Whenever I set out to do an organizing job, I always take my kit. Using a kit saves me from having to stop what I am doing and search for something such as a stapler or scissors. Also, each time you leave the room, the probability that you will get distracted only increases. As we all know distractions are the enemy of project completion.
So here is a laundry list of items you might want to have on hand before starting an organizing activity. Most of these are things you probably already have around the house.
- Large Bins – These can be made of any material. Even cardboard boxes will do if you have nothing else. Use the bins to sort and store large to medium size items and stacks of paper (you can purchase cardboard boxes designed to store files at office supply stores).
- Garbage Bags – Any organizing job generates trash. Have a good supply of garbage bags available.
- Permanent Markers – Helpful for labeling the contents of boxes, outsides of manila envelopes, and establishing ownership (kid’s items). Use silver colored permanent markers to mark dark surfaces.
- Highlighters – I use these for marking dates on documents that need to be filed in date order.
- Post it notes (extra sticky) – After you have sorted, it is useful to attach post it notes to help you identify what is in the various stacks or bins. Use extra sticky because often when you are cleaning out there is a lot dust and the regular notes tend to lose their stickiness.
- Stapler, binder clips, and large rubber bands – Mostly you will need these when you are organizing documents. Large rubber bands are good for securing bulky files, collections of slim workbooks and magazines and electrical cords.
- Resealable plastic bags (all sizes)- The two-gallon bags can hold 8 ½ by 11 papers. Snack size bags are ideal for small items. Gallon bags are excellent for holding markers, pens, crayons etc.
- Scissors – Often you won’t need to save an entire magazine or booklet and if you have your scissors handy you can easily clip what you need.
- Small stepstool – If your organizing closets and are less than 6 feet tall – you’ll need one of these.
- Timer with a loud ring – Just to make sure you don’t stay too long on the job. If you don’t set a time limit you can easily get overwhelmed.
