Get ORGANIZED
As joyous as the holidays were, now comes the difficult part … putting everything away. It’s not just the Christmas ornaments and menorahs, but the extra large thermal blanket that was a gift from mom and dad, the rolls of paper towels left over from holiday celebrations, and the three really large jars of cashew brittle, pistachios and red licorice that no one ate before or after Thanksgiving dinner — and don’t even mention the fruitcakes.
Organization. That’s what it’s all about. A 2008 consumer study by the National Association of Professional Organizers found that more than half of respondents would save at least 16 minutes to one hour a day if they were more organized. That translates into anywhere from two to 15 days a year being wasted. In addition, living in an organized home relieves stress and saves time and money.
Now, wasting a couple a days a year isn’t the worst thing in the world, but being organized is nice and does have it benefits. Just ask Jon King, design manager at ORG, a company specializing in home organization solutions.
“Living a more organized life not only saves time, it’s a better scenario for mental and physical health than chaotically checking rooms for a missing checkbook or hunting for something critically needed,” he said. “If you’re organized, you’re thinking sustainably. That means wanting to live in a healthier household, community and global environment. Being organized is a good start towards achieving that goal.”
ORG creates efficiency in closets (never large enough), the kitchen (convenient meal preparation), bedroom (a place for peace and relaxation), laundry and home office. The organization systems are custom designed to meet the homeowner’s exact requirements and aesthetic needs.
“By having a well-designed space, you gain efficiency and have less waste,” King said. “You can see what’s in your pantry or closet, thus eliminating duplicate purchases. And by integrating systems for recycling and charity donations, the entire process becomes a part of your daily or weekly routine.”
Not everyone needs to be organized, but they may need additional storage.
Costco, a warehouse retailer, reports a 20 percent increase in bulk buying, which leads to a dilemma on where to store 30 rolls of paper towels or 50 frozen hamburger patties.
Lou Ann Schafer, a spokesperson for Gladiator Garageworks, said the garage is an ideal storage space.
“Gladiator offers a complete line of options for both refrigerated and nonrefrigerated items,” she said. “Whether it’s the Gladiator garage refrigerator or various storage cabinets like our Tall Gearbox, which has lockable doors, a wise investments in garage storage can help make the most of bulk purchases.”
There are many ways to becoming better organized without doing everything at once.
Perfect Harmony Organizing in Las Vegas recognizes that orderly spaces are more functional and easier to maintain. Here are several suggestions:
* Do one big chore on a weekday (or weeknight), which in turn allows you to relax on the weekend.
* Use plastic containers for storing items in your desk drawers. Don’t let them become a catch all for paper clips, pencils, receipts, matchbooks, etc.
* If you store items for when the kids get older, separate and label the boxes by name. When they move out, they can just grab the box and go.
* Shower first thing in the morning and be ready for anything that may come up.
* Take 15 minutes a day to “pick up and put away.” This saves time when doing the major housework.
* If you’re a pack rat, designate a plastic bin for items that you’re holding because you might need to use it someday. If, after three months, you haven’t used it, recycle or throw it away.
* Be creative. Door hanging shoe organizers can be used for small toys or art supplies in a child’s room.
* Store like items together.