Organization
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Once the holiday decor has been put away and the calendar is opened to January I plan the years To Do List. This year just like every year the quest for organization is high on that list.
Having a small home I am a firm believer in the saying: everything has a place and a place for everything. Just ask my hubs and son - if they leave something around - it will be moved and when asked I’ll reply “That’s not where that goes, I moved it.”
I started the new year by getting out my copies of The Complete Book of Home Organization and The Home Edit. I shared an image on Instagram and was sent messages from friends asking me to share any new tips I learn.
Here are a few images from TCBoHO: Toni Hammersley is leading us on more than just a mission to organize. She is leading us to rethink spaces in our home. There are cooking and cleaning tips too. It’s about lifestyle.
And here are images from THE: Clea and Johanna are absolutely focused on the task of editing to create a harmonious environment in your home. They walk us through the steps and I love seeing how they have grouped items together in this pantry. The end result is inspirational.
I own both The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing and Spark Joy: An Illustrated Master Class on the Art of Organizing and Tidying Up. Marie Kondo writes about pushing others to take your items. A sister who can’t say No; so she dresses in cast-offs she doesn’t like.
Margareta Magnusson writes in The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning about items you want to leave your children but, those children have never shown any interest in - let’s say boating. So why would you think they want your old boat?
These examples of items being forced on others was really eye-opening. I still ask but after reading these books I move on quickly if the response is No. By respecting No and not trying to give anyone the hard sell I alleviate my own guilt about letting an object go - regardless if its an heirloom or not. Transversely if you love that bowl that was your Great Grandmothers keep it and use it - even if you think it’s doesn’t go with your decor!
This is my son’s drawer we utilize the Marie Kondo method for folding all his items. It enables him to easily find what he wants to wear.
The theme in each book in the act of purging and containment. I recommend all but follow the links to Goodreads and decide for yourself.
The most important part of organization is being honest with yourself. When I went through the kitchen cabinets removing contents and cleaning the shelves - I needed to decide will I really drink this tea? If not than why is it taking up space in my tea caddy. Will I really use these glasses, this vase, this mug… you get the idea. This is the smallest kitchen I’ve ever lived in. If it’s here I can say we really use it.
I’ve gone through the diningroom, the coat closet and we don’t keep anything in the attic but, luggage.
I went through my sons closet and sold some pieces privately. I took the rest to Once Upon a Child. I didn’t make much money selling to OUC but, the box is gone and in the end that was my goal. Yay!
I have a few days of sorting in our bedroom. It should take a day to review the linen closet sheeting, towels and the personal care items and about a two weeks to clear out items from our basement.
“Organize: to arrange by systematic planning and united effort”
As a collector I’ve had to change my view of thrifting and shopping. Often these days I snap pictures of items and that simple act has helped me not to bring everything that catches my eye home. I spent almost a year looking at the Mason Potpourri Jar I purchased at The Summit Antiques Center last week - I decided if it was there this time it was finally coming home with me.
But by bringing this home I thought about what I should part with. I recently started a shop through Instagram. Some items were mine and others are items I’ve found specifically for the shop. I hope to grow my shop and use it as a resource for friends and clients.
I think organization reaches into all aspects of our lives. It’s not just a cabinet or closet. It’s our cars, it’s folding the laundry when it comes out of the dryer and putting it away immediately. As an avid reader I move books out as quickly as possible passing them onto family and friends or placing in one of the Little Libraries around our neighborhood.
On a daily basis I find making your bed the moment you get up really sets the tone for the day and if the bed is made than a room looks neat and organized. I also have a Tips page here on the site where I share my approach to cleaning.
Here’s a note I keep on my phone under the heading Marketing - I also have separate notes with recipes so they’re handy when I’m marketing. I need to be organized with my time and I make no secret of the fact that if it’s not written down it doesn’t happen. I have been known to accomplish a day of errands with stops at various locations only to get home and realize I forgot something because it wasn’t written down.
A big focus is staying on-top of areas where piles tend to grow and recognizing them in our own homes. For us our pantry/mudroom area tends to get messy, as does my desk. I’m constantly shuffling papers and projects. I try and keep the most current on my desk while the rest are tucked in a basket underneath.
Good luck with your organization. When you get down to it - organizing is being tidy and not everyone is naturally this way. It takes time to master - so don’t be hard on yourself. As you develop a plan include the people you live with. You are sure to be successful if you have their help and support!
Til next time be well.
