10 essential organization tools

There are some things in life that I just can’t do without. These 10 organization tools are a must in my house and really help us stay organized.

notebook and pen

I have notebooks all over the house, one next to my bed, one on the hall table, one in my bag, one in the car, etc. It’s easier to jot down a few notes immediately without losing your mind than to have to try to remember it.

flip files

Flip files are very useful – just in the kitchen, I use two: one for my favorite recipes and one for my home organization file. You can purchase your own home organization file on my website. We also use a flip file as our trip file and put all our internet printables of tours we want to take, checklists, etc.

Scotch tape

I got this great tip from Confessions of an Organized Homemaker. I use masking tape for labels everywhere. The tape is really easy to write on with either a pen or a marker. Use it in the kitchen to label your leftovers in the refrigerator and also in your storage containers in the cabinets.

permanent marker

Use a permanent marker to label just about anything. This is one of the main tricks to keep your home organized. It’s all very well to have everything neatly arranged, but if you can’t remember what’s in each container without having to look inside, then it’s kind of useless, isn’t it? My house has a permanent marker in the kitchen, one in my purse, and a couple in the study.

post it notes

I use post-it notes for labels on storage boxes. If you use the right brand, they stick all and last forever. Don’t waste your time with cheap stuff. My refrigerator is labeled with post-its; they have been there for about 6 months and are like new. There are no signs of non-stickiness. Use it in the fridge, on shelves, shoe boxes, trays, magazine racks, etc.

Square or Rectangular Clear Plastic Storage Containers

Once you start using clear containers, you’ll never go back to opaque ones. She’ll always know what’s in there and she’ll find her food doesn’t go to waste as often. You can pack more things in one space if you use square or rectangular containers than if you use round ones. Use them in the kitchen for food and in the study for paper clips, staples, etc.

ziploc bags

Use Ziploc brand bags for sandwiches, freezing food, storing vegetables, for toiletries when you travel, for all your camera or MP3 player accessories, if you’re going on a day trip and need to bring sunscreen and mosquito repellant, etc.

prestik

I use Prestik to stick shopping lists and menus in the kitchen, a recipe on the cupboard when I’m baking (so it doesn’t get messy), Christmas cards on the side of the tall cabinet (so it doesn’t take up shelf space), and putting a pen and my list of goals in my wardrobe.

elastic bands

Use it to close bags of chips, candy or vegetables or to keep your wrapping paper in a clean roll. They are easier to use in freezer bags than the clips that come in packages.

Perpetual calendar

Set it up once with all birthdays, anniversaries, and special events, and you use the same one, year after year. Head over to check it out around the 27th of every month for upcoming birthdays and you’re all set! I’ll tell you a secret: I even set up all my birthday emails in advance and then postponed them to deliver only on the person’s birthday.

Happy organizing!