Zones for Family Room Organization

Photo Credits By: Carrie Qualters

It may be helpful to have a true vision of how you want the room that you will be organizing to look in appearance. Also, you should decide on the main purpose and function of the room.

Photo Credits: By Carrie Qualters

You may decide to select a few different zones for your room when developing your organizing plan. One specific room in your home may need to be multifunctional for your family. A family room is a good example of this type of room.

Photo Credits: By Maegan Tintari

It is a common practice for many people to actually incorporate a little office space into their main living area. A nice office desk and a few coordinating shelves may easily blend into a family room environment. 

The advances in today's technology make it conducive for moms, dads and teenagers to want a little office space of their own at home. The family room is a common place to organize a small corner area dedicated for a desk, chair, and a few shelves.

Photo Crefits: By Carrie Qualters

Another popular section of a family room is an area set aside specifically for reading and enjoying some relaxation.

As you can easily see, one family room could function well with the following three individual zones:

1. Television/Movie/Gaming Zone

2. Home Office Zone

3. Reading Zone

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25 Tips For Organizing Your Kitchen

Photo Credits: By Sonja Lovas

Are you ready to read about some helpful tips on the subject of organizing the kitchen? I think the above photo is a prime example of a beautifully organized kitchen. 

Most people have busy schedules every day and it is so easy for their kitchens to become somewhat disorganized at times. Good organizing habits and a little daily maintenance can help to keep the kitchen area clean and free of clutter.

When my kitchen is organized, it definitely saves me a great deal of time and effort when I am preparing my family meals. I can cook more efficiently and I actually enjoy cooking a little more when my kitchen is decluttered. I have a great passion in general for organizing the house. That is the main reason that I became a professional organizer.

Many women need to spend a lot of time in the kitchen each day. It may be helpful to keep the kitchen organized, so your time spent in the kitchen is more enjoyable. These are some of my organizing ideas and tips that I personally use in my own kitchen.

1. I try to keep all kitchen countertops free of unnecessary clutter.
2. It is helpful to clean up and wipe my kitchen countertops immediately after preparing my family meals. 
3. We load the dishwasher after meals. I make sure the kitchen sink is clean and free of any dishes every evening before bedtime, so our family can enjoy a clean kitchen for breakfast.
4. Every evening, I clear the countertops of any unnecessary clutter that may have accumulated throughout the day.
5. When I clean my kitchen, I organize one cabinet at a time and just concentrate on that "one specific task" until I complete it and move on to the next task. 
6. I place most of the kitchen items that I frequently use in an appropriate safe area where I have easy access to them.
7. It may be helpful to keep any kitchen appliances that you do not use on a daily basis inside your kitchen cabinets, instead of keeping them on top of your countertops. (This may provide some extra space for your food preparation area.)
8. You may decide to place large or heavy kitchen appliances that are not routinely used everyday on a bottom shelf inside a lower kitchen cabinet. (A possible example would be a large or heavy-duty kitchen mixer that is only used periodically.)
9. I keep "like"or similar items together inside my cabinets, such as the following categories: dinner plates, bowls, glasses, coffee mugs, pots and pans, etc.
10. I have a Lazy Susan for my collection of spices that I use for cooking every day.
11. I labeled clear plastic containers to keep my vitamins in specific categories.
12. There are a variety of pull-out shelves that you can purchase for kitchen cabinets. These are helpful for easy access to your frequently used kitchen items.
13. I had a few drawers in my kitchen that used to be "junk" drawers, until I neatly organized everything by using individual drawer dividers.
14. In my pantry, I have placed all of the items with the oldest expiration dates in the front section of my shelving. I will be more likely to use these items first.
15. I routinely label all of my left-over food stored in my refrigerator with the content and the correct date.
16. I try to clean and wipe inside of my refrigerator before I go to the grocery store for a large order of food. I do a visual inventory of the food items inside my refrigerator and freezer before I go to the store, so I am less likely to buy duplicate items when shopping.
17. I keep one separate list of any specific items that I need to restock my pantry when I go to the store each week to buy my groceries.
18. If I happen to come across a kitchen item that I haven't used in quite awhile, I place the item in a separate box and put it away for a month to see if I still need to keep that item or I may decide to donate it. 
19. Also, we keep one separate "donation" box at our house to collect any items that we no longer need or want anymore.
20. I keep a labeled basket in one specific area in my kitchen to collect the mail until I sort through it each day.
21. It is so nice to have a dedicated area in the kitchen to have a small desk and a little shelf, or even a basket for your favorite cookbooks. The desk area is a great place for menu planning and paying bills. An action folder on top of your desk may be helpful to remind you of current bills, letters, appointments, etc. The desk area is an excellent place to keep your calendar, bulletin board, or weekly menu planner posted for your family.
22. Recently, I have narrowed down my very large collection of cookbooks. I decided to only keep the ones that I use frequently. I donated several cookbooks. There is a nice consignment store in our area that even sells used cookbooks, which is helpful.
23. I have been cutting out some of my favorite recipes from magazines and keeping them all togehter in plastic protector sheets inside one special binder that I made specifically for recipes. 
24. I also made one individual binder with various categories: home organizing projects, vacation plans, school projects, home improvement plans, decorating ideas, etc. 
25. Lastly, I use a printed grocery list that I can easily modify each week. 

