Organization Archives

September 10, 2018 by Allie

Schoolwork Storage Solution

A new school year has begun, and the kids are going to start bringing home all the schoolwork that they’ve completed (if they haven’t already.) So, how do you decide what to keep? And how do you store it? Continue reading to find out my system for keeping the paper clutter contained! This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.

Sorting

When my 1st grader brings his folder home each week, I pull everything out and sort it into three piles: definitely keep, maybe, and recycle. The first is self-explanatory. The recycle pile is almost always workbook pages that they completed in class that have no sentimental value. The “maybe” pile is papers (usually artwork) that I could keep, but only if my 7 year old really wants me to. So, we go through that stack together.

Storing

To store the papers I am keeping, I use hanging folders in a weatherproof plastic file bin. The hanging folders are labeled by age (for his daycare, preschool, and Pre-K years) or grade level. I’m not sure if one bin is going to have enough space for all of his school years, but we’ll see.

So far, this storage solution is working well and helps me keep on top of things. Sorting through the papers as they come into the house prevents stacks of clutter from ending up everywhere to be dealt with later.

Share your schoolwork storage solutions in the comments, and check out more organization ideas here!

{This post is not sponsored by any company or Amazon. It does contain affiliate links to Amazon. Purchases made through these links support The Practically Green Mom Blog. Please see my disclosure policy for my information.}

March 19, 2018 by Allie

My Bullet Journal Supplies

Now that you know the basics of bullet journaling, let’s talk about supplies! As I mentioned before, all you NEED to get started is a notebook and any old pen. But as your journal evolves, you may find that the basics don’t work for you anymore. Here’s how I make my bullet journal more functional for me. Maybe these tips will help you too! This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.

Many people just use one notebook for everything, mixing their calendars and collections together. When I started off bullet journaling, I did just that. One page would be a weekly spread, and on the next page, a packing list for an upcoming trip. As time went on, I found that to be too cluttered and it was difficult to find things I was looking for. (Though now you understand the importance of an index!)

My current bullet journal is in a travelers notebook with three inserts: one for my calendar, one for collections, and one for notes. I usually carry the notes insert in my purse, then transfer information to either the calendar or collections as necessary. It’s also a great place to do a first draft of new spreads before adding them to the “official” insert.

My pages are color coded using my favorite Paper Mate Flair pens to make important information stand out. The basic layout is in black or gray, and each family member has their own color for appointments/events. I also include my blog posts and related tasks on my weekly pages, so that gets its own color as well.

As time goes on, I could add more inserts to my notebook. I’ve actually been considering separating my yearly collections (books to read, blog calendar, gift ideas) from my long-term collections (home projects, goals, essential oil inventory). That’s what I love the most about using a bullet journal as opposed to a regular yearly planner…the possibilities are endless!

Looking for more info?

Posts about bullet journals
My favorite bullet journal supplies (and a few other things)

March 5, 2018 by Allie

How I Set Up my Bullet Journal

Starting a new bullet journal can be a bit overwhelming. So, if you need some ideas for pages to start with, here’s the basic set-up of my bullet journal. This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.

If you have the official Leuchtturm1917 Bullet Journal, most of the pages will already be included, which may be helpful if you’re a bullet journal beginner!

Key

You can have symbols (indicators) for just about anything you want, but I’ve scaled mine down to just a few: appointments, tasks, holidays, and birthdays.

Index

An Index is like a table of contents. I don’t index my weekly calendars, just collection pages that I would like to refer back to later.

Future Log

There are several ways you can log future events in a bullet journal, but my favorite is the Calendex system. You can check out this video by Boho Berry for a more in-depth explanation of how it works.

Calendar Spread

You can do a monthly, weekly, or daily calendar, depending on your needs. Some people use all three! I’ve used different variations of these spreads on my bullet journal journey, and I’m sure it will change again in the future. At this point in my life, I’ve found that a one page weekly spread works best for me. You can see more examples of my various calendar experiments on my Instagram.

Looking for more info?

Posts about bullet journals
My favorite bullet journal supplies (and a few other things)

February 26, 2018 by Allie

What is a Bullet Journal?

If you follow me on Instagram, you probably know that I use a bullet journal for everyday planning, journalling, and note taking. It’s a very effective way for me to keep track of my daily to-do list, appointments, and more. This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.

What is a bullet journal?

The Bullet Journal was created by Ryder Carroll. It’s an analog (written) system of organization. You can use it simply as a calendar and to-do list, or it can be a way to express your creative side. For most people, it’s a mix of both!

What makes it different from a regular planner?

Bullet journals provide a more flexible way of planning. I’ve used Erin Condren and Plum Paper planners in the past, and the layout of a regular planner just doesn’t work for me. As a stay at home mom, I don’t usually have a lot of appointments or tasks on specific days, but a lot of things to do in a week. Bullet journalling allows me to create a new layout each week depending on what’s going on, or skip a week entirely (if we’re on vacation or something) without wasting paper. It also gives me plenty of space to make collections (lists) for notes, books I want to read, blog post ideas, etc.

Why don’t you just use your phone?

I use my Google Calendar all the time, but I like having things written down, as well. That’s how I kept track of things in high school and college, and old habits die hard, I guess. (Plus, literally checking something off a list is very satisfying. Lol)

How do I get started?

First, pick up a blank notebook (this Leuchtturm dot grid journal is a popular choice) and a pen. Then, start with the basics from the Bullet Journal website.

Don’t worry if it’s not perfectly functional or pretty at the beginning. The beauty of bullet journaling is that it will evolve with you!

