Welcome to week 3 of the Spring Organizing Challenge!! How did last week’s challenge go?? Comments? Questions? Issues??
This week you are challenged to focus on your bathroom. Yes, bathrooms need to be organized too.
1. Pick one drawer, cabinet or corner and start there.
2. Pull everything out and start sorting.
a. Check expiration dates on medicines and make-up – throw away anything that has expired
b. Group duplicates together. For example, if you have three extra bottles of shampoo, put them together.
3. Once it is all sorted, take another honest look at everything. Is there make-up that you really won’t wear again? Is there lotion that you just don’t like the smell of? Or do you have enough shampoo samples from the Marriott to provide for an entire small nation? If so, how about purging some of it. Pass the unused cosmetics and toiletries to a women’s shelter. Or, vow not to buy another bottle of shampoo (no matter how good the sale) until you have used up all those sample bottles.
4. When you are putting everything back, keep like items together. Also, consider using the shelf stands that are sold in almost any store like Wal-Mart or Target. Follow this link to see what I mean - http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=8832618. These allow you to utilize the vertical space in your cabinets and make it easier to see everything you have. When you know what you have, it is simpler to keep inventory.
Here are the benefits:
• You will reduce clutter in your bathroom.
• You will save money because you will be using up what you already have, rather than buying more of things that you just couldn’t find.
• You will be environmentally-friendly because you are using what you already have rather than consuming more.
• You will save yourself the stress of running out of products because it will be simple to keep inventory of what you have.
• Should you decide to donate your excess, you will be helping out someone in need which is good for your soul.
Remember – share your thoughts!!! We all want to hear what you did, how it went, challenges you faced, etc. Good luck and have fun!!
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/
Showing posts with label organizing challenge. Show all posts
Showing posts with label organizing challenge. Show all posts
Friday, May 15, 2009
Friday, May 8, 2009
Organizing Challenge - Week 2
Welcome to week 2 of the Spring Organizing Challenge!! How did last week’s challenge go?? Comments? Questions? Issues??
This week you are challenged to focus on your gift stockpile. You know, the bags of or piles or gifts that you purchased for someone else? If you don’t have one, read on, you might want to start one. I work with so many clients who, as we organize their homes, find items they purchased for loved ones, but then lost in the chaos. This seems to be a common issue as people don’t have a storage plan for this type of item. If this sounds familiar, read on:
1. Designate a space in your house for gift storage. Use a shelf in your closet, a section or your garage of a part of your basement.
2. Make a list of all the people you buy gifts for throughout the year.
3. Measure your space and divide that by the number of people you buy for. You can use paper bags, plastic containers or whatever works for your space. Label each bag/box with the name of one of your recipients. Don’t forget to leave an extra box/bag for miscellaneous gifts. These would be random hostess gifts, children’s birthday gifts, etc.
4. Walk around your house and garage and collect all the gifts that you have purchased for others. 99% of my clients have these scattered around. You know, the great book you found on sale that you know your mother will love for her birthday? Or the cute toy you found on clearance that you can use for someone’s special day.
5. Now put the gifts in the appropriate bags. If you have items left over that you no longer see as appropriate, make a pile for donating.
6. Get yourself in the habit of putting any items purchased in their bag/box immediately. When the holidays or birthdays roll around, all you have to do is go to that person’s box and wrap up what you have for them.
Here are the benefits:
• You will reduce clutter around your house by keeping all these items in one, organized area.
• You will save money because you will not forget that you already had something for Aunt Mildred and buy a second gift. You will also not overbuy for an individual because you will know exactly what you have for them.
• You will be environmentally-friendly because you are using what you already have rather than consuming more.
• You will save yourself a lot of last minute stress when holidays and birthdays come up because you will know exactly where all the gifts you purchased are.
Remember – share your thoughts!!! We all want to hear what you did, how it went, challenges you faced, etc. Good luck and have fun!!
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/
This week you are challenged to focus on your gift stockpile. You know, the bags of or piles or gifts that you purchased for someone else? If you don’t have one, read on, you might want to start one. I work with so many clients who, as we organize their homes, find items they purchased for loved ones, but then lost in the chaos. This seems to be a common issue as people don’t have a storage plan for this type of item. If this sounds familiar, read on:
1. Designate a space in your house for gift storage. Use a shelf in your closet, a section or your garage of a part of your basement.
