Take a Picture, It'll Last Longer!

When I'm organizing I use the SPACE acronym to explain the order of the steps you take: first you Sort, then you Purge, then you Assign a home, then you Containerize (you might need to shop), then you Educate (your family about where things are now).

Everyone wants to go shopping first, right? I often tell clients that they need to measure their space before they go shopping. If you don't measure, shopping often leads to clutter or returning things that don't fit.

Let's use a bookshelf as an example. You would measure the length, width and depth of the space where the bookshelf will sit and perhaps some measurements of things that will sit on the shelf. Write this information down on paper (or send yourself an email or voice mail with the information) and put the paper with something that will travel with you to the store, like a wallet or purse. Now, take a photo with your phone.

Then, if you get to the store and you can't find the paper with the information about the measurements, you still have your phone with an email or voice mail and a picture! And IKEA has tape measures! Now you're certain to have all the information you need to choose the right bookshelf for your space, including the colors in the room.

If you didn't follow all my tips above and you get to IKEA and you're not sure about purchasing this bookshelf (or cabinet or dresser..), because you don't know if its the right fit or right color, maybe you could take a photo in the store......and come back to buy it later.

Mary Ellen Vincent

Mary Ellen is a personal organizer, specializing in custom organization projects for the average home. 

Visit her website, OrganizeME, or visit her column on The Midwest Makeover for more articles.