Tips for Organizing Your Room for Back to School by Nicholl McGuire

 When organizing a room for back to school, it's important to start with decluttering. This means getting rid of items that are no longer needed or used. Donate items in good condition and properly dispose of anything else that can't be donated.

Then, organize what is left into categories such as books, supplies, clothing, toys, etc. For each category, find a designated spot to store the items. This could be a shelf, closet, or drawer that is labeled so it's easy to keep everything in its place.

It's also important to create a system for managing papers and documents such as syllabi, homework assignments, and permission slips. A wall pocket organizer or filing cabinet can help with this. Or, create folders for each subject or activity to store important documents.

Once the room is decluttered and organized, make it look inviting by adding some personal touches such as artwork or photos. A cozy rug, comfy pillows, and some plants can help make the room feel more welcoming too.

By taking these steps, you can help make back to school season a breeze and ensure the room stays organized all year long.

Even when everything is in its place, it's important to take some time each week to tidy up. Spend five minutes or so putting away any items that have been left out and wiping down surfaces. This will help keep clutter at bay and make it easier to find what you need, when you need it. With a little effort, your room will be ready for back to school in no time!

However, sometimes due to factors such as space or budget constraints, not all tips and tricks may apply. If this is the case, think of creative solutions that work best with what you have available. For example, instead of a filing cabinet, use a shoe organizer to store documents and school supplies. This can help maximize the space you have while still helping to keep things organized.

Organizing your room for back to school doesn’t have to be overwhelming or time-consuming. With some planning and a few simple steps, you can create an effective system that will help make the transition to school a lot easier. Taking the time to make sure your room is organized and inviting will help you get back into the swing of things as soon as possible!

By setting aside some time for organizing at the start of each school year, you’ll be ready for anything that comes your way. You can also use these same strategies throughout the year to help keep your room feeling fresh and looking its best. With a little know-how and the right approach, you’ll be ready for your school year in no time!

Good luck and have a great school year!

This article was written by Nicholl McGuire, author of What Else Can I Do on the Internet? available on Amazon.com. For more tips on organizing, follow this blog.

5 Tips on Beginning the Process of Sorting Memoirs and Diary Entries for Your Autobiography by Nicholl McGuire

When it comes to organizing your life memoirs, there are a few different ways you can go about it. You could start by dividing your work into short stories, or by sorting it by topic. You might also want to consider taking a chronological approach, or even focusing on the most important moments in your life. Whichever method you choose, be sure to make it your own, and that the final product reflects you and your unique story.

1) Sort by year.

One of the simplest and most effective ways to sort your memoirs is by year. This will allow you to track your progress over time and see how you've changed and grown. It can also be interesting to look back at specific events that happened in each year of your life. This can be a good starting point to capture the progression of your life, and it can also be helpful for readers who want a complete picture of your life story. However, this can also go from interesting to boring, if you plan on sharing tedious details about your life. Most people lose interest if the stories you choose are not emotionally stimulating whether they move them to tears, laugh hysterically, or think deeply.  Choose wisely!

2) Sort by topic.

You may find that you are passionate about one topic more than many others, why not begin your book based on your passion rather than what is trending? It most likely will be a good book, because you enjoy writing about the topic more than others. This can be a great way to see how your interests have changed over time or to revisit past projects and accomplishments. 

3) Organize based on feeling. 

Explore your emotions and see how they've changed over time. It can also help you understand yourself better and see which emotions are most prevalent in your life.

4) Divide into short stories.

You can organize your life memoirs by dividing them into short stories. This can be a great way to make the process more manageable, and it can also make the end product more interesting to read. If you opt for this method, be sure to give each story its own chapter, and make sure that they flow together cohesively.

5) Organize from the beginning of your life.

You may want to take a chronological approach to organizing your memoirs. This means telling your story in the order it happened, starting from the beginning and moving forward chronologically. Focus on the most important moments in your life. This could mean picking out key events or turning points in your journey thus far. If you choose this method, be sure to give each moment the attention it deserves – after all, these are the experiences that have made you who you are today.

