2. Handling Sentimentals. If you haven't organized the basement or
attic in awhile, be prepared to take a trip down Memory Lane--old
photographs, games that haven't been touched in years, ice skates,
granny's silverware, and so on. Try to put these items to one side until
you've reached your organizing goal for the day. Then, reminisce with your
family later on that night after dinner, rather than right now. This way,
you'll finish what you set out to accomplish.
3. Allow for Family Fun. Get the family to chip in. Make it a game,
with responsibilities assigned to everyone. You can even time the tasks
with an alarm clock, and give small prizes for getting the task done ahead
of time. Play music--fast music--to get everyone in the organizing mood.
You can plan a fun, family pizza-party afterwards as your reward for a job
well done!
4. Use Your Space Wisely. Don't forget all that wall space. Hang hooks
and pegboards. Add shelving. Have a big, empty closet? Put a utility shelf
unit inside. Turn an old, unused bar stool upside down and put all of your
tall items (baseball bats, curtain rods, etc.) inside. Pick up some
translucent, plastic Rubbermaid containers and store out-of-season
clothing, holiday decorations and other things you're not using right now
inside.
5. Avoid Keeping Widgets. Resist the urge to save every little
thing-a-ma-jig and what-cha-ma-call-it you come across. If you (and your
family) don't know what it is, or what it belongs to, it should probably
be trashed.
6. Set Up a Donation Box. Set up a large donation box. As you're
organizing, when you find things you no longer have a use for, simply put
it in this box. Then, bring the box to the Salvation army the next day.
Some GoodWill and Salvation Army headquarters will pick up your donation
at your doorstep if you call them. And there will be a lot of people happy
and grateful for your gifts.
5. Don't Forget Winter Storage. Squirrels store goods for the winter.
You might want to do the same. Basements are great for storing canned
goods. If you live in a cold climate, you'll be happy it's
there--especially on those icy, cold days when you'd rather stay home than
venture out to a supermarket. Keep it all organized with can organizers
(available at most home stores). Some hold up to 50 cans that simply roll
forward each time you remove one.
