“Getting Organized” conjures up different thoughts for people. Some think “getting organized” will be “expensive” because one “has to” purchase cabinets, bins, baskets and containers. Truth is, you don’t have to spend a lot of money to become and stay organized because organizing is a process not a product! The main components of the process are: motivation, skill and application. The tools (bins, containers, etc.) help, but don’t need to be expensive.
Start your process of getting organized by de-cluttering to create storage space. Begin by emptying your closets, one at a time. Sort into three categories: keep, dump or donate. Consider selling (garage sale or on-line) items to make extra cash!
Magazines, newspapers and catalogues consume huge amounts of space. Sort through and keep only one months’ worth of magazines (if you can’t read your magazines in a month, reduce subscriptions and save money) keep newspapers and catalogues only one week, then recycle them. Manage what you keep by getting magazine holders. Many choices are available that range from cardboard to acrylic. The main thing is to designate one holder for each category (magazines, catalogues, etc.). Commit to not keeping any more of each than will fit in its single container. When the container is full you must throw out the oldest to accommodate the newer ones. Be ruthless with this commitment!
Other frugal storage ideas are: ice cube trays or muffin tins for small items like earrings, buttons or push pins. Use checkbook boxes and small jewelry boxes to create drawer organizers in long shallow desk drawers for office supplies. Arrange them so there are no open spaces and you have the equivalent of a desk organizing tray. Empty tissue boxes can store plastic grocery bags; shoeboxes and lids can be used for kid’s socks and underwear. A three-ring binder can hold all instruction manuals in one place!
Wall space is often overlooked for storage. You can free up space in cabinets by hanging pots and pans, free up dresser space by hanging picture frames and jewelry (this increases chances you’ll wear it more often if you can easily see it); in the garage, hang bicycles and sports equipment. Most hooks needed for wall storage are inexpensive and can double as decorative!
If you think, this sounds great but how do I get started (that’s the “motivation” and “skill”), there is help available! Now just do it!
Barbara Ricketts is a Certified Professional Organizer (CPO). If you need assistance to simplify, declutter & organize, contact her at MessDoctor@Mac.com or call 661-433-7263.