Once you have everything all sorted out, stop by wonderful book publishing platform that will help make your memoirs come to life!  It is reputable and has been around for many years, check out their easy-to-use interface and free to use, you only pay when you are ready to print your work.  Take a look here: Create a book from uploading files, photo or PDF

Nicholl McGuire is the author of many family legacy books and enjoys managing and contributing to this blog.  Show your support for our partner by using the link above and helping this blog stay active. Happy publishing!

How to Organize Your To-Dos with Apple Reminders with Peter Akkies

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How to find a professional organizer that fits your needs | OrganizerHome.blogspot.com

When it comes time to shop for a professional organizer, there are a few things you should keep in mind.

First, decide what you need help with. Do you need someone to help you get rid of clutter, organize your cabinets and closets, or set up a system for managing your incoming mail? Once you know what you need, you can start looking for an organizer who specializes in that area.

Second, ask around for recommendations. Friends, family members, and even your neighbors may have used a professional organizer in the past and be able to recommend someone.

Finally, do your research online. There are many websites that list professional organizers by specialty and location. The National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO) is a good place to start when searching for an organizer. This organization maintains a directory of its members, which includes information on each professional's areas of expertise and specialties.

Another option is to use an online search engine to find organizers in your area. When conducting your search, be sure to include keywords such as "professional organizer," "home organizer," and "decluttering."

Once you have a few names, it's time to start interviewing them. Ask about their fees, what services they offer, and what type of organizing system they would recommend. Be prepared to give the organizer a tour of your space and explain what you would like them to do. If everything looks good, go ahead and hire them! It is also important to get feedback from past clients. You can do this by checking online review sites or by contacting the Better Business Bureau.

Happy organizing!

How to Sort and Organize a Heap of Paper

Organizing paper products can be a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be! Here are a few tips to help you get started:

-Start by sorting your paper into categories. Bills, receipts, and other documents can all go into their own respective piles.

-Once you have everything sorted, start by dealing with the bills first. Make sure they're all paid and put away in a safe place.

-Receipts can be a bit tricky, but if you keep them organized, they can be very useful. Keep track of where they came from and what they're for so you can easily find them when you need them.

-Other documents can be stored in a filing system or simply in a box or binder. Again, the important thing is to keep them organized so you can find them when you need them.

Over-the-door hanging pockets, folders, bulletin boards, shelf bins, and filing cabinets are all great ways to keep your paper sorted. 

There are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for paper organizers. First, consider the size of the space you have. You don't want to overcrowd your desk with too many organizers. Second, think about how you will be using the organizers. Do you need something for sorting mail? Filing papers? Or both? Third, take into account the style of your office. You want the organizers to complement your décor, not clash with it. Finally, don't forget to factor in price. There are a variety of paper organizers on the market, so you should be able to find one that fits both your needs and budget.

If you're looking for a paper organizer, Amazon, Walmart, and Target are all great places to check out. Amazon has a wide variety of options to choose from, while Walmart and Target offer more basic styles. Amazon also offers Prime shipping on many items, which can be a great perk for busy shoppers. No matter where you end up shopping, you're sure to find a paper organizer that fits your needs.

By taking the time to organize your paper, you'll be able to find what you need when you need it without any hassle.  With a little bit of effort, you can get your paper situation under control in no time! Just remember to stay organized and you'll be fine.

Nicholl McGuire is the owner of this blog and author of What Else Can I Do on the Internet? and other useful books.

A Guide to Organize Your Workspace – How to Declutter

Office Spaces that are functional and not-so functional - tips, advice

 

If this is all you have, then sure, why not buy this desk and if you don't plan on sitting for long, well not a bad chair.  However, we know better even though this makes for a great photo, there is no storage on top of the desk for something as simple as a pencil and definitely no comfy cushion for a sore rear-end.

Although this office space is quite modern, looks clean, well lit, evenly spaced and organized, there is a huge problem, it wouldn't be welcoming to most people who have endured so much due to COVID.  Nowadays companies will need to put more thought and money into physically organizing the bodies of people.  No more piling people up in a room and allowing employees to cough and breathe on one another especially when they are ill.  In this photograph, every other row of desks would need to be removed or spaced out further apart.  A partition between each desk and masks on if visiting one's neighbor.  A sanitation station nearby and a temperature check would have to be taken before any of the employees even set foot in the room!

