On my personal blog I post a Frugal Friday post, along with other women from biblicalwomanhood.com. Last Friday I posted about using coupons. A reader commented she would use coupons if she could figure out how to keep them organized- so, I decided to share some tips for organizing coupons to help her and any other readers that need assistance in this area. Remember, an organizing strategy doesn't work unless it works for you! I will leave several suggestions and it is up to you to discover which method works best for you.
There are standard coupon holders that divide by category. I had found this works well only if you are going to frequently clean out the holder. Otherwise, you will be trying to find a coupon for a particular product only to discover it expired months ago.
You can take the standard coupon holder a step further and purchase a small accordian file (I have one that fits in my purse) so that you can make your own categories. The categories printed on the standard holders are typically quite broad and that, again, just means more coupons to shuffle through to find the one you need. With the small accordian files you can create your own categories, which is nice.
Another option is to use plastic sandwich bags. This is what I take the coupons in that I am going to use on a particular trip to the store. Instead of shuffling through the larger holder, do that before you go to the store. Then, just take the coupons you know you are going to use to the store. Saves you time and impulse purchases (buying something just because you have a coupon).
Some ladies I know keep their coupons in a compartment in their wallet so that any time they are out they can see if they have coupons that are usable. That to me is coupon dedication, right there!
You could always use envelopes, labeled with the category or by expiration date. I would recommend having a basket or drawer designated to keep all the envelopes in or at least bind them all together with a rubber band to keep them from getting spread all over the place.
Similar to recipe storage, you could use an index card box with the dividers.
Just like with any other type of organizing project, you have to find the system that works for you. Clipping coupons is worth it, specifically if you combine the coupon savings with grocery store sales and stores that double the coupons. In economic times such as these, it is important to do whatever we can to be good stewards of our resources. And, as The Organizer, Kelly, points out- don't limit yourself to grocery store coupons. Many department stores offer coupons and special sales that you can use to correspond with the purchase of a needed item such as a winter coat, etc.
Happy shopping and happy organizing!
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
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Monday, October 20, 2008
Piles and Piles of Laundry, oh my!
I don't know how many of you have seen the recent commercial where a HUGE ball of laundry is rolling towards a mom, who has fallen a little behind. The sad and funny part of that commercial is that we can all relate to that feeling. There have been times in my mommy life that if you wadded up all our dirty laundry it could have rivaled that ball in the commercial.
Laundry never ends- when you have kids and a husband, you are going to have laundry. It often feels like it is not humanly possible to get to the bottom of the pile. I don't know about your kids, but mine don't just wear one outfit per day (and I have boys, for Pete's sake). We've got school clothes, play clothes, sports uniforms, gym clothes, etc, etc and etc. So, what is a human to do? Here are some tips we have collected as professional organizers and SAHM/WAHM's.
Have separate laundry baskets for each person in the family. Don't mix everyone's clothes together because then you have to take the time to sort them when they are coming out of the dryer. Also, if the clothes are separate than as kids get older they can be responsible for their own laundry.
Fold clothes as they come out of the dryer and then go put them away- right then. Just as with most other clutter, if you only handle the clothes once and don't defer the chore- you won't have piles of clothes waiting to be folded and put away.
Have a schedule. Whether it be to do one load a day or reserve laundry for specific days of the week, have a routine and stick to it as much as possible.
Treat stains immediately and teach/encourage your child to do the same. In my experience, you may as well give up if you didn't catch the huge grass stain on the crisp white baseball uniform, if you didn't know about the stain until days later. Thanks to the little stain sticks now available by various brands, you can carry them in your purse, diaper bag or glove compartment and get those stains treated ASAP.
Last but not least, in what is an Organized Life by Design mantra, cut yourself some slack. There are more important things in life (spending time with kids, hubby, etc) than keeping up with the laundry. Accept that there will be seasons in life when the bottom of the pile may never come and as long as you can see the top of the pile- that's ok and this too shall pass-eventually.
Happy Organizing!
