82 Tips to Get & Stay Organized from Simply Organized

We have a store on the island that I have yet to visit. Mainly due to the fact hubby takes our only car to work and the store is kind of "far". Anywho...back to the store...

Simply Organized...don't you just love the name?!  This morning I received my weekly email newsletter from them. It's really just a list of some items they have on sale but I went ahead and jumped over to their site.  I stumbled on some great tips on organizing and thought I'd share it with my friends :D

You probably already do a lot of these but I'm sure you'll find at least one thing new!  I especially like #8!

82 Tips to Get & Stay Organized
By Kelly Galvin, Organized in Paradise

1. If you don’t use it don’t keep it.
2. To maintain organization and order, do a daily pick-up and put-away session. 
3. Clear your desk when you finish working so it will be a useful workspace when you return.
4. Do not use your countertops for storage.  Only keep appliances that you use daily (coffee maker, blender, toaster).
5. File papers unfolded, face up.
6. When processing the mail – throw away envelopes immediately.
7. Things tend to grow roots where they are planted.  Therefore, only set down an item where you want to live for a long, long time.
8. Forget perfect, aim for progress.
9. Eliminate junk mail – get off lists if you don’t want their mailings.
10. Keep a wastebasket in every room.
11. Quit bringing in new stuff.
12. Write things down.
13. Just because you’ve always done it that way… does not make it the best way.
14. Every household needs a desk (or even an office).
15. Use vertical storage whenever possible.
16. Put things you use often within close reach. 
17. Stop buying single use items.  Warning:  if it is labeled “AS SEEN ON TV” don’t walk, run!
18. Move things you use sparingly out of the way.
19. Create zones.  Most rooms have multiple functions and therefore should have multiple zones.
20. If you have not used it (or worn it) for more than one year, let it go.
21. Make a conscious decision about what to keep.  Don’t just keep everything (this is critical for all the paper in our lives).
22. If you buy an item to replace one which is worn out, toss the old one. 
23. You are not the maid, teach the other members of your household to keep your home organized.
24. Keep a memory box for each child.  Keep only the best paintings, crafts and art projects. 
25. Keep art projects on the fridge for one month take a photo of the collection.  Keep the photo, toss the items.
26. Go through your toiletries and toss out any that you never use because you never liked them. 
27. An organized home is orderly, not sterile.
28. Organize clothes by type:  pants, skirts, dresses, jackets, sweaters, etc.
29. Organize your dresser top to bottom in order of the clothes you put on.
30. Add a valet hook outside the closet or on the door.  This is great place to hang items you’ve brought in from the dry cleaner, or your outfit for the next day.
31. One in, one out.  Once you’ve done a full wardrobe organization, use this policy to stay organized.
32. Add risers to cabinets to enhance accessibility to cabinets.
33. When organizing a space, remember your goal is not to pack in as much stuff as possible.  Simply store items you use in a way that makes them easy to access and put away.
34. Drink water to keep yourself hydrated.
35. Empty the trash regularly.  A full trash can is a “stop” sign to tossing things out.  Keep this road open.
36. Use bins inside drawers or cabinets to hold a collection of small items.  The bin creates a limit on how much of certain items may be stored and keeps one type of items separate from another.
37. Use online banking to reduce the amount of paper you have read, process and file.
38. When packing for a trip, take fewer clothes than there are number of days on the trip. 
39. Take your own reading material when you will have waiting time.
40. Use project folders and magazine files to keep papers of an “active” project together and visible.
41. Furniture can be storage container.  Look for pieces that offer storage.
42. Consider whether open or closed storage is appropriate for a space and items to be stored.
43. Email is great, but limit the undesired messages by “unsubscribing” to mailings you are not interested in reading.
44. When you get rid of “stuff” you don’t need, you are making more room for the things you use and love.
45. Size matters – too many small bins or of all different sizes is simply more clutter.  Use a container or bin of sufficient size to hold all needed items.
46. Use a spiral notebook to record your phone messages.  If necessary, you can transfer needed information to another place, but the spiral notebook will always have the original info.
47. When you get your photos developed, toss out any that are obvious duds.
48. Stock your pantry and freezer with meals which can be prepared without a trip to the supermarket.
49. Get items off the closet floor – install shelves or bins for shoes and accessories.
50. Organize your computer files the same way you organize paper files.  Create category folders and keep the files in the appropriate category.  A messy computer desktop looks as cluttered at a messy desk.
51. Fold a complete sheet set together.
52. Put the fold side out to it easier to retrieve a single towel
53. Create a record of your medical history (and each family member). 
54. Let there be light.  Add stick-on lights in cabinets and closets so you can actually see what you have.
55. Kids are short – put items they should be able to access low enough for them to reach.
56. Stop on occasion and take a deep, relaxing breath.
57. Books – once you’ve read it, donate it to the library.
58. Use labels, especially for storage bins and boxes.
59. When deciding on a color for a storage space, go with white.  It looks cleaner, reflects more light so you can see better when searching for an item.
60. When kids tire of a toy or game, let go of it.
61. Keep a “donate” box going at all times.
62. Use hooks on your closet rod to hang handbags and totes.
63. Create an in/out place for the keys, purse, etc.
64. Use pictures as labels (shoes, accessories).
65. Teach your kids to be organized by having them participate in part of the daily clean up.
66. Bend your knees when you lift things.
67. Stop stocking up on gifts you give “one day”. 
68. When displaying photographs, use the same type of frame for all in the collection for a cohesive look.
69. Toss out the condiments and sauces in your refrigerator or cupboard that no one likes.
70. Create a resource binder with the contact info of service people you use.
71. Set aside at least 20 minutes twice a week to do administrative tasks – including filing.
72. Prepare an emergency plan for your family.
73. Buy containers and bins ONLY AFTER you’ve decided what you will keep in them.
74. Edit your rooms.  Look from left to right, top to bottom.  Remove any item that does not belong or can be tossed.
75. Writing things down.  Do put unnecessary pressure on yourself to remember everything.
76. Avoid time wasters.  A few minutes of a computer games is a fun relief, hours at the screen is just a waste.
77. Be aware of the difference between tidy (“a right angler”) and actually organized.  A tidy space might look good; an organized space will help you get more done.
78. Keep a few thank you notes on hand to be ready to send when appropriate.  Don’t keep an entire stationary store.
79. When you entertain, make it fun and a production.
80. Create a place in your file system for Important Documents such as passports, birth certificates, immunization records, etc. 
81. A place for everything and everything in its place.  Pay attention to both parts of this saying.  Does everything in your house have a place?
82. Use clear tubs for kids – they can see what’s inside without using any labels.

Happy Organizing!