Here are 8 very useful tips on organizing your home. Taking that first step is the most important part of organizing your home. So now let's get started on step one. This is critical because you can't get to where you want to go unless you know what that "where" looks like. How do you want this room to function? How do you want to feel when you're in it? What do you want to do in this room? What is the real purpose of this room?

Tip #1

Get a pad of paper and pen and walk through each room of your home and write down what you see. It is important not to be overwhelmed. Try doing this systematically.

For example, here is what you might see in your home entry way: shoes, unopened newspapers, mail and circulars that are left at your door, keys, pet toys, coats, sweaters and more. Now write down what can be done to eliminate this clutter.

Tip #2- Get into a Routine

Sounds simple doesn't it - well take it from me it's one of the hardest tasks to do. As a teacher, I have always found this has helped me "organize" my day at school for lessons planning, staff meetings and have always found it effective - so, guess what? I now do it for organizing the home. For example, with the children if they have left any toys lying around after playing with them I encourage them to put them away in their "tidy box" or on the shelf.

Tip #3 - Organize Storage

All things in the home must have a "Home" that's one of the things I say to my kids. Why? Because when something is not seen (in the closet) you can get the False Feeling of it's all organized. On the shelves divide up sweaters, blouses, the clothes you wear now. As for racks - great for shoes.

Tip #4 - Organize your kitchen

Organize you cabinets for plates, Tupperware, guest tableware - separately if possible, if not, separate shelves. Another great (often overlooked) storage facility is the "Dishwasher" - storage and "purpose" rolled into one!

Tip #5 - Organize the Bathrooms

Ideally, if you have the space and children two bathrooms are great. Make sure that shelves for the toothpaste are just the 'right' height for the children in their bathroom. In addition, keep no make up or any potentially dangerous articles in the children's bathroom within reach!

Tip #6 - The master grocery list

It's been one the greatest time savers in our home. Basically I have a 'general list' that includes the 'basics' then 'specifics' including favorite items that my children would like in the week and then 'luxuries' the items that we would like but don't need.

Tip #7 - Organize the Garage

Start out by making piles, for example: Yard tools, hand tools etc. Begin by clearing off the work bench it you have one. You might want to purchase some storage containers for the things you have in the house you want to save. Label the containers and stack them in the garage. You can buy hooks to hang rakes, shovels, hoses, bicycles etc

Tip #8 - Have a garage sale

After you go through the house and garage, you will end up with many things you no longer want. The most fun way to get rid of these items is by having a garage sale. You will be amazed at the amount of money you can possibly earn and what you don't sell you can give away or donate.

Good luck with the re-organization!