In recent weeks I’ve provided tips one through five, then six through 10 of my top 20 organizing tips.
Here are five more of my favorites — making this the list of organizing tips 11 through 15.
Where do you spend most of your time? For our family it is the kitchen and family room. This also means that sometimes these rooms are the most unorganized.
Tip #11
A message center is a great way to keep a family organized. However, not every kitchen has enough wall space for a message center. So, an easy way to still have a message center is to paint the inside of a kitchen cabinet door with magnetic or blackboard paint. I have also put up corkboard on the inside of my cabinets. This will help you get organized and keep things neat and tidy.
Tip #12
Does your kitchen have drawers? I love drawers for pots, pans and glass bowls. However, these can make a lot of noise when you open the drawer. Put a piece of pegboard in the bottom of the drawer, and then put pegs/dowels cut to the right length in the holes. This will keep the bowls from moving around when you open the drawer.
Tip #13
Keep files vertical. Don’t bury them in piles.
When filing your paperwork, put the newest and latest paperwork in the front of the file. This will make it easier to find your most recent papers. Another paper tip — don’t file your paperwork in horizontal folders or the infamous “in box”. Keep your paperwork vertical. Paperwork filed horizontally is more likely to be forgotten and “buried” in the pile. Keep all of your important paperwork in a safe place.
Tip #14
Keep a clipboard in your car for the paperwork you need for the day. It is a great way to take notes about meetings and record thoughts that come up while waiting at a stop light. Use it to clip all of your receipts. They’ll be ready for filing as soon as you get home. The clipboard will also keep the front seat of your car from becoming a trashcan for paperwork.
Tip #15
You don’t have to file paperwork alphabetically. Sometimes it is better to break things down into generic categories such as personal, financial, estate, medical, etc. When deciding how to organize your paperwork, thing logically. What really makes sense to you? Then, remember to keep it simple and easy. If finding your paperwork is chaotic and stressful, then your system should be changed. Make it simple and easy to use.
Conclusion
Staying organized is a daily — or at least weekly — task. Waiting for someone else to do what you know needs to be done will only allow it all to pile up. It is easier to stay organized 15 minutes every day versus trying to find an entire day to spend on just one area.
Now that we are back in school, make sure that you are initiating these organizing tips to help you stay organized throughout the entire school year.
Read Linda’s previous columns on Fredericksburg.Today. Contact her at 540-220-5912 for more information.
Columns on Fredericksburg.Today are recurrent features on specific topics or by regular contributors. Guest writers present their own point-of-view and may not necessarily represent the viewpoint of Fredericksburg.Today.
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