Tips on Organizing for New Years and other Family Get-Togethers

If your last family get-together didn't look like you had it together, you might want to consider doing some things differently especially the ones that resulted in negative feedback.

1.  Be sure to invite only those who you really want to be at your home or gathering. (Note: you might want to meet relatives elsewhere, so you don't have to cook, clean, host, etc.)

2.  Prepare family related items to share such as:  photographs or video taken during the last event and any other news that is positive. (Avoid the gossip.  You don't want unflattering comments spreading like wildfire!)

3.  List everything you need to do.  Sometimes people plan events and don't remember to do the following into the last minute while worrying themselves and others:

• Enlist help. (Many happy hosts end up being tired, sad hosts by the end of the event because they don't bother to ask for assistance.)
• Meal selection that accomodates a variety of taste buds including those who don't eat meat.
• A grocery list that includes a variety of drinks, appetizers, and much needed items to help with meal preparation ie.) milk, eggs, butter, sugar, etc.
• Cleanliness of one's home especially kitchen and bathroom areas.
• Table set up to accomodate guests and place setting arrangement.
• Decorations.
• A timeframe at which the gathering starts and ends.  (If there is no time limit, people just might stay overnight!)
• Activities for children and adults.  (Remember, kids get bored and some adults don't like sitting around the whole time--have things for them to do).

If you are hosting the event at home, stick with edible items that everyone knows about rather than presenting something new or different especially if you heard through the grapevine that some foods didn't go over too well.

Nicholl McGuire

How to Organize Cleaning & Household Products ~ Closet Tour

Decluttering Home Office Gadgets, Wires, Cords, & Cables (+playlist)

5 Tips on Organizing Tasks that Require Much Time Over the Internet

What more do you need to do online today?  Do you have online shopping to complete?  Maybe a business that hasn't been tended to in a few days?  Whatever your online organizing need, consider tips that will help you get some things done today and not tomorrow!

One of the keys to good organizing both on and off the Internet is people find the time to center themselves despite many distractions.  Taking the time to create folders grouping important documents, list what needs to be done, and other things will ensure that you are able to tend to whatever is hanging out there and even if you don't get some things done today, you can refer to your incomplete list tomorrow, because you kept track of all that needed to be done.

1.  List tasks and include deadlines. Items that are less of a priority, place at the bottom of the list.  When you have tasks that you don't want to spend too much time on, set an online timer.

2.  If your task(s) involve other people, be sure that they are aware of the schedule and agree to it.  Clearly define their roles and include any resources that will help them reach goals.

3.  Keep a daily log of any online contact with individuals and businesses and include what was discussed, promised, time and dates.

4.  Note any websites that need to be visited, already visited and include results.

5.  Use online servers for storage and other tools that might make your online organizing more efficient.  Excel spreadsheets work wonders when you need to track things daily,weekly or monthly.  You can find online organizer freebies on various sites when you conduct searches specific to your needs.

When organizing your tasks, be sure that the environment around your computer is organized as well.  Although everything might seem like it is important to leave out at the time, stacking it neatly with the most important items on top looks much nicer and the feelings of being overwhelmed begin to subside.  Remove any items from around your work area that may distract you.

Nicholl McGuire

For more assistance on organizing, see suggested blog entries below.  Get goals accomplished today!

Dollar Tree DIY Organizer Completed For My Samples & Make Up Etc

14 Things You Just Might Not Think to Clean in Time for the Holiday Guests

Excitement about a future holiday gathering can cause everyone involved to have a one track mind, so to speak when it comes to prepping for guests.  Most hosts will think about the obvious things that need to be organized, cleaned, rearranged, or removed, but sometimes there are those other things that are often overlooked and can reveal problems that you just might not want your guests to know about.

1.  Coat closet.

Who would bother to pay that close attention to a coat closet?  It isn't that one would care that much.  But first impressions are long-lasting, so depending on who is coming over and how much stuff they might be bringing, it would make sense to organize your coat closet and any other.  Coats need space.  Some don't look nice wrinkled.  Others might have unsightly odors, would you want yours tightly squeezed with the stinky coat? 


2.  Walls, living room upholstery and carpets.

One of the first things people notice upon entering one's home are furniture, carpet and sometimes walls especially bright ones.  If there are noticeable stains, they can be an eyesore.  So don't forget to spruce them up.  There are many cleaning products that one can get to clean upholstery and carpet.  Check for items that contain Scotch guard, this will help prevent a stain in case your guests accidentally spill liquids or food on your furniture.

