Organizing Systems

Uses for organizing systems can be found all around you. It won't often matter whether you are looking around the home, or around your office, there is definitely a need for organizing tools. After all, it is often a good idea to have as organized a home or office as possible, if only to allow you the opportunity to find whatever item you are looking for. While there are some fairly utilitarian systems that you can use for the office, it is always a good idea to include all members of your family (including the children) when designing or choosing a system for your home. Regardless of what type of system you are going to decide on though, there are a few simple suggestions that you can use to make the entire process as easy as possible.

• Cupboards and shelves. Cupboards and shelves should be appropriate for what is stored inside or upon them. Kitchen cupboards with hooks to hang mugs or cups will be useless in your bedroom. On the other hand hang space for a bedroom closet is unpractical in your lounge.
• Space is always a factor. The space to your disposal will dictate the type of storage. Where space is limited, invest in compact shelving and cupboards. Rotating shelves in a kitchen corner cupboard is always a winner for storing spices and other small items.
• Sliding shelves. Cupboards with sliding shelves save room as their contents can be neatly stored on top of each other without taking everything out to reach something at the bottom of the cupboard.
• Trolley's are useful. A tea trolley cart is handy when returning the family's clean washing to their closets and shelves.
• Video storage. If you have a central storage place for video's, CD's and DVD's, each family member should have their own marked space. Different colored stickers or pictures for each person can be quite decorative too.
• Message centers are helpful. If you don't have wall space for a notice board in the kitchen to leave notes to one another, fridge magnets will do the job. If the little ones cannot write notes yet, they can find descriptive pictures to stick to the fridge. This may be a good idea for monthly contests as to who has the best, descriptive picture on the fridge.
• Innovation is always a good idea. An innovative storage system for the kids' toys may prompt them to keep their rooms tidy. Encourage them to be creative and think out a storage plan which saves everything neatly and take up the least space.
• Clear containers are a great tool. Smaller items should be stored in clear containers for easy recognition. Your kids may surprise you again with their creative ideas.