Whether your music is on am mp3 or ipod, your computer, cds, records or 8-tracks - it's time to declutter! Look through your collection and ask yourself if you use it and like it. Get rid of anything that doesn't interest you. If it's in tangible form, give it to a friend or donate it.
Now arrange your music in categories to your liking - style, artist, date, etc.
Do you have enough space to hold your tangible collection? If not, look around for something that works for you. Think outside the box - look around your house and see if you can find a workable solution with what you have - a bookcase, shelves, a dresser.
If nothing works, determine what features are important to you and look online. It will save going from store to store to store - and the selection will be endless.
Congratulations!!
Monday, January 28, 2008
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Radio Interview on Meal Planning
Just wanted to let you know that I'll be interviewed on the radio program Organizing Playground by host Allison Carter on Tuesday, January 29 at 12:20 (ET). This is an internet program as well as a regular radio station.
You can listen via internet by going to www.radiosandysprings.com and clicking "stream radio live". For those of you in the Atlanta, Georgia area, you can listen at 1620 AM radio.
If you're not familiar with internet radio, you may want to go to the radio station website ahead of time to see if your computer has the software you need to enable you to listen. If not, there is a button you can click to install it.
The radio show will have a format including questions and answers if you want to participate. The show is from 12 noon to 1 pm and there will be another segment before mine. Allison's show airs weekly on Tuesdays during that time slot, with lots of great organizing ideas!!
You can listen via internet by going to www.radiosandysprings.com and clicking "stream radio live". For those of you in the Atlanta, Georgia area, you can listen at 1620 AM radio.
If you're not familiar with internet radio, you may want to go to the radio station website ahead of time to see if your computer has the software you need to enable you to listen. If not, there is a button you can click to install it.
The radio show will have a format including questions and answers if you want to participate. The show is from 12 noon to 1 pm and there will be another segment before mine. Allison's show airs weekly on Tuesdays during that time slot, with lots of great organizing ideas!!
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Get Organized Month - Organize Your Receits
It's a good time to start getting your receits in order for taxes and closing out 2007. If you have been filing your receits in separate categories, you are way ahead of the game!!
If not, and your receits from 2007 are in a box, a drawer, a file or a paper bag, it's time to take them out and look at them. Anything that doesn't relate to taxes, a product receit you might need in the future, repair/improvements to your house, or other categories you deem important can be discarded once it has cleared your credit card statement successfully. Make sure you shred anything with sensitive information on it - credit card numbers, social security numbers, account numbers, pin numbers, banking info, etc.
Separate your important receits into categories that relate to your life. Total categories that relate to taxes and list your totals - on a spreadsheet, on your computer, on a piece of paper or in another way you prefer. This may take you a while to complete this task, but if you start now you won't be stressed when tax time comes around.
If you haven't filed your receits for this year, create a few hanging files, file folders, or use an expandable file to store your receits for 2008. Use a software program to track your expenses, if that is something you feel comfortable doing.
Good job done!!
If not, and your receits from 2007 are in a box, a drawer, a file or a paper bag, it's time to take them out and look at them. Anything that doesn't relate to taxes, a product receit you might need in the future, repair/improvements to your house, or other categories you deem important can be discarded once it has cleared your credit card statement successfully. Make sure you shred anything with sensitive information on it - credit card numbers, social security numbers, account numbers, pin numbers, banking info, etc.
Separate your important receits into categories that relate to your life. Total categories that relate to taxes and list your totals - on a spreadsheet, on your computer, on a piece of paper or in another way you prefer. This may take you a while to complete this task, but if you start now you won't be stressed when tax time comes around.
If you haven't filed your receits for this year, create a few hanging files, file folders, or use an expandable file to store your receits for 2008. Use a software program to track your expenses, if that is something you feel comfortable doing.
Good job done!!
Friday, January 25, 2008
A review of the 1-2-3...Get Organized Series by The Organizing Junkie
If you'd like a very thorough review of the 1-2-3...Get Organized series by the Organizing Junkie, go to:
http://orgjunkiereviews.blogspot.com/2008/01/1-2-3get-organized.html. Made me want to buy them!!
http://orgjunkiereviews.blogspot.com/2008/01/1-2-3get-organized.html. Made me want to buy them!!
