but some great tips from one of my favorite blogs: http://www.happiness-project.com.

First, the secret to happiness is not organizing? What? Actually, she makes some excellent points.
http://www.happiness-project.com/happiness_project/2009/10/note-to-self-dont-get-organized.html

Then she discusses 27 tips to keeping your house in order (staying organized).
http://www.happiness-project.com/happiness_project/2006/08/the_twentyseven.html

I was pleased to find that I’ve already (mostly) taken the advice in the first one, and am pretty good about following the tips in the second. Where do I fall short?

Somewhere, keep an entirely empty shelf or drawer.
I’d love to, but right now? Not happening.

Know where to give things away.
Where does one get rid of a wedding dress that wasn’t fashionable 7 years ago and is smaller than most junior high girls could wear? Inquiring minds want to know!

Never accept anything for free, unless you’re thrilled with it.
I’m getting better about this, but still find myself falling into this trap occasionally. Luckily, it’s usually clothes – and I always have a Goodwill bag going. Where do I fall short? Tote/duffel bags. I have bags of bags in my closet. Maybe R will take them…

Have enough hangers in every closet.
This was a challenge when I decided to move all of my clothes out of the dresser into the closet, but luckily Mom’s not to the point where she can throw hangers away yet. :)

Make your bed every morning. Keep your keys in the same place each day. Every night before bed, do a tidy-up to put away everything that’s out of place.
I’m working on these. Some days are easier than others.

Also, I can’t recommend this tip highly enough:

If you can’t find something, clean up.

It really does work! (No, I’ve never had small children…but I’ve had a husband that made the mess of three.)