Hello! Happy Giveaway Day!!!
One of our darling Sweetheart Sponsors and dear friends Jo Packham of Where Women Create, Where Women Cook, and Where Women Create: Business magazines has an incredibly beautiful new book out. She has sent me a couple of copies to give away to incredibly beautiful YOU!
This book; the Book of Organization – The Art of Creating Order, which I have been lucky enough, as a contributor, to have had on my coffee table for a few months now, is cover to cover visual eye candy. It is like having personal tours of all the best creative studios and getting a private peek at how people 'stack their stuff'! You will be impressed, intrigued and inspired to go find clever drawers to put things in!
You will even get to see a really old photo of me in 'Little Marmalade” with a really bad haircut! Wins all around!
I can't wait to send two of you this lovely. So! To enter, just leave a comment on this post sharing your favorite tip or trick for organization! I love to hear this stuff! You had better hurry though, my Mom is trying to stick a copy in her suitcase as we speak!
Winners will be chosen Friday March 1st at 12noon EST.
Good Luck!!
xo
The sweetest thing I’ve seen and have yet do, is to purchase an old ladder, paint it to coordinate with the colors of the your closet, and place your high heel shoes on the ladder rungs. Ribbons have to be present as well.:)
I stay organized with a list and a sharpie! Once I get something done I can cross it off. Big (or little) sense of achievement. Notepads from Curly Girl make list making more fun!
I once saw someone hang purses and scarves from curtain hooks on off-season rods in the closet. It limits wasted space! 🙂
The trash can. At least once a month I try to go through all of the loose accumulated papers sitting on my desk & toss out as much as possible.
Put your jewelry on a mini wire-framed mannequin. It’s a great way to see what you have and it looks like a pretty decoration. That, and when you find a matching full-sized mannequin, it just can’t get any better!
I always focus on one area at a time, bedroom, living room, etc. Definitely helps to eliminate stress by being able to focus on one area at a time.
To do lists! I love using stationary and I often set a lot of reminders on my phone. I love crossing things off my list!
I love separating my silverware in my dishwasher – put all knives together, forks together, spoons together, so when you put them away it’s one less step!
I have all of my jewelry hung from hooks inside the doors of an armoire, or in sectioned trays… it’s probably the only thing that stays organized!
I need the book.
I made some oversized picture frames out of crown molding that I painted and backed with small contractors wire (think small chicken wire) that I hang all of my jewelry from on small hooks. It helps me enjoy being able to see it all at the same time keeping it organized and looking great!
Storage ottomans are the best! They look great and you can stash toys, books, papers, etc. in them when company stops over! Plus they are useful as foot rests, additional seating or you can place a fun tray on top for a place for drinks, snacks!
One of my favorite things to do while organizing is to use recycled materials, like mason jars and clementine boxes. I use old jars on my vanity to organize my make up and brushes. The clementine boxes I repurpose to hold different beauty products.
Anna
This is boring but, as a cluttery-probably ADD-creative person, I’ve learned that “a place for everything and everything in its place” is so true and so helpful. And also dealing with things before they even become clutter (loading the dishwasher, sorting the mail, etc) usually takes less than 5 minutes and not having a pile is so much more peaceful and freeing to my creativity. Though, don’t look at my house right now because I’m not taking my own advice in several rooms….but I’m getting there!
To keep “organized” list of things to accomplish, I’ve hung a tree branch with paper cutouts like caterpillars listing what needs to be done and due dates. Big do it “now” or “soon” with are large..long term goals broken into smaller sizes. When I’ve completed it, I cover with butterfly cutout with finished date. It’s a lovely reminder on days when I need the boost of how far I’ve come and what I’ve accomplished.
Two dirty clothes hampers: one for lights and one for darks so you don’t need to sort through dirty clothes later.You can also easily see when you have enough to put a load washing.
Each person in our house has their own hamper in their room. Once a week I wash each hamper separately. No sorting clothes! I just give the hamper full of clean clothes back to each child (we have 3 kids) to put away!
I use a dry erase marker to write on the washing machine lid anything that can not go in the dryer. Keeps my laundry organized and no more shirts 2 sizes too small! Also, I am a huge fan of daily lists and crossing things off as they are done. Love the list all checked off at the end of the day!
I wish I could leave a personal organization tip, but I’m in such confusion over organizing my various spaces, that I’m commenting in the hopes of learning some great insight here. 🙂
Plastic tubs and a labeler!
