Tag Archive for: organizing stuff

tiny house key

Creating new habits

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Use all your senses when creating new habits. Think about it. Speak about it. Write about it. Do it.

Example: Create new habit of putting things in their assigned spots when returning home from work.

  • Think about it = Where is the best assigned spot for my coat, purse, shoes, keys, sunglasses, work bag, lunch bag, mail, and anything else I brought home with me?
  • Speak about it = Ask for input from family and friends.
  • Write about it = Label where things go to reinforce new habit.
  • Do it = Practice everyday.

Your organizing preference

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The way we store, organize, manage, and retrieve stuff is unique to each individual. By paying attention to what works best for us, we realize our organizing preferences. Use these preferences to hone your organizing skills.

The image below is an example of 5 different ways to store sweaters. What is your preferred method? Is that the method that works best for you? If so, repeat this method with other stuff you need to store, organize, manage and retrieve. If it isn’t, test another method for effectiveness.

Would you rather?

Would You Rather

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Would you rather…

…wear a banana costume for a complete day (not on Halloween) or strategically remove all your clothes that don’t fit and flatter you?

…let go of 5 sentimental thing or let a tarantula crawl up your arm?

…thoroughly organize your junk drawer or jump off a high dive?

… have oral surgery or organize your kitchen cupboards?

…get rid of all your current tchotchkes or buy absolutely nothing for two whole weeks?

… wear a blindfold for a day or reduce your book collection by 50%?

…mow the lawn in your bathing suit or get rid of 10 items you’ve been holding onto for someday?

…donate 6 gifts you’ve received but don’t like, or shave your head?

…clear out and organize your file cabinet or tell your neighbors that you love them?

…spend $100.00 per month for a year on a storage unit or work with a Professional Organizer for 10 hours at a rate of $70.00 per hour?

 

So, what did you find out about yourself and your willingness to organize you spaces, places and stuff? I bet you realized that some decisions are easier than others. Please share your insights with me.

©September 2021   Janine Cavanaugh, CPO   All rights reserved

Container Store

Before your trip to the Container Store

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Organizing tipI like the Container Store as much as you, but before making a trip I ask myself these questions.

 

  1. Is reducing a better option? Would the space function more efficiently if I get rid of stuff so I don’t need to purchase a new container?
  2. What are my best container options? Do I have something here at home that will serve my purpose?
  3. Where will the container go? Do I have a specific spot for the container? Do I need to take measurements before my C.S. visit?
Maximize storage

How to Get More Storage

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Adequate, functional storage is something we all want in our homes. However, it can be difficult to obtain. We often have to work with the less than adequate spaces we currently have. So, what is the best way to maximize storage space in our closets, cupboards, basements, and attics?

storage binsReduce what we’re attempting to store. We often fall pry to the idea that we already own it, so we need to hold onto it. I encourage you to question that idea. Think about the current usefulness of the things you’re storing and holding onto, and take the Keep Quiz. Eliminating what is no longer useful will free up valuable storage space. We can reduce in other ways also. For example, limit excess, surplus, and impractical quantities of things. Reduce collections by keeping only your favorites. Reduce seasonal decorations and opt for live plants, wreaths or floral decorations.  Go electronic and keep less paper.

Make full use of the space we have. Small adjustments can greatly improve our existing storage spaces. For example, in a closet, add hooks, shelves, and stack-able shoe bins. Take advantage of vertical space by using tall furniture pieces or by stacking short pieces. Use over the door organizers on cabinet, closet, and bathroom doors. Fill air space and kick space. Maximize storing potential by customizing closets, shelving units, and furniture.

 

Favor versatility. Have items that can do more than one thing instead of several single-use items. Avoid items with one very specific purpose like a bread machine. Instead get a mixer that has a bread kneader attachment. The same applies to furniture. Use furniture that has multiple functions and built-in-storage, like an ottoman with storage and a nightstand with a few drawers.

 

Shopping in bulk storesQuestion what we bring in? When bringing things in ask gatekeeper questions. Take a moment to consider what’s coming in and where it will go. How much storage space will be needed? Is it possible to rent or borrow equipment or tools instead of buying them? Buying in bulk can be a big money saver, but do you have the space to store large quantities? If not ask a friend or neighbor to go in on the purchase with you and split the goods.

Remember the less we have the less we have to organize, maintain and store.

©March 2021  Janine Cavanaugh, CPO®  All rights reserved.