Last night, I dreamt of owning a bulldozer. I had contemplated using one on my daughter’s playroom the other day, so I’m sure it was just an offshoot of my subconscious. It may sound ridiculous, but it was the only tool I could think of that would accommodate the task of singularly scooping up all of the toys that lay strewn on the floor. The room looked like a toy-eating dragon regurgitated his five-course meal on the floor. Just looking at the mess made me want to curl up on the floor and fall asleep (I very well would have, but there was simply no room to do so).
Given that this is a nightly occurrence I really shouldn’t make a big deal about it. I merely use it as an example to illustrate that the best laid organizational techniques can be compromised under certain circumstances (meaning, cleaning that room up is like fighting a losing battle). I have provided organizational tips in this blog category before, so it’s not that I don’t appreciate the concept… it’s just that I have realized that sometimes the best laid plans can come undone—the toy room being the perfect example. The following are two other “problem areas” in our home. (They may seem small, but they seem to morph into huge masses of disorganization in record time):
TIE RACK
Have you looked at your husband’s tie rack recently or can’t you see it under the mountain of silk? Like the toy room, organizing this mess can seem fruitless (it’s that fighting a losing battle mantra). However, if your husband is able to appreciate and maintain a tidy tie rack (after the initial purging), take these simple steps to straighten it all out:
· Get two boxes – label one: “Discard” and the other: “Donate.”
· Spread all the ties on the bed.
· Discard ALL that are stained, torn or discolored.
· Donate ALL that: don’t match any of your man’s clothing; are out of style; or haven’t been worn in a year.
JEWELRY BOX
When I held down a full-time job outside my home I remember wearing the same pair of earrings for nearly a month straight. I know this because it was documented on tape. As a television news reporter I would see myself on the monitor night after night wearing the same gold earrings. Each time I saw them I would make a mental note: “ORGANIZE MESSY JEWELRY BOX. You may have fallen into the same pattern—you keep wearing the same accessories over and over because your jewelry box is such a mess. The good news is with a little organization, you’ll enjoy what you have a lot more. Here’s how:
· Get three plastic bags – label one: “Discard,” another “Donate,” and one “Repair.”
· Untangle everything and group like pieces together (e.g. bracelets, necklaces, earrings, rings, etc.).
· Discard ALL the pieces that are broken beyond repair.
· Discard ALL single earrings.
· Donate what you know you’ll never wear.
Remember if you are sentimental–you don’t have to donate your jewelry to strangers. Consider asking your friends or family members if they would like to browse through your “Donate” bag.
Related Articles:
What’s In Your Medicine Cabinet?
Is Your Bathroom Brimming With Toys?