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This advice appeared in the P.O.S.T Professional Organizing Strategies and Tips newsletter. To learn about Professional Organizers in Canada click this link http://www.organizersincanada.com/.
There’s something about summer, the lure of the open road and the promise of a change of scenery that makes us want to load up the car and just go some place. If there’s one time you really want to be organized, it’s when you’re traveling. Traveling requires more organization than we may possess in our daily lives, so cut the stress by following an organizing checklist for inside the car.
Planning & Prepping
- Make sure your car is in good condition – oil checked, tires inspected and filled – test the air conditioning and wiper blades.
- Driver’s licenses, passports, insurance cards, ownership and registration, and contact numbers for roadside assistance should be readily accessible. Make spare copies and leave with a travel companion.
- The spare tire and jack – are in good shape and are easy to access. An emergency car tool kit should include an orange flag or pylon that you can use to signal for help if needed. Learn how to change a flat tire.
- Spare set of keys – in case they get locked inside the car or drop out of your pocket. (Even if you have to call a locksmith to open the car, you’ll be able to drive when it’s unlocked.)
- Plastic grocery bags for garbage – always!
Keep your backseat organized with a portable blue bin
- These blue bins fit between two seats and can hold a lot of gear. Each young member of the family can have their own bin for a blanket, sweatshirt, hat, sunglasses, and spare shoes. They can access anything that they need on their own and have a place to wrangle their souvenirs.
- A file box with a labeled folder for each section of the road trip.
Maps
- A traditional map or print custom maps for your journey at GoogleMaps or MapQuest Route Planner. CAA or AAA will also provide route maps.
- (GPS) A Global Positioning System – some travelers say they wouldn’t leave home without one!
- APPS are available on smartphones to find everything from restaurants, hotels, parks, and other points of interest as well as weather reports and plenty of games, quizzes and puzzles for young ones.
- Book the hotel ahead so you don’t have to find a place at the end of the day. Find hotels with generous cancellation policies.
In-Car Diversions
- Music – A playlist or CD collection if you’re traveling through an area where radio signals might be sketchy.
- Audio Books, DVDs and a laptop are great to have because it means you don’t need to spend time uploading content to your phone or iPad before the trip when you may be busy. Check out your local library.
- Spare batteries, charging cables and electricity power converter for electronics.
- Healthy Snacks: fruit (apples can keep well for a long time), pretzels, granola bars, crackers and nuts, along with a few fun treats. A trip to the grocery store along the way can help you save money too because the costs of dining out can add up.
- Beverages: A soft-sided cooler packed with water bottles and low-sugar soft drinks.
Toiletries within easy reach
- Tissues, paper towels, cleaning wipes, hand sanitizer and a roll of toilet paper, in case the rest stop isn’t well-stocked.
- Prescription medicines as well as basics like pain relievers, antacids and remedies for motion sickness.
- Sunglasses, sunscreen and insect repellent.
- A first aid kit with antiseptic and band-aids for minor cuts, cortisone cream for insect bites, and bandages.
Clothing & Comfort
- Wear comfortable clothing – no items which restrict or bind.
- Wear shoes that are easy to take on and off. Always have a pair of closed toe shoes available.
- A sweater or jacket over a T-shirt for instant respectability in public areas.
- A small blanket if you disagree with the temperature setting within the car.
- A pillow from home for an unfamiliar hotel bed.
Finally
- Think twice before posting about your trip on social media if your house is currently empty!!
What are your best traveling tips? Share it with us in the comments.
Julie Stobbe is a Trained Professional Organizer and Lifestyle Organizing Coach who brings happiness to homes and organization to offices, coaching you virtually using Zoom. She has been working with clients since 2006 to provide customized organizing solutions to suit their individual needs and situations. She uses her love of teaching to reduce clutter, in your home and office. She guides and supports you in managing your time. If you’re in a difficult transition Julie can coach you to break-free of emotional clutter constraining you from living life on your terms. Online courses are available to help instruct, coach and support your organizing projects. Get started by downloading Tips for Reorganizing 9 Rooms.
Contact her at julie@mindoverclutter.ca
Twitter – Facebook – Facebook group Organizing Mind and Space
Reading Time – 2 minutes
Success in doing laundry starts with packing the right clothes. When packing for college or university stay away from white clothes, they will turn grey and red clothes that will turn everything pink. Leave them at home. Pick clothes that can survive a washer and dryer. There won’t be much hand washing of clothes.
