In my college years and prior, I was a self-professed organizational addict. Ask my then roommate who witnessed me folding my underwear and neatly rolling colorful sets of socks into perfectly placed shoe boxes that lined the confines of my dorm-room-sized, dresser drawers. But, that was just the beginning. Everything hanging in the diminutive space beyond the door – otherwise known as the closet – had to be perfectly pressed and coordinated by category; dresses, pants, shirts, shorts and skirts. I even missed social plans if something was awry and required my Virgo, perfectionist attention to detail.
My college dorm was a small space and, as anyone who lives in or who has ever resided in one knows, organization is essential! But, while my attention to detail may be deemed by some as a gift, to me it was a never-ending, overwhelming burden. In hindsight, I realize that I did not have the appropriate tools to make this job more efficient; allowing me more freedom to focus on the things that were important. After all, isn’t this the whole point of being organized in the first place? I wish then there existed an ‘organization bible’ to assist me in the areas of which focus my attention on and guide me to create a small, beautiful; yet practical space.
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Fast forward to 2012 and alas, there is (and it’s not from Albert Einstein – although he had the right idea)! I’d like to introduce you to a new book called Small Space Organizing: A Room-by-Room Guide to Maximizing Your Space. Back in college, I would only have needed to read author Kathryn Bechen’s Chapter 3 One-Room Wonder: How to Live Happily and Practically in Just One Room. Today, however, is a different story and (almost) all seventeen chapters apply covering everything from newlywed studios and basement apartments to loft and high-rise spaces; even tips for RV living!
I am lucky to say that I know Kathryn Bechen personally. An award-winning journalist, she is a survivor of MCS (Multiple Chemical Sensitivities) and allergies. Combined with my passion for the healthy homes, our southern California paths eventually crossed. When Kathryn asked me to review her book, I delightfully accepted. Kathryn understands the importance of, not only creating a functional space, but a beautiful space merged with my number one priority: health. According to Bechen, “A true home is really about the size of your heart, not about the size of your space.” After carefully reading her book, I can honestly attest that it is a must read; even if you don’t reside in a small space. You will definitely take away a tip – or two or three – that will save you stress for years to come. As a children’s book author, one of my favorite chapters is Chapter 12: And Baby Makes Three; in particular the section on Green Baby. Which is why, after reviewing this section, I was humbled to share this testimonial along with others from outstanding women including: Laura Leist (past president of the National Association of Professional Organizers); Kitty Bartholomew (former HGTV host) and Marcia Ramsland (The Organizing Pro).
“If you want to maximize your baby’s small nursery space while simultaneously improving the health of your child, Kathryn’s book, Small Space Organizing, offers simple solutions. You’ll discover how to easily green your baby’s nursery and transform it into a nontoxic, organized, and serene space.” -Lisa Beres, Founder of Green Nest and RonandLisa.com, national media spokesperson, and author of Just Green It!
Kathryn is as beautiful inside as she is out; as put together in physical appearance as I assume her 1,200 square foot high-rise San Diego apartment is; and as generous in heart and spirit as you would expect. This is why Kathryn is offering this fantastic (and FREE) bookmark download to (secretly) remind you to stay organized at all times.
Kathryn and her publisher, Revell, are so generous that I ended up with two beautiful books. I am certain each would concur that hoarding both of them for myself would not be in the best interest of organization. Therefore, we are giving away one book to a lucky reader! Small Space Organizing is chock-full of simple tips to maximize your space, mend your marriage and save your sanity. As we have discussed in prior posts, you cannot create healthy home environment if it is not a serene and organized space in which to thrive; and not just survive. As Kathryn reminds her clients, “It’s far more important to have a spirit of hospitality and friendship as the emphasis of your home, rather than neglecting to invite others to visit you because you lack large rooms or expensive furniture.” There are several ways to enter win including sharing your favorite organizational tip with us. See below for details.
How to Enter:
For every action below that you complete, you receive a specific number of entries. Click each individual action to enter yourself. For actions you have done in the past (i.e. you already follow @RonandLisa on Twitter) just click directly on ‘I did this’. The eligibility of the winner will be verified by The Healthy Home Dream Team(TM).
