One of the common problems associated with summer-time clutter, and being generally disorganized, is a lack of specific places to put things. With the right “zones,” it is much easier to have a clutter-free organized home or home office. Generally speaking, there are ten (10) zones every home should have, they are:
Home Office Zone
If you work from a home office, full-time or part-time, you’ll want to be very clear about not allowing other people to use that space. Your business computer and office supplies should be “off-limits.” Your files should be locked to protect confidential information. Some states now require that level of security by law.
Kitchen Zone
Your kitchen zone is just that, a place for making and eating dinner. Too often I see it become a dumping zone for everything. If it’s not related to cooking, eating, and enjoying dinner, it has to be moved to the appropriate zone! One exception is having a well-organized mail zone in this area.
Recycle Zone
Recycling is environmentally friendly and cuts down trash costs. Creating a recycle zone is easy to do. You can get low-cost or free plastic recycling containers at most local Department of Public Works, or you can find a wide variety of options at a department store like Target.
Mail Zone
The best way to manage mail is with a desktop action file. I have clients, from more than 10 years ago, who tell me they are still using the desktop system we created during a Three Hour Transformation. Be sure to add a folder for gift-certificates and coupons.
Shoes and Jackets Zone
If you live in a home with three or four others (adults/kids), and each has a couple pairs of shoes and sneakers, it’s not uncommon to see footware EVERYWHERE! Create a place where everyone can put their shoes and sneakers. Some people use a rack in the bottom of a closet while others have a large plastic tub where everyone “dumps” their shoes as they come into the house. Consider using a nickel shoe tree or cubbies for shoes. A jacket zone should be near your shoe zone and is usually a standard closet. Be sure to keep plenty of extra hangers in your closet so no one has an excuse not to hang-up their jackets. A coat tree, or hooks, are great if you have space near your entryway.
Wet Towels Zone
Towels after a shower should go on a rod to dry so they can be used a second time – which is environmentally friendly! Beach towels can be hung up on a clothes line or over the railing on a deck. Every house is different so do whatever works for your home, but they can’t just be thrown on the floor! Create a wet towel zone and make sure everyone knows where it is and uses it!
Wet Bathing Suits Zone
One of my clients was telling me about wet clothes all over their home. In the kitchen area, on the front deck, at the top of the cellar stairs, on the floor in the laundry room – everywhere! This created a lot of clutter as well as created a place where mold and mildew could start. A wet bathing suit zone is a must during the summer months. It could be as simple as a plastic hamper near your washer and dryer. Wherever you create it, all wet bathing suits must be put there!
Sports Zone
Golf clubs, kids sports gear, and other equipment should always be stored in your sports zone. If you see tennis rackets in the driveway, tell the kids to put them away (i.e. train them!) and have a sports zone where everything belongs.
Garden Zone
Having quick access to your gardening equipment makes managing your garden easier and more enjoyable. I know so many people who love planting vegetable gardens in the summer. Create a garden zone for your equipment, supplies, and hand-tools. A heavy-duty bag for smaller garden tools is very convenient.
Quiet Zone
Last, but not least, is a quiet zone. Everyone needs a place that is free of clutter where they can relax peacefully. If you have the luxury of a spare room, you are fortunate. If you don’t, find a small place where you can create your quite zone. It might be just a corner of a room where you can sit, look out a window, and relax in a comfortable chair while listening to your favorite music.
Need help getting organized or removing clutter from your home or office? Hiring a Professional Organizer has many benefits for your personal life and for your business or career. Call me today for more information about my Jump Start Program or myThree Hour Transformation where I literally have changed people’s lives in as little as 180 minutes! Call me today at (978) 922-6136.
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