It’s back to school for the kids, and the need to keep things at home organized has never been greater. To stay ahead of the game, I’ve asked the
De-Clutter Coach Moreen Torpy to share some easy organizing tips. This is what she has to say:
September can be the beginning of a new year, along with January, for very different reasons. In January, we make resolutions to improve our interior lives, while in September, we tend to think more about our external lives and how to make them easier. Here are three simple ways you can do this without investing your entire RRSP in the project:
Papers:
Your children will soon start bringing these home from school or their extra-curricular activities so…
- Set up a file or box for each child and keep in a convenient place so your child can access it and add papers to it himself or herself.
- Check that file or box daily to deal with anything new that has arrived. There may be forms and requests that must be dealt with in a short time frame.
- Ensure your child takes back the necessary forms by the deadline with whatever needs to go with it.
Technology—small stuff:
Charge your cell phone, Blackberry, etc. and keep your countertops clear of charging cords by setting up a Technology Garage. Create one with a pretty box or covered basket with holes cut in the back to thread the cords through. The phones etc. can be placed in the box and plugged in without creating clutter. Plug in your devices every night so that they will always be charged and ready when you need them.
Mail:
- Drop into your recycle bin anything you won’t need when you pick up your mail. Shred anything with your name on it to protect your identity.
- Place mail needing your attention into a dedicated box or basket in a convenient place so you can deal with it at a specified time. For example, if you normally pay your bills at the beginning or middle of the month, that would be your guideline. Setting up this kind of schedule will prevent having piles of miscellaneous incoming mail strewn about, yet what you need will always be organized for your attention.
By implementing these three tips, you will create a more peaceful environment in a sometimes chaotic life. And that’s certainly something to aspire to! Happy organizing!
Moreen Torpy is the De-Clutter Coach, a Trained Professional Organizer and Author. Let’s Get Organized: 172 tiplets to simplify life is her first published work. See www.decluttercoach.ca to subscribe to Let’s Get Organized, her monthly e-zine and purchase the booklet. Watch for her new book Moving Forward: Downsizing, Moving and Settling In that will be available soon.
This is a stylish tray that I came across on my recent explorations in Toronto. It's made from an old window and a pair of fancy handles. Unlike many other DIY projects, this should be a fast and easy one to put together. Your favourite thrift store will be a good source for the window. Look for one where the glass is in a good condition, and make sure that the window frame and the glass are strong enough to stand up to the task. Don't worry if there are a few scratches on the frame. A little patina just adds to the charm. The next thing is to find the right handles. Visit one of our local hardware stores, or try Lee Valley Tools. An adorned glass and brass handle gives the simple frame some needed bling and contrast. Just attach the handles to the frame and... voilà!