There is no mandatory entry. Each action will earn different numbers of entries into the contest. You may tweet or share on your Facebook wall for an entry once per day. All other actions will only be counted once. You must be 18 or older with a US address to win. Contest ends 2/2/12 at 12:01am ET. Click here for complete terms and conditions. (ARV $12.99)
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My favorite organizing tip is to create systems that you will use! It sounds obvious, but many times I create and implement some system, only to find that it is cumbersome or awkward, and I don’t stick to it. Pretty soon I’m back to the same mess I was trying to clean up. Organizational systems should take the user into account, and you should make sure you keep your organized tools, acceessories or whatever WHERE they are used!
h4schaffer at gmail dot com
Yes and Yes! I agree to this Heather. Practical systems that you can and will use repeatedly are so important! I like the guide at the back of Kathryn’s book to which lists great resources for organizing products and supplies. The correct tools are really important.
My favorite organizing tip is to separate the family’s socks by giving each member a lingerie bag to add their socks to and later toss in the laundry so that when folding time comes, they’re already separated. This is best if you also purchase only one color of socks per person.
Genius April! I’ve never heard this tip before…but how fabulous. No more mixing sizes or the dryer eating single socks!! Thanks for sharing 🙂
have lots of labeled bins
I’ve started putting matching bed sheets into its respective pillowcase so I can stop wasting time looking for matching sets.
So smart! Never thought of doing this and what a simple, but effective idea 🙂 Thanks Adrienne.
I love to alphabetize things. I also like to neatly put things in bins and containers (labeled as needed). For sheet sets, I put the pillow cases and sheets all in one bunch and fold it all up together. I like to also color coordinate clothing so its never hard to find that perfect shirt for that perfect date! Instead of having a billion bills laying around, I have paperless options so its much easier to keep track and less clutter around the house!
Kristy,
I hope you mean bills – as in dollar bills and not paper bills (lol) 🙂 Yes, great tips indeed and I love the paperless options from, not just an organizing point of view, but also from an eco-friendly view. Here are 7 great Steps to a Paper Makeover including ways to stop the junk mail and the yellow pages delivery: https://ronandlisa.com/2011/09/22/7-steps-to-a-paper-makeover/
Thanks for sharing!
I dont have an organizing tip. You make me feel sooo disorganized. Oh wait I do use a file system for all my mail. Does that count? 🙂
Haa. I know – didn’t realize we had such an organized group of readers!! Yes, your file system for mail definitely counts (I’m sure I’m not the only one not doing this). Can you elaborate on what you use (ie: a file box or drawer w/ labeled folders)? Thanks everyone! All of these tips add up and are so useful 🙂
I don’t have an organizing tip either. My resolution this year was to de-clutter the house. That’s why this book looks so helpful.
Hi Linda,
This has been such a hot topic on this blog as of late. It is such a big concern for so many and a clear extension of creating a healthy home in which to thrive. In addition to Kathryn’s book, feel free to browse our past pots:
1.) The True Cost of Clutter
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2.) Simple Tips for Clutter Control
-and finally-
3.) Clutter-Clear Your Way to More Energy
Good luck with your resolution!
Love Eco friendly items!
We second that Ruth Jean 🙂
If you can’t stand to throw something away that is still of some value – pass it on to the Goodwill store!
Debbie,
YES! I don’t like to see anything go to waste that could bring joy or value to another. These non-profit organizations make it so easy for donation collection now and most of them will even pick up your unwanted goods right from your front door. It’s a win-win for everyone.
I pick up my house each night so that it is clean and organized in the morning and helps me start off my day in a good way.
Ronda,
This is a great and a simple concept to start implementing right way. I, too, do this and it makes a big difference in how you feel energetically. Also, same thing goes when you are leaving on a trip. Make sure everything is nice and tidy when you leave so you don’t feel overwhelmed upon returning (catching up on laundry is enough)!
my tip is to not leave everything for later, it starts to pile up-literally. gotta get on that. heh…need this book.