Photo Credits: By Susan Serra, CKD 

I thought the above photo was a beautiful example of a desk area within an organized kitchen.

I hope you enjoyed our discussion about organizing tips for the kitchen. Also, you may want to check out a helpful link regarding specific organizing products: Kitchen Cabinets and Pantry Organizers at 
http://www.organizedatoz.com/Shelf-Organizers-s/46.htm?click=7114.

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Ten Smart Organizing Tips - Time Management That Really Works

By Jane Alais 

There are ten smart organizing tips to manage your time in a productive satisfying way. Time management is defined as the ability to arrange, organize and schedule your time so you are more effective and productive in everything you do. Here are ten simple tips that will organize your day and let you do more with less.

1. Match task with time. Use this organizing tip to schedule time consuming tasks on less busy days, giving you the ability to organize your week better. This also prevents you from scheduling more than you can do to streamline your week.

2. Plan ahead and write things down. This often means using a planner and taking a bird's eye view of what you want to accomplish. This lets you preplan grocery shopping consolidate errands, schedule in the time you need for your business or work and plan quality time with friends or family.

3. Think about creating a schedule and blocking time into half hour or hour time periods. This lets you limit distractions, creates focus and makes clear boundaries between work and play.

4. Organize as you go: spending a few moments organizing your desk, making a short list, or filling in a planner is a best time saver you can do. Small organizing moments can save hours in your week.

5. Limit multi tasking. Research has shown multi tasking may actually work as a distraction decreasing your ability to finish tasks efficiently. Get clear on the outcome or result you want to create and focus fully on the task you are doing at that time.

5. Group similar tasks together. Try consolidating errands, phone calls, e-mails, housework, or any personal projects. Doing similar or related tasks together gets you into the zone and often tasks flow to completion.

6. Develop a rhythm or routine for the things you have to do. Scientists state complex tasks become easier and general tasks can be done quicker when part to the process becomes a routine. Doing tasks at certain times of the day or week get you into a rhythm creating momentum and energy around what you do.

7. Prioritize daily. Look at your day and highlight the tasks that would bring you the most benefit. Put these at the top of your list and do them first.

8. Focus on task completion. Always start with the end in mind. If you are unable to complete a larger task break it down into smaller actions and focus on completing each step.

9. Set aside refresh time. If you find getting work done is really difficult you may not be scheduling enough time to rejuvenate and relax. Having a balance of work and play helps you to work quicker with more enthusiasm and concentration.

10. Reassess at the end of the day. Take a few minutes to re think your success or what you need to improve and make a plan for the next day. These little shifts in action that can help you be productive and efficient.

Time management skills are essential for anyone who works, manages a home and family, studies or is working in a home business. Try these smart organizing tips for better time management and increased efficiency.

