Q&A - Kids Art and School work

Q. Hello Meagan. Okay, how do I go about tackling the pile of papers on my kitchen counter? As I look, it is mostly my kids school work and papers that I have a hard time parting with. For example, the first time they write their name (print or cursive), as they learn a new skill, something they drew, spelling tests, etc.. Help!

A. I am so glad you asked. I have two solutions for you. First off, for the artwork/school work that you want to save, organize it in a portfolio. The one I like best is at www.ttgo.com (item #649P). This portfolio will come personalized with your childs' name and will organize their precious work according to year. It also provides you with limited space which will strongly encourage you to only hold on to the most precious of the work. If you notice that a section starts to get particularly full, I recommend sitting down and going through the pile. I find that Lindsay tends to draw very similar pictures over and over. I go through and choose my top 3 favorites to save and let the rest go.

I am guessing that the other papers are ongoing homework related. If so, I would create a set of inboxs for each child and yourself. When they get assigments they can keep them neatly in their boxes. If there is something that needs your attention, they can put it in your box. This is a great place to house things like spelling lists that will need attention each day. You can find cheap plastic inbox trays at any office store or Target.

Too many cookbooks?

Cook books can be a huge space hog. They can fill up an entire cupboard in the kitchen which is probably already lacking for space. Here is a simple solution. Photo copy the recipes that you use from each cook book and then donate/sell the books. In general, people tend to use the same few recipes from each book. If that is the case, then you do not need the entire book. Photo copy that which you use and keep them in a binder/file folder/recipe box. Without those books taking up precious space, you are free to have a more organized/clutter free kitchen. And what happens if you need to look up a new recipe and you no longer have your books? Check out www.epicurious.com or www. foodnetwork.com. Both websites have amazing recipes for pretty much any type of cuisine.

Meagan Farrell, professional organizer, is the owner of Clear the Clutter organizing services. She can be reached at (360) 631-7268 or at clear_theclutter@yahoo.com. Check out her blog at http://cleartheclutterprofessionalorganizing.blogspot.com/

Cook Books

Are you a cookbook junkie? Do cook books take up an entire cabinet in your already storage challenged kitchen? Here is a simple solution. Photocopy the recipes that you use out of each cook book and donate/sell the cookbooks.

Organizing the Garage

It is spring and as it warms up, it is a great time to get that garage cleaned out! Always begin any organizing project with the process of elimination. The best way to eliminate clutter in your garage is to do small sections at a time. Pick either a corner or a shelf and work on that area only. Focusing on a smaller area is less overwhelming. Take everything out of that space and divide it into three piles: keep, throw away, or donate/sell. After everything is sorted, put the “keep” pile away in an organized manner. Do not put things away as you sort or you are likely to get sidetracked from your main focus. Immediately discard the “throw away” pile, and then either drop off donations or start the selling process of the remaining items. Stay focused until the space is entirely done.

Next, consider your storage space. Shelving is always a great option. Using clear plastic storage bins to hold categorized items, such as holiday decorations or camping equipment, is the way to go. With clear bins you can see what you have inside without having to pull the bin down and rummage through it. Make sure to label all bins with the general content of the category. Another option is ceiling space. There are ceiling hanging shelves for items infrequently used or there are hooks that hang from the ceiling and hold bikes or sporting equipment.

Finally, install your storage items and put everything away in a neat and categorized way. Now that everything has a home, keep it there. Enjoy your clean and usable space!


Meagan Farrell, professional organizer, is the owner of Clear the Clutter organizing services. She can be reached at (360) 631-7268 or at clear_theclutter@yahoo.com. Check out her blog at http://cleartheclutterprofessionalorganizing.blogspot.com/