Start the Year Off Right

Organize

“A place for everything and everything in its place.” That’s the goal that most families are striving for. Unfortunately, it’s easier said than done. Taking a look at how your household functions can help you come up with creative solutions for keeping your belongings in check.

• Analyze the Space
  Keep your goals for how the space should function in mind as you attempt to keep it organized. For example, if your goal for the bedroom is to have it serve as a sanctuary for you and your spouse, it’s not a good idea to keep your home computer there.
• Focus on Trouble Spots
  Pay special attention to trouble spots like kitchen counters, utility drawers and basements that are used as common “dumping grounds.” Keep the things you use most frequently in easily accessible spots, and store the rest.
• Successful Storage
  Store similar items together whenever possible, in a place close to where they’re used. Purchase storage solutions that make organization simple and easy. Clear containers that allow you to see what’s inside work well. For things that need to be stored out in the open, pick something attractive, such as a decorative basket. Anticipate future storage needs, and leave some empty space.

  Label boxes, folders and containers accordingly, so there is no question what belongs where. This makes it easy for everyone in your family to quickly put things away.

  Sometimes you simply can’t think of ways to store certain things. For creative ideas on where to keep hard-to-manage household items and innovative new products to use, visit: organizemag.com.

Keep a Household Manual

If someone had to step in and run your household, what kind of information would they need? A household manual can help keep all your important documents in one place for easy access. Use it to keep track of vital household information. Try a three-ring binder divided into sections.

Section Examples:

• Emergency Contacts
• Medical: insurance information, immunization records
• School: calendar
• Auto: oil change records, tire rotations, repair information

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Other articles from this issue:

• Create a Family Mission Statement
• Schedule Important Things First
• Organize
• Purge
• Maintain
• Determine Your Financial Goals
• Re-evaluate Expenses
• Revisit the Family Budget
• Simplify
• Make Financial Records and Information Easily Accessible
• Savings on the Road