toy area and not in the common areas, less to clean up and less likely to have pieces all over the house.

2.  Now is a good time to go through your children's toys and see what they do and don't play with. Donate toys they no longer use and are in good shape and throw out the rest. Local shelters and daycare centres will take in gently used, non-plush toys. When it comes to books local libraries and early year centres will take gently used books. If your child is old enough ask them to go through their toys with you and instill in them that it is appropriate to donate toys to those who are less fortunate and that having only a certain amount of toys is a reasonable thing. When one new toy comes in at least one goes out.

3.  If your children are still young get them into the habit of: you play with one or two toys at a time and if you want to play with something new you put what you were playing with away, then you get the next toy. This will help with keeping the toys tidy but also teach your children to focus on one thing at a time and to keep things organized.

4. Use the same style solutions to organize your childs toys; bins, baskets, shelving unit and so forth. Keep like toys with like and have solutions labelled where needed. There are many inexpensive solutions out there, look in; Canadian Tire, Home Depot, Walmart, IKEA and so forth.

I hope this has helped parents to tackle the toys issue. Keep in mind to declutter. downsize and purge toys on a regular basis. Most of the time young children will not even realize the toys they no longer play with are gone but include your older children in the process. Make clean up time a fun one and to teach your children that if they create a mess they are resposible to clean it up but you are willing to help them if they are meeting you half way.

Please share your helpful tips on toy management!

Clutter usually isn't about clutter.

Hi everyone. I think like most issues in ones life the symptom is but a reflection that something else is going on.  Clutter is not always about the clutter.
I have worked with folks who have so much clutter they cannot see their floors, tops of tables nor the back of the closet.  The clutter is just the result of something else at play; depression, shopaholic, ADHD, grief and many others. The main thing I hear from folks is; I don't know how it got this way and I do not know where to start. I like to start at why someone has so much stuff? Are they shopping as an escape, do they forget what they have at home when out shopping, do they think if they have a lot of things they will feel better? Each person has their own reasons and it is up to a professional organizer to find out the whys.  Once we know why we can address this issues.

Folks that have ADHD will need to make a commitment to changing how they do things; ie. use a timer when cleaning up and/or have someone with them when cleaning so when they get side tracked they can be reminded where they were working and why. Someone with depression needs to take on 20 minutes at a time and try their best each day. You will be surprised how much can get one in 20 minutes. If someone is grieving and wants to hold on to all their loved ones belongings yet have no space for them all we can work on how we can honour this person; make a picture collage, create a shadow box of treasured items that hold greater meaning and display it.

People tend to attach emotions and memories to items. I am here to say your memories will always be with you about your loved one, keeping their items in boxes stored in your attic/basement or garage is not honouring them. Without us realizing it, having boxes of items in our house causes stress; when will I get through those boxes and display some items, those boxes will be left for family to go through when I have passed I feel bad about this, I am not honouring my love one with boxes stored away I am a bad person etc.  These ideas are floating in our minds whether we are aware of them or not.
If you can relate to what has been written above, make a change today! It does not have to be all or nothing, just one small change: go through one box, de-clutter for 20 minutes a day, have someone you trust help you go through items you find it hard to part with, call a professional organizer to support you with your changes.

It is ok to have things, but when your things take over your life and space there is a problem. The clutter is a symptom not the real issue at hand.

It's Time for the Holidays...

For most of us the major Holidays are coming, Christmas and Hanukkah!!  It always seems to creep up on us doesn't it?  Let us change it this year.
To get ready for and organized for the holidays there are a few simple things we can do:

1.  Make a list and check it twice; Have a list of all the people you need to send a card to and another list for those you buy presents for.  Write down how much you plan on spending on each person and what you want to buy them.  Take this list with you when you go shopping, this will help from impulse buying and overspending your budget.






2.  Check to see that you have all the dishes/napkins/table decorations/candles for the season for when you are entertaining.  If not make a list of what you need and purchase them now, trust me most dollar stores have started adding their holiday item



3.  Make sure you have a calendar handy to plan when all your holiday get-together's are so you can keep track of them and to be sure not to double book yourself.

