Our school room was the first priority. We needed to get our area set up so we could get back to schooling. I have a bit of a problem when it comes to picking up boxes of crayons in the fall when they are 10 cents or those pencil boxes when they are half a buck. But I have learned to resist and instead, organize our own things, rather than buy more.
Let me just say...I am not even close to having it ALL organized. I am just beginning, but that is at least a place to start. Here is my "how to" when I organize.
First I sort. I dump it all out and sort it in to groups. Pencils, crayons, pens, markers, scissors, and such. This is a great time to include the kids. Grouping like items together.
Then I find containers. Anything from those pencil boxes to magazine holders to shoe boxes. My containers aren't all matchy matchy. Wish they were, but I have collected over the years. I am all about reusing what I have, way to be green.
In the process of this, I put one of the kids on "testing pens and markers". Why store stuff that doesn't work anymore. Make sure and keep a box or bag handy to toss the junk.
Next comes labeling the containers. My newest favorite toy is my $20 label maker from Target. In the past, I have made labels with card stock or post its (what ever works). I find labeling it makes a HUGE difference. That way Daddy or baby sitter or friends who are there to play know where things go when it is time to clean up.
More organizing to come. We have done the medicine cabinet and the girls toys and closets and the pony holders and clips. They turned out pretty good. Maybe some of it was just for an excuse to use the new label maker...but maybe not. =)
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