Wardrobe shelving has to be personalized, as it deals with shelves of our individual closets, that we use at least twice a day. Shelving is essential in closets as it easily tends to become messy and unorganized. With the lives of people becoming busier daily, they don’t want to spend time in keeping their things organized within closets as it can be overlooked by closing the actual doors. The storage systems should be such where people can entry their items, which include clothing, add-ons as well as shoes easily. The shelving should be alterable, once we may choose to change the layout from time to time. With the variants happening in our wardrobe the variation also offers to happen within the shelving.

Cable shelving is the most preferable one for closets. It provides ventilation, easy arrangement, easy set up and low cost. Wire shelving is also a good option for people who change their houses a lot, as it is simple to take apart and carry. For more long term options, you can go for wood shelving or metal shelving. It’s costlier, but more durable. The most important thing to be considered while shelves your wardrobe is that it will become structured and not much more cluttered with increased shelves rather than required.

Garage shelving means putting racks in your basement or storage, in which you shop your products. It’s an essential thing to have as you would require correct stacks such areas. For garage shelving, you can opt for either plastic or metal shelving. These types of option is rugged and durable, which is the main requirement of the actual garage. With respect to the weight from the goods that you want to continue the shelves, choose the appropriate material for that shelving. Again, plan it methodically according to your individual requirements, as the shelves is not for decorative purpose here, however only for storage space.

For more information and facts on garage storage systems go to Garageshelvingideas.info

Fortunately, you can get a wooden shoe rack in just about any style that you want. Whether you are interested in a very simple 3 metal shelf type with wooden sides for less than $30 or you want to go with a fancier cherry wood style that belongs in the closet and looks more like a cubby for just over $100, you will be pleased with your options. The stackable types are very nice as well, because they allow you to keep adding on more shoes and are often constructed of very durable materials like a nice dark mahogany.

Another fantastic type of wooden shoe rack would be one that is attached to the bottom of a cabinet. These are very popular because they blend in so well with the home and are a very green way to go about organizing things. They are also relatively inexpensive, especially when you consider the fact that you are getting so much extra space to place your shoes. You can place these in either a bedroom or a closet and they’ll suit you perfectly. You can always go for the over the door type hanging racks as well. These are very popular with students.

And while there are plenty of options for storage out there, from cabinets and cubbies to wall and door racks, some people just like the simplicity and cheap prices of plastic shoe boxes. If that sounds like you, then you will not find a better option for organizing your things. You’ll quickly start to see why they’re so popular with people and you’ll wonder how you ever got along without them. Of course, if you want to get really advanced you can go with the five pack of Metro Collection style boxes made of an acid free black plastic.

Do you want to get the rest of the chea hat rack information? If so, you can get it here.

Some folks don’t have a lot of clutter and junk but need to know how to maintain organization and have a place for their stuff.

On the other hand, some homeowners have piles upon piles…a big mess, and still think it’s just a matter of needing storage.

When, in fact, storage is the last thing you need. The first step is getting rid of clutter, rather than adding more storage just to keep more stuff.

The thing is, once you start organizing your home, you’ll see how great and real the benefits are:

-It’s reducing stress by having order and discipline.

-It’s having more space by keeping clutter out for good.

-It’s simplifying the way you live at home by creating useful systems that work for you personally.

-It’s a way of being on time, and not feeling the strain of running against the clock.

Quite simply, when you finally start to make the simple changes of organization, it all adds up to give you more room to breath so you can enjoy your family and friends more.

Being organized isn’t a matter of being rich or poor, young or old. We were never taught organization in school and, in fact, were taught to multi-task and go in too many directions at once.

This was how they told us to live.

Personally, I have always gone against the grain and never worried about keeping things we don’t need. My wife Megan and I make sure if something is not being put to use or it’s out-of-date… it’s getting sold or thrown out.

We also utilize smart, affordable storage to keep only useful items and starting teaching our kids the value of being organized at a very young age. It makes it easier on them and on us to stay disciplined about organization.

The funny thing is I don’t think I was raised to be organized. Nobody knew much about “organization” back then, although I was always a little “neat” as a kid.

But somewhere along the way I figured out it made the most sense. I like to be on time and being organized makes that possible. I don’t like wasting time looking for things, like tools or ingredients for cooking or paperwork or bills.

Being organized makes it all a lot easier.

It’s not going to make you ri*ch, but it will certainly save you money by avoiding duplicate purchases and late bills.

