Here’s a news flash for ya’…I love the feeling I have when everything is organized in my home.
Who doesn’t?
But like soooooo many things in life, organizing isn’t something we can do once and forget about it. It’s an ongoing process, but there are lots of small things you can do every day to help.
Do quick cleanups every day
If I had to wait until I had enough time to clean my entire house, I’d have a very, very dirty house. I much prefer to take a few minutes to perform small cleanups, such as wiping down the bathroom counter top after brushing my teeth. I keep cleaning supplies directly under the sink to make it easy.
Keep the items you use the most where you can easily access them
This goes for every room in the house including the garage. By having what you need handy, youβll save time looking for it. To keep clutter at bay, store items you rarely use such as seasonal decor in the garage, basement or attic.
Put things away when you are done with them
This tip is tried and true, and there’s a reason for that. It works! It only takes a few extra seconds to put something away. My motto is…’leave a room as you found it’.
Source
When you think of something to do but you canβt get to it right away, write it down
I can’t tell you how many times I thought ‘I’ll remember’, but I oftentimes forget. You too? A few months ago I installed Evernote on my phone and iPad, and now I’d be lost without it.
Source
Finish up the task you are working on before you begin a new one
I admire people that can do several things at once, but many times those people end up with a lot of incomplete projects. I prefer to focus on one thing at a time and give it my full attention.
Do it now
Something else we all do from time to time is say ‘I’ll do this later’, but never do. Stop and do it when it’s on your mind.
Use labels generously
Label whatever you can. It not only helps in knowing what items are stored there, but it makes it a lot easier for everyone to find and put things away.
Getting and staying organized is so much easier if you tend to it every day. For a look at how I organize our kitchen check out this post, and for a peek at our bathroom, check out this post.
What tips do you have that help you stay organized?
In other news…
I hope in a few days I can finally share the changes with the blog I’ve been alluding to, but EVERYTHING seems to take longer than expected and there’s always challenges. In the meantime, I’ll share some trip highlights (and lowlights).
We just returned from an overnight trip to the Keys. If you’ve been following along for a year or more, you might recall last year we spent a week in Key Largo on a houseboat, but never made it down to Key West. We decided to do that Thursday and I have to say I love Key West! It’s a vibrant, eclectic town that is full of life, and I hope to return and spend more time there some day.
We arrived just before sunset and grabbed a table at a hotel in the square (where I had the most delish mojito!) and I took a few pics of the immediate area, including the sunset which I’ll share in a roundup post. To the left of this picture is where the sun sets, and it did not disappoint. Every night there’s music and dancing, adding to the festive, fun atmosphere.
We drove to the Keys with a rental car (long story), which had to be returned the next day (another long story). I’ve been up since 3 a.m. and am now back in BAM while fisherman is returning the car.
Time for a nap…
P.S. The wi-fi at the resort is practically non-existent. The only way I can be on-line is by using up our data, so please understand I can’t visit and comment as much as I’d like. Someday I’ll make it down to the clubhouse (where it seems to be better) for a couple of hours and catch up. With any luck, our next place will be better, but rumor has it RV resorts are notoriously bad for wi-fi. π
Debbie from MountainMama says
Ok now you have me DROOLING over both that home office and that amazing pantry – neither of which is ever going to happen in my little house! That was just mean!! π
Glad to hear you are having an amazing time – I’ve never been to the Keys, it’s on my list!
Have fun, sweet friend – xoxo
Kimberley says
Hi Doreen,
What a great post! Although this Type A loves anything that involves a bin, a basket, a label and a label machine! π
I follow those tips you listed! And I agree, I do write things down a lot!
I keep a calendar too…and I also have a filing system, a bring forward of sorts so I don’t miss anything.
We got to visit Key West a couple of years ago and I loved it! It has such a unique vibe that it’s hard to explain, you just have to visit it to see how great it is there!!
Don’t worry about using up all of your data checking in on us…enjoy your time there in the sunshine…so that we can read your updates and live vicariously through you! π
Hugs, Kimberley
Al says
I really need to work on some of these, especially finishing one task before moving on and doing things instead of just thinking about them. Labeling, however, is a bit of an addiction. I hope you have a wonderful remainder of your trip!
Deb @ Frugal Little Bungalow says
Sounds like you are having a great time down there! π
Dottie says
Doreen, certainly enjoyed this post as I too am busy reorganizing the house. Saw your kitchen pull out drawers and something I have been considering now for 2 years and still waiting for my contractor to find/make the time for installation. Did notice in one drawer large kitchen matches….I have been advised by local Fire Company any and all matches best stored in glass jar for safety reasons.
Now question I have for you, where did you purchase those lovely kitchen labels? Hope to hear from you soon. Best wishes in all your endeavors for 2016 and thank you for sharing with all of us…dottie
Doreen says
Hi Dottie! Thanks for the tip about the matches, and definitely get your contractor busy installing the drawers! (They’re not that hard to diy, just in case he doesn’t come through.)
Here’s the link to the labels https://www.etsy.com/listing/96712486/chalkboard-vinyl-labels-48-100-150-200?ref=shop_home_active_12
Thanks for stopping by!
Dottie says
Doreen, thank you for responding….but the labels I see on site are white, blue not the chalkboard ones. again, thank you so much
Doreen says
Oh…I think you’re referring to one of the pantries that were featured, not mine. If you click on the source link it should take you to the site and maybe the info will be there. Good luck!
