http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogList.asp?sort=organizer&schedule=109 Joyful Organization is a blog filled with tips designed to get you organized quickly and easily. Bonnie Dewkett, The Joyful Organizer focuses on green organization on a budget. Visit our website here: www.thejoyfulorganizer.com Tue, 20 Oct 2009 14:45:25 EST en-us http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2413 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2413 Tue, 20 Oct 2009 13:30:00 EST If you are going to be traveling in an area that you do not normally make purchases in, you want to take a few moments to contact your credit card companies and let them know. This will hopefully prevent their fraud department from flagging your account, and stopping charges from going through while you are away. Also look on the back of your card and make note of the collect phone number. This is the number you will want to write down, and keep in a safe place for travel overseas. The 800 ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2412 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2412 Tue, 13 Oct 2009 13:30:00 EST Like everyone, you are probably trying to make a difference in the world we live in right now by bringing your own bag to stores. These bags roll up into small compact carrying cases that you can slip into your purse (no more forgotten bags in the car!) They are also cute and stylish! They come in all sorts of colors and patterns too! ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2411 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2411 Tue, 6 Oct 2009 13:30:00 EST I love lazy susans! They are great as they give you a visual of just about anything you own...cleaning products, spices, small boxes of food, cans, bath products etc. They come in a variety of sizes and can be purchased at discount stores (check dollar stores), and big box ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2410 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2410 Tue, 29 Sep 2009 13:30:00 EST If you are tired of having your jewelry arrive at your destination in knots, try this trick. Use straws to thread necklaces through and then place them parallel to one another on a washcloth. Roll them up into the washcloth, tuck them into your luggage, and there will be no more ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2409 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2409 Tue, 22 Sep 2009 13:30:00 EST When asked what the best closet system is, my answer is always "the one that works best for your space, stuff, and budget." However, I love the Elfa systems that The Container Store sells. They are easy to assemble, easily transformed, movable from house to house and space to space (with minor adjustments). Although they are not the cheapest option on the market they rival very expensive custom made closet units. Take note, The Container Store usually offers discounts a few times a year on ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2407 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2407 Tue, 15 Sep 2009 13:30:00 EST If you are pressed for space in your closet, and who isn't, only store one season of clothing in there at a time. Remove out of season clothing and store it in plastic totes in a dry, safe place elsewhere in your home. If you have a cedar closet, store clothing in there. If not, add some cedar chips to your totes to keep things smelling fresh and to prevent insect invasions. The extra space you have in your closet will allow you to appreciate the clothes you have, and since you can ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2408 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2408 Tue, 15 Sep 2009 13:30:00 EST If you are pressed for space in your closet, and who isn't, only store one season of clothing in there at a time. Remove out of season clothing and store it in plastic totes in a dry, safe place elsewhere in your home. If you have a cedar closet, store clothing in there. If not, add some cedar chips to your totes to keep things smelling fresh and to prevent insect invasions. The extra space you have in your closet will allow you to appreciate the clothes you have, and since you can ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2406 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2406 Tue, 8 Sep 2009 13:30:00 EST Are you bombarded with receipt? Place an envelope in your purse, and use it for all the gifts you buy. When you give a gift, you will know exactly where the receipt is if you need it. For an more advanced technique, create two envelopes-one for receipts of gifts and one for receipts of supplies (such as wrapping paper and cards.) This will also allow you to have a running total of your holiday expenditures at the end of the season. Being organized financially will help you save ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2405 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2405 Tue, 1 Sep 2009 13:30:00 EST Are you afraid of flying? Is it keeping you and your family members from going to the destinations around the world that you want to see? Check out www.fearofflying.com. Captain Tom Bunn's website has a ton of free information to ease the fears of even the most nervous flyers. If the website is not enough, he has several programs that walk you through everything from how airplanes work, to calming the anxiety before and during your flight. There is no need to suffer through flying ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2404 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2404 Tue, 25 Aug 2009 13:30:00 EST The most important part of being prepared is to sit down with your family and make an emergency plan. Being prepared can save you time, and limit chaos should disaster strike. Visit http://www.ready.gov/ to assist you in doing so. Having a plan could save your life, take the time to do ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2403 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2403 Tue, 18 Aug 2009 13:30:00 EST If you want everything in your closet to be visible and easy to access make sure its all folded neatly. This is very easy to accomplish with a clothing folder. http://www.flipfold.com/ This item will give everything you fold a uniform appearance. Its easy for kids to use too and comes in a kid's size as well. For a fun game, have kids personalize their own folders and race each other. They come in various colors and with instructions on how to fold just about ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2402 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2402 Tue, 11 Aug 2009 13:30:00 EST A great way to store your items in your home is to put them into totes. I love the variety that Sterilite offers. Rubbermaid also makes a great tote. Take a look at their selection here: http://www.sterilite.com/ They are sold at just about every box store, and are generally inexpensive. When purchasing a tote, make sure its not too large. Conventional wisdom makes you want to buy the biggest tote available to get as much stuff in it as possible. Keep in mind that totes are heavy when ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2401 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2401 Tue, 4 Aug 2009 13:30:00 EST When you donate, keep detailed records of the condition and value of the items you donate for tax records. If necessary take photos of the more valuable things you may donate to make sure you have proof of the ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2400 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2400 Tue, 28 Jul 2009 13:30:00 EST Take an hour and clean out the pantry of any junk food you have. Having it in the house means that there is a possibility that you will eventually give in and eat it! So donate it to your child's school, your next group meeting, or a local shelter. Remember, you are what you ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2399 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2399 Tue, 21 Jul 2009 13:30:00 EST A great way to use often wasted space is to add an over the door shoe organizer such as the one seen here: http://www.containerstore.com/browse/Product.jhtml?CATID=155&PRODID=59766 These can be used to house office/art/school supplies, small toys, accessories, and of course— shoes. Make sure you purchase one with clear pockets so you can see the contents. These are available for as little as $5 at big box stores. This one here whipped a bathroom linen closet into shape in no ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2398 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2398 Tue, 14 Jul 2009 13:30:00 EST Have you always wanted to work with a personal trainer, but it is too expensive? Here's a new plan. Team up with some friends and save some money! Many trainers now offer small group training sessions, and it is usually much less expensive per person to train. You still get the personalized attention and motivation of one on one training, with a reduced cost. It is a great way to spend some time working towards your goals with friends. Together you will achieve more for less money. ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2397 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2397 Tue, 7 Jul 2009 13:30:00 EST If you ever travel anywhere, you know that by the end of the trip your clothes have doubled in size and they are usually a jumbled mess in your suitcase. This year, travel organized! By using these great clothing organizers you can keep like items together, dirty clothes separate from clean, and you will never lose another sock! Another travel tip: Fold clothes while packing for your trip and roll them on your way back. This way they are still compact to pack on your way home, but you are not ...