Organizing Tips for a New Year

With a new year comes new chances, so I thought it might be fun to look 
at functional but fashionable ways to organize those unsightly areas that 
all most of us have. - Emily A Clark

Image Via BHG

Organization increases productivity, decreases anxiety, 
and allows one to think more clearly and creatively. Organization is a 
time saver when you don’t waste precious minutes searching for things ~ 
when all your stuff is in its intended place.  - Centsational Girl

Image Via BHG

Here are a few "getting started" organizing tips from a few favorite blogs!

Declutter:

Decor8 - Do you really need 3 throws in your living room and that 
snuggie blanket from your mother-in-law? Maybe you can keep 2 and store 2 
or donate them to those in need. Are 8 pillows on your bed a bit much? 
Is your linen closet bursting from the seams with 50 towels, 
some you’ve had since college?

Maybe it’s time to simplify because there is a lot more time and 
energy involved in maintaining lots of things vs. less.

If you need some help editing your space and organizing your home, 
get a jump start on spring cleaning with Erin Doland’s book, 
Unclutter Your Life In One Week.

Organize Papers:

Greeting Card Organizer

 Design Sponge: So many times in the past, I have been delayed a 
day or a week (or, um, a month . . . ) in sending a gift because I wasn’t 
prepared with a birthday or baby card on hand to include with the package. 
With this little caddy, I'm going to collect cards all year and make sure each
 category is always stocked. 
See tutorial here!

PS.. I would have spelled Sympathy correctly... but nice idea

File:

Simplified Bee: Don’t over complicate your filing system. 
The simpler the better. 
Think about how you look for a particular file or piece of paper. 
What would be the easiest way for you to find it? 

Then create a file system that works for you. 
Don't worry about it being perfect. 
You can always go back and modify later.

Image Via Coco Kelley

Try the FreedomFiler – a self-purging file system.
 It was a recommendation by a professional organizer. FreedomFiler has 
compiled a wonderful {and free} learning center that explains the 
art of filing successfully.

Clean out a Drawer!

I don't know about you, but my drawers seem to be bursting at the seams 
by the time the end of the month year rolls around. So take everything 
out, yes everything. And you will find many things that were lost, 
and many that are trash!

Image Via Lonny Magazine

Jewelry Drawer Disarray

My jewelry drawer always gets the best of me. If you have the space (and patience), 
comb through all your jewelry pieces that are knotted together and find the 
missing earrings that you don't have a match to...

 ...and organize them in small, colorful bowls for a refreshing look!

Image Via Martha Stewart

Have a Message Center

This should be a staple of every household. It's cute, fun, and very useful. 
Check out your local Container Store for some great white erase boards, 
tack boards and go to town. Even covering tack boards with fabric can 
add a punch of pattern and color to your "center". 

Image Via BHG

Happy EARLY spring cleaning!

Until Next Time,