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!!

How to Organize your Kids

This is the third of my 4 topic specific blogs as voted by you! How does one organize their kids? It's a lot like parenting consistency and patience ;)

Here are several tips on how to keep the household organized including the
kids:

~ Have a poster/list of all the tasks the kids need to do before "free time" such as, homework, clothes in hamper, brush teeth, put out garbage, load dish washer/unload dishwasher etc.

~ Prepare lunches for next day the night before, have home work and back packs ready to go night before and ready at the front door or even in vehicle.

~ Have 5 outfits ready for the week, cleaned, ironed if needed and have them in closet ready for wearing...you may want to try this for yourself too.

~ Have a designated area with files or a basket/box for each family member for papers to go, class trip slips, class fundraiser info., parent teacher meeting schedule, etc. Make a point of checking it daily at the same time everyday ie. when kids are home from school working on homework.

~ For older children help them schedule and prioritize their week and tasks needing to get done, homework, dance classes, group projects, volunteer shifts.

~ Organize kids toys 5 easy steps:

1. Separate all your kids' toys into categories. Building blocks, tools, dolls, reading materials, action figures and cooking items are all toy categories.

2. Make a list of your categories. List in the broadest possible terms. For example, you'll likely keep Barbie dolls and accessories together.

3. Decide on the best container (box, basket, bin) to hold each category. Clear, plastic storage boxes are the best choice for most toys, you can label them with pictures of the toys inside them as well for younger children learning to read. Consider a rolling cart for toys that kids like to move throughout your home.

4. Gather each category and measure. For example, stack all the building blocks. Measure dimensions and find or buy appropriate containers.

5. Set it up. Each toy should be categorized and should have a home to make clean up quicker and easier. If children know exactly where things belong, they are more likely to put them away.

~ Before bedtime have the kids involved in 10 minutes of tidy up time and make sure all their belongings make it back to their rooms and/or toy boxes/bins.

~ Make your night routine a routine, homework, play, dinner, play, bath, stories and bedtime.  Children do well in routines and look forward to them. Make time to be with your children for at least 30 minutes a night/day.

~ Use your family Message Centre to show upcoming events; birthdays, skating lessons, dance competition, picture day, etc. so the children are aware of what is coming up in the week or month.  You can use stickers for younger children so they learn the days of the week and that a cake sticker is a birthday, a book is library day etc.

I hope this helps you busy moms out.  Stay consistent and always let your kids know what they will be doing next as the day and night unfolds so there are no surprises for them and things run smoothly ie.  we have 15 minutes until it is bath time.  Let me know what keeps you and your family organized, share your tips for other moms!