I have a tiny kitchen. I use a shoe organizing “thingy” that hangs over the pantry door and I slip freezer bags and other things in the slots.
Great idea Sarah! Thanks for sharing 🙂
I am not very organized and need all the help I can get in our small town home with 2 kids! My tip would be to try the 2012 in 2012 challenge, getting rid of 2012 unneeded items this year, I’m doing it on my blog with my readers!
Wow Anastasia! That is a challenge – and a very good one. Are you keeping count as you go? I’m not sure I’d have 2012 things to get rid of, but then again, I bet we’d all be surprised what can accumulate over a years worth of time.
put things away as you use them.
What works for me is not bringing extra stuff in the house in the first place. I sort my mail at the garbage can, I reuse and repurpose as much as possible. I buy only as much as I need.
My favorite tip is for gardening. If you have the plastic gallon milk jugs and you cut the front side out but leave the handle you have a homemade garden tool tote 🙂
not only creating a functional space, but a beautiful space merged with my number one priority: health.
Keep things near where they will be used.
Keep a laundry basket or other type of basket on the bottom step. Place things in it to go upstairs and carry them up all at once instead of making a zillion trips throughout the day!
We’re a family of 4 living in 704 sq ft. My advice? We’re minimalists who organize creatively!
I am sure you have a ton of great & creative tips Molly! Very impressive indeed 😉
My organizing tip may not be terribly original; however, I’ve been using it for years and it has helped me tremendously. I use a card stock accordion file and put all of my receipts in it. I include bill receipts, and tax information and will often put birthday cards and school photos in the last slot. If I need to return an item, I can easily find the receipt. If I need to review any bills or need to talk to customer support at a given company, I can quickly access all pertinent bills and communication to refer to. I will retire that file at the end of the year and start a new one in January.
Simple, but effective! This is a great one Lorrie. Thanks for sharing 🙂
My favorite organizing tip is to fold each sheet set and put it in the corresponding pillowcases. Since we have 3 different bedsizes at our house it has really helped.
My fav tip is from flylady.. shine your sink. My kitchen looks soo much better with a clean empty sink daily and it makes me feel good about it too!!
Yes Julia. I agree with this one…especially b/c of ours is quite visible when walking by the kitchen. Making sure your environment is free of clutter frees up your mind and does make you feel sooo much better 😉
i love to organize with bins and labels – it makes it so much easier to find everything!
take stuff to the attic or basement! If it’s out of sight, it’s organized, in my opinion
read and shred your email immediately don’t wait until you have time.
shred your mail as soon as you read it respond to those that are important
Donna,
Yes, I assume you mean both mail and email. Agree, both are so important. Email often gets overlooked, but our computers can get cluttered too!! Thanks for the tip 🙂
Start by putting like things together
I need help. I keep moving things from room to room and they never really get organized. My daughter calls me a hoarder but it is just lack of organization.
Elizabeth,
Here are some baby steps to help you get started in ‘Simple Tips for Clutter Control’ https://ronandlisa.com/2011/09/29/simple-tips-for-clutter-control/
Don’t be hard on yourself. As one of our organizing experts explained – it starts with forgiveness first. Nobody is perfect and we are all doing the best we can! We hope some of these tips help you to get going in the right path. Rome wasn’t built in a day 🙂 Best of luck to you!
For every new items you bring into your home, donate or give away 2 items. There’s less clutter that way!
Yes Nancy – this is a great rule of thumb.
Baggies, baggies, baggies! I have a lot of craft supplies, and I keep them organized in different sized zip lock bags. It is easy to see what is in each bag, and like things are kept together.
iloveicarus@yahoo.com
I’m into totes. I have totes for crafts, totes for off-season clothes, under bed boxes for hobby stuff, all sorts of stuff. They work great and come in all sizes!
It’s important to keep yourself organized by using labeled bins and getting rid of extra papers and mail!
My favorite tip is “a place for everything, and everything in it’s place.” If I don’t have space for something I get rid of it!
