Stump the Organizer! Dealing With Toy Clutter

It's Thursday and time for "Stump the Organizer!" This week's question comes from Bonnie who has five year-old twins.

Bonnie emailed this question: "My children’s toys are everywhere! We thought making a playroom was the right thing to do but they hardly use it. Our house is small and there isn't a lot of room in the twin's bedroom. What can we do to keep the toy clutter from taking over our house?"

Young children want your company. I suspect the reason the toys are everywhere is your children follow you throughout the house with their companions, the toys. On the positive side, it's a whole lot easier making sure your children are happy and safe if they are following you. To keep the toy clutter from endangering your sanity follow these guidelines.

• *Set up some areas as toy-free zones. There is no reason for toys to be in the adults' bedroom, the formal living room (assuming there is an informal family room) and the foyer. There may be other areas in your home that are not conducive to play. Setting limits allows you to keep control on the amount of toy clutter.
• *Set up a small amount of toy storage in each kid-friendly room. Shelves, bins, storage ottomans, ans baskets are useful to hold toys and keep the surroundings clutter-free. Keep the storage simple so it's easy for your children to access and use. Keep the number of toys relatively small to avoid overwhelming your children with options - and to limit the amount to pick up. Turn-about is fair play: you can set up a special adult area in the playroom. A comfortable chair, good lighting and a table provide you a place to work on a small project or read a book while your children play happily supervised.
• *Establish a routine for clean-up. Some children can, and will, put one toy away before they get out another one with gentle reminding. Some children need to get a lot of toys out at the same time, and will need a specific clean-up time - such as before lunch. Make clean-up as fun as possible by singing a song (that clean-up song sung by the purple dinosaur served our family well) or making it a game.

Usually the best organizing solution goes with the flow rather than fight a natural tendency.

Thank you Bonnie for the question. I hope this provides you with the information you needed.

Do you have an organizing question or issue? Either email your inquiry to Denise@clearspaces.org or post it right here on the blog. Check here every Thursday for answers to your questions. You'll get information that you can use right now.

Stump the Organizer! How Do I Organize Shoes?

This week's question is "How do I organize shoes?" There are almost as many ways to answer that as there are types of shoes. For many people it's a good idea to sort shoes by frequency of use - everyday wear versus special occasion wear. Shoes that are worn daily need storage that allows quick and uncomplicated access.
My three favorite ways to store everyday shoes are the two-shelf shoe stacker, the tilting drawer shoe cabinet, and the under-the-bed shoe basket on casters. The two-shelf shoe stacker looks like a shrunken bookcase. It's easy to get shoes in and out of these stacking shelves plus everything is visible. Each shelf holds three large or four small shoes. You can stack multiple units - I've stacked up to four together - but a tall assembly should be attached to the wall for stability and safety. Label each shelf with a category such as work shoes, athletic shoes, casual flats, etc.
The tilting drawer cabinet is a stylish way to stash your shoes. Each drawer tilts forward to reveal one or two shelves between which shoes are placed. Depending on the size of the cabinet and shoes, you may be able to store two to four pairs of shoes between the shelves. Because these cabinets offer concealed storage they can be put out in the open. I have used these cabinets by front door because the top of the cabinet offers a nice "landing pad" for keys and mail, not to mention a place to swap the outside shoes for the inside slippers.
If the shoe collection is small and closet space is tight, then an under-the-bed storage basket offers efficient use of space. The casters make it easy to pull the basket out. Avoid the lidded bins for everyday shoes. Taking the lid off everyday is an extra step that our rushed lives don't need. The squishy under-the-bed shoe containers are difficult to use and not sturdy enough for everyday use. But for special occasion shoes a lidded bin may work just fine.
For the collection of really fine shoes consider storage that will protect your investment while providing accessibility. I like translucent shoe boxes that open like drawers or boxes with translucent drop-fronts. Both types of these boxes stack nicely on a shelf and the boxes do not need to be moved to gain access to the shoes.
In my experience, shoe racks made of bars do not hold flats well and require more time to delicately place the shoes than I can muster. The hanging pocket-type organizer requires a fair amount of careful placement as well (maybe I'm just a klutz!) and they get dirty easily. I love the hanging pockets for organizing craft supplies, mittens, scarves and a world of other things - just not shoes.
Remember, ventilation is important especially for everyday shoes. Putting athletic shoes in an airtight container will produce unpleasant memories of the high school locker room when you fetch you shoes.
If you have a clever or unique way to organize your shoes, I'd love to hear it. Just post your comment here!