1. Practise
If your student has not done laundry at home use the last week or two before they leave to teach them how to use a washer, sort laundry, empty pockets and use a stain remover. If they bring their laundry home from school it is a good time to teach them how to do it
2. Money
Find out if the washers and dryers need coins or if money is put on a plastic swipe card. Put some money on the card or send coins to get them started and into the habit of doing laundry. It is a good investment for both parents and students.
3. Laundry “Basket”
Provide a central collection area for their laundry in their room. It might be on the back of a door or chair, a bin or bag in the closet. Buy one that is ventilated so damp clothes can dry. It needs to be portable so they can move it easily to the Laundromat which may be on another floor.
4. Supplies
Buy liquid laundry detergent because it dissolves quickly and comes in small bottles. It is better to have a supply of small bottles than a large one which is heavy and hard to take to the Laundromat. Buy fabric sheets for the dryer as the student will probably never be there for the rinse cycle.
5. A place to hang damp clothes
Have a place to hang up clothes – a line, door hooks or a free-standing wire rack in their room for things that are damp or that they don’t want to put in the dryer. Folding wooden or wire racks can be hidden away when they are not in use under the bed or in the closet. Over the door hooks come in many styles to fit the door and space.
6. Who does the laundry, parent, student, at home or school?
Decide if you will do their laundry when they come home on weekends. Set the policy early so there are no surprises.
You’re all set to take care of your laundry. Read about a checklist that will help you pack for university.
Share your experience about laundry successes and failures.
Julie Stobbe is a Trained Professional Organizer and Lifestyle Organizing Coach who brings happiness to homes and organization to offices, coaching you virtually using Zoom. She has been working with clients since 2006 to provide customized organizing solutions to suit their individual needs and situations. She uses her love of teaching to reduce clutter, in your home, office, mind and time. She guides and supports you to be accountable for your time, to complete projects and to reach your goals. If you’re in a difficult transition Julie can coach you to break-free of emotional clutter constraining you from living life on your terms. Online courses are available to help instruct, coach and support your organizing projects. Get started by downloading Tips for Reorganizing 9 Rooms.
Contact her at julie@mindoverclutter.ca
Twitter – Facebook – Facebook group Organizing Mind and Space
My guest blogger this month is Sarah Thompson a renowned productivity enthusiast and organizational expert. With over a decade of experience managing home offices, she has helped countless individuals transform their workspaces into efficient and inspiring environments.
Working from home has become increasingly common and having an organized home office has never been more crucial. Whether you’re a remote worker, a freelancer, or someone who needs a productive space to tackle personal projects, a well-organized workspace can significantly impact your efficiency and overall well-being. In this digital age where distractions lurk around every corner, taking the time to declutter, streamline, and optimize your home office is a wise investment. In this article, we will explore eight essential tips to help you transform your home office into a sanctuary of productivity and inspiration. From designating a dedicated workspace to implementing effective storage solutions, we will cover practical strategies to keep your office tidy, efficient, and conducive to focused work. So, if you’re ready to banish the chaos and create a harmonious work environment, let’s dive into these valuable tips for organizing your home office.
Designate a Dedicated Workspace
Designating a dedicated workspace is the first step toward organizing your home office. While working from the comfort of your bed or the couch may be tempting, having a separate and distraction-free area is essential for maintaining focus and productivity. Choose a location in your home that can be dedicated solely to work, whether it’s a spare room, a corner in the living room, or even a well-designed nook in the hallway. Consider factors like natural light, noise levels, and ergonomic setup when selecting your workspace. Creating a physical boundary between work and leisure areas signals to your brain that it’s time to concentrate and be productive. Additionally, having a designated workspace helps you mentally switch off from work when you’re done for the day, promoting a healthy work-life balance.
Declutter and Prioritize
Once you have designated a dedicated workspace, it’s time to declutter and prioritize. Skipping decluttering would be a big mistake. Clutter can be a major source of distraction and stress, hindering your ability to focus and work efficiently. Start by sorting and categorizing items in your home office, determining what is essential and what can be removed. Consider donating or disposing of items that no longer serve a purpose. Create a system for organizing papers, documents, and supplies, whether it’s using folders, binders, or storage containers. Prioritize frequently used items within easy reach while keeping less frequently used items neatly stored away. By decluttering and organizing your office space, you create a clean, streamlined environment that promotes productivity and a clear mind.
