Dream Weaver – Organizing your Ideas and Thoughts

I feel like a mental drain has been attached to my brain.  I am in the process of updating my website and blog. I have had this WordPress blog for over a year and wanted a more custom look.  I wanted my blog to stand out!  I love to look at blogs with style.  I wanted that!  I  found a great designer who only designed on Blogger, so not knowing much of anything, I moved my blog (www.afreshstarttheblog.blogspot.com).  I LOVE the design but was uncomfortable on Blogger.  I am not saying Blogger is bad, I am just more familiar with WordPress and this change has been tough!   I have decided Iwill be moving my blog back to WordPress and my website, too!   This process will take time. (Ugh, patience is not my strongest asset!)   I am hiring a designer to handle both the Blog and Website, since again, I want a more custom feel.  I have learned that I am NOT good at digital design…no matter how hard I try! 

In the process of this change, I have found a lot about organizing ”ideas”.   This has been a challenge because you don’t physically see and touch these ideas floating in your head.  How do you organize something that isn’t physically here?   But really, if you don’t organize them, they will get lost in your mental clutter!  I have been wasting time trying to make these changes because I didn’t have a game plan in place.  I was just searching for ideas, but not placing the ideas I have or found in an organized home!

My project has been critiquing my website and blog, as well as other websites in and out of my industry.  I have been making notes, printing of pages for likes and dislikes, and thinking about what I want from my site.  I found that my designer really helped guide me in organizing my thoughts.  His questions helped me to understand what I should be looking for as well as how to help guide him in understanding what I want.  I have had a file of “Web Ideas” filling up for months now as I have been getting ready to take the plunge.  I had a cluttered file of ideas and no real master plan as to what to do with it.    I wound up sorting through my papers and creating a chart of what I like and dislike about each site I have visited.  This helped me to articulate what I wanted.  I had a clear path to the finish line!

I have many clients who have this same problem with ideas they want to do with their home projects.  Whether it is remodeling, redecorating or a dream home file, they have all these ideas (scraps of papers, magazine clippings, photos, catalogue pages) all stuffed into one file with no rhyme or reason.  I work with them on creating a binder or accordion file folder to keep their “ideas” in an organized manner.  If using a binder, we use page protectors and dividers (easily found in discount stores or office supply stores).  I personally like the binder because you can flip through the pages, remove things you no longer like, add to each section and protect the pages as you look at them.  Use the dividers to break the “ideas” project binder down into bite size pieces.  For example, you may be renovating a kitchen.  You would want to break it down by counters, cabinetry, appliances, decorative accents, paint colors, fixtures and flooring.  One thing I realized in my project is that you need a way to communicate to others what you really like, by showing them what you don’t like.  I really have found it helpful in guiding me to what I want!

What project are you working on that could use an idea binder?  We would love to hear what it is and how organizing your ideas will benefit your project!  Leave us a comment.

Decorative Swapping

The other day I was watching Oprah and she had the adorable Nate Berkus and the clutter cutter Peter Walsh on. They were showing neighbors swapping furniture in order to recreate new looks in their homes. The point behind the show was to open our eyes to how, in hard times with limited budgets, we can be creative in our design to get the best out of our space. Now of course having a fabulous designer makes a huge difference when you are decoratively challenged (I think I just created a new word), but the point was easy to get. The “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure” was spoken loud and clear here.

Anything unused or unloved is clutter! Clear your clutter by having a swap party! Have you thought about other ways to swap? It doesn’t have to be just furniture! How about:

Kitchen Gadgets
Video Games
Women’s Clothing
Children’s Clothing
Accessories (belts, scarves, jewelry)
Children’s Toys
Books
Magazines

The list is endless. You can save so much money by trading what you don’t want, need, or have grown tired of with someone else! The only thing you must remember in a swap is that this is not a garage sale!!! These items are good quality and something someone would really WANT in their home (or closet) to update their look. Your tattered couch that the dog has called home for 15 years may not qualify!

Let us know if you have had an opportunity to swap with friends, neighbors and/or family to get the best results for your homes! What was your experience? What worked? What didn’t?

Simplifying Your Kitchen Clutter – Keep the Plastic Containers from Taking Over

At the recent National Association of Professional Organizers annual conference, I signed up to give a review of the latest lines of Rubbermaid food storage containers. I was excited as a child on their birthday when I received my package of containers in the mail. My children were looking at this package I received like what is the big deal, but I was quick to open it and pull out everything to see what was inside.