We know who works here!  What is great about this workspace is it illustrates one's personality well.  Does yours say who you are?  I thought the wheels were interesting at the feet of the desk.  The floor plan is quite simple with useful items nearby and neatly arranged.  However, it is safe to assume that this individual doesn't spend many hours in this room, once again an uncomfortable chair is in view and the space is not set up near any sort of window view.  When you have a room that has no view, so that you don't go mad, you will need to decorate your walls and have music ready to play like this person has done.

Here we have a simple office space, but the first thing that jumped out at me was the wiring--ugh!  On this blog, I have tips about what to do with wiring.  I like the small desktop drawers for the user's convenience and the one's underneath the desk.  I assume that this person may periodically work on electronics at this desk.  The stool is another uncomfortable chair which would require frequent breaks.  This might work for some who just don't know how to take breaks.  If you are like that, you may want to replace an uncomfortable chair with a not-so comfortable one.

What you just viewed are just some examples around the web of people's office spaces.  When you think of adding some final touches to your own home space consider what you still might need to make the best use out of your work space.  Maybe it is something to organize the little things you use for the top of your desk.  You might need a better office chair.  You may be worried about getting sick at work because your company is not really doing all they could to keep you and your coworkers safe.  Whatever might be a concern, make plans to address.  

Check out other useful articles on this blog:

Organizing Around Appliances, Unsightly Equipment, and Other Things that Ruin Decor

 Apartment Moving

Hoarding Again? Do You Just Have Too Much Stuff?

Nicholl McGuire is the owner and contributor of this blog.  Check out, What Else Can I Do on the Internet? for other inspirational things to help organize your life!

On Organizing Your Dirty Yard Tools and Other Stuff

What to do with all that dirty stuff?  I have visited homes where it was clear the families just didn't know how to organize their dirty stuff or didn't want to bother.  There were tools in dining rooms and shovels with mud still on them stored in basements.  The grime that had fallen off had been tracked in their entry ways and livingrooms.  Dirty tools and other stuff needed their place.  Why would someone sit at a diningroom table staring at their dusty saw lying on the floor or walk past a nasty broom everyday not too far from the refrigerator?  I vowed when I got my own place, I was going to make sure that not only were my favorite items neatly put away, but also all things dirty!

Small Power Tools

A shelf space for small tools is ideal!  However, when there is no shelf space you have to figure out what to do to organize these items. Lying a tarp, plastic runner or something similar to protect flooring is better than not placing nothing at all if you are currently working on a project.  Place the items on top of the covering and drape over until your project is complete.  You can find a corner spot in a basement or in a garage until you have a cabinet to place them on.  You can also purchase large plastic bins or use boxes to store away.

Dirty Landscaping or Yard Tools

From snow shovels to wheelbarrows, people have become very creative over the years using wall hangers to organize these items.  They are typically stored in garages, basements, and sheds.  There are so many options for tool hanger storage and various name brands.  Purchase items that have hooks so that they are easy to hang.

Dirt, Salt Pellets

Buckets work wonders!  Rather than leaving these items in bags where they can tear and cause an even bigger mess, use buckets.

Messy Stuff

You know how it goes you use something and it drips down the sides.  There are a variety of reusable trays that you can use to place items in.  I have used large plastic bowl and basins (think large enough to soak both your feet) to hold any item that comes in a spray can or bottle.  Then I placed them inside and then stored away neatly in a cabinet.  Smaller items I place in a plastic grocery bag or freezer bag in case they start to drip after use.  When the children were younger, I child proofed the cabinet.  This way I didn't have to worry over someone getting in there or something being knocked over and permanently ruining my shelf space.  I also used shelf liners as well just in case someone didn't put my items back in the basin.

Vacuums, Mops and Brooms

These items should never be stored near a place where food is being prepared or eaten.  For starters, they can have an odor and look unsightly.  So I usually look for a nearby place to store these like a broom or coat closet.  If I don't have one of those, I store these items in the basement.  The mop goes in the bucket.  The broom is turned up if it is exclusively used for the kitchen area.  Vacuums are frequently emptied and placed out of site either in a closet or upstairs away from entry view in a hallway.

