Monday, January 26, 2009

One Small Step...

It's my dirty little secret. I am disorganized. Although my type A personality dearly wants order and perfection, at the same time it paralyzes me because if the end result won't be perfection (and I know it won't), then why even bother? I know; sick, right?

Exhibit A: the counter top area next to the fridge. At least it's hidden and can't be seen unless you're right in front of it. But I was starting to have problems finding things when I needed them. Today's project in general was the kitchen, and as part of that I decided to tackle this.

Lots of the papers stacked up are coupons from the Sunday paper. It's been so long since I actually cut them out that I'm sure a large portion of them are already expired. I wouldn't let myself buy a paper yesterday because of this, until I get it under control. The black wire file-thingy on the right was Handsome's attempt to help me organize the incoming paper flow from school. It's labeled and everything. It just didn't work for me. Or I just didn't work it.

The white plastic thing on the far right is magnetic and sticks to the side of the fridge. I've had it for about 10 years. I keep stamps, scrap paper, restaurant coupons, and some memorabilia in it. It is a mess itself, but it corrals all those things and I know where they are. A while ago, the magnet came off, and it's just been sitting on the counter ever since.

So here's Exhibit B: the same space, after.

I hot-glued the magnet back to the white thing and stuck it back on the fridge. Then I unearthed my IKEA Utsaga buckets and rail from the depths of the basement and hung it up. I've had this for about 6 or 7 years and used it in every house during that time. Usually it's almost the first thing I put up. It holds all the pens, pencils etc, and will look somewhat messy itself before too long. I looked on the website, and it appears that they don't carry it anymore, but there are some similar systems, like Grundtal and Bygel. (Editing to add: this one looks even more like.) Oh, IKEA, how I love thee! I'm feeling the urge to make a trip to Chicago...

I used a binder clip to hold the wire to my cellphone charger, and now I can rest my phone on the rail while it charges. I also found some generic in/out boxes in the basement to hold Buzz books and church directories. I will try very hard to keep from stuffing any and all random papers in there.

Okay, so that's an improvement. But guess what I still have to do? Sort through all those papers that are now sitting on the kitchen table. Sigh.


8 comments:

Nonie said...

Oh how I laughed about the "stuff" now resting on the kitchen table. I just finished cleaning out a hall storage closet and I have a lot of "stuff" sitting in the garage. Now who's going to clean that up?

Hope you find the kitchen table before dinner time. :-)

gina said...

I love your buckets on a rail- too cute!

Mrs. Dunbar said...

What a wonderful idea.
I really enjoy your Souper Saturday recipes also.

Beki - TheRustedChain said...

Your before picture looks EXACTLY like the corner of my countertop!

I'm going to have to try your organizing skills.

Wendy said...

Um, your before pictures look like my after... Do you think I might have a problem? :o)

Mandi @ Sweetly Home said...

What a difference. Ikea is a life saver. Isn't it? That bucket deal is so great. Good job! This weekend my darling hubby and I are sorting through an overflowing paper ream box full of things that need filed, shredded and tossed. Oh I hate paper trails. Good luck!

Bonnie said...

Looks fantastic ! I love the IKEA buckets. They are really cute ... and look awfully useful !!

Bonnie said...

PS ... I've just started a series on organizing at my blog if you want to check it out ...

SIMPLE BEAUTY