Organizing Made Simple

Contributed by Tina Holden, Hive Member, Overland Park

Spring is the ideal time to reset your home. Start with the spaces that impact your day the most.

True organization starts with editing. You need to remove what no longer serves you, fits you, is expired, dated, worn out or broken. Here are some tools to make organizing simple.

Ask yourself these 3 questions:

*Do I use this?

*Do I need this now?

*Does this support my current lifestyle?

Then you have 3 options:

*Keep it

*Donate it

*Throw it away

Start with High-Impact Spaces

Focus on areas you use every single day. Organizing these spaces first creates immediate relief and noticeable results, which builds motivation to continue.

Top high-impact areas to organize:

*Entryway or drop zone

*Kitchen countertops & pantry

*primary bedroom closet

*Bathroom cabinets

*Laundry room

I suggest that you start in the Kitchen (Pantry, Cabinets, Drawers) or Bathrooms (Drawers & Cabinets). This is because you get rid of lots of things quickly that are expired or stale, so many of the decisions are already made for you, and it's not emotionally overwhelming.

In the Kitchen:

1. Expired or duplicate spices and condiments or anything unlabeled

(ground spices last 6 months - 1 year.  Whole spices 2-4 years. Condiments 1 year after opening)

2. Expired or stale food 

3. Baking ingredients past their prime (yeast, baking powder)

4. Chipped, cracked, or mismatched mugs and plates & old water bottles

5. Plastic containers with missing lids, stained or warped 

6. Single purpose tools, large appliances or duplicate utensils & gadgets you never use 

7. Old cookbooks, takeout menus, random papers, small condiments packages

In the Bathroom: If you hesitate more than 5 seconds...let it go

1. Expired skincare & makeup - (Products expire 6 months to 2 years after opening)

2. Dried-out makeup or mascara or eyeliner (Mascara should be replaced every 3-6 months)

3. Dried up nail polish or empty shampoo bottles (Shampoo expires 12-18 months after opening)

4. Expired meds, vitamins and supplements or old Medication (dispose of properly)

5. Half used products you actively dislike 

6. Old toothbrushes ( should be replaced every 3-6 months)

7. Hotel samples you'll never use

8. Hair tools you don't use & attachments or old hair ties & headbands

9. Hair products that don't match your current routine or hair needs

Fun Tip's from Tina:

Vinegar's Many Uses: 

Next time you cook ANYTHING smelly (like brussels sprouts or fish) Put 1/2 cup of white vinegar in a small container on or next to the stove, it will soak up the smell!!!

Microwave refresher: Put ½ cup white vinegar + ½ cup water, microwave for 3 minutes = wipe like magic 

Windows, Mirrors & Counter Tops: Mix equal parts white vinegar & water = streak-free, kills bacteria & breaks down grease

Flowers: Keep fresh flowers looking good longer by using white vinegar: It lowers the PH & bacterial growth:  

Mix 2 TBSP white vinegar & 2 TBSP white sugar with water

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Tina Holden is a professional organizer and owner of Organizing Spaces. She has curated a selection of products and resources that will help you get organized and stay on top of things. From storage solutions to time management tips, she has it all!

For more information or tips go to my website: organizingspaces.info or call 918-760-4985