Getting organized

Having an organized house helps maximize the time you have for yourself.  I have read several books on getting organized.  When I am organized, I feel I can conquer any project that comes my way.  Here are a few ideas I think are worth sharing:

  • Keep a pad of paper and pen by your bed- to write down those things that might keep you awake and make you feel overwhelmed when you are trying to get some sleep.  When you review the list in the morning, it is reassuring to know most of the items were not worth losing sleep over.
  • Set your alarm to wake up a half an hour before you need to get your kids up in the morning.  Use this time to sort out what needs to get done for the day, make lunches and put backpacks together.  Trying to get your kids dressed and fed at the same time you  get yourself ready can make for a hectic morning.
  • Use a master/family calendar.  I have a routine of looking at my calendar every morning while I make coffee.  I look ahead for the week so I can remember what commitments are ahead.  Also, the family calendar makes it easy for  my husband and kids to check out what is going on for the week.  If I have time scheduled for myself, like weekly runs, I write them down.  Also, when I receive a schedule of games for my kids sports, I immediately write those games on the calendar that way I can toss the extra paper.
  • Get rid of clutter.  Have a basket where you can easily access any important papers, but keep them out of your “life space”.  I keep a basket at the end of my kitchen counter.  I have a file for each child.  When I empty their backpacks after school, I put all important reference papers into their respective folders and put all action papers in the front of the basket (field trip forms, school pictures forms). This system reduces the number of important papers that are lost and keeps the pile from building up on my island.
  • If you need to organize a large space- start small.  Begin with the area that you use most.  I find myself constantly organizing and cleaning my pantry.  I usually work on two shelfs at a time.  This takes me a total of 10-15 minutes.  After, a few short bursts of 10-15 minutes a day I have a clean pantry within a week.  Same policy applies for closets and drawers- take them one at a time.