Home Organizing Tips

-Clean the refrigerator as you put away groceries, tossing containers either in the sink or the trash.

-Use clear shoe box containers to keep frozen bag foods organized in freezer.

-Minimize counter clutter by keeping only those appliances that are used at least once a day on top.

-Use hanging mesh or wire baskets to store fruit, onions, potatoes, etc.

-Maximize the space in your cabinets by installing small hooks on the bottoms of shelves for mugs that won’t stack.

-Put in back-of-door organizing racks to neatly hold boxes of foil, pot lids and extra shopping bags.

Time

-Have a family calendar in a central location to keep track of everyone’s schedule and ensure adequate time is spent together as a family.

-Never talk on the phone without doing something else: sort mail, file nails, iron, clean out drawer, sweep the floor.

-Let your fingers do the walking. Call ahead to stores whenever possible to make sure they have what you are looking for and how much it cost.

-Avoid being interrupted by the phone if you’re working. An answering machine lets you return calls at your leisure.

-Schedule quiet time foe yourself at least once a day.

Closet

-Give away or get rid of all clothes that you don’t wear.

-Take inventory of your clothes each season and make a list of articles you need to complete an outfit.

-Organize your closet by grouping skirts, shirts, pants and blazers together.

-Store season clothes underneath bed in under-the bed organizers.

-Maximize space by putting in extra hanging rods, adjustable shelves and use storage boxes when needed.

-Use hooks or peg-boards on the back of closet doors for hanging bags and belts. Keeps items visible.

Kids

-Designate a specific location for toys, art supplies, and clothes.

-Buy inexpensive bins and storage units for them to place items.

-Go through school papers at the end of the year and decide what you want to keep and what you want to get rid of.

Bathroom

-Keep cleaning supplies under sink: rubber gloves, sponges, all -purpose cleaner.

-Go through your medicine cabinet and throw away expired prescription drugs.

-Get rid of dried-up cosmetics, nail polish and face creams.

-Turntables kept under the sink keep items handy.

Garage

-Keep a basic tool box so you don’t have to weed through piles of hooks and screws.

-Hang tools on the wall to keep them visible.