Household Hints & HELP!

Get Organized

submitted by Lorene Bartos, Extension Educator
This article appeared in the January 11, 2004 Lincoln Journal Star Newspaper.

Is getting organized one of your New Year’s resolutions? After the holidays there is always the thought of packing and storing all the decorations and finding places for new gifts. Part of getting organized and organizing the things we have around the home is to set priorities and make decisions on what we need to keep and what can be disposed of or given away.

The first step in organizing things for storage is to decide on the type of containers items will be stored in. Plastic tubs work well for storage. Clear tubs make it easy to see what is being stored in the container. Boxes also work for storage. Plastic tubs keep items from getting wet in case of water leaks or flooding of a basement. Regardless of the type of container it is important to mark each one with the contents and date. We all think we can remember what we put where, but sometimes it just doesn’t happen.

Secondly, store like items together. Pack holiday items together. For instance, pack all the decorations from a Christmas tree in one box and label it “upstairs” tree or whatever. If you buy gifts for the next year after the holidays mark it ‘gifts for 2004" and put all the items you plan to use in the container. Have a container for each holiday or occasion. Even having a container for tablecloths and place mats help eliminate searching or remembering where the certain covering was stored.

Next decide what other types of things you will be storing. It seems there are always paper items one likes to keep. It might be programs, news clippings, cards, pictures or other items having special meaning to you and your family. Categorize these things and always label pictures and other items with names and dates.

If you are storing seasonal clothing be sure they are clean before you pack them away. This will help eliminate stains through oxidation and bugs.

Crafts can create a lot of items for storage. Create an areas for storing craft items and organize by craft or type of item. For instance store all ribbon together. Have a container for felt, fabric, paints, pompoms, glues, etc. Plastic tackle boxes or small storage boxes work well for the small items. If organizing seems like a overwhelming task, break it down into small sections. Do one room or area at a time.

If it is the kitchen and/or pantry that needs work, start by deciding which part you want to tackle first. If it is food products, empty out the pantry or cupboards, clean everything well and then replace the items. Always place the older items to the front so they are used first. Many of us seem to place the new items on the front of the shelves and use those first, by rearranging items and dating them the older items will be used first. Also, place like items together on the shelves. In cupboard, place items in the areas they will be used. Items for cooking and baking should be place near the mixing center, dishes and silverware should be in a cupboard near the eating area, dishwasher and sink. Pots, pans and baking dishes are easiest to use if placed by the stove and microwave. Cooking and mixing utensils should be placed in the center of the kitchen or near the mixing area. Also keep in mind what is convenient and comfortable for the person(s) working in the kitchen. In the laundry room, depending on the size of the room, many different situations can be handled to make laundry an easier task. Place the laundry detergents, stain removal items, fabric softeners, etc. close to the washer and dryer. Have an area to place extra items that have been purchased on sale. If your area is large enough for separate clothes baskets for sorting and folding, each person’s room could have a basket folded items are place in and returned to the room.

As the organizing bug gets you this new year, start with setting your priorities and goals. Then tackle the job with enthusiasm and include all family members in doing this task. One of the best ways to keep organized is to always put things back in their place when finished with them. Remember always mark all storage containers. Enjoy the new year as you select the priorities that will make you feel less stressed and find time to enjoy you home and family.

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