Organized for Travel

Asking yourself just three questions will help you prepare for and organize all of the details of travel:

1) How are we getting there and where will we stay?
2) What events do I need to plan and pack for?
3) What supports need to be planned for in my home and office?

Capture your answers to these questions in a paper-filled binder with subject dividers labeled “Travel,” “Events and Packing,” and “Home and Office.” Use the subject dividers with pockets and you’ll have handy places to organize your travel documents too. The binder is easy to pack so all of your notes and documents will be quickly accessible during your trip.

It may be easier to print one of the great packing lists already available on the Internet rather than create your own packing list. Slip the list into the your binder, but bear in mind that you still need to plan your outfits. This is where your list of events comes in handy.

Pick out clothes that are appropriate for the events and activities for each day of travel. Make sure you can mix and match items so you can pack less. Three tops and three bottoms take up little space, but they will yield nine outfits when everything matches. Use the top of the bed to lay out the clothes with the accessories to create your outfits, and take notes in your binder. Clear plastic bags are classic tools for organizing clothes and accessories in your suitcase.

When it comes to planning your home and office support systems, think about what will happen to your pets, plants, mail, newspapers, appointments and work while you are away. Planning for all of the things that enter our lives on a daily basis may actually take more time than planning your travel itinerary! Allow yourself enough time to plan for and set up your support systems. Keep any documentation that pertains to these support systems in the pocket of the subject divider.

Planning and organizing prepares you for the adventures of travel and prepares your home and office for your absence. You’ll spend less time stressing and more time relaxing – which is the point of vacation after all!

And speaking of travel...

There were no questions for "Stump the Organizer" last week, which actually worked out well for me. We just returned from a trip to Mackinac Island, Michigan. What a beautiful - and chilly - place!

What organizing challenges have you perplexed? Send me your questions through email or by posting a comment here.

Just a reminder that the Letting Go and Lightening Up Class starts this Saturday, and yes there is room! Letting Go and Lightening Up is an approach that enpowers you to get organized and stay organized. Each of the four classes in the series focuses on a unique area. Between classes you put the lesson plan into practice, and if you need a little help you can make a support call to me. Go to my website to enroll today: http://clearspaces.org/workshops.aspx.

Reminder: Last Day to Enroll at the Early Bird Rate!

Today is the last day for the early bird discount on the upcoming Letting Go and Lightening Up class series. Normally the twelve hours of class time (4 classes that are 3 hours each), the comprehensive workbook, and support calls cost $300. But you will get $50 discount if you enroll today. Enroll with a friend and you each will receive another $50 discount, bringing the cost of the class to $200!
The classes enpower you to let go of the clutter in your mind, your home, your office and your life. The first class meets on July 11. The class will meet on the second Saturday of each month with the final class meeting on October 10 -- you can be organized by the holiday season! You can get more information about the class and enroll on my website: http://clearspaces.org/workshops.aspx.

Tomorrow is Thursday which is "Stump the Organizer" Day! You can post your questions here or email me at Denise@clearspaces.org. I am looking forward to hearing from you! I will be on the road for most of the day but I will answer your questions as soon as I get an internet connection.

Stump the Organizer!

It's Thursday and it's time to post your organizing questions. Thanks to Cindy for posting her excellent question about meal planning. If you missed Cindy's question and my response, it' here: https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=30422473&postID=5685808849892372046 This afternoon I am headed down to Boy Scout camp to enjoy family night so I'll answer questions on Friday morning.
Don't forget about the upcoming Letting Go and Lightening Up class series. You can save up to one-third of the price if you act before July 1. Here is the link to my website to find out more about the class http://clearspaces.org/workshops.aspx. If you ever heard a friend say "I wish I could get more organized!" this class may be the answer she's looking for.

Freedom from Clutter!

I am really looking forward to my next Letting Go and Lightening Up class series that will begin on July 11. We had a wonderful time in our spring series, and feedback indicates the class really had a positive difference. The upcoming class series will help the participants get organized by the holidays.