Establish Effective Storage Solutions
Establishing effective storage solutions is another crucial aspect of organizing your home office. Utilizing shelves, cabinets, and drawers can help keep your workspace tidy and minimize visual clutter. Storage containers and organizers are great tools for storing smaller items such as stationery, cables, and accessories. Labelling your storage containers and shelves ensures easy access and saves time when you need to find something specific. When it comes to organizing your home office, the experts at Phillips Moving and Storage recommend taking advantage of vertical space. Install floating shelves or wall-mounted organizers to maximize storage capacity without sacrificing valuable floor space. They also suggest utilizing stackable storage bins or drawers for efficient use of space. By incorporating smart storage solutions, you can create an organized and functional home office that supports your productivity and enhances your work environment.
Streamline Your Digital Workspace
Streamlining your digital workspace is equally important when organizing your home office. Digital clutter can be just as distracting as physical clutter, so take the time to organize your computer files and folders. Create a logical folder structure and label files appropriately for easy retrieval. Utilize cloud storage and backup options to free up space on your computer and ensure your files are securely backed up. Manage your email effectively by setting up folders and filters to categorize and prioritize incoming messages. Unsubscribe from unnecessary newsletters and regularly delete or archive old emails. By organizing your digital workspace, you’ll experience improved workflow, faster access to information, and reduced stress when navigating your virtual office environment.
Organizing your home office includes optimizing your desk setup
Optimizing your desk setup is essential for creating a productive and comfortable home office environment. Start by choosing the right desk and chair that provides adequate support and ergonomic features. Ensure that your desk is spacious enough to accommodate your work essentials and allow for the proper placement of your computer, keyboard, and other devices. Managing cables and cords is also important to maintain a tidy workspace and prevent tripping hazards. Use cable management solutions such as cable clips or cable sleeves to keep cords organized and out of the way. Remember, a well-optimized desk setup enhances your physical comfort and also contributes to your overall efficiency and focus when working from home.
Implement Time and Task Management Systems
Implementing time and task management systems is key to staying organized and productive in your home office. Utilize calendars and planners to schedule and prioritize your tasks effectively. Set realistic deadlines and break larger projects into smaller, manageable tasks. Consider using productivity apps or software to help you track your progress and stay focused. Establishing a routine can also be beneficial in creating a sense of structure and discipline. Determine your most productive hours and allocate specific time slots for focused work, breaks, and other activities. By implementing time and task management systems, you can enhance your productivity, meet deadlines, and maintain a sense of control over your workload in your home office.
Maintain a Clean and Inspiring Environment
Maintaining a clean and inspiring environment is crucial for the long-term success of your home office organization. Establish regular cleaning and decluttering routines to prevent the buildup of unnecessary items and dust. Incorporate plants and natural elements into your workspace to enhance air quality and create a calming atmosphere. Personalize your space with meaningful decor, inspiring artwork, or motivational quotes to boost creativity and motivation. Remember, a clean and inspiring environment not only uplifts your mood but also fosters a sense of pride and ownership in your home office, making it a place where you can thrive and achieve your professional goals.
Establish boundaries
Another important tip for organizing your home office is establishing clear boundaries between your work and personal life. When working from home, it’s easy for the lines to blur, leading to potential distractions and a lack of work-life balance. Set specific work hours and stick to them, allowing yourself designated time for breaks and personal activities. Create a physical separation, if possible, by closing the door to your home office or using a room divider. Communicate your work schedule to family members or roommates so they understand when you need uninterrupted focus. By establishing clear boundaries, you can maintain a sense of structure and ensure that your home office remains a dedicated space for work, ultimately increasing productivity and reducing stress.
In conclusion
Organizing your home office is vital to creating a productive, efficient, and inspiring workspace. By designating a dedicated area, decluttering and prioritizing your belongings, implementing effective storage solutions, streamlining your digital workspace, optimizing your desk setup, and establishing time and task management systems, you can transform your home office into a well-organized oasis of productivity. Maintaining a clean and inspiring environment and setting clear boundaries between work and personal life will also contribute to your overall success and well-being. Embrace the benefits of an organized workspace, and watch as your productivity, focus, and enjoyment soar to new heights. Get started today and create a home office that sets the stage for your best work yet!
I think she covered all the information well. Please add a comment about organizing your home office that makes you more productive.
Julie Stobbe is a Trained Professional Organizer and Lifestyle Organizing Coach who brings happiness to homes and organization to offices, coaching you virtually using Zoom. She has been working with clients since 2006 to provide customized organizing solutions to suit their individual needs and situations. She uses her love of teaching to reduce clutter, in your home, office, mind and time. She guides and supports you to be accountable for your time, to complete projects and to reach your goals. If you’re in a difficult transition Julie can coach you to break-free of emotional clutter constraining you from living life on your terms. Online courses are available to help instruct, coach and support your organizing projects. Get started by downloading Tips for Reorganizing 9 Rooms.