Where do you keep your dirty items?  Feel free to share in the comment section.  Thanks for ready and happy organizing!

Nicholl McGuire Author of What Else Can I Do on the Internet? and the owner of this blog.

Organizing Sanitary Napkins, Tampons

There is no worse feeling then to be seated comfortably on the toilet only to find that you don’t have adequate supplies nearby.  Women all over the world find themselves in this difficult situation every now and again.  There is no one on the other side of the bathroom door that can bring their sanitary napkins or tampons.  They may have forgot to restock--uh oh!  A roommate may have taken the last one--oh no!  So how does one organize very important items for a very private matter conveniently and discreetly?

Drawers, Bins and Boxes

Consider placing them in a nearby drawer preferably by the toilet.  Organize by size or colors.  Do not overfill otherwise the napkins and possibly the tampons will fall behind the drawer into the cabinet underneath. 

Plastic drawers and bins or a fabric box (not see-through) placed underneath the sink by the toilet also is convenient.

Shelf Space over the Toilet

If you don’t have drawer space near the toilet and a box or bin takes up too much space underneath the bathroom sink, consider hiding them discreetly in a decorative box or bin on shelf space over the toilet.

Narrow Containers

A narrow container that is typically used for storing grains, cereals, or juice can be placed underneath the bathroom sink.  Think in terms of shapes and how much space you have when selecting containers.  Narrow containers are great space-savers and shaped perfectly for placing in cabinets.

Over the Door Hanger with an Attached Storage Bag

If there is no nearby shelf space and underneath the cabinet is maxed out, napkins and tampons can be stored in cosmetic bags then placed in a storage bag pocket.

No Shelf, Cabinet or Drawer in Guest Bathroom and Door Hanger Doesn’t Fit Door

A guest bathroom that doesn’t have drawer or cabinet space and a door hanger is out of the question, but does have an open space underneath the sink can be utilized.  Purchase a bathroom sink curtain and drape around.  Place sanitary napkins and tampons in a bin or container then place out of view behind the sink curtain.  You can also purchase an appealing plastic, three-drawer storage in a solid color.

Keep in mind the type of organizer you select will be based on how much space you have available and the supplies you use.  For instance, if you use sanitary napkins you would need something bigger, but if you use tampons your organizer might be quite small.  Remember, the smaller your organizer, the more often you will need to fill it up.  Happy organizing!

Nicholl McGuire is the owner of this blog and the author of What Else Can I Do on the Internet? and Black Friday, Cyber Monday Strategies to Use Year Round.

Lazy - No Desire to Clean and Organize

They admit, "We're lazy."  These are the people who don't enjoy putting things back, cleaning after making messes, placing items in convenient locations where others can find them and more.  Lazy people create havoc for a household whether they choose to admit it or not.  Their failure to make life easier causes grief for those who are organized.  This is one of many reasons why some people don't get invited back for family events, are not welcome to live with family members, and are rejected by friends.  Where there is laziness, there is also irresponsibility lingering too.  They don't much care that they broke items and refused to replace them.  They can't seem to remember where they left items they borrowed from others.  So if this describes you or someone that you know, think about some things to combat laziness:

1.  Don't expect others to welcome or accept your unwillingness to be orderly no matter how much you reason it.  They will debate with you.  Hurt feelings will result.
2.  Don't make excuses for not doing little things like cleaning a dish or putting belongings away.  Those offended will eventually set up consequences like no longer cooking meals.
3.  Train yourself to put items back where they belong, clean, etc.  You can do this by implementing rules or yourself and following them.
4.  Self-talk why it is important to be organized and research the benefits.
5.  Create reminders online or offline to clean and organize. Set aside certain days and times.
6.  Avoid the trap of keeping things you really don't need including trash like bags, boxes and other packaging.
7.  Motivate yourself to stay clean and organized when you think of things like: rats, roaches, bed bugs, dust mites, and more.  If you don't tidy up your place, no worries, in time the insects will.

Bedroom is simple, functional and clean.

