Wednesday

WFMW: Organize Your Life


I'm in a scary "if it's not been worn, used or turned on in the last 90 days, I'm finding a new home for it" phase.


Lately, I've just craved simplicity.

I'm sure this has something to do with it.

I want order in my home. I want purpose for my things. I want to get rid of what I don't need or use. I want less stuff.

Tips to organize your life:

  • If you don't use it-toss it. No exceptions. Let's be honest, if you haven't tackled it yet, you probably won't.
  • If it doesn't work (and it can't be fixed), throw it out.
  • If you can't wear it, don't keep it.
  • Group like items together: books, magazines, toys, etc. Create a space (baskets are awesome) for similar items and keep them together.
  • If your things don't have a purpose, find a new home for them. (This one is tough for me, but I'm working on it). Fill your home with sentimental memories, photos and items that mean something to you.
  • Refuse to fill up the empty, uncluttered spaces with more stuff.
Got any more that work for you?

Thank you for joining me for WFMW! {You can read the guidelines here.}Have a Works-For-Me Wednesday tip you'd like to share? I'd love for you to join us!


  1. Julie From Inmates
  2. Smockity Frocks-Food Processor Pie Crust
  3. Quick Email Management Tip (BloggingWithAmy. com)
  4. iDreamofClean (Spring Cleaning Printable Document)
  5. Gift that keeps giving (ilovemy5kids)
  6. Kayren (tax tip for charitable deductions)
  7. Robyn OHSH - Organize a Dugout
  8. Getting Freedom (Taming Magazines)
  9. The Diaper Diaries (sleep training)
  10. Making Extra Icing for Cookies {Bake at 350}
  11. Linda @ Gluten-Free Homemaker (nut chopper)
  12. Homemade Peanut Butter Cups @ Moneyless Mommas
  13. The Happy Housewife-Organizing W/ Binders
  14. Amy @ Finer Things (Go Bananas!)
  15. Lynns Kitchen Adventures(how I organize recipes)
  16. Raising Olives - Homemade Cottage Cheese
  17. Its come 2 this (memes work for me)
  18. This Side of Eternity (Rubbermaid & a Giveaway!!!
  19. Moderation Shoes (Shoe Box Daily)
  20. Dry erase markers and a mirror. . .
  21. $7 DIY childs artwork board!
  22. Using your strengths to achieve your goals
  23. Mari (dedicating a spot to stock up on deals)
  24. Gen X Moms (Conserve Water/Giveaway Winner)
  25. GROCERY CART CHALLENGE (reuse plastic bottles)
  26. So Wonderful, So Marvelous Random Acts of Kindness
  27. Amber @ Classic Housewife -Do what you can.
  28. A Free Download for Toddlers to enjoy Nature!
  29. Saving and Giving (Saving on Utilities)
  30. Lotions without Parabens & Natural body products
  31. House of Hills (Chick-fil-A chicken nuggets)
  32. My Daily Quiet Time With the Lord
  33. HoosierHomemade{Make-Ahead Meals Cooking Day}
  34. Raising Arrows {The Downstairs Box}
  35. French & Denim Coastal Art Banner
  36. Moving Google Friend Connect to New Blog Location
  37. Homeschool Classroom (Hands-on Learning)
  38. It Feels Like Chaos (a cleaner house)
  39. Mommy Topics (make custom SUPER MARIO party decor)
  40. COLOR DINNER party for KIDS
  41. New Nostalgia Recipe Index
  42. Sandra @ A Lot of Savings (Schedules)
  43. Bible study for kids @ everydayMOM
  44. The Lumberjacks Wife: Mini Banana Bread Loaves
  45. Mama Says(Easier playroom cleanout)
  46. ElizabethG (More Green Efforts)
  47. Organizing My Activity Closet - The Activity Mom
  48. Insp by HM Vinyl Bowls by Me!
