Get Organized

This is just something that I’ve used for years and I’ve found it so helpful that I just have to share it with you. You might think it’s silly – but I can’t tell you how much I’ve used it over the years. It’s simply called my DO, BUY, BRING form.

Whenever I have a big project that I’m working on ( i.e. a presentation, an activity, workshop, or whatever) I pull out one of these little forms and keep all my notes right there. As you can see, there’s a column for things I need to do. It’s my To Do list for just this particular activity. It seems like there are always things I need to buy or pick up. They go in the BUY list. Then, so I don’t forget anything, I jot down all the things I need to bring. It’s so easy to keep track of everything and keep on top of the preparations when everything needed is right on one page.

Using a tool like Scanner Pro (iTunes) or Droid Scan (Amazon) or JotNotPro you can keep the list right on your phone. In any event, it sure helps you keep the stress of a big event under control. 212

 

EVENT/DATE:___________________________________________________________

 

TO DO	TO BUY	TO BRING

In January we were talking (and thinking) about what resolutions we could make for the new year. I get asked by newspapers all over the country to talk about those resolutions – particularly those that involve getting organized. Well, I’ve discovered over the years that most of us are really determined for a little while, then we wave our dishcloths in the air and admit defeat. We are just too busy to stick to a major improvement program. It’s too overwhelming.

I’ve developed a list of simple things that can make a huge impact on the quality of a household’s organization. Just choosing one of these things will make a noticeable difference – as long as you choose something that you need to work on.

1. Make a solemn promise to yourself that you won’t bring anything home unless you know exactly where you’ll put it. Also, know what it will be used for and if it will accommodate what you want it to hold.

2. Don’t start tomorrow with yesterday’s work. Don’t wake up to a full dishwasher or a vacuum that needs to be emptied before you can use it, or clothes in the washer or dryer. If you’re working on a project and need to stop for a while, note what you’re doing and what you were going to do next. That will expedite a quicker re-start and avoid some procrastination.

3. Be aware of every time you say the words, ‘for now.’ “I’ll just put his here for now and put it away alter.” Do it now. If you don’t have to do it right, when will you have time to do it over? Other red flags words to watch out for: “It might come in handy someday.”

4. Go through clothes at least once a year. Put them in three piles: yes, no, maybe. Go through the maybe pile and cut it in half. Why are you keeping it? (i.e. You’re going to lose weight. It has a button missing. I’m keeping it because Aunt Gladys gave it to me, etc.) It’s selfish to keep clothes you’re not wearing because there are so many people who need them. Women in battered women’s shelters have only those clothes they had on when they walked in the front door.

5. Plan menus. Know in the morning what will be for dinner that night. Defrost, start prep or make a list for delegation. (My books Confessions of An Organized Housewife and Kitchen Organization Tips and Secrets have a lot of menu planning ideas.)

6. Would you let someone walk through your home unattended? what would you be embarrassed for them to see? Anything that is a time waster or speed bump in your life should be dealt with.

7. Chose a flat surface (table, counter, dresser, etc.) and keep it clear.

Here’s one of the best ideas I’ve heard for keeping the dining room table clear of stuff. One woman told me that she sets the table as if she’s having company. With all that stuff on the table, people didn’t toss the mail, homework, or miscellaneous debris on the table.And, if someone comes over – it looks nice. There’s no embarrassment.

So, you can sneak up on those resolutions and get organized in spite of yourself!

 

What a project I picked for myself. We moved into a house last year that has tile floors. First time in my life I’ve had tile floors. They are beautiful, but I thought I’d touch up the grout and brighten things up. Little did I know just how much work it would be. But, here’s what I discovered.

I first checked the Internet to see what the best method was. Some reliable sounding source said to make a paste out of oxygen bleach (like Oxi Clean) and spread it onto the grout. Let it dry and clean up the mess. Does it work? Well, let me tell you. I was taking what I thought was a bottle (a plastic bottle) of A&W root beer out of the refrigerator. It was a bottle of Worcestershire sauce – which was much heavier. As a result, I dropped the bottle on the floor and that thirsty grout soaked it right up. I thought I was doomed to have gravy colored grout forever.

So, I put the oxygen bleach to the test. I made the paste and put it over the grout and let it sit all night. The next day I cleaned it up (which is kind of a mess in and of itself). Anyhow, I was so pleased with the results. I liked the fact that it worked and that I already had Oxi Clean in the house so I didn’t have to go out and buy something.

But, hold on. Here’s another thing I discovered. Our son was cleaning his grout and he told me that he found this product called Goo Gone Grout Cleaner. He was doing his entire house by using the cleaner, letting it sit for two minutes and scrubbing it with a Magic Eraser. So, I thought, I guess I’ll give that a shot, too. It also works but there’s a lot of scrubbing involved. You can also scrub it with a small brush.

Anyhow, I  have learned so many things from this new house. It’s much smaller than our last house (we downsized) and I’m becoming a master at finding space to put things. But, that’s a subject for another day.

Be sure to check the blog frequently because I will be sharing with you all my latest discoveries – things that I love and things that make my life easier.

My latest find is a little gadget I bought for 97 cents and I use it every single day. It’s a nylon ergonomic scraper. I use it to scrape dishes, pots and pans, the bottom of the oven (so I don’t have to run the self-clean too often) and anything else that needs some coaxing. Since I love to cook, bake and do crafts, I always have use for this scraper.

I love this little thing so much that I’ve bought about 10 of them to give to my kids and close friends. I got mine at Wal-Mart – and don’t know if it’s available anywhere else. Pick it up in the kitchenware department. It’s in a clear plastic cylindrical bin and comes in different colors.

Here’s a picture:

How can a person get so excited about a 97 cent gadget? Just try it and you’ll see what I mean!