How many holidays have you spent rushing around trying to put things in order, not to mention dealing with the extra tasks of holiday preparation? This year can be different if you enroll in our upcoming class.

The Letting Go and Lightening Up Class Series focuses on dealing with clutter in four areas: the mind, the home, the office and our lives. Letting go of the clutter in our mind is the essential first step to making decisions about the rest of our clutter. A student in the last class series called this the "peaceful power" step!

If you could use more "peaceful power" and less clutter in your life enroll in the next Letting Go and Lightening Up class series. . Complete your enrollment by July 1 and you will save $5o. Bring a friend and you will each save another $50! I expect the class to fill up quickly so don't delay your enrollment! Visit www.clearspaces.org.

Got Organizing Questions?

It seems that organizing is on many people's minds these days. It's pretty common that I am asked questions about organizing in social situations.

Sometimes people know exactly what they want to do and how they want to do it, they just need a little validation. Validation can be really motivating. It can eliminate the fear that you are doing something wrong, or that there must be something unusual about you because you prefer to work in a way that's different from how your neighbor works.

Basically I've been asked just about every type of organizing question that I can think of. But I'm sure there's more out there. Let's hear them!

Every Thursday I will post the "Stump the Organizer" article. Post your organizing question on this blog. Based on the number of questions I get, I will either directly answer your question in the post or I'll summarize the questions to provide an efficient answer through a post.

So what's stumping you? What organizing question do you have that, when answered, will get you going on your project?

Got Hazardous Clutter?

St. Louis County Residents! Do you have old paint cans, cans of insecticide, broken thermometers, florescent light bulbs, and other nasty stuff in your home?
Rejoice because you can get rid of that nasty clutter this Saturday (6/6/09) in an environmentally responsible way. St. Louis County will be at the South County Mall between 8:30 and 3:00 to take that clutter off your hands. Go to the parking lot south of Dillards and Sears. Visit http://www.co.st-louis.mo.us/DOH/waste/waste_mg.html for more information.
I'm sure my followers outside of St. Louis County are wondering where they can dispose of their hazardous items. The Missouri Department of Natural Resources may provide you with the information you seek. Go to http://www.dnr.mo.gov/env/swmp/hhw/hhw.htm for more information.

The End Clutter Team Rocks At NAMIWalks

Saturday morning I woke up early to the sound of rain hitting the window. It was not the weather that I expected nor hoped for the NAMIWalks event. But I'm a Scout, so I put on my walking shoes, grabbed my poncho and headed out the door.
End Clutter team member Bev and I met on the Muny lot. Considering the hundreds of people at the event, it was pretty amazing that we linked up.
Thank you Bev for your company. We had a wonderful time talking about horses, houses, and all things organizing. The time really flew. I can hardly believe we walked three miles!
At the end of the walk I toured the information tables. The Bipoloar Journey (sponsored by AstraZeneca) was very interesting. The booth featured informational videos on diagnosing Bipolar Disorder and their campaign "SPEAK and Be Heard...Living With Bipolar Depression." You can visit their link for more information: www.speakaboutbipolardepression.com.
I also found out that a St. Louis company is doing research on mental illness. Mid-America Clinical Research LLC is in need of volunteers for clinical trials. Here is their link if you are interested: www.mac-research.com.
I'm not associated with any of the companies mentioned here and their research. Nor am I endorsing them - I am just offering you the information.
The last booth I visited was sponsored by NARSAD Artworks which is a nonprofit corporation that supports the mentally ill (www.narsadartworks.org). As the name implies, NARSAD Artworks sells beautiful posters and cards created by artists who have been dealing with mental illness. They also offered silver ribbon pins that are the symbol for the Anti-Stigma, Campaign for the Brain. If you want your own silver ribbon pin, visit www.SilverRibbon.org.
I want the thank everyone who sponsored me and the End Clutter Team. Together we raised $221 for NAMI! If you missed the NAMIWalks event but would still like information on the works NAMI does, please visit www.namistl.org.

Clear Spaces Announces The Next Organizing Class Series

Are You A DIYer Who Wants To Get (and Stay) Organized?

