Tips from Professional Organizers

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General

  • Store items in clear containers so you can see the contents.
  • Be creative. Door hanging shoe organizers can be used for small toys or art supplies in a child's room.
  • Remove paper covers from hardback books. They are usually beautiful underneath and display well on shelves or tables.
  • Use decorative boxes for storing items that are used everyday, but you don't want visible. This can be used for keys, remote controls, sun glasses, etc.
  • Store like items together.
  • If you're a pack rat, designate a plastic bin for items that you're holding onto because you might use it someday. If after 3 months you haven't used it, get rid of it.
  • Use plastic containers for storing items in your desk drawers. Don't let your drawers become a catch all.
  • Do one big chore on a weekday. This will give you more time on the weekend to relax.
  • If you store items for when the kids get older, label the boxes by name. When they move out on their own, they can just grab the boxes!
  • Take 15 minutes a day to "pick up and put away". This will save time when you do the major housework.
  • Shower first thing in the morning. That way you're ready for anything that may come up.

Kitchen/Meals

  • Wash and prepare produce and meat as soon as you bring it home. When you need it, it will be ready to go.
  • Mark your storage bowls and their covers with the same number using a marking pen. Then you won't always be looking for the bowl when you're putting away leftovers. All you have to do is match the numbers.
  • Save your counter space for items that are used daily. Other items can be stored.
  • Go through your food items, spices and medications often to discard anything that is expired. Do not keep expired items. Even if they were expensive.
  • Set the dinner table before you start cooking. This is also a good chore for children.
  • Buy the frozen pre-cut onions and peppers to shorten dinner prep time.

Laundry/Clothing

  • Store your off season clothes in plastic containers under your bed. Sort out and donate the clothes you don't want before storing the rest.
  • Place a bag in your closet. Put the clothes you don't want or that don't fit anymore into the bag immediately. When it's time to run errands, take the whole bag to donation.
  • Save unmatched socks for two laundry sessions. If the match doesn't show up, throw them away or use them for dusting rags.
  • Start a load of laundry before you head out the door. As soon as you return, throw them in the dryer and begin your second load.

Paper/Finance

  • Sort mail as soon as you bring it home.
  • Use a budget sheet to keep track of your spending. After a few months, see how you can downsize or eliminate expenses.