Getting Organized - Pawnee,OK

I agree about Flylady.com (I'm a flybaby) and another great site is http://www.containerstore.com/welcome.htm.
It can actually help you to plan a space and pick out what kind of organizers you need. Also has a place to ask an expert. Love the site.

Yes, Yes ,Yes, read Sink Reflections. I found it at my library. the flylady system is great.

I would start in one room and do one room at a time. Get you a few plactic totes and some labels. I would begin by thoring thing that are no longer used or that you have not worn or used in a year. Then go through and make cagtegories. If it's clothes make them pants, capris, long sleeve shirts, short sleeve shirts, coats and jackets. Then I would continue like that.

I agree with the flylady.net site...it's easy, weekly tasks are emailed to you and the first steps are super easy...just teaching you how to get into a routine and make time for your home and yourself. It's helped me loads...I'm not super organized now, but I'm not embarrassed to have people drop by anymore.

I consider myself a very organized person...the idea of the boxes labeled in each room is great. I myself bought platic clear storage containers in different sizes to fit particular toys. My little ponies and all their accessories, barbies and extras etc. My sweet little girl is going to be 4 in Nov. I have struggled to get her to pick up her toys. So I place the containers in her closet and she has to ask permission to play with any of them and I go get them out of the closet then she has to pick them up before she gets out another. You need to find everything a place and teach your family to make sure the item or items gets back in that place. Good Luck

I would start with the kids. Organize their rooms to help keep the toys out of the other parts of the house. We used a simply 4 shelf unit with shoe box size plastic containers. Each container is for specific items (Barbie accessories, dinosaurs, etc..) and then stacked the containers on the shelf. You mark the end of the box with tape and the name of the items inside or a picture for the pre-readers. My dd is only allowed to get down one box at a time. The big toy box is now for balls and bags only. You can also use the storage drawer units instead of the individual boxes. This technique can be applied to every part of your house (with little adjustments for style and appearance) and it's easy for everyone to understand. It's easiest to do this in steps and when no kids are around if possible. Good luck.
J.

Start with one drawer at a time in one room finish it and proceed to the next one --slow process but well worth the end result--have one box to give away,one to throw away you will make it

If you are in the Tulsa, OK area send me an e/m at ____@____.com and I'll give you some information.

Blessings,
J.

I have been there too as many are there now or have been, but what helped me was a book called "Sink Reflections"- by Marla Cilley (known as the FlyLady) www.FlyLady.net. Great tips and advice.
Good Luck.
W.
www.millions.myarbonne.com

Hi Bobbie,
I don't think there's a mom out there who doesn't feel some of this! (Don't kick yourself, it's normal!!)

If you're an analytical person, I definitely recommend a book called "The Sidetracked Home Executive"... I'm not sure of the author, but it has a system that has worked for us. You use a box and 3 1/2 inch index cards to file all of your chores (Each chore gets a card) by day/week/month. This was especially helpful getting my husband to help out... I didn't need to nag or whine, just ask if he'd completed his items in the chore box. Good luck!
-H.