Organization:

We can’t control what’s going on outside of our homes, but we can create peace and order in our own home. New to organizing?Don’t stress, you can do it! The key is to START SMALL: baby steps Feeling overwhelmed will stop you in your tracks, and that will not get you where you want to be. Tackling any project, big or small can be tough, but these steps will guide your way.

Let’s get started…

DAY 1:

Pick a drawer, any drawer.

Drawers are small and mostly manageable, so it’s a great place to start ( and if you’re feeling ambitious, tackle a few drawers. Each small drawer will feel like a win and motivate you to do more! You can get lots of small containers to help control your items in your drawers. Dollar tree is a great place to find those. Feel free to share your organized drawer with the rest of us!

When organizing, your first stop is always Dollar Tree, for supplies!

DAY 2:

Pantry insanity

Every time I set out to clean, I end up in the pantry for a snack.. but I can’t find anything in that mess.

Is your pantry making you crazy?

Does it look like an explosion took place?

Does it make you want to order Door Dash?

I love to clean the pantry at least twice a year. Pull everything out and pile it on the table , counter or island. Then as with your drawers, put like items together, and remove items that shouldn’t have been in there in the first place. Cleaning a pantry can be overwhelming and the last thing I want is for anyone to be so overwhelmed they cannot complete this task. Mine has groups such as ; canned, boxed, pasta, side dishes, jars, sauces, etc.

Put regularly used items in the middle, where you can see them, well. Bulk items on the bottom. I tend to choose clear containers so that I can see whats- what. If you’re lucky like me, you have a pantry and a back up pantry, where I keep my stockpile. I was hoping to be in the house this year, but we just have to make do for another year. You have to work with what you have, right?

Got items you won’t use? Post to your local Buy Nothing group, or donate to a local food bank!

DAY 3:

What is that Funk in my Fridge?

Nothing is more annoying than a disorganized refrigerator, right?! Things get moved to the back and then turn into a science project before you even get to use them.

1. *Start by removing the majority of items ( or all of them.) *
2. Wipe down all your shelves and drawers.
3. Check expiration date (including condiments)
4. **Group your items into categories (Dairy, Meat, Fruits & Veggies, Snacks, etc.) **
5. Keeping everything in it’s own space in the fridge, in bins or containers
6. One addition we made recently was a turntable for the fridge. LOVE IT!

  Shelves and bins can do wonders to make this a delightful space in your home, rather than a dungeon of doom.

My favorite tools are these under cabinet shelves, found on Amazon, but Dollar tree has many items to help organize this space on the cheap.

DAY 5:

Someone call a medic!!

I have always been accident prone. My mother used to say, “I should have named you, Grace.” ( because I had none.)

Every time I go to get a band-aid, I wonder how come our medicine cabinet looks like it hasn’t been stocked since the war of 1812?

No better time than right now to restock your medicine cabinet.

Check every expiration date and take inventory of what you have or need. Store these items in labeled bins and turntables, we like to label by symptom and note if it’s for kids or adults.

A de-cluttered space and the security of knowing you are ready for an emergency. Win : win right?

You’ve had your coffee (juice, energy drink), now get a trash bag. Fill one trash bag of junk from anywhere in the house. Just one bag (I won’t tell if it’s a small bag.) Then, toss or donate it. That wasn’t bad was it? Give yourself a pat on the back, I know this can be really hard for some.

How’s does it feel? Good? Now let’s pick a counter ( or a flat surface somewhere in the house. ) and clear off all the junk. Another big organizing tip: Every flat surface should be clear of clutter. Do you have groups of things you use often? try a basket or box to keep those items organized. Always losing your keys? get a key rack or key bowl.

Clear a shelf, any shelf. Keep five of your most display-worthy items, and donate the rest.

Congrats! you did four tasks, now if you love coffee like me, grab another cup and lets walk through the house. You should grab something to jot some notes on. Where are your personal clutter “spots.” The table? bathroom counter? desk? couch? Make the spaces you want to declutter, and set deadlines for getting organized. Even if it’s one thing a day, baby steps are still steps. Make boxes for keeping, donating, and stuff that isn’t even yours. – these will come in handy. I have been using the box system for years. I typically have one that is for the other people in my house, they get a deadline to put the things away, or bye bye they go. I also have boxes of things to get donated, and things that need to go to my adult kids; things I’ve picked up for them. If you’re prone to separation anxiety, make a box called “maybe” – If you can’t let go of something, store it here. After 6 months, pull it out again – Does it bring you joy? have you even thought about it? yea, that’s what I thought, say your goodbyes already! 🙂

DAY 7:

How can you look great,

when your make up is a mess?

1. Divide into categories; eyes, lips, face, etc.
2. Toss any product that is damaged or expired.
3. Look for any duplicates and set those aside to donate or give to a friend.