3.  Top of refrigerator and inside it including vegetable and fruit storage drawers.

These drawers are sometimes overlooked because they always have something in them, but when you are expecting company you might want to check them.  Be sure to remove old containers of food, produce bags, etc.  They tend to leave an odor every time the refrigerator is opened and closed.  Consider purchasing baking soda and other types of products that keep down refrigerator and freezer odors that can affect the way your food tastes.

4.  The range hood of your stove.

Dust and grease gets trapped on the top and inside the screen that collects grease.  Take the small screen out and let it soak in a good cleaner that will loosen up grease.  Take a cloth dipped in cleaner and wipe the fan.

5.  Inside your microwave.

Some people just don't think about the poor microwave.  Spill after spill, grease, hair, crumbs--you name it in the microwave.  Just imagine, your host offering to heat your food, and surprise, "What the?  I changed my mind, don't bother heating my food,"  your guest says with a look of disgust.

6.  Behind the doors of your rooms and along your baseboards.

When one is vacuuming, he or she doesn't think about those corner areas and so in time they begin to collect all sorts of dust balls and debris.  Take a moment to use a detachable hose connected to a vacuum to suck those items up in corners and along the baseboards.  If you don't have one, use a damp cloth, wipe and pick up with a broom, one's hand or a portable vacuum.

7.  Drawers in your living room area that are easily accessible to your guests.

A stuffed drawer can be an eyesore and also embarrassing if private items are stored in it where all eyes can see.  Open up those cabinets and drawers in the living room, taking great care to remove clutter and put away items that might be considered offensive.

8.  Medicine cabinet.

Expired items, things one never uses, and so much more can be found in a medicine cabinet.  Put the things away you don't want anyone to know about, so that your visitors aren't whispering behind your back, "Did you know she is on that medicine...wow she must be really messed up...I heard..."  Get the point?

9.  Inside and outside bathroom cabinet and drawers.

Host will be sure to have the bathroom fixtures and counter tops sparkling, but forget that sometimes busybodies like to peek in cabinets and drawers.  If something is needed to clean the bathroom or deodorize it after an accident, the guest will have a problem trying to find it if everything is stuffed beyond capacity.

10.  Toilet especially around it and behind it.

How many times have you seen a nasty, smelly toilet?  Sometimes people will remember to clean the seat and the inside, but what about around it and behind it.  Drippings should be cleaned up, they can be seen if the bathroom light hits them right.

11.  Around the shower door and other crevices around the bathroom.

Mold and mildew can hide just about anywhere, but in the bathroom is definitely a sign to guests of uncleanliness.  Purchase mold and mildew cleaners and also bleach.  Before you know it, your whole bathroom will just sparkle.  It doesn't hurt to touch it up with a few bathroom accents or a paint job, if needed.

12.  Dusting including wiping off or changing items that have sat awhile ie.) bedding, drapery, heating/cooling vents, and fans.

Ever been somewhere where you know no one has changed the bedding for months and didn't bother to vacuum?  The dust can be overwhelming and don't mention the dust mites, ugh!  Start taking some items down and washing like the screen covers for the bathroom fan, living room, and kitchen area if need be.  Change heating and cooling air filters, so that your guests who have environmental allergies aren't aggravated.  Steam clean if necessary items like drapery and upholstery.  There are some great, affordable steam cleaners that will help with your steam cleaning tasks.

13.  Patio area.

A great place to entertain your guests when the weather is expected to be nice and also a good place for smokers.  Make it comfortable for your visitors.  Put away unsightly looking things, add a tad bit of holiday decor and seating along with ash trays, and before you know it, you have one nice area to kindly escort some loved ones to.

14.  Basement/Attic.

Who would go up there?  You might think, but sometimes you never know.  Maybe you need someone to get a special something from any one of those places, but there is far too much stuff for that person to get around.  On a cold winter day, a house can get stuffy especially when one hadn't anticipated so many little visitors.  The attic or basement can be a great place for children to bring toys and play without being the center of attention amongst some stressed adults.  Pack up those collectibles, donate some items, organize some of your miscellaneous goods, and make room for the kids, just in case.

Now that you have 14 simple things to check around your home, you just might find a few more.  When your loved ones mean the most to you, it is always best to do more for their comfort, than less.  Cleaning can be overwhelming, but it is better to be talked about for the great time everyone had and how you treated them, then to be remembered for having the unclean, disorganized and cluttered home.

Nicholl McGuire author of When Mothers Cry and other books.  See blog here.

