15-Minute Organizing Projects | Organize to Simplify

Organizing doesn’t have to be incredibly time-consuming or daunting.

Here are a few quick projects that can get you motivated.

Find a calendar that fits your needs and style: wall calendar, day planner, custom spreadsheet, etc.
Fill in non-negotiable obligations.
Create an area to document tasks to get done during the month.
Categorize tasks by A/B/C priority.
Schedule tasks around non-negotiable obligations.
Check/update calendar on a daily basis.

Take everything out.
Sort items by purpose (do they even belong there?).
Throw away anything that isn’t functional; donate items that are functional that you don’t use.
Thoroughly clean the drawer.
Containerize like items together as much as possible.

Clean One Refrigerator Shelf (or pantry shelf, medicine cabinet shelf . . . you get the idea)

Choose a place: Your mail station should be wherever you regularly open the mail.
Put a recycling bin and shredder as close to the mail station as possible.
Create an area to put items that need further work: bills to pay; invitations to respond to; filing, etc.
Place any important dates on your calendar.
Ongoing: Unsubscribe from unwanted catalogs or direct mail items using: http://www.catalogchoice.org/, http://www.dmachoice.org/, http://www.yellowpagesgoesgreen.org/, and http://www.optoutprescreen.com/

Take everything out (there it is again!)
Vacuum/wipe out the inside; wipe the outside down with appropriate cleaning agent (vinyl can tolerate antiseptic wipes, leather cleaner, etc.).
Reorganize by function: sunglasses/reading glasses in one section; small cosmetic bag in another; wallet in another. If the purse/briefcase doesn’t have sections, consider investing in an organizer.
Scan front/back of important cards/documents in case the purse/wallet/briefcase is lost or stolen.

Remove all the garbage.
Wipe down surfaces with a duster or soft rag. Use mild detergent where appropriate and safe for surfaces.
Clean windows and vacuum seats.
Create a place for a small garbage can/bag.
Containerize like items: one container for reusable shopping bags; others for emergency kits (see below), etc.

Part 1:

Check for dealer-supplied items already stored in the vehicle/home.
Find appropriately sized containers for the available space.
Gather the following supplies for the “Everyday Situations” kit: paper towels, granola bars, water, blanket, coat, gloves, flashlight/batteries, etc.
Gather the following supplies for “Emergency Situations” kit: first aid kit, flat tire repair kit, flares, jumper cables, etc.
Make a list of needed supplies and containers.

Part 2:

Acquire needed supplies and containers.
Add them to the kit.
Create a list of items in each kit and check semi-annually for expiration dates. Replace anything used or out of date.

Take everything out (Darn! There it is again!)
Sort by function: sheets, towels, etc.
Secondary sort by sheet/towel size.
If possible, designate shelves by function; label sheets and towels by size if possible.
Donate any items no longer used to a local charity. (Note: your veterinary office may want some of your cast-off towels.)

Make a list of tasks you perform on a regular basis.
Consult with others in the home who perform regular maintenance and include their items on the list also.
Separate tasks by frequency: weekly, monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, etc.
Create a spreadsheet or other document capturing regular tasks.
Designate responsibility across appropriate household members.
Review list weekly.

Even small projects can have a large impact.

Cindy Jobs, COC, ACC

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