  49. Hi Ho Hi Ho . . . Chores With Kids
  50. No more frayed ribbon ends! a quick tip video
  51. Corral those Condiments @ frugalcrunchychristy
  52. Moms In Need of Mercy (Getting Rid of Ads)
  53. Heavenly Homemakers (Whole Wheat Pie Crust!)
  54. 25 Cent Placemats to Cute Letter Pillows
  55. Make cupcakes like a rockstar!! @ MarytheKay
  56. ***Beautiful Designer T-shirt***
  57. Eating Sustainable Seafood (Unintended Housewife)
  58. Hallee the Homemaker - Gardening in Containers
  59. Molly Green (Creatively Making Do)
  60. Getting kids to eat healthy (son up to son down)
  61. Barb @ The Forever Neighbor (Yard Sale deals)
  62. creating a caute Spring Centerpiece
  63. Create your own Zen garden
  64. Midwest Mama- For Tea SNOBS
  65. Paint me Happy!
  66. Tik Tok on the Clock
  67. How to paint ceramic
  68. pinto bean decor balls
  69. *Recipe Organization*
  70. Johnlyn (Auto issues)
  71. Record Cuffs - Homemade Mamas
  72. City Composting - Homemade Mamas
  73. Organize and Decorate (Were Organized)
  74. Ultra Organized Kitchen = Tupperware love!
  75. Aint She Crazy! Sunscreens and Self-Tanners
  76. Never-True Tales (What were Reading)
  77. turn an old shirt into a Anthropologie dress!
  78. LaVonne (Ways to Save the Environment)
  79. *Household6Diva* {The. Furminator}
  80. Wheres My Rolling Pin (EASY COOKIE DOUGH)
  81. Surviving as a Single-Car Family
  82. Judi @ Frugal Frolic - Find Your Frugal Flavor
  83. Making Time For Mommy- making my blog "green"
  84. Homegrown Mom (Moms Night Off!)
  85. Becca -Our Crazy Boys : Tips for new Twitter users
  86. Easy Lettuce Edge Hem (BTSSB)
  87. JulieStilesMills~ blog, tweet & fb - on a treadmill
  88. Adding ZEST! (Getting in "The Mood")
  89. e-Mom (VIDEO: How to Create Beautiful Latte Art)
  90. Organize and Decorate (lesson and activity bags)
  91. Simply Sweet Home (coupon chief review)
  92. Do the Earth a Favor: Dont Celebrate It!
  93. Simply Sweet Home (green chocolate shake)
  94. Chrysalis (GREEN Medicine: Safe for Christians?)
  95. GREAT MOM GIFT! Fun floral hot pad!
  96. The Headbangin Housewife Quick Travel Reference
  97. Stop & Smell the Chocolates (SwagBucks, MyPoints)
  98. Yummy Bread Salad
  99. Jen @ Moms Sharpening Moms (Easy Refried Beans)
  100. The Quickest Pinata in the World in Se7en Steps…
  101. Mommy Bee--using/saving leftovers for new meals
  102. Penniless Parenting- Homemade Hair Detangler
  103. Restaurant meals for fraction of cost
  104. Alicias Homemaking--Freezing Berries and Bananas
  105. Make Your Own Mayonnaise
  106. Annie Kate (Review of Mollys Monthly Digest)
  107. Girls in White Dresses(drink water + giveaway)
  108. A Busy Mom of Two (Traveling by car with kids)
  109. Laura @ Frugal Follies (Earth Day Sales)
  110. Frame Tray by Patrice @ lemon tree creations
  111. Parenting Miracles (Bribing to Get Good Eaters)
  112. A Crafty Escape (Purse Organizer)
  113. Shelley @ MAHM (Homemaking with Faith)
  114. Easiest Route to Veggie Love @ Feminine Adventures
  115. Light at Home - keep kids quiet at bedtime game
  116. Waterproof picnic blanket for family fun!
  117. Another GREAT way to EXTEND your grocery budget!
  118. My $1 find organizing my cupboard!
  119. Chapped Lips Cure -Melissa @ Cellulite Investigation
  120. Songberries/Controling Shoe Odor
  121. Fiskerelli Bellies (Coffee Filters)
  122. Beautiful Calling (No Sifting: Baking Shortcut)


