March 2019 only!  Contact us for details!

The post MARCH FREEBIES! appeared first on Open Space Organizing.

1. Purge paper into the system of three: shred/toss, file or take action.
2. Put into use a color coded filing system. Here’s how we like to do it:
   Green – Financial
   Red – Medical
   Orange – Personal
   Yellow – Insurance
   Blue – House
3. Create a Mail Station. In order to maintain control of the paper coming into the home office, create a mail station. Make a folder for incoming and outgoing mail, mail to file, bills and a folder for every family member. As soon as the mail comes in, file it in the mail station. Then once a week, take a few minutes and go through each folder.
4. Printing station – space for printer and supplies to live
5. Store in containers – office have lots of little things like paperclips, tape, staples, etc. They are easier to find when they’re in their own container, inside a drawer or box.
6. Use a label maker! Because, you all know my love for labels, it makes it simple to find what you need, and put it back when you’re finished.
7. Categorize:
   1. Stickies (sticky notes, tabs, stickers, etc.)
   2. Tools (straight cutter, staple, staple remover, hole puncher)
   3. Budget (checkbook, calculator, bill calendar)
   4. Writing Tools (markers, pens, pencils)
   5. Mail (envelopes, stamps, address labels)
   6. Labeling (labeler and label tape)
8. Organize books: keep books so you can easily find them. Sort by color, title, author, or subject. It’s your library – you get to choose!
9. Life binders: grab-and-go in case of emergency:
   Medical
   Pet
   Auto
   Manuals
   House
   Personal
10. Wall space: hang filing systems, whiteboards, calendars, shelving, etc. save space by going vertical!!

The post Simplify So Your Office Functions For You appeared first on Open Space Organizing.

Welcome to February, organizers!  (Yes, I think all of us are organizers, in our own way.)

February is the time to stay inside and rethink the resolutions we made more than a month ago.  Haven’t kept with yours?  According to an article I recently read in The Independent, January 12 was the day most of us gave up.

Why, you may ask?  In my opinion, our goals are too big, and generally unattainable.  “I’m getting my WHOLE HOUSE cleaned up TODAY!”  Is just not usually going to happen. So, today, our focus is on SMALL places we can get organized in one Saturday afternoon.  Such as, your pantry.

The pantry is by far the “closet” we use the most.  We are in there between three and ten times a day!  Per person in our house!  How much time can we save just by making our pantry so it’s easier to find things, our food is stored in a way that keeps it fresh.  So, this month, with every purchase of organizing hours, you’ll receive your choice of jars or containers to help get your pantry working for YOU!

The post Peaceful places, Productive spaces appeared first on Open Space Organizing.

What do you give the person who wants LESS in their home?  Here are five ideas to get you started!  Comment below with more!

1.  Massage, hair cut or mani/pedi. Who doesn’t love a little pampering!  Most of us – moms especially – don’t make time for self-care. Help mom out this year and let her relax!
2.  Food or wine.  Friend have a favorite wine or snack from that specialty shop that’s a little far from them?  Pop in and grab their most loved flavors – maybe they’ll even share!
3.  Passes or tickets to the museum, aquarium, zoo, gym or a show!  Doesn’t take up any space and the memories last forever!
4.  Gift card to a local restaurant, or even better – Target or the grocery store!  Every minimalist loves simplicity and taking one item off their list – paying for groceries – is something everyone can enjoy.
5.  Baked goods – made by YOU!  Not so much a baker?  That’s ok! Find a small local bakery and ask them to make something special and one of a kind for your loved one to enjoy.

The post Minimalist On Your List appeared first on Open Space Organizing.