Home Organization . Let's do this thing

BY GINA ERICKSON

We are all #alonetogether during this time and organization has landed at the top of many to-do lists. Since we are not able to go out and shop for new supplies to organize with, here are a few ideas to get you started with where you are and what you have:

Before getting started, here are a few tips to shift your perspective:

Prepare your process

1.Be thankful. Look around at your belongings and remember how fortunate you are to HAVE all of these belongings!

2.Question yourself. Focus on practical questions while you are going through items: A. Is it useful? B. Do I use it? C. Have I used it? If any of the answers are ‘no’, ask yourself ‘why not?’ then let that answer determine if it stays or goes.

3. Assess realistically. For sentimental items ask: A. Is this sentimental? B. How sentimental is this item? C. Imagine life 10 years from now and ask yourself if this item will still serve a purpose? Does it have a story attached to it to pass along to children? Can you envision your family or children using it one day?

Sort it out

Let’s get started on those spaces in your home! It’s important to start and stay in one area until you’re done. This way, you do not have multiple piles which can become overwhelming quickly.

The kitchen

What do you have that you have not used in the last year? Trends have us trying new homemade recipes and ditching fancy appliances (goodbye bread maker!). Now is a great time to go through cabinets, drawers, and pantry spaces to clear out any items you aren’t using.

Here are a few suggestions:

1. Consolidate kitchen gadgets.

More than likely, you don’t need 4 garlic presses. Pick your favorite one and put the others in a plastic tote to donate at a later time.

2. Sort through the pantry.

Go through expired canned goods and non-perishables. Make a list of items you use on a regular basis to re-stock when you make a grocery store trip.

3. Sort out baking dishes and pans.

If you have multiple of the same (or very similar pieces), pick your favorite or most used and place the remaining ones in a bin to donate at a later time.

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Closets

A. Start with the items you have worn in the past few months. Place those aside to keep. B. Take a look at the remaining items and ask yourself if these are pieces you will wear or if its time to part from them. When you can, take them to a donation site.

Bathrooms

Look through cabinets and drawers to sort through expired cosmetics, toiletries, and medicine. You can find a Makeup Expiration Date checklist online.

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Papers and Mail

Sort through old papers and mail. Shred any personal or confidential information that is no longer pertinent like old receipts, bank statements, medical bills, work documents, etc.* If you don’t have a shredder, set them aside to take to a bank or office supply store to shred at a later date.

*Make sure you don’t shred any documents that you are required to keep for tax or legal purposes.

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Re-organizing:

Once you have thoroughly sorted through your items and have made the decision on what stays, it’s important to put it back in a place where this item is functional, accessible, and can be used often!

Kitchen:

Organize like-items together. For example: make a drawer or utensil holder for all cooking utensils, oven mitts, and knives. This way, all of your kitchen utility items are close by, visible, and can be used effortlessly!

Closets:

If space allows, organize your clothing from heaviest to lightest. This means putting heavier items such as sweaters, shawls, and pull-overs together at one end, long sleeve shirts next, then tanks and tees at the other end. You can even “sub-categorize” by color as well. This is visually appealing and helps you find things much easier.

Grab extra bins or baskets you may have in the house to put likeaccessories together such as: scarves, hats/gloves, leggings, undershirts, or socks. Keep all like-items together and label each basket accordingly.

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The rest:

Continue the process in other rooms: Sort items into like-categories and then place items in an accessible and easy-to-reach area. For sentimental items, be sure to label bins, bags, or items clearly so that you know where these precious items are for the future.