Operation Organize!

I need forced organization. Example label everything. Have a place for everything. But alas my home is not that way. My goal is to work on one area at a time. I tend to get overwhelmed when I think about it and run in all directions and not knowing where to start. So now I will take it one at a time. Even if it's just one corner, one drawer, or one box. I'll try to post as I go as an incentive. Oh and not beat my self up if I'm not accomplishing as fast as I hope to.
Some areas I keep a bit more organized than others. For example my kitchen. I couldn't make a meal if I didn't. I can't begin to start a meal until my counters, sink, etc. is in order. I'm ADD so I have to have it like that.
I have to have my bed neat and my pillows arranged to my liking so I can go to sleep. But I do wish my bedroom was in better order.

Craft Project: Recycled Message Board

photo courtesy of thriftyfun.com

This will keep your whole family organized! Using recycled materials, you can create a beautiful message board to display in your entry way.
originally on Thrifty fun: Craft Project: Recycled Message Board

How to Build a Closet Organizer

photos courtesy of diyadvice.com

Closet Organizer

After assembling this organizer you'll think you've doubled the size of your closet. The key is efficient, accessible use of space. Instead of the usual single closet pole with a difficult-to-reach shelf, you'll have three poles at appropriate heights for shirts, pants, and coats. Instead of a jumble of shoes in the dark recesses of the floor, your footwear will be neatly stored in an easily accessible rack. At the center of the organizer is a stack of narrow shelves perfect for storing sweaters. There also are divided accessory shelves to the left of the sweater shelves and another shelf over the shirt pole. The organizer shown fits a closet that's 7 feet wide and 8 feet tall.

originally posted here with instructions: Closet Organizer diy

Real Rooms Require Adequate Storage to stay Beautiful

photo courtesy of Home Goods

Whether you are redecorating a single room or designing an entire new home, here are 6 simple steps to planning for adequate storage in your design.

1. Make a list of all the activities that will take place in each room.

2. List the items you will need to store for each activity? In addition to naming the individual items, make note of their shape, size, volume, rate of acquisition and growth (you always need room to grow).

3. Now look at your floor plan (including furniture placement) and determine where in the room you would ideally like to have these items stored. In general, the closer an item is to it’s point of use, the better.

4. Select the best storage solution for each item or group of items. This may be a traditional furniture piece (a book case for books) or an unusual container that matches your decor and ALSO provides adequate storage (like a steamer trunk that serves as a storage for craft supplies or a vintage hat box that houses your extra computer cables).

5. Make sure that it’s “easy” for both you and others in your household to take out and put away the items you are storing. For example, don’t set a decorative display on top of a storage box or it is unlikely you’ll go to all the trouble of moving the decorative items to get to what’s inside.

6. If you expect others to retrieve and store items, consider “labels” for your containers so that EVERYONE in the household knows where to find and put things away. There’s a reason that cutlery drawer dividers work so well for storing silverware– they are VERY user friendly.

What decorative or creative ways have you found to store some of the “stuff” in your life?
originally posted from Home Goods

Build a Wrapping-Paper Rack

photo courtesy of Country Living

Pretty papers and ribbons make holiday gift-giving festive! Build your own paper rack and include it in a wrapping station, just in time for the holidays!

Read more: Build a Paper Rack - Country Living