Tips and Tricks to Organizing Crazy- "Get it out, Put it away!"

Welcome to the first addition of "Tips and Tricks to Organize Crazy!"  In my quest to organize the crazy that is my house, I have tried to talk to those around me that have an organized life.  I just know I can do this better but I don't know where I go wrong!  So I decided to call up, talk to, interview those around me that do it well!

The first person I interviewed (and really, I spent 2 hours on the phone with her talking about her routines and such) was my sister-in-law, Tammy.  This woman has a handle on clean!!  In the 20 some years that we have been family I have NEVER seen her house in a mess.  She has 5 kids and my oldest brother as her hubster.

I learned so much from her in my 2 hour conversation- but for this first edition of Tips and Tricks I will share the one thing that stuck out the most. "If you get it out, put it away- always."  Doesn't that seem like a duh?! But shockingly, I rarley do it!    I make lunch for the kids, I put it away at nap time (maybe).  The kids play with toys all day and we wait to put them away before bed (and that is no fun).  I have finished up a paint project, and leave it on the counter for a day or two before getting it put away.  I come in from church and set the whole wad of kid's papers and bulitins on the table and it stays until company comes and we need the extra spot at the table, I could go on- but why embarrass myself further?

I started applying this new mantra to the highchair tray.  Babes always makes a mess of it...and I used to wipe him off and take the tray to the sink and get back to it later (usually before I needed it again).
But now I:
1.take the tray to the sink and hose it off- use the soapy brush if needed.
2. Grab a washcloth and wipe it dry.
3. Stick tray behind highchair
4. Take the same wash cloth and wipe up the babe
5. Set Babe free.

What a no-brainer this is! :) But I don't doubt there is also the mom out there like myself-- where you are good at many things, but keeping a tidy house isn't one of them and need the tips and tricks to figure it all out!

This concept, as simple as it is, is a major work in progress.  But it is a start!

A little less crazy,
Beth