Join Professional Organizer and owner of Clear Spaces, Denise Lee, on Saturday, July 11 for the beginning of her 4-class series, “Letting Go and Lightening Up – In Your Mind, Your Home, Your Office and Your Life.” By combining organizing systems with life-guiding principles, Denise will help you make conscious choices about what to let go of, what to keep and where to put it. All materials, a comprehensive workbook and a snack are included. The classes will meet the second Saturday of the month with the last class meeting on October 10. Be organized in time for the holidays!

Space is precious - enroll by July 1!

KICK-OFF CLASS:
Saturday, July 11
1:30 – 4:30 P.M.
Subsequent classes meet the second Saturday of the month, same time.

WHERE:
Vitality Unlimited Spa (www.VitalityUnlimitedSpa.com)
29 West Moody Ave.
(in the rear meeting room)
Webster Groves, Missouri 63119


INVESTMENT: $300


TO ENROLL:
Call the Denise at 314-956-2282 or email Denise@clearspaces.org

For more information:
visit www.ClearSpaces.org or www.LettingGoandLighteningUp.com

Clear Spaces Participates in NAMIWalks

In about two weeks I will be participating in the NAMIWalks for the Mind of America, NAMI’s signature walkathon event that is being held in St. Louis, MO at Upper Muny Parking Lot in Forest Park on May 30, 2009.

One out of four families is affected by mental illness. Many of the people I work with face the challenge of mental illness. Sadly some of the challenge is getting affordable, quality treatment and dealing with social prejudices.

I would like to ask you to come and walk with me or to donate to support my participation in this great event. Visit my personal walker page to sign up: http://www.nami.org/namiwalks09/STL/ClearSpaces. It features a link to my team's page where you can see who else is walking with me. There is also a link so you can donate directly to me online. Donating online is fast and secure, and I'll get immediate notification via e-mail of your donation.

NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, is the largest education, support and advocacy organization that serves the needs of all those whose lives are touched by these illnesses. This includes persons with mental illness, their families, friends, employers, the law enforcement community and policy makers. The NAMI organization is composed of approximately 1100 local affiliates, 50 state offices and a national office.

The goals of the NAMIWalks program are: to fight the stigma that surrounds mental illness, to build awareness of the fact that the mental health system in this country needs to be improved, and to raise funds for NAMI so that they can continue their mission.

NAMI is a 501(c)3 charity and any donation you make to support my participation in this event is tax deductible. NAMI has been rated by Worth magazine as among the top 100 charities "most likely to save the world" and has been given an "A" rating by The American Institute of Philanthropy for efficient and effective use of charitable dollars.

I invite you to take action and be part of the positive change that NAMI is working for. Please join the Clear Spaces team or donate by clicking here now: http://www.nami.org/namiwalks09/STL/ClearSpaces.

If Your Spice Tin Has Rust It’s Time To Toss It

Has spring inspired you to begin a few spring-cleaning projects? While you are in your kitchen, take a look at what is lurking on your spice shelf. Spices can sit benignly on the shelf for years. They really don’t spoil per say, but they do get old.

Identifying old spices is easy if the manufacturer has stamped a “Best By” date on the side or the bottom of the jar. Instead of a “Best By” date you may find a product code on the jar itself – this is not the number on the label by the UPC. Product codes can be translated into manufactured dates on some of the company sites.

McCormick uses both the “Best By” date and the product code. The McCormick website (www.mccormick.com/Spices101/) has an abundance of fun information about spices and herbs. Plus there’s a gadget that allows you to enter the product code along with the city of manufacture to get a manufacturing date. Durkee’s website (www.durkee.com/homeuse/) has an FAQ page that tells you how to translate their product code into a manufacturing date. If you are in the Greater St. Louis Area and buy Schnuck’s store brand spices, you can figure out the pack date with the algorithm they kindly provided to me.

The first number is the year.
The letter represents the month, where “A” is January and “M” is December
The next two numbers is the day of the month.
The last letter represents the shift.

So Schnucks would represent April 1, 2009 (first shift) as 9D01A.

In the absence of “Best By” dates use the guideline below for freshness.