  1. The Frugal Frontier--How to Fight With Your Family
  2. Tanya - Stretch Minima layout
  3. Got Garlic? Roast it! @ A Spoonful of Sugar
  4. Uber-Fresh (Trina @ JoyAndContentment)
  5. Alan @ makeadiff21 (Photo Cube)
  6. Beauty Seeker (Preparing for Unexpected Guests)
  7. Lamp Unto My Feet (Free Kids Online Chore Chart)
  8. Purging the Unnecessary (Feels Like Home)
  9. Kristen @ A Day in the Life (Focus Tip)
  10. Do-It-Yourelf Front Yard Landscaping
  11. Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle @ Blessings Overflowing
  12. View from the Shoe - How to be Divorced
  13. Edible Earth: Rice Krispy Treats for Earth Day
  14. OLbD: Finding Family Time
  15. Heathers Hodgepodge (2Liter opener)
  16. Best Site for Great Deals/Bargains!
  17. Family Stamping Food (Being CONTENT on a BUDGET)
  18. No Time for Devotional Time/ Personal Praise Time?
  19. Toddler Budget @ HowDoesShe?
  20. YUM!
  21. graceful creative (green smoothie recipe)
  22. Adorkable: : : online DROPBOX (file storage/sharing)
  23. Make Your Own Jewelry Board
  24. flexible dreams (magical coupon binder)
  25. Kate @ Modern Alternative Mama (Fermented Foods)
  26. A Momma at Home (Sewing/Fabric Store tip)
  27. Muses of Megret (Helpful Web Links)
  28. Bitterroot Mama (Swap Meet Party)
  29. Feeding Four-Free toys for your kids & *GIVEAWAY*
  30. The Charm of Home: Tourist Tray Makeover
  31. Frilly. . . Girly. . Lamp Re-do
  32. Reminders @ See Jamie Blog
  33. Paint Can Gift @ Lemon Tree
  34. Autumnfawn Lane (The Old Schoolhouse)
  35. Superchikk (Storing Seasonal Stuff)
  36. Macaroni Improv: Dinner Slipped My Mind
  37. The Zucchini Project: Small hands make light work
  38. Traci @ Ordinary Inspirations
  39. RedemptionUnlimited (Noting Bedtime Epiphanies!)
  40. Erin @ LTC-No Sew Pillow
  41. Grateful for Grace (easy cheap great family time!)
  42. Reading More & Saving Money!
  43. Grilled cheese in a waffle iron
  44. FREE Patterned Nursing Cover - Better Is Little
  45. going green (+ giveaway!) - Titus 2 Homemaker
  46. Concrete bunny tutorial
  47. MillerMix - using a trampoline
  48. The Elect Lady-Crock Pot love
  49. Trixie +++ Creative Ideas to use what you have
  50. Homemade Gummy Candy
  51. FABRIC cake stand @ Keeping It Simple
  52. Spiderman gift boxes
  53. Rachel @ T&E: Tea for Lazy People
  54. Donnas Daze- Homemade dog stain remover
  55. Taras Faves - Big Birthday on a Small Budget
  56. Felt Flower Pillow @ Love Stitched
  57. there are two sides (Earth Day Giveaway)
  58. Nutella Croissants @ The Good Life
  59. Smart Money Mom (Green Kids)
  60. Old Navy Dress Shirt-2-Dress
  61. How to fake a clean house by Tangled Zen.
  62. Kelli @ SustainingCreativity (Love of Aprons)
  63. The Mommy on the Bus--Bringing Some Upstairs, Down
  64. MAMMA ROSAS RED WINE & PEACHES @ TesoroFino. com
  65. mistie-internal junk
  66. The Creamer Chronicles ~ Memorial Garden
  67. Craft Room Organization @ Remodelaholic
  68. ?Thrifty Home? Yard Sale Tips?
  69. Eden @ MothersWhoKnow (Parking Backwards)
  70. Lindas Lunacy(Handmade Wall Display Rod)
  71. Mind your peas and Carrots!
  72. Modern and HIP home design ideas
  73. Mexican Monday yumminess!
  74. This Abode(No Spill Bubbles)
  75. Frugalhome(Italian Stromboli Subs-My Version)
  76. Weird, Unsocialized HSers Picks for 1st/2nd Grade
  77. Scrappy Birdhouses
  78. 10 Things I Love About My Mom Book
  79. Extreme Jewelry Organizer
  80. Hanging Pincushion
  81. Money4ThisNot4That-Vacation Spending $$ for Kids
  82. Even easier way to use a slow-cooker
  83. Shadowbox Flower @ WhimsiKel
  84. Monica @ DailyDwelling (IHOP & Sonic treats)
  85. Bath towel dilemma solved {THE SWEET LIFE}
  86. Yo Mama Large Batch Spaghetti Sauce
  87. Homemade Sofrito(Spanish cooking base)
  88. Old Chair Planter
  89. Stop Eating All The Chocolates (Couscous recipes)
  90. Amyswandering (Make Bible Reading a Habit)
  91. too Blessed to Stress - Covering Up Baseballs
  92. Frugal at Home (New way to use Pillsbury biscuits)
  93. Closet Re-Do @ C. R. A. F. T.
  94. Saving Bits and Pieces -- Saving on Trash Bags
  95. Two perspectives on Chapter books
  96. A Slob Comes Clean -Get Buyers to Your Garage Sale
  97. annies home - tip for fried green tomatoes
  98. Picture Frame Necklace Organizer @ theSingleNester
  99. DIY Cardboard Blocks Tutorial
  100. Fan 5: Snack time Solutions
  101. Recipes for Moms (Tips for New Gardeners)
  102. DIY Interchangeable Butterfly Headband
  103. What Mood is Mom In? @ somewhat simple
  104. Saving Money Shaving Your Legs
  105. Everything Moms (keeping track of the stockpile)
  106. Tales of a Mommy Monster
  107. Trader Joes Pizza Dough
  108. Sweet Little Bench
  109. Modesty for women: said best by the preacher
  110. PeacefulHome(snack-time tips from a big family)
  111. GroovieMom - E-MEALZ
  112. Free 2 Be Frugal (Keep vs. Toss)
  113. Twine & PVC Pipe Napkin Ring
  114. A Little McD: Goldfish Chicken
  115. Easy / Laziest way to compost (Holiday-Haven)
  116. Jenny @ Just Jennifer
  117. Tulle petal skirt revamp @ LOVE STITCHED
  118. Conscious Shopper (Spring Recycling)
  119. Elizabeth {awesome oil storage!!}
  120. Chic Button Bracelet Tutorial @ LittleMissMomma
  121. DIY Stencil Door Hanger @ LITTLE MISS MOMMA