4.  I know you have all your wrapping paper all organized and easy to access, if not now is a good time to get all these items together and see what you need; tags, tape, wrapping paper, bows, ribbon etc.  Make a list and purchase what you need, sooner than later so you have a nice selection to choose from.




5.  If you are entertaining make a list of people you are inviting and invite them.  This way people can plan ahead for their get together's.  You can always create an e-invite to send to people, or actual cards in the mail or a simple phone call.  I know texts are the way most people communicate nowadays but they are also easily forgotten. Be different, make your invite memorable.

These are the small simple things you can do over the next 2 months to make the holidays more organized and less stressful for you and your families.

What do you do to get ready for the holidays??

20 minute Declutter

It is hard to find the time to de-clutter and well lets face it unless you are a professional organizer the chances are you are not a fan of de-cluttering!
If you take just 20 minutes per project you will be amazed at how much you can accomplish in such little time.
Try to schedule one project a week, write it into your agenda, on your wall calendar, in your phone where ever you will be reminded that this is important and needed.

Here are the top 5 areas that will make the most impact when you choose to de-clutter them:

1.  The Front Entrance Closet:  This closet is usually meant for guests coats, umbrellas and seasonal gear.  Use a couple of bins and a garbage bag when de-cluttering.  Throw out anything that is broken, take out anything that is not in the right season, fill a bin with items to donate.  To keep the closet de-cluttered have a basket for guests hats and gloves, add a couple of hooks to hang umbrellas and make sure you have a clear section where guests coats are hung.

2.   Under the sink:  So many things get tossed under the sink and not put away neatly.  Lets have our garbage bag ready. Throw out anything that is broken, return items to their correct home if not meant to be under the sink and check to see if your containers have product in them or not.  Use baskets to keep like items with like, such as; make-up with make-up, shampoo and conditioner together, cleaning supplies and so forth.  You can label each basket to keep order among them.

3.  Your Desk Drawers:  This is a place where "everything" ends up!  Empty your drawer and throw out anything that is broken, donate any items that you do not use and group items with like items. Once you have de-cluttered the drawer's items use small bins/boxes to keep like items together, such as; paper clips in one bin, pens and pencils in another, tape and liquid paper in another and so forth. This system with help keep your drawer neat and easy to find items.

4.  Garage:  Don't know where to keep something put it in the garage...Wrong! This area becomes a catch all for items without homes.  This area will most likely take a few 20 minute sessions.  To start take a garbage bag and throw out junk and broken items.  Have a box/bin for items to donate - ask yourself when was the last time I used this?  When do I plan on using this next?  On your next 20 minute de-cutter put all like items together; sporting equipment, tools, gardening items etc.  To keep your garage organized use hooks and clamps to hang bikes, folding chairs, rakes etc. Make use of shelves with bins of like items together and use larger bins on the floor for bigger items that won't fit on the shelves.

5.  Laundry Room: This is another space where people end up putting items they have no idea where to house.  Fill up that garbage bag with broken items or clothes you have not mended, unmatched socks (or use them as dusters) and empty containers.  Donate any clothes that you have not worn for the past 6 months but are still hanging in the laundry room. Consolidate all your laundry soap bottles together so you can minimize the space utilized.  Use baskets or bins to organize like items; such as; sewing in one, in need of mending, all your stain removers/dryer sheets/dryer balls in another and so forth.  Add an empty basket or bin for donations.  When you wash something your kids have outgrown or are doing a seasonal wash put aside the items you did not wear and donate them to a local charity.


I hope this gets you motivated to de-clutter your home one 20 minute project at a time!!  Share your before and after photos to help motivate others!!

No excuses....

I find most people use the excuse that they do not have time to organize and de-clutter.  I would like to challenge this excuse with 10, 10-minute tasks!

1.  Designate a spot for incoming papers.  Paper is a major source of clutter in most households.  If you keep all papers in one spot it lessens the clutter and keeps you organized to find important papers when needed.

2.  Clear your counters.  Take everything off them that you do not use on a daily basis.  Store small appliances, no room in your cupboards remove small appliances from your cupboards if you only use them 2 - 3 times a year and store it in your basement or pantry.

3.  Pick a shelf any shelf.  Commit to clearing off one shelf, in the garage, laundry room, pantry, where ever you choose as long as you complete one shelf. Take it one shelf at a time.

