Organize for YOU

Many people think they are organized. Some simply say they don't know how to organize. But the vast majority replicate what others do. While this may be a good start, it will likely need some fine tuning.

When people set out to tackle a disorganized space in their home they overlook two very important things: examining their own behaviours and circumstances. Being aware of these is as important as sorting and editing your belongings.

When we moved into our house, all cleaning supplies were put into the laundry room, in the basement. Our house doesn't have a utility closet in the kitchen, like some. No problem. Like items were grouped together and put in a designated spot. We had observed the first two rules of organizing.

Then we had a baby. Then our baby began to eat solid food. Then our baby started throwing food all over the dining room. Upstairs. Instead of retrieving the broom from the basement once a day or every couple of days, we were running up and down the stairs every few hours. Not fun. So we started using a lot of paper towel to wipe up the floor and save ourselves the trip to the basement.

Stop. Circumstances had changed. Behaviours had changed. The storage location for the broom had to change.

The broom now resides on a single hook, in the linen closet, on the main floor -- a few feet from the dining room. An unconventional location by some accounts, I'm sure. I don't know anyone else who keeps a broom in their linen closet. But it works for our family. We can easily get to the broom when needed and just as easily put it away.

Successful organizing is not about tidying up a messy room, or doing what everyone else does. It's about everything having a designated place and you being able to access your things easily. You can't remove yourself from the equation. This is about you planning for you. Always keep in mind what you need to achieve -- and be selfish: if you don't plan according to your daily time constraints, preferences and abilities you'll be no further ahead than before you started.

Kid's Art

I shouldn't admit this, but like most parents, I occasionally get overwhelmed by the volume of weird and wonderful creations my son brings home. With that being said, I don't keep everything. Not even close. One way that I gauge whether arts & crafts should be kept is by the excitement and pride my youngster displays in showing me his masterpiece-of-the-day. If he's pumped, there's probably a reason. And if I find myself sneaking a second and third peak while the art project awaits final judgement, I've got a keeper! Here are some things to keep in mind, once you've decided something should be held in the family archives:

• Put a date on it. That finger painting won't mean anything to anyone if you have no idea when it was done.
• Don't hide it, display it. And not just on the fridge. Use frames or metal bars and magnets to display artwork on the walls of a playroom or child's bedroom.
• Have a designated spot for the collection. You can keep it in file folders, a portfolio -- somewhere that is easy for you to access, so that you will add to it regularly. Make sure the location is suitable to accommodate a growing collection. A kitchen drawer won't do.
• Scan or take digital pictures of the art. You can toss the original, but keep the electronic image indefinitely -- without taking up space.
• Use the electronic images to make greeting cards, photo books, etc. It's a great way to showcase your child's talent and shows them how much you value their work.

Mother's Day

It’s only two days away. Have you figured out what you’re doing for your Mom yet? Unless you have a longstanding tradition to uphold, consider something new. In honouring your mother, you don’t have to give her something. She has probably kept every gift you’ve given her, all the way back to the finger-painted card you gave her in kindergarten. But where are these gifts now? No matter how greatly treasured at the time, eventually these once-cherished tokens become clutter.

So instead of giving Mom something that will take up the last bit of precious real estate on the mantle, why not give her the gift of time? That is, some time with you. This Sunday is the perfect opportunity to do something a little different. I’m a big fan of “High Tea”. It’s certainly not the kind of thing you’ll do every week or even every month. It’s a unique experience. And don’t kid yourself: there is more to tea than cucumber sandwiches and scones. It actually translates into a very nice lunch. This is just one idea to consider; www.toronto.com has some other great suggestions. Quality time with our loved ones, no matter how that time is spent, is always appreciated.

Yard Sale for the Cure

We can’t deny it any longer: Spring has sprung. We endured the dreary April showers. Now we look ahead to new beginnings. This is the season that gets us outside -- in droves. We reconnect with neighbours who were shut away all winter. We take long walks. We marvel at the beauty of the season: the green grass, the buds on the trees, the shades of early spring flowers. We’re happy!


But how do you feel when you return home? Do you still have that warm, fuzzy feeling? Is the freshness and clarity of the outdoors present in your home? If not, have no fear: you can achieve that positive vibe inside as well.


For many, spring is the time to clear the attic, the garage, the closet – you know: out with the old. Getting rid of things we no longer use or need, makes us feel good. We free ourselves of the visual clutter. We free ourselves of the persistent self-nagging, that little voice that says “I really have to dig through that pile”. You’ll find that once you start, it’s often hard to stop. The sense of accomplishment makes you feel so good that you don’t want anything to stand in your way.


Still not convinced that you want to be inside, sorting, when you could be beautifying your garden? Maybe the Yard Sale for the Cure (YSC) is the ticket. YSC raises money for breast cancer research and treatment. Visit the official YSC website to learn how you can turn your clutter into cash for both yourself and a worthy cause. And make it fun! Join together with a few neighbours, or get your whole street involved. Spend some time sorting, socializing and make a difference.