What is your best organizing tip?

[DoubleK]

my pantry- everything has a place, and everything goes back in its place. i have Decor containers, all labelled and filled with everything that needs to be kept sealed. i also use containers to store things together (eg, in one container is the patty pans, food solouring, candles. or gravy sachets- DP like s the Maggi sachets)
all the seasonings are in a small white tray together, spreads together, the sauces/marinades are in another. breakfast cereals up the top, bread/wraps down the bottom, veggie storers on the bottom shelf.

utensils- only stuff we use weekly are in there, tongs have a tray, a smaller tray for can opener/garlic crusher and other small things, and the rest are just in next to the trays. i have a container in the plastic cupboard with the 'never use' items.

plastic container cupboard- you know those big 5L rectangle containers form the reject shop? i find they dont seal air tight, so i threw out the lids and use them for storage in the cupboard- one for lids, one for cake tins, one for measuring spoons/cups/jug, breat pump & bottles (which are only there just in case we should need them) all containers are stacked, rectangles, squares and round. mixing bowls are stacked.

i go crazy if my house isnt sorted like this, its become habit, and now its just the way it is!

[jackrose]

The words/phrases that stand out to me here are 'Ruthless' "in its place' and 'rotate'.

We just moved house and I have taken the opportunity to be ruthless, find a place for everything and stick to it and to make a more concerted effort to rotate toys regularly. It is working so well!

Peter Walsh has a number of books about decluttering which are handy if you want some direction. I got one from the library - no point buying one and adding to the stuff in my house . The best message I got from the book is to look at an item, ask yourself "Is this enhancing my life?" and toss it if it is not. I have boxes of stuff to sell at a garage sale now because of that idea! He also said to not hold onto things because of guilt - ie Grandma really loved this old teapot. If you don't love it or use it, sell it, pass it on or throw it away. If you really need to take a photo of it to remember Grandma (!) but don't let it clutter up your life. Similarly, if you are holding onto things cos you think someone wants you to, eg, I had a dress mum loved and had made for me years ago, I felt guilty turfing it as I knew it ment a lot to mum. Peter suggests giving it back to the person if it means that much to them, so I asked mum if she wanted it or minded that I got rid of it, no problem in her mind!! Silly me has been hanging on to it for years!!

I am big on the basket/box thing. I got a variety of storage containers from Ikea which go under beds, in shelves and everywhere and they are awesome for controlling mess. We have a craft box, dress up box, puzzle box, kitchen box, odds and ends box (DD's fav as there is such a mix in there!) All in the Strikt - they look really nice so don't hurt to have out on display. I use the Kusiner for underbed storage - extra clothes, clothes for later etc and then those vacuum-able storage bags for longer term storage.

The other great suggestion for toys is a rake! Mum used to rake all our toys into a corner of the room if we didn't put them away and she wanted to clean up. I haven't needed to implement that yet as I only have one so the spread of toys is minimal but I plan to if need be!

For the rest of the house, again, simplify and cull are the order of the day here. then drawer dividers and baskets (Howard's storage world has been excellent for this) contain things.

Now, if only I could sort out the paperwork and the desk....

[Roryrory]

A rake for toys is a FANTASTIC idea

One thing I did in my pantry is to have a baking box - a big 14 litre (?) decor box with a handle holds all my food colouring, vanilla essence, opened packets of icing sugar, choc chips, baking soda, etc. That way when I bake I grab the box and know that 90% of the ingredients I need are in there.

[Salad]

wow some great ideas in here just subscribing so I dont miss out

[~Kim~]

A rake for toys is a FANTASTIC idea

One thing I did in my pantry is to have a baking box - a big 14 litre (?) decor box with a handle holds all my food colouring, vanilla essence, opened packets of icing sugar, choc chips, baking soda, etc. That way when I bake I grab the box and know that 90% of the ingredients I need are in there.

Oooh I have the same! FOrgot about those. Another for my baking trays/cake tins, toppings and spreads, sauces and salt/pepper. Keeps everything nice and neat.

[didispunk]

Fantastic ideas.

Does anyone use Tupperware or lots of it?? or not much of it.. or?

[Roryrory]

Personally I don't store food in plastic containers (other than boxes for packets of stuff like my baking box. I have only glass or ceramic, and you can get some great freezer-proof Pyrex for cooked food (don't buy "Anchor" brand, the lids are cruddy).

[Rowellen]

Does anyone use Tupperware or lots of it?? or not much of it.. or?

I have heaps of Tupperware. Mainly because my SIL is a dealer and my mum is obsessed! Overall I think it's overpriced crap. Some things are great - I love my garlic wonder and modular mates. The rest - decor & other brands available anywhere would do just as good a job for a fraction of the price. I'm planning to clear out my cupboard and sell a heap on ebay one day.


My tip - about the only place in my house that is semi-organised is the filing cabinet. We have a two drawer filing cabinet - a cheapie from officeworks - plain black metal - looks fine - In it is a heap of hanging files (from officeworks) all labelled (eg bank a/c 123, bank a/c 456, tax receipts, insurance, car, super, Dh's crap, etc) We have a couple of "in" trays on the desk. All receipts & paid bills go in there. Every month (ATM it's every 2 months but I aim for at least monthly) I go through the pile of receipts, bills and file them in the drawer. Every two years it gets culled. Culled items go into a box that gets sealed and stored in the shed/roof or whereever DH puts it until it is time to shred (about 7 years I think). Anything that need to be kept longer stays in the drawer. It's time for a cull now methinks.

Great tips, everyone. Keep them coming. Especially the kids toys tips.