Contact her at julie@mindoverclutter.ca
Twitter – Facebook – Facebook group Organizing Mind and Space
You may be moving out of your home and going to college or university for the first time or you may be a seasoned pro. Dorm rooms and apartment bedrooms are small so pack efficiently by taking the necessities. You can always get more stuff later. Check with your college for any specific guidelines or restrictions on what you can bring to the dorm. Let’s start developing a checklist to make the move easier.
Checklist
- Bedding: – Pack sheets, pillowcases, and blankets . 2 sets of sheets are plenty. Check the size of the bed so your bedding will fit properly.
- Towels and Toiletries: Pack bath towels, hand towels, washcloths / sponge, shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, and other personal care items. Pack them in a waterproof container that is easy to carry to and from the bathroom. A second option is a container with holes for draining so things can dry out.
- Clothing: Bring a mix of casual wear, dressy / professional attire, and weather-appropriate clothing. Don’t forget undergarments, socks, and comfortable shoes. Your closet will be small. Some things might go under your bed. Think about packing some of these items in bins that can be stacked and used as a bedside table. Don’t bring any red clothing. If you don’t do your laundry properly you might be wearing pink all year. Whites also get dingy looking if you don’t sort your laundry. Let the whites stay at home too.
- Electronics: Pack your laptop, charger, phone, headphones, power bar and any other essential electronic devices.
- School Supplies: Plan on buying your school supplies in the town you move to. Take a backpack / book bag , it can be hard to find one you really like at the right price when you need one quickly. If you already have course specific items remember to pack them.
- Laundry Supplies: Take something to hold your laundry. There are many over the door bags or easy to carry hampers that can hold stain remover and laundry detergent. Know if you need coins, cash or credit on a card so you can pay for the machines. Don’t get stuck with all your clothes dirty and no payment method.
- First Aid Kit: Pack some band-aids, pain relievers, thermometer, cold medicine, antibiotic cream and any personal medications. You may be thinking I’ll borrow it from someone. What if everyone thought like that? If you have it, it is a great way to make new friends.
- Identification and Important Documents: Take your driver’s license, student ID, health insurance card, passport, and any important paperwork needed for college. Have your wallet or any financial information with you. Keep it secure.
- Recreational Items: Don’t forget your sports equipment, board games, books, or any hobbies you enjoy. There will be lots to do on campus. It is always nice to be able to do something in your room.
- Miscellaneous: Don’t forget items like a water bottle, reusable coffee mug, earplugs, a small sewing kit, hangers, a small toolkit, and a desk lamp. You may not have worked at a desk in your room at home. At university, your back can get sore sitting in a bed slouched over a laptop. Consider packing a microwave-safe bowl, mug, plate and some utensils.
Coordinate with your roommate to avoid duplicating items like a mini-fridge or microwave. Bring a few storage items for under your bed, on the back of your doors and hanging things up to dry. Lastly, keep in mind that you can always purchase some items after arriving at college / university if you find you’ve forgotten something essential. Family and friends may be coming to visit you and can bring things you want, need or delayed bringing until later in the term, like seasonal clothing.
Read about the big laundry debate next week.
Let me know what you will add to this checklist
Julie Stobbe is a Trained Professional Organizer and Lifestyle Organizing Coach who brings happiness to homes and organization to offices, coaching you virtually using Zoom. She has been working with clients since 2006 to provide customized organizing solutions to suit their individual needs and situations. She uses her love of teaching to reduce clutter, in your home, office, mind and time. She guides and supports you to be accountable for your time, to complete projects and to reach your goals. If you’re in a difficult transition Julie can coach you to break-free of emotional clutter constraining you from living life on your terms. Online courses are available to help instruct, coach and support your organizing projects. Get started by downloading Tips for Reorganizing 9 Rooms.
Contact her at julie@mindoverclutter.ca
Twitter – Facebook – Facebook group Organizing Mind and Space
Great ideas for downsizing, moving or moving a family member
Whether you are moving from a house to an apartment, retirement home or you have already done this but still have abundance in your home and want to scale down even more understanding the where, why, who how and what can make the decisions easier.
Where does all the stuff come from?
It may not even be your stuff. Some of you have things from your parents downsizing that ended up at your house because your Mom and Dad didn’t want to give it away but didn’t have room, so out of respect to your parents you stored it at your house. Perhaps your children have moved out but their stuff hasn’t.
