Organization (By a Non-Guru):: Tip 1

Store Things Where You Use Them.

(I told you that these tips would be simple.)

This idea is simple, but revolutionary!  Perhaps "revolutionary" is a strong word...but it made a big difference in the organization of my home.

Here's an example:

I store the supplies for cleaning the bathroom...in the bathroom.   

Sounds simple, huh?  Yes, but for years I kept a bin with my cleaning supplies in a closet.  But what if it was not the day to clean the bathroom, but the bathroom mirror needed a quick cleaning?  Was I likely to go into another room and get the Windex and paper towels?  (Answer:  Probably not unless I was expecting guests.)  But if the Windex was right there, I would take a few seconds after brushing my teeth to wipe down that mirror and even swipe over the fixtures or other surfaces. 

But when I moved the cleaning supplies into the bathroom, then they were not convenient to the kitchen.  Solution?  Keep another bottle of Windex, and any other cleaning supplies that are used there, in the kitchen. 

Why not?! 

Another example:

I purchased multiple pairs of scissors to be kept in each room/area in which they are used.  Duh?  Yeah, I know.  But we used to have a pair of general-use scissors (don't count my sewing scissors which everyone knows not. to. use. for anything other than fabric under penalty of law).  One pair.  But now there is a pair in the kitchen drawer, one with the scrapbook supplies, a pair in each girl's room (don't do that before the haircutting experimental phase is over...ask me how I know...), and one with the gift wrapping supplies. 

One more example:

  

I reorganized my kitchen cupboards and counter top areas to keep things where they are to be used.  We have a coffee center.  The coffee maker is on the counter that is closest to the refrigerator (because the essential half-and-half is in the fridge).  A basket of beverage napkins sits beside the coffee maker.  In the cabinet directly above are the (too) many mugs, coffee, coffee filters, and an assortment of teas and hot chocolate mixes for the non-coffee moments.  At the other end of the work area, near a sunny window, is the baking center.  Here is where we keep the sugar, flour, spices, wooden spoons, spatulas, and the Kitchen Aid mixer. 

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There are so many ways that I have implemented this idea...good silver in the dining room where we have "company" meals, everyday flatware in the everyday kitchen...school books in a pie safe in the kitchen where we "do" school...pencils in a kitchen drawer beside the fridge and the grocery list...

And, I am always on the lookout for ways to relocate things to a place that makes more sense. 

Do you use this concept in your home? 

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Organization (By a Non-Guru)