2. Make a list of all the people you buy gifts for throughout the year.
3. Measure your space and divide that by the number of people you buy for. You can use paper bags, plastic containers or whatever works for your space. Label each bag/box with the name of one of your recipients. Don’t forget to leave an extra box/bag for miscellaneous gifts. These would be random hostess gifts, children’s birthday gifts, etc.
4. Walk around your house and garage and collect all the gifts that you have purchased for others. 99% of my clients have these scattered around. You know, the great book you found on sale that you know your mother will love for her birthday? Or the cute toy you found on clearance that you can use for someone’s special day.
5. Now put the gifts in the appropriate bags. If you have items left over that you no longer see as appropriate, make a pile for donating.
6. Get yourself in the habit of putting any items purchased in their bag/box immediately. When the holidays or birthdays roll around, all you have to do is go to that person’s box and wrap up what you have for them.
Here are the benefits:
• You will reduce clutter around your house by keeping all these items in one, organized area.
• You will save money because you will not forget that you already had something for Aunt Mildred and buy a second gift. You will also not overbuy for an individual because you will know exactly what you have for them.
• You will be environmentally-friendly because you are using what you already have rather than consuming more.
• You will save yourself a lot of last minute stress when holidays and birthdays come up because you will know exactly where all the gifts you purchased are.
Remember – share your thoughts!!! We all want to hear what you did, how it went, challenges you faced, etc. Good luck and have fun!!
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/
Friday, May 1, 2009
Spring Organizing Challenge - Week 1
Welcome to week 1 of the May Spring Organizing Challenge!! This week you are challenged to focus on your pantry and food stock. This is what I want you to do:
1. Gather your family, roommate, partner or whomever you share meals with.
2. Open up your cupboards, pantry, freezer, or refrigerator – wherever you store food.
3. Take inventory.
4. Now take a piece of paper and write out the days of the month (you can even print a blank calendar off your computer).
5. You and your committee are going to plan meals for the month using up the items that you have in your pantry or fridge.
6. Once your menu is complete, make a list of the ingredients that you do not already have in stock. Put those on a list and shop for them.
7. Now post the menu on the fridge or on a cupboard door.
8. Did you stumble across ingredients that you have no idea how to use? Either look up recipes you can use on www.epicurious.com or donate them to the local food bank.
Here are the benefits:
• You will have less excess food in your cupboards, making them less messy and making it easier to keep tabs on your inventory.
• You will save money on groceries because you are using what you already have.
• You will not be wasting food that will expire if not used in a timely manner.
• You will be environmentally-friendly because you are consuming what you already have.
• You will save money and be healthier because you should eat out less. Having meals planned out and having the ingredients on hand make it easier to cook at home.
Remember – share your thoughts!!! We all want to hear what you did, how it went, challenges you faced, etc. Feel free to email me photos of your newly organized pantries as well. Good luck and have fun!!
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/
1. Gather your family, roommate, partner or whomever you share meals with.
2. Open up your cupboards, pantry, freezer, or refrigerator – wherever you store food.
3. Take inventory.
4. Now take a piece of paper and write out the days of the month (you can even print a blank calendar off your computer).
5. You and your committee are going to plan meals for the month using up the items that you have in your pantry or fridge.
6. Once your menu is complete, make a list of the ingredients that you do not already have in stock. Put those on a list and shop for them.
7. Now post the menu on the fridge or on a cupboard door.
8. Did you stumble across ingredients that you have no idea how to use? Either look up recipes you can use on www.epicurious.com or donate them to the local food bank.
Here are the benefits:
• You will have less excess food in your cupboards, making them less messy and making it easier to keep tabs on your inventory.
• You will save money on groceries because you are using what you already have.
• You will not be wasting food that will expire if not used in a timely manner.
• You will be environmentally-friendly because you are consuming what you already have.
• You will save money and be healthier because you should eat out less. Having meals planned out and having the ingredients on hand make it easier to cook at home.