Although you may think you need five lipsticks in the same color, it’s only taking up valuable real estate. I keep 1 spare in the drawer, of items I love and need.Need somewhere to donate? check out Project Beauty Share

Today is an easy task, (you don’t even have to get up to do it!) Everyday I look at my email; mine, the one at work, the one for my blog… Ugh where do I even start?

1. Purge anything you don’t need.

2. Unsubscribe any newsletter or promotional content that you don’t absolutely follow or need..

Day 8:

Junk e-mail?

3. Set up folders; Work, Family, Blog, Kids, Etc.)

4. Use filters so emails go straight to to the inbox they belong in.

5. Prioritize emails into categories that signal action such as Reply or Waiting For Reply so you don’t miss anything.

I like to start by sorting the pile into categories. Mine are typically: Things I need to file, things I want to read, recipes, coupons, trash and bills. I put the things to file in a folder or basket, then my recipes go into my recipe book in protective sleeves. (I have books like this for craft projects I’ve printed out, and ideas for our new house too.)

1. Instead of paper bills, go paperless with electronic billing.
2. Unsubscribe from catalogs, and companies you no longer use or want. A great resource to do this is catalog choice. You can also use DMA Choice. (all those credit card announcements and such. (small fee )
3. Register for the National Do Not Mail List
4. Opt Out Prescreen or call 1-888-5-OPT–OUT (1-888-567-8688)

5. Call 1-888-567-8688 instead. It takes about five minutes, and you can opt out family members as well (if you have their SSN). You’ll have to opt-out every five years using this service, or they’ll add your name back to the list. (Although it doesn’t seem to last quite five years for me.) They do offer a lifetime option that needs to be mailed in.

Day 11:

Where are my keys?

Where are your shoes?

Entryways are the dumping ground for shoes, coats, and keys and more. Let’s make them orderly and functional with these simple guidelines.

Lastly, a mirror for checking that do on the way out the door. We’re moms, I mean how many times have you walked out the door to glance in the rear view to see you forgot to comb your hair? only had half your face on?.. you know you

These are some of my favorite organizers.

Dollar Tree even carries similar items, now too! And if you love to Thrift shop, keep an eye out! I have gotten most of mine, at thrift stores.

These are great for all those little things; gravy packets, barbie dolls, socks, bathroom products,..

kitchen, bathroom, kids rooms, game room, wherever!

The possibilities are endless!

Day 13:

Your closet; it’s bigger on the inside

(yes that was a Dr Who quote)

Closets can be intimidating; so much going on in there. Don’t tackle the whole thing right this second. Choose one category that can use some paring down. Your jean collection? A drawer full of t-shirts? Personally, I like to tackle it all at once. I empty the closet, dust, vacuum and then start making piles on the bed. As you pull pieces out of your closet, ask yourself three questions:

~ Have I worn it in the past year? ~ Does it fit? ~ Is it damaged?

When putting items away, you can choose what best fits you, group by season: I place off season items in totes and store away. Low on space? a coffee table or end table trunk, can be used to store off season items. Some like to sort by color, and others by type; shirts, pants, dresses, etc. Don’t forget to utilize the inside of the door too!

I like to make 3 piles in our house: Keep, toss, and donate. Some other things I love? shelf rails, velvet hangers, hanger stacker, and a shoe rack! Don’t forget a laundry hamper too!

What is ROYGBIV?~ Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, Violet.

Displaying items in rainbow order creates a visual flow that naturally clicks with the brain. Not only will it be faster to find what you’re looking for, but you’ll know where to put it away. This is especially the case for kids and can inspire them creatively.

So ROYGBIV your shelf,.. a closet,.. craft supplies! Whatever you like.

Shelves and bins are your friend, especially Dollar Tree bins. A tray on the coffee table or a shelf also helps to contain clutter. Labels are also your friend; making it easier to find what you’re looking for. Speaking of coffee tables: use a trunk- wala! more storage.

Need more storage? Up-cycle! hit the thrift stores, yard sale and your local Buy Nothing groups.

The hardest part is minimization. If you are having trouble keeping everything put away, maybe it is because you have too much? Try cutting back. Heck give stuff away in that local Buy Nothing group 😉

Be picky when it comes to furniture; ottomans with storage, multilevel coffee and end tables equal more storage.

Did you know light colors make the room feel bigger, by reflecting light?

Adding curtains that go from floor to ceiling make the room feel bigger also.

Mirrors can make the room feel bigger too.

Toys getting lost under the couch? These are awesome!

Need an end table? You can make one for about 3-4 dollars. Two Dollar tree trash cans or big bowls, a pizza pan and some paint or marbled contact paper?

Need a lamp? Pick up a lighting kit at Walmart for about $8 and add a wire basket from the dollar tree!