Why do we keep so much?
During the Depression, we learned to keep an iron grip on anything that might still have some good in it. Then we were encouraged to buy, buy, and buy and to acquire every luxury we could afford. Next, items began to be manufactured so cheaply that when you couldn’t find it you bought another. The Reagan years were about visible consumption. We had TV shows like The Lifestyles Of The Rich and Famous. We started competing with millionaires. Perhaps you have spent 40 years accumulating and now you are spending time getting rid of excess.
Who is downsizing?
The first thing is for YOU to make the decision that it is necessary to do it. Not because your spouse or your sister or friend says you should. Just like losing weight or quitting smoking, it has to be your decision otherwise you won’t be successful. It is a hard process not only because it can be very physical but there are a lot of emotions that go with it and it can be a long process. Our culture seems to think that building up is inherently better than scaling down. Fewer luxuries make you appear to be a less successful person. The idea that some people judge your worth by the things you own, rather than by your personality and achievements can stop you from downsizing. It can be life changing to let go of your things. When the process is over, you may feel
- less stressed,
- sleep better,
- have more time to be with family, grandchildren or even travel.
Scaling down does not mean renouncing your own style. It means stripping away things that no longer fit or do not contribute to making your lifestyle easier. You want to be able to find the things you need and love.
How? Make a Plan
Once you have made your decision to downsize or streamline before you begin the process it is important to know what you want as the outcome and set a goal of what you ultimately want it to look like. If you’re moving – you need to know room sizes and what are the absolute must have large items like a bed, couches, dressers, antiques etc. Write it all down. Once you know what you want, and what it should look like and visualize the end product then you start to go through your things. It will help make the decisions easier because you can see if it will fit your plan.
What is stopping you?
If you are the type of person who has a hard time getting rid of things, try to understand why it is difficult for you.
- Are you sentimental?
- Do you like to be in control?
- Is it about pride?
- Do you hate making decisions?
- Is it too painful to revisit certain parts of your life?
Being honest with yourself makes the process easier.
When?
Schedule time to do it when you are not rushed and do one room, box or corner. Give yourself a set amount of time, if you feel you want to continue then great, but don’t become overwhelmed.
Here are some steps you can take to tackle the job
- Set up a few boxes or bins and label them. Charity, family, garbage, recycle, keep.
- While sorting, group like with like. Put all your books together, electronics, collections, paper etc.
At the end of the session
- take the donated items to the front door or even better right out to your car so that you will drop them off
- put the recycling out
- put the garbage out
- move items that you are returning to other people close to the door
When deciding whether you should give it away, go back to your plan and see if it,
- will fit into your space
- will go with your new design or décor.
- If not donate.
After grouping all the items you can then see how much you really have and you may need to donate some more items.
Collections and Antiques
The hardest thing for people to let go of are their collections and antiques especially, if they belonged to a parent or a loved one that has passed. Ask yourself:
- Do you have room for them?
- If they end up in storage or in a box how treasured are they?
- Could you just keep one or two and give away the rest?
- Can you take pictures of them?
- Do some research to see if they are valuable and have someone sell them on eBay for you or contact an antique dealer.
If you don’t have room for it give it to a family member that has the same passion for collecting so they can enjoy it and you can visit. Invite people over for brunch. After the meal show them the items you are giving away and let them select things that have meaning for them.
Staying surrounded by things that remind you of the past or which you respond to predictably may prevent you from moving ahead with your life. Remember they are just things you will still have the memories. After you have completed downsizing you will end up with a beautiful home, filled only with what you need and love, that uses every inch of space the way you want. You will have control over your environment and freedom from chaos.
Need help with downsizing, contact Mind over Clutter for a complimentary 30-minute chat on Zoom.
Julie Stobbe is a Trained Professional Organizer and Lifestyle Organizing Coach who brings happiness to homes and organization to offices, coaching you virtually using Zoom. She has been working with clients since 2006 to provide customized organizing solutions to suit their individual needs and situations. She uses her love of teaching to reduce clutter, in your home, office, mind and time. She guides and supports you to be accountable for your time, to complete projects and reach your goals. If you’re in a difficult transition Julie can coach you to break-free of emotional clutter constraining you from living life on your terms. Online courses are available to help instruct, coach and support your organizing projects. Get started by downloading Tips for Reorganizing 9 Rooms.
Contact her at julie@mindoverclutter.ca
Have you run out of space for hanging your pictures?
