Get an organized home in 15 minutes or less with these quick hints for tidying up your pantry, office and closet.
5 Minute Start on a Clean Pantry
Be honest: When was the last time you used marjoram? Spices have a limited shelf life and others take up real estate that could be used by more vital ingredients. Spend five minutes deciding what should go. Not sure if your spices are still good? Manufacturers like Durkee and McCormick have interactive online guides at www.durkee.com and www.mccormick.com.
Buy (or dig out) three desk trays. Use one for tasks that need to be done the next day, one for projects in progress, and one for other finished papers. When that last tray is full, take 10 minutes to toss what you no longer need and file the rest away.
Other quick hits:
Always clear your desk at the end of the day
Free up your workspace by tacking sticky notes to your wall or computer monitor
Color-code notes by urgency to easily see the tasks ahead.
15 minutes to an Uncluttered Closet
You don’t have to spend the weekend reassessing your family’s wardrobe. Just grab a bag and give yourself 15 minutes to fill it. Toss in what obviously doesn’t work anymore, allotting a few minutes for quick try-ons. When the buzzer rings, bring that bag directly to a donation spot. Repeat seasonally, monthly, or as often as it takes to clear the clutter. (Don’t have time? Consider a professional organizer.)
Get An Organized Home in No Time
By Anne Marie Apollo-Noel
Get an organized home in 15 minutes or less with these quick hints for tidying up your pantry, office and closet.
5 Minute Start on a Clean Pantry
Be honest: When was the last time you used marjoram? Spices have a limited shelf life and others take up real estate that could be used by more vital ingredients. Spend five minutes deciding what should go. Not sure if your spices are still good? Manufacturers like Durkee and McCormick have interactive online guides at www.durkee.com and www.mccormick.com.
10 Minutes to an Organized Office
Buy (or dig out) three desk trays. Use one for tasks that need to be done the next day, one for projects in progress, and one for other finished papers. When that last tray is full, take 10 minutes to toss what you no longer need and file the rest away.
Other quick hits:
15 minutes to an Uncluttered Closet
You don’t have to spend the weekend reassessing your family’s wardrobe. Just grab a bag and give yourself 15 minutes to fill it. Toss in what obviously doesn’t work anymore, allotting a few minutes for quick try-ons. When the buzzer rings, bring that bag directly to a donation spot. Repeat seasonally, monthly, or as often as it takes to clear the clutter. (Don’t have time? Consider a professional organizer.)