The Organized Santa

A couple of days ago I sat down for a marathon session at the computer and ordered the items from 2 or 3 online stores. Presto -- the list is almost complete. I put a check mark next to the gifts purchased, and leave just the item name if I know that is want I want to get but haven't bought yet. The list currently resides near my desk but in the past I put it in my purse if I actually have to go the brick-and-mortar route (God forbid I have to be in a store in November or (eek!) December!!!). I just would rather avoid dealing with the holiday craze and prefer to get it out of the way.

I just started writing down my kids' Christmas presents -- some are "want to get" and some I've already ordered. The information is written down on a simple list for each child, but if you want to get a bit fancier or official-looking, try the Holiday Gift List Worksheet from Real Simple by clicking this link: gift list.

Before you get too annoyed with me for my early Christmas shopping, understand I still have items to get (i.e. Stocking stuffers and some gifts for others). My list helps, though, because I can always write down ideas and then I'm halfway there in my opinion.

And how do I handle the influx of merchandise for these months before Xmas? I use a large Rubbermaid bin/tub (not labeled to avoid curious preschoolers) and put all items in it. I keep the stocking stuffers and smaller items in separate shopping bags with an attached stickie note stating who they're for -- makes it easy to grab the bag, wrap a few of the contents, then stick right into the person's stocking on Christmas Eve.

When I have time to wrap over the next month or so, I pull out the bin and wrap a few at a time, then put it back. I often do this while watching TV or when the kids are napping or at school. I use gift tags so I know who gets what, so eventually I end up with a large bin or bins full of wrapped presents.

Do you think Santa Claus is an organizing freak, too?!?!?

Importance of Writing it Down

I'm no neurologist, but there's something that happens in our brain when we write something down. It increases our ability to both remember it and put it "out of our head". If you ever have the same thought running over and over in your mind, and want the madness to stop, take a minute and write the item down. If it is a task to do, writing it down will both ensure you do it and release your brain from worrying about remembering to do it.

I try to have paper and pen readily available on all levels of our house. That way, if I think of something while getting ready in the bathroom or doing laundry, I can easily jot it down and then slip the paper in my pocket or bring it with me to my desk or calendar. Taking that extra 30 seconds is so helpful -- I do what I remembered to do. If you run out of something in the kitchen or bathroom, within a minute get to the grocery list and add it. There's no time like the present is apropos here.

Are you a list maker? I am, but not as much as I used to. Now I'm more of a scheduled item list maker, that is, I note when both tasks or events happen on my calendar. I can see where we're going, what we're doing, and what "to do" item I need to complete each day. Ultimately, scheduling time this way means I just have to focus on that day. It prevents feeling overwhelmed.

Tip: don't put big things on a list -- break it into tasks. For ex., put "purchase party supplies" and "call caterer" on your calendar or "to do" list; don't put "organize party". Going with that example, you'd write the date of the party on the calendar, and put all the specific things you need to do for the party either on a list or on days of the calendar prior to the party's date. If you like the satisfaction of writing a list and crossing off items, do so but be sure to tag each action item with a date it will be done.

Have something you need to do in the future but without a date? Pick a day on the calendar and write it in. For things that don't come with a due date, I choose reasonable time frames or pick days when I know I'll have more time. Use the calendar as a way to remind you of things -- actionable tasks -- and not just holidays, events and happenings. Time can be managed!

Today I moved some things around (again) in the kitchen in my ongoing quest to have things "just the right way". And, no, that's not my kitchen in the pic (I wish!!). With that in mind, here's a review of Kitchen Organizing 101. In terms of the layout and where to store things:

• In an ideal and efficient kitchen plan, the 3 most heavily used work areas should be laid out so that the lines that connect them form a triangle. If you find yourself crossing back and forth certain spots, examine relocating them closer together.


• Set up zones to help things stay where they belong, such as a baking zone, cooking and spice zone, etc. Keeping all the "like" items together saves a lot of steps looking for things in the kitchen. You could have a baking area where you keep your flour, sugar, mixer and bowls, and utensils specific to baking.


• Put things near to where they are used. Cups, glasses, dishes, cutlery should be ideally located in the drawers, cupboards closest to the dishwasher. Pots and pans beside the stove. Gadgets in the drawers right below the counter where prep work is done.


• Group according to the 5 basic kitchen activities: cleaning (sink, dishwasher, trashcan, soap, rags, sponges, etc.), cooking (stove, pots, pans, microwave, toaster, etc.), food prep (countertop, mixing bowls, blender, measuring cups, etc.), food storage (refrigerator, Tupperware, canned foods, etc.), serving (dishes, linens, candles, flatware, glasses, etc.)

To better organize your kitchen:

• Get rid of or move small kitchen appliances you rarely use; keep in LT storage with platters, holiday serving dishes, vases, etc.


• Install under-the-counter items such as clock, TV, radio, can opener, a paper towel rack, spice rack, stemware rack, coffee maker


• Under the sink, put hanging wire baskets/holders on the backs of cabinet doors to hold cleaning stuff, wrap, etc.


• For deep cabinets, buy the slide-out baskets or shelves that come on tracks. The tracks can be mounted to the shelf with screws, and the basket slides in and out


• Consider buying cabinet pullouts, tiered racks, specialty holders, flatware trays, drawer organizers and other kitchen organizers to help maximize space.


• Use rectangular storage containers instead of round ones for using space efficiently.


• Use clear plastic baskets in the freezer to hold like items such as chicken, veggies, etc., and in cabinets to keep small packets (gravy, Jell-O, sauces) together.


• Use lazy Susan’s/turntables to hold things such as oils, vinegars, and other cooking ingredients, as well as spices, vitamins or medications.


• Get a magnetic sorter box to hang on the side of the fridge for coupons, takeout menus, a notepad and pen, and other papers that tend to accumulate on the countertops.

Basement, Garage or Attic???

In New England, where we actually have all 3 places in our homes, it can be tough to figure out what items go to which space. I found a nice, bulleted list of items suggested for basement, garage and attic contents on http://www.realsimple.com that I wanted to share:

Basement
Keep airtight bulk food items, batteries, and lightbulbs near the entrance for quick retrieval.
Hang tools on a pegboard, and put seasonal small appliances on shelves.
Label out-of-season clothing and holiday decorations clearly so they won't be forgotten.

Garage
Store sporting goods, gardening equipment, and lawn furniture here so you don't have to worry about bringing mud or bugs indoors.
Gasoline and anything else that's flammable (a kerosene space heater, a camping lantern, turpentine or other solvents) should go here, ideally in a metal storage unit. Don't put these items in the basement, a dangerous location because it's near the furnace and the main living areas.
If your garage gets cold, keep cans of paint in the basement instead (at least 10 feet away from your hot-water heater and furnace).

Attic
Use this space for things that you probably won't need anytime soon and that don't need preserving — like those tax documents you have to keep for at least six years.
Stash away things your kids have outgrown — baby clothes, beanbag chairs — but will want back someday.
Luggage and the folding chairs and table you bring out once a year will be safe in the attic.

Written by Amanda Hinnant