Remember – share your thoughts!!! We all want to hear what you did, how it went, challenges you faced, etc. Feel free to email me photos of your newly organized pantries as well. Good luck and have fun!!
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/
Spring Organizing Challenge - Week 1
Welcome to week 1 of the May Spring Organizing Challenge!! This week you are challenged to focus on your pantry and food stock. This is what I want you to do:
1. Gather your family, roommate, partner or whomever you share meals with.
2. Open up your cupboards, pantry, freezer, or refrigerator – wherever you store food.
3. Take inventory.
4. Now take a piece of paper and write out the days of the month (you can even print a blank calendar off your computer).
5. You and your committee are going to plan meals for the month using up the items that you have in your pantry or fridge.
6. Once your menu is complete, make a list of the ingredients that you do not already have in stock. Put those on a list and shop for them.
7. Now post the menu on the fridge or on a cupboard door.
8. Did you stumble across ingredients that you have no idea how to use? Either look up recipes you can use on www.epicurious.com or donate them to the local food bank.
Here are the benefits:
• You will have less excess food in your cupboards, making them less messy and making it easier to keep tabs on your inventory.
• You will save money on groceries because you are using what you already have.
• You will not be wasting food that will expire if not used in a timely manner.
• You will be environmentally-friendly because you are consuming what you already have.
• You will save money and be healthier because you should eat out less. Having meals planned out and having the ingredients on hand make it easier to cook at home.
Remember – share your thoughts!!! We all want to hear what you did, how it went, challenges you faced, etc. Feel free to email me photos of your newly organized pantries as well. Good luck and have fun!!
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/
1. Gather your family, roommate, partner or whomever you share meals with.
2. Open up your cupboards, pantry, freezer, or refrigerator – wherever you store food.
3. Take inventory.
4. Now take a piece of paper and write out the days of the month (you can even print a blank calendar off your computer).
5. You and your committee are going to plan meals for the month using up the items that you have in your pantry or fridge.
6. Once your menu is complete, make a list of the ingredients that you do not already have in stock. Put those on a list and shop for them.
7. Now post the menu on the fridge or on a cupboard door.
8. Did you stumble across ingredients that you have no idea how to use? Either look up recipes you can use on www.epicurious.com or donate them to the local food bank.
Here are the benefits:
• You will have less excess food in your cupboards, making them less messy and making it easier to keep tabs on your inventory.
• You will save money on groceries because you are using what you already have.
• You will not be wasting food that will expire if not used in a timely manner.
• You will be environmentally-friendly because you are consuming what you already have.
• You will save money and be healthier because you should eat out less. Having meals planned out and having the ingredients on hand make it easier to cook at home.
Remember – share your thoughts!!! We all want to hear what you did, how it went, challenges you faced, etc. Feel free to email me photos of your newly organized pantries as well. Good luck and have fun!!
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/
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Clear the Clutter Spring Organizing Challenge!
It is finally warming up and spring is in full swing. With spring comes the desire to open up your windows, get outside and do some spring cleaning. In light of all this, I am starting the spring organizing challenge. Each week during the month of May, I will post a challenge to all my readers. Each week, you will be challenged to get a section of your home organized. I will be asking for lots of feedback – I want to hear about what went well, tips that you came up with, or challenges you faced. We can all learn from each other.
The areas that I am picking will offer other benefits in addition to getting organized. You will be encouraged to use what you have, which will reduce consumption, making this earth friendly as well. Reducing consumption also helps you financially. In these tough economic times, who can afford to waste? This challenge will help you keep money in your pocket by using what you have rather than buying more. Finally, you can make this a lesson for your entire family. Get everyone involved in the challenge to teach your children better organizational/life skills.
Look for the first challenge on May 1. Get ready to get organized!!!!!!!!!
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/
The areas that I am picking will offer other benefits in addition to getting organized. You will be encouraged to use what you have, which will reduce consumption, making this earth friendly as well. Reducing consumption also helps you financially. In these tough economic times, who can afford to waste? This challenge will help you keep money in your pocket by using what you have rather than buying more. Finally, you can make this a lesson for your entire family. Get everyone involved in the challenge to teach your children better organizational/life skills.
Look for the first challenge on May 1. Get ready to get organized!!!!!!!!!
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/
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