My latest triumph was to organize and clean out 2 closets – one of which, my large walk-in that I share with my husband. To me, the more drawer, cabinet or closet space you give me, the more likely I am to stash junk out-of-sight, out-of-mind. After five years in this house, we finally went through clothes, shoes and other items we never use or wear. I brought so many things to Goodwill, it took me 3 trips from the car with 2 shopping carts full. Yes, I had been saving far too much stuff for far too long. I recycled hundreds of metal coat hangers and discarded or found another use for stained or damaged clothes. I then reorganized my things as Lea advises in her book. I used a few of those hanging sweater shelves, some of which were in the bargain bins at the front of Target at back-to-school time. I can now reach my sweaters as they are hanging at eye level. Up top, I’ve put my off-season clothing and bedding, and now my laundry room has more space to store linens and other household supplies.

Again, this book is so helpful – I can’t recommend it enough. Please also subscribe to Lea’s blog, organizerightnow.wordpress.com. It’s awesome and her post on closets is what motivated me to tackle mine last weekend!

I have definitely noticed a much greater sense of peace in myself since taking a few easy steps towards better organization. Because my kitchen countertop was constantly cluttered with mail, cell phones, keys, kids’ artwork, toys, tools, etc., I created a system for allowing these things to stay, but hidden from view. With my new 4-drawers (one for each member of the family) on one side, and a mail and filing station on the other, nothing is left out in heaps anymore. When the drawers fill up, it’s time to put things back where they belong. Also, I now know where my sunglasses and keys are – they are in my drawer!

In my pre-school-aged but headstrong daughter’s room, I implemented a wipe-off board with photos of each task of her morning routine. She loves being responsible for getting ready for school and checking off the pictures as she finishes each item. I also brought in some closet organizing hanging shelves for setting the week’s outfits, for her to choose each day. I am hoping this makes a difference in the clothing battles that have already started at her young age.

I’ve also come a long way with my “just for now” habits, and I’ve stopped trying to do every bit of organizing and household work myself. Lea’s advice about getting children involved with chores has made a big difference. In the kitchen, I dedicated a large, deep, low drawer as the kids’ dishes, napkins, flatware and cups. Now they can get their own supplies, without arguing about what color or kind of item they want, and they can also help empty the dishwasher and put away their own things. I’ve also started getting them involved in washing dishes and loading the dishwasher, as well as clearing plates from the table. Even my four-year-old can help vacuum as well.

I have to thank Lea for so many great ideas, and for opening my eyes to all of the things that are possible if we only think one step ahead of the mess or the argument. Her book is a sanity-saver for any mom who is overwhelmed by housework or feeling like a maid. I highly recommend picking up a copy today! Thanks again Lea!

Just wanted you to know that I was following along and supporting your efforts. Watching out for that “Just for Now” syndrome can really make a difference. It’s also a great one to teach your kids. When they plop something down, just for now, continue to encourage them to take the 3 extra seconds to plop it where it goes.

Keep me posted on how the organizing is going.

As much as we want to change everything at once, we just can’t. When we do try to do that, we make ourselves crazy and we can’t keep it up. Just choose one thing at a time and then focus on it and finish it before starting another.

Let me know if I can help in any way.

Happy Organizing, Lea

I’ve started following the advice to never put something down “just for now.” I catch myself putting something down where I know it doesn’t belong, and I try to take the extra step or 10 seconds to put it where it belongs.

By doing this, the house is not nearly as cluttered and there is not much mess to clean up later.

So now, to teach the kids……that will be another story I’m sure. But stay tuned and I’ll get back to you!