It’s not going to make you any younger, but it will certainly give you more time to do things you might think you don’t have time to do.

Being organized isn’t going to give you a bigger house, but it will clear clutter and open up some space so you’ll feel like you have a bigger house because there will be less congestion and “stuff” all over the place.

There may seem like there is a lot to getting organized and over the next few days I’m going to share with you even more tips and tricks to getting and staying organized.

Prioritize As with most goals in life, you want to strive for progress and improvement, not perfection. Most of us do not have time to achieve perfection in everything we do and still live a happy, fulfilling life. When you set goals, make them achievable, attainable. When you make that progress, create a visual way to track it or remind yourself of all you have accomplished (i.e. stickers on a chart, a check list, a flower/penny/or other item to represent each task you have completed). Since we will never have more than 24 hours in a day, we may have to say “no” to some activities and tasks. As you list each goal, task, or activity, ask yourself if it is necessary, if it supports my ultimate goals, or if any other activity or person will be negatively affected if it does not happen. You may see your list shrink before your very eyes J. If you are not sure how to narrow your list, search the internet, ask a friend, or consult a professional organizer (we help with both the tangible and intangible).

Motivate Do you start the day with the best of intentions to declutter the “bathroom” only to loose your drive because it is “just not worth it”? What is worth it to you? What do you value? Why? These questions may not seem to have much to do with organizing, but they can be the key to your motivation. How much time do you spend on activities that relate to your values (i.e. spending time with family, exercising, eating healthy, etc.)? Most of us would probably answer “not enough”. Then why would you ever spend time on an activity not related to you values, such as organizing? The answer: organizing allows you to focus more on your values. Organizing means less time searching for the other shoe, fewer arguments over who last used the scissors and did not put them back, less time cleaning around the clutter . . . With less time wasted, you have more time to be with family, exercise, eat healthy, and pursue those life goals that really matter. The next time you wonder why you would ever make time to organize, remember that organizing can be a means to an end. If you find a task that seems pointless, ask yourself how that task can bring you closer to what means to the most to you. It is amazing how a change in attitude and knowing what is “in it for me” can motivate.

Ask For Help Even if most of your chores and daily tasks are “value added”, they are not always fun and often too much for one person. Solution: spread the responsibility among the whole household. What is boring to one person may be fun for another. One person’s weak spot may be another person’s strength. Some people have time in the morning to help everyone get ready for the day, and others have more time at night to help everyone get ready for bed. When you do ask for help, just remember to be specific or be prepared for “not exactly what you expected”. Letting others pick what they want and find their own way, within reason, may even make them more willing and productive.

If you are not sure how to prioritize, want some ideas to motivate, or are ready to ask for help, contact Organized For You! For your free consultation, questions, comments, speaking and training needs, tips, or gift certificates please contact Jessica at organizedforyou@mchsi.com or 319-504-6689. Let me help you make every day like “a day at the beach”.

First of all, have a place where you sort your mail every day.  Junk mail gets trashed or recycled right away.  Magazines and catalogs should go in a rack to read later. Open your bills, make a note of the due date and immediately put them on your desk in a small file until you write the check. A small letter file that sits on your desk works well- no need to buy any fancy tickler file unless you think that will work better for you.

It’s best to start in January, but you can begin to set up your filing system at any time during the year. Use a filing cabinet or plastic storage box to store all your files.  I prefer a plastic file box because at year end I can carry it to the basement to store with other old records.

If you have more than 10 bills a month, use a separate manila folder for each company you write a check to.  I prefer to use the manila file jackets instead because they have closed sides that prevent small receipts from falling out and getting lost.

Create a folder for Miscellaneous for those people or companies you only pay once or twice each year, such as insurance or magazine subscriptions. You can also use this folder to keep those occasional letters you need to write during the year but don’t know where to file them.

Make a folder for bank statements and another one labeled “For income taxes.” As you pay a bill that can be deducted on your tax return (such as real property tax or medical bills), file it in this folder instead of your paid bills file. Name one folder “Investments” for any paperwork that comes regarding your 401(k) or IRA during the year.

If you pay less than 10 checks a month, you don’t need a separate folder for each company-you can manage with only one file folder for all of your bills for the whole year.

Keep all your paycheck or direct deposit stubs in an envelope or folder, newest one on top. I use a regular letter envelope for mine, and always keep them until I verify that my W-2 is correct when it arrives in January.

