More Getting ogranized

HI Tawra--

I really enjoyed your articles on saving money by NOT eating out--we just don't realize how much money is spent doing that!

I always really enjoy reading your blog--both for the helpful hints and to catch up on what your family is doing.

Your blog posts got me thinking--please consider this for publication in your blog.

My family was all gone this last week, and I used the time to do some deep cleaning. I was amazed by the results and the impact messy closets had/have on my wallet, as well as my time and my mental health.

I cleaned closets/cabinets in our laundry room, master bathroom, and the linen closet and food pantry/closet.

In each closet I found items (medications, batteries, cleaning products) that I'd purchased duplicates of in the last year or so(it's probably been 18 months or so since the last deep cleaning) because I couldn't find that item when I needed it because of the disorder. Fortunately, none of them expired and had to be tossed, so now I just know I have plenty of AA batteries and night-time cold medicine. I do know, however, that there were times in the past that I'd have rather had the extra money than the extra supplies!

I DID find some medications that were very outdated and threw them away. This is a safety issue as well as a money issue; old medications can either be ineffective or act in ways we don't expect. Bu having my medications organized I know I have a good selection on hand, and will be able to tell at a glance what we need and not buy too much.

I think we all have bottles of shampoo, hairspray, or lotion that we didn't like or were allergic to, so only used a tiny bit of. I sorted mine out, along with make-up that I can't use for some reason (wrong color, allergy, etc.). I'll take these things to one of the woman's shelters in our nearby town. I've done it before and they're very thankful! (of course I don't take mascara or anything that could potentially spread anything.) Sorting out many bottles made me realize that I can do without many of the things I think I "need" . . . but also makes me feel greatful that I can "give" to someone who might have had to leave her home with nothing.

I reorganized the pantry as I straightened it. I put like items together--for example, tomato sauce next to the pasta, all breakfast items on one shelf, side dishes (mashed potatoes, rice, canned fruits and veggies), baking supplies, and so on. (I rarely bake . . . but had SEVEN full and partially full bags of powdered sugar on hand . . . ) This makes it easy to put meal plans together, and a cinch to quickly see what we're low on.

As well as helping my wallet, the organization helps my mental health! It's GREAT to open the doors to these closets and not have to worry about things falling out, or digging behind/under/around other things to find what I'm looking for. It's also really nice to open the doors and see the order!

You don't have to clean all of your cabinets or drawers or closets at once! Clean according to the time you have--even just doing one shelf, or organizing the cans of fruit or boxes of cereal, will give you a sense of accomplishment.

Shelly Burke, RN, is the author of several books, including Home is Where the Mom Is; A Christian Mom's Guide to Caring for Herself, Her Family, and Her Home, and What Should I Say? The Right (and Wrong!) Words and Deeds for Life's Sticky, Tricky, Uncomfortable Situations. To order, or read an excerpt, go to www.shellyburke.net.