Do The Dump!

There's nothing more frustrating than finding empty boxes and cartons in cabinets and the fridge, right?? Well here's a simple solution....Do The Dump!

While unloading your groceries consider emptying things such as fruit cups, packets of crackers, Popsicles, cookies, and even toilet paper in pre-determined locations that make it easy for everyone to grab. 

No more empty box surprises!  

Here are a few areas where I use this technique in my home:

Select a drawer in the fridge to keep cold snacks at easy reach.

A basket in the cabinet works great for grabbing on the go!

Toilet paper on a shelf in the linen closet eliminates the rumpled plastic bags.

Consider these options and Enjoy Life Organized!

-Janel

One Organized Mama

oneorganizedmama@gmail.com

The Organized Party!

We love to entertain in our home. The problem is that I have a tendency to take on way too much. I've heard whispers of "It kinda feels like Hell's Kitchen in here...." hours before the party begins. No bueno!

So I've learned that a well planned and organized event lessens the stress and makes for a more festive atmosphere for all.

Here are a few tips:



The day before unwrap plates, napkins, and place utensils in easy accessible containers for guests.




Fill gift and goodie bags up to two days before.




Decorate the night before. Many of the letters on the wall fell off during the night. The next morning I had ample time to reinforce them before the party.




This buffet was set up for the cake. Plates, napkins, and forks on deck so no one was left searching for items with sticky fingers from icing. Everything was ready to go before cake arrived.







Every item had a home. Bags of chips ready to fill the bowls.




Do as much prep work as you can beforehand. Watermelon can be sliced, placed on a platter, and stored in fridge. Guests can enjoy its refreshing goodness as soon as they walk in.




Set up tables and serving stations hours before guests arrive.

In the last few moments before your doorbell rings all that's left is to freshen your lipstick and smile before greeting your guests!

Enjoy Life Organized my friends and thank you for reading One Organized Mama!

-Janel
oneorganizedmama@gmail.com
702-498-1636
oneorganizedmama.net


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Just A Little Reminder.....

So turn off the tv, avoid sitting at your computer, don't peek at your phone or tablet to distract you from doing the things you should be doing today.

No excuses my friends! You do have more time in your day then you think when you put away the electronics!

Keeping this post short so I can do the same..........

Enjoy Life Organized
-Janel
www.oneorganizedmama.net
oneorganizedmama@gmail.com

Preparation Avoids Chaos, Confusion, and Sometimes Carnage

One thing I’ve learned through my years as a mom and wife who works outside of the home is the importance of PREPARATION. The key to having a successful day and getting the things you need to get done DONE.

If you take about 30 minutes at night to prepare for the next day you will be surprised how much easier that makes your morning flow.

Here are a few tips:

·        Meal Prep- Prepare for tomorrow night’s dinner while cooking tonight’s. Have an idea in your head on what you are going to cook and do as much of the prep work (chopping veggies, taking items from freezer to thaw,  measuring out ingredients, etc) as you can while tonight’s dinner is cooking. This is also a great time to jot down items you need from the grocery store and avoids the last minute panic of realizing you are missing an ingredient.

·        Pack Lunches- During after dinner clean up time (which should be a team effort by the way!) pack tomorrow’s lunches. This way leftovers can be divvied in containers to take to work, the kids can throw together their sandwiches and juice boxes in their lunch boxes, and WALLA! Everything goes into fridge as the kitchen closes for the evening.

·        Lay Out Clothes- There is something to be said for laying out clothes the night before. I’ve had so many people swear by this! This can be especially helpful with children. Get them in the habit of lying clothes out the night before. I’m sure your children have never come to you at six o’clock in the morning saying, “mom I don’t have any clean socks” as mine have, so I am saving you the trouble my friends.

