Do you have any idea how much you can get accomplished in 15 minutes? When it comes to organization a whole lot can be accomplished. I know January is the month when everyone wants to get their lives in order and that also includes decluttering, organizing, and cleaning. Today I challenge you to take one kitchen drawer, set your stopwatch and see how that space can be transformed, with a little help from the Dollar Tree.
It’s the beginning of the month so that means I’m joining other bloggers for our Cozy Living Series hosted by Jennifer from Town and Country Living. Don’t forget to click the links below to see more fabulous ideas for January.
KEEP A ONE WEEKS SUPPLY
I’m a firm believer in keeping only what you use, like, or have a purpose for. When I decided to pair down things in the kitchen linen draw I thought about how many times a week I do laundry and knew if I used two dishcloths per day at most I’d only need 14 pieces. Many of you only do laundry once a week but in my home I do it about 3 times a week.
KEEP THOSE OF GOOD QUALITY
I went through all the cloths that fit the color scheme I decorate most and kept those. I also kept the ones that were of higher quality. Those that didn’t make the cut went into the ragbag or to wash trucks with. I ended up with 3 dish clothes the only ones I ever use are my Norwex ones. 12 dishcloths, I normally have two at a time hanging over handles in the kitchen and also in this drawer are all my mop heads.
SHOP FOR INEXPENSIVE STORAGE BASKETS
I popped into the Dollar Tree and picked up several plastic baskets to use inside drawers for organization. When looking for baskets I like to find ones that have relatively straight up and down sides. The more they taper the more room they take up so straight sides with the same size from top to bottom is the best bet. I also like to buy in neutral colors; the trendy colors come and go and I feel the need to replace them if the color is no longer popular. So to save money in the long run look for colors you can live with long term.
STAND ON END RATHER THAN STACK
When it comes to folding I like to fold in thirds and stand the towels and cloths up on end. It’s easier to see what I have and they don’t all tumble over when I pull one from the bottom of the pile; it also looks neater too in my opinion. While you’re at the Dollar Tree look around in the dishcloth isle many times they have brand names such as Kitchen Aid and for $1 they make great gifts to have on hand or replace the dated dingy ones in your stash.
TIME MANAGEMENT TIP
I learned the 15-minute rule from my Mom. She always had an ongoing list of things she needed to get done. If she had 15 minutes of free time with nothing to do she’d pick something off the list and get it done. It feels so good to get things under control and the kitchen is a great place to start getting organized. For me this type of work is fun and I’d love to do it for others. For me this would be wonderful job to have!
Cozy Living Tips by Duke Manor Farm / Cozy Entryway by Town and Country Living / Cozy Home After Christmas by Making It in the Mountains
Kitchen Drawer Organization by Creative Cain Cabin / Cozy Christmas by Vinyet Etc. / Winter Hygge Ideas by Hymns and Verses
I always crave a little extra decluttering and organizing this time of year. And I love the idea of keeping a list of quick little jobs that I can tackle when I find myself with a few spare minutes – how brilliant!
Kristi, me too I wonder why we all want to get organized come the new year? I’m the queen of list, I get it from my mother, and it seems like I get more done when I go by a list.
Placing them on end instead of stacking is a great idea. I reorganized my napkin drawers yesterday – and took about half of them to Salvation Army, along with a lot of other stuff. Feels good to declutter and reorganize.
Jennifer I agree it feels good to downsize and be able to use the things we keep. I’m on overload sometimes with items. I’d rather do an extra load of laundry than have more things in my dish cloth drawer.
Great ideas!! Thank you!
Jeanie, thanks for stopping in today!
I must admit that I have SO many dishcloths! I seem to have a phobia, if Bud uses one and leaves it balled on the counter I immediately toss them in the laundry… this happens a lot! 😉 Excellent tips, love that 15 minute idea, I think I might have to try that, it saves from being overwhelmed!
Laurie, I switched all my dish clothes to Norwex. You’ll have to check them out, you’ll love them and Bud can use the same one over and over again. They don’t build bacteria!
Great 15 min. organization tip! Have you seen Miss Mustard Seed’s crocheted dish cloths. Makes me want to learn to crochet just to have them! Can a dishcloth be cozy? I think, Yes!
Doreen, yes I have and I used to crochet my own until I discovered Norwex and now that’s all I use.