Pay your bills as you get paid- either weekly or bi-weekly.  If you are paid monthly, chances are you will have to pay some of your bills during the month, so schedule time to pay bills every other week.  Be sure to allow a week’s mailing time if you pay by check.  If you pay online, this chore will be easier, and in most instances you can set up your payment in advance of the due date.

After you write the check or pay online, be sure to mark the bill “Paid” with the date and check number before you file it in the folder you have set up.

At the end of December, create new files so you can be ready for the next year.

By organizing your bills and setting up a filing system, you will wind up spending less time on this chore every week.  And, next tax season all you will need to do is pull the file “For income taxes” to begin preparing your tax returns.

These are the myths of home organization…

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Myth #1: You have to be born organized to live organized, right?

Wrong! Some people mistakenly believe if you don’t have organization in your blood, it’s going to be nearly impossible to make the changes to how you live and enjoy the simplicity of being
organized.

For instance, my wife Megan definitely does not have organization  in her blood. But she is a completely different person today than she was the day we got married. She’s come over to my side and has proven to herself that being organized beats the heck out of living
with the nasty side-effects of clutter.

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Myth #2: You have to spend a lot of money to have the right kind of storage.

That’s definitely not the case.

First off, there are so many discount stores fighting for your business some of the latest organizing systems are being practically given away and certainly will get the job done.

Secondly, storage doesn’t have to be fancy. In fact I use more items from discount craft stores and yard sales for storage than I do from the big name stores.

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Myth #3: It takes a lot of energy and motivation to get your home organized.

This is absolutely false.

It’s really only a matter of changing the way you do things and thinking differently about the excess of material things people today own.

And you certainly don’t have to take it all on at once. There are some simple rules you can start to live by that will make disorganization a thing of the past.

Even if you are not the cause of the clutter and it’s a spouse or kids living with you, you can all learn what it takes and just make a few simple changes to live a better life…being organized.

Step 1:  Inventory.

First, start by gathering all your tools.  Make a list of the locations where you found your tools.  Garage, kitchen, basement, car, truck?  Lay them all out on a bedsheet or blanket.  Sort them by type to get an idea of how many different kinds of tools you have.

Next, examine each tool and decide what to keep.

• Is it a duplicate?  If so, how many of this tool do I need?
• Have I ever used it?  Some tools passed down thru the family should be kept for sentimental reasons, but others that you’ve never used can surely go.
• Is it broken?  If it isn’t usable and can’t be repaired then discard it.
• Have I replaced it with a multi-purpose tool that does the job more efficiently?
• Does a neighbor have a better version that I usually borrow?

Toss out the broken tools, sell the good ones on eBay, get a tax break by donating to a local charitable organization, have a “yard sale for men” or help a favorite college grad begin their first tool box.  Only keep the tools you are sure to use in the future.

Step 2:  Make a Plan.

Using your list of locations from step 1, think about how and where you use your tools.  You may decide to centralize your tools in the garage or basement.   Begin sorting your tool collection into groups according to their desired location.  This will help you to determine the storage space requirements for each area.

Step 3:  Choose your Tool Storage System.

The internet is a great tool for finding the latest tool storage solutions.  Portable tool boxes are great for on-the-go types to keep in their car or truck.  Behind-the-wheel tool boxes for pickup trucks are a great way to take advantage of unused truck bed space.  If you have a ton of small parts, you may consider some plastic storage cabinets with sliding drawers.  Pegboards work nicely in the garage or basement workspace to keep tools handy and off the countertops.  Maybe you need some new shelving to store larger-sized tools.

Step 4:  Implement your new Tool Storage System.

If you’ve ordered a new tool box or some other item, then when it arrives begin to place your tools in order.  Once you’ve got everything in its place, remember to always take the extra time to put items away when they are done being used.  If you’ve added a pegboard, consider drawing an outline around each tool as it hangs on the pegboard to make it easier to know where to return the tool.

Get motivated—you’ll be glad you did.  Once you’re organized, maybe you’ll even have space to buy some new tools!

I’m a firm believer that

* if it doesn’t work…
* if you can’t remember when you last used it….or…
* if it doesn’t make you feel good …then…

MOVE IT OUT!

Now, I know… sounds easy doesn’t it? Then why do we all have so much clutter?

Here are some tips and techniques that have worked for me to move unused items from my life.

