Organizing Tips for August

 

This month we are concentrating our organizing on Toys and Electronics

But first:

Back to School items are now on sale and families are getting kids ready for a new year at college or school.  Take advantage of great bargains on those supplies not just for the kids but for you home and office, etc.  In Virginia we also have a tax free weekend the first weekend of August on many of those items. 

With that in mind, we need to make space for new items.  Here are some tips to guide you along the way.

Children’s Toys

• Children learn from their toys but there should be limits on how many they own and how many they can have out at one time.  Decide what that will be ahead of time and stick to it.  Encourage relatives and friends to give clutter free gifts to your children.
• Toys should be more difficult to get out than put away.  Books that are stored upright on a shelf are easy to pull out and more difficult to put back in order.  A better choice would be a dishpan, bucket or basket that makes the child look for the book he wants but will be easy for him to drop it back in when he is done with it.
• Depending on the age of the child, most toys should be kept in open bins arranged in cubes or shelves and labeled so that clean up easy.  Picture labels can be used for toddlers and large word labels for children learning to read.
• Some special toys or games can be stored on a higher shelf where only a parent can reach it as a reward or incentive for cooperation, responsibility, etc.
• Hanging pockets and plastic stacking drawers are good choices for small toys such as doll clothes, matchbox cars or train pieces.
• Puzzles should be kept in their original box.  The corners may need to be reinforced with clear tape.  Another choice is zip lock bags with the picture included.  Color code the backs of the pieces for each puzzle with markers or crayons. Then the correct pieces can be returned to the proper box if more than one puzzle is out at a time.
• Other storage options are over the window shelving to display some collectible toys, corner nets to hold stuffed animals and totes on wheels to transport toys that can be taken to other rooms temporarily and under the bed roll out containers or drawers.

Electronics

     Most families have electronic gadgets all over the house.  We even take our cell phones with us out of the house.  Here are some tips to help manage and organize  those.

• Label each end of cables and cords that they use.  A label maker or write on tape can be used to place the name of the electronic.  This makes it easy to identify when many cables are attached to power strips or if they are stored together when not in use.
• Donate unused electronics with their cables, power cords, etc.  Best Buy and other stores will give you a receipt for tax donations purposes.  If you are concerned about privacy, have the in-store geeks clean them while you watch.  If you can locate and identify the storage disk in them and know how to remove the data, you can do that yourself before donations.
• Resist the urge to have the latest and greatest technology.  In a few months it will be replace by yet another upgrade.  Try waiting until your current gadget is no longer usable.
• Contain remotes in one room to one basket or box. Since many televisions are used for VHS, DVD, and several electronic games, label the remotes with the name of the item they control. 
• Store the manuals near the electronics if possible.  Other manuals, receipts, etc. should be filed in the household reference files until the electronics are disposed.
• Control the accumulation of cables for one device in baskets that can be secured under the device.  Some will attach under the table top, shelf or desk.  Look online for specific models.  This makes cleaning around the device much easier, especially if they touch the floor.
• For the ultimate challenge, eliminate the TV, electronic reader and games, and the cell phone for anything but calling for one day.  You may have extra time to do the things you never had time to do.

The Healing of Kasey

There needs to be a record of significant life events to pass on to future generations.  God thought it was important and instructed the children of Israel to place stones as monuments for what God had done for them when they crossed the Jordan River into the promised land. Like the Israelites, it is important that we include in these life events those where God performed miracles.  Kasey is one of these.

Kasey is a border collie.  We bought her in December 2005 at 7 weeks of age.  She became a healthy, active, gentle and intelligent pet.  She was especially loyal to Eddie who spent time grooming and exercising her, mostly on 2 mile walks around the neighborhood.  We have concluded more than once that she is one of the best pets we have owned. 

In the summer of 2010, Kasey's nose began to drain thick bloody mucus.  At first we thought it could be a nasal infection due to allergies, but it did not stop after a couple of weeks.  We took her to the vet at the beginning of August 2010 and she concluded Kasey did not have an infection but there appeared to be a mass that they could not accurately detect with their x-ray equipment.  Kasey's gamma goblin levels were high indicating it may be cancer.  The vet referred us to a critical care clinic in Richmond with a specialist and special equipment to examine Kasey.