Clutter Video Tip: Finding Storage in Small Spaces

Thrifty Decor Chick: The Laundry Room: Making it work

Stumbled upon a great blog by Thrifty Decor Chick.  She gives great tips on how she transformed various rooms in her home without having to spend a lot of money.  Thought that this site was worth mentioning!  Love, love the photos!  So get some ideas today!

Thrifty Decor Chick: The Laundry Room: Making it work

How to Organize Your Old Documents and Photos to Be Uploaded Online

So you have things sitting around your home, in files, photo albums, and on computer CDs and memory cards that you want to put online?  Well, here are some quick tips on getting those useful materials organized before you start posting them here, there and everywhere.

First, review all items you want to upload and group them in categories.  So if you want to create a blog about your family, it would make sense to organize all of your family photos by subject matter.  If you wanted to create a blog or website about some fun places you have visited, then you would want to group all these photos according to where you have been.

Next, organize the items based on what is most important to you.  You can spread these documents and photos out over a large table, separate them into files, or post them on a board or wall in the order that you would want them to be viewed.  The items that are a must like a recent family event that everyone is just eager to view, should be the first group of items you upload to a blog, website or other social networking page.

Third, write short descriptions of what you are posting and include your notes on each item.  Post-it-notes are great for helping you organize your thoughts.  Place them on the back of photos or on top of documents.  Always include who wrote or took the photo where applicable.

Fourth, be sure that all photographs, documents and other items have been edited and reviewed before uploading.  You will also want to get permission to share some items beforehand.  Get written permission if the documents/photos are someone else's work.  The last thing you want is someone upset with you or all-too-ready to sue you for sharing their work.

Lastly, when uploading items, make your life easier, and keep them in the order that you want them to appear on your page.

Nicholl McGuire

Just Show Me: How to organize an event on Facebook

How to Organize Binder - Middle and High School Students

Mom Shares How She Organizes Coupons

Learn more on how to organize coupons, read articles here:

How to Organize Coupons

Couponing for beginners

A Good Example on How to Organize Tools in a Chest

How to Organize a Deep Freezer and/or Refrigerator Freezer

Having problems getting your refrigerator or deep freezer organized?  The following sites provide excellent tips!

How to Organize Deep Freezer with Cardboard Boxes



How to Organize Deep Freezer with Reuseable Bags



How to Organize Refrigerator Freezer



How to Fix Up Your Refrigerator Freezer

How to Organize Purse

Couponing for Beginners

Organizing Tips on Moving

Organizing Your Move

 

 

Moving Organization Tips

 

 

 

How to Pack a Suitcase for Organized Travel

How to Organize Papers on Your Desk

Stuff Dominating Your Residence?

If you are the type who doesn't know what to do with all your stuff (or someone else's), keep reading.  Chances are you think you need to keep everything because, "My friend said she is coming back to get it...I don't know what I will need one day...Well, it all looks important."

Here are some simple tips to get you organized while opening up more room for the things you need.

One.  Sort through your stuff.

Checking out everything that is hidden, taking up valuable space, and boxed will help you get a sense of what is important and what really isn't.  Your interests may have changed.  People may have moved away.  Ask yourself, "Why am I keeping this?"  Sometimes we hold on to things as if they are people.  But remember, things are just things.  You may have to do some self-talk to motivate yourself to want to part with certain items.  Contact individuals to help you rid yourself of certain things that do more harm than good.  From letters to family heirlooms, if it makes you cry, depresses you, causes fear, or brings other negative emotions every time you look at it, say goodbye to it. 

Two.  Group your things.

If you have more than one of anything, group it.  Do you need these items now?  Are you still interested in a certain hobby?  Put the most important things within view so that they will act as a reminder for you to tend to them.  Give yourself about a month or two to do something with those items.  If you find yourself, letting them collect dust, then part with them.

Three.  Purchase clear bins or boxes and label them.

Any small items should be put in containers, bins, drawers, etc.  This way you are able to find them easily.  However, bigger items need a storage place if you intend to keep them.  From books to shoes, if you haven't picked them up in a year, you most likely won't.  Don't let the memories persuade you into keeping them.  Seasonal items that are in use keep well when they are enclosed.  However, if you stopped celebrating certain holidays years ago, rid yourself of them.  Those bins and boxes do nothing more than take up space.

Four.  Call relatives and friends to come get some things.

For items that are relatives and friends, give those people a new deadline to come and get their things or else. The consequence could be any number of things, but be sure you communicate that ridding yourself of stuff is what you are planning to do if they don't show up.  If you must box a relative's stuff up and mail it, do it. Don't worry yourself any longer about storing items that obviously aren't yours and you have little use for. If someone really wants their keepsakes, they will come get them. Stand your ground and don't falter when they say, "Well, I can't get my boxes...why are you getting rid of my stuff...?" Start charging a storage fee, note your intent and give that person a copy.