Pretty much every closet in my house has a shoe organizer hanging from the door, even though none of them hold shoes! I use them to keep track of those little things that seem to not have a place — belts, scarves, accessories I pin on my sweaters and the like. The organizer in my craft closet holds hole punches, scissors, measuring tape, etc. And the one in my laundry room keeps those errant one-of-a-kind socks until the mate turns up, spot removing pens, and even change I find in the dryer.
I love using old curtain rods to organize ribbon spools and even wrapping paper. Make sure to get the ones where the decorative ends come off 🙂
As a law student, organization is so very important. Everything has a place, and everything in it’s place is my motto. Don’t keep things out, because it doesn’t take long for everything to become jumbled and chaotic. Put things back in there place when you’re done.
My general rule is to not buy an “organizer” but to use what I already have on hand. Makeup cases, bowls, glass jars, vases, etc. It keeps my studio interesting and saves me money to spend on more art supplies!
A place for everything, and everything in its place! (I know, it’s old and tired, but it still works!) I go through my mail standing in front of a waste basket—toss out the stuff, even tempting catalogs—that I don’t need and will never read.
My mantra is to throw out every bit of trash that I can. It helps keep me clutter free and creates more room for important things.
I keep all important papers, such as the kids school and sports schedules, report cards, etc. in plastic sleeves in a binder. It is easy to get to, and during the summer I recycle the old papers. I use plastic sleeves and binders for all new recipes too, especially the Curlygirl ones:)
I live by this rule: if I haven’t used it in more than a year, it’s outta here. This goes for everything from cloths to papers.
I have a few Peter Walsh Quotes that help….although I still have a long way to go with avoiding clutter. My creative mind see re-uses for everything.
“OHIO”- Only Handle It Once
“LATER is the best friend of CLUTTER.”
Also, I try not to leave any room empty handed. There is always something that can be put away.
I organize by re-purposing and recycling. For example, an old paper towel spool with a little spray paint or decoupage makes a darling tool for stacking bracelets. No box, bin, or barrel is safe from my spray paint and label maker!
I keep a notepad inside my kitchen cupboard so that as soon as we run out of something we can write it down. That way when we make a trip to the grocery store we already know what we need and we don’t forget any of the little things. Because who actually remembers when they need dill??
By the time my fiancé and I are home from work and have finished our workouts it’s too late to figure out what’s for dinner. I always meal plan a week ahead so I know exactly what I’m eating everyday of the week. It keeps our grocery bills down too! It’s a no brainer to simply look at my planner and know what to put on the table
I keep a laundry basket in my closet for clothes that can be consigned or donated. If I try something on and it doesn’t fit properly, is outdated, or I just plain don’t ever wear it, it goes in the basket. Once a month or so, I go through the basket and decide what to sell and what to donate. It’s great to know that what is on the hangers or the shelves isn’t just taking up space!
I love to look at magazines and Pinterest for ideas to organize. I love to color coordinate. I have notebooks full of ideas just wish I can find the time to do it! Thanks for the chance of winning!
Sewing/craft room tip. I hung one canvas over-the-door shoe organizer on the backside of the entry door to the room, then made another one out of some cute fabric with a bit wider pockets. I have all of my quilting rulers, interfaces, embroidery hoops, and associated items tucked in the pockets and ready for use. This keeps me from burying things in the stacks of fabric that seem to accumulate during a in-process project.
I end up with tons of recipes floating around in the “I haven’t tried this yet, but it sounds good” space. I started keeping a binder by different types (Desserts, breakfast, soups, etc.) If I try it and it’s a keeper, it goes into the recipe box and on a card. If not, buh-bye. If I want a new dessert or something, I have a bunch to choose from.
i Love Love Love organising! i am such a nerd! my fave so far is that i found a wooden frame for tapestry wools with wooden holed bars going across it, hung it on the wall and hung all of my hanging earrings through it. so organised and easy to find a pair when i am dashing out of the door and i can see them all to choose! also a great piece of art in the house! so many people comment on how beautiful and handy it looks!
I use old windows to hang jewelry, scarves, and outfits on hangers that I am putting together for that day!
I LOVE my craft cupboard!! To keep all of my art supplies organized, I have an old tv cupboard, that has been transformed into the perfect space for crafts—with hangers for my beading pliers, different size boxes for mosaic tiles, a drawer for paints and brushes, a drawer with fabric and sewing supplies, a light that clips on from above, and a piece of plywood that fits on to the top drawer, to create a desk work space when the cupboards are open. It is amazing and makes my organizational geek heart soar!
