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 tips
and links
1. Label, label, label
Labelling makes identifying the items in a box, drawer or shelf
much easier, especially if items are stored high or if you
cannot see the contents of the box. Children should be able to
put clothes and toys away easily if their shelves and toy
containers are well labelled or have simple pictures to help
them identify the contents.
2. Baby steps
Your home didn’t get disorganised in just a day and so it will
take lots of baby steps to get it to a place of order and
functioning well. The idea is to get started! Start with say
just one drawer and work from there. Put a timer on for 15
minute sessions to keep you from getting overwhelmed. Try to do
one small thing to get sorted every day.
3. Don’t just put things down, put them away
Every item you possess needs a home. Get into the habit of
putting whatever is in your hand back in its rightful place once
you have finished with it. That way you will keep your home from
being cluttered. Make sure that every member of your family
knows where items belong and how your organisation system works.
4. The one-in, one-out rule
If you buy a new magazine, give one or more away. The same rule
applies for kid’s toys, clothing, books, electronic equipment
etc.
5. End of day de-clutter
At the end of each day, sweep through your home with a basket,
collecting everything that is not in its place and put it where
it belongs. That way you will wake up to an organised home. The
same applies to your home office.
6. Forming new habits and routines
Get into the habit of putting clothes out for the next morning,
making lunches for the next day and even preparing the kitchen
for the morning rush – all the night before. Teach your children
these routines. Plan and take action tonight for tomorrow. Once
you get into these habits, they honestly don’t take up so much
time.
7. Plan your admin
The only way to stay on top of your admin and paperwork, is to
plan to do it. Have a set time in your diary, preferably once a
week, to keep filing and finances up to date.
WHAT TO DO WITH UNWANTED ITEMS
In the process of decluttering and organising, there will be
items that you no longer want. Listed are ideas for getting rid
of your stuff.
Donate
Recycle
Sell
Eco
Resources
Green Thing is a public service that inspires people to lead a
greener life
“We expose the impact of over-consumption, frenzied accumulation
of 'things' and of the damage we cause to the environment
because of this way of living. It is our hope to be part of a
movement that changes the relationship between business and the
environment and between human and living systems so as to create
a more just and sustainable world.”
The National Recycling Forum (NRF) is a non-profit organisation
created to promote the recovery and recycling of recyclable
materials in South Africa.
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“The people who are most successful in managing their time,
make appointments with themselves to complete tasks.”
BARBARA HEMHILL,
TAMING THE PAPER TIGER |
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