organizing 101

There's been lots of talk in blogland about the new year

and getting organized

so I thought I'd share a few thoughts/tips/pointers

on the subject too.

I've always been the organized type...that's just the way I was made.

I like things neat and orderly, and here's a few things that help me.

Tip #1: Use a planner

I love a good planner...but for the last several months, the planner I had for 2010 was driving me bonkers!

It was always on my counter taking up space, there wasn't enough space for what I needed in it, etc.

So, I made my own.

My friend and I had this same idea...we just took small 3-ring binders and tabs and made them to fit our needs.

So now I have a planner with everything I need all in one spot.

I have a section for:
calendar

menu planning

projects

daily to-do list

goals

books/movies I want to read/see

my shop

and addresses.

I was able to use the inserts for other planners at Target.

more tips....

#2: Do a load of laundry every day...it's so less daunting then a giant pile of laundry.

#3: Have a weekly schedule.

I have followed (sort of) FlyLady's schedule for years and tailored it to fit my schedule.

It goes something like:

Monday: Change Sheets/Dust/Vacuum

Tuesday: Work on "Zone" for the week (if you've ever read FlyLady, you know what I'm talking about)

Wednesday: Ironing and Clean out fridge

Thursday: Desk Day...bills, declutter desk, etc.

Friday: Errands, groceries, post office

It's so helpful to have a plan.

i love this pretty smelling cleaner...i recently discovered it and the smell makes me want to scrub the floor!!

#4: Cutting down on clutter = a waaaay easier house to clean.

If you're not using it, throw it out.  Cleaning goes so much faster if you're not decluttering AND cleaning.

and speaking of decluttering...

#5: Declutter every day...I usually do this before I go to bed when the kids are already in bed.

#6 (last one...)

To feel more organized, try to wake up before your kids...even if it's only 30 minutes.

I'm not quite sure why, maybe it's because you're outnumbered, but kids can instantly make me feel unorganized.

If I wake up before they do and have some quiet time to organize my day, I feel so much better.

And since we're talking about cleaning...

I just have to say that everyone should use this Shaklee cleaner.

I've been using it about 3 years now and I've probably saved hundreds of $$.  This little bottle is super concentrated cleaner that totally safe for your kids and you.

A bottle like this probably lasts me 6 months and it can

scrub floors, clean glass, countertops, you name it!

I buy the Meyers stuff once in a while, but my Shaklee is a staple.

I'll never go back to Pledge and Windex!

Have a super clean and organized day!

xoxo

{alicia}

PS: I finished up some super fun goodies for my shop and will hopefully list them tonight :)