·        Backpack Check- Speaking of kids….those lil’ buggers have this amazing technique which has been mastered in our home. It is the “Oh yeah mom my teacher said this is the LAST DAY to turn this in” as they hand me a ¾” stack of paperwork neatly stapled together, crumpled a little at the corners, at promptly 6:49 a.m. as I’m walking out the door. “Yes Mr. Policeman I was filling out my child’s paperwork while at the stoplight….not texting on my phone.”  This can be AVOIDED by getting kids in the habit of going through backpacks on a nightly basis and giving you those important papers, lists of supplies needed for projects, and helps them stay organized so they won’t lose completed assignments before they get turned in…..(yes, I’ve suffered through it all.)

·        Every Item in it’s Home- Lastly, I can’t emphasize this enough. Every single item from the mail to the toaster oven should have a home in your home. Whether it’s temporary or permanent all things should have a place they belong. This is especially true for items like car keys, cell phones, purses, shoes, and other walk-out-the-door essentials. Having your car keys in their proper place can alleviate the stress as you face the morning commute.

So plan a little preparation time in your nightly routine and give yourself the gift of a less stressed morning.

Thank you for reading and Enjoy Life Organized.

-Janel

702-498-1636

oneorganizedmama@gmail.com

www.oneorganizedmama.net

Fave product: 3M Command Hooks

One of my favorite products on the market are the 3M Command Hooks. These are especially great for organizing inside closet and cabinet doors, space that is under utilized. Another great feature is the ability the command adhesive has if you need to reposition your hook....without damaging your surface.

Remember every item should have a place where it belongs to make clean up quick and easy.

Inside a hall closet so that every item from the dog leash to your purse has a place to call home!

Also, store items near where you use them most.

Pot holders stored in a cabinet near your oven puts them in easy reach when needed.

Towels near tub for "tub time".
 

Do your stuff a favor, stick a hook up, and create a home for a homeless item.

Happy Organizing My Friends!
-Janel
www.oneorganizedmama.net
702-498-1636

The Fog

Do you know The Fog? That place where you wake up, go about your day in the same way, and go to bed feeling like you've made no progress. Like that movie "Groundhog Day". The same thing over and over spinning your wheels but going nowhere?

I know that feeling well. I've been there.

Your house, your job, your family, your life are full...but not purposeful.

There's a remedy to The Fog. The remedy starts with deciding how you want to live your life. The Fog begins to dissipate when you wake up with a plan for your day and the discipline to put that plan in motion.

This is where my "Make Your Bed Theory" comes into play. Start each day with a well-made bed and if nothing else goes as you planned that day at least you've accomplished one task and given yourself one place in your home that is in order, clean, and comfortable. Your own little oasis in a sea of chaos.

Try it, and then start adding other tasks to your daily routine.

In a typical day I strive for a made bed, one load of laundry washed, folded and put away, and a clean kitchen before I head to bed.

Simple as it may sound many of you with busy families and lives know that can be a lot.

Notice I say "strive". These are daily goals I set for my household because the overall vision I have for my house is to have it efficient and in order. Not perfection. I am a professional organizer and if you stop by any day of the week you will find the usual scatter of toys, pile of paperwork needing attention, and occasional dirty sock stuffed in a couch cushion.

I want a home where my family feels comfortable and visitors feel welcome. I also want my home to reflect who I am and I refuse to be a person who is controlled by clutter and chaos anymore. 

The difference between my life now and the days I spent in The Fog is that I have a vision for my home and life and goals to achieve that vision. 

A routine fueled by discipline to achieve your daily goals will over time transform any chaos into calm. Don't be surprised if after you start your new routine in your home that you start seeing changes in other areas of your life: your pants fit a little better out of the dryer, you haven't had an argument with your spouse for weeks, you feel lighter....happier.  

An organized home and routine has long reaching effects....trust me on this. 