After extensive testing, scoping the nasal passage with a camera and biopsy and care overnight, the specialist in Richmond said she found a tumor in Kasey's right nasal passage that appeared to be cancer.  She confirmed what our vet concluded but added she would send the biopsy to a lab for further examination.  That lab came to the same diagnosis adding it was aggressive cancer and gave Kasey only 8 weeks to live.  The specialist had researched treatment options and related to us that surgery was not an option and the only treatment was radiation therapy.  This would have to be done out of state and would only give Kasey 2 more years.  We chose not to do it. 

We brought Kasey home from Richmond, placed her on our bed, laid hands on her and prayed for God to heal her.  After that every time Eddie cleaned up her nose (several times a day) he would thank the Lord for healing her.  We gave her only the regular dog food and no other vitamins, medicines, etc. Kasey progressively got worse and displayed several symptoms the specialist said we would see including bleeding from the tumor spreading to the left nasal passage.  Eddie found a place in the yard to bury Kasey since the situation appeared to worsen, but several times a day as he attended to Kasey, he continued to thank the Lord for healing her. 

Sometime in about the 7th of the 8 weeks, Kasey's symptoms disappeared and never returned.  After 12 weeks, our vet called "to ask about Kasey".  I thought she was so diplomatic and gracious in the manner she asked.  I told her Kasey was symptom free but she needed to talk to Eddie.  They never were able to connect, but 3 months later he took her in for her regular check up, shots, etc.  The vet was so shocked to actually see a living Kasey that she could not contain herself.  Eddie shared the entire story with her and she labeled her "our miracle dog".  She was declared perfectly healthy and had even gained a couple of pounds.  It was documented in the vet's  notes and she shared it with everyone in the office.  Each time we have taken her in for shot, etc. the vet shares Kasey's story with all those there once again.

It has been 3 years now that this story began and Kasey continues to be healthy, active, gentle and intelligent with no signs of any illness.  We don't understand all about miracles and healings or why God choses to heal some we pray for and not others, but we know He can and does heal. This event is once again proof that God's love for us is so great and that He cares about the things we care about.

Organizing Tips for July

 

      It is July and it is hot and humid as always.  I wonder if we spend as much time in air conditioning in the summer as we do the heated rooms in the winter.  Since we are enjoying our living rooms, family rooms or dens, let’s get them organized this month.  Here are some tips that might be helpful to you.

• Arrange electronic items such as televisions, CD and DVD players and video games in one area so the wires and cables can be contained together.
• Label each end of cables and wires related to the computer and other electronic equipment.  It will save much time in connecting or reconnecting
• Use wire baskets that can be mounted under shelves or cable ties to contain wires.
• Purge videos, CDs and DVDs that are no longer used.  Sell or donate them to a local charity, nursing home or hospital.  If you want to locate one again, they can be rented or borrowed from local libraries.
• Renting or borrowing movies and games is an excellent organizational choice and sets a good example for your children in managing finances and spaces.
• Store CDs and DVDs in their case vertically on shallow shelves or if space is limited, they can be removed from the case and placed in notebooks or cases with plastic sleeves.  Sort and arrange by category.
• Videos can be stored vertically on shelves or in shoe box type containers.  Do not stack flat as accessing those on the bottom is more difficult.
• Remotes and game joysticks should be contained in a basket, decorative box or container designed specifically for them.  Keep them within easy reach of the chair or sofa.
• Place a table or shelf near every seating area.  Large coffee tables can take the place of several small end tables.  Choose one with storage shelves, cabinet doors or drawers.
• Provide an area for playing with toys if you allow that activity.  A lower cabinet can be used to store those items or they can be taken back to the bedroom in a tote box or rolling crate.
• For reading areas be sure to have a comfortable chair with adequate lighting and a place to store books, magazines, newspapers, etc.
• Books should be purged from bookcases.  Keeping fiction books that you have read serves no purpose except to prove you own them.  Sell or donate them knowing you can borrow it from the library if you have time to read it again.
• Non-fiction books should be grouped by category.  Since information is always changing, using older books as reference many not provide recent findings.  Let them go and use the Internet to find the latest information.  The books are not your brain and letting them go will not cause you to forget what you have learned.  (Old age, however, may cause you to forget.  I speak from experience once again.)
• Sets of encyclopedias are dated the moment you get them.  Use the Internet or library for research.  Use their encyclopedias if you want to teach your children how to use them.
• Make friends with the library.  It is a wonderful place of knowledge and entertainment for your children and prevents book clutter from residing in your house.  Most offer excellent programs for adults and children.
• Mix books, plants, attractive storage containers or photographs on bookshelves for more interesting arrangements.
• Upper bookcase shelves and over the window shelving can be used to display collectables and photographs.
• Collections of similar items are more attractive when grouped together in displays.
• Keep an attractive container with pens, pencils, note pad and scissors in a convenient location in case they are needed.
• Card tables can be used for board games, craft activities or other projects.  When you are finished it can be folded and stored under the sofa, behind large furniture or in a nearby closet.
• If the family office is located in this room, reserve a space for a table or desk.  A drawer or attractive containers can hold desk supplies. 
• If a computer will be located in this room, consider placing a wireless system in your home to eliminate having to connect all of the components with cables.