Donna says
Enjoy your stay in Key West! I love Kimberley’s remark, “so that we can live vicariously through you!”. We are in the single digits today so the picture you posted is particularly inviting. I revisited your kitchen and bathroom posts and picked up some good ideas. The home office is on the agenda for today.
Brenda Kula-Pruitt says
All great tips! It depends on how detailed something is on whether I can do more than one thing at once. Women are notorious multi-taskers, versus men.
Brenda
Cecilia says
Great tips, but I’ve never been very good at only working on one thing at a time. I get distracted or wooed away by new ideas. Lol. I do finish things but it takes longer because of that. I’ve never been to Key West. How lovely you got to go! I feel your pain with the wifi…that’s how the farm is. Should be a good challenge when we do move.
Hugs
Cecilia
Rose L. says
I am trying to get various areas of my home organized without spending a lot of money. I have 4 drawers in part of my pantry area and the other 4 are shelves. I want all pull outs so I can see to the back of each shelf. Then I need ot organized my multipurpose room (crafts, sewing, photos, scrapbooking, etc). THAT will take a while!
Mary-the boondocks blog says
Lots of practical tips here Doreen. Now if only we could remember to dod them. I also try to not multitask as it is a time waster. Enjoy yourself in Florida, the weather must be perfect therr this time of the year.
tammy j says
love that third picture… the lovely color of a ripe melon! just enough for comfort but simple and serene.
the captain lives in key west! he says he wouldn’t live anywhere else. it’s a unique place… the conch republic!
so happy you checked in with us! XOXOβ₯
Doreen says
Now why didn’t I know that about the captain?? Very cool!
xxx
handmade by amalia says
A great post, Doreen. I liked the tips and the eye candy, especially the pantries. I am constantly surprised by the amount of stuff that is absolutely necessary for our comfort. So much stuff. Big sigh.
Kelly says
I like the organizing tips you gave. I do some of those myself. I’m a bit OCD about it actually! Ha! I have never been to Key West but it’s on my bucket list! I’ve heard great things about it. I bet you’re enjoying the balmy weather now this time of year.
Benita says
I so hope you are having a wonderful time in your travels! Honey, blogging should be the last thing on your mind while you are being adventurous and having fun times on a trip! But, I do know how it is..LOL. Love the organization because I am OCD and a neat freak! A place for everything and everything in its place. If one thing is out, then it messes up my entire day! Hugs and safe travels!!
Doreen says
A girl after my own heart ;).
Sue says
Finish up the task you are working on before you begin a new one is def one of our problems around the house-LOL Love hearing about Key West and your adventures. Meanwhile, we were very very cold yesterday with snow here in the midwest! I just shoveled the steps and walkway, so Enjoy π
carrie@northwoods scrapbook says
Thanks for more great tips Lady!! Some things are such good common sense that somehow get forgotten. π
I can’t wait to see what the blog changes are you’re alluding to – so exciting!! Sounds like Key West is great!! Would love to soak up some sunshine. Soak up extra warmth for me!!
Blessings on the rest of your week. xoxo
Jemma says
It is so much easier to stay organized now that it is just the helpful hubby and myself.
When we had all of our kids under one roof it was nearly impossible.
These tips are fantastic and of course these photos are to die for!
Have fun and stay safe!
xo
Jemma
Julie says
Hello Doreen,
I love all of your tips for staying organized and they are all very helpful. I hope you are enjoying your vacation. Take care and be well.
Julie xo
Feral Turtle says
Oh to be organized!!! Sigh. I had to pin that bathroom vanity. Actually I loved all of the spaces you shared! Looking at your pictures in the Keys made me drool a little, especially as I look out over a sea of the white stuff here. Enjoy your holiday!!!
Pinky says
I agree with all your organizing tips. I, too, am in organizing and ourging mode! Today I spent 2 1/2 hours cleaning out our big desk and the closet here inh my office! I feel lighter:):)
Dewena says
Just one thing to say here, Doreen: I want to be you when I grow up!
Magali@TheLittleWhiteHouse says
I must confess I’m guilty of not following any of the very good tips you gave… which explains the state my cottages is in every Saturday morning, when I finally decide that something must be done and that next week I’ll do bettter…. MOUAAAAHH! AHHH! AHHH!
Amy @ Ms. Toody Goo Shoes says
I’ve been on a purging and organizing binge, and it feels good. But part of my problem is that I am guilty of not doing all of the things you’ve itemized. Gotta try to change that! Good to hear from you, and looking forward to hearing your “long stories.” Enjoy the Keys, especially the key lime pie!
Beauty Follower says
Great tips!
Love the bathroom in the first photo!
http://beautyfollower.blogspot.gr/
Vashti Quiroz-Vega says
Great tips Doreen! Nice pictures too. I’m happy you’re enjoying your visit to the Keys. Key West is always fun and the sunset over the water is amazing. π xx
Red Rose Alley says
Doreen, one of my blog friends lives near The Keys, and she says it’s beautiful. It’s one of her favorite places to go. These are great organizing tips. wow, that pantry is so organized. It’s nice when things are organized, and I’ve been doing that myself lately.
Happy March Doreen!
~Sheri