Organization... tip #3

This isn't crafty or anything, but I thought I'd throw it in here anyway. It has been a LIFE SAVER having these hooks in the kids' room. And total there are 30 hooks to hang stuff on! What more could you ever want. I bought them from Home Depot for about $15 each, worth every penny. With very little closet space, this was my solution for pretty much anything that can hang on a hook... backpacks, hats, coats, snow pants, sweatshirts... anything the kids might need on the go. Everything is easily accessible, and I make sure to put the older kids stuff on the bottom so they can get it themselves. When it comes to organization, a couple things I try to do is (1) make sure everything has a place, and (2) have things I use a lot in a place that is easy to get to. That way I have no excuse to leave things sitting all over the table, floor, wherever.

Organization... tip #2

I have finally come up with an idea that will (hopefully) free my desk and kitchen counter from all random papers, mail, bills, receipts, coupons... the endless clutter that accumulates that I don't really know what to do with. I call it a wall file. It takes everything that might be covering your desk/counter space and puts it on the wall, hidden inside folders, but still easily accessible and easy to find.


Here's how I made it:
-I started with a magazine/newspaper rack that I found a couple years ago at Ikea for $2-$3.
-Cut out 5 pieces (or however many racks there are) of foam core. I cut them to be 11 5/8" x 8 1/4". As wide as a manilla folder and short enough so you can see the top of the folders.
-Use spray adhesive to stick scrapbook paper onto the foam core. Choose colors that will go with your room.
-Place on rack, then put manilla folders behind each. Label for whatever loose papers you want to hide... bills, receipts, coupons, letters, etc.
-Enjoy feeling organized and still having the room look cute!

Organization... tip #1

As much as I like decorating and crafts, it doesn't compare to my LOVE for organization. My house certainly doesn't stay organized and clean on a day-to-day basis (how could it with 3 little tornados constantly running through the house?!), but I'm always searching for ways to simplify and organize my home. So I decided to start a series of organization tips... things that have worked for me and helped make my life easier.

I have a changing table and drawer full of diapers and wipes in my kids' room, but I have found that it's super handy to have a stash in our front room. I'm constantly needing to grab a diaper as I head out the door or changing the baby in the family room while the other kids are asleep in the bedroom. So I keep everything I might need on our bookshelf. Throw it in a basket and it even looks somewhat nice! If you don't have kids, this is a useful idea for anything you use often or need as you're heading out... umbrella, purse, lipstick, gloves, book... whatever. If you put random things that might always be lying on the counter into a basket, it all of the sudden doesn't look like clutter!