Now if all your stuff is yours, you might want to give things away you know you aren't using.  Take items out of closets, dressers, etc. and label what you will be giving away.  Your mind will tempt you into keeping something, "because one day you will be needing it."  But once again, if you haven't used that item in years, you most likely won't be in the near future.  List what you have and see what others might be able to use especially young people in transition and new parents. 

Five.  Seek out organizations that will appreciate your stuff.

There are many groups that ask for donations.  If you have a lot of office supplies, consider a business start-up program that helps entrepreneurs.  Maybe you have many items that are in good condition, consider helping someone out who is trying to make some extra money.  Check the phone book for groups that help the homeless and others who are in need.  Partner with a local church or civic group.  Post fliers with your list of items available for sale or free.

Six.  Hold a garage sale or reserve a table at a local flea market.

Many people enjoy selling items at flea markets not only because they make money, but because they get to meet new faces.  From crafts to used household goods, most items at flea markets are reasonable so seek out items in your treasure that are useful, clean and will turn a nice profit.

Seven.  Clean and arrange your room in such a way that you get the most use out of it.

After all your sorting, giving, mailing, and selling items, it is now time to look at the space you have gained.  Clean the room that housed your stuff, make necessary repairs if need be, and arrange your furniture in such a way where you and others in your household feel comfortable.

The biggest hurdle about organizing stuff is the owner.  He or she is going to find every excuse in the book to keep from cutting down on stuff.  When your stuff is getting in the way of your lifestyle or others and keeps you sick, upset, or miserable, it's time to say, "No more."  Many people buy things or bring freebies home that they really don't need, because there are underlying issues that they either don't know of or refuse to address.

Nicholl McGuire 

How to Organize Your Makeup

How to Organize Workout

Having problems sticking to a workout?  Listen to this advice.

Ideas on Organizing Kitchen Drawers and Cabinets

The Time Will Come that You Might Have to Do More than Organize Your Home

So easily distracted are we.  Concerned about organizing files, shoes, books, papers, and more.  Yet, when organizing really matters like: getting groups established, events created, and things done that truly matter to our existence, we take a deep sigh and hope someone else does them.

When one is given a problem to solve, most likely he or she will find the most simplest way to solve it without having to do much--pass the buck for starters.  But given the condition of our world lately with such dark ideologies often shoved down our throats, one can't help but feel a need to do something.  Consider our workplaces, schools, families, neighbors, churches, and more that are in need of a serious house-cleaning mentally, physically or spiritually.

So how might one tackle such daunting tasks when it comes to organizing people and events? 

Ask Questions

Most events are organized based on a simple question, why?  For example, why is this person/place/thing causing XYZ situation?  What might be done to make things right/better/different?  When the problem shows up in your department, household or elsewhere, your responsibility is to find answers to solve the why.  But far too many people rather look the other way.  Build relationships with people who feel the same way you do.  Start by creating an online community, blog, forum, post thoughts on popular social networking sites, distribute fliers offline or advertise to generate interest.

Cut Back on Unnecessary Distractions

Distracted by fashion, technological devices, foolish media stories, money, fame, celebrities, music, personal successes and failures, one doesn't sit quiet long enough to contemplate.  Unimportant things become all-too important, "I'm watching TV...I need to surf the Internet right now...I have to buy some accessories for my phone...I'm listening to my music, what do you want?"  Allow yourself some time to think!  Manipulators, liars, greedy, angry and selfish individuals would rather not give you any free time for yourself, because they innately know that if you start thinking too long about them and what they are doing, you will stop forking over your money, energy and time.  What better way to make the perfect mind-controlled slave out of you?  

Plan to Make Changes

When the need to make a difference in one's life or others arises in one's spirit, it is then that one should begin to plan a strategy that demonstrates passion, vision, longevity, and most of all solutions that promote higher good, benefits, an appreciation for fellow human beings.  Sound the alarm about the state of humanity!  Some people that might do well organizing aren't necessarily those who have a background doing just that with much money in their pockets, but people like the: retiree, mother, student, disabled, part-time worker, or unemployed individual.  These people have more time to think than most.  While baby is sleeping, mom might put off cleaning the house to think about how she can help other mothers.  A retiree might stop watching TV and eating long enough to walk through his home and find the kind of things that might help a group accomplish a common problem.  A disabled individual might record his thoughts for a better corporate structure for a popular company and send them off.  The ideas and deeds are endless, but you get the point.