Rubbermaid sent four types of food storage containers for review. I have to say, I am not big on too many choices, so I was a little disappointed at first that I had to review four. But after playing around with them are reading more about each, they all make sense and I can see why they have each line. The best feature of all these lines is the lids lock together and then lock to the bottoms of the storage containers, keeping your storage containers organized in your kitchen cabinets and drawers!

Let me explain, I did not need new containers, but I am a bit unhappy with the ones I choose for myself. The problem I find with the ones I own are that they are hard to store in my small space designated for storage containers. The lids have flaps and take up so much space! Other than that, they serve my purposes, so I needed Rubbermaid to win me over!

The first is the Easy Find Lids line. I would say for the most basic storage containers, these rock. I had already owned the smallest version of these containers and I love the way the lids stay together. I will say they can be a bit hard to open for my youngest child, but other than that, I love these. I use them in my children’s lunch and mine, and can’t think of anything more I would need for everyday use for lunches. (Can you say so long to Ziplock bags?!?)

The second is the Produce Saver. I have been using the Tupperware line of Fridgesmart for all my produce, so I was a bit skeptical of how these would compare. I really like the Fresh Vents to allow airflow which keeps the produce fresher for longer! Also, the Crisp Tray keeps the produce up with vents underneath to keep the produce from sitting in moisture. I love my Tupperware, but they don’t have a great line for taking produce in your lunch or on the go. I would use the smaller versions of this for our lunches and taking food on the run. I like the way the lids, containers and vents all stack and lock together, which the Tupperware Fridgesmart does not. If I need to replace my Fridgesmart, I could be swayed over to this line pretty easily!

The third line is the Lock-Its. I will say I was disappointed in this line because it is very similar to my current line of storage containers. If you have a lot of space to store your containers then I can see purchasing this line. The claim is that if has Locking Tabs to provide an extra seal. I would hope that the other lines have a strong enough seal that I don’t need an other set just for a stronger seal, so in my opinion, I would skip this line all together! (No offense Rubbermaid, you know I love you!)

The forth line is the Premier. This is the top of the line so to speak. The lids are partially clear so you can see what you have inside from up above. The line is stain resistant and resists odors, which is huge when you have stored chili in a container, and then you want to store leftover pancakes in it next. Chili flavored pancakes do not go over well in my house! Also, it is pretty gross to see the red stain from sauces after you have washed the container! Makes you not want to use them again, which is very wasteful. This is my favorite line by far for meeting my needs and wants. For long term storage, and storage of leftovers that stain and

When I feel the need (and have it in the budget) I will add to my new collection of Rubbermaid. I would think a few more of each, with the exception of the Lock-it, would make me a happy camper!

I know, who cares that much about food storage containers, but really we all use them and use them often! Not only do these storage containers work for food, but they are valuable in many other areas of the home, like in the garage, the bathroom, and the office. Because they stack and are see through, these are a great investment for organizing your home!

For more information regarding these products visit:

http://www.easyfindlids.com/

These products are available for sale on http://www.rubbermaid.com/. Use coupon code 0902 to save 10%!

Looking for More Together Time with Organization

May 26, 2009

What image comes to mind when you think of spending time with family? Is it interaction and conversation? Is it fun activities or relaxing vacations? What we think of and what actually takes place can be so very different. We are so busy with technology, work, school and activities that we actually could be in the same house, yet we don’t spend any time together. No wonder families feel so disconnected!

Oprah (yes again, an Oprah topic) recently had on families who were taking part in a “What Can You Live Without” Experiment, Part II. She profiled two families and followed up one single mother from Part I. All families were living with excess, both physical items and activities. One family spent time together in the home by adjourning to their prospective space (bedroom, recliner, office) where they would thrive on technology. The computer, video games, cell phones and TV were high priorities to the family. They were so “busy” with their gadgets they didn’t have time to spend together. They would text each other in the house to talk, instead of walking to the other room to talk. Technology can be a helpful tool and entertaining, but it can also suck up your valuable time like a Dyson vacuum.

The other family showcased wasn’t spending quality time together either. The biggest complaint was that mom was busy working and would come home late from work. As the episode went on, you could see home much this hurt the children. They lost themselves in iPods and video games, and ignored the underlining problems. They also bought in excess and never really thought twice about it. To show a portion of their excess, they pared down their pantry. The excess food was purged and brought to a food bank. The family had an eye opening experience of what it would be like to not have food in their home. The family was changed for the good. Possibly the problem was the parents were working so hard to give their children so much, but never realized what the children really needed – more together time!

