Tips to Maintain.....

Yep, it's another blog about MAINTENANCE! I just can't stress enough it's importance in all areas of organization. So, here are a few quickies:

The formal dining table that no one ever eats at: Try setting the table to discourage everyone from "dumping" their belongings onto it as they walk in the door.
Photos: Ideally, write on the back of photos and put in albums or photo boxes as soon as you develop them. At a minimum, mark the date and occasion onto the envelope and file in a photo box by date. For digital photos; back up photos on to a CD every month and file the CD by date. You will never lose them if the CPU crashes and you'll be less overwhelmed looking through a CD with hundreds and hundreds of photos!
Laundry: Is your version of doing laundry "I put the dirty clothes into the washer"? Nice try... Laundry is done, when it is washed, dried and put AWAY. Fold or hang items as soon as they are dry. Do not dump clean, dry clothes onto the couch or bed to be folded and put away "later". Also avoid put into laundry baskets or hanging racks to put away later, unless later is before the end of the day.
Crafts/Projects: Have a dozen partially completed crafts or well intentioned projects stashed around the house? Only one project at a time, and finish it before you start another!
EVERYTHING: Apply the One in - One out rule. For every one new item you bring in the house, one item must go out. So before you run out to buy something, think hard about what you are willing to let go of first. Apply to all areas; magazines, clothing, toys, books etc. By doing this you will be able to keep yourself organized. If you are still struggling with clutter, consider a 1:2 ratio. Two items out for every one you bring in. This will help you reduce the clutter slowly.
Deal with it. If you are using something (a pen, kitchen item, purse, remote, electronic... you name it) and it breaks... Deal with it! Fix it, make a plan to fix it or get rid of it. Ask other family members to "deal with it". For younger children teach them to report it, vs just putting it back!

As you can see, getting"organized" is not a one-time event, and then it's done. It is an ongoing process of changes and maintenance. Before you overwhelm yourself, remember you don't have to organize every area of your life in a single day, week or month! Work on small chunks at a time, and then focus on "maintaining" that area before you start on another. As Donna Smallin in "The One Minute Organizer" wrote: "Trying to organize your entire home in a DAY is like trying to eat an entire piece of cake in one bite. You'd choke". Good point.