This is one place (OK, two places) where I get to really have fun, talk about what I LOVE to do, and be a little silly when the mood strikes me. Just because I'm organized, doesn't mean I'm straight-laced! Please feel free to peruse my thoughts on being uber-organized, and all the crazy stigmas that go with that. I also share all my fave organizing products and trends.
The Pile High Club: how NOT to become a member - This is my blog on OnlineOrganizing.com about household paperwork. Take a gander if you have questions about or want tips on managing papers in the home. And I don't mean just like, mail, I'm talking about ALL kinds of papers in the home: catalogs, recipes, books, journals, thank you cards, stationery, kids' artwork, homework, receipts, vital record files, shredded stuff, origami, etc.
Space'd Out - I'll be making changes to this blog on a semi-regular basis, sharing personal news, views, experiences, photos...whatever occurs to me. So please, check back often!
from Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine, February 2008
OK, Mommies, it's that time of year again. You've made your new year's resolutions and taken stock of all the things you hope to get accomplished this year; things like creating a streamlined morning routine, updating the dŽcor in your living room, and sorting through last year's toys and clothes to make room for all the things the grandparents bought the kids for the holidays. Also add, losing that last bit of baby weight (even though your kids are 9 and 12) and making an effort to initiate physical contact with your husband before he forgets who you are and who the two of you used to be before kids.
This list-or your own, which may be longer-might seem overwhelming, but you can get through it one item at a time. Today let's start chipping away at the kid clutter. Here are three easy steps for clearing the vortex of kid stuff that has taken over your house so you can start 2008 with some white space on your kitchen counters. Sorting and organizing families is something I know a good deal about because: First, I am a professional organizer and member of NAPO (National Association of Professional Organizers), so I'm a neat freak by trade, and quite adept at home editing. Secondly, I am a wife and working mother running my own business. My kids are 2 and 5. Nuff said.
So let's begin.
1. Use the momentum from post-holiday overload to purge your kids' rooms. I'm a big proponent of the "one in, one out" rule. So since your children no doubt received about 20 new things this holiday, that means at least 20 old ones should go. Start by taking a room-by-room inventory. If your children are older than four involve them in this process so they learn the importance of prioritizing and decision-making. Put all like items together so you (and they) can see exactly how many Wii paddles, Hanna Montana books, and tubs of blue Play-Doh you actually have. Throw out or put in a "donate" bag those toys, books and clothes that are duplicates or are no longer age-appropriate. Use black or opaque garbage bags so once the items are designated to donate, your kids do not see them again and change their minds about letting them go. Take the bags immediately to your car trunk so they can be dropped off on your next round of errands.
2. Allow yourself some memories. Yes, I'm an organizer, but I'm also a mom so I could not with good conscience tell you throw away everything that they no longer use. Allow yourself ONE bin per kid in which to keep sentimental clothes, shoes, books and toys. However, once that bin is full, do not buy another bin. If you need to add a piece of priceless artwork by McKenzie, make quick work of looking through the bin, and remove something that now seems less important or adorable.
3. Start Small. If you (and/or your children) have a short attention span, commit to working hard for one hour rather than all day. Allow yourself breaks (breaks that involve chocolate or marshmallows) and ease into it. Don't try to conquer the whole house in one Saturday. Purging can be very emotional for your toddlers, tweens, teens, and you!
Side note: You can use these same principles when asking your hubby to let go of some of his old sports memorabilia, college textbooks or ratty gym clothes.
Tampa Tribune July 2008 - Click Image Below to View Article