  122. This linky list is now closed.

30 comments:

Robyn | Add a Pinch said...

Oh how I love those phases! They are awesome for getting things done and accomplished.

Kayren said...

I've been doing a lot of cleaning and donating and reusing/recycling items around my home lately too. I go through spurts where I'm like that, sometimes it's when spring hits, sometimes it was when I had another baby on the way, sometimes it was when another move was coming up. Right now I just feel like we have too much stuff and it's time to clear some of it out. I think my feelings stem from my daughter going to Togo, West Africa, right before your Kenya trip.

CBernard said...

I am with you on the de-clutter, toss, get rid of it plan. I am working room by room and my parameters are much more strict this time around. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

bridget {bake at 350} said...

I've always liked that saying....never have anything in your house that you don't find beautiful, useful or sentimental. (I think I find too much sentimental, though...I'm working on that.)

Sharon said...

take a picture of the sentimental things... you'll have the memory but not the clutter!

The Activity Mom said...

It feels so good to get rid of clutter!!!

MarytheKay said...

Oh, I love your tips! I need to print them, and tape them to my bathroom mirror, as a reminder.

De-cluttering just feels so freeing!

Anonymous said...

I need to declutter. I have been doing better at it lately though and am even having a garage sale and getting rid of the boys baby clothes :)

The Household 6 Diva said...

I admit it -- I am a clutterbug... but I married a purger... So I am learning to let go of some things!

Thank you for hosting this lovely meme - there are always lovely ideas!

Anonymous said...

I believe after my WFMW post from last week, this will be a PERPETUAL phase for me. God made it VERY clear that I need to give stuff - a LOT of stuff - away.

Susannah said...

I'm with you... declutter and I'm much happier. Thanks for hosting!

Blessings,

e-Mom @ Susannah's {Kitchen} Aprons & Chrysalis

Anonymous said...

I wrote my post this morning before I saw your WFMW topic and it couldn't be more fitting. I'm going crazy with a desire right now to purge, organize, simplify, and add more freshness!! I see I'm not the only one!