Get Organized Month - Decluttering Your Kitchen Utensils
Do you have a drawer or two of kitchen utensils? Take a few minutes, take everything out, and wash the drawer. Examine each utensil and ask yourself if you really use it, if it needs to be replaced, and if its present location is the best place for it.
I have a couple of utensil drawers - one by the sink and one by the stove. I keep the utensils that have to deal with cooking, measuring, etc. near the stove and the ones that deal with grating, peeling, zesting, melon balling, stirring pitchers of drinks, etc. near the sink. Knives would go near where you chop, if possible.
Replace each utensil in the best location for its use. I don't recommend the on-the-counter utensil holders because it adds cluter to your surfaces - horrors!!
Won't meal prep be more pleasant with less clutter? Great job!
I have a couple of utensil drawers - one by the sink and one by the stove. I keep the utensils that have to deal with cooking, measuring, etc. near the stove and the ones that deal with grating, peeling, zesting, melon balling, stirring pitchers of drinks, etc. near the sink. Knives would go near where you chop, if possible.
Replace each utensil in the best location for its use. I don't recommend the on-the-counter utensil holders because it adds cluter to your surfaces - horrors!!
Won't meal prep be more pleasant with less clutter? Great job!
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Get Organized Month - Decluttering Your Suits/Coordinated Outfits and Jackets
Look over your suits or coodinated outfits. Do they fit, do they look good, are they in good repair, do you wear them? For those that need a button or a seam mended, take them to your TV chair and mend while watching your favorite show this weekend. Get rid of the clothing that doesn't make the grade. Look through your jackets, including outerwear and give them the same scrutiny.
Organize the remaining suits, outfits and jackets according to style - casual, dressy casual and dressy. Then arrange according to color. Are you enjoying your uncrowded closet?
Now that you have decluttered your hanging clothes in your closet, you should be able to calculate what you have and what you need. You may find that one critical item could multiply your clothing options tremendously. By having your clothes organized, coordinated and in good repair, you reduce your stress level when you get dressed in the morning!
Are there some items that need dry cleaning? Take them out to the car, along with your donatable items, and get it done!
Consider donating appropriate clothing to an organization that provides clothing for job interviews to people who are getting back on their feet. Make a list of the items you're donating for tax purposes. Some possible charities: Dress for Success (www.DressforSuccess.org), Career Gear for men (www.CareerGear.org) or Suited for Change in the DC area (www.suitedforchange.org). Check with shelters in your area for suggestions of where you can donate your suits, etc.
Fabulous job!!
Organize the remaining suits, outfits and jackets according to style - casual, dressy casual and dressy. Then arrange according to color. Are you enjoying your uncrowded closet?
Now that you have decluttered your hanging clothes in your closet, you should be able to calculate what you have and what you need. You may find that one critical item could multiply your clothing options tremendously. By having your clothes organized, coordinated and in good repair, you reduce your stress level when you get dressed in the morning!
Are there some items that need dry cleaning? Take them out to the car, along with your donatable items, and get it done!
Consider donating appropriate clothing to an organization that provides clothing for job interviews to people who are getting back on their feet. Make a list of the items you're donating for tax purposes. Some possible charities: Dress for Success (www.DressforSuccess.org), Career Gear for men (www.CareerGear.org) or Suited for Change in the DC area (www.suitedforchange.org). Check with shelters in your area for suggestions of where you can donate your suits, etc.
Fabulous job!!
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Get Organized Month - Declutter Your Kitchen Linens
How about those kitchen linens? Hopefully this will be a quick and easy task, unless you have massive quantities of linens.
Let's start with kitchen towels and dishcloths. Are there any that are unacceptable - holey, stained, etc? Toss those in your rag bag and use for washing the car and other cleaning tasks. Do you have enough left to make it through a week? If not, make a note on your shopping list. Arrange neatly in your drawer in like-sized piles, with the items you use most often most accessible to you.
What about potholders? They live a difficult life - getting burned and soiled. Toss what is unusable and take stock of what's left. Is it enough? I keep my potholders in the drawer under the oven for easy access. If you don't have enough room, consider getting some magnets with hooks on them.
Do you use aprons? Take inventory to see if you have what you need and get rid of anything that isn't working for you. I have my aprons on a hook rather than in a drawer - saves my precious drawer space.