Laundry never ends- when you have kids and a husband, you are going to have laundry. It often feels like it is not humanly possible to get to the bottom of the pile. I don't know about your kids, but mine don't just wear one outfit per day (and I have boys, for Pete's sake). We've got school clothes, play clothes, sports uniforms, gym clothes, etc, etc and etc. So, what is a human to do? Here are some tips we have collected as professional organizers and SAHM/WAHM's.
Have separate laundry baskets for each person in the family. Don't mix everyone's clothes together because then you have to take the time to sort them when they are coming out of the dryer. Also, if the clothes are separate than as kids get older they can be responsible for their own laundry.
Fold clothes as they come out of the dryer and then go put them away- right then. Just as with most other clutter, if you only handle the clothes once and don't defer the chore- you won't have piles of clothes waiting to be folded and put away.
Have a schedule. Whether it be to do one load a day or reserve laundry for specific days of the week, have a routine and stick to it as much as possible.
Treat stains immediately and teach/encourage your child to do the same. In my experience, you may as well give up if you didn't catch the huge grass stain on the crisp white baseball uniform, if you didn't know about the stain until days later. Thanks to the little stain sticks now available by various brands, you can carry them in your purse, diaper bag or glove compartment and get those stains treated ASAP.
Last but not least, in what is an Organized Life by Design mantra, cut yourself some slack. There are more important things in life (spending time with kids, hubby, etc) than keeping up with the laundry. Accept that there will be seasons in life when the bottom of the pile may never come and as long as you can see the top of the pile- that's ok and this too shall pass-eventually.
Happy Organizing!
Friday, October 3, 2008
Seasonal Clothes
It has definitely become fall here on the east coast. The mornings are crisp and cool and it is getting dark before it's time for the kiddos to head to bed. With the change in seasons, it means it is time to stop allowing our kids to wear shorts to school and break out the pants and sweaters. This is a great opportunity to organize and purge and if needed, develop new storage solutions for out of season clothing.
It is most helpful (even though your kids will complain the entire time, if they are anything like mine) to have your kids try on the clothes that are coming out of storage. Don't assume that just because your child still looks about the same size that they are. You don't want to think your child has 10 pairs of pants that fit only to discover that they are all too small.
If clothes from this season are already a little snug or short then don't keep them for next year. It just takes up space. If your child doesn't like a particular outfit or never wore it, go ahead and donate it, swap with a friend, etc. Again there is no point in keeping an item that is going to take up unnecessary space.
There are a lot of storage options for out of season clothing. Under the bed storage is often neglected. There are hard plastic containers and soft zippered bags that can be used, depending on the type of clothes that you want to store.
You can also use basements and attics but make sure that you are putting the clothing in bins that have lids and are water resistant.
Another storage idea is to use closets throughout the house. In our home, I use a closet in the guest bedroom for out of season clothes. And I keep two dressers in a storage room in the basement for the kids out of season clothes. However you decide to store them- just remember not to store items you don't need to store. If it doesn't fit, look good or feel good- pass it along.
Happy Organizing!
It is most helpful (even though your kids will complain the entire time, if they are anything like mine) to have your kids try on the clothes that are coming out of storage. Don't assume that just because your child still looks about the same size that they are. You don't want to think your child has 10 pairs of pants that fit only to discover that they are all too small.
If clothes from this season are already a little snug or short then don't keep them for next year. It just takes up space. If your child doesn't like a particular outfit or never wore it, go ahead and donate it, swap with a friend, etc. Again there is no point in keeping an item that is going to take up unnecessary space.
There are a lot of storage options for out of season clothing. Under the bed storage is often neglected. There are hard plastic containers and soft zippered bags that can be used, depending on the type of clothes that you want to store.
You can also use basements and attics but make sure that you are putting the clothing in bins that have lids and are water resistant.
Another storage idea is to use closets throughout the house. In our home, I use a closet in the guest bedroom for out of season clothes. And I keep two dressers in a storage room in the basement for the kids out of season clothes. However you decide to store them- just remember not to store items you don't need to store. If it doesn't fit, look good or feel good- pass it along.