Shelf? Grab some bins and pool noodles from the Dollar Tree

Check out our projects on our Decorate on a dime page.

So as with most big projects I say empty the space. Start by clearing off the bed, or dragging a table into the room. Take everything and organize it before placing it back into the closet.

A few small changes can really improve the situation;

• Bins or dresser in the bottom of the closet for underwear, socks, etc.

• Extra rods to hang up items for multiple siblings, and also low enough for them to reach.

• I always had a spot for too small items to go, and somewhere we had bins of bigger sizes to rotate in.

• Shoe storage is good too, keeping them in the kids room, will keep them out of your hall or entry way.
• Lastly a hamper for dirty clothing that would otherwise end up someone in the house on the floor.
• And a trash can!

The kitchen is the heart of a home. You probably spend at least 3 meals together in this room, and all that goes on in our kitchens, means that it is one of the messiest rooms in the home. As with other rooms, we need to start by purging; things we don’t use, expired food items, clutter that makes life in this room more difficult.

Pot rack? shelves? wine rack?

cup hooks? adjustable shelves?

Make the most of every space.

1. the Have tos; these are items that HAVE to be in the kitchen; silverware, pots and pans, baggies/foil, towels, how best can you organize these?
2. I love the measuring cup/spoon organization where they are labeled and hung on the inside of the cupboard door idea. ( make sure nothing interferes with shelves when the door is closed)
3. Dish rack? we have a tiny kitchen and I love my over the sink dish rack.
4. Pull out shelves if you can do them, allow you to really see what is in your cupboards.
5. Storing items in glass jars and canisters allows you to see what you have too.
6. A lazy Susan is a great tool whether you have one in a corner cabinet or on your spice shelf. They work great for small items, like cake decorating supplies, pet food and baby food.
7. Stacking cookie sheets and other bakeware vertically is a good space saver as well.
8. Proximity: Store things close to where you use them; pots near the stove, cups near the sink etc.
9. Command hooks are also a great tool: the possibilities are endless.

The main problem areas in a bathroom are;

Under the sink: We can use the same organizers we used in Day 4: what lurks beneath (the sink). (see right) Command hooks can hold hair tools on the cabinet door, too. Pedestal sink? they make a shelf for that.

Medicine /First aid cabinet: Look back at our Day 5: Medic! post (see left)

The counter: Personally I like a tiered container to stack most used items in. Makeup organizers are great too. Adding small stack-able baskets or drawers might be more your style.

The toilet area: A toilet shelf, or just shelves can help maximize wasted space.

The door: Tiny shelves in the space behind the door is a great way to make the most of your space. I love the caddys with robe hooks , and use them on the backs of most of our doors throughout the house.

Laundry rooms can get really messy but with some helpful tips, even yours can stay organized.

4. If you have the room, a laundry shelf to place everyone items, (for them to put away)( or maybe its best if the kids don’t have all their clothes in their room at one time.. )

5. Dry erase markers can save your wardrobe by leaving notes for anyone else who may use the machines.

These carts can be found at Hobby Lobby, Michaels, Walmart, and more.

Awesome addition if you have the room.

here’s a great How to.

As with most projects, this one is one that you will find it easier to completely empty the space.

Place like items in groups

Decide how best to store the like items; some will have gardening, some will be kid’s toys, maybe your husband rules this space and its all tools. Item’s you use only certain times of the year can even go into over head storage to make the most of your space.

Once you have your groups, put some thought into how best to organize your treasures.

Don’t have a garage?.. How about a basement? or the attic? Focus on that space today.

Day 22: Your yard- your sanctuary.

When the house is too much to handle, do you escape to the yard, and then realize, this space is just as messy? Here are some steps, to turn your scary mess into a sanctuary. As with all our other spaces, you must first clear the space for greatness. Doing this in a yard may be harder, so we will take it category by category.

1. When I look at my yard, it is mostly gardening, outdoor furniture, and stuff to entertain the grand kids. So those will be my groups, you may have more.
2. Looking at my gardening items, I organize my most used items, in the greenhouse, and the rest go to their proper place in the garage. Hoses? Make a space for those too.
3. . Next we organize our furniture into a couple of different areas, seating for the adults, and another space for the kids to gather, still within sight. Storage benches are great, not only for seating but for storage. Do you eat outdoors? a cabinet with supplies helps to minimize trips in and out of the house.
4. Then we tackle the kid’s stuff; pool toys, dirt toys, to their proper locations. I’ve added some Pintrest idea photos to help inspire you in your yard. The simplest trick is to hang bins on your fence (make sure to add holes to drain rain water.)
5. Do you enjoy your space at night? set up a grill with room to prepare food, add a fire pit? and some mood lighting… a few cinder blocks and you can add some plants, or even a tiny garden.