I was just doing the crossword (a favourite past-time of mine, even though I can NEVER finish it without my mother) and came across the clue: 3 letter word for disencumber.  Easy.  Rid.

But I couldn’t help thinking what a lovely word “disencumber” was.  (Ok.  Maybe it could also sound a little Bobbitt-esque too) but my first association with that word was a feel-good relief.  Like being able to breathe after taking off something really heavy (or too-tight jeans at 36 weeks pregnant.  aaaaaahhhhhh.)

Say it out loud.

“Disencumber”.

Now read it again, and this time, actually say it out loud (because I know you didn’t do it the first time.)

“Disencumber”.

Think about it for a second.

Doesn’t it make you want to rid of the things in your life that weigh you down?  Like the potted plant that you accidentally killed, but still keep watering, hoping that it might spring back to life?  (Ok, maybe that is just me).  Or the 6 of the same _____ (fill in the blank) that you keep buying, because you can’t remember where you put the last 5?  Your medicine cabinet, linen closet, laundry room, drawer of despair…  whatever it is, disencumber yourself.  Get rid of the crap that weighs you down and immediately feel like you have lost a few pounds.  It is like an hour long, cathartic weight-loss program, and really - who wouldn’t be into that?!?

OK, I probably shouldn’t have mentioned “Bobbitt-esque” because that is probably seriously overpowering how great the word is.  So if it bothers you, just stick with the three letter word that was so easy in the first place.

RID!

Organizing doesn’t always have to be a huge day long production. I’m sure we’ve all learned through the podcasts that getting organized is an ongoing process, you don’t have to be perfect just keep at it.

If your clutter is keeping you up a night, we suggest taking FIVE! That’s right… take 5 minutes right now and clean up ONE cupboard in your kitchen, or one drawer in your dresser. One space, Five minutes…easy peasy. Now go set the timer, and don’t get sucked into doing more. This is your five minute fix then pat yourself on the back and do something else, enjoy your family, read an extra book to the kiddos, take a bubble bath, and be proud.

Let us know what your “5 Minute Fix” was today (mine is under my kitchen sink!) - Daria

We’re back from vacation and ready to Play, but before we get those toys out they need a bit of organizing. Maja’s major headache is her Toy Room!

In our “Toy Room Tantrum” episode today we’ll explore what you need to create an organized and functional toy room that your kids will love, and will hopefully ease that clutter headache for all the moms who listen in.

How to do it:
1 - Shelves (tall ones are best)
2 - Baskets and Bins
3 - Labels or Graphic picture for front of the bin (take out your camera and snap pics of what goes in, your kids will pick it up fast and be able to put away toys in a snap)
4 - Ditch the big ole’ Toy Box (it’s a black hole!)
5 - Widdle down your toy collection and be ruthless. Don’t forget our Mantra - “Top to bottom, left to right, focus, Focus, FOCUS!”
6 - How to maintain it is simply to have quick cleanups twice a day, then it’s simple and fast to keep it organized and beautiful

*If you have an area in your home or office that requires organizing, but you just don’t know where to start, shoot us an email to: thesavvyorganizer@gmail.com and your question might be featured and answered in an upcoming episode.

This week Maja is dishing about how to create a fun and organized space for your children in their bedroom. Make their rooms a space that is all their own, and use these handy tips for creating a childhood haven:

1. Toys are Outta there!
2. Find the magic - do some magazine research and discover the special touches that will make it all theirs
3. Age appropriate - this means adding drawer latches for things that are hands-off to them
4. Keep in mind the height of your children - make things accessible that they will need and want
5. Picture their ability for keeping things organized. What will work for them? Give them duties to keep their room tidy and instill a sense of pride and contribution in them.
6. Have them make their own beds - they are capable (come back later and tighten it up if needed, but allow them to do it and feel good)
7. Get Your stuff OUT of their closet! (Kids stuff only and extra bedding for their beds.)

Make your child’s room a safe, relaxing haven for rest, reading and cuddle time.

A dream of mine would be to inspire each of you to keep the bulk of your children’s toys out of their bedroom. To a few of our readers this may sound a bit backwards, and of course I understand it may not work if you don’t have a family room or basement, however for the rest of us the idea has a lot of merit for a number of reasons:

1. The first reason is that it keeps your little ones bedroom as a good place for a time-out. If there are tempting toys in there, your child’s room doesn’t make a time-out effective, it’s just way too fun in there!
2. It designates their room a place to sleep, calm, and read (isn’t that what bedrooms are for?)
3. Can’t help but keep the bedroom tidy and uncluttered.
4. Helps to encourage your children to play together outside of their bedroom – they then have to be in the same room together, and I believe that this helps foster little relationships.
5. (This is the most important one) It helps you keep an eye on your kids so that they don’t get into trouble!

Some children need a few comfort toys in their rooms and that is definitely ok, but try to keep the toy clutter it to a minimum. It will save your sanity. Your life of keeping things organized, and your children’s space staying tidy will get a lot easier.