travel sized extras

My husband and I like to travel.
One thing that comes with flying and staying in hotels is all the extra little travel sized items you end up with.

I'm not joking around when I say, I love all the travel sized extras...but they can add up and get lost anywhere.

My solution that I've come up with is very basic and simple. Put them all in the same place. I have mine in a picture sized Tupperware. The size of your container obviously depends on how many "extras" you may have. I have them in my storage closet by my batteries, light bulbs, etc. This is a good reminder to pack those instead of the full sized items next time you have an overnight or a vacation. Plus you will want to start snagging them when you see them instead of leaving them behind.

when you buy new items...get rid of the old.

I have a policy that my mom instilled in me when I was younger.
"however many new items you're putting in your closet, get rid of the same amount."

I have stuck with this.

You tend to forget all of our clothes you have in our closet. They are usually in the same place for years.
Once you do buy new items though, it's nice to find either similar items and get rid of the old one.
You also can just try to eliminate something that you don't wear, don't like how it fits, or just don't need.

A trick to help you with figuring out what you should donate,
start each year with your hangers facing backwards. Once you wear that item, hang it back properly.
At the end of the year if you still have items that haven't been worn, they should go.
A realization of knowing you didn't wear them for the last year should be good enough reason!

This tip & trick will also keep your closet manageable and not bursting at the seems!

labels are my best friends.

A crucial key in organizing is to make LABELS.
This comes after doing all the hard work.
When you've finally cleared out and put everything in it's place -- label it!

If you come from a family, the kids will know where it goes.
If your husband is clueless when putting things away, this will help!
When you are in a hurry--this will force you to not set it somewhere random.

This one pictured above is my favorite. 

There are many different label makers and if you are trying to organize on a budge get a piece of tape and a sharpie maker and label boxes, shelves, and closets. 

enjoy!

grouping items together.

This may sound very obvious and simple but people often forget it;
Group similar items TOGETHER.
If you want to make "systems" in your home you have to have a specific place for your items to go.

For example:
movies with movies (close to the television)
socks matched up with their other half (in the closet)
pens, paper, pencils, tape, & other office supplies in your desk (in the office)
keys with the other sets of keys (close to the door)

When there is a home base for these items the less likely you will lose them.
Also when they are all in the correct spot you will realize how much you have or what you need more of.

One step ahead: Once this is done, it's easy  to "de-junk"
When you are looking at all of your socks you realize you can throw some away, match up some odd ones, or buy new ones. This will make life a little simpler for the entire family.

hangers.

Most of us have every kind of hanger under the sun-

plastic, pink, small, wire, large etc.

One thing that will organize your closet and make it look uniform instantly is MATCHING hangers.

My favorite our the ones pictures below. They keep your shirts in form and they are also skinny so you can fit more clothes in your closet. You can purchase them at Costco, TJMAXX, & Bed Bath and Beyond for the best price. (That I've seen) 

When your clothes are all hanging the same way it will make an instant face lift to your closet. 

Even though 95% of our clothes are on the same hangers we did keep some black plastic ones for the heavier things such as coats and suits.

Also keep in mind to purchase some specialty hangers while you're at it.

My favorite are skirt hangers and my husband likes the tie/belt hangers

welcome.

Thank you for stopping by my new website.
I am beyond thrilled to be starting up a business I'm passionate about.
I live and breathe for organizing and I hope you follow along as I help others discover life uncluttered!