Click on this link to access the Organizing Tips: When Little Tasks Become Crises – April 2011 newsletter

PROBLEM: My child’s books are all over
the place. The books are hard for her
to put on the shelf.

SOLUTION: Instead of putting the books
on a shelf like in the library, try putting
the books in bins or boxes. Not only can
she can flip through the books and find
the one she wants but she can also put
the book back in the bin with ease.

HINT: Sometimes putting a hard cover
book in the bin first for all the other
books to rest on can keep the paperbacks
from flopping around.

PROBLEM: When I come home from
shopping I stick my groceries here and
there. Then when I need my tea, pancake
mix, or macaroni and cheese I can’t find
them.

SOLUTION: Give each shelf and drawer a
specific purpose. For example, this shelf
is for pasta or this drawer is for coffee
supplies. The key is to only put items that
belong to that category in that drawer or on
that shelf.

HINT: It might be helpful to label the shelves
while getting used to their purpose.

PROBLEM: I have some things stored in boxes in my
garage. I have other things stored in places in my
house. Sometimes I look for something that I know
I have but I can’t remember where I put it.

SOLUTION: Make an index for your things. Write
down the contents of your boxes, bags, or baskets
and their location. Store your indexes together and
in a central location so you can easily access them.

HINT: If it feels overwhelming to go back and make
an index for the things you already have stored, just
start with the things that you are currently putting
into storage. As you look through old boxes you can
always add them to the index.

PROBLEM: I’m someone who likes to carry around a
notebook to jot down notes, thoughts, and lists of
things to do. The problem is that my lists get mixed
in with my everyday writing. Then I have to page
through my writing to find my lists.

SOLUTION: Separate your lists from your other writing.
Start at the back of your notebook for your lists and
the front of your notebook for your other writing.