by Eden Gardner

Created on: May 03, 2009   Last Updated: May 29, 2009

Failing to organize your home and office can have serious consequences. Can't find the Benadryl for that bee sting? Ouch. Can't breathe without your inhaler? It's got to be here somewhere...

Late for work because you can't find your keys? Hmmm....Maybe the boss will forgive you one last time...

You get the point.

It's actually quite easy to get your life organized. Just follow these simple steps:

1. To organize offices and living space, closet organizers can be purchased inexpensively from retailers such as Walmart, or Home Depot. Hanging shelves and fold down hangers are a good way to start. The boxes can be used to hold sheets, jeans, etc. In addition, rolling storage boxes under the beds are great for clothes or toys. Jr. can reach the box easily, and can learn to clean his own toys. Yaffa blocks, shelving and vacuum bags for those extra comforters, sweaters, etc. is also a great way to utilize space.

Throw out toy boxes. A plastic or metal utility shelf with some baskets or boxes placed in the shelves provide a neat, and carefree alternative to the pile of toys on the floor. The drawers are easier to peruse, and hold more within a smaller space; cutting your clean-up time in two and providing the kids with a cleaner room, without the dreaded family feud.
Minimize don't supersize: If you hate cleaning it, get rid of it. Have a yard sale, give it to your church or Goodwill, make use of it, or throw it out. By holding on to old books, boxes, clothing, etc., you're creating more clutter to clean; wasting time and money. If you haven't used it in a year, you probably never will.

Next, get an eraserboard calendar and hang it in a convenient location. Hang your priorities list next to it. Write down appointments immediately; and as the bills come in, write down the amount, company, date and phone number in the slot.

Throw out junk mail immediately.

There are also several convenient online billing programs you can utilize to automatically pay your bills; freeing up more time. The best part, is that the program organizes your bills for you.

Place keys, medications and emergency items in one place where you can always find them. Utilize your cell phone address book for all frequently used numbers such as restaurants, libraries, post office, police, mechanics, utilities, etc. for fast access on the go.

Make a list of the household chores, extracurricular activities, bills, errands, etc. and designate certain days of the week for each. Enter the most important items on the calendar. For example: Homework, appointments, bills, etc. Next, add secondary priorities such as mowing the lawn, washing the car, etc. Split these chores with the members in the family and write their name and chore on the calendar.

Plan meals in advance: Make a master grocery list during your next visit to the store. Each week, make a list of the items you need from the master list. Clip coupons and shop for two weeks at a time. Utilize leftovers to catch a break from cooking. Write dinners on the calendar as well.

Once the family witnesses the comfort, relaxation, peace of mind and success they will experience from becoming organized, it will filter into their work and educational habits; contributing to the overall well-being of the family. Old habits die hard, but we don't have to. Organize, prioritize and undramatize your life.

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