You see I’ve tested them on my own personal clutter and I know they work. First you will need some bankers boxes (you can get these anywhere you purchase office supplies). Bankers boxes work the best because they have lids and are stackable. And a hand-held recorder (you can get one cheaply at any electronics department).

Here’s what you do to quickly eliminate your clutter:

(1) Label the boxes anyway you like …maybe with a letter (A, B, C etc) or with a color, green, red, orange……

(2) Go around and start putting your dear clutter in the boxes while recording the contents with your recorder. (You can do this little by little whenever you have a spare few minutes).

(3) When the boxes are full, stack them neatly in a closet, garage, attic, etc….anywhere where they are out of sight.

(4) When you have a little time, sit down, play back the recorder and transfer the information to a spreadsheet, word document, index cards or whatever system works best for you. (By indexing you can easily find and retrieve anything you might have mistakenly filed away). Simply look the object up in the index to find the appropriate box and go get it! It’s that easy!

(5) After a time, if you find you really don’t need all the things you have stored, You can donate usable items to your favorite charitable organization. You can have a garage sale and make some cash, or You can make money by starting your own on-line store on eBay And…

You can have fun by giving your clutter a second life!

A good rule of thumb is

“If you have not used it or thought about it in a year then you probably don’t need it and you can let it go”

The great thing about this process is that it overcomes the two main obstacles to clearing clutter. First, you may have thrown something away only to realize later that you really needed it. So now you are reluctant to throw anything away. Secondly, you believe that it can take quite a chunk of time to do a really good job of sorting and eliminating your unwanted stuff. In the past, you may have started to get organized only to abandon the effort for want of time and organization and ended up with a bigger mess on your hands.

The Clutter Queen’s five step process eliminates these obstacles because the sorting can be done extremely quickly without the possibility of discarding valuables.

Doing these small things is your first step in creating space for new, exciting ideas and energy.

Get ready for an abundance of fresh ideas and energy to enhance your living!

Shirley Anderson
Minna Street Creations

When you move from one house to another is the best time to get rid of things you no longer need.  Why move stuff you haven’t used from one place to another where you won’t use it either? Think kitchen gadgets and closets as your best place to start.

Do you have a wok but can’t remember the last time you cooked anything stir-fried? If you rarely entertain, do you really need all those wine glasses and extra sets of dishes? How many plastic containers are in the cupboard and how many do you really use on a weekly basis?  Get rid of the sizes you never use.  Spend a little time to consider how much of your stuff you really use and make up your mind to let go of what is just taking up space.

Of course, when I say here to get rid of something, I mean donate it- don’t throw it away unless it doesn’t work or it’s broken.  There are plenty of charitable organizations happy to have your stuff as long as it’s usable.

Look at your linen closet- how many of those sets of sheets to you really use? If you have towels that have lost their fluff, out they go. Old makeup and medical supplies should be tossed, especially if it’s now past the expiration date.

If there is stuff in the basement or garage still in boxes from the last move, it’s safe to say you won’t use it again. Test your courage by just tossing the boxes without even looking in them. If you can’t manage this without your palms starting to sweat, then check to make sure there wasn’t a hidden treasure in one of them.

When your kids grow up and move out, it’s time to clean out the stuff they didn’t take with them.  Don’t feel you should keep your kids’ room as a shrine to them. While I understand you want to keep your memories, you don’t need to keep sports equipment from high school or every trophy they ever won.  If it’s not important enough for your kids to take with them to their new place, you shouldn’t hold onto it either.  Offer them the chance to keep what they want, but set a deadline for them to move out their things.

If you’ve always wanted a reading room or a place to work on your crafts, now you’ll have it. Or, make this into the fancy room your guests will be thrilled to spend the night in. Redecorate, renovate and make that room your own!

At some point as you get older, you may decide your house is too much to keep up and you’ll move to a smaller place such as a condo. Now you will absolutely need to decide what to get rid of since storage space will be limited. Once again, your kitchen and closets are the best areas that can be downsized.  At this point, your lifestyle may also change- you may dine out more often than at home, causing you to need less kitchen gizmos. Consider your new routine and decide what you will no longer need.

Take advantage of these major life events to sift through your stuff, get rid of what you will no longer need in your new life, and donate it to someone else who could use it to start their new life.

A critical first step then in staying organized is to set up a system of resource planning and clerical needs that allows you to plan out your time effectively, and allocate where you are going to spend it. In short this means such steps as getting a day planner so that you can plan ahead. Getting appropriate stationary systems and office space in place, and also getting yourself a filing cabinet, or at the very least some kind of filing system!