4.  Create simple folders. Have incoming bills, paid bills, active paperwork etc. nothing too fancy but this can be set up in your designated paper area.  This will keep you on top of this pile and not feel overwhelmed by it.

5.  Learn to file quickly.  Once you have done all you need with in coming papers, file them immediately. This will keep the paper area organized and keep paper flowing not piling up on you.

6. Have a box/bin in your trunk for charity donations. When you come across an item in our house you no longer need but is useful and in good shape add it to this box/bin . When your box/bin is full donate it to a local charity.

7.  Clear out your medicine cabinet.  Only keep items you use on a daily basis in there.  This allows for more room and less cutter so you can easily find things.

8.  Pull everything out of a drawer.  Go through items and ask if you still need it, can it be donated or is it garbage? Put back items needed in an organized fashion, use bins and boxes to separate like items together.

9.  Admire your hard work. Once you have organized and de-cluttered an area look at it, take it in. Make the decision that this is the look you want for the entire house and commit to working on it 10 minutes at a time.

10.  Create a 30 day list. To keep a lot of new stuff from coming in make a list of items you see out and about that you want, date the item and in 30 days if you still want it you can purchase it. Most times shopping is done on an impulse and we do not need nor want things we did over the course of 30 days. This will save you money and new clutter from happening.

Let me know how your 10-minute tasks go...share before and after photos to encourage others to take the challenge as well. I hope this smashes your excuse for not de-cluttering and organizing, you deserve a serene and functioning space just like everyone else does  :)

Dance Cards is the new Black

As an entrepreneur I find myself meeting several people in a week under the guise of a dance card.

No not that type of dance card...
If you are not aware of what a dance card is here is a brief description: it is where you put your business card in a "hat" and then draw out a card.  You connect with whomever got your card and vice versa. This sets up 2 meetings in a week. I am naturally an introverted person so I have grown quite a bit and am coming out of my shell by being myself with several people on a weekly sometimes daily basis.  I am all the better for this experience and would not trade it for the world.  I live by the philosophy that all people are teachers, they teach you what you want to be or what not to be.


                    



Here is the latest thing I have learned along the way while on a dance card of course it has a little bit of organizing involved!!

Scott McEachern, a financial planner, taught me quite a bit when we met for a coffee.  The one thing that stood out for me was his "LifePath Essential Document Checklist", ok its true I love check lists and feel everyone needs more of them in their lives.  This check list is a smart one.  It is a few pages that you fill out key information about your important documents, such as; who is your lawyer, where your will is kept, insurance policy numbers, TFSA, GIC's, RRSP's etc contract information, computer codes and passwords and the list goes on and on.  If you want more information check out his website.  www.McEachernFinancial.ca
He also taught me that new dad's have baby brain too and they can somehow survive on no sleep just as well as new moms. Congratulations again on the new baby Scott!

Challenge Recaps!!

Every week or so I put a challenge out on Facebook, a challenge to organize an area of your home/office.  I thought this would be a good place to put them all together, thus far, so those who have not seen my posts on Facebook can get on track with de-cluttering their homes and organizing it to become the serene and functioning space they deserve!

Week 1: I challenge you to take fifteen minutes right now and organize one drawer, the closest one to you! Go for it now is the time!!! You won't regret it 

Week 2: get rid of at least 3 duplicates you have of something in the kitchen! You know you have them; just in case...donate them to a shelter or salvation army or throw them out. They are cluttering up your space. Make room for new gadgets and utensils you will need in the future 

Week 3: is for all you Crafters/Seamstresses/Knitters/Crocheters etc. It is called the 100 item challenge. You have to make 100 items with the supplies you already have without purchasing new ones!! Yikes I know but if you are like most crafters you have a room or two full of supplies you are going to make something with one day...well today is the day you can start. This will save you money and create space for new supplies to come in. I have done it a few times over the last 2 years and what an awesome feeling it is to complete it and how creative you have to be to create with what you have on hand!

Week 4: Think of the spot in your home that causes you the most stress due to its cluttered nature (closet, spare room, drawer, pantry), now book in 20 minutes this week to work on it. This will show you how much can get done in just 20 minutes and hopefully you can do this weekly, bi-weekly and poof your stressful spot will be gone!