What is getting in the way of your family spending time together? Are you really achieving your goals or are you chasing your tail? Is what you do in your daily life bringing you closer to your goals, in balance with your values? Are you living in excess? If reading these questions make you stop and think that there needs to be some change in your life, relax and know it can be done.

Through organizing you can clear the excess and clutter in your home. The organizing process helps you to realize what you actually need in your home and what is truly excess. This doesn’t mean you get rid of everything and live in a tent. This means you live with what you need and use to function in your life. Now, that isn’t permission to keep everything. Really decide what you use and need. All the “stuff” can occupy your time; having to maintain, clean and care for it all.

In order to organize clearly, you need to prioritize. What are your goals? What is important to you? Where is your time wasted? Are you busy checking email and not checking in on your children’s life? We all think we are using our time wisely, but we tend to waste our time on matters that don’t line up with our priorities. Really look at your schedule and see what is unnecessary. Also, look to see what you can delegate and purge in order to realign your time with what is important to you.

Are you getting Together Time? How do you spend quality time with your family? Where can you improve? Let us know and get the support from those who know what you are going through. We would love to be on your journey with you.

Clutter Give Aways

How many times have you received a free gift with purchase? There is a bit of a high we feel when we are given things for free! Almost like we are beating the system, whatever that system may be. Whether it is at the department store makeup counter, Costco, a trade show or a store coupon – we take anything that is given away. Never do we think “do I need this”, we just take it!

I have found many “freebies” when working with my organizing clients. Free hotel shampoos/soaps/lotions, t-shirts, makeup bags, duffel bags, coffee cups, pens, pads of paper – these items are stowed in drawers, closets and cabinets. They think they may use these some day, or maybe will give the items away to people they know. But still, they sit and are not touched for months and years. What is the cost of “free clutter”?

You have the ability to say no to your free gifts with purchase. Unless you know you will use these items in the next 3 months, you have someone you will give it to immediately, or you will donate it to a charity, just say no! Resist the urge to receive more clutter in your life!

You homework today is to go on a scavenger hunt to see how many freebie items you have tucked away and don’t use. Let’s see who has the most! Leave your results in the comments!

5 Lazy Ways to Organize

How many times do you think about organizing a drawer or even a room and give up because it is too overwhelming?  Well, I hate to break it to you - organizing is work, but organizing doesn’t have to be a nightmare!  Like weight-loss, most people are looking for a quick fix to organizing.  And as we have learned, quick weight-loss doesn’t work and you return to the habits which got you to where you were in the first place.  The same rings true with organizing.  Creating new habits will make organizing a breeze as time goes on.

Lazy is defined as slow moving or sluggish.  Organizing the “lazy way” will still take time (I didn’t call it 5 Fast Ways to Organize now, did I?).  Going in with a lazy mindset will help you slowly and steadily gain control over the disorganized clutter monster that looms over your head!  Patience is a virtue!  The old adage, “How do you eat and elephant? One bite at a time” should be playing in your head as you tackle your clutter and disorganization. 

1.  Get over perfection!  Most people feel organizing is about living Martha Stewart Perfect.  Not the case!  It is really as simple as finding what you need when you need it and keeping what you need, use and love.   Finding a good home for what you have is essential.  Keep those things you use often close to you, not as frequently a little further, and those you don’t use often furthest away. 

2.  Get over guilt!  If you are holding onto things because you’d feel guilty getting rid of it  DON”T!   (Like your friend who gave you a shirt that just doesn’t look good on you, but you feel she will get her feelings hurt if you give it away).  You will be able to shed yourself of so much clutter when you purge the guilt first!  Those who love you should understand your needs are, and guilt isn’t one of those needs!

3.  Stick to one area at a time!  If you want to organize the whole house, trying to organize it all at once will take longer.  You will become the Tasmanian Devil, spinning on a path of destruction.  Choose one area to organize at a time.  Slow and steady wins this race!  Seeing one project through to the end will give you the motivation to continue on to the rest of the house. 

4.  Stop making to-do lists!  If you skip this step and put your tasks directly into your to-do lists, then you will actually have the time to get things done!  If you need to purge your brain to get it out of your head, create different lists.  You need one for long term goals, short term goals and one for everyday tasks.  Work those lists into your calendar to see what you can accomplish daily, monthly and yearly.  Remember to leave room in your schedule for fun!

5.  Get help!  Any way you look at it, help is the best way to change your habits.  You will have someone to hold you accountable.  Don’t you have enough on your plate?  Adding self accountability (is that a phrase or did I just make it up?) is just one more thing to worry about.  Pass that responsibility on!

