Before TLC decided to air shows about tattoo shops in major US cities and people with bazillions of kids, they actually had some great design shows that I loved. One of them was called Clean Sweep, featuring organizational guru, Peter Walsh.
Once all the stuff is gone through and all the psychological issues identified, the homeowners head off to a nice hotel while the designers do their magical 24 hour re-dos we have all come to expect on TV, but would never have in real life. At least they had a tight budget. And an on site carpenter, seamster, designer, moving crew....but enough ranting.
I saw Peter on the Nate Berkus show at the gym and it reminded me of my organizational roots when it comes to design. My ultimate passion is bringing order out of chaos. The best thing about reducing clutter? It doesn't cost anything and instantly makes things look better, so it's a great first step to Realistically improving your home. For those of you who aren't drowning in physical clutter like me, you can still benefit from a few better organizational systems for your various "stuff".
Here are few simple things you can do to make you feel more organized.
- Go through your drawers and closet. The only clothes you should have in your room are the ones you are currently wearing. In areas with several climates like here in Boston, get your summer stuff into a large see-through storage bin and keep it someplace else during Winter, like the attic or basement. Only one bin per person. Two categories: Winter, Non-Winter. I learned that the less clothing you have, the less laundry you need to do. It also simplifies getting dressed- less options and you know you always wear the same stuff anyway.
- Get a thin wallet with two compartments for your coupons and gift cards. I got a super cute one from one of my students for Christmas and it has changed my life. In one section go the coupons, in one section go the gift cards. If you aren't a purse carrier, keep it in the car. Some guy at the grocery store made fun of my two wallets, and when I informed him, "this one is for coupons and gift cards", what could he say? Nothing. This way you will actually use the coupons and gift cards when you need them instead of them expiring in your bottomless pit AKA "coupon drawer".
- Clean out the fridge. Every January 1st my husband an I have our annual "throw all the cookies and cake in the trash" event. We are so disgusted with ourselves by then it isn't hard to do. This year, I added a fridge cleaning party to the mix. Believe me, nothing helps you eat better (and locate all of your missing Tupperware and the origin of that strange smell) than a good fridge clean. Don't worry about the energy expended by leaving the door open for the cleaning- you'll save way more in the long run by being able to see what produce you actually have.
- Sell some stuff on Craig's List. Instead of looking at it as a chore, think of it as a way to earn some extra cash to go towards your decorating budget. Look around the house. Check out your basement. Everyone has stuff they don't need that they could probably sell. Get out the camera, take some pictures, price it right. It's kind of like selling your books in college. You probably paid way more for them when you got them, but now you just need some cold hard cash.
- Check out my Home Organization Page - I will be adding some great info on how to organize Tupperware, refrigerators, kitchen cabinets, workshops, garages, office spaces, file drawers, craft supplies, clothing, you name it. Please comment with your suggestions on what you need help organizing!
Watch out America (and possibly Canada)- if Clean Sweep goes back on Prime Time, I'll be driving the truck.
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