I can pretty much skip over most of the de-cluttering and jump straight into the cleaning part with the other zones. But Zone 3 combines all of my “problem areas” – so unlike my last post {Make your kitchen run optimally: do these 7 things}, this one will not be touting a this is how to do it theme. Instead, it’s a this is what works for me {& does not work} & this is what I plan to work on theme.

{And of course this zone fell into one of the busiest weeks I’ve had this summer… c’est la vie.}

CHILDREN’S ROOMS

• Problem: Some “homes” for their stuff weren’t very logical – they didn’t seem to have problems with the getting out part, but the putting back part was “just too hard.”
• Solution: Saying hello to new homes + waving bye-bye to {what my husband would call} excuses. I made a note of what needed a place and found {& labeled!} different sized bins and placed in easy to get to places.

• Problem:  Stuff seems to magically multiply.
• Solution: While I’ve become quite attracted to the streamlined approach {with almost everything – not just “stuff”}, inevitably things do need re-evaluating / de-cluttering periodically. We now have a permanent place to put donations for Goodwill. When it fills up, we drop it off.

{I’ll have to post a pic on my FB page which shows my 7-year old’s drawers. He does put away his clean clothes & pull out what he wears in the morning but when the drawer doesn’t  close easily…well, he’ll just leave it open. Time to help him purge.}

More Organizing + Kids stuff: Will share more in August. Before school starts is definitely the time to get things together and running more smoothly.

LAUNDRY

• Problem: Although I had set up centers within our laundry room, it needed to be revamped. For example, when I’d go into the pet cabinet to get food each morning / evening, it was kind of a hassle. {And little hassles 2 x’s a day, every day, ADD UP.}
• Solution: Did some de-cluttering; moved some seldom used cleaners, etc. to allow for easier access to the things I use frequently. Also, found {easy to open / shut -SO worth a few extra $’s!!!} containers to keep pet food in.  Easier, looks better, keeps food fresher. {Will post pics of this on my Angela Harris Design FaceBook page, too.}

OFFICE

This is the best of my Zone 3 rooms so I spent my zone time this week on the more needy rooms. {Having a well ordered office is so important if you want to keep your sanity. And not just for keeping sane but for making your work more enjoyable and having a much better chance at reaching the goals you set. Order is so key to this.}

 GUEST ROOM

• Problem: The “strategically placed” {i.e., hidden} stuff is draining.
• Solution: I’ve better containerized some of the things. So, while I haven’t actually done much with it this week, at least it’s contained.  {Not an expert tip by any means but it did make me feel better. Will deal when Zone 3 comes around next month.}

BATHROOMS {excluding Master}

• Problem: I’m the one that has to clean them.
• Solution: Train the boys {ages 10 & 7} to clean. They are fortunate enough to have their own – they need to be cleaning their own. {I’ve actually shown them how to do before. But I’ll often just do it myself to avoid the “Do we have to? I can’t remember how to…” etc. Should move this part to the “problem” – still in search of solution. Consistency on my part, maybe?}

Looking forward to moving on to Zone 4 – Master Bed, Bath & Closet – next week!