You can actually waste time by being “hyper” organized (as I like to call it).   You can procrastinate on projects by organizing as a distraction.  You can lead an unbalanced life if you are so focused on perfection.  Organizing should bring you more time to do what you love and want to do.  So get lazy and organize your home one space at a time!

Visit my website for more tips on organizing.

 

 

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Decorative Swapping

The other day I was watching Oprah and she had the adorable Nate Berkus and the clutter cutter Peter Walsh on.  They were showing neighbors swapping furniture in order to recreate new looks in their homes.  The point behind the show was to open our eyes to how, in hard times with limited budgets, we can be creative in our design to get the best out of our space.  Now of course having a fabulous designer makes a huge difference when you are decoratively challenged (I think I just created a new word), but the point was easy to get.  The “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure” was spoken loud and clear here. 

Anything unused or unloved is clutter!  Clear your clutter by having a swap party!  Have you thought about other ways to swap?  It doesn’t have to be just furniture!   How about:

• Kitchen Gadgets
• Video Games
• Women’s Clothing
• Children’s Clothing
• Accessories (belts, scarves, jewelry)
• Children’s Toys
• Books
• Magazines

The list is endless.  You can save so much money by trading what you don’t want, need, or have grown tired of with someone else!  The only thing you must remember in a swap is that this is not a garage sale!!!  These items are good quality and something someone would really WANT in their home  (or closet) to update their look.  Your tattered couch that the dog has called home for 15 years may not qualify! 

Let us know if you have had an opportunity to swap with friends, neighbors and/or family to get the best results for your homes!  What was your experience?  What worked?  What didn’t? 

Visit my website for more tips on organizing.

 

 

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Also, you can subscribe to my monthly e-newsletter “Fresh Ideas for A Fresh Start” . Subscribe Now 

Budding Artists-Taming Your Children’s Art Clutter

As the end of the school year is swiftly approaching, parents are faced with what to do with all the art (and school work) clutter their children have produced.  Now, when I call it clutter, that is not to say we don’t love what our children created, it is just that the shear volume is overwhelming.  It seems as if once a child can hold a crayon, their paper seems to multiply faster than fleas!  But what is more amazing is our attachment to each and every one they create.  Whether it is a masterpiece that Van Gogh would admire, or one that is scribble scrabble (a phrase my kids teachers have used) we can’t seem to let go of our budding artists/scholars work.  And this is only compounded by having more than one child! 

If you were to save each and every piece of paper our children worked on in their 13 years of school, you could fill an entire standard bedroom!  Mom’s who find out I organize homes always ask how they can better organize their children’s art and school work.  They all seem to want to cut it back but don’t know what to let go of.  I mean, how can you let go of something your child created.  It seems like you are giving or throwing a piece of them away!

The good news is the older they get, the less paper work they bring home.  The bad news is you can’t keep it all!  Making the decision of what to keep and what to toss/recycle can be easier if you face it head on.  You need to create a limit or standard and a means of storage of what you will keep.  Each family and situation is different, so there is no set standard, but you can figure out your own set of guidelines. 

I typically save art that is art.  Not the painting swirled in a circle with the teacher writing “A Motorcycle” above it.  I also keep things that show progression in their development.  Be it writing letters, or drawing a flower, or a worksheet, I will be able to look back as see their attempts at mastering a new learning challenge.  Also, I save items that are about them.  A self portrait, a interview from preschool about what they want to be when they grow up, a drawing of the family, an essay of their summer vacation, and so forth.  You don’t need to keep the 4th grade book report they received an A++ on, unless you somehow are related to the person in the story!

Keeping the work you have decided to save can be a challenge.  Here are a few suggestions on different approaches to keeping the memory alive of their precious childhood:

• A scrapbook or file box that shows progression and growth.  Start a the beginning and work your way up to high school.  Make sure you don’t fill books or boxes.   Your child will not have the same attachment to these as you will.  Be picky, and set your limit.  Your child will appreciate that you don’t hand them boxes and boxes of their work when they are adults.  Parents are always surprised at how their children don’t have the same attachment to the items that they do.
• Photo of your child with their art work or school work.   Hang your children’s art/school work on a blank wall and take a picture of them with their work.  You can place multiple works on the wall and have one photo!  You will capture the memory, but save it in a much smaller form.  Also, the glitter and rice (cereal, beans, you know what I mean!)  will not be left in a box for so many years that the glue has disintegrated and left you with a mess!
• Scan or photograph their artwork and school work.  Create a digital scrapbook of their work.  You will be able to arrange a book in no time that shows their development and progression.  This will cut down on the size/volume of papers you accumulate.  This doesn’t give you “permission” to save it all.  Again, be picky about what you save.  Your child will not appreciate your hard work of scrap-booking all they did in school if it is a 20 volume series!  Use what is most valuable, and toss the rest.