Week 5: Go through your files and see what can be shredded, condensed and what needs to be added or if there are any duplicates. On your electronic files see that you have no duplicate folders or sub folders. We can get busy and over look files especially if we haven't used it in awhile.

Week 6: Your spices, put them in alphabetical order, label them if they are not labelled already.

Week 7: Collect all your wrapping paper, tissue paper, bows, ribbon, greeting cards and gift bags together. Either have them all in one drawer, in a box labelled, or all in the largest gift bag and put away in a closet. You can also add a roll of scotch tape and a couple of pens. You will always be able to find that greeting card you picked out special for that good friend

Week 8: The Laundry Room
Make sure everyone has a hamper in their room. Keep lids off hampers in laundry room makes it easier to add dirty clothes to them and remove for washing. Keep a basket for items that need mending and make it a monthly chore or drop off to seamstress. Keep a small basket for items found (money, notes, buttons). Keep items for the dry cleaners hanging in one closet or in laundry room if you have a rod and have a weekly/biweekly day you take them to get washed. Make sure you have back up of all your cleaning detergents and spot cleaners so you will never find yourself without. Choose one day a week to do all the laundry or do 1 - 2 loads a night whichever suits your routine best.


Week 9: The Fridge 
Take everything out of fridge, take out drawers and clean them, and put them back. 
Go through food and sort like with like and keep them in same drawer or container, go so far as labeling the container and drawers.
Throw out past due date items and ones that are due soon put in a separate bin labelled "use me first". 
Containers can be purchased at very reasonable prices at the local dollar store , Walmart or Canadian Tire.
Look to the pictures for inspiration, your fridge can look that good and will make life easier when looking for items in the fridge, especially for kids and men who don't seem to know how to bend and look directly into the fridge for items lol ok not all kids nor men tee hee hee

Week 10: Pick a Sink any Sink!
Let's clean under a sink this week.
Take everything out and throw out what is never used or out of date.
Use baskets or bins to group like items, nail polish with nail polish, hair care with hair care, make up with make up etc. Label each bin/basket to make it easy for all to know what goes where.
Have one tote to carry all your cleaning supplies so you can go from room to room cleaning with ease.
You can use a small tension rod under your Kitchen/Utility sink to hang cleaner spray bottles from it, makes more room on the floor of the cabinet.

Week 11: Papers oh the Papers!!
Create a spot where all your mail/receipts/invoices and other important documents are kept until you have time, I mean undivided attention, to go through and do what you need to with said papers; pay bills, file it, make phone calls, create an invoice etc. 
You can use a basket or bin or a file folder that can house all these papers. Next choose when you will go through your papers in the week, once, twice, daily and make a commitment to do so. Mark it on your calendar and stick with it 

Week 12: Sock Drawer
The best way to get a handle on your sock drawer it to have dividers, bins, boxes or specific solutions to help separate your socks.
First off empty the drawer, go through socks and throw out any unmatched socks, (or use as a duster or make a sock puppet family) fix the ones you need to, and keep seasonal socks with seasonal clothing (away in a bin in the garage/basement or a closet)
Fold all socks the same way, keep like colours together and sort from light to dark.
You can have one area for your panty-hose/tights/knee highs/thigh highs.
I want to see pictures of before and after sock drawers


Week 13: The Linen Closet!!
Make sure you are keeping like items in the same closet; towels, bedding, shower caddy's, Toiletries over flow, blankets and comforters and pillows.
Go through all your items and see what is worn and can be thrown out or used as a rag to clean the cars with or what is not used anymore can be donated.
Fold all towels the same way and have them placed with largest and medium sized together and another pile for hand towels and face cloths. Place them on one of the middle shelves since you will be accessing them regularly.
When folding your bedding, put the flat sheet, fitted sheet and pillow cases all into one pillow case this way you are always able to find the set. These too can be stored on a middle shelf.
Some folks have small bathrooms so every person in the family has their own shower caddy, this is a bin/basket to carry all their toiletries and bathroom needs, choose an easily accessible shelf to store these on too.
Store blankets, pillows and comforters that are not used daily on the highest shelf, this way you will only have to reach high on a limited basis.
For overflow of toiletries can be stored on the lower shelf since you will only have to bend low on a limited basis as well. Use baskets to make them easier to access and to make it look cleaner all around