Thanks for reading One Organized Mama!
-Janel
oneorganizedmama@gmail.com
www.oneorganizedmama.net

 

 

 

I

 

Changes Are A Comin'

Hello One Organized Mama readers,

I apologize that I've been "off the grid" for the past several weeks. I'll update you on what's been going on. As many of you know I am currently a full time working mom outside of my home. Since  launching One Organized Mama last July I've been trying to fit my business in with work, 3 kids, hubby, and all the hiccups life brings.

My plan is to transition from my current full time position to being One Organized Mama full time.

Those of you who own your own businesses know that in order to make that leap so many things need to be in order. If I try and jump into that boat too soon, and it's not quite ready, it could adversely affect my family.....no bueno!

The past few weeks I've been working diligently on personal and financial goals to make this transition happen. It has meant insanely long work weeks, sacrificing sleep, time with friends, and facing each critic and obstacle with strong conviction.

That boat to make this leap is getting closer each day.

So what are the changes you're asking?

Well in order to make One Organized Mama a success I am adding more services to assist you with your busy lives! Who better to help than someone who has been in your shoes? I've discovered that many families, professionals, seniors, singles, etc could use occasional help in a variety of areas. So here is a list of services I will be offering:

Home/Office Organization

• Paperwork/Filing Systems
• Any room in your home
• Helping your business become more efficient
• If it's cluttered I can help organize it!

Event Organization
Have an upcoming event and need help with the planning and set up? One Organized Mama can help with phone calls, errands, sending out invites, filling gift bags, setting up the day of, and more! Consider One Organized Mama for your next:

• Corporate/Nonprofit Event
• Family Reunion
• Birthday Party
• Retirement Celebration
• Community Events
• Assisting you with an upcoming move
• And More!

eOrganize
You send me the photos and I can help you set up a plan to get organized. eOrganize is a great option for those who:

• Prefer to work at their own pace
• Live outside of the Las Vegas area
• Need assistance setting and achieving goals
• Need an accountability partner to keep them on track

Workshops/Presentations
If your group is looking for a speaker or idea for a group activity consider One Organized Mama. Topics can be tailored to your groups specific needs.

Coming Soon.....Mobile Notary Service
Need documents notarized in the Las Vegas area. Then I'm your girl!

I truly have a passion for helping others and love the fact that I'm able to turn this passion into a business.

I would love to get you organized and help you achieve your goals!

Contact me anytime!
-Janel
One Organized Mama
702-498-1636
oneorganizedmama@gmail.com
www.oneorganizedmama.net

The Electronics Diet

According to The New York Times, we spend approximately 8 hours a day on electronics.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/27/business/media/27adco.html?_r=0

Think about this for a moment.....EIGHT hours of your day is devoted to either your phone, computer, video games, or television.

Here's another thing the study finds...we often LIE about how much time we actually spend on electronics.

Have you ever looked around your house and said to yourself, "If only I had more time I could get organized?" I have! I was busy. I was busy with time killers like television and the Internet.

I realized I can lie to others but it's tough to lie to myself.

I now make it a point to turn off electronics and get myself and my family involved in more productive activities and spending time together.

It's not easy. In fact as I type out this post my teenage son just turned on the TV to a rerun of "Full House" while playing a game on his cell phone at the same time. (Yes I told him what I'm blogging about right now.....despite his protests the TV will be off once Uncle Jessie and crew wrap up their latest adventure and hug it out.)

So think about this in your own life. How much more time do you really have in your day once you turn off and away from the electronics?

Food for thought.

-Janel
One Organized Mama
www.oneorganizedmama.net
oneorganizedmama@gmail.com
702-498-1636

Sell Your Stuff!

Last night my husband and I saw Dave Ramsey in person at a local church. We are graduates of his Financial Peace University and have followed his program for the past two years.

His "Building Your Legacy" presentation was inspiring and incredibly motivating!

There are five steps to as he calls it, "Stopping the Insanity".

1. GET ON A BUDGET
2. GET OUT OF DEBT
3. BUILD QUALITY RELATIONSHIPS
4. SAVE AND INVEST
5. BUILD WEALTH AND GIVE

I would like to talk about step #2 which affects many of us.