 

 

Organizing Tips for June

Children’s rooms, Keepsakes and Travel

June is filled with activities and it is difficult to think about organizing. The best approach is to work in the areas that are already requiring time. Since it is the end of the school year and the children or grandchildren will be around, one subject to consider is their spaces and the keepsakes you have been saving for them. Of course travel is on the mind of most of us, too.

Children's Rooms

An avalanche of school papers may be arriving for you to handle this month.

My best advice is to let the child decide which to keep. Keepsake boxes or binders can be used for these.

Give one to each child and let it be the only place for special saved items. If it gets too full, let the child decide what to keep and what can go.

Resist the urge to get more or bigger boxes. Think about how many things you really need from your childhood to remember the good times.

Of course there are items they have made that you will store with your keepsakes, but be selective.

Children now have time to go through their rooms and eliminate items they have not used or no longer want or like.

Clothing that no longer fits can be sorted for sale or donation. Children grow quickly and by fall most of what they wore during the past year will not fit. Thankfully not much variety in clothing is need for the summer months.

If you are storing clothes for younger siblings to have later on, remember to label them as to sex, size and season.

Children need limits on everything except love and affection. They should not be allowed to collect an unlimited amount of matchbox cars, Barbie clothes, t-shirts, flip-flops or anything else.

Let the space determine how much can be easily organized in the given space and draw the line there. You will be teaching them good organizing habits and a lesson that there are limits in life.

Should they want a new item, remind them something they already have must go. This is the “one in—one out” rule that we all should follow.

Keepsakes

Too many of anything means none of them are special. This includes collections such as china, dolls, salt and pepper shakers, stamps, etc.

If space is limited and many of these items are stored in the attic or closets, consider saving only those that have special meaning and letting the remainder go to other family members or donate or sell them to anyone else who will appreciate them and has room for them.

Storing keepsakes out of site does not honor or respect the memories that go with them. Put those that you choose to keep in a place where they can be enjoyed and given the honor and respect they deserve.

Photographs are another source of keepsake clutter.

Save only the best from each activity. No one needs 100 pictures of the beach vacation. A few special pictures are all that is needed to capture that special time.

There are lots of ways to sort and save them in colorful scrapbooks and online in creative formats. I am not a scrapbooker, but I do admire the projects and products available from Creative Memories and other sources.

Travel

If you will be traveling this summer, create a permanent travel kit with activities for yourself and family. If it is only used for travel, the items will appear to be almost new and more interesting.

If you travel often and if you have storage space, create a permanent supply box or bag with items you always need. Some of these may be duplicates of items you use everyday at home but you will not need to disturb those.

A permanent travel checklist that you keep on your computer or in a convenient notebook is a great strategy to prevent forgetting items you always need. I keep one just for quilt retreats, my favorite travel experience!

For information on organizing your suitcase, check out this article I posted for the local newspaper:

http://hrblogs.typepad.com/homeandgarden/2011/05/organizing-your-suitcase.html

Make a point of enjoying the outdoors while the weather is nice. Keep outdoor umbrellas closed when not in use. It will extend their usefulness and prevent damage during high winds or thunderstorms. I have personal experience with this one.