That wasn't too bad, was it?
Let's start with kitchen towels and dishcloths. Are there any that are unacceptable - holey, stained, etc? Toss those in your rag bag and use for washing the car and other cleaning tasks. Do you have enough left to make it through a week? If not, make a note on your shopping list. Arrange neatly in your drawer in like-sized piles, with the items you use most often most accessible to you.
What about potholders? They live a difficult life - getting burned and soiled. Toss what is unusable and take stock of what's left. Is it enough? I keep my potholders in the drawer under the oven for easy access. If you don't have enough room, consider getting some magnets with hooks on them.
Do you use aprons? Take inventory to see if you have what you need and get rid of anything that isn't working for you. I have my aprons on a hook rather than in a drawer - saves my precious drawer space.
That wasn't too bad, was it?
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Get Organized Month - Declutter a Bookcase
Choose a bookcase in your house or office that needs help. Before touching it, determine your vision for that bookcase. What is its purpose, what do you want to belong in that bookcase? Once you have determined your vision, it is simple to sort through the books to see if they fit your vision.
As you sort, if you find books that don't fit your vision, ask yourself if they are more appropriate somewhere else or if you want them at all. Are there people or organizations you know who would benefit from your unwanted books? If so, bag or box them up and label them accordingly.
For those books you want to keep, determine if they belong in this bookcase. If they do, how will you organize them - according to topic, author, something else?
If there are books you want to keep but not in this location, decide where they need to live and take them there, even if it means making that location a little messy for the time being. If you have the time and energy, declutter that location, starting with your vision and repeating the process.
If you have very many bookcases, this could take on a life of its own!! Stop when you have run out of time, energy, or vision. Add it to your to do list on a day when you think you'll be ready to tackle it again.
Stand back and admire your handiwork - a bookcase with vision! How special.
As you sort, if you find books that don't fit your vision, ask yourself if they are more appropriate somewhere else or if you want them at all. Are there people or organizations you know who would benefit from your unwanted books? If so, bag or box them up and label them accordingly.
For those books you want to keep, determine if they belong in this bookcase. If they do, how will you organize them - according to topic, author, something else?
If there are books you want to keep but not in this location, decide where they need to live and take them there, even if it means making that location a little messy for the time being. If you have the time and energy, declutter that location, starting with your vision and repeating the process.
If you have very many bookcases, this could take on a life of its own!! Stop when you have run out of time, energy, or vision. Add it to your to do list on a day when you think you'll be ready to tackle it again.
Stand back and admire your handiwork - a bookcase with vision! How special.
Monday, January 21, 2008
Get Organized Month - Declutter Your Night Clothes
Whether you wear flannel, silk, or an old t-shirt, let's declutter! Are there things you no longer wear? Don't fit? Excessive? Otherwise unacceptable? Look over your summer stuff, too. Toss the unacceptable. Bag up the donatable.
Take inventory - do you have enough to get through a week's laundry? If not, take note of what is missing, and put it on your shopping list.
Arrange your night clothes with those you use most often most accessible. Put those summer things in the back or on the bottom.
Anything that is donatable, document and put it in your car and drop it off!
Nice work!!
Take inventory - do you have enough to get through a week's laundry? If not, take note of what is missing, and put it on your shopping list.
Arrange your night clothes with those you use most often most accessible. Put those summer things in the back or on the bottom.
Anything that is donatable, document and put it in your car and drop it off!
Nice work!!
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Get Organized Month - Decluttering Your Sock Drawer
Let's try the sock drawer today. If you have other drawers for hose and panty hose, do those, too. First let's just dump the whole drawer out. As you begin replacing them, examine them for holes. I like to put my black socks on one side and my blue socks on one side and other colors in between (I have a wide drawer). That way, I don't end up wearing the wrong color of socks one day!
Go get those unmatched socks from your laundry area and see if there are matches to the strays in your sock drawer. If you have other people in your household and they are of the age to do this task, have a family sock day!! Let everyone clean out their sock drawers. :-) Then celebrate by doing something fun.
But I digress - back to the socks. Either toss unmatched socks or put them in your cleaning supplies or painting supplies. We use old socks to rub down our fence to remove the dirt before we paint it. Or I guess you could make puppets with them if you're extremely creative! Maybe you have other uses for unmatched socks, too.
