Action Central - Implementing a System That Works

I came to the realization the other day that the “hub” of our home—the place where most of our family’s organizational information and schedules (including my office)—is located in an unusual place, our pantry.  Yes, there is food in there too, along with the crock pot, lobster pot and various other kitchen items—but I would venture to guess that one third of the space is dedicated to our organization system.

Action Central

Included in this system are school calendars, lunch menus, work schedules, appointment notices, important business cards, the recycling guidelines, babysitter’s phone numbers, gift certificates, emergency contacts and and a few other worthy pieces of information (the rules of tennis and a quote by Mother Theresa labeled “Anyway”).  And the food--don’t forget the original purpose of a pantry, food storage.

Why does this system work?  And what makes any organizational system work?  Here are a few guidelines to follow when establishing a home organizational system:

1.  Consolidation -- All important information is consolidated in one location.

When running a household, being efficient saves time, money and frustration.  A person should consider their hub their home’s “Inbox.”  This Inbox should collect all the “stuff” that comes into a person’s daily life.  Items to go into the Inbox include "To Do" lists, calendars, schedules, phone messages, business cards, mail to sort, and items to read and review.  It is then up to the individual how they plan to sort, categorize and act on the information in their Inbox.

2.  Relevant Items -- All related materials, supplies and equipment are positioned in the same location.

These are the items that make a person’s system flow:  pens, paper, telephone, cell chargers, trash can, file folders, filing container, bulletin boards, magnetic boards, etc.

3.  Accessibility -- The location is one that is accessible to all using the system. 

If this is a whole family system, all members must be able to use it.  A person could include a step ladder for children.  Or a magnetic dry erase board might be easier for all versus using a traditional cork board with push pins.

4.  Location, location, location -- The system is situated in a high traffic zone.

If a person can walk by and see their system several times a day, he or she can stay on top of the appointments, To Do lists and other various things that come through the Inbox.  This is key to avoid feeling overwhelmed.  One of the biggest obstacles to getting organized is when a person feels that he or she has to dedicate large amounts of time to an enormous project.  Staying on top of the Inbox eliminates this stress.

No Need to Close This Behind a Door
photo credit:  apartmenttherapy.com

Some Day
photo credit:  365ishpins.blogspot.com

 Back to the “hub” in my pantry . . . it works because I know that the room that holds the food is the most popular place in our house (accessible to all and in a high traffic zone).  It also contains almost all of the “Inbox” items (calendars, schedules, lunch menu and appointment cards) and the necessary related items—pens, trash can, lunch boxes, and FOOD.  And, as I look at the picture, I realize our organization system may not look as pretty as the pictures in a home design magazine—but it’s extremely functional, and more importantly, I can always close the door.

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!