Container Containment...

Hands up who has a really messy and unorganised container cupboard - where lids don't match - you can't find what you need when you need it and you're frustrated by just looking at the state of the mess?  We have a step by step guide to help you get this part of your kitchen sorted, once and for all, with some handy tips along the way!

Step One: Empty your cupboard and wipe it out with a clean damp cloth.  Make sure that the cupboard is dry before reorganising.  Now is a good time to put down some contact to make keeping the cupboard clean easier.
 
Step Two: Sort through your containers and lids and match them up. If there are lids and containers that you do not use or match - get rid of them!  There is no use holding onto it just because you think that you may use it one day down the track.  Chances are that if you haven't used it in the last twelve months - then you won't use it.   Be ruthless!

Step Three:  Start organising!  You may have to play around a little until you get things right, but there are some fantastic organising items that you can purchase these days that will help you get your containers sorted.  I've listed a few below:

• Racks and Baskets that fit inside your cupboard
• Lid Organisers
• Wire Hangers - that can hang over your cupboard door which can give you more storage space.

A great place to check out is Life Storage and Organise (http://www.lifespace.com.au/) - they have many storage solutions or even Ikea.

Container caddy's like this one pictured to the left are great and don't cost too much.  I picked one up from The Warehouse a few years ago and find I use it constantly!

Tip:  You will have more room when you match up your lids and containers and organise them in hanging racks.  

Tip:  Ensure that the cupboard will close when you are adding any new shelving systems and racks BEFORE you install them.

Tip:  Put matching sets of containers together - it will be easier to find the container you need when you need it!

Tip: Organising won't help if you have too many containers - downsize if you need to - go on, be ruthless!

Step Four: Stack your containers together, ie - round with round, square with square.  Begin with the largest on the bottom, and work up to the smallest being on top.  If you have the space, it will make it easier if you make multiple stacks.  It is a good idea to keep the matching lids with these containers by nestling them into the side of the containers if they will fit.  Otherwise - keep them nearby or in a lid organiser attached to the door.  This will of course all depend on the space you have and the amount and type of containers you own.

Tip: Collate the small containers by storing them in a larger container - this will make them easier to access and find.

Step Five:  Stay organised - don't go back to the old way of just tossing lids and containers back into your cupboard.  You'll thank yourself in the long run!

Tip:  Store less frequently used containers, such as cake containers, in another location - this will give you additional space and room to move.

Tip: Round containers can waste valuable storage space - try to stick to rectangular and square containers.

Now it's your turn - let me see *your* container cupboard!  And don't forget to share any tips that you may have for turning that messy frustrating cupboard into something you'll love and actually use...

  

Tips For Cleaning & Reorganising Your Refrigerator

Cleaning your refrigerator out on a regular basis will not only help your fridge run more economically - it will also be easier to find exactly what you need without having to rummage through an unorganised mess.

What are you waiting for?  Get to it...


Step 1:  If your fridge is in a real mess - begin by emptying all the contents.  Use an esky to keep your items cool while you clean and reorganise.

Step 2:  Remove the shelving in your fridge and clean the interior and shelving with soapy water or if it is extremely dirty or you have stains, use a small amount of bleach (not too much).  Wipe dry with paper towels before you put them back in.  Don't forget the exterior of the fridge and the seals.

Step 3:  Dispose of anything that has passed the use by date in the rubbish or anything that looks a little dodgy. {Remember there is a difference between best before and use by dates}!

Step 4:  When you put the items back into your fridge - make sure that you have items grouped together so it is easier to access and easy to know what you are about to run out of.    This is also a great time to wipe off any containers or jars of food.

Step 5:  Clean your fridge out on a regular basis - weekly, or at least fortnightly.  Your fridge will thank you for it!

Tip: Keep an open box of baking soda in your fridge - this helps keep it smelling fresh and free of odours.

We would love to hear your tips - don't be shy...

Tips For Reorganising Your Pantry

Having an organised and functional pantry in your kitchen can not only save you time and money, but also valuable storage space.  