Dave states that in order to get out of debt you must take the following steps:

• Quit borrowing money
• Save money
• SELL SOMETHING
• Take a part time job
• Prayer
• Utilize the debt snowball (www.daveramsey.com)

I've italicized, bolded, and capitalized the step of selling something for a reason. As an organizer, I see and hear stories of people who are stuck and lost spiritually, financially, emotionally, and the cause is the clutter. It's tax time and they cannot find forms. There is chaos in their home because there is stuff everywhere and that stuff causes tension among family members. Finances are a a mess because the spending continues with the hope that stuff will bring happiness into homes and lives.

Stuff solves nothing, brings nothing, and too much of it causes overwhelming stress.

That is why "sell something" struck me last night. If you are having financial issues STOP spending money on STUFF, sell the stuff you have, and use the money to begin paying off your debt.

I can attest to the fact that Dave Ramsey's program works! It's a lot of hard work and is not a quick fix but it works!

Check out www.daveramsey.com for information on his financial program and contact me for tips and assistance with organizing. Consider my eOrganize option for an affordable professional organizer help or if you live outside the Las Vegas area.

So start gathering items that are cluttering up your space and SELL them! Use the money to pay off a debt. You may start to see that living a clutter-free, debt-free life brings more joy, peace, and happiness to your life than you could have ever imagined.

Happy Organizing!
-Janel
www.oneorganizedmama.net
oneorganizedmama@gmail.com
702-498-1636

Out Of Sight Out Of Mind

One thing to remember when organizing is to place items that you need to take some action on: bills, paperwork, projects, fix-it items, etc in a place where you will be reminded.

Many of us forget tasks that need to be handled because they're stuffed in a drawer or closet and forgotten about.

Here are a few tips:

• Outgoing mail next to your mailbox keys, car keys, or purse
• Bills next to your computer if you pay online
• Household fix-it items next to the television remote
• Errands and grocery list's next to your car keys or memo in your smart phone
• Exercise shoes and clothes next to your bed so they're the first thing you see in the morning

In your organizing routine begin placing items that need immediate attention in conspicuous places and you may start to see your old habit of procrastinating turn into a new habit of staying on top of things!

Happy Organizing!
-Janel
oneorganizedmama@gmail.com
702-498-1636
www.oneorganizedmama.net

The Glass Of Water...

I came across one of those emails people forward that mentioned if you hold an 8 oz. glass of water in your hand for a few minutes you hardly notice. Continue to hold that same glass of water for longer and your arm becomes uncomfortable. If you continue to hold the glass of water for hours then you have an issue. Your hand and arm become fatigued and in pain. The point of the email was to compare the glass of water to stress. The longer you hold onto stress the more fatigued you become and the pain it can inflict on your body.

That message stuck with me. As a former non-organized person I remember the stress of having stuff and no place for it.

The glass of water reminds me of the stuff we sometimes fill our lives with. When that stuff gets to be too much or we hold on to it for too long it can cause a tremendous amount of stress for us.

My job as a professional organizer is to help people face the stuff they've collected, make decisions on what to keep and what to get rid of, and create an environment where they can enjoy their space in a stress-free productive way.

So if you have an issue with holding on to "stuff" and it is causing you stress then it may be time to call for some professional organizing assistance.

My personal organizing sessions provide you with compassion, honesty, hard work, and someone who has been in your shoes.


Call me to get started!
-Janel
www.oneorganizedmama.net
oneorganizedmama@gmail.com
702-498-1636

Kids Linen Closets

My three children share one linen closet and it can get out of control quickly. I had to think "easy and functional" as opposed to "Martha Stewart pretty" when organizing it.

As with any organizing project the first question I had to ask was, "What is the purpose/need for this space?"

