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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?

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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.