You can find more inspiration using the hashtag #bulletjournal on Instagram!

Looking for more info?

Posts about bullet journals
My favorite bullet journal supplies (and a few other things)

March 10, 2015 by Allie

Our New Toy Storage Solution

When we first started house hunting last year, one thing at the top of our must-have list was a playroom for DS. We were fortunate enough to find a house that has one, but (not surprisingly) the toys still migrate all over the place. Since DS’s toy collection has become large quantities of small action figures with tiny little pieces, I knew we needed a new system to get things organized. **This post contains affiliate links. Thanks for supporting PGM!

I started with Sterilite Tall Weave Baskets that fit perfectly in our existing Ikea shelving unit. Then, I had to figure out how to label them. Sticking a label to the bin didn’t seem like a good plan because the bins are textured.

After browsing for ideas on Pinterest, I decided that I definitely needed hanging labels of some sort. So, I ordered these horizontal badge holders. (The colors are so fun!) I used free online clip art for the pictures, and Sharpies to add wording.

The labels are attached to the handle with simple zip ties.

I’m not a super crafty person, but I’m pretty happy with how this project turned out. The toys are all sorted by category, making it really easy for my 3.5 year old to find what he’s looking for. (We all know how preschoolers get when they can’t find the ONE toy that they want!)

I hope this post gave you some ideas for controlling the toy clutter in your own home! Happy Organizing!

{I am affiliate blogger for Amazon.com. By clicking on the links in the above post, you are supporting PGM. Please see my disclosure policy for more information.}

January 14, 2014 by Allie

Clutter Clean-Up: Kids Playroom Organization

It’s a new year, and time to get a head start on your spring cleaning! (FYI I get a little something if you click the links below…*whispers* “support the blog!”)

Today is National Organization Day, and I’m looking for inspiration to organize a playroom because…well…this is my living room (x 1000, because this pic was taken at least one birthday and one Christmas ago, so you can imagine what it looks like now!)

Luckily, we’ll be moving soon (more details on that later, when I actually have them!), and a playroom/gameroom is on our must have list! So, I’ve been searching Amazon for a few things we’ll need.

1) Toy Storage – How cute are these wildlife bins! Available in Fox, Raccoon, Bunny, and Owl. Definitely need one of each!
2) Bookshelf – Sling bookshelves are great, because you can see the book covers, and they’re easily accessible. Anything is better than the stacks of books we have on our shelves now…
3) Rug to hide dirt – I’m not a huge fan of carpet (we don’t have any in our current home), but I would like to have a rug in the playroom to give Little Man a soft place to play on the floor. Obviously, with a two year old, light colored fabrics are a recipe for disaster! I think this gray rug would tie the room together nicely!

{I am an affiliate blogger for Amazon. This post contains affiliate links that support this blog. Please read my disclosure policy for more information.}

March 14, 2013 by Allie

Fresh Start for Spring – Controlling Clothing Chaos {Part 2}

CONTINUED FROM PART 1

So, after sorting everything into piles of size and season (ie: 6-9 months winter clothing), it was time to pack everything up to store in the attic. If you don’t have an attic or basement with ample storage space, my system may not work for you, but I’m sure it can be adapted to work on a smaller scale.

I started with a large plastic tub, and some space bags. I’m not sure if the space bags really conserve space, but I had them, so I used them. Each bag was packed with clothing from a specific size range/season and labeled accordingly.

The ziploc bags were perfect for storing and labeling smaller items, like shoes and socks.

The tub is about half full of 6-12 month items. Since we’re still in some 12-18 month clothing, I put the latest outgrown items in the smaller plastic containers for closet storage until later. I think at this rate, I can use the same tub to store all of his 6-18 month stuff. 🙂

Now the closet is all cleaned out, and I’ve started making a list of items that we need for this summer. Mostly shorts and sandals. I think we’re good on t-shirts. Maybe another pair or two of PJs.

Ahhh…look at all of that empty space. So refreshing!!

Happy organizing!!

March 12, 2013 by Allie

Fresh Start for Spring – Controlling Clothing Chaos {Part 1}

If you’re a Facebook Fan, you know that yesterday was devoted to cleaning out my son’s dresser and closet, and packing away or donating his outgrown clothes.

Part one of Controlling Clothing Chaos will explain my decluttering process, and part two will be about the storage aspect.

First, before you tackle any decluttering – make sure all laundry is put away. (This will make part two easier, trust me!)

I started with the dresser, because it has less stuff to weed through. Now that it’s March and the weather is warming up, the bottom drawer of blankets seemed unecessary…so they are packed into an underbed storage box. Still easy to access, but not taking up unneeded space. Unfortunately, the box is too tall to fit under the crib, so it is being stored under my bed for now.

Next, I pulled all of the winter pajamas out of the second drawer. Once I realized that doing that only left a few sets of spring/summer PJs, I decided to use that space for something else, and set them aside for relocation.

The top drawer of the large dresser (socks, thermometer, diaper creams, etc.) remained unchanged. The now empty second and bottom drawer of the large dresser became home to my cloth diapers, and the small dresser now has a few PJs (and two empty drawers!)

Now…to the closet. As my son outgrows things, I usually sort them into plastic containers like these and store them on the top shelf of the closet. That way, things that are the same size and season tend to already be together, which makes part two of the process easier.

However, I only have 4 containers, and once they were full…this happened…

So, it was a little bit of a process to get everything grouped together for storage, but it gave me a chance to go through all of his clothes and decide what I really wanted to keep for our next child.

Stay tuned for PART TWO to see how I store everything!