Organization Extra: Life Editing

Photo: Tat via Morguefile

Graham Hill lives in 420 square feet of space -- by choice. In his TED Talk, "Less Stuff, More Happiness," he shares three guidelines, all in under six minutes:

• Edit ruthlessly.
• Small is sexy.
• Make multifunctional.

While this TED Talk may cause palpitations in I love stuff people, it's worth watching if only to see the 420 square foot space, and the cool things he used to make it work. And while it may be hard to edit ruthlessly, the other half of his advice in that area was to stem the inflow, something that many of us find much easier to do.

Organization is important. It's also much easier when the amount of stuff we have fits well into the space we inhabit. Personally, I'm still working on that, but when I watch TED Talks like this one, I'm more motivated to do some of that ruthless editing.

3 Keys Thursday: Managing a Day that Doesn't Go According to Plan

Yesterday was one of those days. I started with a list (part of which, quite honestly, carried over from the day before), and it seemed reasonable at the time. I'd added one item I was less-than-thrilled about (time wise) to my schedule, but that didn't seem to be too big a deal.

And then reality set in.

Fortunately, nothing awful happened, and in more than one case, I was right where I should have been exactly when I should have been there -- and in a totally unplanned fashion.

Unfortunately, yesterday's blog post was late, and by the time we sat down to dinner (after 7 pm), very little had been checked off my to-do list. I was quickly growing grouchy.

Throughout the day, I tried to remind myself:

• What matters most. Yes, not getting through my list was frustrating. But the things I was doing instead involved making inroads with people. Meeting with students. Swapping stories and strategies with another instructor. Spending unexpected time with my daughter. Any one of these things is a good thing, and together, they were a worthwhile way to spend my time.
• Worrying and stressing solves nothing. My main unplanned trip for the day involved going somewhere out of my usual realm of travel. My route-planning skills being what they are, I chose a route that was more circuitous than necessary, then white-knuckled it for most of the ride there. No matter how pale my knuckles got, it didn't get me there any faster, nor did it make the trip more pleasant.
• A sense of humor is both essential and priceless. We opted for a different route home (for obvious reasons) and just as I got in the lane to pull onto the main road, we heard about an accident -- you guessed it -- right where we were headed. All we could do, despite the unpredictable and sometimes unpleasant, afternoon was laugh.

Note that I said that I tried to remind myself of these things. As the day wore on (and the hours to accomplish things grew shorter), I was reminded that knowing these things and using them to offset my frustration are two different things. Sometimes, just knowing them is enough.

Other times, you have to write a blog post.

Photo: Dodgerton Skillhause via Morguefile

Managing the Seasonal Switchover

Photo: Smileyhaiku via Morguefile

Today on The Porch Swing Chronicles, I wrote about 4 things I'm looking forward to over fall break. One of those things, not surprisingly, is related to organization.

At my house, it's that time of year when some of the clothes (and shoes) that are easily accessible are summer clothes and a growing (and still slightly disheveled) portion of my accessible clothing works for fall. I spent a little time on my closet a couple of weeks ago because I needed to make space for some new clothes, but otherwise, the summer-to-fall conversion has yet to take place. Yes, I know it's October, but there's nothing worse than switching everything around only to hit a stretch of warm weather where I end up dragging out the things I just put away.

I've yet to discover a way to do this that makes it fun, but creating a good set-up by putting things away in a personal and organizational style-savvy manner at least makes it less dreadful to contemplate.

For me, shoes are the biggest challenge, mostly because I store my out-of-season shoes in a narrow closet with a sloping, Cape Cod roof. The front of the closet (which houses my in-season shoes) is set up in a very I need to see it fashion, with all of my footwear on shelves, arranged by color, so once the switchover takes place, it really is "easy upkeep." And if I take the time to put things away properly, the process is time-consuming, but not terribly difficult -- at least not from an organizational perspective.

As you pull out one season and put away another, here are a few things to consider.