Want to clear clutter and manage time better? Click here and to go to http://www.declutterbefree.com for your special free report.

Jane Alais is a professional organizer, the creator of Declutter Befree.com and the author of Get Organized-Get Happy A Step by Step Guide to Clear Clutter and Organize Success. She writes about strategies and solutions to declutter, organize and energize your home and your life.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jane_Alais
 

What's Your Relationship to Clutter?

By Linda Samuels 

Are you and clutter on a break? Your space is clear and you're feeling stress-free. Perhaps everyone around you is clutter obsessed, but it's not on your radar. Piles that have accumulated on floors, surfaces, corners and closets don't bother you. Or, does the clutter in your physical space, and also in your schedule and thoughts overwhelm you? What is your relationship to clutter? Are you on a clutter hiatus, oblivious to clutter or overwhelmed by it?

Thinking about this relationship will help locate where you are with your clutter and give you ideas for possible next steps. I recognize that it's not this black and white. Our relationship to clutter can shift regularly. This is just one concept. Find what makes sense to you.

Clutter Break

• You know you're on a clutter break if you can easily move around your space, find what you need when you need it, and are not experiencing daily stress that is often associated with too much clutter.
• Next Step: Your relationship to clutter is positive. You have no clutter worries and can shift your energy to other areas of your life. Choose what interests you like focusing on better self-care, having more time with friends and family, or learning something new. What's possible for you?

Clutter Oblivion

• You don't quite get what all the fuss is about. You have some piles here and there. What's the big deal? You sometimes hunt for things, but for the most part you can find what you need. You prefer your things out and visible, but it's the people you live that don't like it. They give you a hard time because their clutter tolerance and yours are not the same.
• Next Step: Conflicts arise when needs are contrary. It's not that your way or their way is right or wrong, it's just different. Living with other people involves compromise, if you desire a more harmonious environment. So what might work? One suggestion is to create zones for communal and private areas? Establish boundary rules for these areas. The private areas can be kept any way the "owner" wants. The communal areas can include respect rules agreed on through compromise. What else might work?

Clutter Overwhelm

• The spaces, the thoughts, and the schedules are overflowing. There is not enough room to do what you need, have mental energy to feel calm, or time to make any changes. Or, at least it feels that way. The days aren't flowing well. You spend time hunting for glasses, keys, the library book that's due. You have so much going on in your head that you feel like it's going to explode. Your calendar is over-scheduled and you feel like there is not time to relax.
• Next Step: You always have choices. Especially now because you are so overwhelmed, it's critical that you take a step back. No prizes are given for those that burn themselves out. Find a quiet space, make a cup of tea, and start to brainstorm about what can be released. For the physical clutter, can a closet, a drawer or a surface be de-cluttered? One small action can make an enormous difference. For the mind clutter, can you take 10-15 minutes to do a brain download? Get those floating thoughts out onto paper, computer or voice message. With the full calendar, think through your commitments. Can you convert any of the "yeses" into "not nows?" Self-care might seem like impossibility right now. It's more critical than ever. Break it down. Think small. What single tiny step can you take now?

What is your relationship to clutter right now? What is next?

Compassionate, enthusiastic Professional Organizer, Linda Samuels invites you to visit http://www.ohsoorganized.com to get your free monthly motivational e-newsletter about organizing and life balance. Get your bonus "Organizing Tip 101" series upon sign-up.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Linda_Samuels

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De-Clutter and Reorganize to Help Sell Your Home Faster - Where to Start

By Sue West 

Take a Tour of Your Home - De-clutter to Show Its Spaciousness

Moving is one of the top stressors in our lives; now is the time for expert support from your Broker/Realtor, Stager and Certified Professional Organizer.

Take an objective person with you to assess your home from a buyer's standpoint.

Figure out what makes the room seem full or cluttered.

Come up with a game plan.

Decide what to Keep, Toss, Give Away or Sell

Start with a room you use often. You'll notice the differences because you're in the room frequently. This helps you stay motivated.

Any items you haven't used in 6-12 months? Can you donate, resell or recycle?