I am addicted to boxes and shelves of all kinds and frames. Hangers, too. Tried to plan the inside of all our wardrobes and cupboards to best meet our needs. Always keeping a pencil and paper within reach to write down any ideas, things to do/buy etc.
I love saving beautiful perfume box packaging… I fold in the top flaps and use the boxes as pen cups, makeup brush holders, and other fun small storage containers. If you can locate a small enough glass to fit inside a box, the packaging can serve as a unique and lovely bud vase.
I painted my pantry door with chalkbiard paint. Now my entire family has fun making lists, leaving notes, ect. All house guests and visitors love it to…!
A good ol’ fashioned planner with some different colored pens. I color code everything in my planner based off of what category it falls under. I have done it since high school, and it saves me!
I put copies of recipes in clear sheet protectors and binders for easy access and quick clean up.
make your storage pretty, beautiful and stylish as well as practical. I find I am more inclined to keep up with organisation if it is visual appealing. I also like to reassess my organisational needs regularly as I find they can change quite often and I end up with a whole lot of stuff around me that I don’t use so much.
I love repurposing boxes from cereal to large Keurig coffee boxes to organize & store things in my drawers, closets & pantry. I just cover them with scrapbook paper or fabric scraps depending on my mood & bam! you have a cute, cheap bin!
Each of my grandchildren have a hook and a basket in the mudroom for as soon as they come in the door. There is also a file basket that means Gran needs to look at this now!
My Label Gun! I’m not much of an organizer, yet my label gun has turned this chaotic mess of a woman into an organizing machine! It simply inspires organization!
I live by those wire, make your own shelving cubes one buys at Targêt. Great in any closet, one can make any number of useful cube configurations to fit any space. I then take metal hook sets, as well as carabiners and hang them on the side of my shelf configuration. So I hang hats, hoodies, scarves, what have you… I probably have ten sets around my home. I have used them to even make a “wall” to divide a room… And have had them against a whole wall in my craft room- easy organization on a budget.
I keep a notebook for all travel packing lists. On each page, I take the base list (from p1) and then customize for the specific trip – weather, length of trip, purpose (travel for weddings always involves lots of shoes!), etc. This way I always remember my staples and can refer to previous lists for specific items. Yes you can do this on the computer, but I love writing with my mechanical pencil in a college-ruled spiral notebook.
I’m terrible at organization! My best tip (for myself at least) is to JUST DO IT! Just get started! Oh, and to not be afraid to throw things out!!
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I keep all my necklaces hanging from an “over the door” towel hook in my closet. Keeps everything from getting tangled up in a jewelry box!
Different laundry baskets helped me with the laundry- towels in one, darks, then lights. And one for the clean clothes to transport them.
Post-it notes and Ziplocs!
I’m not the best organizer (which is why I could REALLY use that book), but one thing I do is hang my clothes not only by type, but by color. I love seeing everything color coordinated when I open my closet door!
I am the Queen of the big green garbage bag. Every six months I drag it behind me through the house to see what needs to go.
my key to organization is simplification. i’m constantly simplifying what i ‘own’ so that i have to organize less. montly trips to donate what’s not ADORED or ‘needed’ make a WHIRLED of difference.
To organize in the kitchen, I found a great idea on Pinterest. I attached a cheap magazine holder inside a cabinet door to hold tin foil, plastic wrap, etc. It clears up cabinet space and is always right there when you need it!
I keep a hanging organizer with clear pockets on my closet door with all my earrings so I can quickly pick a pair in the morning. Not really an original idea. If I was full of great organizational ideas, I wouldn’t need this book, which I do, really and truly. I’m a mess. I’m with Tami, I was really an organized together person before children.
Reusable tote bags have become so helpful in keeping my family organized! I keep one hanging in the coat closet at an easy reach for items like gloves, earmuffs, etc. They are also the perfect size inside for stacking old magazines that I can pass on to a friend!
Inspiration books! I have gotten so many ideas from books and magazines! When I’m too tired for action, I look thru books and let the ideas percolate and motivate! The Japanese word KAIZEN keeps me from getting overwhelmed and makes me ACT…one little thing at a time consistently=KAIZEN! inspiration + small actions = a dynamic duo! One of the most used spots in my house is a shoe organizer on the back of the cellar door…with duct tape, screwdrivers, batteries, trash bags, sharpies, etc. It was the perfect place for all that stuff that was always used but never had a home! My boys know where stuff is and can put it all back!
I love my organized closet. All clothing of same type hangs together and is color coded. It gives me visual pleasure and serenity and I can find things. Thank you!
