Easy Ways to Save Time and Energy by Organizing

or·gan·ized/ˈôrgəˌnīzd/

1. To arrange in a systematic way, esp. on a large-scale.

2. Having one’s affairs in order so as to deal with them efficiently.

“People think getting organized is daunting, but it saves you so much time and energy in the long run.” Nate Burkes

What is your organizing style?  Are you a Revealer, who puts things on display?  Are you a Concealer who hides it away? Even if you can’t fit into these styles, here are easy ways to reduce stress by being organized at home and at the office.  Clutter is one of life’s easiest things to fix.  It takes just a few minutes so set aside time on your calendar to do these simple things and in the long run, your life will be easier to manage.

In the Office

Revealer:

• a memo board for invitations and memos keeps your eyes on what’s current
• a shelf frees your desktop
• a clear sorter with labeled folders keeps key files in view
• bins for storing individual items keeps things tidy

Concealer:

• dividers turn a drawer into a smart system and keeps supplies out of sight and close at hand
• binders in coordinating colors keep papers in order by topic
• clear plastic sleeves protect precious documents.  Comes in archival quality, too.
• creating a magazine and reference library, separate from other documents eliminates clutter
• investing in a label maker keeps tabs uniform and easy to read

In the Family Room

Revealer:

• designate an eye-catching remote controller holder dish to encourage the family to use it when the show is over
• put gaming accessories in a basket
• wrap cords with masking tape and label
• use wire baskets to organize tapes, books, games, videos and cd’s

Concealer:

• purchase an even open bookcase to store bins, books and games
• create binders for mom and dad and binders for kid’s movies and games instead of jewel cases
• use cigar boxes and metal boxes found at vintage and thrift stores to store extra cords, clickers, iPods, remote controls
• purchase a bench-box to store stuff out of sight and provide extra seating
• keep extra blankets in a storage chest that becomes a table and extra seating

In Your Dressing Area

Revealer:

• attach a wood, 2 x 1 inch board, painted, to the wall.  Add decorative hooks for necklaces and bracelets
• nail jar lids to the wood board, screw the jar to the lid for containing small things.  Use spice jars.
• use a wall mounted paper towel holder to organize and display bracelets
• use trays on top of the dresser to hold coins, watches, glasses and rings

Concealer:

• hang an inexpensive medicine cabinet for an added mirror and storage
• label small boxes inside the cabinet and in drawers to bring order to baubles.  Group items by style.
• put sorters in drawers for socks, scarves, nylons and under garments
• put scented drawer liner paper in your drawers and every time you open your drawer to put items away, it’s a memorable experience
• put tissue paper inside your sweaters when folding to eliminate wrinkles

From an article in Good Housekeeping, What’s your organizing style?”, January, 2012