You can get one of those sock organizers if you wish.
By now you have an idea of what you have left. Do you need to replace any of the socks you tossed? Do you have enough socks to make it through a week of laundry? Are there colors missing you need to add?
Now wasn't that delightful!?!
Go get those unmatched socks from your laundry area and see if there are matches to the strays in your sock drawer. If you have other people in your household and they are of the age to do this task, have a family sock day!! Let everyone clean out their sock drawers. :-) Then celebrate by doing something fun.
But I digress - back to the socks. Either toss unmatched socks or put them in your cleaning supplies or painting supplies. We use old socks to rub down our fence to remove the dirt before we paint it. Or I guess you could make puppets with them if you're extremely creative! Maybe you have other uses for unmatched socks, too.
You can get one of those sock organizers if you wish.
By now you have an idea of what you have left. Do you need to replace any of the socks you tossed? Do you have enough socks to make it through a week of laundry? Are there colors missing you need to add?
Now wasn't that delightful!?!
Friday, January 18, 2008
Get Organized Month - Declutter Your Pants
Today let's attack the closet again - this time your pants. Start with discarding pants that you don't like, that don't fit, that are stained or worn, and that are excessive. Toss those that are not worth giving and put those that can be donated into a bag or box. As you are donating, make sure you keep lists of donated items for your income tax records. Take your bag or box out to your car immediately so you will get rid of it quickly.
Arrange your pants into categories: sports, casual, dressy casual, and dressy. Arrange by colors. And if you have different lengths of winter pants, separate according to lengths.
Take note of gaps in your pants wardrobe. Are there tops that have no coordinating pants? Vice versa? Think outside the box - are there combinations you've never thought about that work?
Is your closet becoming more peaceful? Your shoes, tops, and pants should be organized according to color and category now. Getting dressed in the morning should be a quick and easy task rather than a treasure hunt.
Enjoy the peace!
Arrange your pants into categories: sports, casual, dressy casual, and dressy. Arrange by colors. And if you have different lengths of winter pants, separate according to lengths.
Take note of gaps in your pants wardrobe. Are there tops that have no coordinating pants? Vice versa? Think outside the box - are there combinations you've never thought about that work?
Is your closet becoming more peaceful? Your shoes, tops, and pants should be organized according to color and category now. Getting dressed in the morning should be a quick and easy task rather than a treasure hunt.
Enjoy the peace!
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Get Organized Month - Decluttering Your Tops/Blouses/Shirts
Take a look at your tops/blouses/shirts. Get rid of those you no longer wear, that don't fit, that are excessive, or that are stained or worn. Toss those that are not worth giving and donate the rest. Put that bag or box in the front seat of your car so you will deliver it to your charity quickly.
Categorize your tops: sports, casual, dressy casual, and dressy. Then arrange them according to color. And finally, arrange long-sleeved tops together and short-sleeved tops together.
This allows you to select your clothes at a glance without going through your entire closet trying to find a match. It also allows you to take inventory quickly when needing to shop. You can see exactly what you have, what you need, and it prevents duplicate purchases.
As you purge, your clothes will not get wrinkled because of an over-stuffed closet. Consider storing your off-season clothing elsewhere if you don't have enough room for both in your closet. Keep a few items from the opposite season for those unseasonable days.
Don't you feel lighter and leaner?
Categorize your tops: sports, casual, dressy casual, and dressy. Then arrange them according to color. And finally, arrange long-sleeved tops together and short-sleeved tops together.
This allows you to select your clothes at a glance without going through your entire closet trying to find a match. It also allows you to take inventory quickly when needing to shop. You can see exactly what you have, what you need, and it prevents duplicate purchases.
As you purge, your clothes will not get wrinkled because of an over-stuffed closet. Consider storing your off-season clothing elsewhere if you don't have enough room for both in your closet. Keep a few items from the opposite season for those unseasonable days.
Don't you feel lighter and leaner?
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Get Organized Month - Decluttering Your Underwear Drawer
Time to tackle the old underwear drawer! Start by tossing anything you don't like, that is holey, doesn't fit, or excessive. What's left? Do you have enough underwear to make it through a week's laundry? As you are taking stock, are there items you need?