I don’t think i’ll ever be as organized as I want-but I do find that making to-do lists helps keep me in focus of what needs to be done and getting it done 🙂 I also love old vintage boxes/pails containers to keep “stuff” in.
Best tip is not letting the mail stack up. It’s the only way to keep my sanity and find the important papers I’m almost destined to lose. Once I come home and check, bills got in stack, correspondence/RSVPs in another so I can add the dates to my phone/organizer and other fun mail like magazines or things I like to browse go on the coffee table or my gym bag. It’s the little things that keep the craziness of life at bay.
As a teacher, graduate student, and outgoing person I rely on my paper planner! No matter how fancy and high tech my iphone keeps getting nothing will every replace my good old paper and pen year long planner! (Keeping your earrings in an ice cube try helps for fast accessorizing in the morning too!)
Preparation and reptitiveness. I am obsessed with my lable maker I just got. I just moved into a new apartment and since its just me and my Boston Terrier it isn’t terribly big. So I have a lot of underbed, overhead, cabinet storage and the lable maker helps me keep my head from spinning off trying to find a head band in the morning.(Under the bathroom sink in the black tub labeled “hair accessories”) I also write any appointment downs at least twice (on my cell phone calendar, on my paper calendar, on my work computer, or even on my hand). If it’s written twice then I’m less likely to forget because I’ll have written it twice and hopefully see it twice 🙂 I’m in the process of still getting organzed which is why this book would be FANTASTIC!! 🙂
I totally want that book!!! My mantra is “edit, edit, edit”. It is a daily process of going through “piles” of things – mail, school papers, laundry, library books, magazines, to do lists, kids shoes, etc. Organizing is something to be done daily to avoid the clutter. It drives me crazy, but it is the only way to feel a sense of control!
I’m definitely not an organizational genius but I do love using the checklist function on the Evernote app. I also love using May Books, which have weekly meal planners, calendars, etc.
Congrats on being in the book! It looks adorable and super helpful!
I’m not a very organized person, but I do love to use crates, baskets, and jars to organize my space!
Leigh;
Sadly I have no amazing organization tips. 🙁 I am hoping entering a drawing for a really cool giveaway from Curly Girl Designs counts though… 😀 Truthfully I could use all the help I can get!!! It hasn’t always been this way, when my oldest was younger I had a pretty good handle on it, somehow though, it seems to have fallen off. (the “handle” I mean) I don’t know if I lost the knack for it, or have just gotten pickier with age… Fingers crossed for some Curly Girl intervention! Thanks for your generosity in doing the drawing & your Mom’s for not sneaking away with one of them! ;o)
One of my tried and true organization tips for jewelry is keeping the box and plastic insert from a large box of chocolates. Each small plastic square holds 1-2 pair of earrings, or a non-bangle bracelet, or a ring or two. Cover the box with your favorite paper, quotes, etc and you have a keeper.
Thanks for the chance to win. The book looks wonderful!
lists are my key to staying organized and writing them in pretty colored sharpies keeps me attracted and interested in them!
I use a fishing tackle box and small baggies for my jewelry. Keeps it organized and protected.
I believe the secret to organization is simplicity. Keep it simple!
My best tip for organization is to reduce the clutter. Donate, sell, or throw away anything that isn’t being used or won’t be useful at some point in the near future. Every year before thanksgiving I go through the pantry and get rid of expired food and take an inventory of what I need to restock.
Use shower curtain hooks to organize and hang purses on in your closet.
My sister died in 1988 and years later I found her 1950’s lace wedding dress in a closet in my mother’s house. I hung it in our master bathroom so that I can display all of my broaches and pins on it – it keeps them in view and organized so that I can quickly accessorize my jackets. On another wall in the same bathroom I hung a vintage yard rake to hand my necklaces on – it is a piece of art and keeps my necklaces organized. You would love the pictures of each unusual organization display – I just know it.
When I travel, I put anything small in those zip lock bags with the slider. Socks go in one bag, underwear in another…. this way, if you have a small hotel room and can’t unpack your things, you aren’t left digging for the items that always get lost.
Also? I put any toiletry that could possibly leak in a separate bag – lotion, shampoo, body wash. More than once I’ve discovered slightly opened bottles of shower gel and such and have been so thankful that any leaks were contained!
One thing I have always marveled about. If I have one of something (tweezers, favorite pen…) I tend to keep better track of it, than if I have several. So simplification works well for me.
Another really valuable suggestion: Identify those areas of your home that attract clutter (dining room table, computer desk, kitchen counter…) take time each day to clear the debris in those spots. Clutter attracts more clutter.
