Martha, she's still got it

So Martha, group like utensils together for a clean look.

We all know Martha Stewart is the guru of homemaking - from cooking, gardening, decorating and  crafting she has got it down pat. I think at times she does take it too a little too far- very ambitious for all us common folk, but her basics are the best. If you want to know how to clean delicate linens or make the perfect Thanksgiving feast, she is your woman. Browsing around her website recently, I found these checklists!- she has created dozens- cleaning, moving, entertaining, even lists for stocking a bar or pantry. Amazing!

Go to http://www.marthastewart.com/home-decorating - then click on organizing checklists, and browse away-they are printable so you can file it and keep for next time. I think my favorite one is- Six Things to do Every Day! With just minutes of work, you will keep the chaos contained!  (like, make the bed, sort the mail, clean as you cook, sweep the kitchen floor, etc) So channel your inner Martha and get inspired!

Ready for Action, Now What?- Part 2

So here we are, you have found the place you want to take from cluttered to clean, but how?  This weekend,  I picked up a magazine entitled, Secrets of Getting Organized- it is a Better Homes and Gardens special publication.  It talks about solutions for every room, which is very helpful, but even better, the first article breaks the organization process down into 4 steps:
 1. Plan and empty, 2. Sort, 3. Shop and then 4. Reassemble. 

I read these then tweaked them a little-  the steps were easy , but  a little wordy, so I will try to make it short and sweet. First, set a time limit, be realistic! You do not need hours to make a difference. Next, be ready to empty (sort) things into the right piles, trash, keep, relocate, donate etc. Make decisions quickly, ask yourself how often do I really use/need this? Third, shop- yeah! you are now ready to buy the RIGHT type of storage, think about designs, colors and sizes-based upon what you kept- not what was there. Last, reassemble- Put it all back- fill up those new baskets or bins,  step back, and breathe. Well done!

Love these fun bins and buckets- best colors and designs, themacbethcollection.com

So where do I begin? Part 1

 We all have those days- you're late, you cannot find what you're looking for- you want to pull your hair out! right? OK, answer these 2 questions and you can target the most troubled spot in your home, start small- even a drawer can make a difference.
Is it working for you and how are you feeling??? 
So, does the space work for you? Can you find the kids shoes and get out the door? Can you find the suit to wear for work? If no, then it is not working!!!  Pick that one place that gives you the most grief and wastes your valuable time. Organize to be efficient, not perfect! Now, how are you feeling? How do you actually feel when you look in the hall closet or basement- stressed? embarrassed? overwhelmed! Great-you have your project, it's  the first step to end the madness! Now what? part 2 will show you the way!

Love this pic-get alike baskets or bins and hide it all!- check out www.bhg.com

Utility closet clean up

Chores are a drag- we all know that, but recently I found some great  closet tips in a magazine a friend gave to me called The Nest- it is all about organizing and more! These 3 products will transform your mess and inspire to clean away- sometimes!
1. OXO does it again with a wall mounted organizer for all your brooms, mops and dustpans- this way floor space is clear.
2. Shoe organizer- not just for your heels anymore! Throw in any supplies you need to grab quickly, spray bottles, sponges even light bulbs will be accessible!
3. My favorite idea- wrapping paper storage problems solved! Use a file folder caddy to store paper, ribbons and more- better yet get 2 and divide paper by theme- holiday or birthday, kids or adults, you decide!
If you get this far, cleaning may become your favorite pastime- probably not, but you will get thru it faster and move on to much better activities- which is anything but scrubbing bathtubs!

Pantry in a box

Every week I come into the kitchen with bags of food and look around wondering where it is all going to go- if your kitchen is like mine-  a real pantry does not exist or it is already full of so many half filled bags and boxes, who knows what's in there! Quick fix- these amazing air tight bins by OXO come in all sorts of sizes and they are clear!! You will know if you have only 3 pretzels left and they line up so neatly, you will save space - leaving you with a clutter free pantry- at least untill the next trip to the market.