By having a well organised pantry, you will save numerous trips to the supermarket, and time searching for food and other household items.  And if you are organised enough to keep a good inventory of the products that you use on a regular basis - you will save even more when you visit the grocery store.

Step 1:  Remove everything from your pantry and dispose of anything that has passed the expiry date.  It's a good idea to do this at least once or twice a year when doing the end of season cleaning.

Step 2:  Clean all the shelving, doors and walls down and make sure it is thoroughly dry before putting items back into the pantry.  It is a great idea to put down some contact paper before filling your pantry up - contact is easily cleaned and it protects the shelves from any stains.

Step 3: Begin sorting all of the pantry items into categories. While you are doing this, it is a great idea to put the items in order according to their expiration dates so you can reduce waste.  Use labeled containers to keep items fresh.

Step 4: It is handy to group items together for easier access such as your cereals, crackers, biscuits, baking items etc.  Another good idea is to have your heavier items towards the bottom with the items that you need to access regularly at an easily accessible level. 

Another good idea is to visit places like ikea for storage ideas - no matter how big or small your pantry space is, you will be able to find items to make the most of your space.  Spice racks, stackable containers, door hangers can all work to create more space and organisation no matter what the space is that you are re-organising.

Tip:  Keep a paper and pen in your pantry so that you can write down items that you need on your next shop. 

Tip:  If you have children, a fantastic idea is to keep a shelf or a special area in your pantry just for them.  It'll save you tidying up and reorganising after they've whirled through the pantry.

Don't forget that Brash & Sassy specialise in organising - so if the task of organising your pantry is overwhelming or you simply do not have the time - contact us and we can help.

Tackling The Dreaded Junk Drawer

We've all had one at one time or another - the dreaded junk drawer, where we throw all the odds and ends, bits and pieces and items that we don't other wise have a place for.

Follow the easy steps that I have outlined below and declutter and reorganise your miscellaneous drawer into something you'll be proud of!

Step One:  Remove and empty the contents of the draw onto the floor or a table and clean the drawer with a damp clean cloth.  You might like to take the opportunity to pop in a drawer liner to keep the drawer free from stains and marks.

Step Two:  Broadly categorise the items in front of you while at the same time disposing of anything that has been broken - the chances of you getting any items that have been sitting in this draw out of sight for so long, is minimal.  Put like things together such as buttons, pens, etc - remember to ask yourself if you really need it!

Step Three: Put items that belong elsewhere away.

Step Four:  Gather some organising tools such as a draw divider, Ziploc bags, small containers and a label maker (or masking tape and a permanent marker).  Start organising your items that you have previously categorised in step two and put them into the said containers, bags and label them.  Ask yourself if you really need these items - a general rule that I like to use is if I have not used an item in 12 months or more - out it goes.  When organising the bits and pieces in the drawer - make it neat and easy to find items.

Step Five:  Be disciplined and keep this drawer neat and tidy and free from junk.  Be ruthless and better yet - eliminate the *junk* drawer all together. 

Top Organising Tools - Must Haves...

As a professional organiser, I thought that I would share with you some of my most used and favourite organising tools that I simply cannot do without.  Don't forget to add *your* favourite organising tools in the comments section below...



Label Maker

I love to label pretty much EVERYTHING.  From files, to spice jars to containers.  Labels to me - make the world go round.  But not everyone has the time or money to invest in creating labels for everything.  However, a great system to use, is to keep a roll of masking tape on hand for labels.  Masking tape is really easy to write on and it sticks to many surfaces. 

Use labels for folders, kitchen containers, even the leftovers that you want to freeze.  With everything clearly marked, it makes finding things in the long run, a lot easier!

iPhone/Smart Phone

My iphone is my life - it has *everything* on it that I need at any given time.  It syncs with the contacts and calenders that I have in Outlook on my computer - making my life A LOT easier in many respects! 

The iPhone also has many useful apps that can make life run more smoothly - there are apps for almost everything these days.  My iPhone has most certainly been one of my best investments.