I would love to contribute, but I am highly disorganised. Thereby, any suggestions this book might have to offer, I would glady put to good use. I am in desperate need of help. 🙂
Hanging shoe rack for yarn!
Sometimes you have to realize your strengths 🙂 My tip is inviting over my friend that loves to organize 🙂 She keeps me in check!
Ice trays are GLORIOUS! I can organize my beads when I’m working on necklaces, and organize all my earrings i wear all the time.
They are cheap, fit in a drawer and stack on top of each other.
Perfection. 🙂
I use Smash Books to keep my creative life organized! I’m currently planning our wedding and a Smash Book lets me keep all my ideas in one place, but its very eclectic, bright, fun and covered in Washi tape! So it is a perfect example of my crazy ideas and love for color, but has all the information for vendors and such for the wedding!!
I love to organize my jewelry – by type and color in travel jewelry organizers for on the road, and for my birthday I just got a large floor standing jewelry organizer with a door. Everything has it’s place and I can find stuff when I need to accessorize. A girl has gotta accessorize and it depends on outfit and mood! My niece and Mom love it cause usually when I organize, they get some new jewelry out of the deal.
I buy clear plastic fish tackle holders at cabela’s—I’m sure any sporting good store would have these—and use them to organize my jewelry. The containers come with plastic dividers that allow you to vary the size of the compartments, so you can store small earrings and even bigger necklaces.
Use divided silverware holders in your desk drawers to organize pens, scissors, etc… And use them in your bathroom drawers to organize make up, etc! More tips please!
I used to be organized, before the 3 kids came along…..now, my best way to organize is to hide things, or throw away (after I’m tired of looking at it for so long and not having a place). If I don’t see clutter, I feel better. Then I eat pancakes!!! I really need some tips (hint, hint)
I recently bought ramekins from target to organize my everyday jewelry (earring, bracelets) and makeup. I also started using mason jars as pencil holders, makeup brush holders and to store cotton balls and things like that. I love how all of it looks, it was cheap, and it’s never been easier to find what I’m looking for in the morning.
The colored notes ap on my phone is a life-saver. I keep my shopping list on it and when I have a couple of extra minutes to run errands, I already have my list. Saves time and extra trips to the store.
We only have room for one nightstand in our bedroom so I bought square metal wire baskets and hung them up (top of basket facing out/open) on the wall above the bed as a place to store books, place pictures, etc. I love the extra storage it creates!
Use found objects that make you smile—case in point, old dollhouse furniture! In my bathroom cabinet, a mini claw foot tub holds my tweezers and nail files/clippers. And a mini rocking chair is the perfect place to put a wallet-sized photo.
I have a drawer in my desk dedicated to cute greeting and thank you cards…. papers.. and such…( quite a few of my favorite CURLY GIRL CARDS!!) so when the moment comes to say thank you… I can find what I need quickly…I love to send and receive cards!
I put my jewelery in little 2×3 plastic bags I bought on ebay. It keeps everything organized and easy to see and sort through.
All of my kids have a basket stored near the front door. Throughout the week they can dump anything they like in them – as long as they don’t leave those things lying around downstairs. We clean out the baskets on the weekends & start over on Monday. Kids are messy – better a messy basket that my entire downstairs!
I’m all about the organizational tools being pretty! If my file folders are pretty and functional, I’m much more likely to use them. And, instead of ugly black plastic drawer dividers, I use random-sized boxes, cut them down to fit, and cover them in awesome scrapbook paper. It helps me put things where they belong and I get to enjoy pretty patterns
!
I have a great tip for organizing my daughter.
My youngest daughter was able to remember to
get her lunch out of the fridge before school,
because we stuck a clothespin in her partially
unzipped backpack the night before when homework papers went in. She easily remembered her lunch so she could unclip clothespin and close her backpack to go to school! Happy Girl! I did it ‘mineself’!
I swear the easiest thing ever… when i load my dishes in teh dishwasher spoons go with spoons, salad forks with salad forks then when the dishes are clean they go easy in the silverware holder. 🙂
Having a place for everything and lists!
I like to be able to see all my art supplies, so I use clear plastic totes and containers, as well as other open storage containers like baskets, jars, bins, hooks, and shelves.
For personal items, such as jewelry, I love the watchmaker’s tins from Lee Valley which come in a variety of sizes, to organize earrings, necklaces, etc.
Love the Curly Girl blog, as well as the Where Women Create series——both very inspiring!
Thanks for the giveaway. Fingers crossed…….