Wow, you did a lot! May I ask what brand of slim-line hangers you are using?

graywings, I got the house brand at Bed Bath and Beyond. I think they come in two colors (beige and black) and of course I used a coupon!

You know it seems like a lot when I list it like that, although it all happened over the course of a year. Actually, I'm hoping not to have very many things to list at the end of this year! What I love is not feeling like I need to tackle any of these things because they were so out of balance. At this stage of my life, I want things to be easier, and more enjoyable. After having seen quite a few stressful years, I'm all about cutting out as much stress as possible!

I read a cool article the other day about de-cluttering your home. The basic idea was to give everyone in your home a garbage bag and 10 minutes to collect everything that they had either outgrown, would never use, or was just plain unnecessary, and put it in their bags. By the end of the 10 minutes you can end up with huge amounts of 'stuff' that you just don't need anymore. It's a good way to clear out the house and create some good space. You can also donate a lot of this stuff to goodwill. Just thought I'd share that idea.

Here is a link that might be useful: Trash Bag Tango

What great ideas and progress - I love this topic!

It is amazing how a small change can be so profound. I also have found for me that the more organized I become - the more I'm inspired to keep my house even more organized (without becoming too perfectionistic of course which will always be a challenge).

Start small:
I started with my closets, cabinets, fridge and pantry. Each of these projects I could get done within a few hours and I committed to doing them right (labeling, buying appropriate supplies etc). This motivated me to 1) keep up the change and 2) realize my results would make a big difference.

Pantry:
The Pantry deserves its own mention. I got tired of spices falling out or being hard to find. So I put each spice in alphabetical order with a label in front of the pertinent shelf. This way - I can quickly find a spice and since they are clearly labeled DH puts them back as well in the right place. My pantry now functions rather than being shelves with things I can't find. I also made each shelf within the pantry serve a function (baking, cans, noodles etc)

Dresser Drawers:
My dresser was almost unusable. I used Linda Koopersmith's book and borrowed her ideas for folding clothes "vertically" I was able to several more shirts that didn't need hung up in the drawer and it looks so nice I let it stay that way.

Visualized:
Seems silly but I took the 'junk' out of each room, room by room. I then made the room look like I wanted it to once done. I did not stuff the junk behind closed doors - I sat it right aside the room (ie lining the hall so I HAD to either toss, store or donate) This approach helped me work quickly so I wouldn't get distracted.

Trash can:
I bought a 2 dollar trash can (a small one like you'd see in an office) and put it right behind a decorative chest I have in our "foyer" (it's really just an entry way). I then formed a new habit that I immediately sorted the papers from the mail as I came in the house. Anything I planned to recycle IMMEDIATELY went to the trash can. The chest hides the front of the trash can and then once a week I empty the trash can into my box for paper recyling.

Recycling containers:
Everday my kitchen counters would clutter with recyclables until in a few days I'd take them out to the bin. Or cardboard would sit to the right of the trash can. I bought these containers below and they work WONDERFULLY. If I have guests I can hide them outside (or even just leave them). All the recyclables are corralled this way and either go out for the weekly pickup (or paper and cardboard I drive to the site once a week).

http://www.dwr.com/search.cfm?Ntx=mode+matchpartialmax&N=0&Ntt=recycling (DWR)

Hot spot cleaning:
Modeled after Flylady I identified my hot spots and hit them every night. I also informed my DH and DS of the same. It shocked me but they actually help pick up now too (guess its that whole modeling of behavior)

The beds are made immediately in the morning before work - DS is 3 and makes his own...loves doing it as he feels like a 'big boy' and he learns a great habit. For me if I 'see' things that look organized I keep up.

Dining room table:
We have an eat-in kitchen with a large dining room table.
Our table often became the source for sorting and piles. Not trash but papers, or things in bags (non food but things we bought and hadn't put away) etc. I set the table and keep it this way.

When we finish dinner the dishes immediately go away (dishes were an issue before) and new plates go back on the table. By keeping the table set it looks nice and I don't use it to store clutter.

Put away Immediately:
I made a new rule that I immediately put things away. I was never super messy - but always had little piles I had to care for...especially if we'd come back from traveling (items still in luggage, cars, etc). So if someone swung by I'd stuff the pile somewhere to deal with it later (which of course always got put off). I changed that...

If I buy something now, it gets put away. If I use something I put it back. It took me about 2 weeks to really 'learn' this habit but it makes a HUGE difference.

An idea box:
Ok I'm a dork and can admit this. But when you get a good system going - you tend to want to do more and more. To keep myself focus if I see or think of an idea I want to change (for instance I want to catalog our DVDs and organize them) I write the idea on an index card and store it in a recipe box in my desk. Assuming I actually am caught up on work, family stuff and my house is clean I'll pick out an idea and then implement it. It makes me feel accomplished and its like a dorky reward after I've done what I need too...

Laundry:
Laundry used to be a major problem. I consolidate the laundry baskets every other day. When they are full I do laundry (usually every other day) and I stay on top of it.

Ok I wrote a book and not sure that those ideas will be that helpful but I hope they are. Thanks for all the inspiration!

Laurie

greenbeane- what wonderful ideas! My dining table is also where everyone drops their stuff (me included!) So this afternoon I am going to set the table and see if that helps to keep stuff the flat surface! Thanks again

Laurie, I think you are the one who's inspired! That's just great; I loved hearing about your changes and how it's made your life easier. All your implementations are good, and I could relate to your ''idea box''. In fact, I've been thinking it was time to reorganize the ''insides'' of some of my drawers that have become hot spots for me as well. If it gets too hard to find something these days, it's time for me to try a different approach. If making it easy is a dorky reward, then I'm a complete Dork!