Have you run out of space on your walls to hang your pictures? Many people have photos in boxes just waiting to have time to organize them. Don’t wait for the perfect time or for a day when the weather is inclement. Schedule time to get started.
What to do first
As you look over the photos you may not be able to remember when you took the picture, the year or date. Instead of organizing the photos chronologically think about using themes. Sort your pictures into celebrations, vacations, family, friends, pets and homes etc.
Step two
Next, get rid of duplicates and out of focus pictures. Remove pictures where you don’t recognize the people or location. Once you have your best pictures grouped you may want to write on the back the name of the people in the picture, year or location.
Step three
Now you can decide if you want to scan them, place them in boxes with dividers or scrapbook your photos. Scanning can be expensive so scan the best of the best. You can digitize them yourself by taking a picture of the photo with your phone and saving it to a folder on your laptop.
Hire a photo organizer
Photo Organizers work with clients to sort through images, find connecting themes, and neatly catalogue and edit them into photo narratives and albums that clients are proud to share – now and for years to come. The Photo Managers
Need more help
Enjoy spending time with your memories. If you need help regaining control of your photos and memories, I am ready to take on the challenge.
Julie Stobbe is a Trained Professional Organizer and Lifestyle Organizing Coach who brings happiness to homes and organization to offices, coaching you virtually using Zoom. She has been working with clients since 2006 to provide customized organizing solutions to suit their individual needs and situations. She uses her love of teaching to reduce clutter, in your home, office, mind and time. She guides and supports you to be accountable for your time, to complete projects and to reach your goals. If you’re in a difficult transition Julie can coach you to break-free of emotional clutter constraining you from living life on your terms. Online courses are available to help instruct, coach and support your organizing projects. Get started by downloading Tips for Reorganizing 9 Rooms.
Contact her at julie@mindoverclutter.ca
Twitter – Facebook – Facebook group Organizing Mind and Space
The benefits of having a bedroom free of clutter are obvious to see. It is easier to move in the room without tripping on items left on the floor. You can find things on your night table without bumping other items over. Have you thought about how a clutter free bedroom might make you feel? You will feel as though you have a clearer mind when you are in that room, and that might help you unwind and sleep more effectively. When it is less cluttered, you might enjoy being there more and it can become a sacred place. Fortunately, it’s relatively easy to gain a clutter-free bedroom, so let’s take a look at four steps you might not have thought of as a way to achieve that.
Match The Bed To The Room
Have you seen a bedroom with a bed and furniture that takes up all the space so that it is difficult to move around the room? Did you ever think the cluttered feeling could be caused by the size of your bed? Try to match the bed to the room size. A less crowded room is easier to keep clean and organized. When you have a huge bed, one problem is that you might struggle to feel relaxed in that room with no place to move. You might need to visit a mattress store in your area to find better options for your space. Visually your room will look bigger, less crowded and more inviting. You will feel less anxious entering the room and have less stress. Practically it will be easier to get things out, put them away and make your bed every day.
Store Items Under The Bed
This is a simple thing you can do which will make your bedroom less cluttered and visibly cleaner. Storing items under the bed is something that is not always possible – for instance, if you have a divan base that almost touches the floor. Captain’s beds are built with drawers under the bed for storage. Some beds have a base that is hinged to create a storage area in the bed frame. You can create storage under your bed by using bed risers to lift the bed up. When there is space under the bed, make use of it. It’s amazing how this space can be used so you have more room in your closets or dressers.
Minimize Wall Decorations
It can be tempting to go all out and try to decorate your bedroom in a way that is beautiful. You might find it quite beneficial to not go overboard here. In fact, you’ll find that keeping wall decorations to a minimum will lead to a space that has less visual clutter and a much clearer appearance. Put items on the wall that have a calming effect so it is easier to relax and clear your mind as you get ready to sleep.
Store Things Elsewhere
Finally, there is something to be said about not letting the bedroom become a general dumping ground for random items around the home. It is one of the most important rooms in the home and one that you need to care for and respect. It is a space where you rejuvenate your mind and regenerate your body for the next day. It is easy at the end of a tiring day to bring things into the bedroom, put them down and say you’ll put them away tomorrow. Take the extra minute and put them away so you don’t have a constant reminder of an unfinished task when you are trying to go to sleep. Don’t end up with lots of random items cluttering up your restful space.
Usually, I talk about the process of decluttering a room to have less unwanted stuff. These 4 steps approach making a bedroom clutter-free in a different way, through the thoughtful selection of furniture, decoration and storage. They also help to create a room with less visual clutter and mental clutter.
