Organize the Family Desk
TIPical Mary Ellen : Episode TIP-1109 -- More Projects »
Organizing expert Louise Kurzeka provides tips for getting the desk in order for everyone in the house to use.
- To create a successful area for managing bill paying, homework and family scheduling, you must first think about how you want it to function. For example, a table rather than a desk may be a better choice because more people can use a table from all sides at the same time vs. just one side at a desk.
Keep supplies readily available on top of the desk (figure A).Be creative when it comes to storage options. You can use ordinary items like shoeboxes to hold pens, pencils, markers, glue and tape. Decorate if desired. Construction paper, writing pads and other paper goods can be stored in a cardboard banker's box. Decorate if desired, then create divisions with cardboard inserts. A store-bought alternative is to use a rolling-supply cart with multiple drawers that can hold categorized groupings of supplies. All these can be stored underneath the table.
School papers and bills can easily be managed with an open-top file box (figure B). It provides easy access to the items, and the files can be designated by days of the week to hold work that needs to be completed on a particular day. An alternative is to utilize pocket folders that you have labeled for class topics such as English and science. Use project files to help older kids develop their organizing skills. The divided sections can be labeled for easy retrieval--draft paper, Internet research and outlines, for instance.A magazine file is a great way to store children's reading materials from monthly magazines, newspapers and books from the library. A home-made alternative is to cut open a side panel from a detergent box, then decorate it.Bill paying can be simplified and made portable by creating a bill center that utilizes a large divided basket with a handle. Incoming bills, stamps, pens, pencils, address labels, envelopes and other supplies can all be stored in the basket until the weekly or biweekly pay session takes place.
Communication central is the last area of focus. Keep the family calendar here (figure C), remembering it is designed to hold information about family members' activities rather than a list of commitments for the parents. It is also a good idea to post a bulletin board in this area to hold flyers and notices, particularly related to school (school-year schedule, bus information and lunch menus work well here).
Guests Louise Kurzeka
Organization Expert, Everything's Together Organizing Services
Minnetonka, MN
Phone: 952-939-8080
Website:
www.everythingstogether.com Also in this Episode
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