I'm getting organized!

Ok, I have to admit I have spent years 'collecting' items that have potential and 'may' be useful one day. Well, it's time to organize it all and see how my home can be more efficient with less paper and goods :) Here are my favorite tips that have helped me, including the wisdom of my wonderful Dad:

1. Food Storage: Use ONE type of food storage organizer. I stopped collecting yogurt containers and sour cream buckets, and invested in one system where the LIDS ALWAYS FIT! The investment was worth the frustration of never finding a fit, haha.
2. Paper Tornado Tamed: Scan receipts, bills & cute artwork, then recycle it! I started using my trusty scanner/copier/printer machine and now have less paper everywhere....and if the artwork is too adorable, I scan it and print a copy right away, then stuff it in those recycled envelopes & send to family members that very day. I store all my receipt and document scans in an external hard drive under month, and if something goes awry or I need a record of something I bought, I just click the mouse and print a copy!
3. Bargain Box: I now place any 'possibly useful' coupons/discounts/gift cards in a cute box I found at the dollar store, right by my purse/keys spot. I always check it when I leave for the store & errands. I clean it out monthly so that expired paper gets recycled.
4. Matching Linens: I now fold my fitted sheet, top sheet, and extra pillowcases inside a pillowcase of the same set. Then I don't have to hunt for the match. I also make a "guest pile" with all new sheets, towels and little toileteries in one pillowcase - this is for when I get a last minute drop-in family or friend staying over.
5. Clear storage containers everywhere: In the fridge, in the closet, under the bed. I invested in CLEAR containers. NO digging through my pretty closet baskets anymore, or looking behind items in my fridge. I can SEE it all :)
6. Donation Station: Keep a box by the back door. If I haven't used an item in 3 months, or we have too much - I donate it. Toys, clothes, dishes...I think they multiply at night when I'm sleeping, lol! I drop this at Goodwill or Value Village monthly. I bargain with family members that for every 10 things they donate, they can get a new book ;)

Now if I can start controlling my craft room addiction (see picture), we'll have made progress, heehee.

Hope this helps,

Happy organizing!

~ Maya