We tackled the crawl space this weekend. Yes, the organizer dives into weekend organizing 
projects! The crawl space is under the addition to our home (both were here before we got here). It is great storage space, but gets a little grubby and needs our attention about once a year, and this was the weekend!
We can all learn from every experience, so what lessons do I want to share with all of you from this project?
We often spend more time and energy dreading or avoiding a project than the chore actually takes to complete.
For a month, I’ve been thinking that we needed to get to the crawl space, and I would get frustrated whenever I thought about going in there for something. And then, we completed the project in under an hour. So silly to worry so much!
Relatedly, Bugs and creepy crawlies aren’t really that creepy.
Come on, people, they’re not that big of a deal.
Working on and completing projects often create more ideas or tasks to complete, though small ones in this case.
Keep a notebook with you, as you work, to jot down ideas. As we cleaned out the crawl space, I realized a number of further tasks needed to be added to my to-do list:
- As of October 1, I will list the extra Halloween Costumes on Facebook;
- As of October 1, if the baby items we found have not been picked up, I will drop them off at the Courage Program at St. Germaine Parish in Oak Lawn;
- As of November 1, I will check the Christmas light sales, as we need new ones this year; and
- As of January 1, we need to review and purge excess Christmas decorations!
- All of these were added to my to-do list, and I’m pondering a few more ideas, too!
Keep your smartphone with you.
We texted a family member about some baby items we were still storing, plus I posted on Facebook that we had free baby items to be picked up (the bassinet is already gone!)
Sometimes, it’s just really helpful to remind yourself of what you have.
The crawl space wasn’t actually disorganized, we just needed to review things and make sure they were stored well. We pulled the often-accessed items to the front, made sure everything was well labeled and grouped, and cleaned out the spiderwebs, dead bugs and mice droppings. (another note, put out more mice bait).
Completing Organizing Projects feels Great!
Maybe it’s just me, but I don’t think so. I am so glad we spent time on the crawl space, definitely a worthwhile investment for my Peace of Mind. Now, on to the garage!
head screwdriver were needed for assembly of our particular unit, but my new power screwdriver could make the job go much easier. Also, grab a cold beverage and put on some music (again, trust me on this one).
Lay out all the hardware, sort it all into little piles, and count everything to make sure you have what you need. I’ve had good experiences with Ikea kits, with the necessary pieces all intact. This is really good news since their customer service line left a bit to be desired when I actually had to call about something. Reviewing everything first is better than having to call and wait on hold halfway through.
hand, reach around and pat yourself on the back. Then … clean up your mess and put your tools away!
Getting your Tech and Home organized for family productivity is a great idea any time, but especially for Back To School! Read on for 11 tips for getting your Tech and Home in order!
kitchen counter where you need to make dinner; add storage for cords not being used; and a surge protector (new ones include USB ports). We mounted ours on the wall, to cut down on counter clutter. And here’s an idea – if your cords “wander off” sometimes, like mine, label the chargers and cords with a sharpie or label maker, or choose a color per person (once I started buying pink earphones and cords, they stopped disappearing. Go figure!).
good habits and keep her motivated to keep up the good work. A star for each day a certain task is completed, and a full week of stars on the chart earns a prize for the weekend (Special outing with a friend, fresh flowers for her home, perhaps a special snack or prize?). This tried and true motivator works for kids AND adults!
Are you or a loved one a visual learner? As you establish new Good Habits, use visual reminders like lists, post-it notes, highlighters or REALLY BIG CLOCKS, or have your technology send you text messages.
labeled folder in the command center in the kitchen. I shared the location and purpose with them, I will add to the folders as mail or info comes in, and they will check the folders every couple of days (at least that is the plan!!). No more counter piles – yeah!!
and birth certificate, so he learned where we keep them (a small fireproof portable safe) and how to access them. The very nice lady at the Sec of State also reminded him that he needs to learn his Social Security # (we’ve told him this, but it means more coming from someone else!!).
He mentioned that he had thrown a lot away (hooray) and sorted the rest into broad categories, like school and music and college. I suggested 2 other categories, Boy Scouts and bank statements. We went to Office Depot, bought a $15 file tote, and made hanging file holders for each of his categories.
presentation at a local library.
don’t you think? That before I sat down to write this article, I was moving our laundry through the process, too?!
Get the dirty laundry to the laundry room.