Suggestions for Organizing Housework

Mention anything with suggestions for organizing housework, and you get every homemaker's attention.

 Nineteenth-Century Thoughts on Housework

As society gradually shakes off the remnants of barbarism, a truer estimate is formed of woman's duties, and of the measure of intellect requisite for the proper discharge of them. Let any man of sense and discernment become the member of a large household, in which a well-educated and pious woman is endeavoring systematically to discharge her multiform duties; let him fully comprehend all her cares, difficulties, and perplexities; and it is probable he would coincide in the opinion that no statesman, at the head of a nation's affairs, had more frequent calls for wisdom, firmness, tact, discrimination, prudence, and versatility of talent, than such a woman.

An excerpt from "The American Woman's Home", by Catherine E. Beecher and Harriet Beecher Stowe, published in 1869.

The Value of Making Lists

Making lists is the common-sense way to keep track of things for both young people and seniors. Helping us understand the value of making lists is what I hope to do with this post. I know I'm not the only one who has a flash of inspirational thought; neglect to write it down; and torture myself for hours--sometimes days--trying to remember. There is definitely value in making lists of important things to do.

There's an advantage to:

1. Writing down activities makes them more concrete.
2. Lists enable you to consider items more carefully and to give them their proper priorities.
3. Writing down activities prevents you from forgetting them. Once they're written down, you don't have to continue relying on your memory.
4. It feels good to cross items off a list once they've been accomplished.

Worth noting: Highly productive people also have a "to-don't" list; which is a list of things NOT to do.

How to Make Your Own Personal Organizer

There's no need to spend a lot of money on a fancy organizer with expensive inserts that may be suited to other people's lives, but not yours. Instead, make one to suit your own personal needs. Each individual is different; therefore, personal needs and requirements will likewise differ. Knowing how to make your own personal organizer allows you to tailor it to your needs.

Making your own (personal) organizer is not expensive, and it's easy.

Simply buy a small loose-leaf binder from a stationery store. Choose one with the pockets in the front and/or back to hold a small calculator and business cards. Also, get loose-leaf paper and dividers to fit.

How Organized Are You?

Answer These Questions to Determine Your Level of Organizational Savvy... 

We like to think of ourselves as organized and ready. No one cares to think of themselves as unprepared as a result of being unorganized. However, many people would be forced to reassess their methods of routine, when asked one simple question: how organized are you?

Getting Organized is the Initial Step

Here are some great ideas for organizing your household, managing money, and keeping personal records. You will learn how to get the most out of storage space and the best ways to install shelves and other storage systems. In short, getting organized is the initial step toward running an efficient household.