7 Simple Organizing Tips to do Today
Organize your life today with these simple tips!
For a few weeks now I’ve been in a study called “Apples of Gold” where ‘more seasoned’ women teach us young guns some of the lost arts of homemaking, in addition to coaching us on how to be better women, wives, moms and friends. I crave each meeting and am already wondering what I can do when our 6 weeks come to a close.
This week, we got a short tutorial on organization from one of our mentor’s (Cilla Crane) and I was delighted to find I was already doing most of what she recommended! Here are just a few tips from my house (and hers) to yours that will help you get organized in a jiffy:
1. Divide Cleaning Duties by Days
Instead of dreading the weekend because you know you have to clean the whole us, break up your tasks into daily duties. For example: Monday- dust, Tuesday – vacuum, Wednesday – bathrooms, Thursday – laundry…you get the idea.
Pro: Breaking it up into more manageable pieces not only helps you get it done faster
Con: My husband sometimes says he never feels like the whole house is clean at the same time!
2. Post Lists on the Fridge
The kitchen is one place we all seem to congregate regularly, so I not only post the aforementioned cleaning schedule on our fridge, but also our Prayer Shield (we have different friends and family that have assigned days to pray for us each month and in turn we pray for them specifically on that day), kids chore chart, grocery list, etc. Having a central hub where to look at your information is critical for you and your family to keep organized.
Pro: Everything’s all in one place
Con: Out of sight, out of mind; you have to be in the kitchen to remember what you have to do that day!
3. Alphabetize Your Spices
It may sound silly, but am I the only one who used to have a black hole of a spice cabinet? I know have a mini turntable/lazy Susan that my spices spin on in an organized, alphabetical way. (Bonus – this would be a great activity to involve elementary children in helping you do!)
Pro: No more confusing chili powder with paprika!
Con: You have to do a little rearranging every time you add a new spice to the mix!
4. Prepare the Night Before
Whether it’s making lunches, picking out clothes, picking up toys on the floor or taking time to write out your to-do list, taking 15 minutes before you go to bed to take stock of what you’ve done that day and prepare for what you need to accomplish the next morning is an incredible way to set yourself up for success!
Pro: You don’t have to scream at your family to hurry up 33 times in 30 minutes
Con: You can’t just fall into bed after watching American Idol
5. Keep Your Receipts
Having a budget doesn’t have to be anything fancy. I stash all my receipts in old envelopes (I got for free from a company changing their stationary) divided by month. Not only is it a quick way for me to tally what I spent at the end of the month, it’s also great for keeping track of big purchases and knowing where to find a receipt if anything breaks or need to be returned (I then keep all the envelopes for the year together in an old shoe box. Fancy – I know).
Pro: An easy system everyone can figure out
Con: Not the prettiest of most space-efficient way to store things
6. Bin Your Car
I keep several bins in our family van to collect the inevitable mess that would ensue if I didn’t. There is a kids bin for some toys, books, wipes, CD’s…and you don’t want to know what else ends up in there. We have a bin for returns. I keep a small bin up front for pens, coupons, CD’s, etc. I also have a bin or bag to put garbage in so it’s easy to collect and dump. I know, I’m revolutionary. Just call me Marie Antoinette.
Pro: You don’t step on gum or end up on the floor at a red light trying to find junior’s favorite action figure
Con: You do need to go through said bins regularly if you don’t want a nice moldy surprise 3 months from now.
7. Go Through Mail Right Away
When you pick up your mail, don’t drop it in the front hall or the kitchen. Peruse immediately to see what needs to be tossed (junk mail), what needs action (bills/correspondence), and what you want to save to read later (like a magazine). I always say: Manage your mail before it manages you!
Pro: Recycling is your friend + no late fees!
Con: Can be hard if you’re also trying to wrangle kids, put groceries away and answer the phone when walking in the door!