Ground Spices 2-3 years
Whole Spices 3-4 years
Blends 1-2 years
Herbs 1-3 years
Extracts 4 years – except for vanilla extract which lasts indefinitely

If the label is faded or there is rust on the tin, odds are your spice is way past its prime. If you use your own spice jars you will need to rely on the signs of aging: faded color, lack of aroma, and diminished flavor.

Toss old spices but before you rush out and replace them, consider if they are really needed. After all, the spice got old because you did not use it very often.

To make your life a little easier going forward, use an indelible marker to put an expiration date on your new spice bottles. I use “exp” before the date so I know it’s an expiration date. If you fill your own spice bottles, put a piece of tape on the bottom of the bottle before writing the expiration date on it. Spice Islands provides a spice registry on their website (www.spiceislands.com). Enter the product code in the registry and the site will return the “Best By” date. Additionally, the site accumulates the names of every spice you enter in your own spice library. In one glance you can see your entire inventory of Spice Islands spices, and quickly peruse the recipes that use your inventory.

With age spices lose their flavor, aroma, color and vibrancy. Do you really want to add dusty flavor to food that you worked hard to bring to the table? Purge your old spices and herbs, and your taste buds will thank you.

Canine Capers

I take old sheets, towels and blankets to the Animal Protective Association of Missouri (APA) on behalf of my clients. The soft fabric helps make the homeless pets at the APA more comfortable. My clients feel good that the fruits of their decluttering are making a positive contribution to the world. You can also help the APA at two upcoming events.
On April 4 from 1:00 to 3:00 there is a Dog Easter Egg Hunt in Hanley Park (that's at 610 West Hanley Industrial Court in Brentwood). Registration begins at 12:15 and is $10 per dog. Be sure to keep your pup on a leash and remember the clean-up bags! I know my dog Koa is looking forward to finding some eggs and sharing treats with some canine buddies. The money raised by this event will benefit the APA and the Mid-County YMCA's youth programs.
You and your dog can work off those treats at the April 26 "The Fast and The Furriest 5K Run and 1 Mile Walk" in Tower Grove Park. Visit www.apamo.org or call 314-645-4610 for more details.

Declutter, Do Good

Hello my fellow St. Louisians, I have a challenge for you. Grab an empty box and a timer. For the next twenty minutes tour your home looking for things that you don't use but felt like it would be a "waste" to get rid of them. That french-press coffee maker that you never used - in the box. The pressure-cooker that you received as a gift - in the box. That terracotta animal that can be coated in seeds that grow - in the box. We're going to give those items a purpose. Put the box in your car and drop it off at the Fairfax House at 9401 Manchester Road (in Rock Hill) between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. on April 18 for an upcoming rummage sale.

The Rock Hill Historic Preservation Commisson is sponsoring the rummage sale that will be held on Saturday, April 25 between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. The sale money will be used to fund the restoration of the Fairfax House. Your contribution will help to preserve our local history.

The Fairfax House was built in 1841 when Rock Hill was being settled. It is on the National Register of Historic Places and the Missouri Preservation's 2008 Most Endangered Historic Places list. The house is beautiful in its simplicity but it needs a lot of work if it is to survive.

Home Centers You Can’t Live Without

Do you dump the mail on the closest horizontal surface when you walk in your home? Is your coat draped over the closest chair to the door? Do school papers migrate from the backpack to a stack on the kitchen counter? Many of the homes I visit are troubled by the same challenging transitions. Transitions can create chaos unless you have systems in place to handle them.

The “launch pad” is the answer to “where to put it?” when you walk in the door. The launch pad should have a place to catch your keys, mail, coat, and purse when you first walk through the door. Add a shredder plus a recycle can and you have a very functional spot to catch everything including the dreaded junk mail. Now you will be able to shred and recycle that junk mail immediately. The launch pad elements are so simple that finding attractive pieces will be easy.

Use a table or a short shelving unit with proportions that fit the entry space. Use the tabletop to hold a basket or a tray for the mail. A smaller tray can catch keys or attach key hooks above the table. Tuck the trash and recycle cans under the table, and you will be able to remove the junk mail from the incoming mail before it even hits the mail basket.