And speaking of storms, this is the beginning of hurricane season. If you live in an area affected by hurricanes, high winds or rising waters, you should review the list of necessary emergency items and secure those now. Be sure to update your household inventory. More information on it can be found on a previous Blog I posted: http://organizingtipsfromorderlyplaces.blogspot.com/2009/06/pictures-for-inventory.html

Enjoy this month of weddings, graduations, flowers and outdoor opportunities. June is special in many ways.

Organizing Checklist for May

photo from cedarcreekgaragedoors.com

No one wants to be inside in the month of May. Flowers have been blooming, the weather is mostly nice and we are tired of being in the house. This is a good time to work on organizing the garage and getting the outdoors ready for summer activities.

Since the Garage is never first on our list of projects, let’s begin there. During the winter it often becomes a temporary dumping ground for items. If this is the spouse’s territory, be sure to work together as a team. God forbid that you should purge or arrange items that were “special”. I have found the most effective way to motivate a spouse is to begin purging and organizing your own things. This is the application of the teaching Jesus gives us to take the pole our of our eye before checking out the speck in another.  Sometimes the guilt factor will motivate the spouse when you are busy sorting.  Sometimes. Regardless, you never really can win a battle with a spouse so it is best not too make an issue of it.

 Try to visualize zoning items you store in the garage. Plan locations for gardening, sports equipment, tools, automotive supplies, etc. so they are together and separated from other areas.

 Take advantage of systems that will allow you to organize your items off the floor. It is much easier and faster to clean with fewer items on it.

 Check out the home improvement stores for hooks, peg boards or shelving units to hold items that are now stacked on the floor. For pennies or hundreds of dollars, you can invest in organizing solutions that will work for you.

 Be sure to label bins and cardboard boxes used for storage.

 Move out items you no longer need. Only things you continually use should be kept.

 Boxes of old magazines, newspapers, etc. should be recycled. Let’s face it. You didn’t have time to read them before and you won’t later on. There are too many new ideas coming at us everyday and those articles are outdated.

 Review the sporting equipment to see if it is still needed. Move on any you no longer use.

 Look for specialty hooks, bags and shelves to store the equipment you save.

 Be sure to keep children’s things at lower levels so they can access them without your help.

 A great plan would be to make room for the car if you have not already done this. Your automobile is probably the second most expensive investment you have made so take care of it. 

 Mark off a space for the car on the floor. Identify a wall item or hang a string or chain from the ceiling as a marker for how far you should pull forward.

 If outdoor, yard or garden items are kept in the garage, garden tools and accessories, look over each one and evaluate keeping, cleaning or removing it. 

 Remove rusted, broken or stained plant containers, stepping stones and other garden fixtures.

 Create racks or hooks for the tools and locate them together in one area.

 Specialty items are available to hang rakes, shovels, etc. so they do not get tangled together or take up floor space.

 Outdoor furniture may need to be cleaned before using, so check over each piece.

 Toys that are outgrown or no longer needed can be moved on.

 If you have water sports equipment or pool accessories, try to store those in good condition in their own area for convenience when they are needed. 

 Yard art is becoming very popular but be careful you do not allow it to take over. It can become clutter just like anything else. There is nothing more beautiful then flowering or luscious plants, shrubs and trees, so make them your focal point.

 Adding hanging baskets or a border of blooming flowers can make a significant impact.

 Once your garage is cleaned, you may consider a Garage or Yard Sale. Here are some reminders.

 **Collect, clean and repair items weeks ahead as you purge spaces.

 **Check prices of similar items. Put on price tags and store in a common area. (Preprinted price tags can be found in some stationery stores, dollar stores, etc.)

 **Choose a sale date. Join with neighbors if possible for a common date.

 **Check community rules and get permits if necessary.

 **Arrange for charity pickup or make plans for items not sold.

 **Write ad for newspaper, Craig’s List, newsletters, etc.

 **Make signs and flyers for bulletin boards and curbs where allowed.

 **Obtain sufficient tables, racks, etc. for items to be displayed.

 **Get change for large bills and newspaper, bags, etc. for fragile items or large sales.

 **Use extension cords for testing electrical items.

 **Place pens, paper, calculator, extra price tags, tape, and stapler at check out table.

 **After sale, remove signs, clean area and dispose of unsold items as planned earlier.

A few other reminders for May:

 Change the a/c filter and have a routine inspection of all its components before the scorching days of summer arrive.

