Your Top 5 Home Organization Questions Answered
1) How do you keep paperwork organized? How do you store all the paper / documents you need but don't use often?
Portable filing cabinets are wonderful for keeping things organized and accessible for when you need them. Get creative and add in pretty coloured file folders and labels for each family member or type of document. Digital storage is also very effective. Download an app like HP Scanner to your phone and start scanning important documents you receive in the mail to keep for tax purposes. Create a file for each year on your computer for quick reference later. TIP: be sure to rename the scanned document so you know what it is and can easily search for it later.
2) How do I organize my Tupperware cupboard?
Ah yes, fear this dreaded cupboard no more! Start by corralling all your Tupperware containers and lids and inspecting for any that have scratches or major staining as these should be recycled. Any container without a matching lid should also be removed as each container should have their matching lid. If you have the available space, store containers and lids together.
3) Where to start when overwhelmed with a lot of clutter so you don’t start at all?
Small bites. I know this can be an overwhelming process when you feel like your entire home needs a full refresh. But I recommend starting with one small task to get the ball rolling and make you feel accomplished, such as your junk drawer or sorting through your linen closet.
4) How should clothing be organized? Every week a bomb explodes in my closet!
I highly recommend a full edit of all your clothing every 6 months so that they don’t accumulate in your closets. If you have a space to store some large Rubbermaid totes, I recommend swapping your seasonal clothing and accessories out of your main closet spaces so you can clearly see exactly what you have at all points during the year. Nobody needs to see their fleece lined tights in the thick of summer!
5) How do you convince kids to keep their toys organized and use the designated spots?
Make is simple for them to follow the rules. Create zones for them to learn and grow into such as a reading corner for books or stuffed animals all live in one bin.
Organize books in a delicious (yes I said delicious) - rainbow pattern, this way when it’s time to tidy up you can say to each child: “Avery, clean up the blue and red books and Julia grab the green and yellow ones” - make it a game!
For younger kids and toddlers, I like to implement an organizing system called a 30 Day Box where you have 2 of the same bins/boxes and fill with similar but different types of toys or games. Every 30 days these bins are rotated so the kids have “new” items to play with, keeping them interested and not overwhelmed with too many choices all at once.
Setting the expectation of keeping everything absolutely perfect all the time is only going to set you up for disappointment.
Thanks for submitting your questions!
Comments? Drop them below and I will respond with more tips!
Talk soon & Happy Organizing
Jaime Bergman
Professional Home Organizer in Vancouver, BC
