While the time-honored ritual of spring-cleaning sounds wonderful in theory, the reality is it just doesn’t fit onto our iCals anymore. So we’ve learned to survive with scuffed floors and the fur Fido leaves behind. But the clutter, well, that requires a battle plan or we risk being featured on the next episode of Hoarders. Here, simple room-by-room shortcuts that will bring much-needed order to your home.
1. Entryway – Hang an over-the-door organizer in the coat closet, low enough for the kids to reach the bottom pockets. This is the perfect spot for sunglasses, water bottles, small sporting equipment, or anything else the kids might drop on the floor on their way in or out. For a kid friendly touch, check out the Kids’ Organic Hanging Wall Organizer ($35, RedEnvelope.com).
2. Dining Room – Make set up and clean up easy by keeping items needed for mealtime in a picnic tote, like this Metro Basket ($30, Target.com). Store salt and pepper shakers, condiments, extra napkins and placemats in here making table setting such a no brainer that any child older than four can take on this chore.
3. Pantry – Get into the habit of using the “first in, first out” system. After shopping, you naturally put the new stuff in the front. Instead, start leaving room in the back of your cabinets to store new cans and boxes. That way, you’ll see the older items first. To make the most of your storage, don’t forget the vertical space. Try the white Elfa Door and Rack Solution ($110, containerstore.com) to create an easy-grab space for the items you use most often.
4. Kitchen – Organize the junk drawer by placing all takeout menus in a single book or folder. Try the Takeout Menu Organizer ($15, ContainerStore.com). For a really inexpensive option, use a slim three-ring binder, slip in a few page protectors and slide one menu into each. Bonus tip: Create a duplicate binder to keep in the car so you can order on your way home.
5. Playroom – Label your toy bins by category—dolls, action figures, dress-up clothes—so the kids know what goes where. For little ones who don’t read yet, use pictures for labels. Containers like the A Real Hoot Storage Bin ($38, landofnod.com) make cleanup fun.
Picture and content is courtesy of http://www.workingmother.com/BestCompanies/time-saving-tips/2011/03/easy-organization-for-clutter-control.
Philaburban Mom 