In the comments share how you make your bedroom clutter-free.
Julie Stobbe is a Trained Professional Organizer and Lifestyle Organizing Coach who brings happiness to homes and organization to offices,oachng you virtually using Zoom. She has been working with clients since 2006 to provide customized organizing solutions to suit their individual needs and situations. She uses her love of teaching to reduce clutter, in your home, office, mind and time. She guides and supports you to be accountable for your time, to complete projects and to reach your goals. If you’re in a difficult transition Julie can coach you to break-free of emotional clutter constraining you from living life on your terms. Online courses are available to help instruct, coach and support your organizing projects. Get started by downloading Tips for Reorganizing 9 Rooms.
Contact her at julie@mindoverclutter.ca
Twitter – Facebook – Facebook group Organizing Mind and Space
With many people working from home, it is important to have time when you’re not interrupted. Make sure to have a sign or signal that indicates you are unavailable.
Many people realize that multitasking is not the best way to get work completed. However, they experience many small interruptions in their day, e-mail, texting and phone calls that take away from concentrating on a project.
These small tasks, added together, use up your work day.
“Drive by” conversations, when colleagues stop by your desk, stop you in the hall or a family member bursts into your office and gives you information also take time away from completing important tasks. As well the information may be forgotten or lost.
Being interrupted by colleagues stopping to chat can cost you a lot of valuable time.
Some offices have designated a specific time of the day for working on projects. It is an interruption-free time to concentrate on work during which employees can’t send or answer emails, texts, phone calls, attend meetings, etc. Each office is different so the designated time may be office-wide or scheduled into each person’s work day, week, or month individually. It is important that this time and format are respected by your colleagues, family and supported by management. You may be surprised how much you can get done in one hour without interruptions and your full concentration on one task at a time.
How do you plan on scheduling interruption free time? Let me know in the comments.
Julie Stobbe is a Trained Professional Organizer and Lifestyle Organizing Coach who brings happiness to homes and organization to offices, coaching you virtually using Zoom. She has been working with clients since 2006 to provide customized organizing solutions to suit their individual needs and situations. She uses her love of teaching to reduce clutter, in your home, office, mind and time. She guides and supports you to be accountable for your time, to complete projects and to reach your goals. If you’re in a difficult transition Julie can coach you to break-free of emotional clutter constraining you from living life on your terms. Online courses are available to help instruct, coach and support your organizing projects. Get started by downloading Tips for Reorganizing 9 Rooms.
Contact her at julie@mindoverclutter.ca
Twitter – Facebook – Facebook group Organizing Mind and Space
Every storage room has its different problems to consider. Some have very low ceilings. Some may be hard to get into. The walls and corners might be angled. Sometimes they have a smell you need to get rid of. There are a number of questions to ask yourself before you purchase shelving for your storage room.
Show or Stow?
1. Do you like things displayed on open shelves or stowed behind closed doors? This will help you determine if you want a cupboard or shelving.
Measure Carefully
2. Next measure the space. You need to get storage that uses all the area and not buy storage that leaves some of the area unusable. This happens when one storage unit is too large and another storage unit can’t fit into the remaining space.
Lids or no lids?
3. Next ask yourself, will you open a lid to put things into a container, will you reclose the top of a box? If the answer is no, cut the flaps off the box or purchase containers without lids. You want to make it as easy as possible to get the items into the correct box.
Make it easy to get to the bottom container
4. Lastly ask yourself, if your bins are stacked will you unstack them to put something in the bottom container? Will you restack the containers on the storage unit? If your answer is no then buy large containers that fill the vertical space between the shelves so you can maximize your storage. It is usually good to have two or three containers on each shelf so they are easy to move and not too heavy.
How to place items on the shelves
Now you have your storage units and bins.
- Store items you use frequently at eye level.
- Store heavy items on the bottom shelf
- Store items close to where you use them
- Store infrequently used items up high or in less accessible areas.
Hockey bags?
Trying to store hockey bags? Try placing two shelving units that are 4 or 5 shelves high, with 24” or 36” deep shelves, one in front of the other and securely attach them together. This will hold one bag per shelf with room to leave it open to air out and place some items beside the bag to dry.
Do you need to mitigate an odour?
I contributed to an article about smells in homes. I suggested when you enter a new room there may be an odour you don’t like. The easiest first step is to increase the air circulation, open some windows, prop open a door and use a fan to circulate the air. The next thing you can try is a dehumidifier especially if you are in the basement. Removing the dampness can help remove unwanted odours. If the problem is not solved try a deep clean of the walls, carpets and window coverings. Fabrics can hold many odours from the previous clients’ cooking, pets and hobbies. We were named a local expert on ApartmentGuide. Read the full article here: What to Do About Bad Smells in the House.
