Control Your Childrens Clutter!!

Ever feel overwhelmed by all the papers, notices, artwork, and other items your kids bring home from school? Don't be a pack rat!! We'll show you how to "Trap the R-A-T" (RETAIN, ACT, THROW)

1. School flyers: Nearly every day, your child brings home flyers announcing some school activity, bake sale, field trip, or other such notices. Unfortunately, these notices tend to pile up unless acted upon. As soon as practicable, read the flyers and perform the following R.A.T. exercise. RETAIN: All school flyers that you need to keep (class lists with phone numbers, emergency procedures, etc.) ACT: Make sure you have your calendar while reviewing the flyers, and mark any important dates. Once you mark the date, you should be able to "throw." THROW: Anything you suspect you won't need in the future. Don't be afraid to throw, as you can always go back to the school and ask about the content of the flyer if necessary. There should be approximately a 4 to 1 ratio of "throw" to "retain."

2. Art Work: While it would be great to be able to keep all of your childrens' artwork in perpetuity, most of us don't have enough room in the house!! I recommend that you follow the 3 "F" rule.

FRAME: Some outstanding pieces of artwork deserve framing. Buy several acrylic frame boxes at The Container Store and hang the framed artwork around your house, in your basement, or in your child's room. Your kids will appreciate the recognition they get when you go the extra mile to frame their art.

FILE: Not all art is frameworthy. But it may not be trashworthy either! Keep those items which demonstrate talent, and you may someday decide to frame. Make a file box for each child, and let them decorate the box. When they bring something home they want to keep, ask them to file it in their very own keepsake box.

FLUSH: No need to keep random scribble, or works that don't meet your standards. There should be a 1 to 3 to 5 ratio of Frame, File and Flush. And don't forget, much of the "filed" art can be used as gifts to relatives. You may also consider taking digital photos of your child's art, and storing it on disk. Although it's not the same as the original, this is a good way to reduce the clutter of the overwhelming amount of art that comes through the door.

3. Art Supplies: To create a masterpiece, your child needs the proper tools. Everything from markers, crayons, paints, and brushes need to be organized or they will quickly overtake your home. Keep everything in a portable box that they can bring from room to room, and separate the crayons, markers and other stuff into baggies. Make it clear that they are responsible for maintaining order for their art supplies. You may also consider purchasing a small "art desk" and a bookshelf so they can have their own area in the house to do artwork. Put the supplies in separate lined baskets in the bookshelf for them to use.

4. Birthday invitations: To keep track of all the birthday parties, it's best to follow the "GO or NO" rule. Once you get invited try to make a decision quickly. Mark it in your calendar and make a birthday invitation file so you can keep the ones you need (i.e. if there's directions you'll need the day of the party). If it's a "NO," respond within a day or two and "flush" the invitation.

These are just a few of the ideas to help kill the clutter. To go the extra mile, a professional organizer can help you meet all of the above challenges, and more.

About The Author

Betsy Fein is the President of Clutterbusters!!, a professional organizing firm based in Rockville, Maryland. For a free evaluation of your home or office, and to review clutterbusting products, go to www.theclutterbusters.com. Copyright 2003

feintimes@aol.com

---

1-2-3 Sort

Article excerpted from the new book, "How to Do Space... Read More

9 Simple Strategies for Home Organization

Home organization means being able to find your stuff when... Read More

Without a Plan, You?re Doomed to Failure

"My job is an endless series of deadlines, I am... Read More

Just How Organized Are You? Take This Quiz For Individuals

The Productive Environment Scorecard?Read the statements below and rate your... Read More

Time for a Clean Out

Time has flown. It's been six months since you came... Read More

Spring Cleaning

Spring is such a refreshing time- we are filled with... Read More

What Clutter Clearing Can Do For You

You can get a pretty good idea of the benefits... Read More

Balance - And Other Things

The Mexican VillagerThe American investment banker was at the pier... Read More

Identifying the Rocks: Organizing Your Priorities

In one of my favorite books, First Things First, written... Read More

Saying Goodbye to Stacks of Paper and Distractions

A daily journal will save you time, reduce stress and... Read More

The Clutter Campaign - Design Your Vision

I like a room you can dance in the middle... Read More

Balance- What Does It Really Mean?

Balance- what a popular topic these days! Finding a work-life... Read More

Clutter Control

Remember when you charged into the office that first day,... Read More

Four Easy Steps to An Organized Closet

The National Association of Professional Organizers has dedicated January to... Read More

8 Signs Your Home is Out of Control -- and What to Do About It

It happens without warning. One day you notice your home... Read More

The Psychology of Being Organized

Individuals who are organized in their personal lives most generally... Read More

Get Rid Of The Clutter

You really can have a successful business and a great... Read More

How Much Is Your Time Worth?

Does Your Present Internet Filing System Work?Do You Really Know... Read More

Digging out of Paper Clutter - part 1

Digging out from under stacks of paper might seem like... Read More

Improve Your Workplace to Make Your Life Better

What does "quality of life" mean to you? If you... Read More

Everything Fits Together Perfectly!

Here's a little lesson I experienced while packing boxes for... Read More

Escaping The Clutter Trap? - 5 Steps For Increasing Productivity And Decreasing Stress

? Do you feel overwhelmed by all the "stuff" in... Read More

Quick Organizing Tips From Assistance For You

Keeping on task and getting organized starts with a basic... Read More

5 Reasons to Organize Your Home Today

Home organization isn't just for neat-nicks or those drawn toward... Read More

Organization Tips - How To Get Things Done

What stops you from 'getting things done?'Have you ever started... Read More

Five Simple Tips to Get Organized Today!

Take time to declutter this summer...Writing can certainly consume the... Read More

How Clutter Affects Your Love Life

Clutter in any area of your home is a sign... Read More

What Momma Never Told Me About Housekeeping

A lot of us grew up with Mom taking care... Read More

Clutter & Creativity

Take a look around you right now. Look away from... Read More

Organized For Life

Questions come my way all the time regarding my God-given... Read More

Organize Your Children & Save Your Sanity

It may be difficult to relate saving money with organization... Read More

Clutter Clearing Tips that Work

Coping with clutter is rarely easy. There's more involved than... Read More

5 Tips to Banish Clutter From Your Life For Good

Studies show that 80 percent of what we use comes... Read More