Organizing Tips for Mom

By Ellen DeLap

Following are a few organization tips from Ellen Delap, a professional organizer who spoke at the March meeting.

GETTING STARTED:

Start small
Plan your time
Categorize as you organize
Always assign a “home” to items
Organize products (file folders, etc)
Stay organized

TOYS:

Categorize the toys and use clear tubs for easy viewing, or label with words or pictures for younger children. Be creative and have the child/children help you label the boxes words, photos or magazine clippings of the item.

UTILIZE UNUSED SPACE:

Flat, under-the-bed storage boxes can store out-of-season clothing and toys. Alternate the toys in the boxes on the shelves with those under the bed, so your child does not get overwhelmed by too much to play with.

INCLUDE YOUR KIDS

Make it easy for kids to put their things away by providing hooks, shelves and storage areas they can reach easily but always keeping safety in mind. Open containers are best, and these can be placed on shelves.

A PLACE FOR EVERYTHING

Divide your children's space into zones — arts and crafts, reading, pretend, legos or dolls. Your child/children will know where to go for certain activities and where to find things and put them back. Keep the items used together in containers together. Think Kindergarten classroom!

TIPS FOR MOYC

Create routines for you and your family
Label, label, label
Create work zones
Find a clutter buddy
Plan your perfection
Reward yourself
Give yourself the gift of time.

For additional organizing tips, visit www.professional-organizer.com.

Ellen Delap is a professional organizer offering her services to both business and residential clients. For more organization tips, visit her website at http://www.professional-organizer.com. Ms. Delap may be reached at 281.360.3928 or edelap@professional-organizer.com.