It would certainly be true to say that staying organized then is not something that lots of people do naturally! At first it can even seem slightly stifling, especially if you are used to totally going with the flow of what each day brings. In truth this is ok. It IS good to be spontaneous on occasions, but in general it is vital to plan out what you need to do in a particular time frame, because otherwise it is all to easy to simply become distracted! (For help with Goal Setting you can visit www.goalsettingnews.com)

All of us know this to be true if we think about it from the viewpoint of our own lives. For example, when we surf the web we find ourselves flitting between sites, and before you know it a couple of hours have past! Now, don’t get me wrong. That is one of the joys of the internet, and of life in General. But it is
nevertheless a time stealer that staying focused and staying organised could have helped to negate.

So then am I saying that Staying Organized should mean robbing you of the juice of life? Robbing you of the spontaneity? NO! No! NO! For me the exact opposite is true. Staying organized is about finishing the day’s tasks and having crammed far more good stuff in! In short it is the exact opposite of a spoil sport!

You should know your own strengths and weaknesses when it comes to this area (clue… Staying organized means doing more of the things you like!) and communicate them to yourself regularly to analyze that your wants and needs are being met effectively. Then organize your time based on that feedback.

Keep with the program. Stay Organized, and Organize YOUR Life For Success!

When I was a young child, back in the land of four seasons and none of them rain (Manitoba), the cold inhibiting days of winter were ushered out with a yearly farm ritual: spring-cleaning. No corner of our home was left untouched by brooms, dusters, scrub brushes, rags and other cleaning weapons. Every inch of closet was emptied, inventories were taken, value was assessed, surfaces were washed and cleaned, and then those clothes that were still ‘good’ were organized in a useful and efficient way. Beds were moved, dressers emptied, ceilings dusted.

My memory of choice is the window cleaning. After windowpanes were removed for cleaning, the windowsill became a place of pure ecstasy! I can easily recall those moments: sitting on my perfect perch, watching the ice break up in the creek behind our home. Huge pieces floated by, cracking loudly, twisting, crunching, piling up in a chaotic proclamation of the new season’s arrival. Fresh air was in abundance; pussy willows to the left, bird feeders with chirping chickadees to the right. It was heavenly!

It was that type of day where I learned that hard work pays off. At that early age, I felt the change of energy in my home and in myself after a day of thorough de-cluttering and cleaning. The house felt lighter, brighter, more cheerful. I felt like skipping.

The best part of de-cluttering and organizing for me today is hearing my clients describe similar feelings of lightness and freedom after a session together. Whether in their home or office, de-cluttering can be a cathartic passing of the old, the start a whole new season in life.

What are your plans this spring? Is a cluttered room or desk stopping you from enjoying your home or office the way you’d like to enjoy it? Have your dust bunnies proliferated beyond a reasonable limit? Do you find spring-cleaning to be a daunting task of Olympian magnitude? Has it never even occurred to you that a good spring-cleaning would be appropriate at the office?

Attitude plays a big role. With a difficult personal or work undertaking, consider all viewpoints, even those you think you don’t like. It just might provide relief from your fearful analysis of the situation. Don’t oversize the problem which is often a panic reaction. Discuss the actions that you could take with a friend or co-worker which can sometimes provide a good suggestion and some instant stress relief.

Lay out a procedure and slowly complete the first task. The next steps should be easier. Often we will keep on worrying after the decisions are made, which of course is of no help at all. If everything that can be done has been done then it’s time to follow through.

“Our plans miscarry if they have no aim. When a man does not know what harbor he is making for, no wind is the right wind.” Lucius Seneca (3-65)

Rejection can be an unpleasant experience, but it just lets us know that we aren’t perfect. Who is? Consider it a lesson learned, then forget it and move on with your life in a positive constructive manner.

To help solve a difficult problem or to cut down on worrying about making a decision, analyze the situation, determine what must be done and carry it out. In writing or on your PC:

Get all the facts.
Describe the problem in detail.
List all the possible solutions.
List the advantages and disadvantages of each.
Detail what you will do.
Follow through.

You have detailed the planning and know that you will proceed in a certain way, but will review it as required. Later. Now it’s time to think other thoughts.

“What we have to learn to do, we learn by doing.” – Aristotle (BC)