다음드

 Whether you eat at your living area table, your kitchen table or a bar you need to be able to believe it is to eat there. Is your space having an identity crisis? Can it be a collector of things? Things like the mail, receipts, school work, newspapers, magazines, telephone messages, work papers, scrapbooking supplies, groceries, keys, coats, jackets, collections, scarves, gloves, groceries and the list continues and on. No wonder these areas have an identity crisis.다음드

Okay so you wish to reclaim your eating space, here are a few answers to finding your table again and keeping it clutter free.

Make a goal---what are you wanting this space to accomplish for you personally?

o If you'll need a table that stays free from 'stuff' like mentioned above one idea is to help keep it set with a wonderful table cloth and place settings of dishes and silverware so it's much less apt to be dumped on.

o Do you want this area to be one where family unit members as well as unexpected drop-in guests can gather for a talk?

o Would you prefer a spot for all your family to be able to eat meals together minus the hassle every single day of clearing a space, thereby cluttering up another place in the kitchen or living area?

o Is this space you wish to use between meals as a place to work with hobbies?

After you decide what your goal is for your table then develop a strategy.

o Have a designated basket for mail. Take a moment to sort it and file it as it comes in. In the event that you don't have time right then it may remain in the basket until you do make the time for you to sort it. This basket does not go available or counter.

o Set up strategic baskets in the home for newspapers, magazines, books and other printed material that previously came in touch with the table. Don't set something down where it doesn't belong thinking you will leave it there only for a second. Frequently it requires root and lives there. In the event that you don't have a place for them, take a moment and make a place and bring it to its home.

o Develop a place for kids to call their own. Each child has her/his own place for backpack, lunch box, school work etc. Each child is in charge of making sure things are put there and stay neat and tidy. When you have to remove anything of their's from the table chances are they want to do an undertaking to earn it back. (Including the all important backpack and school work).

o A chalk board, magnetic board, or cork board may be used to contain memos, phone messages and invitations, displaying items everyone needs to see. For invitations I like to record the date within my planner and then file the invitation within my FreedomFiler system by date so I can refer back once again to it when needed and not clutter up space on a board.

o Have a pencil/paper box near the device to write down messages and then wear them the message board or fridge (if you must) with a decorative magnet.

o If you are using your table to accomplish scrapbooking, working on collections etc., work with a rolling file cabinet or cart to place projects on and 40 minutes before meal time whisk everything onto the cart or into storage bins, those with wheels are nice as they may be easily retrieved when necessary. This way you can still have projects out and handy although not cluttering the table. Teach children to clean up after craft time.

o Have a designated drawer as a source drawer AKA junk drawer to keep rubber bands, bag ties, candle lighters etc. As you lose the twist ties from grocery items put them away immediately, don't place on the counter. These don't live available or counter.

o Every member of the family needs to understand the expectation is to hang up coats, jackets, and to place away gloves and scarves in a basket in the coat closet. Exactly the same goes for sports assessories/equiptment. They're going within their designated areas, not available or counter.

o Have a designated place for keys. A pot hook inside a kitchen cabinet is handy and practical.

o Designate another position for home-office needs. Even though you don't have a company, keep files and important papers in another part of the house.

Keeping the living area, kitchen or the kitchen bar eating area free of clutter is just a lifestyle. Set your goals, have containers available and assign items for different baskets, train family unit members and remember this is not a one time task. It is just a system that is used daily or things undertake a life of their own and quickly can pile up.

Bon a petit

Marilyn Bohn's Bio

Marilyn is just a creative organizer who has been organizing for over 20 years. She is just a member of the National Association of Professional Organizers and is working towards being a Certified Professional Organizer. Professionally she's been organizing homes and offices for just two years. She holds a bachelors degree in Social Work. She's reared five daughters and currently lives in Utah. 다음드