If you do not have a coat closet, a coat tree or a coat rack is a necessity. Actually, I’ve set up coat racks in houses with coat closets. Hooks are much easier to use than hangers so people are more inclined to use them. It’s a simple solution for children and hurried adults who hate hanging coats. Use the coat closet to hang the coats that aren’t worn on a daily basis to avoid overcrowding the coat rack.

The “communication center” is the answer to how to broadcast schedules, phone messages and important snippets of information to everyone in the family. A message center, a calendar and a family satellite file are the bones of the family communication center. Set up your communication center in a place where family members frequent and everyone can see it. The kitchen is great location because usually every member of the family is there several times a day. But a mudroom or a family room may provide the best spot for your family.

Blackboards and whiteboards are great message centers. Unlike notepads the boards don’t get lost! Make sure the board has a ledge or clip to hold your writing instrument so it’s there when you need it. I also enjoy how these boards bring out the artist in family members who like embellish them with doodles or witty observations.

It’s a testament to our complicated lives that there are so many calendar choices. If you have younger family members you will probably need some sort of physical calendar in your communication center. In order to learn about time management, children need to have the tools to do so in an accessible manner. Seeing a calendar and discussing plans and schedules help children learn how to manage time. Post your weekly menu plan on the calendar and you might just spare yourself from hearing “what’s for dinner?” over and over again.

The busy adults and teens in the family may be better served by a web-based calendar that everyone can easily access and update from any location. A web-based calendar can save a lot of phone calls of the “what are we doing on such and such a date” variety. Look for a web-based calendar that interfaces with other scheduling software, such as Outlook, so individual calendars can be merged into a composite. I like Cozi (www.cozi.com) because there are all sorts of other handy features in addition to its calendar. Google calendar is another choice. Both of these web-based calendars are password protected for security, and you can print your calendar if you need a hardcopy.

The family satellite file collects the stacks of paper that come from the children’s schools, clubs, and sport teams. Minimally a parent inbox is needed. All papers go into the parent’s inbox so the parent can review them daily (yep, daily), and take the necessary action. Some of those papers contain information that will likely be referred to in the near future by both the parent and the child – like a sports team schedule. In this case it may be useful to set up a satellite file system that is part of the communication center and is accessible to the children. The system keeps the papers handy, models organization and keeps the household’s main reference file safe from little hands. Set up a file for each child. As soon as the need for the paper is over, recycle the paper. The physical container for the satellite file should be relatively small and easy to access such as a vertical sorter, a narrow desktop file box or a set of desktop drawers that sit on a counter.

The home centers discussed here are designed to structure transition points and minimize chaos. Remember, “transition” is the operative word when it comes to these home centers. The papers and items are only meant to rest there for a short period of time so that you can transition to other things.

Got Shredding?

Mea Culpa! The shredding date is April 18 NOT March 18!

The BBB is sponsoring a shred day on Saturday, April 18 from 8 a.m. until noon. Grab that box of paper that needs to be shredded and head over to the southeast corner of the Galleria parking lot (the corner closest to highway 40). This shredding event is free!

Why shred? Identity theft is a growing problem in this country. People do and will go through your recycle bin to grab a pre-approved credit card offer or the volumes of checks that the credit card companies send us. Protect your identity and your credit rating by shredding.

The Show, The Workshop, The Logo

What a week it has been! On Presidents' Day I was a guest on Great Day St. Louis. Carol Daniels, Niecy Nash and I talked about getting the clutter out of our heads as the foundation for successful organizing. Here is the link to our segment in case you missed it: greatday
Thanks to host Carol Daniels who made me feel so at ease. It was a lot of fun. I was surprised to learn how cold a TV studio is. I was freezing! But on the other hand, I didn't have to worry about a shiny nose!

Decluttering the mind is the focus of the first class of my upcoming workshop "Letting Go and Lightening Up." I am looking forward to a wonderful workshop. The people who have enrolled so far are so interesting and have a variety of gifts to bring to the table. Want more information? See www.clearspaces.org/workshop.aspx

Another exciting development: we will be getting a new logo! Talented artist Tim Sternau has been working on a logo that captures the spiritual basis of the Clear Spaces mission: to help people live healthy lives with peace and meaning through organization. When the new logo is unveiled there will be a celebration! Look for it.