Some moms tell me their children may get upset if their work is thrown away so soon after creating it.  For my children, I have a large magnetic board that has their weekly art/school work on it.  This sets a limit/boundary as the board can only hold so much.  As they bring home something new, I have them help decide what should come down to make room for their new work.    You will be surprised at how fast they will take something down to make room for their new creation.  You can see what they value in their eyes, not yours! 

I know all the little scraps of paper that say “I love you Mommy” are so hard to throw away!  But be strong, know your children love you and that you have a limit as to what you can keep.  It doesn’t mean they don’t love you if you need to throw it away!  And a little disclaimer to the toss process, recycle what you can!

For more tips on organizing, visit my website at:  www.afreshstartorganizing.net/tips. 

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Sugar High

OK, enough with the candy already.  I can’t believe how, between Christmas and Easter, I can consume so much sugar.  If you have ever seen the movie Elf with Will Ferrell, he talks about the four food groups.  “We elves try and stick to the four main food groups: candy, candy canes, candy corn and syrup.”  With all the candy from all the holidays, I actually think I may give up sweets until Christmas.  Not… my sweet tooth is too big to give it up completely!  But I do think I need to replace a few Peeps and jellybeans for some carrots and lettuce. 

As I think of my new relationship with vegetables, I feel like I am making a New Year’s resolution for healthy eating.   This will be a positive change in my life (as I kick and scream).  Growing up, I could eat whatever I wanted.  As the big 40 is coming at me like a freight train, I feel like I could eat two carrots all day and still gain a pound.   I have to come to terms with the idea that I can’t eat like I used to.   The same rings true for organizing.  If you have habits that allow clutter to pile up, a change in your habit needs to take place.   The more you ignore it, the worse it becomes!

In trying to create new habits, be it organizing, eating more healthy, or any other positive change you want to take place, you need to be more conscious of your choices.  Being present in your life is a means to making new habits stick.  When we just go through the motions in life, we are bound to the same in life.  Change requires going through life with your eyes wide open and your mind in the game!

I have the following suggestions for making changes in your life that will stick:

1.  Find the positive in the situation.  I could feel angry and deprived that I need to pay more attention to my diet, but instead, I am looking at it with a new attitude.  If I don’t embrace the need for change, no change will happen!  I love the way I look and feel when I am eating well.  The energy I have is endless.  If you are trying to be more organized (or even get organized), find what you do that is actually working.  Do you pay your bills on time?  Do you always keep your keys in a certain place so that you always find them?  When you start to see the good in what you are doing and see the good in what these changes will bring you, you will be more apt to maintain your new habits!

2.  Make a game plan.  If you don’t have a plan, then it is easier to slip into your old routine and habits and nothing will change!  With better eating, I know I need to have my food somewhat planned for the day and week.   When I am busy and hungry, I will reach for a quick fix and not choose healthy foods.  If I eat about every 3 hours, and eat something well balanced,  I will be successful in sticking to my plan to eat better.  If you have a plan of action for your organizing, you will be less overwhelmed with the clutter and be able to tackle your disorganization day by day.  This plan of action will help you focus on your goals and keep your mind in the game.  Knowing what to do next is half the battle!

3.  Be prepared for set backs.  Life comes at us pretty quick some days.  If we are going through the motions, we are hit harder by the unexpected.  Whether you have been traveling and find it hard to eat well or a loved one passes away and you inherit their belongings (not to mention the grief), the unplanned needs to be expected.  I guess expect (and plan for) the unexpected.  We are only in control of our lives to a certain extent.  When you need to deal with other things in life, be aware that this is only temporary.  Be aware that you can and will get back to your plan of action.  I think most people when the unexpected takes over, don’t see how or when things will get back to normal.  The overwhelming feeling usually covers our eyes to our goals and we often give up.  If you know your plan, can incorporate any thing into your plan and be aware of potential setback, you will have an easier time getting back into the game!