The purpose and need for these particular closet is for the kids to quickly grab their bedding or towels without messing the rest of the closet's contents. For instance, instead of culling through piles of sheets looking for the pair for their bed, I needed to make each kid their own space for their bedding.

Once the purpose and need are determined remember my four steps to organize anything:
DECLUTTER
MAKE A HOME
LABEL
MAINTAIN

The first two steps are DECLUTTER and MAKE A HOME.

I took all the items out that did not relate to their bedding and bathrooms.

Extra pillows on top, sleeping bags for sleepovers at easy reach, and bathroom essentials on the bottom.

The third step is to LABEL.

I took card stock and sticky labels, wrote down what belonged in that space , and stuck to shelves with a double-sided sticky dot. (Note: Make sure the adhesive you use does not damage your shelves or walls!!) 

Label even the most obvious items. The hope is to avoid having to say, "It's right in front of you!!" over and over again....(you can hope). 

Once the items are in their place and labeled it will be easier for all to MAINTAIN. Kids can help put away and keep items in their place as well as help themselves to the items they need for their bedroom and bathroom.

For assistance with organizing your linen closets consider One Organized Mama. I offer personal organizing services as well as eOrganize for my clients outside of the Las Vegas area.

Happy Organizing!

-Janel

www.oneorganizedmama.net

702-498-1636

oneorganizedmama@gmail.com

More "Make Your Bed Theory" Techniques

The "Make Your Bed Theory" is a technique to begin adding good habits into your daily routine.

By adding one good habit, such as making your bed every day, you can begin to build a routine that keeps you organized.

Once you've been making your bed for a few weeks it's time to add another habit into your daily routine. Here are a few suggestions:

• Clean kitchen immediately after dinner
• Do one load of laundry (wash, fold, put away)
• Exercise
• Read to your children
• Update budget (pay bills, balance checking account...)

 So, add one more good habit to your daily routine to keep you organized and maintain order in your home and life!

Happy Organizing!
-Janel
One Organized Mama
www.oneorganizedmama.net
702-498-1636
oneorganizedmama@gmail.com

Check Out My Website!

I'm happy to announce the launch of my website www.oneorganizedmama.net

The site details my services, rates, special discounts, before and after photos, and MORE!

Check it out and as always contact me with any questions!

Happy Organizing!
-Janel
One Organized Mama
oneorganizedmama@gmail.com
702-498-1636

Introducing eOrganize!

Introducing eOrganize!

With eOrganize I will walk you step by step through the organizing process without taking a step into your home or office!

 Here’s how an eOrganize session works:

1.    Send me 3-5 photos of the space you want to organize.

2.    I will set up a phone consultation (approx. 20 minutes) to discuss your needs and goals.

3.    You will receive three emails. Each email will include:

o   Step by step instructions on how to organize your space.

o   A specific goal/time frame to accomplish the steps.

o   Product suggestions.

4.    You apply the steps to organize your space, send me 3-5 photos of the work you’ve done, and I will adapt emails #2 and #3 to your progress.  

5.    The last step is a phone consultation (approx. 20 minutes) to discuss your continued goals.

Each eOrganize session is $50. Purchase as many sessions as you need.

 

eOrganize can be used for projects big or small!

Contact Janel @ 702-498-1636

oneorganizedmama@gmail.com

A little help for Tax Time

One of the most frustrating aspects of filing taxes is getting the paperwork together. I've compiled the following list to help you get the proper paperwork you need together before you sit down to do your taxes.

Print out the list and get organized. I'm sure your tax preparer will thank you!

TAX PREPARATION CHECKLIST

ü Each family member’s social security number.

ü Bank account and routing numbers for deposit.

ü Income statements (W-2’s and 1099’s)

ü Childcare receipts and providers Tax ID or SS#

ü Mortgage/Real Estate Interest Statements (1098’s)

ü Bank Interest Statements

ü Medical Statements

ü Student Loan Interest Statements

ü Charitable Donations Receipts

ü Work Related Receipts

Happy Organizing!
-Janel
One Organized Mama
702-498-1636 call or text
oneorganizedmama@gmail.com

Don't Put It Down...Put It Away!