Act on Your Thoughts and Enlist the Help of Others

Some just might answer the call to organize, but for how long?  After one's personal prayers have been answered (regarding a selfish need), he or she typically bails out from his or her calling to draw attention to a societal ill that may or may not directly impact him or her.  "Sorry, I have no time now that I am working...I started helping out the group in the past, but they didn't have any money to pay me so I stopped...I could have done more, but you know I have grandchildren who need things...I am so busy and I have my own children to be concerned about...I wish I could help but I have so much studying to do now that I am in college."  If one is open to receiving some help, he or she can pass the baton to those who have more time and energy on their hands to keep the protest/event/group/idea going.

Avoid the Temptation to Procrastinate or Give Up

Some may start to do well organizing people and events until someone or something cuts in on his or her race.  Now all things get put on hold.  You might be the one who started doing something, but never finished.  You may even feel like it's too late to do anything more.  Old plans can be tweaked, destroyed, rebuilt, or passed on to others who do have the energy to work them.  But whatever you do, don't stop doing whatever it is that you know inyour heart is what's right no matter what criticism you might receive from the haters. 

What event, group, protest, or other significant thing did you do in the past, recently or feel moved to do now?  What is the "why" that you need to answer?

The next time you feel an overwhelming emotion to do something to get someone or group to consider what they are or aren't doing to help others, answer the call!  Remind yourself to write the letter, make the phone call, get people to sign a petition, create the support group, organize the protest pass the torch, or whatever else you need to do to make a difference.

Once your own household is organized, the time will come to organize someone else's from the inside out, motivate yourself now to get ready to work!  Look around your world for a moment.  Good times don't last for long--take a stand, you are never too old, too young, or too poor. 

Nicholl McGuire is the author of the following books:
Know Your Enemy: The Christian's Critic https://www.createspace.com/3437273
When Mothers Cry https://www.createspace.com/3393499
Laboring to Love Myself https://www.createspace.com/3401526
Laboring to Love an Abusive Mate https://www.createspace.com/3332346
Floral Beauty on a Dead End Street http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/904839
Spiritual Poems By Nicholl http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/3113926

How Might You Organize Your Mind?

With so much coming and going out of our minds on a minute by minute basis, it isn't any wonder that we forget things, can't find things, and say and do things that we really don't mean.  So how might you organize your mind so that you can get things done more efficiently while not frustrating the next person you meet?

One.  You write more things down on one large piece of paper rather than many and/or keep track of what you need to do next by noting it in a phone or some other electronic device that will alert you when it's time to complete each task.

Two.  You avoid over-booking yourself and others with far too many things in such a small window of time.  Figure out what tasks aren't priority and how much time/money it will take to get each done while providing more time to do each.  Could some things be stretched out over days rather than hours?

Three.  You don't enlist the help of people who talk too much, have far too many bad habits, and overall have a negative attitude about working.  Ineffective people will do nothing more than aid you in the stress department and cause you to forget even more.

Four.  Check out tools that are known for assisting people manage time better.  Just research your need and then include words like "how to," "software," "video," "tool," and other related words to your needs.

Five.  Think of a place that might help you plan better and arrange to go there as soon as you can.  Sometimes people overlook places that are peaceful, quiet, and good for the soul.  Where might you be able to get away from some of your tasks for awhile in an effort to stimulate more productive thinking?

Six.  Take some time to organize your environment in such a way that benefits you and others.  Think of some of the most disorganized atmospheres for a moment, consider how much time and energy goes into looking for things.  Notice the health issues that might result because of uncleanliness.  Now compare your household or work setting.  Could your place need to be de-cluttered, cleaned, etc.?

With an organized life comes an organized mind, get it together as soon as you can!  Check out more articles on this site that help you tackle your organization challenges one room at a time!

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Prepare Children for What You Want: Teach Them to Organize

On this site there are numerous entries on organizing stuff, and some writings about organizing people.  I felt the need to mention teaching children to get organized on this site, because I know how difficult it can be to manage them.  I have four myself, a past with working and teaching children, and years of experience reading and writing about subject matters related to parenting. 

When it comes to organizing children, you have to keep in mind the following:  they will not listen or catch on right away to what you want (most often to any instruction especially if they don't see any benefit,) they will want to find ways to manipulate you into giving in to their every whim, they are inconsistent, and most of all, they will play adults against one another so that their needs will be met and not yours.  Now with these points in mind, let's start organizing the children shall we.

