An Organization System or "Take Your Stuff To Your Room!"

"Organized" might not be the first thought that comes to mind when you see these market basketssitting at the bottom of a stairwell.  Yes, they are overflowing with toys, clothes, books, papers, and I think some leftover fruit snacks(?).  But to the untrained eye, this is a highly sophisticated "Organization System."  Well, maybe it isn't highly sophisticated--but it is a system.  

A couple questions may come to mind; 1) What is an organization system?  2) And why should I care?  Fortunately, I have the answers to both.

I would guess that most people understand what an organized room or home looks like.  And most people also understand that someone had to do all that organizing.  I would venture to guess, however, that not everyone is familiar with how to continually keeping a room or home looking organized without a lot of extra effort.  

How do people keep their home looking like a magazine picture from Home and Garden Television?  And how do they find the time?

The answer is to develop a way to keep a space tidy once you've initially put everything in it's place.  Everyday, you take a few minutes to "process" whatever items are constantly coming into your organized spaces.  Whether it be incoming mail, boots and coats, or toys--a few minutes a day is all you need to maintain those magazine good looks.

Using the "highly sophisticated" market baskets as an example will help further explain what an organizational system is.

Step 1:  Identify the Problem Area
For us--there were toys, clothes, books, papers, (and fruit snacks) everywhere!  Miscellaneous piles of items could be found on the furniture or floor making it difficult to sit down, walk around or vacuum.  

Step 2:  Define the Goal
We wanted to sit, walk and vacuum without having to constantly be cleaning up after our kids!  

Step 3:  Put a System in Place
I decided to get each child a  . And if I happen to pick up a random toy or sock, I have a place to put it without spending all day cleaning up.

Now, on to the next question--"Why should I care?" . . . 

Having a system in place is a time saver, a stress reliever and can give you incredible peace of mind knowing that you are in control of your space--your space doesn't control you.  But maybe the most important reason why you should care . . . no more fruit snacks in the vacuum!