So you have a nest? Your First Space

Having our first place it’s a wonderful moment of accomplishment and also one of doubts on how to make things work, so let me give you an upper hand with tips on the practical side of life, so you don’t trip on your clothes while looking for your keys on your way out the door for the big day!

Whether you have just moved in or you’re already in place, you want to make sure your space is working to your advantage. So, let’s stop and make a quick plan on how you can use your space. Think of your routines and you’ll see you need a place to:

Get in and get out: make sure you have a place for your things as you walk in and you won’t spend a minute looking for them on your way out!

Most of us don’t like to carry the purse, bags, files, keys all the way into to their proper places and they end up on a pile somewhere. So, unless you are super disciplined you’ll end up losing time later, looking for all the things you “lost” on your way in. Have a beautiful bowl or small container for your keys, wallet, and sunglasses at the entry. A hook for your purse and a place to sit and protect your “toesies”, really it’s all you need here.

Looking good before you head out – If you spent time and money shopping for your beautiful clothes, shoes and accessories, now it’s time to honor your investment by organizing your closet in a way that helps you find what you want and never feel you spent so much and still don’t have anything to wear. Organize your garments by type and then by color. We all like friends, so do your pants! If possible, spend some time on a weekend and “edit” your outfits, call a friend if you want and then write them down or make photos with your phone, this way morning time will be a breeze. 

Create the habit of putting your clothes away or into the laundry bag as soon as you change and you won’t have to spend your precious weekend hours doing this chore.

Feed your tummy & your cravings – Like for most things in life, to eat healthy and on a budget, you will need a plan. Otherwise, you will be hungry and most likely will jump in a bowl of junk food. Not good for your health, your pocket or the glow of your skin! A 20 minute investment before starting the week to plan what you’ll have for dinner will save you time and money. Make a quick list of the foods you like and plan for about 4 meals. These are 2 great websites I find very easy to use: Everyday Food and How to Cook Everything. If you are vegetarian, my favorites are again, Mark Bittman’s book and Anna Thomas’ Love Soup

And believe me, if I can cook, so can you!
http://www.marthastewart.com/everyday
http://www.howtocookeverything.tv/
http://www.vegetarianepicure.com

Feed your brain & your Twitter feeds: You want a spot in your place to be home for your work, books and all your documents, bills, policies, warranties and all the things related to your living. You may want to start with a small file box or a file drawer, but you should have a system in place to be organized. Here are a few categories you should have in mind: Personal, Professional, Finances. Choose files you like and you’ll enjoy creating your own system. You can look for systems like Joys or file in a box, to give you a frame to work with. Plus, you’re just starting; it will be quick and simple!

Create enough space to store your papers, magazines, books exploring the heights of your walls. Tall bookshelves will make use of otherwise unused space and you’ll have plenty of space on your desk or table to sit and work.

Make your space clean: well, long are gone the days your mom was the one responsible for the care of your home, now, really, it is on you and I’m sure that like most people, you too will enjoy a fresh and clean house.

I like to use small baskets with all I need to keep my home in shape and I use good on the eyes ones, so I don’t have to hide them. Here is what you need:

Kitchen:

§  multipurpose surface cleaner

§  oven cleaner

§  sponge & towels

Bath:

§  shower, tub & tile cleaner

§  toilet bowl cleaner

§  glass cleaner

§  wipes

Around the house:

§  duster ( I love the microfiber Fuzzi Mitten @ The Container Store)

§  Dust pan & broom

§  Vacuum cleaner

My favorite brands, because they deliver and I don’t have to wear a mask to use them are: Mrs. Meyers, Seventh Generation and Clean, from Martha Stewart.
http://www.seventhgeneration.com/


Make a list of all the products you need in the house, from tooth-paste and toilet paper to laundry detergent, print it and keep it handy. As you need more of them, just mark it and you’re ready for your weekly shopping trip.


I hope this will help you feel on control and make your daily routine a little easier on you. I truly believe when things are in place, you have more time for what you really love, or at least the time to find out what tickles your soul!




I wish you a wonderful day!




Helena, A Personal Organizer.
www.apersonalorganizer.com
@HelenAlkhas