Baggies, totes & bins..Oh my! Great tips everyone!! And yes, having a designated spot for everything is so important. Also, scheduling time out of your day, week or month to make staying on top of clutter a priority is essential 🙂
I don’t have any fabulous organizing tips – I do organize myself for the next day by ironing and laying out our clothes so we are all prepared.
Only touch it once
I sewed a bag to hang on the pantry door. I stuff all the plastic grocery bags in it so it doesn’t litter the floor of the closet.
Nice tip Gail 🙂
One of the best tips I’ve heard is you can keep a deck of playing cards (or Pokemon or whatever) in a soap case that you can get for next to nothing at any drug store.
My best organizing tip is to make sure you have a home for everything. Your house can’t possibly look neat if you don’t have a space to put every item. And, the things you use most, should be easy to get to.
Color-Coding… hands down.
My best organizing tip was one I learned when I was a working mom. Always keep your living room as the “sacred” room. By that I mean everyone in the family knows that this is the room where no clutter, garbage, etc. is allowed. That way if someone comes over unexpectedly, you only have to let them into that room–the room they first enter when they come over. That immediately gives the visitor the first impression that you are a clean, organized family, and you don’t have to make apologies such as “sorry my house is such a mess.” Even if the rest of your house is a disaster, they will never know. The first thing I do every day is pick up my living room so I am not stressed about surprise visitors. I can’t tell you how much mental stress this has alleviated once I learned this.
I like this one Randi…and definitely agree. Although, it is ideal to have everything neat and organized at all times – sometimes this just isn’t possible. Assuring at a minimum that your living room or main area of the home is neat, clean and clutter-free can make you feel better both mentally & energetically (not to mention having your unexpected guests believe you really ARE superwoman…or man) :)!
Love your blog! I live in a tiny apartment & am a consultant with Usborne Books. I think my best tip is how to keep receipts and other business ‘papers’ organized.
I use one of those calendars with file folders on each page (it’s a pocket that takes up the whole page – not just along the bottom of the page). I keep all my receipts, pay check stubs, bills and anything else I will need at tax time in it’s corresponding month. At the end of the month I total up all expenses and write that total in it’s own category on the Notes section on the back of that months folder – ie: business, medical, rent, utilities, etc. Then I plug it in the file cabinet. At Tax time all I need to do is add up each months separate totals and plug it in to my Tax software. Super easy.
I’d love some organizing tips for ultra small apartments that are cheap or no cost. Thanks!
Very nice Tina! Thanks for sharing this very useful & practical tip 🙂 Kathryn’s book has great tips on small apartments that I think you’ll find helpful.
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(note: I used the Twitter button under the post – the one in the RC is for one that has expired)
Thanks Tina. I checked the Twitter link in the RC box and it appears to be working fine on our end. Is anyone else having trouble with the Twitter posting?
I immediately put things back where they came after using.
I was always organized (if not necessarily minimalistic) and then I had children! From the time they are born a person is generally inundated with lovely gifts, hand-me-downs, toys, craft supplies etc etc. Although I would never trade having children with home “perfection”, I do try to balance both. It makes for a pretty big evaluation of “what is really important to a person” that has to reoccur so frequently as to be almost mind-boggling! Still working on it!
Thanks for sharing Jelf. Yes, we can’t expect to be perfect or have our homes perfect when it comes to organizing…or health. It’s a step by step process and we are always learning, growing and determining our own priorities. I think we’d all agree that loved ones (and health) are #1! After that, all we can ask of ourselves is to do the best we can and be easy on and forgiving of each other 🙂
Put things back once you are done using it right away
Moved into a one bedroom apartment which is pretty much empty right now!!!
Looking forward to filling it up with some great looking furniture that will embody the need for keeping things organized that I live with.
Jose,
I just came across this really great furniture line (called Resource Furniture) that is perfect for space saving and is also some of the greenest products – in every aspect from production to packaging – on the market today, which are so green, they are currently being used in the Belgian Princess Elisabeth Research Station, the first ZERO-EMISSIONS station in the Antarctic. Check it out here:
http://www.resourcefurniture.com/space-saving-video
use silverware tray to sort make-up
Love it – very clever Christina 🙂