Today’s the day! I’m joining Org Junkie’s 29 Day Organizational Challenge. I have 29 days (thank God for Leap Year!) to get one room in my house organized. I’ll be linking up each week to show my progress. So stay tuned.
Now Let me tell you, I got clutter. Lots and lots of clutter. I think it’s hereditary, because my kids have it as well. But so does my husband, so they must get it from his side of the family. Yeah, that’s it.
The idea is to tackle one room that is need of an organizational overhaul. I may have one or more room that need a little tidying up. Ok, let’s face it, the entire house needs a hug. I need one of those professional organizers to come and spend a weekend with my family. You know the ones. They call you names and yell at you for keeping stuff. I may need that kind of tough love.
I have a tendency to take on a bit more than I can chew. Then, nothing gets done. Unless of course if you want to count the even bigger mess that I make while attempting to organize. So this challenge will be a perfect start for me. It will help me focus on one area. Then, March 1st, I can tackle another. Trust me, there will always be another.
So, I have decided to tackle our home office. It is actually my husband’s and my office. Or at least it started out that way. Now it has turned into the kids’ office. And sometimes they let us use it. If we’re good.
Here are some of the main issues that I’m going to address.
1. And most important…Kick out the children! This room ain’t big enough for the bunch of us! (in my best country western voice). It is the only way I can make this work. I will be moving the kids into our front living room area (or as the kids call it, the “video game room”) with a workspace all their own. This will free up our work area in the grown up office and allow us to maximize the time we spend there.
2. Reduce the paper clutter. It’s everywhere! I had purchased a Neat Receipt for my husband for Christmas. He hasn’t used it yet. So, I’m breaking that baby in. Anyone have one? I’d love to hear how you like it.
3. Mail organization. We are in desperate need of a system. Mail seems to get lost constantly. If it gets left on the counter, the cat eats it or it gets used as scrap paper. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had to apologize for things being chewed up or had to explain the Hello Kitty stickers or the occasional grease stain.
4. Aesthetics. Let’s face it, who wants to spend time in a room that’s not pretty. Especially a room that you do such awful tasks in, like pay bills and do work. Yuck!
For the kids’ area. I am thinking of a long countertop for them to work at. With enough area to have their computers and still have space for projects. With no legs or drawers, there will be nothing for them to smash into as they roll around and it will allow them to move more freely if working on a larger project.
I would like to utilize the wall space for organizing since there are no drawers in the desk.
Again, I want it to be pretty. So, I’d like to find attractive ways to display their artwork and photos and such.
The first challenge link up is today with our “Before” picture. Since we don’t have to do this, I’m not going to. But you’ll see my mess soon. I promise.
Once I find my camera.
This is going to be tougher than I thought.
Kim says
Oh I can tell by your sense of humor that I am going to like your blog, so I am waiting for the pictures. I did some organizing for my bills and all that a few weeks ago, and its the best little message center I have used, meaning its working for me and the mail has a home right away. Anyway heres a link to that part of my blog, maybe it will work for you. I signed up to do my scrapbook room. Oh man I hope I can do it. LOLOL
cluttercafe says
Hi Kim! Thanks for checking out my blog. I just went and am following yours as well. I like your little organization center. I like the jar idea, very clever. I just purchased something I think will work. We’ll see. I am trying to keep it on budget. Of course I haven’t figured out what that budget is yet. LOL. I think I’ll figure that part out after I bounce a check…kidding. Looks like you and I are in the same boat with our rooms. I still haven’t found my camera. Looks like I may have to post an instagram. How pathetic. I’ll keep checking on you for updates. If you don’t stick with it I’ll nag ya. BTW, congratulations on your son’s adoption. What a special gift for your family. God bless.