subject: Easy Tips For Getting Yourself Organized [print this page] If you're like most people, you probably find it challenging to get and stay organized. Crazy schedules, work, family commitments and other things make it hard to find the time to make organization a priority. But if you make time to get organized, you'll find that a well organized home runs a lot more smoothly than a disorganized one. So, take a few minutes and use these tips to help get yourself organized and ultimately save time in the end.
Assessing Your Storage Options
It will be tough staying organized if you don't have the right storage options. Take a look at your closets, cabinets and shelves. Are they cluttered with things that simply do not belong there? If these things were to be removed, would you then have enough storage space? If not, you might need to consider adding a few additional storage options to your home. Furniture pieces with hidden storage can be a great option. Or, replace your short bookcase with a taller one, which can often double your available shelf space without taking up any additional floor space. Shelves on the wall are also another great way to add storage space without losing floor area. It is also important that your storage options are good match to what you actually need to store. For example, if you want to store hobby supplies in a spare bedroom closet, removing the clothes rod and retrofitting it with built-in shelves could be a good approach.
Don't Store It - Display It
Once you start, you'll likely find out that you have boxes of things that could easily be used for decorating your home. For example, that shoebox of old photos in the closet may contain several that you can place in wood picture frames and display upon the wall. Small items like spoons, stuffed animals, sports memorabilia, small metal cars and others can be used to decorate your home and therefore free up some valuable storage space.
Share the Work
If you want to get your home organized, make it into a family affair that the whole family helps to achieve. After all, everyone will be able to benefit from getting better organized. Although you might need to help children organize their bedrooms, it can be well worth the extra effort. Once their belongings are organized, it will undoubtedly be easier to keep their bedrooms clean. And tough jobs like cleaning out the basement or the garage can be a lot more enjoyable if you have someone to help.
Track Your Progress
Taking a few "before" photos can be a great way to show how much progress you make. Display a few of these photos in nice distressed picture frames on the wall, so that you can see how far you have come. Or, keep a scrapbook of photos that document your family's efforts to get better organized. Not only will you find it inspirational, but you'll probably enjoy looking back at it once the job is complete.
