The Rue team has been going in a thousand different directions lately. Crystal just had a baby, Julie is finishing up her degree, Maia is launching a new business, and Kelli and Kat will be married in June – on the same day! So, we’ve all been thinking a lot about what’s important, how we want to spend our time, and how to manage all the rest that needs to get done.
Kat’s Tips: Toss the magazines. I love leisurely flipping through magazines with a cup of coffee but the piles of dog-eared pages have got to go. A good Google search helps find and pin my favorite bits of inspiration for the future and the magazines get passed on to friends or recycled.
Mandatory closet clean-outs. I’m still trying to get to the “one-in, one-out” rule of shopping, but I do make sure I get a twice-annual closet clean out – my little sister thanks me!
Kelli’s Advice:
Don’t rely on iCalendar. I used to have major organization issues when it came to my schedule. Finally, my fiancé and I hung up a large paper calendar in the kitchen and each Sunday, we add our appointments for the week. This has really helped us have a better view (literally) of the days ahead, and plan accordingly in all areas – grocery shopping and meal planning, hanging out with friends, and date night.
Unsubscribe! Every few weeks, I go through and unsubscribe from unwanted emails. It has helped my inbox tremendously, and ensures that important notes won’t get lost in between sale alerts and monthly newsletters.
Julie’s Tricks:
Ditch your paper to-do lists and go digital! I’d be lost without my to-do list app, Wanderlist. It helps me stay focused on the tasks I need to get done throughout the day, reminds me of important due dates, and keeps my desk free of paper lists I used to have floating around.
Keep a permanent donation bag in the closet. When I come across an item I don’t use, it automatically goes in the bag. Once it is full, I simply drop it off at a donation center on my way to the grocery store. This keeps my house clutter free and gives my unused items a home where they’ll have a chance to be enjoyed by someone else.
Victoria’s Rules
Everyone has a closet, a cabinet, a file, that they don’t even want to touch because it’s so disorganized. To turn this dreaded task into a fun Saturday, I buy a bottle of wine that I have been dying to try as a way to celebrate once I am done. Pastries or dinner at a fun restaurant could work too!
Think of yourself as an editor:don’t have too many things communicating the same message. When it comes to knick-knacks, pictures, and things from your past, think about how many you have that are repeating the same idea. You probably don’t need all 5 rocks from your awesome trip to the beach, one is enough.
As you can see, we all have different methods. Some love paper, some rely on apps. Some do a big clean out while others do it bit by bit. There is definitely no one way to stay clutter free and organized. What works for you?
