The Organized Option | Organized Solutions for Quilt Makers, Crafters and Others

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by Linda Griffith,  The Organized Option

     You've probably heard that term before.  It means that as you're sorting a cluttered area, you will regroup everything into 'like' sections.  For example, storing your fabric in one area -- they wouldn't be mixed up but, rather, you'd sort them by color and/or type of fabric.  Another section could be for your beading or needlework supplies.  Instead of having all craft items jumbled into one huge cluttered area, you sort 'like with like'.
     I'm an avid quilter and, thus, I specialize in organizing sewing and craft rooms.  Just yesterday I was working with a client who's a quilter and a scrapbooker.  She uses a an extra bedroom to do both crafts, but her storage areas overlapped.  I moved her furniture around and was able to create separate work areas for her sewing/quilting supplies and for her scrapbooking supplies.  Thus, we grouped 'like with like'.  
     In the kitchen, I group by usage:  Cooking spices go near the stove; silverware and dinnerware are kept in cabinets between the dishwasher and the stove; baking supplies and products are grouped in cabinets around a large work surface close to the oven.  Now, this doesn't mean that there aren't exceptions. 
     In our home, I've got the dried dog food stored in vertical containers (with air-lock lids) in an area adjacent to the kitchen. I also store the dog bowls there, because this is their feeding area.  When it comes to washing the dogs, however, all of their supplies are kept in the laundry room on the other side of the house because that's where the bathing sink is. So, I've still grouped 'like with like' but in this case it isn't practical to group all of the dogs food/supplies into one area.
     Now, onto a different, but timely, subject.  We're fast approaching tax season, and I hope you've used my advice from previous columns to organize and maintain your paperwork.  Most people don't take nearly enough of a legitimate tax write-off when it comes to valuing their donations of clothing, toys and other household items.  We all have old college textbooks or professional books that take up space, so donate them to your local library!  You can take a deduction even if the books were given to you as a gift.  Travel costs are deductible as a charitable donation when they are not reimbursed by the charity.  And, of course, you can deduct your mileage to and from the doctor and pharmacy.  For more information, check out www.itsdeductibleonline.com.  ItsDeductible is known as 'The Blue Book for Donated Items'.  It has been a great reference tool for me and my clients for many years.  And, if you're too inundated with paperwork and receipts to even get started on your taxes, please utilize the services of a local Professional Organizer.  He/she can sort and combine 'like with like' to get you on your way to your accountant.