 Clean ceiling fan blades and give other fans an inspection.

 Clean the carpets and floors. They were used and abused all winter and deserve a thorough cleaning. If piles of clutter or stacks of items are on them, consider moving the items to shelving, cabinets or tables.

 Floors are easier to keep clean when only furniture is on them. 

If you get all of this done in May, you are exhausted and need a vacation. Thankfully summer will be right around the corner and you should take advantage of it. Have fun!

Organizing Tips for April

Hopefully the weather will be improving over the next few weeks.  I am still waiting for the first blooms of my azaleas but the daffodils are out!  We are continuing with our yearly plan of organizing that we listed at the beginning of the year.  On the cool or rainy days, take some time to organize your linens and bathroom(s).

If space is limited in linen closets, consider placing extra sheet sets in the bedroom where they are used.  They can be stored in closets, inside under the bed containers or even under the mattress of that bed.

Replace heavier bedding with lighter weight items.  Some quilts or comforters need only to be put through the “air” cycle on the dryer to remove dust.  Store them in pillow cases or the large plastic bags now available to keep them clean.  Vacuum bags can also be used but be aware they will gradually allow air to return.

Remove sheets, blankets, etc. that are torn or in disrepair.  If they can be fixed, find someone to do it, otherwise, recycle them to local pet shelters or other appropriate places.

We often collect pillows and other bedding to have on hand in case guests stay overnight.  Evaluate what you have that has rarely or never been used.  Perhaps some of them can replace those you have removed, or they can be donated or sold to allow room for better organization of the space.

Make similar decisions about your bathroom linens.  Towels and wash cloths that are in disrepair should be removed and replaced with those you have been saving for a special occasion or purchase additional items on sale.  Most department stores have linen sales throughout the year and discount or outlet stores also offer good savings. 

 

I suggest rolling towels to make it easier for children (or adults) to choose their favorite towel with the least amount of disturbance to those remaining.

Many cotton items will dry rot if not used over a period of time.  This often occurs on the folded edges so check those that have been sitting on the shelf for a longer period of time.

Clear the bathroom counters and contain any times that must remain there.  Use trays, baskets, bins, etc. to make clean up easier there.   I love the portable totes that can be easily moved to other storage areas.  Give one to each person using the bathroom is space is limited.  Be diligent in removing old or expired products and store duplicates of items in another area.

Be sure all products in the bathroom have a label.  This is especially important with medicines.  You may check out taking expired medicines to your local pharmacy or ask them the best way to dispose of them.  Flushing in the toilet or garbage disposal is no longer recommended because of contamination of local waters.

If the bathroom needs updating, consider using hooks rather than bars for towels.  Children find them much easier to use so be sure to put those lower on the wall or door.  Consider using dark or disposable towels for removing make-up

Placing a magnifying mirror on the wall saves space and is more convenient that a portable model.  Using pull out shelves or wire baskets under the sink will make access much easier to items stored in the back of those cabinets.

Keeping these areas organized requires daily maintenance because of daily use.  Setting up a schedule and requiring participation of all the family members can help keep them clean and neat.

Housework and Exercise

Exercise is not made more fun as housework.  It is probable that you have heard or read that you can create a mini-workout by incorporating exercises while doing these menial tasks.  "Do squats by lowering your body as you reach into the dishwasher to unload it or stretch higher when hanging clothes in the closet."  I personally have never done these because I want to get through those chores as quickly as possible.  I don't like to think about exercise then either.

But I have discovered housework can actually use muscles.  For the past year I have been working with a personal trainer.  We alternated upper and lower body muscles each session until I became very strong according to his evaluations.  I just learned, however, that some muscle groups were missed during those vigorous sessions.  For two days last week I vacuumed, mopped, dusted, and scrubbed a vacation cottage we rented.  I wanted to leave it nicer than I found it, and that took some elbow grease.  The following 2 days my body ached like I had never moved a muscle in the past year. 

So now I must confess from personal experience that you actually can exercise your muscles when you do housework (whether you want to or not).  I am not recommending it, but if it seems like a good idea to you, then use that time doing your household tasks to get in shape.  Go ahead, squat, stretch and convince yourself you are your own personal trainer.