Before you start planning time to teach children to organize, you might want to talk with others in the household.  You want them to be supportive.  Explain what the benefits are if the children will listen and follow-through with your instructions.  Maybe the garage needs cleaning or maybe the children are often late to school, whatever the issue, something or someone needs to get organized, so do express your concerns to the adult family members.

First, you will want to state your purpose for getting the children involved in your organizing task.  What exactly is it that you want to do?  Do you plan on moving, vacationing, taking them to grandma's house, or do you just want to get them organized in such a way that your household runs smoothly?  With each goal you set, you will have to tweak your schedules to meet your needs.

State the problem and give your children the solution.  You can use visual aids to help make your point or use past examples like, "Remember the last time we got ready to go to the restaurant and you couldn't find your shoes, and your brother took too long looking for his toy, so we ended up having to wait so long for our food?  Well this is why we need to change some things around here and get out the house sooner, okay?"

Let's say, bedtime is a problem and your goal is to get them in bed sooner.  You personally believe children need a consistent bedtime, but someone in the household doesn't care when they go to bed.  A tired child is a fussy and argumentative child.  Cite examples of this behavior that might have led to some strict discipline from your or someone in the household. State the benefits of why certain things must be done in the evening and in the morning to alleviate some of the late nights and irritable moods.  If you know there is a long trip ahead, school event, doctor's appointment, or something else, it would make sense to be sure the child is well-rested.  However, do not expect too much from your son or daughter if you have permitted him or her to stay up all night before a trip or event in the hopes that he or she will sleep at some point--that won't happen without a fight.  In a situation like this, you will have to manage time.  Scale back the typical late bedtime by 5 or 10 minutes each day until you reach the desired time.  Warn the child well in advance when it is time to go to bed.  Sometimes I use a clock with a warning bell when it is getting close to bed time.  The children are expected to start cleaning up.  Post a note to remind everyone when Jack or Jill is supposed to be in bed.  If you are going to be busy for any reason, remind the adult in your child's care to be sure Jack or Jill is in bed.  Plan baths/showers earlier as well as snack times.

Next, what tools will you need to accomplish your task?  Older children will work with you if they can see what you mean.  So note everything you plan to do in a simple way.  List steps, draw a grid, or create pictures.  Meet with the children and post your intentions.  Will this be a task done daily or on select days?  Note the days and times.  This way there is no question when he or she is supposed to help out. 

Third, introduce each task gradually.  Consider this, you wouldn't want someone dumping a bunch of instructions on your lap, while never taking the time to explain each one.  Work with your child.  Get him or her to show you what he or she has learned based on what you have said.  For example, you want an older child to help out more around the house.  So you provide the tools like cleaning products, a bucket, gloves and a rag, you let him or her see you use the tools first.  Then you watch your son or daughter for awhile until he or she does the task to your satisfaction.  Don't be so quick to walk away from your child without taking him or her through several trainings or more.  Compliment your child each time he or she gets better at performing each instruction.

Four, award exceptional efforts.  A child will most likely appreciate doing what you ask, even more, if you promise to do something nice for him or her and stick by what you say.

Lastly, introduce other things that will make the household or elsewhere look and feel more comfortable.  Continue to teach them on how to use certain tools.  Encourage them to watch you and others.  Share Internet videos of children their age doing similar things.  Show them what the end result of each task is supposed to look like.  For example, if you want a clean and organized bathroom, you will show them different items that help them sort and organize.  Arrange for a store visit and explain what each tool for your project does to further their understanding.

The following is a list of things that children can do to help with organizing your environment:

1.  Vacuum

2.  Dust

3.  Clean items ie. ) dishes, walls, doors, tables, windows, etc.

4.  Sort

5.  Place items on shelf units.

6.  Hold things steady while you build.

7.  Hang up items (older children).

8.  Pick up things.

9.  Suggest colors, patterns, prints, tools etc.

10.  Read material and watch videos for ideas.

Take what you have learned when it comes to organizing and share tips with your child.  Walk with him or her to each room of your household and outdoors and point out problem areas.  Get feedback from him or her.  Ask, "how might you organize this room?  What tools do you think we need?  Draw a plan and then share it with me."

Children can do many activities that can be beneficial to the household if only they are taught by someone who is willing to show them. With school breaks and seasonal vacations, these are prime opportunities to introduce something new to your children. When you teach children how to become organized, they will remember when they are older your tips.


Nicholl Mcguire is the author of When Mothers Cry.

Hoarders and the Children Who Love Them But Not The Stuff!

Children of a Hoarder

Help for Hoarders

15 Outstanding Tools to Collect, Organize and Share Your Web Experience

Great site offers tips to help yyou organize if you are a writer, researcher, or someone simply looking to organize valuable information.  See here.