We've all been there. We walk in the door from a long day out and unconsciously drop our things by the door.

Checking the mail, kids coming home from school, your husband's "dumping ground" where the change from his pocket, receipts, etc fall into a pool of eventual clutter.

In order to maintain an organized environment and avoid the chaos and early morning panic, "Where's my binder/wallet/keys...!" a little discipline needs to be integrated into your household and routine.

Don't Put It Down, Put It Away.

A few quick tips will help you do this.

• Designate a temporary "landing zone" for your family. These items MUST be dealt with and put away the same day.
• If checking the mail is your routine as soon as you come home consider only checking it when you have the time to deal with it. Avoids paper clutter.
• Follow the four steps to creating an organized environment. (DECLUTTER, MAKE A HOME, LABEL, MAINTAIN).

Taking the few extra moments to put items away will bring you a little bit of peace in the long run!

Happy Organizing!
-Janel
One Organized Mama
-702-498-1636
oneorganizedmama@gmail.com

Timer Method

When you know you need to start....but don't know how to begin.....try this simple method!

This method can help you start a regular organizing or cleaning routine.

•      Choose an increment of time; 5, 10, 15, minutes. (No more than 45 minutes.)

•      Set timer and ORGANIZE!

•      When timer “dings!”, STOP, and move on to next project.

Happy Organizing!

-Janel

One Organized Mama

oneorganizedmama@gmail.com

702-498-1636

No More JUNK DRAWERS!

Junk drawers are my ultimate pet peeve. They are unnecessary and PLEASE don't tell me you can find items in there.

For the first part of our relationship I was okay with my husband having one junk drawer.

This was it.

Mixed in this mess, I found receipts from three years prior, a washcloth, and my birth certificate.

So I made him a deal. If he could name five things that were in this abyss of junk, then he could keep his drawer.

He could not.

Relax....I didn't pull a "Mommy Dearest" on the poor guy. Instead, I opted for a compromise that still works today.

I placed this chest with its multiple drawers near the garage door and designated one drawer as a  quick "landing zone".

So keys, sunglasses, and other items automatically go in the drawer . No more "where are my keys??!!" panic. 

As I mentioned in my blog post, "Culprits of Organizing", consider buying furniture such as this piece that contain storage options. It's a great way to hide unsightly items and keep things neat and tidy!

Happy Organizing!
-Janel
One Organized Mama
oneorganizedmama@gmail.com
702-498-1636

4 Steps To Organize Anything

FOUR BASIC STEPS TO ORGANIZE ANYTHING

DECLUTTER

ü Place items in one of three piles: TRASH/DONATE/KEEP

ü Start small. One room or one pile at a time.

ü Make quick decisions. Don’t dwell. If it’s unused or unwanted it must go.

CREATE A HOME

ü Make a home for every item in your home. (This can help determine if the item is something worth keeping.)

ü Keep items near where they are used. Filing system near incoming mail bin, school supplies near homework area, spices near stove, etc.

ü Keep like items together. Baking supplies, holiday decorations, books by category (travel, cooking, finance…).

ü Store frequently used items in accessible shelves/cabinets. Items used less frequently in high cabinets or in back.

LABEL

ü Labeling helps everyone know where items belong.

ü Use inexpensive labels or masking tape. Just make sure it does not damage surface you’re placing it on.

ü When items are labeled clean up is quick and easy.

ü For cabinets with multiple items a quick reference list can be placed inside cabinet door.

ü Create a quick and easy alphabetical file system to keep track of where items are stored.

MAINTAIN

ü Delegate household chores. A little maintenance done each day keeps your home/office neat and tidy.

ü Set a timer for as little as five minutes per chore/room for quick clean up. When the timer dings move on!