Evernote

While still on the subject of the iPhone/smart phone --- Evernote is one of my favourite apps.  It keeps notes, lists, pictures, receipes, you name it - easy to use when you're on the run.  They have a free version which gives you many options --- try it out today.

Notebook And Pen

I always keep a notebook and a pen in my handbag at all times.  I find it so much easier to pop down notes when I'm out and about and away from my office without having to remember to pop them down when I get home.  Or scribbling it on a scrap piece of paper and then losing it. 

Important information can then be transferred to the appropriate place when you get back to the office.

Post It Notes

I absolutely LOVE post its.  But then again - I love almost everything that comes out of a stationery store.  Post it's are GREAT for using as reminders around the office or house.  You can use them in so many places - on boxes, magazines, containers, in the fridge - there is no limit!

To Do List

I would be lost without my to do list - and this will have to be a completely different blog post entirely - but I find that having a "To Do List" helps me prioritise my time and spend that time productively.

Enough about my favourite organising tools - I would love to hear from you.  What tools help you to get and most importantly *stay* organised?

Update...

As many of my current clients are well aware, I am presently down with a serious spinal problem at the moment.

I hope very much to be up and at full capacity again very very soon.

For new clients, please still feel free to contact me - if I am unable to complete the work for you, I can recommend other businesses that can help you.

Desk Organisation 101

It really is essential to keep a clean and clutter free desk - whether at home or work.  Let's start afresh in 2011 and get your desk in order!

Here are some helpful tips to help you get your desk under control and work smarter, not harder:

Making Your Desk Functional
You must be able to find what you need quickly - planning your space well will save you time and ultimately money.

 Have a place for everything - which will enable you to access items at a moments notice - not go hunting through piles of clutter to find something.
If you use something every day - it needs to be more accessible than something you only use once or twice a week. 

Organise your files by labellilng them clearly - and in a system which allows you to find papers easily.  I use alphabetical order  - just easier that way for me.  Always make a point to file your papers as soon as you have finished with them - handling paperwork only once will help save you time!

Computer equipment takes a lot of room on our desk - printers, cords, modems, etc...  Keep your cords bundled together with velco strips and label them so you know what you are unplugging.

Creating Better Desk Habits
Piles are paper are one of the biggest problems I've come across as a professional organiser. The biggest piece of advice that I can offer you is to process each piece of paper as it comes to hand. Handle that piece of paper only once. Maintaining a clutter free desk will help keep you working productively.

A regular desk organisation routine can help save you loads of time. A planner or diary is a better place to make notes rather that random scraps of paper. Any time you are looking for information - it will be in the one place.

Tidy your desk at the end of each day - and it will give you a clean and fresh start the next morning.

Some Basic Tips to Help You Declutter And Reorganise Your Desk
You'll need to have a rubbish bin, a pen, files/folders,labels and a few good hours of your time.

Clear your desk completely - the top of the desk, the drawers, etc. Sort through each item and categorize it --- either put it away or get rid of it.

Get rid of things that you don't need - pens and pencils for example - if you're not going to use it - it's CLUTTER!

Have a place for everything - which will enable you to access items at a moments notice.

Setting up A Paper Managing System

• Set up an inbox with a stackable tray where all items can be put that need attention.
• You can have other trays - but less is more.  Personally, I have three: Inbox, Bills to Pay and Projects - this suits me, but may not suit you. 
• Remember to file,shred or recycle that piece of paper once you have processed it.

Brash and Sassy specialise in organising - if you have a desk or office out of control - we can help!  Contact Us here and work smarter in 2011.

Re-gifting...

