Thursday, May 17, 2012

In Organization, Conformity is Key

September 1, 2009 by  
Filed under Read These!

I know, I know! Me? giving organization tips! You’ve seen my house! About every six months or so, I do a great job organizing my laundry room!


And then about six months later, it turns into a great big hairy beast, and I have to totally clean it out again!


Throughout my serial cleaning career, I obviously have a deficiency in KEEPING the room organized, but I have also done a lot of trial and error, and I’ve found a couple of things that really do work!!

The most effective thing I have found in organizing the kids’ craft supply cabinet in the laundry room is this:

  • Invest in LOTS of uniform containers, that are the same and can be stacked easily.

I have tried to save money by using various containers I found around the house, and trying to use those to organize the supplies. It “don’t work,” let me tell you! Just trust me, it is so hard to keep everything in the right place, especially for the kids.

  • I saved money by buying the containers at the Dollar Tree. You can get great organizing stuff there.
  • Choose smaller containers, and compartmentalize very specifically. Don’t just have a container for “Art Supplies.” Do one for each category: markers, crayons, jewelry-making, stickers/glue sticks, etc.

Case in point! Since the last time I cleaned out the laundry room, the room has once again grown scales and started breathing fire! However, the cabinet underneath is still organized after 8 months of the kids using their supplies almost every day, and putting them away!


Closer view?


So there you have it! Small, uniform containers are a key to keeping the organization going!

What works for you? Visit We Are That Family for more Works For Wednesday organization-themed posts!
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Also, I am thrilled to be nominated for Divine Caroline’s Love This Blog award! Here is where I shamelessly beg for votes, because, in the words of the great Sally Field, “You like, me! You really like me!” {tear drop}

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Comments

8 Responses to “In Organization, Conformity is Key”
  1. { L } says:

    Looks like you worked hard! Good work!

    [Reply]

  2. Diane says:

    Yes I find the same thing. I am not one that can buy containers and then find use for them. I love figuring out what I need and then going to the dollar store and buying it. You are so right about sorting everything too!!!!!!! Great job!!!!!

    [Reply]

  3. Musings of a Housewife says:

    Girl. First of all, THAT is your LAUNDRY ROOM? I thought it was your kitchen at first glance.

    And I'm loving those containers. We are in some SERIOUS need of organizin' around here. I think your hairy beast has a brother that lives here.

    [Reply]

  4. Real Life Sarah says:

    Haha, Jo-Lynne! That room in the floor plan was the selling point for us when we built the house. However it is a mixed blessing. Since I have a place to throw junk and close the door, I do!

    Let's get these brothers together for a reunion and let them move in together! What do you say?

    [Reply]

  5. Gayle says:

    Now I realize where I go wrong – I need to make my containers more specific. Thank you so much for sharing and bringing on this epiphany.

    [Reply]

  6. Lisa @ Stop and Smell the Chocolates says:

    You did a good job with this!! The container idea is great – I need to use it.

    [Reply]

  7. KFM says:

    Looks GREAT! … But, now how many posts have you actually done on your laundry room daughter? LOL, sorry, I needed some endorphins about now….but REALLY, it looks GREAT! I am proud of you!

    [Reply]

  8. Real Life Sarah says:

    I know mom!! I tell you, it's trial and error! I actually found one thing that works, so maybe in about 5 years, the whole thing will be successfully organized! :P

    [Reply]

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