ü Be disciplined. To begin a disciplined routine consider the “Make Your Bed” theory. **

**Check out my previous blog post on the "Make Your Bed" theory.

Happy Organizing!
-Janel
oneorganizedmama@gmail.com
702-498-1636

Super Organized Mama Shoe Closet

I'm always on the hunt for great organizing ideas and when I find one I love to share it!

Thanks to Carey M. for sharing her beautifully organized shoe closet.



Shoes are neatly organized on shelves in her closet. A great way to show off her fabulous collection!

 

 



If you have any organizing photos or ideas you'd like to share send them my way!

Happy Organizing!
-Janel
www.oneorganizedmama.blogspot.com
oneorganizedmama@gmail.com
702-498-1636

My reality.

I relate to all of you and your busy lives. Balancing everything takes creativity, knowing when to just let things go, and having a sense of humor helps too!

I love my business and am passionate about organizing!

But I love my family more and literally work around my family.

This is my balancing act reality.

Double duty.. blogging and playing with a little special someone.  The mess just means he's having a lot of fun!

 

And when he's done...well he's done! Time for me to put up the computer and move on to "tub time".

Organizing your home has nothing to do with being a clean freak or never having a messy house. Organizing your home and life makes a better environment and more time for the people that matter in your life!

Happy Organizing from One Organized Mama!
-Janel
oneorganizedmama@gmail.com
702-498-1636

The "Make Your Bed" Theory

As I help my clients through the organizing processes I realize the key to maintaining order in your home and life is to create good habits.

I'm calling this the "Make Your Bed" theory.

In order to succeed at any goal, you must choose good habits. Those habits are fueled by discipline.

For example, in order to lose weight you must choose to eat healthy and exercise. We all know that is fueled by good ol' fashioned discipline.

When working towards any goal it is important to start small. This is why making your bed is important in beginning your organizing journey.

"Why make your bed when you're going to mess it up in a few hours??" Ask my children......and maybe some of you.

Here's why.

It will make you feel better. You will feel productive. You will create one space in your home that is neat and in order and I promise that does A LOT for your peace of mind.

If you can begin doing this one task, on a daily basis you can begin to add other habits slowly to get your house and life in order.

Give it a try. Make your bed every morning. Before you know it you've created a good habit for yourself and your home.

Have a great day!
-Janel
One Organized Mama
oneorganizedmama@gmail.com
702-498-1636

Toys, toys, and more toys! OH MY!!!

Our family had a blessed Christmas and the toy chests are living proof! Thanks to loving aunties, uncles, nanas, papas, and friends the kids received many wonderful gifts!

We keep a collection of my toddler's toys in our family room. Well no matter how much I sang, "Clean Up! Clean Up!" the after Christmas haul was becoming invasive!

Too overwhelming for playtime!

Even the poor monkey cube is literally vomiting toys!



So I had to come up with a plan....and QUICK!

I did a little shopping at my favorite store.....if you're a regular reader of my blog you know what that is.....(hint: BULLS EYE ya got it!)

Since the space is in a room where visitors to our home see I did not want it to look like a toy room. I tried to find a balance between a cozy space for my little one and me not wanting to look at unsightly toy bins.

The first step was to cull through the toys and donate outgrown (but not un-loved!) toys to a local charity donation site.

I found these storage cubes and I could live with this style in my living room.

 

 

 

These light weight cubes are a great disguise for little toys. My little one acts genuinely surprised when he opens them up to find his toys!

 

I placed like items in each to make clean up easier.

 

 

I found smaller matching open top containers that were the perfect size for books and smaller items.

 





Utilizing the space on the shelves....since I had previously taken their contents off when baby-proofing. I added a few more toys so it looked fun but not overrun.

Here is the result! A space any toddler would like to play in and any mom can live with!

 

 

For help organizing your little munchkin's space contact One Organized Mama!

 

-Janel

One Organized Mama

702-498-1636

oneorganizedmama@gmail.com