Get Organized: S Is For Split Ring Key

This post is part of the "Organizers A to Z" series. Cool organizers you could live without, but why would you want to?!

Is your key ring the size of a small baby's head? Keys for this, keys for that, keys for...I don't even know what?! Not to mention all the fun key chains that accessorize.

When you're a kid, and you get a hold of your first key, it's like -- "Wow, I've arrived! Mom and Dad are trusting me with THE key to the house." Or better yet: the key to your first car.

But as you get older, the novelty wears off and the number of keys multiply...until a key is just another key.

Well, it's time to revitalize your key collection, and that's where the Split Ring Key comes into the equation! It's a blank key, which can be cut at your local hardware store, paired with its own built-in key ring. Talk about streamlined!

I can think of many organizing uses for the Split Ring Key -- it's just such a great idea! Like,

- A back-to-school necessity: make a house key for your kid and hook it directly into his/her backpack so that it doesn't get lost.

- A runner's companion: Tie your house or car key to your shoelaces, and you don't have to worry about jangling down the road as you go.

I could go on. But for this price, it's definitely a "key" investment (I know, I know...that was a little over-the-top! Couldn't resist.) in your quest to downsize.

How much? $7 for a pack of 2

Where? Buy online at Amron Experimental

Why? All the cool cats have one. Don't be left out!

How would you use the Split Ring Key to help you get organized?

Get Organized: For the Love of Tech

Living in South Korea, I don't have a clothes dryer. I end up doing laundry pretty much every day because I don't have the space to hang-dry a week's worth of clothes and linens at once.

And since I don't like doing laundry...man, does it ever get old! It takes 2x as much energy and time to get everything washed up and put up.

My problem is -- I'm spoiled! I'm used to washing and drying clothes the modern way. And, frankly, I happen to like the appliances that do all the work for me! They allow me to spend my time doing other things that are more fun.

As I was folding shirts yesterday, I thought about my parent's generation (and before) and how they weren't able to be lazy about much. There weren't a lot of technological short-cuts "back in the day."

The whole ordeal has given me a better appreciation for the advancements that help us everyday to streamline and better our lives. (Who knew laundry could help someone wax philosophical?! It's official: I'm a true geek.)

What about you? What gift of technology helps you get organized?

Get Organized: How De-cluttering Instantly Lifts Your Mood

Piles of clutter in your life can bring on the nerves!

Or so says Elaine Aron, PhD, and author of The Highly Sensitive Person. She explains that “clutter is a reminder of things that should be getting done but aren’t. It can make you feel like a failure."

However, a little clutter here or there isn't likely to cause a lot of anxiety. “It’s when every bit of space is messy that it’s most disturbing,” Aron continues.

What's the remedy?

If you need a quick boost and don't have time to get into a serious organizing session, then just do a few small things: straighten up paper piles, pick up the floor, put dirty dishes in the dishwasher.

“Just the illusion of order is enough to ease the mind,” Aron says.

I tend to agree, just as long as you're not using a quick tidy up as a band-aid to fix a bigger problem.

What do you think? When you get organized, do you feel uplifted?

For more ways to boost your mood, see 2 Minutes to a Happier You.

Note: Information courtesy of Elaine Aron, PhD, via Prevention.com.

Get Organized: You Stuck It WHERE? Contest

Do Post-its help you get organized? Then turn your love of stickies into some cold, hard cash!

3M is daring you to share your wildest Post-it moments during their "You Stuck It WHERE?" contest. Grand prize takes away 10 G's...not bad for a little ol' note pad!

See official contest guidelines here: http://www.3m.com/us/office/postit/notes/channelguide.pdf

Get Organized: So What Ever Happened to That Resolution?

It's been over 6 months since January and New Years Resolutions. Can you believe it? Time has flown by!

Did you make a resolution to get organized? How's it going?

If you're still on track — great! Keep up the good work. I bet you're lovin' how balanced you feel!

If you've "fallen off the wagon," don't beat yourself up over it. Leave the past in the past and renew your vow to get organized once and for all. Starting TODAY!

Here are just a few high-powered posts that you can reference, whether you're reworking your organizing goals completely or just need a little "tidy" inspiration...

11 Considerations When Purging Clutter

Setting Guidelines to Get Organized

70+ Free Printable Labels to Help You Get Organized

25 To Do's You Can Accomplish While Watching TV

6 Hot Websites to Help You Get Organized

Get Organized: R Is For Reusable Fresh Snack Pack

This post is part of the "Organizers A to Z" series. Cool organizers you could live without, but why would you want to?!

What would a lunch be without little baggies? It would be hard to keep all the sammies and chips organized without them!

But maybe a better question would be - what would the Earth be without little baggies?

Hmmm...a lot less trashy! Just think of all the Ziplocs, Hefties, and Prestos that get tossed everyday after lunchtime.

Well, there's a little-known product that's creeping into the marketplace that will change all that: The Reusable Fresh Snack Pack.

The Fresh Snack Pack is made of durable, kid-tested plastic. Plus, it's completely washable. As their website explains: "We love the convenience of plastic...but we hate the waste."

Take that little baggies! Now our on-the-go meals can be yummy and earth-friendly.

How much? $4.50 - 5.50 each

Where? Buy online at Fresh Snack Pack

Why? It's a simple solution that helps you get organized and helps the Earth stay clean.

Do you use any eco-organizing products when packing your lunch?

Get Organized: What Your To-Do List Says About You

What does your to-do list tell the world about you and your organizing style?

A lot, says Sam Gosling, PhD, and author of Snoop: What Your Stuff Says about You.

- If your notes are scratched on random receipts (or on your hand, like my hubby does) or shoved into a junk drawer...

Then you're likely a creative spirit who "doesn't want to be ruled by your to-dos."

- If you prefer sticky notes...

Then you are flexible and take things in stride.

But BEWARE: stickies scattered everywhere may indicate that disorganization rules your life, which has allowed your list to "grow without bounds and overwhelm you."

- If you're a techie, uploading your must-dos to the latest gadget...

Then you are "highly organized."

Do you use lists to help you get organized? Then what does your list say about you?


Note: Information courtesy of Sam Gosling, PhD, via Prevention magazine.

Get Organized: Closet Sweet Closet

Can you imagine living out of a closet?

Sergio Santos of Delray Beach, Florida, is not just imagining it - he's living it! He fits everything he owns into a 5.5 ft x 14 ft closet.

Now, that's some serious downsizing!

In addition to saving money (his rent is $150/month), Sergio says that having such a small pad helps recycling efforts and optimizes his time.

I think he's on to something - can you imagine how little time it would take to tidy up 77 sq feet of space? It seems like it would be so easy to get organized and stay that way with such a small place!

Sergio is just one of many supporting the Small House Movement, trading in the consumerist lifestyle for a minimalist one.

Could you do it? And if you left your current home to live in a closet and you could only take a handful of items with you, what would they be?

Get Organized: Win Free Stuff From Stacks & Stacks

Clutter Control Freak blog, associated with top internet retailer Stacks & Stacks, is known for dishing out clutter hacks you can live with. They also know how to throw a good contest!

This time, they're giving away several amazing prizes to help you get organized...

- Digital Velocity Iron from Reliable
- Stainless Steel Bowl by Blomus
- Lined Storage Basket from Ameriwood Industries,
- Set of Three Travel Tie Holders from Richards Homewares
- Set of nine metal Flower Magnets from Design Ideas

Entry is super easy - just leave a comment here about your best "re-purposed product" storage solution. That's it!

Hurry! This contest ends on Friday, 10 July.