Seven “Organized in a Weekend” Projects | Family Economics

By Trisha

When the nights get longer and the air gets colder I begin to hibernate and look for simple projects to organize my home over the weekends when life is not as busy.

Are you ready to hibernate indoors and accomplish a few “organized-in-a-weekend” projects?

Choose one or two of these simple organization ideas and let’s get organized:

1.    Junk Drawer Treasures: If your junk drawer is over-stuffed and you can’t remember what mysterious items have taken up residence then it’s time to dump and delete your drawer of junk treasures. First, completely dump the drawer out and then begin removing the things that you no longer need. Next, place either dividers or small containers inside the drawer and begin organizing the things you are keeping and placing them back into the drawer.

2.    The Office: Spend an hour or two clearing off your desk, sorting papers into three piles: to file, take action, and shred. Once your desk is cleared, begin re-organizing the desk drawers and/or closet space in your office by removing unused items.

3.    Donate 10: Our homes are filled with unused items that we could easily donate. Grab a bag or box and find 10 things in your home that you can remove from your home and donate – you don’t have to stop at 10! Place your items in your car to drop off at your local thrift store.

4.    Fridge and Freezer Cleanout: Save time and money by taking time to clean out and organize your freezer and refrigerator. Empty out the contents, dispose of expired and unwanted items. Wipe out the inside of your fridge and freezer and replace items in an organized manner - grouping like items together. Take an inventory of potential meals you have in your freezer and make a shopping list of any needed items.

5.    Medicine Cabinet: This seems to be the place where medications and supplies end up sitting year after year in our homes. Take time to completely empty out your medicine cabinet and dispose of all expired medications. Make a list of needed medications and supplies to restock your medicine cabinet.

6.    Carry It Cleanout: Gather up all of your book bags, backpacks, diaper bags, purses and other miscellaneous bags in your home that you use on a daily or weekly basis. Begin emptying out the contents, tossing all garbage and removing items that no longer are needed. Wipe out inside of bags then restock and refill with needed items.

7.    On-the-Go Organization: Busy families need to be prepared for their daily outings. Create a place in your home, typically near your entryway or mud/laundry room, where family members can place their needed on-the-go items including: school backpacks, gym bags, keys, cell phones, library books, purses, jackets, shoes, outgoing mail and even store returns. This will prevent last-minute search for shoes, books and car keys.

What can you organize in one weekend?