Organization!

I don't feel like I am well-organized. I don't have a "central command center" or even a space that could be converted to that. I am envious of anyone who has these. Pinterest makes it seems that EVERYONE IN THE ENTIRE UNIVERSE is meticulous about keeping their bills in one place, having the kids hang up their backpacks and jackets neatly, having the kids set out their clothes the night before...I would love to see these places when the system falls apart and the kids are running around crazy at 8:15 trying to find their left shoe to match the right one and mom is screaming "Where are my keys?" (Does this only happen to me?!?!?)

So I am trying my hardest to get organized and find places for everything. One thing that needed to be tackled was the kids' schoolwork. I had a couple bags, a box...but I knew there was stuff in there that I didn't really *need* to keep and I didn't want to have things tucked all over the house. So I found this GREAT idea on Pinterest: It is a file box with each child's papers. Each file folder in the box has that year's school picture and a label that says who it is, the year, and the teacher he or she had! I immediately got started. This time of year is actually a good time to do this since lots of school and office supplies are on sale. It also forced me to really pick the best things from their school year papers and put them in the file. So now I have two neat boxes waiting to be filled with their school artwork and papers all the way through 12th grade. You can find all the instructions and templates at http://www.dandee-designs.com/2011/09/organizing-childrens-school-papers.html.

After looking at the new Ikea catalog, I also realized I really am not making good use of space. I could really use more shelves and containers for storage. I have found lots of ways to make your own pretty storage boxes. There are TONS of these on Pinterest. You can turn giant diaper boxes into nice-looking open storage with some pretty fabric. You can make fabric covers to put over those plastic crates that are great for storage but may not fit with your decor. (Disclaimer: I have not yet tried these things...so they may or may not work.) There are also links to directions for tons of do-it-yourself shelving and furniture that isn't too expensive. I would love to have an entry table where I could keep everything instead of depositing my keys in random places, creating the 8:15 conundrum.

But these things will have to wait for now...working on furniture in the garage when it is still 105 degrees outside is just not my (or DH's) cup of tea. ;-)

In the meantime I will make do with what I have and organize what I can...

--Katie