Whether you want to admit it or not - we've all done it at one time or another - Re-gifting!  It is a great way to save money - as long as it is done with thought and tact.  If you are considering "re-gifting" this holiday season - consider the following points first:

• Is the gift actually "re-giftable"?  Never ever regift handmade items, free promotional items.  Gifts such as good bottles of wine, new household items are fine to regift.
• Check the quality of the gift.  Only new and unopened items should be considered.  Use the general rule: if you have to dust it off - it is *not* regiftable.
• Don't be tacky and re-gift to just give a gift - ensure that the recipient will appreciate the item.  People like to believe the gifts that they receive were chosen with thought and care.
• Do update the wrapping and put a new gift card on the item.
• Don't forget where the gift originally came from.  Keep a list of regifts with the name of who gave you the gift.
• Have you considered that an unwanted gift could be a welcome donation to a charity?
• Another option is to sell your gifts on eBay.  You can use the proceeds from the sale of the unwanted gift(s) to buy real gifts.

Christmas Etiquette Tips...

Christmas is the time of year that can bring out the best in people --- but unfortunately it can also bring out the worst...I have listed some basic etiquette tips below - to help make this a wonderful Christmas for all.

• Regardless of the cost or the size of the gift - be grateful for any gifts that you receive.  Someone though enough of you to give you that gift.. Don't offend someone by not being thankful for what you have received...
• Take a moment to spread the Christmas spirit and help someone who is less fortunate than you. 
• We all know that Christmas shopping can be a bitch - no one enjoys battling the crowds - but don't throw away your manners and etiquette - display patience and kindess while shopping.  It really isn't that hard to be considerate of others.
• Eat, drink and be merry at the office Christmas party - but know when to stop!  Be cautious and don't do anything you'll regret the following morning.
• Be careful in "re-gifting" --- ensure that the item is in perfect condition and make sure that there is no possible link to the original giver.
• If you are happy with a service you've received throughout the year - give a bonus for the babysitter, garbage man, cleaner, etc.

Christmas etiquette is actually very simple - it's about thinking of the needs of others, be grateful for what you receive and these simple thoughts and feelings will bring meaning to your Christmas holidays... 

Get Ready For Christmas

Are you ready for Christmas?

Well, we only have around four weeks left until Christmas to go now.... Don't be one of those people who leaves everything to the last minute - plan now for a stress free holiday!  If you haven't already - make a list, check it twice - don't be worrying about who has been naughty or nice...  Below is a checklist that I personally use every year in order to plan for Christmas...


October...

• Book hairdressing appointment for December - you would be surprised how busy they get around the festive season.
• List the friends, family and others that you need to purchase gifts for.
• Purchase your Christmas cards - don't forget that you may have spare cards left over from last year --- save yourself some money!
• Make a list of people you will be sending Christmas cards to.

November...

• Order your ham and turkey and/or seafood - you do not want to be dissapointed.
• Write out your Christmas Cards.
• Send out international cards to ensure they receive them in time.  The postal services are extremely busy in the month of December - get in early.
• Shop for new Christmas decorations - if you need new ones. They get heavily reduced after Christmas (the best time to stock up on them).
• Check Christmas light bulbs - and purchase new ones if neccessary.
• Purchase your christmas gifts (refer to your list)

December...

• Post Christmas Cards - always keep spare cards on hand (just in case).
• Put up the Christmas tree and decorate your house.
• Plan your food and drink shopping early.
• Purchase your gift wrapping items - don't forget to check what you have left over from the previous year.
• Wrap presents - make sure you have everyone covered.
• Ensure you have the batteries required for any toys that may be given as presents on Christmas day.
• Purchase any last minute gifts
• Clean your fridge and oven
• Purchase drinks and perishable foods a day or two prior to Christmas day.
• Make a time-plan for Christmas day - to avoid panic.
• Check cameras for batteries.

Christmas Eve...

1. Prepare any salads and food that you can for the big day ahead.
2. Set and decorate the table (if possible).
3. Wrap any last minute presents.
4. Ensure that you have checked your list twice and you have everything you need.

Christmas Day...

• Get up nice and early - Christmas day isn't just for the kids you know.
• Put the Christmas turkey onto cook.
• Make the last minite preparations such as vegetables, desserts, etc.
• And most importantly of all - enjoy your Christmas day - stress free - with your family and friends...