Week 14: Front Entrance/Mud room!!First off think of who comes in through which entrance and what they bring to and from the space: Keys, purses, back packs, briefcases, mail (this should go immediately to your paper organizing centre), leashes, umbrellas, cellphones, shades, coats, winter/summer accessories (hats, scarves, gloves) and so on.
Secondly de-clutter the area remove and find homes for items that do not belong in this area. Keep it seasonal. Use Hooks, baskets, shelving and other solutions to house all the necessary items in the entrances. A nice bench with storage under the seat is a great solution for both storing items but to allow people to sit while getting their shoes on and off. Check out the pictures for beautiful ideas.
Third thing to do is make it part of our nightly de-clutter routine, the last 15 - 20 minutes before heading to bed, make sure only the items that are stored in these areas are there, put the rest away, get the entire family involved.



















Keep up with the weekly challenges like my facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Serenity-Organizing-Solutions/393321850821415

I love to hear feedback, see before and after pics, please share some with us it will help inspire others to combat the clutter!!

Happy organizing, you can do this and better yet you deserve this  :)

Small Spaces ~ How to organize

Living in a small space poses its challenges but it is very easy to create areas with in the space that are organized and efficient. When in a small space always think about how furniture and other items can be used as double duty and think of storing up way up...so much dead space near ceilings you can store so much that isn't used daily.

Here are some fun and creative ideas you can use to organize your small space:

1.   In your living room think about your coffee table being used as storage space as well so buy one with storage under it or use an ottoman with storage, you can store blankets, remote controls, movies and toys depending on what suits your lifestyle.

2.  Its tough to have enough closet space but if you do you can always turn one of your closets into a home office and then you can close the doors to tuck it away neatly when you have guests over. In there you can house all your files, bills, computer/laptop, printer, invoices etc.  You can also buy a wardrobe cabinet and transform it into one as well.

3.  A loft style bed is an awesome way to open up floor space below the bed, say for a desk, extra storage for crafts, toys, games, books whatever your lifestyle needs space for.

4.  Use the space under your bed to store seasonal clothing, you can use plastic bins for this or drawers on wheels what ever works best for you.

5.  In your kitchen think about using a pot rack that hangs down from the ceiling and also hanging wire fruit baskets to give more space in cupboards and on the counters.

6.  If your kitchen is small use a folding style table one that can expand in size if needed but is quite small when not in use.  There are tables that are attached to the wall and fold down for giving the most space when not in use.

7.  If you have a bachelor or need space for guests you can use a fold-out bed built in cabinets.  very functional and hides bed in cabinet until ready to use it.

8.  Add a shelf over a window frame or door frame, add baskets to hold essential items, I suggest items that are not used frequently or are overflow, ie. towels, toilet paper, tissue, books etc.

9.  It is a good investment for small spaces to get rolling drawers so you can access items way in the back of the cabinet.

10.  There are fabulous fold up furniture nowadays: fold up kitchen islands, table with chairs stored in them when not in use, coffee tables that pop up and can be used as a console table etc,

11.  Think storing items vertically like your trays and cutting boards, use tension rods in a cupboard to create vertical spaces.

I hope this gives you ideas of how to optimize your small space and keep it organized.  Please share pictures of your small space or small space ideas
Thanks :)

BATHROOMS, The small room with much to organize

When we think of the bathroom we think medicine cabinets full of medications and band-aids and under the sink full of curling irons and blow dryers.  Let's think again!

Bathrooms are a small space so the organization of them is so very important. First we well look at ways to maximize our space and where to add storage solutions.  In a bathroom adding storage is a bonus, so think about adding an over the toilet shelving unit, shelves on the wall, a small shelving unit/cabinet in a corner and adding a shelf above the door adds space for the overflow of toilet paper, towels, tissues etc.

Hooks on the back of the door, either over the door hooks so no holes are made in the door or right to the door.  You can hang towels and robes easily and out of the way. Hooks on the wall can be used too; for hanging towels, jewelry, blow dryer and other necessities.

