Keeping Organized

It is said that an organized home can lead to a more organized life, but when it’s time to clear clutter, it can be difficult to know where to begin. Olescia Hanson of The Container Store provides us with some ideas on keeping two of our most chaotic spaces—the master closet and the kitchen—squeaky clean.

Closet:

• Focus on organizing six main closet areas:
• Long hang items: Dedicate a small amount of space for dresses and garment bag items.
• Short hang items: Double hang these items so they are positioned in two rows, one above the other, to maximize space.
• Drawers: Purchase drawer organizers for easy access and visibility.
• Shelves: Using the vertical space of the shelves, store seasonal items in fabric storage boxes.
• Shoes: Place the shoes you wear on regular basis in an easy to reach area. Special occasion shoes should be stored in clear shoe boxes.
• Accessories: Ties and belts can be hung on specialty hangers in the long hanging space. Dedicate a closet drawer to jewelry.

Kitchen:

• Keep items you use daily on the kitchen counter, like toasters and coffee makers.
• Store papers and mail in a designated area using paper drawers and labeling them by family member or action item (i.e. bills, school papers, etc.).
• Purchase an Expand-A-Shelf for canned goods (the system expands to two levels and fits the width of your pantry).
• Use expandable drawer organizers, separating by occasion (i.e. place barbecue supplies separate from entertaining supplies).

Not only is it important to have your personal belongings in order, but it is also essential to have your schedule under control. Phyllis Steckler, managing partner of Phoenix personal concierge service, It’s All About Time, offers these tips for staying mentally organized and prepared throughout the year:

• Every evening, make a list of things you absolutely must accomplish the next day. Be sure it is a realistic list, and keep the list with you at all times.
• Keep electronic records of to-do lists, appointments and scheduling notes. Throw out all those sticky notes you have scattered throughout the house.
• Assign members of your family, or members of your staff, to take on some of your tasks, being sure to keep track of whom you have assigned things to.
• Consider using an outside service, like It’s All About Time, to help complete daily errands and chores.