Clear Spaces Featured on KMOV

Is there mayhem in your life? Perhaps your TV can help. Denise Lee, owner of Clear Spaces, will be a guest on KMOV's Great Day St. Louis on Monday, February 16. We will discuss Denise's upcoming organizing workshop, Letting Go and Lightening Up. Joining the discussion will be the celebrity host of Clean House, Niecy Nash (www.niecynash.com). Tune in to what promises to be a fun and high energy show on KMOV channel 4 at 10 a.m. on Presidents' Day(www.kmov.com/greatday).

Hey Buddy, Want A Good Deal On Elfa?

Most of my clients know that I am a huge fan of Elfa systems for a number of reasons. Elfa is strong, attractive and - with some many components - hugely flexible. Elfa introduced a freestanding unit last year which is perfect for the renter or someone who loathes drilling into brick or stone.

January is an excellent time to buy Elfa because The Container Store offers a 30% discount. What you may not know is the 30% sale will end on Friday, February 6 BUT if you buy an Elfa system during this time you may be eligible to purchase additional Elfa components until Presidents' Day. You will need to save the coupon and receipt from the original purchase to receive the extended discount.

So if you're not sure about how much you want to get, you have a week to try out your new Elfa system before adding some other components! Like I said - flexible.

Get Organized! Part Two

Last month I wrote about strategies for engendering lasting behavioral change as a generic framework for achieving any resolution. This month we’ll look at some strategies that specifically govern physical space. Although many of the strategies that will be discussed here also apply to time management, I find that covering these two aspects of organizing separately leads to a better understanding of each of them. It’s a little like eating a meal with small bites versus big gulps. The former leads to better digestion and is an overall more pleasant experience!

Then there’s the whole subject of maintenance. Maintenance is the key to keeping your environment organized. When done well, maintenance evolves with changes in our lives. Maintenance is a big subject and also deserves separate coverage.

1) Zone areas for use. Sure, the kitchen is for cooking, the office is for working and the bedroom is for sleeping. Within each room dedicate certain areas to specific activities. For example, in your kitchen you have a food preparation area, a food storage area, a cleaning area, a baking area, and -- if your kitchen is like mine -- a homework area. The activity determines zone.
2) Everything needs a home. Items that don’t have homes end up here, end up there, and end up everywhere! Items should be stored according to the activity they support and frequency in which they are used. In other words, put items in their appropriate zone. For example, all the items that you need to pay bills can be kept together and bill paying will become a relatively easy task.
3) The frequency of use determines where in the zone an item should be stored. Map each zone with a target of concentric circles. The bull’s eye is at the main activity center. To illustrate, the bull’s eye of the kitchen’s cleaning zone is the sink. Items that are used frequently in a zone should be stored at the bull’s eye. The dish detergent and the dishrag may be kept at the sink in our example. Items that are needed often, but not everyday, can be stored in the zone that is in the next “concentric circle” of space. For example, the cabinet under the sink is in this circle of space. Infrequently used items can be stored farther away from the bull’s eye so they do not impair access to the items you use frequently – which may be the very back of the under sink cabinet.
4) Every item must pay “rent” by being useful or emotionally significant; otherwise they are “squatters.” If you don’t like an item in your environment, you will think of that dislike every time you look at it. Negative emotions exhaust your energy. Plus the disliked item distracts attention from the items you like and impairs access to useful items.
5) Label everything. By labeling a space you declare what belongs and – just as important – what does not belong. OK you don’t necessarily need to go crazy with the label maker, but at least put a mental label on things. For example, I label the dining room table as the place where we eat; therefore, the daily mail does not belong there. In this example, I would argue that the daily mail is “homeless” and needs a place of its own to be stored. Obviously, I would not slap a physical label on my dining room table. But I probably would put a physical label on a series of containers so I can distinguish the contents of one from another.
6) Functionality must come first and then consider form. An organizing tool might be really cute, but if it doesn’t work with the way you think and you live it is clutter. I do believe that it is important to find items that are aesthetically pleasing, but if you start the search at what is functional for your lifestyle it will be easier to find something that you like. Just like aesthetics, functionality is very individual.

These half-dozen rules of organizing are fairly general, and you can apply them when organizing any area. Undoubtedly there are tricks and tips that can help in specific areas, but you are now in a good position for realizing that resolution to become more organized.