With any desire for change, I look forward to the results, yet don’t always like the steps it takes to get there.  I have clients who hate when I come to work with them, but love when I leave.  In life, routine and habit make our days easier to handle.  Creating new, good habits is not easy.  For example, I love any sort of sugar junk food.  I know I will never be able to live without it.  The way I feel after eating a lot of sugar makes me miserable.  But, oh how I love the taste!  Cutting back and being more conscious will make this change easier.  Knowing that the change is for the good will help us focus and stick with the steps you need to take for your desired results!

What change are you in need of?  What steps will you take to make it happen?  Share with us.  Leave a comment on how you will or are living a little more aware of your habits!

For more tips on organizing, visit my website at:  www.afreshstartorganizing.net/tips. 

Also, you can subscribe to my monthly e-newsletter “Fresh Ideas for A Fresh Start” . Subscribe Now 

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Are you ready for A Fresh Start?

Whether you celebrate Easter or not, the feeling of new beginnings is in the air.  Spring is my absolute favorite time of the year.  Everything seems clean and fresh.  (Yes, you can tell my mood by how clean and picked up my home is! Mess = Stress)  New plants and flowers, blue skies, warm and comfortable temperatures and fresh green grass make a beautiful picture.  This is the best time of year to create your own new beginnings.  What do you want to change?  What do you want to start pursuing?  Where do you need or want A Fresh Start?

My company name came from the need we all have for the changes in our lives to move in a positive direction.  A Fresh Start is something we all desire when things aren’t working quite right.  My organizing company helps people have a new start in their home.  Whether they just moved into a new home, they are moving out of a home or they need to make their home work better for them, they are all craving a new beginning.  Organizing can help you have A Fresh Start in your life.  Being organized can free up time and space to pursuing new activities, make new relationships and take better care of yourself. 

Most people I find are so overwhelmed with their situation, they aren’t sure where to begin.  Just the thought of starting can create feelings of overwhelm and panic.  I think of when I was in high school and would have a large project or paper assigned.  I would have no idea where to begin.  I would always freak out about not being able to do it.  I would have to break the project down into bite size pieces to get started. 

If organizing your space is a new beginning you want to have this spring, here is a way to break your project down into bite size pieces so you can get the job done and go on to pursue those things you so desire. 

5 ways to organize a room:

1.        Visualize how you want the room to look.  Ask yourself:

a.      What is it you are trying to accomplish in the room?

b.      Who is using the room?

c.      What activities take place in the room?

2.       Sort your stuff.  This is where most people give up, because it always looks worse before it gets better. 

a.      Make sure the items in the room should stay.

b.      Ask yourself if you really need the item.  Instead of thinking that I may use it one day, live for today.  Just because you spent money on it doesn’t mean you have to still keep it.  Think of it as a life lesson and be more careful when you shop.

c.      Separate into categories

                                                                           i.      Trash

                                                                         ii.      Donate

                                                                        iii.      Give to family or friends

                                                                       iv.      Move to another room

                                                                         v.      Keep

d.      For the items you decide to keep, group like items together.  For example, toys and games, beach and pool items, even rags with cleaning supplies.  This will help in remembering where things are when you need them.

3.       Find homes for all your items that remain. 

a.      Where will you use the items? 

b.      Do you use the items often or occasionally?

c.      Keep items you use often easy to access.  Things you use less often are better in your harder to reach areas.

 

4.        Contain.  Containers can make or break an organizing system.  Keep in mind that containers with lids are harder for children to use.  That is one step too many for a child to put things away. 

a.      Make the most use of your space.  Add shelves to utilize vertical space. 

b.      Use clear boxes to see what you have inside. 

c.      Use containers to hold items in cabinets.  You can pull the container out to get to an item easier than knocking down items to get to the back of the cabinet!

5.       Maintain.  Maintenance is the most important means to keeping an organizational system in place.   

a.      Remember “One In One Out” rule.  For every item you bring into your home, you should be removing something else.  This is especially important for clothing and toys. 

b.      Set aside a few minutes a day and a few minutes a week to make sure your systems stay in place. 

These are basic ways to tackle your Fresh Start in your home.  For some of us, the clutter is there for a reason:  we are attached to the clutter, we are overwhelmed by the clutter, we think we may use the clutter, we feel guilty to get rid of the clutter or a combination of  all these.  What ever your reason for clutter, the only way to move forward in your life and stop having this stuff hold you back is to face it.  For some that means someone to help.  If you need assistance, ask for it.  Allow yourself to have the new beginning you are so desiring!

For more tips on organizing, visit my website at:  www.afreshstartorganizing.net/tips. 

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