The Power of a Brainstorming To Do List

Penning anything you plan to do in the future in a list form is a very powerful move, because what it does is cause you to focus on only what specifically needs to be accomplished and you find that you feel empowered because of it!  Sometimes you just don't need or want an abstract view on what you are hoping or planning to do.  You just want to do them!

Brainstorming what needs to be done will help you eliminate what doesn't really need to be done right now.  Break tasks into small groups and subgroups then start doing them!

So what I came up with is an example of how you might want to get some things out of your head and on to paper in an effort to get tasks completed.  A To Do List of any sort is nothing more than a simple tool to help you brainstorm your needs from your wants.  It helps you become less stressed and makes you feel like you are doing something useful in your personal life.  So allow this  brainstorming exercise to motivate you to create effective task lists for all sorts of things you want to get done at home and elsewhere.

Let's say, you want to do the following things around your home: organize and clean your kitchen and living room and do some rearranging in the bedrooms, but you are having problems getting some things done.  Consider listing your tasks in the form of questions, rather than simple phrases.

Kitchen

What do I need to buy for myself, the children, and my partner?  List each person you are buying for and put their needs under each heading.

What has yet to be cleaned?  List the items in your kitchen that appear unsightly.

When was the last time I sorted old items stored away in cabinets, drawers and the refrigerator, what needs to be thrown away?  Note each place that you need to check and then start throwing objects away.

Add more to your brainstorming To Do list.  Highlight or star what is most important to you include your starting and ending dates if possible.  So that you will feel moved to begin.

Let's say you are asked to help someone get organized, but this person seems to have a problem getting started.  You can organize a brainstorming To Do list for that person in the form of questions.  Mention most important duties to complete first.

Livingroom

When was the last time you vacuumed?

Is your carpeting filthy?

Have you noticed an odor coming from your furniture?

Take a look at your drapery and blinds, are they dusty?

Could your wall decor use an uplift? 

What is the condition of your walls?  Is a paint job needed?

Bedroom

When was the last time bedding and window curtains were laundered?

What is the smell like in your bedroom?  Do your carpets need to be shampooed?

Now what you would do is continue with your questions.  Then you would add a new category and add the tasks that need to be accomplished elsewhere in the home or elsewhere maybe they are smaller or larger tasks ie.) Home Office--what files to keep and what files to throw away, Garage--what to give away, Basement--what repairs need to be made, Back Yard--what landscaping needs to be done, Front Yard--what treatment should I buy to keep weeds away, etc.  Notice each task starts with a question that will cause you to think about other things you need to do.

Let's say that you want to do something as simple as organizing some needed tasks for a variety of business projects.

XYZ Campaign

Make follow-up phone calls to do on Monday.

Market website on Tuesday include....

Speak with person about....schedule meeting for Friday.

What have I yet to do about...email campaign?

What still needs to be done with...?

When do I plan to get XYZ project completed and sent to client?

You list and you question what still needs to be done.  Then you start working on those items that are priorities.  Ask yourself each day, "What do I hope to get accomplished with my business?  What might anger me by nightfall if I don't get it done?"

Set target dates, include times and enlist help if necessary and note your thoughts.  If you aren't good at list-making or think this might be too tedious, maybe you can give a relative or friend an appointment book to help you pen your thoughts.  Tell him or her what yo have already done, what you hope to do and what are your present goals.  This person might be able to help you brainstorm.

When asking for help from others, be sure that you are clear about what it is that you want and be respectful of their time.  Someone or a group may not be happy to learn that you will be using their services most of the day or night.  So be clear as to what it is that you want and agree to a set a window of time dedicated exclusively to one or two tasks rather than five or 15. 

Also, check your budget and begin to put small amounts of money aside for your household fund.  Know when school breaks are and pay children to help.  Find out who might need some additional funds and ask this person to help you. 

When you start with brainstorming a list of things to get done, you are beginning to sort out your important tasks from your unimportant ones.  Therefore, you will be better able to reach goals.


Nicholl McGuire maintains other blogs including: Parents, Babies Children, When Mothers Cry and Laboring to Love an Abusive Mate

5 Things You Needed to Do Like Yesterday to Keep Place Clean & Organized

Once you clean and organize a room or closet, it can be very tempting not to do much else for a long period of time to the room.  But in order to maintain the cleanliness and organization of an environment, you must keep watch for anything that might be a potential problem and to remember to put things back that you use.  Posting notes to remind family members, workers, etc. --anyone using the space--helps.  Also, checking behind those individuals visiting the room while making necessary adjustments will keep it nice.

