Today I am sharing my favorite tools for organization. This post contains affiliate links. These are things I use in many ways to keep my home organized. There is a lot of need to be organized when managing your home and as you go on in life, the need increases as your family grows. These items help me keep all of the storage and record keeping information under control and in one place, which is crucial for access.
Tools for Organization
1. Label Maker- Back in the day (I can't believe I am saying that but it's true), they had label makers that were strips of plastic and using a spinning dial, letters were punched into the film, and came out raised. At the time, it was a pretty cool gadget, but it only came in one font and took a while with the dial. Now, these wonderful label makers come in all kinds of fonts and styles that make labeling folders and boxes a breeze. They are also great for labeling shelves, personal items and drawers.
2. Sticky Notes - I use these every day to jot down notes, ideas, and reminders. They are also great because they are color coded and are moveable. The tiny ones are great to bookmark articles, recipes, and notes. I also used these to plan my dinner menus, before I created my free printable menu plans.
3. Binders - You have heard me mention my household binder before, but I also use binders for my blog, my parents health information, school information, travel and recipes. Binders are a wonderful way to organize information that needs to be readily available.
4. Folders - File folders are great for information that does not need to be within arms reach, but needs to be accessed at different times. They are also great for holding receipts, statements and tax information. I love the beautiful array of styles that they come in as well.
5. Storage Caddies - I have several of these in different areas of my home. Besides my household command center, I use them for crafts, pens, stationery and note cards.
6. Plastic Zippered Storage Bags - These are so useful for so much beyond food. They are great for travel, craft supplies, appliance accessories and souvenirs.
7. Photo and Shoe Boxes - I use shoe and photo boxes for gift baskets, organizing supplies and photos.
8. Smart Phone - Possibly the greatest invention in my lifetime (after the laptop computer) has allowed me to keep my to do lists, grocery lists, contact information, photos and notes all in one place. Not to mention all the wonderful and helpful productivity apps. Honestly, how did we do it before these?
9. Index Cards - These are a great way to sort and log information. I use mine for organizing my lists, recipes, cleaning schedules and as storage inventory logs.
10. Color Markers/Highlighters - I love color so I often write in different colors so that I can find my notes quickly. I love markers and tend to have more than I need, but I use them a lot.
Do you use these items? What is your favorite organization tool?
Sinea Pies
Oh, to have a label maker again. I had one at my job as a high school guidance counselor. I was labeling all day long (ok, maybe not ALL day but I needed special labels for college applications, scholarships, etc. LOTS of labels) Label makers are fun!
Also, the caddies are a big fave with me. Love the decorator caddies like you have on your counter. Caddies should be pretty.
Thanks so much for linking on my Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop. Please come back again next week? ♥
Organizedisland
Thank you Sinea for your sweet comments 🙂
KG
I loved all of those ideas!!!
If you haven't already done so, come link up your home organization blog at our linky blog hop goign on all month long.
http://www.kgstyleblogs.com/2013/03/linky-hop-link-your-home-organizing.html
xoxo,
Khloe
http://www.kgstyleblogs.com
Organizedisland
Thanks Khloe! Ooooooh an organization hop? I am there! Thanks! 🙂
Britton
I really need to invest in a label maker! I also use binders to keep me organized. One thing that I've found super helpful is a bill payment organizer to check off when each bill is paid for the month. A lifesaver indeed! Stopping in from SITS!
Organizedisland
Hi Britton! You would love a label maker - they are so much fun! Thanks for stopping by!
Leslie
Our office is in serious need of organization. I think I’m going to pitch your command center photo to him tonight! I also think that the over-the-door clear shoe bag is going to become my favorite storage tool. It’s done amazing things for our Lego collection.
Organizedisland
Hi Leslie! The command center really helps. Love the shoe bags too - they are so versatile!
Hilda @ From Overwhelmed To Organized
I had one of those dial label makers! Wasn't that bright orange tape the craziest?! I love my label maker and it's one of my favourite organizing tools. Great collection tools Raquel!
Organizedisland
LOL! Remember those Hilda? Todays labels look SOOOOOO much better.Thanks for stopping by! 🙂
Erin @ The Grass Skirt
I agree with all of these things. I especially love my label maker. I label everything!
I found you today through the Happy Kids blog hop. 🙂
Organizedisland
Thanks for stopping by Erin 🙂
Elissa Emoto
I'm SO excited to have found your blog through the Bloglovin' link up! I'm a huge lover of organization, and I'll be changing office spaces soon so these tips will come in handy!
Thanks for stopping by my blog earlier as well! xo
-Elissa
http://www.sparklesandprays.com
Akaleistar
I've been wanting a label maker 🙂
Organizedisland
They are pretty fun...I love to label things 🙂
Jeanine
Wow Raquel! You really give the term "super organized" a new meaning!!
I consider myself moderately organized now - though when I was a general manager of a hotel, it was the most organized I have ever been in my life (because I had no other choice LOL)
I love the binders, and yes, what did we do before a smart phone?? I have a great TO DO APP for you. I have been through them ALL the expensive ones and the free ones and I just am obsessed with ASTRID. It is a to do list, but one you can make into any category you want, further, you will get email notifications at the end (or beginning) of the day for tasks you need to carry out or have not done...even better, you can allocate a task to someone in your household, or work - so, so cool.
Thanks for the tips as usual!
Jeanine
A Fabulous Life in Jamaica
Organizedisland
Thanks for the info on Astrid? I have not heard of it but will have to check it out. Sounds like a great app! Take care Jeanine!
Kalee
I love these tips! I do a lot of my planning on my cellphone with reminders set to help cut down on my post-it problem. lol! I love the idea of using something pretty to organize. The pink organizer looks great on your counter.
Organizedisland
Thank you Kalee! I love using color and patterns in my organizing efforts.
Meghan @ The Tasty Fork
I so need to get organized! These are great tips! I'm pinning in hope my disorganized friends (like me!) will take the hint-- It's time to get organized!
Organizedisland
Thanks for stopping by and for your sweet comment Meghan!:)
Emily @ TheBusyMomsDiet.com
I love them all! My husband calls me an office depot junkie. I must get a kitchen caddy like that!
Chenoa
Awesome post! Pin this for later. Found you through the link party!
Organizedisland
Thank you Chenoa! I appreciate your sweet comment!
KG
These are just some absolute amazing tools to use for organizing. I learned some things today!
Just wanted to let you know that your featured little excerpt will be up on my blog tomorrow.
Please subscribe to my newsletter so you'll know when the post goes live.
http://eepurl.com/dih9A
xoxo,
Khloe
Organizedisland
Thank you Khloe! I appreciate the feature and am subscribing. 🙂
Organizedisland
Thank you Khloe! I signed up for your newsletter! Thanks for stopping by!
Kristin @ OneOrganicMama
Love me a labelmaker!! Thanks for linking up at One Organic Mama! Hope to see you back on Thursday morning! Check out the FAB Features from THE Pin it Party #2!!
Organizedisland
Thank you Kristin! 🙂
ellie @ creative geekery blog
Congratulations, Raquel! This post was PINNED to THE Pin It Party's Best of the Best pinterest board: http://pinterest.com/creativegeekery/the-pin-it-party-the-best-of-the-best/
That means TWO of the links you posted were chosen. You ROCK! Hope you will come back this week and link up again! http://bit.ly/15bMC19
XO, ellie @ creative geekery
Organizedisland
Double YAY! Thank you so much Ellie! You made my day - twice! 🙂