The Happy Housewife said...

I am doing a huge decluttering this month! It feels so good to get rid of stuff. I tend to throw things away anyway, but it feels good to be purposeful about it.

Toni
http://thehappyhousewife.com

The Happy Housewife said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Jackie said...

I have been doing some major decluttering this year and I have been giving away so much. I still feel like I need to get rid of more. I want my life to be simpler. So, I know exactly how you feel. I think that having less stuff is so freeing. Have fun simplifying.

Sherry @ Lamp Unto My Feet said...

Great tips! I know we have been working together as a family to get decluttered. Dh is a pack rat and has a hard time giving things up. I helped him see that he didn't need all thing things that he was hanging on to, so there was a LOT we were finally able to get rid of. :D

Thank you so much for hosting this each week! :D I look forward to reading your tips and so many of the others each week. :D

Lori Yoder said...

I am in that phase too. I really wish that I would have more time for it. I keep looking around and dying to jump in and be brutal and declutter. I really need to wait until we're on summer break though so that I don't get sidetracked from our schoolwork! Thanks for this post!

Kelli said...

I feel ya'! I do the same thing... I go through phases in my home. In Fact, my current phase is carpet cleaning. I have been dragging out my Bissel Little Green every day for the past few days and cleaning a spot until I run out of cleaner. I am almost done with every carpeted room in my home. Now, I am looking at that couch. LOL!

Bitterroot Mama said...

I am going through the same phase! I wonder if it's a spring thing? Anyway, my link is about swapping our nice junk with others at a party. (Number 152) The good thing is, I don't have to bring anything home. (But if I find something cute, it won't cost anything!) Happy cleaning.

Anonymous said...

I'm really in the mood to do this too! The one thing I am having a hard time with is books.

I was looking at my "badly needs to be dusted" bookshelf last night and thinking of how many books I don't read and won't read but could not bear to part with them. Somehow it feels like I will be throwing away an opportunity to gain knowledge if I give them up and that seems so wasteful. Obviously I've got some mental work to do on that. Maybe I can get myself some organizing books : )

Grace~The Mommy On the Bus said...

I don't feel like I have the time to go through each tote in my attic...so instead each season, as clothes get moved from one boy to the other or I unpack a new tote of clothes, I'll be doing this!!!

Amber said...

GREAT advice. I go through phases, too. My husband and my kids just stare as I start clearing stuff out. =P

GeonHui's Bakery said...

I love organizing!! Good thoughts!

A said...

I have been working on simplifying for the last year and a half. After I finish each closet and room I start over again. It is so refreshing and renewing. I love simplifying and what it is teaching our four boys.

Heidi of Operation Organization said...

great tips!

We usually try to abide by the rule one toy in - another out especially around birthday/christmas time. That helps so much on cutting down clutter and not accumulating so much. AND, it's good for kids to have a giving spirit when donating toys.

Roberta said...

Having trouble linking my blog post for some reason...sorry :D

http://con-tain-it.typepad.com/my_weblog/2010/04/worksformewednesday-trader-joes-pizza-crust.html#tp

Anonymous said...

I have two I just came across that I love - one is "if your house burned down and this was lost in a fire - would you miss it"? And the second is just the statement that "clutter represents unmade decisions".

Cathy said...

This one is so hard for me! I've gone through spurts of decorating and redecorating...and the cycle goes on. Haven't been doing much of it lately due to finances but I've been feeling discontent about it. I hate seeing that in me! I could stand to get ride of some "stuff", for sure.

Thanks for the encouragement!

Jar Full of Rocks said...

I started yardsaling tubs of kids clothes off last week. A friend and I got together and we had 9 totes of kids clothes between us! We sold 3 1/2 totes of clothes and now I can buy my kids clothes that they are going to need this summer. I also got rid of old furniture that's been sitting on the front porch for a while. I'm slowly going through our house because we live in a teeny tiny 118 year old house and we don't use all the stuff we have. Out with the unused!!!

Lynn said...

Great post, Kristen. It seems like it's a constant battle to keep the clutter from moving in permanently. I'm currently going through the food in my pantry and chucking stuff I know I don't use regularly. Found a package of lemon jello yesterday that I just don't think I need ;)