5 Easy Steps to an Organized Coat Closet
November 8, 2010
As the temperature continues to drop, it is a great time to organize your coat closet. Whether you enjoy winter or merely endure it, you will find it easier with an organized coat closet. Set aside a couple of hours, follow these 5 easy steps, and you will be ready for Old Man Winter to arrive.
1. Sort by Person – Empty your coat closet and divide the contents by person.
2. Inventory – Have each family member inventory their items. Does everything still fit? Are the items in good condition?
3. Donate – For items in good condition that your family is no longer going to use, collect them in a box for donation. Around this time of year, there are always winter clothing drives seeking gloves, coats, scarves, hats, etc. If you can’t find one near you, you can always donate them to a local shelter in your area.
4. Shop – What items do you need to replace? Make a shopping list and head to the store now. You don’t want to be caught without boots for the first big snowfall!
5. Put it Back – Put the remaining items back in the coat closet or cubbies. Use a basket or bin for each person to store their hats, gloves, earmuffs, scarves, etc. Hang up the coats. For younger children, consider using hooks that they can reach so they can be responsible for hanging up their own coat. Hooks are much easier than hangers for them to master at a young age. Boot trays work well for storing wet and/or muddy boots.
While you might not be ready for the “white stuff” quite yet, if you follow these 5 easy steps, your coat closet will be organized and ready to go.
– Donna Lindley, Certified Professional Organizer and owner of Rochester Hills, MI-based Organize Your World, Inc.
For more storage & organization ideas visit Organize-It.
What’s Your Organizing Personality?
November 4, 2010
Organizing systems are not one-size-fits-all. Your organizing personality — or what I like to call your logic type — is truly the most important aspect to consider when organizing any room or project.
If you try to organize something that runs against your system of reasoning, then it will never, ever stick!
That’s why, in my work as a professional organizer, I have identified four logic types: Geometrical, Positional, Chronological, and Categorical. Continue Reading
Tuesday Tip: Cat Litter and a Tube Sock?
November 2, 2010
The weather is changing and the leaves are turning amber and red. Our first fall storm blew through, and with it the realization of a minor home repair I wasn’t aware I needed; window calking.
My son’s bedroom window has a small leak in the top of the frame that drips onto the windowsill. When it dries out, we can fix it. But until then, here’s a great tip: Fill a long tube sock with scoopable cat littler and place it on a plastic bag or tray on the window sill. The litter absorbs a LOT of water, the sock keeps it from being messy and the plastic protects the sill. And an added benefit: the soft surface absorbs the dripping noise!
Got any wet weather tips for us? Leave a comment!