• Weed if you can. If you, unlike me, are able to simply move clothes from one closet to another, take some time to consider the usefulness of what you're moving. Hang pieces one at a time in their new space, considering whether or not everything you're putting away for the cool months is worth keeping. Anything you haven't worn in a while?  Something too big or too small or of sentimental value, but not worth the space it takes up? Get rid of them if you can. If you can't (this means you, l love stuff friends), try hanging them with the hanger facing backwards and don't start the next season with them in your closet (go after them only if you need them). Or, pack them away, using some of the tips and tools below.
• Keep like items together (all skirts, all the shirts) or keep sets together (belts with the outfit they go with), but not both. If you're consistent with your method, retrieval is easier, especially if you find yourself looking for one particular item in a hurry. This benefits all styles, but especially the I know I put it somewhere folks who tend to stash without a plan. 
• Revert to your containers of choice. Do you like see-through containers? Labeled boxes? Both of these work well for I need to see it and I know I put it somewhere styles, while cram and jammers might prefer fabric bins that expand and "create" space. Use what you know works for you. 
• Keep it simple. If you're like me, you end up looking for something between seasons, so the easier it is to figure out what's in each container, the less of a mess you make in the process. Keeping it simple and as accessible as possible works for all styles, but can be especially beneficial for the I love to be busy folks who might end up doing their seasonal switchovers a little at a time, when they can squeeze it in.

Photo: SeeMann
via Morguefile

Sadly, this is not a project suited to the drop and run folks who just want all of this to be over with as soon as possible. Their payoff comes in choosing the right storage for the "incoming" stuff -- containers that will make putting things away as easy as dropping them....wherever.

How about you? Any great tips to share when it comes to the inevitable seasonal switchover?

Organization Extra: What to Do with Empty Prescription Bottles...and other Good Stuff

Photo: Orchid via Morguefile

Earlier this week, I wrote about the junk in my car trunk (stop by tomorrow to read about the junk in another author's trunk :-) If I'm to be honest, there's good stuff in bags in other places in my house, too. Toys and clothes that haven't yet made it to the consignment store. Stuffed animals in good condition that my daughter has outgrown, but I don't know where to send.

And those empty amber prescription bottles.

I figured there had to be a place to recycle them, but had no idea where that might be, so when I found this list at Less is More Organizers, I had to share. Some of the information is specific to the Chicago area, but the stuffed animal information and the prescription bottle information works for anyone willing to clean donations and ship them.

I still haven't found a home for that decorative hat box... but I have a few ideas. I will get the junk out of my trunk!

3 Keys Thursday: Dealing with Organizational Obstacles

Photo: Dodgerton Skillhause via Morguefile

No matter how successful we are at getting organized, sometimes it's an uphill battle. Let's face it: Organization is a process, which means that even once we have workable systems in place, we never quite get to check it off our lists and say, "Done! Organized!" There are always new things to add, old things to sort and life changes that necessitate re-thinking our strategies.

In addition, there are day-to-day obstacles that make organizing a challenge.

The problem: An overbooked schedule. Try as we might, we often say yes to one -- or ten -- too many things. When our schedules get crazy, we get tired, and perhaps a bit lazy as well. Even the best systems get ignored in favor of the easiest option, which often does not include putting things away.
The solution: Do what you can and live by Give it Five! Work within your simplest systems, making sure to use them as much as possible so things don't pile up. When they do pile up (and they will), don't despair. Give it Five! as often as you can until you have time to dig in again. And, when that time arrives, step back and see what you're dealing with. Have you uncovered chinks in your organizational armor? If so, putting some new systems into place (perhaps a new container or location is needed for some things?) can make a difference the next time your schedule explodes off the calendar.

Park City Computer Desk and Hutch by Legacy Classic Kids
www.wolffurniture.com

The problem: Tiny spaces. I love our little house -- most days -- but, oh, what I wouldn't give for a walk-in closet! And our Cape Cod is a luxury home compared to the tiny apartments college students and city dwellers routinely call home.
The solution: The right storage. Look for containers and furnishings that are tall or stackable (maximize vertical space), fit underneath furniture and/or do double duty. Check out places that offer unusual items (import stores, flea markets, consignment shops and secondhand stores) that can fit into small spaces or function as whimsical touches and practical storage. While some kids' furnishings are obviously designed for children, others are often just the right size for smaller adult spaces. Finally, whether you live in a dorm or a studio apartment, never underestimate the September sales that pop up after the college students have gone back to school. Many dorm furnishings can be a lifesaver in small, non-dorm residences.

