Keep and Stay Organized

Growing up in a small apartment, I didn't have the luxury of throwing my clothes everywhere or allowing things to pile up. Instead, I had to train myself to carefully fold my clothes or hang them up. This also translated to all other aspects of my lifestyle. Whether it was in the tiny kitchen or closets, all we possessed had to be put in its place.When I went off to college, the need and trend continued. Again, I was forced to make concessions.

I shared a place with two other guys and was forced to store everything I owned in my bedroom. I devised spaces for all my supplies and became adept at organizing.When I graduated and got my own apartment, it became easier. Eventually I married and bought a house. My wife was happy I was so neat and so was I.

I opened up an advertising agency and learned to set up simple filing systems to track my accounts. Later, when I worked for a large company, I established a similar method of keeping each customer's documents easily available. Today, my world is pretty much the same. Even the garage is clean and every tool is hung up and placed in a practical area.

Being organized makes for a richer life. That's because it not only keeps harmony within the family living there, but makes chores like cleaning, a snap. By having all one's clothes always stored or hung in the same place, it lets anyone do the laundry and put it away. The same is true for the kitchen appliances, cookware, dishes, and the pantry. Both spouses can find what they need quickly and efficiently.Move to the home office, where the bill paying is accomplished.

If both know where the tax records, insurance papers, and alike are kept, either can do the paperwork required. We use a metal filing cabinet in the garage for the less used papers like the house deeds and car titles. But you get the picture.

By putting everything back where it belongs, hours of searching and frustration can be avoided, but you have to have a plan.It can work like this: if you're a couple, start by agreeing where everything will go. Set up a filing system that works and stick with it. If you both abide by the rules, it can work. Then, as the children grow old enough, teach them the system. My daughter is out on her own and loves being organized, which she learned from me.

Give it a try, and trust me. Being able to find things at a moments notice will make your life happier and easier. Now file this article under, "S" for a smart idea.

He had his own advertising agency in Scottsdale, Arizona and ran a consulting and design firm, ABC Advertising. He has authored 6 books and a novel, "Pursuit of the Phoenix," available at amazon.com. His latest book is, "Inside the Yellow Pages." Currently, he is the Marketing Director for thenurseschoice.com, a Health Information and Doctor Referral site.

By: Jeffrey Hauser