It is well known that less clutter equals less stress. Being able to find things when we are looking for them, or when we need them is priceless. Not missing due dates for bills, homework or work is an added bonus of being organized. However, we also know that getting organized and staying organized requires time and a game plan. In our busy lives sometimes finding time to create and execute a plan is a struggle on its own.
That is why Professional Organizers, like myself take the time to help you with easy to follow tips on how to include and manage organization into your already busy lifestyle.
Living areas such as living rooms, family rooms, dining rooms and gathering places in general have their own challenges as these are places where family and friends tend to spend the most time, and sometimes they serve dual purpose as well. Finding places to stow and stash the bits and pieces of daily life in a room where so many activities take place can be difficult.
Family Rooms=they hardly need defining. It is that casual place where everyone hangs out. It serves so many purposes that creative storage is a must. Look outside of the box for ideas. Adjustable shelving, containers on casters, drawers and television bays competently organize the paraphernalia that tends to clutter family activity spaces.
Dining Rooms=more than any other room in the house, the dining room has fallen victim to lifestyle changes. Few home owners have space to spare, and what was once a room reserved for family suppers and formal dinners now doubles as a library, sewing studio, or homework headquarters. When the dining area has fuzzy boundaries such as breakfast nook or simply a table off the kitchen, efficient space planning and storage help to fully utilize it.
Shared Spaces=many modern homes combine kitchen, dining, living and entertaining functions in one big room that has no physical or visual barriers. In this open plan, activity zones and traffic patterns are organized merely by placement of furniture and area rugs.
Following are a few more organizing tips that might help you choose multipurpose furniture to aid you in your goal of becoming less stress and more organized.
1) Replace worn out game boxes with sturdy containers. Label the outside of the boxes. Stack them on a low shelf or inside a cabinet and or closet.
If you have extra drawers considering placing the games pieces in drawers dividers. Similar to those used in kitchen or offices.
2) Give each family a portable bin to hold toys, books, homework supplies, or other material. Use the bin to transport items from room to room. When you are done, put the items back in it then stow it in a cabinet or on a bookshelf.
3) Flat topped trunks work well as coffee tables, as end tables or even extra sitting. When outfitted inside with trays and baskets, they organize and contain photos, games, magazines and newspapers.
4) A coffee table placed in front of a sofa provides convenient space to rest books, magazines, drinks and snacks; drawers and baskets, coasters, cards, games.
5) An ottoman can be converted into a coffee table by placing a large wicker tray on top. Choose an ottoman that is an inch or two lower than the sofa and add casters for easy movement. Some ottomans open for extra storage.
6) When console and end tables are equipped with drawers and shelves, they become invaluable in gathering spaces. The slim profile of the console table enables it to be used almost anywhere storage is needed. Behind a couch, in front of a window, or against a wall. End tables do more than just hold lumps: They offer extra surfaces for glasses.