Organize like items together and place those items you use most often in the most accessible location. Place those items you use less often is less accessible locations.
Now that wasn't so bad, was it? Good job!!!
Organize like items together and place those items you use most often in the most accessible location. Place those items you use less often is less accessible locations.
Now that wasn't so bad, was it? Good job!!!
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Get Organized Month - Organize Your Shoes
Shall we organize shoes today? First, let's get rid of those you don't like or don't wear, that don't fit, are in disrepair, or excessive. Put them in a box and put the box in the front seat of your car to donate to your favorite charity. By having the box in your car (not your trunk!), you are more likely to get rid of it and remove clutter from your home!
You probably have some shoes that are definitely summer shoes, some that are strictly winter shoes, and some that are both. Remove the out-of-season shoes from the area where you keep your in-season shoes. If you use shoe boxes to store your out-of- season shoes, and you use a different method for storing in-season shoes, reduce the number of boxes you need by labeling one end of the box for a summer shoe and the other end of the box for a winter shoe. When the seasons change, swap out the shoes, and you're organized and ready!
You can use a variety of storage methods for your in-season shoes: boxes your shoes came in, plastic shoe boxes from the dollar store, shelves, shoe racks, hanging shoe pockets, and the floor. Whatever you use, arrange the shoes you wear most often to be most accessible. Organize by color and style - black dressy, black office, black casual, for example.
While organizing, take note of gaps in your shoe wardrobe. Do you need to replace some you threw out or have worn out?
A hint: don't wear the same pair of shoes two days in a row. By letting them have a rest, they will dry out and be less likely to absorb odor.
You probably have some shoes that are definitely summer shoes, some that are strictly winter shoes, and some that are both. Remove the out-of-season shoes from the area where you keep your in-season shoes. If you use shoe boxes to store your out-of- season shoes, and you use a different method for storing in-season shoes, reduce the number of boxes you need by labeling one end of the box for a summer shoe and the other end of the box for a winter shoe. When the seasons change, swap out the shoes, and you're organized and ready!
You can use a variety of storage methods for your in-season shoes: boxes your shoes came in, plastic shoe boxes from the dollar store, shelves, shoe racks, hanging shoe pockets, and the floor. Whatever you use, arrange the shoes you wear most often to be most accessible. Organize by color and style - black dressy, black office, black casual, for example.
While organizing, take note of gaps in your shoe wardrobe. Do you need to replace some you threw out or have worn out?
A hint: don't wear the same pair of shoes two days in a row. By letting them have a rest, they will dry out and be less likely to absorb odor.
Monday, January 14, 2008
Get Organized Month - Declutter the Laundry Area
Let's tackle the laundry area. Go through your detergents, fabric softeners, spot removers, etc. - get rid of items you don't use. Also, get rid of anything that doesn't relate to laundry and store it in a more appropriate place. Group like items together. Take a moment to clean the shelf before putting things back.
As you are decluttering, take a big picture view: do you have enough shelf or storage space for detergents, fabric softeners, spot removers, etc.? Do you have hanging space for dried clothes - a door knob, a pull-out rod, a clothes rod, or another system? Do you have a space where you can fold clean clothes?
It doesn't need to be a large area, just a functional one. What is bothering you about your laundry area? Brainstorm on how to solve your problem. Ask a friend or family member for ideas - the more brain cells the better! As your time and budget allow, solve those dysfunctional problems to make laundry a more pleasant experience.
It's amazing how taking a few minutes to examine irritations and coming up with possible solutions can make a continual chore more efficient and enjoyable!
As you are decluttering, take a big picture view: do you have enough shelf or storage space for detergents, fabric softeners, spot removers, etc.? Do you have hanging space for dried clothes - a door knob, a pull-out rod, a clothes rod, or another system? Do you have a space where you can fold clean clothes?
It doesn't need to be a large area, just a functional one. What is bothering you about your laundry area? Brainstorm on how to solve your problem. Ask a friend or family member for ideas - the more brain cells the better! As your time and budget allow, solve those dysfunctional problems to make laundry a more pleasant experience.
It's amazing how taking a few minutes to examine irritations and coming up with possible solutions can make a continual chore more efficient and enjoyable!
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