Just like the beginning of the new year encourages us to turn over a new leaf, Spring ushers in a desire to freshen up, declutter, and get organized. I think it has to do with warmer and longer days, and a need for simplicity so we can enjoy those days more, without all the "stuff" weighing us down.
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As most of you know, I'm naturally pretty organized, but work and baby and life in general always has a way of interfering with my best plans to STAY organized and clutter-free. Every so often, I need to take stock of my home and pair down, and put in some extra elbow grease to get things squeaky-clean and aired out.
This week, I'll be showing you how I organize our dreaded paper clutter and kitchen drawers; as well as my "deep clean" Fridays; and my Home Management Notebook & Daily Agenda.
The idea behind the Home Management Notebook is that you have a handy place for your most-referenced and important items and an accessible list of "to-do's" {the Daily Agenda}. I have to say, so far I'm loving it! I got the idea from Simple Mom, and tailored it to fit the needs of my family. I spent the better part of Saturday morning creating mine, after purchasing an inexpensive 3-ring binder to contain it all. A cute sticker makes it monogramed:)
First I determined how many separate lists I seem to have going at any one time, and then compiled a separate section for each one in my notebook. I also finally took all the miscellaneous scrap pieces of paper and entered the information I needed into my computer too.
For me, the things I need quick access to, and therefore, created tabs for are:
Also, I'm keeping a list of "go to" recipes in the front pocket because I need all the help I can get when it comes to cooking- especially now that I'm responsible for feeding a baby. These are meals I know how to make and know my family likes.
I can already tell the "Gift" tab is going to be a life-saver. I love sending cards and gifts for birthdays, but those dates always seem to sneak up on me. I downloaded a free Perpetual calendar and have been working on filling it in, making sure to include anniversaries and holidays like Mother's Day and Father's Day. I like that this calendar has all the months on one page (as long as you have room for all the dates you need to account for). I plan to jot gift ideas here too so I'm not scrambling at the last minute.
And my
The "Top 3" are the things I really want to accomplish that day. On a day I work, it may only be, cook dinner and get to bed early!
The "Weekly Goals" are a list of things I'd like to accomplish that week, which might include part of a project I'm working on, taking James to the park, or a list of errands.
"Dinner" forces me to consider what we're going to eat that night, even if it's leftovers or takeout. I try to cook dinner about 3-4 times a week.
"Go/Buy" is my list of where I need to go and what I need at that particular place (not counting the grocery store). Love this! For example, on Friday, the list had:
- Ikea- high chair (Thanks Cassie!)
- Aaron Brothers- frames for bedroom
- Staples- notebook
- Target- birthday cards
"Call" reminds me of people I need to call, or appointments I need to make.
The "Blog/Photograph" space is for specific blog posts for that week and things I need to photograph for each post.
THANK YOU to Tsh (SimpleMom) for inspiring this idea for me!
My Home Management Notebook now has a permanent spot on my kitchen counter for quick reference.
I'll be back tomorrow showing you how I handle the paper clutter in our home!
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