Under the sink, I always encourage folks to invest in a system that is on wheels and can slide out like a drawer or use wire/plastic shelving to create 2 levels and then use baskets/bins to sort items. When sorting items put like with like; shampoo with shampoo, brushes with brushes, makeup with makeup etc.  If your bathroom is used by several family members and space is extremely limited create a basket/bin for each member and have them keep it in their rooms or in the linen cupboard. 

Depending on how you have the cabinet under the sink set up you may find you have dead space on the inside of the cupboard and will have room to add to it and close it. If so you can attach your curling irons, blow dryer and straightener to them, with specifically made solutions or hooks or use pvc tubing. If you do not have the space use a basket/bin to house them under the sink or use a drawer.

 

Medicine cabinets are always seen as somewhere to house all your medications whether you are taking them still or not.  Think of your medicine cabinet as a place to house the items you use daily. This will allow more space in it and you can house the other items in other areas like the linen cupboard, in the kitchen or bedroom. House items like tooth paste, deodorant, perfume, cologne, neti-pot, face cream and cleansers etc. A great tip is to add a magnet strip on the inside door of your medicine cabinet to house bobby pins and metal barrettes, you can also add a strong round magnet on the hinge hardware on the inside and attach your tweezers to it, easy to find and put away!



Speaking of magnets it is easy to create your own makeup board, use a metal tray or baking sheet spray paint it to match bathroom or glue fabric to it and then add strong magnets to the bottom of your makeup cases and voila you can attach them to the board to hold them.  Add a little cup or box to house your brushes and mascaras. You can hang this on the bathroom wall or have it leaning up against the wall on the counter top.

When it comes to the tub try to keep as little as possible along the tub as it just adds to clutter and a place for dust and dirt to live.  You can use specific systems to store your shampoos, soaps and razors and this will keep it off the tub corners. If the family is using their own baskets of goodies they just bring it in use it dry off items and put back and take to their rooms/linen cupboard.

           

I hope this was informative and will inpsire you to create the most beautiful, clutter free and functional bathroom you can, you deserve it.

How to Organize Your Clothes!

Clothes, clothes and more clothes!  How to keep them organized? Here are a few simple tips to keep things neat and tidy. The bonus of organizing your clothes is how simple it becomes to create outfits and to keep only what is worn.

First tip is to put all your hangers the wrong way.  When you wear something put it back with the hanger the right way, after the seasons are done say 2 at a time, spring and summer - fall and winter, donate all the clothes on the backward hangers; you are not wearing them and someone else will!

Take all your off season clothing, and store them away in a air tight bin and label it.  Store in basement, garage, attic or where ever you have space for items not being used for some time.














 Another great thing to do is store baby clothes by sizes, this way when you have another child you can bring out the right containers to set up the nursery, or if a good friend needs clothes you can find the right sizes to give to her when needed :)

When organizing your closets that hold your clothing always put like items with like - t-shirts with t-shirts, skirts with skirts, sweaters with sweaters - as this will make it easy to find what you are looking for and easier to create an outfit.  Next step is to colour order each section from light to dark. or what ever order works for you ;)  When it comes to the jacket closet store by length of coat and colour order them. This will help to see your jackets better and will be easier to find the right one.

I think we all need to remind ourselves that we usually only wear a low percentage of what is in our closets, so be generous and donate all you are not wearing and will never wear!  We usually make outfits from the same items through out the month without realizing it. Save money by not purchasing new clothes but look at your wardrobe and see what other combinations you can create.  See below for great examples.

When getting dressed keep a list of items you need to add to your wardrobe, a white shirt, brown belt, white capri pants  etc.  When you go clothes shopping bring the list so you are buying what you need not what looks good on the rack.  When you see something off your list ask, does this match my wardrobes colour scheme? What outfits can I make with it from the clothes I already have? Is it in my budget?

When buying clothes think higher end for the finishing touches ie. jackets, pants and skirts.  You can get away with a lower end t-shirt or tank top if worn under a jacket or sweater.

As women we tend to have 3 sizes of clothing.  Keep ONLY the size you are in the closet, store and label the others.  You can keep a couple of sweats for around the house one size up for those bloated days ;)

Hope this was helpful, I know it was a great reminder for me.  I have more clothes to donate and feel better about how less cluttered my closet is.

What tips do you have about clothing please share with our readers!!