The problem: Opposing styles. You've taken the quiz. You've identified your styles. You've even figured out what works for you. The trouble is, your I need to see it style drives your I know I put it somewhere spouse just a little bit crazy.
The solution: Educate, evaluate...and compromise. Try to help your spouse understand why you've chosen the solutions you have (and I'm assuming we're talking about actual solutions here, not simply leaving everything out where I -- uh, you -- can see it) and listen to why your partner has opted for his/her system. Together, decide which systems are working (that is, they're being used) and which are less-than-ideal. For those that aren't working, try to find the points of agreement between styles before settling on a new solution. Clear or labeled containers, for example, can work for both I need to see it and I know I put it somewhere organizers, albeit for different reasons. And, when it comes to  systems that one person uses significantly more than the other person (his man cave, your closet), the chief organizer of that area should prevail...unless the other person wants to take over the maintenance of that space.

Above all, be patient with yourself. Sure, we could spend our whole lives getting things just so, but that doesn't sound like much of a life. As long as you're making progress, you're moving in the right direction.

Junk in the Trunk

Reusable shopping bags are one thing I try to always keep
in the trunk of my car. (Photo: thirtyonegifts.com)

Last week on The Porch Swing Chronicles, I wrote a post about things you'll find in my car but not my husband's. A friend of mine "piggybacked" (her word) on my post and raised the question, "Packrat or prepared?"

Which are you? And how does it affect your organizing?

If you're an I love stuff organizer, chances are you fall into the packrat category...but chances are also good that you're the one who has what someone else is looking for, making you prepared as well.

Regardless of your answer to the packrat vs. prepared question, it comes down to how do you organize. Not surprisingly, the same principles we apply to organizing our homes also applies to organizing our cars, but because space is so limited, there are a few questions we should asks ourselves to guide our choices of what we keep and how we keep it in our home on wheels.

• How often do you use it? My car is rarely without tissues, napkins, a notepad (or three) and writing implements. I use these frequently, and would truly be at a loss without them. All of these are in the front of my car -- tissues and napkins in the glove box, writing implements between the seats (and one in the organizer on my sun visor) and notebooks/note pads in the pocket on the driver's side door (and two smaller ones in the organizer on my sun visor).
• When you need it, how desperately do you need it? I don't use the blanket I keep in my back seat very often at all, but should my car ever break down on a cold day, I definitely want to have it. I use the hand sanitizing wipes in the trunk more often than the blanket, but when I need them, I really want to have them. Neither of these things is stored in the front of the car, though. Their importance earns them a spot in my vehicle, but neither them gets used often enough to take up prime real estate.

So far, I think we're in the prepared category. Get ready to cross over.

• Is it just taking up space? I have a decorative hat box that has been living in the trunk of my car for -- oh, I can't even admit it in print -- too long! Originally intended as a donation, it didn't work out as such, but once I got it out of my mudroom, I wasn't putting it back. I've been meaning to find it a new home, but as an I need to see it person...well, I don't see it, so I haven't dealt with it. Packrat. Definitely packrat. It's in the way when I put groceries in the car, it's getting faded from the sunlight that pours in the back window of my car (I have a hatchback) and while I can rationalize that it's collecting loose items in the trunk (it sort of is), it's gone beyond not being an efficient use of the space to being in the way. It needs to go.

I think it's fair to say that I live on the line between packrat and prepared. And, one of the reasons I love writing these blogs is that they spur me to action. Clearly, it's time to find that big intrusion of a container a new home.

How about you? What belongs and what doesn't? And what will you do about it? 

Organization Extra: 18 Things You Can Get Rid of Right Now

Photo: Godserv via Morguefile

Do you have too much stuff? I know I do. Even when we get inspired to downsize, it's sometimes hard to know just where to start.

Family Circle to the rescue! Diana Reese's fabulously visual 18 Things You Can Get Rid of Right Now offers starting points gentle enough to appeal to even those with an I love stuff style. Items are listed by category, and the article is almost completely devoid of the "throw it away!" mentality so painful to many of us who long to de-clutter. Instead, Reese focuses on gentler ways to let go, such as passing your castaways along to someone who'll love and appreciate them. Some of the tips even come with videos to give you organization tips.

If the posts from the past few weeks have you in a project mindset, this article can help you keep up the momentum. If you've been looking for a starting point, you might find that here, too. Every time I scroll through the pictures, I think, "I can do that!"

So go ahead -- take a peek. You've got nothing to lose except a little bit of clutter.