Getting Organized!

[Evelyn 0]

Help!! I am the most unorganized person. I have Thurs. off for Veterans Day and no plans so want to organize my house. But I don't know where to begin. I have laundry sitting on the couch cuz no more room to put it in the drawers, can't eat off the dining room table cuz it's full of crap, half the food in my cupboards is expired, in the bathroom are a dozen bottles of half full lotion on the counter, etc., etc. I really wanna get organized and could use tips from organized people. Thanks!

Life is either a daring adventure or nothing ~ Helen Keller

[soulshine 0]

I only have one thing to say:

Do not be afraid to throw crap away!

I have the same problem that you're talking about. Whenever the shit gets to me too bad I just break out the hefty bags and go to work. If you haven't used it in the past month, expiration date is gone, or you don't even remember buying it...chances are that you don't need it. Throw it out!

Bombing for peace is like fucking for virginity!
~DEVIOUS BEEF~~FGF #69~

[wmw999 2,589]

When it comes to clothing and other stuff that can be re-used, you can probably call the Salvation Army and they'll come get it. Sometimes it's easier to get rid of something if you can see someone else using it and enjoying it.

And if you itemize, you can take advantage of it on your taxes, too. Way less hassle than a garage sale (but if money is your bag, there's a lot more of it in garage sales than donation)

Wendy W.

There is nothing more dangerous than breaking a basic safety rule and getting away with it. It removes fear of the consequences and builds false confidence. (tbrown)

[legalart 0]

At the risk of raising the ire of my wife (who reads this forum and is comfortable with clutter, well not clutter "her important things"). Throw the shit away!

[soulshine 0]

You're right, the clothing and other items should go to people that could use it.

I was talking more about the expired food, half full bottles of lotion, junk, etc.

Bombing for peace is like fucking for virginity!
~DEVIOUS BEEF~~FGF #69~

[wee 0]

>do not be afraid to throw out
i second that!
i had to get creative in college because we only had 3 drawers but 2 giant walkin closets... drawer space was a huge prob. they were so stuffed i couldn't even open them (until laundry day)
if chester drawer space is a problem, limit what you store in there. for example, t-shirts seem to mutate in my drawers... i have no idea where they come from but i have a MILLION sleepy shirts...
half of them i have turned into cleaning rags, the other half i kept as night shirts. to keep them in order - i roll them and put them in a canvas shoeorganizer that hangs over the inside of my walk-in. that way i don't have to waste rod space hanging them/don't have to fold them.
do you have room for extra shelving? even if it's the temp kind you slide in the cabinets (container store).... makes putting dishes away a snap (my favorite kind)... that way you don't have to lift the stack of saucers to put away dinner plates.
...here comes the inner geek.

If the world didn't suck, we'd all fall off!

[Amazon 7]

Ok. I have an idea.. Come visit and I will train you to be organized .... and force you to be less shy while we are at it.

I am getting ready to send off a WHOLE bunch of >>>S T U F F<<< to the local charities.. all the clothing that is not fitting anymore.. some furniture.. old dishes and other kitchen ware... you name it.. it has to go..

[cocheese 0]

I've taken dozens of truck loads of stuff to the dz.
My favorite charity.
Same problem here Evelyn. Start at the front door and work toward the back ? I need to do this too.

[mailin 0]

The best way to start, is to start small.

I always recomend www.flylady.net to anyone that mentions need to get their life in order.

I've been doing it for 3 years and have had fantastic results - lots less 'self induced' stress and home life is pleasant again.

Best of luck!


Jen

Arianna Frances