Moving from Single Room to Shared Space

It happens, for whatever reason you end up having to share a space with someone after spending years living in a room or dwelling alone.  So what to do to make things comfortable for you while respecting your roommate's space?

1)  Spend time checking out how much room you have and how might you best organize your stuff so that it doesn't get in your roommate's way.
Think like this, "I have a lot of books..." so most likely you will need book shelf space.  "I have a lot of health and beauty items..." so you will need plenty of cabinet or drawer space.  Take a look at what you have and what you know you will be using on a daily basis and be sure those items are accessible.  However, don't go overboard with organizers when you know your area is limited.

2)  Do not post any wall hangings or display keepsakes that are offensive such as political, religious, intolerant, or racist.
This seems like an obvious point, but you will be surprised at what you might think is "okay, alright" while someone else thinks your interests are highly offensive.  Keep your odd interests out of view until you get your own place.

3)  Avoid asking to use or borrow your roommate's stuff and don't volunteer your items.
If you want to avoid future arguments, establish boundaries and not free for alls.  The items that you enjoy the most will be used and your kindness taken advantage of when you have that "mi casa, su casa" attitude.  If you don't sincerely mind someone touching your things, don't allow it and don't use theirs either.

4)  Unpack items immediately and don't leave your belongings in disarray.
Cardboard boxes are magnets for spiders and other insects, so do away with them.  If you must store items, use plastic bins.  Avoid bulky, whimsical and bright furniture especially if you have no plans on utilizing and living in the space for long.  Choose items that go well with existing furnishings.

5)  Be sure your area is neat and smells appealing at all times.
Odor lingers in carpeting, bedding, and laundry, so do be sure you are aware of your body odor and clean linen, carpeting, etc. and spray deodorizer.

Before moving from your single room or dwelling into the shared space, be sure you have already donated, sold, threw away, and kept necessary items.  Do not bring along things that you know you just don't need.  The more you keep, the more clutter and also the more headaches for your roommate.  Give yourself a self-talk on why it is important to rid yourself of some things or pay for storage elsewhere before someone has to later sit you down and explain why you simply have too much stuff and why it would be better for you to move.

Nicholl McGuire is the author of What Else Can I Do on the Internet?

How To Organize Your Life For Back To School

Teach Children to Organize - Tips on How to Organize Children’s Belongings

When it comes to training children on things like good hygiene, being polite, and caring for others, many parents are doing quite well. However when it comes to teaching children how to organize their things, some parents are dropping the ball. Educators, family members, friends, and strangers look upon these helpless children with pity, eye-rolls, or frustration. Poor Johnny or Jill is dropping items, can’t find things, and is having his or her share of fits because they just don’t know what to do with all their stuff.  So what to do?

1)  Start by getting organized yourself.  Then teach children how you keep up with your items.

2) Give a child a task to organize. From a bookshelf to a table top, show them not only how to organize, but why it is important.

3) Walk through their environment and point out the things they could organize better.

4) Reward the child for his or her effort.

5) Be consistent and remind him or her to stay organized everyday. Ask, “Did you put your items back after you used them?”  If they continuously forget, you will have to remove favorite items from area or other distractions until he or she improves.

6) Communicate what you are teaching your child to others so that they too will help your child learn good organizational skills.

Things to start teaching children to organize in their room and elsewhere:

1) Video games and accessories

2) School work

3) Clothes

4) Bedding

5) Small toys

6) Edibles in the kitchen

7)  Bathroom items

Once they have shown that they are doing well organizing their items, remember to reward them and encourage them to keep up the good work!

Nicholl McGuire is the owner and manager of this blog.

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Organizing Tips and Resources Around the Web - list includes life, business, apps and photos

Life

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Business

Business Organization Tools | Chron.com

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Photos

How to Organize Photos - Better Homes and Gardens

How Can I Organize Generations of Family Photos?

How to Organize and Print Years Worth of Photos

How to Organize Your Digital Photos: 10 Steps (with Pictures)

Apps

7 Creative Ways to Organize Your Mobile Apps - Mashable

5 Apps to Organize Your Life | HowStuffWorks

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Other

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