Happy Organizing!
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
"No More Wire Hangers" quote from Mommie Dearest (1981)
As professional organizers, we encounter hanger issues all the time. When organizing a closet you can find a myriad of hangers and the wire ones are the hangers that have entangled themselves around all the others. They cause shirts and sweaters to become misshapen among other fashion and clothing faux pas. But, what hangers should you use? What can you do with all the wire hangers you have accumulated? If wire hangers are so bad why do dry cleaners use them? I have set out to answer these questions so we can all rid our closets of wire hangers once and for all!
First, I will say that it is not necessary to pull a Martha and go out and buy $20 cedarwood hangers to replace all your wire hangers. The Organizers at this site would never recommend such a ridiculously extravagant approach! But, wood hangers (that can be bought at the Container Store for $6 or less) are good for holding heavy items such as wool coats, leather jackets, etc.
Upgrading from wire to plastic is just fine. And the beauty about plastic is that you can color code your closet. All my loyal readers know that I am an advocate of color coding your calendar- well, you can color code your closet too! Hang short sleeve shirts on one color, long sleeve another. Knowing things at a glance really does save you time in the morning when searching for a particular item!
Speaking of shirts I do find it important to mention that I don’t recommend hanging sweaters if you have room to store them folded or flat. That is the best way for them to keep their shape. If you are going to hang sweaters than I do recommend investing in padded hangers or using shoulder pads (which should no longer be attached to any of your clothing to protect the shape of the shoulders and avoid creating “humps” from the hangers. You can also find wider plastic hangers that are contoured down that can be good for hanging sweaters and retaining their shape.
Look for plastic hangers with notches on either side to hang dresses, tops with thin straps, etc. I use tiered hangers with clamps for hanging skirts. You can use single hangers with clamps for hanging pants. If you are going to fold pants and hang them on plastic hangers than find lay a washcloth or handtowel over the hanger first to prevent the pants from developing that tell tale crease that takes forever to iron out!
If I have inspired you to rid your closet of the yucky wire hangers, you will probably wonder what you are going to do with all of them that have accumulated in your closet over the years. A lot of people, including myself, return them to the dry cleaner. If all else fails- throw them away! Do not keep them in your closet anymore- please!
Happy Organizing!
First, I will say that it is not necessary to pull a Martha and go out and buy $20 cedarwood hangers to replace all your wire hangers. The Organizers at this site would never recommend such a ridiculously extravagant approach! But, wood hangers (that can be bought at the Container Store for $6 or less) are good for holding heavy items such as wool coats, leather jackets, etc.
Upgrading from wire to plastic is just fine. And the beauty about plastic is that you can color code your closet. All my loyal readers know that I am an advocate of color coding your calendar- well, you can color code your closet too! Hang short sleeve shirts on one color, long sleeve another. Knowing things at a glance really does save you time in the morning when searching for a particular item!
Speaking of shirts I do find it important to mention that I don’t recommend hanging sweaters if you have room to store them folded or flat. That is the best way for them to keep their shape. If you are going to hang sweaters than I do recommend investing in padded hangers or using shoulder pads (which should no longer be attached to any of your clothing to protect the shape of the shoulders and avoid creating “humps” from the hangers. You can also find wider plastic hangers that are contoured down that can be good for hanging sweaters and retaining their shape.
Look for plastic hangers with notches on either side to hang dresses, tops with thin straps, etc. I use tiered hangers with clamps for hanging skirts. You can use single hangers with clamps for hanging pants. If you are going to fold pants and hang them on plastic hangers than find lay a washcloth or handtowel over the hanger first to prevent the pants from developing that tell tale crease that takes forever to iron out!
If I have inspired you to rid your closet of the yucky wire hangers, you will probably wonder what you are going to do with all of them that have accumulated in your closet over the years. A lot of people, including myself, return them to the dry cleaner. If all else fails- throw them away! Do not keep them in your closet anymore- please!
Happy Organizing!
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