When you are organizing an area, use these 3 steps to guide you.  They will help you decide what to keep - and what to do with what you keep.

     1.  Organize for comfort and convenience

          Having an organized space doesn’t mean it always has to be neat and tidy.            Use attractive containers whenever possible. (See my favorite things page to           see where I find the some of the greatest containers)

     2.  Ask yourself three simple questions.                                                                        

     Is it useful ?
     Is it beautiful?
     Do I love it?

     3.  Organize for YOUR convenience

          A well-organized environment is one that conforms to the way you think.  If           you use an item consistently, put it in a place that is convenient.  Things that           you use rarely, put somewhere a little less convenient. 

A few more helpful tips:

• Tackle one area at a time, and if necessary a little bit at a time.  You do not have to finish a project in one sitting.  Set a time limit and stay focused.  Things that belong elsewhere go into a pile until you are done. Once your predetermined amount of time is up, take the items you have collected and put them where they belong.  Do not leave the area until your time is up.  Chances are, if you do, you will get sidetracked and not finish what you started.

• Store like items together.

• Remember to look UP when looking for places to put things.  Use vertical spaces (walls) to your advantage.  Shelving can be very attractive and functional. 

• Go through mail while standing over a wastebasket.  Throw junk mail away without even opening it.  Opening it may tempt you to buy something. It also wastes time by opening it, looking through it, and deciding whether or not to purchase another piece of clutter.
  One exception to this rule- thoroughly read and act on anything from reclaimed spaces, llc!

• Consider sorting your clothes by one of these methods                               color                                                                                                               type/event (casual, formal, work)
       complete outfits (with jewelry and shoes too)!
  
• Create a habit of putting tools or items away immediately after use. By doing this you prevent clutter from accumulating. It is also a time saver as the tool or item is where it is supposed to be next time you need it so you spend no time looking for it.
  
• Keep your supplies stocked.  When you open the next to the last can of chili or use the next to the last battery , put it on the shopping list.  Do this with everything and you will never be out of the things you need and use on a regular basis.  
  
• Create a weeks worth of menus. Make a list of ingredients needed for the meals.  Purchase all of your supplies. Consequently, each day all you need to decide is which meal you would like to prepare.  You have all the ingredients on hand so there is no need to make a stop at the supermarket each day.  And now you have an answer when that dreaded "what's for dinner" question is asked!
  
• Store things nearest the place  you will use it most.  Excess computer paper near the printer, coffee cups in the cupboard near the coffee maker, the coffee maker near the sink, plates near the table, silverware near the plates, microwave snacks and foods near the microwave, and so on and so forth. 
  
• Recycle, recycle, recycle (see the pass it on page)
  
• Donate items to organizations that give their things to those less fortunate than ourselves. Get a receipt and if you itemize, write your donation off at the end of the year.
  
• Have a yard sale the same weekend each year.  Price and clean items before you place them in the “storage” area.  When yard sale time comes, everything is ready to go, except for a little dusting that might be required.  All you have to do is place like items together, hang clothes neatly (or don’t sell clothes at all) and advertise your sale.  Have a one day sale and donate anything that is left over. 
  
• Consolidate outings to save gas, time, and keep the air we breathe as clean as possible.

Check back often for new tips and ideas.