Secrets of Organized People

This mess beside my computer started innocently enough with just one cord that I didn’t know what to do with but didn’t want to throw away. I’m sure you’ve been there, too.

As you can see, it then became the repository for any questionable electronic thingy in the computer room.  Some atttempt was made at keeping order with twistie ties, but that only goes so far.

To take control of a mess like this all you need is:

• -several empty cardboard t-paper tubes (one for every cable)
• -a container that fits in your space
• -15+ minutes, depending on how tangled your mess is

Next, simply grab a cable, find both business ends and hold them together.  Wrap the rest of the cord around your hand, leaving the ends proud of the wraps.  Once done wrapping, tuck the whole thing into a t-paper tube, leaving the ends sticking up.  Repeat with all remaining cables.

Fit any non-cable items in the leftover space, or find another container.

Now at a glance you can see what each end of each cable is for.  If you want to get really organized you could measure the length of each cable and write that on the side of each tube. 

If you do decide to have a container next to your computer, make sure it doesn’t inhibit the free flow of air.

Happy organizing!

Technorati Tags: decluttering, getting organized, home office organization, how to organize, how to organize clutter, organizing clutter

Here’s a clever way to use peg board – without the pegs.  Thread ribbon through the holes, then use the loops to hang photos, notes or appointments with clothespins.  I particularly like this idea because it’s so easily adapted to your personal needs.

Using Peg Board to Organize.

Technorati Tags: calendar, home office organization, how to organize paper clutter, organizing papers, organizing paperwork, organizing pictures, organizing tools, paper clutter, peg board

Most of you already know that I’m very much into crafts and sewing. This year I made several Christmas gifts, so the time between Christmas and New Year’s is for sewing for ME. This cute little organizer is just one of the projects I worked on.  It’s basically a mini bucket-buddy for a coffee mug.  Fun stuff!

All of the items you see in it were neatly organized on my workspace, but these are the things I’m always reaching for, so I thought it would be good to have those a little closer at hand.  I’ll let you know how it works out . . .

If you sew, or know someone who does, you can find more info on this project at Keepsake Crafts.

Happy New Year!

Technorati Tags: crafts, desk organizer, mug caddy, sewing

Are you the person responsible for keeping the memories in your family? Perhaps you’re a scrapbooker, or maybe you just want to keep track of those precious items like photos and memorabilia. Here’s a simple tip for getting organized:

Make a folder for each calendar year. As items cross your path, toss keepsakes into their corresponding folder. Some of these things might include special cards you’ve received, flyers, brochures, ticket stubs, napkins and the like.

As a scrapbooker this is very helpful if you have a backlog of photos to scrap, especially if you work chronologically. Once you start a particular year, you can pull out the folder that goes with it and see what else you have to include in your pages.

If you aren’t a scrapbooker, at least you know that these precious items are safely tucked away where you can find them and aren’t in danger of being lost or accidentally thrown out.

Technorati Tags: getting organized, home organization, how to organize your house, memories, organizing memorabilia, scrapbooking, scrapbooks