If you haven't used it in a year, do you really need it? Can you borrow or repurchase?

Who else might appreciate the item? Family? Friend?

Will you need the item while your house is on the market? That's a keep-but-store decision.

Reorganize to Release the Clutter

1. Holiday gatherings: An opportune time to pass along the tradition (and dishes)!

2. Clear out clutter-attractors -- armoires, desks, hutches. Sort and reorganize. These are magnets for clutter. Shelves and drawers can seem cluttered if not organized. Group together similar items in organizers, baskets or bins.

3. Closets: Decide on a purpose for each closet. Weed/reorganize based on purpose.

4. Photos, family items, collections: Save your favorites. Memory boxes can honor memories and limit how much you can save.

5. Pictures/paintings: Clear walls and tabletops make a room feel spacious.

6. Attics: "Someday" is today! Weed out and store while your house is on the market.

Picture your rooms with nothing in them. See how large the rooms seem? Now visually start putting things back in the room. The point here is to allow you to live more simply ... and for potential buyers to see how much space is truly there for all their "stuff."

Sue West, Space4U,ll Organizing Services
http://www.OrganizeNH.com
603 765 9267
Coaching, speaking, one on one assistance and do it yourself options!

Downsizing Dilemmas - Solved ! Take a look ... http://organizenh.com/store.htm

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sue_West

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Declutter in 5 Minutes: Your Ideas List

By Sue West 

I needed someone's business card this morning. I only keep the most recent cards, before I've put them into Outlook Contacts, which I live by.

I found the card, but I took literally 3 minutes to look through my stack of about 20 cards. Why do I have 20?

One presentation this week and one networking group = 20 cards to decide on.

So I made decisions on who gets to live in Outlook Contacts, because I actually do want to keep up. (And, here's another hint: I put a task reminder into my calendar to check in monthly with groups of or certain individuals. I would never naturally remember to do this. )

What else can you declutter in just a few minutes?

Why bother with the little stuff?

Two reasons: (1) Little stuff grows up. Into big piles of stuff.

And (2) the little stuff thinks it's hiding, but it's really not. It lives inside our drawers, closets, on our shelves.

Though it's behind closed doors, we KNOW ABOUT IT.

We remember there's stuff there and we feel... guilty, annoyed, like a fake. The monkey's on your back.

And the little stuff adds up: I spent 2 minutes today, but if I'd let that pile get bigger, I would've used up more time looking for this one card.

When there's more stuff to look through, there's more wasted time in looking for the one thing you really want.

Little stuff decluttering ideas

And by the way, you will be amazed at how great this makes you feel. On top of the world.

These are ideas which would take from 3 - 15 minutes.

• A junk drawer.
• Business cards stack.
• Pencil tins or those pencil drawers that have more pens and pencils than you'll ever use.
• One section of your recipe box/book.
• One bin of arts and crafts materials, or one shelf.
• Receipts.
• Mail.
• One file folder.
• One drawer in the bathroom.
• Your utensils holder in the kitchen.
• The linen closet (maybe 10 minutes here).
• One pantry shelf.
• One box of DVD's, movies, photos.

When --Make it easy

The easiest way, so that you hardly notice you are decluttering, is as I did it in my business cards example.

You go looking for something and you declutter that small space.

You put away the laundry - and declutter one drawer.

You cook dinner tonight, and while you're waiting on a part of the meal, declutter the utensils holder or your recipe box.

When you file something away next time, take 2 minutes and weed out a file.

You sit at your computer on Monday -- and declutter your file folder. Just one.

Set a timer if you need to or if you're not cognizant of time going by so well.

Organizing and Organizing Coaching services. Supporting you in creating the next chapter of your life, moving on from significant life changes and to a new phase. Empty house, career switch, growing small business, diagnosis of ADD or other brain-based challenge, suddenly single, downsizing. You feel like how you organize your life, your things and your space needs to change, too.

Call us: 603 765 9267
Email us: Sue@OrganizeNH.com
Visit our website: http://www.OrganizeNH.com
Or find us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sue_West

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