In case you have yet to do the following, you might want to:

1.  Tell your kids to clean up their rooms including under their beds and closets where strange odors and things like to harbor over time.  Check your space as well.

2.  Check in and around your house for traces of problematic insects or rodent issues.  Cold weather can bring unwanted guests indoors--ugh!  Move furniture periodically and vacuum.  Open up closets, cabinets, drawers, bins and boxes.  Move items from walls to see what lurks behind your stuff.  Pick up paper, books, and food items sitting on the floor.  Lift up rugs and runners too and vacuum.

3.  Look for holes in walls, around baseboards, in cabinets, and elsewhere simply by bending down and moving items from these areas.

4.  Wipe down areas that have traces of dust, food, and other unsightly markings.

5.  Items that have fallen down, no longer work, appear out of place, or just don't look or feel right, remove or rearrange.  Sometimes decorative items can bring an unsettling energy to your atmosphere making you feel like you don't want to work in the environment--do away with such items or store them away out of sight.

Now that you have five tasks to do, make a point to do them while you are moved to do them.  Take a moment to pause from your Internet surfing and start walking your office space, apartment or home looking for problems.  Happy cleaning and organizing! 

Things to Think About Organizing this New Year

For some of you, you might have thought about all those wonderful things you want to do to better your mind, body and spirit, but what about your atmospheres ie.) livingroom, bedroom, office, etc.?  Here are some thoughts about organizing to help with your home or office space so you can be more productive this new year.

1.  Paper.  From receipts to magazines, every item should have a place that is easy to get to and out of view.  From hanging file folders to bins and binders, utilize what you already have before you buy more things to organize paper items.  Ask yourself, "How often will I need to get to these items?  Will I do anything with them if I should put them away out of view?"  Here's a thought things you know you will need, put them on a shelf or in a cabinet because you know you will be looking in those places for them.  But things you hope to get around to, organize them neatly in plain view and make a point to tend to them everyday.

2.  Food products and storage containers.  Some food items just don't get eaten because they aren't stored in containers or on shelves where people can see them.  Rearrange the fridge and the cabinets.  Do away with storage containers that don't let you see what is in them.  Find some space for the things you know everyone likes, but give away those items that have already proven they will never be used/eaten.  Note: when storing food items at the workplace, consider using storage containers.  This way rodents and insects will not have access to your goodies.

3.  Kitchen gadgets.  They come in handy when you need them, but when you don't, they are nothing more than space collectors.  Items you enjoy using store on a shelf unit or counter space that isn't used much.  Kitchen items that are only used once or twice a year store away in cabinets or plastic bins.

4.  Clothing and accessories.  How many ties, shoes, purses, shirts, jeans, and more do you need?  If you can answer this question then that's half the battle.  Sort items by season, size and color.  You will be surprised to see that some styles, colors, and other clothing items you have are in abundance to the point that you might never wear any of these items again.  When you find, for instance, you have far too many red shirts, size small and typically worn in the spring or summer, you might consider giving some of these items away especially when you know you haven't been a size small since the early 90s.  Consider organizers that make it easy for you to find what you need.  Shelf units, racks, closet hangers, and small plastic organizers can take the hassle out of organizing.  Drawer organizers can help with those items that can be tedious to find.

Once you start with sorting items in closets, cabinets and drawers, you will find it becomes less challenging to do other areas of your home.  Start with a room a week.  Have a trash bag ready, necessary organizers, and cleaning products.  You will find that as you begin moving things, you will find places that are dusty and in need of a good cleaning.  Enlist some help especially when you know you are the kind of person who doesn't like to throw away anything.  However, don't give your help a hard time because they aren't as close to your stuff as you are, remember your goal is to organize and clean your room not defend your stuff. 

As you begin to make progress organizing your home/apartment, you will hear those voices in your head that will tell you how you might need this one day or you will lose the weight so keep it, but the reality is that if you haven't used something or wore it in years, just because it feels like you will, most likely it isn't true.  Feelings lie.  When one is serious about using something and improving his or her life, he or she will not put off anything.  He or she will make the time to get things done.  Don't fight with yourself about keeping something, rather give items away to those who would get more out of them then you would.

The desire to organize is definitely a state of mind and one must be determined to stick to goals until they are accomplished.  Sure, there will be distractions, but one must keep focus.

Here's hoping your organizing and cleaning will be a success this year!  

Nicholl McGuire is the author of Know Your Enemy: The Christian's Critic and When Mothers Cry.