ApartmentGuide is a subsidiary of Redfin.com
With the right shelves and bins, it is easy to sort your items into categories, place them in a labelled container and locate them in your storage room. Removing smells from your storage areas will keep your items clean and fresh. Remember to keep only what you need and love.
Book a complimentary 30-minute virtual chat with me to get started planning your storage area.
Julie Stobbe is a Trained Professional Organizer and Lifestyle Organizing Coach who brings happiness to homes and organization to offices, coaching you virtually using Zoom. She has been working with clients since 2006 to provide customized organizing solutions to suit their individual needs and situations. She uses her love of teaching to reduce clutter, in your home, office, mind and time. She guides and supports you to be accountable for your time, to complete projects and to reach your goals. If you’re in a difficult transition Julie can coach you to break-free of emotional clutter constraining you from living life on your terms. Online courses are available to help instruct, coach and support your organizing projects. Get started by downloading Tips for Reorganizing 9 Rooms.
Contact her at julie@mindoverclutter.ca
With the change in seasons, eating habits change too. You might eat more fresh produce, barbecue, make salads, eat sandwiches or plan picnics. Now is a good time to look at what is in your fridge and use up items before you buy new things for this season of cooking.
Here are the steps for cleaning and organizing your fridge.
Take everything out of the fridge.
Remove all the items from the shelves, drawers, and compartments in the door. It is important to be thorough. You may think you know what is “hiding” in your fridge. Things fall over and get lost from view.
Compost expired and spoiled food
Check each item for an expiry date. Check food items for signs that they are spoiled. There may be mould on the edge of a jar or bottle. Make a place for the items you have checked and will return to the fridge later.
Wipe down all the surfaces
Use warm soapy water to wash off all the shelves, bins, compartments and sides of the fridge. Wipe it a second time with clear warm water. You may need to leave a small amount of water on a tough stain to soften it. Once it has sat for a few minutes try wiping it away before the water completely cools and the stain becomes hard.
Rearrange the shelves to maximize space and organization
It is time to put the food back in. Plan zones in your fridge based on how you use items or into food group categories. This will make it easy to find things. Make an area for leftovers so they can be easily seen and get eaten before they are spoiled. Keep all your cheeses, meats, vegetables and fruits together in their own areas. Locate your condiments, sauces and salad dressings together. After you have opened one of these items check the label to see if it can go back into the pantry or if it goes into the fridge once it is opened. Using bins to hold categories for food makes it easy to keep it together, take it out and find what you need and slide it back on a shelf. Adjust the shelf spacing to suit taller items and shorter items so the space is used efficiently. Regularly assess your organization system and make changes as needed.
Tips and tricks
Here are a few additional tips that may help you to keep your fridge working well.
- Put taller items at the back and shorter ones at the front. It makes it easier to see everything.
- Don’t overstuff your fridge. It is hard for the fridge to stay at the correct temperature and for the air to circulate properly. Food may get spoiled more quickly.
- Use labels or clear containers if items are not in their original containers.
- Label shelves so everyone knows where to put the food back. It helps you to know if something has been used up if it is always stored near the same spot. This prevents having multiples of the same item open in the fridge and taking up space.
Menu planning is easier when your fridge is organized. You know what you have available to put on your menu. You can quickly see what needs to be used so it doesn’t spoil. Reducing the amount of food that spoils saves you money on your grocery bill. A clean and organized fridge helps you stay healthy. There are fewer bacteria in your fridge and that keeps your food safe and you healthy.
I think I have covered everything. If I left something out please share your ideas in the comments.
Julie Stobbe is a Trained Professional Organizer and Lifestyle Organizing Coach who brings happiness to homes and organization to offices, coaching you virtually using Zoom. She has been working with clients since 2006 to provide customized organizing solutions to suit their individual needs and situations. She uses her love of teaching to reduce clutter, in your home, office, mind and time. She guides and supports you to be accountable for your time, to complete projects and to reach your goals. If you’re in a difficult transition Julie can coach you to break-free of emotional clutter constraining you from living life on your terms. Online courses are available to help instruct, coach and support your organizing projects. Get started by downloading Tips for Reorganizing 9 Rooms.
Contact her at julie@mindoverclutter.ca
Twitter – Facebook – Facebook group Organizing Mind and Space
