Sorry it’s taken so long to blog, I’ve been buried under my mail pile.

The organization gurus say: “When you bring in the mail, immediately take a few minutes to sort through it, shred what you don’t need and sort the rest into organized, mail slots labeled things like: Bills to Pay, Get-Back-To, RSVP, etc.”

Yeah, yeah, that all sounds lovely.

In my world, I’m walking in the house with three kids, two heavy backpacks and the mail in my mouth to discover that the dog has gotten into the garbage. Then my four-year-old announces, “MOM, I NEED TO GO ON THE POTTY — NOW!!”   I spit out the mail onto my kitchen island and assist her in her “duty.”  Then snacks and homework all around.  Followed by the process of getting ready for Tae Kwon Do, which involves me trying to figure out (for the millionth time) how to tie that darn dobok belt.  Some time, the next day, I repeat the process.

After a few days of this, I’ve got a full-fledged mail pile.

Even though I have taken every measure possible to pay bills and receive statements electronically, the mail just keeps a’comin.

My number one organization tip: don’t stress out about it. If looking at the increasing mountain of mail bothers you, get yourself a decorative storage box that matches your kitchen decor, place it where the pile is, and hide the pile away. (Just don’t forget about it and then discover they’ve turned off your electricity.)

When you get a breather, open that lovely box and attack its contents. Use the gurus’ advice of going through the pile knowing that it will take more than a few minutes. I’ve found, even though I’m dealing with a bigger pile, the same principles apply:

• have in place physical mail slots or bins for sorting that are close to your bill paying area
• have a shredder close by (they say you should really shred anything with your address on it; it’s a pain but worth the peace of mind)
• have all your bill-paying accoutrements in one place: stamps, your favorite pen, envelopes, return address labels, etc.
• have a Post-Proceesing File System: a file cabinet close to your kitchen or home office (wherever you tackle the bills) so you can file the remaining paperwork that you can’t toss right away.  If it’s an attractive cabinet like this one pictured, it can be out on display. If it’s ugly like mine, hide it in a closet.

Bottomline: Having a mail pile doesn’t make us unorganized; it simply means we’ve got a real life to deal with. Put a few a physical elements in place that work for your space, and get to it on your own time.

Love Your Home,
Sue

This terrific tool can be found at Casabella

As a teenager, I applied for what I thought would be a terrific summer job. A Kennywood Sweeper. Kennywood is an old-time amusement park here in Pittsburgh and a “Sweeper” strolls through the park brushing tiny pieces of litter into the a dust pan.  This to me was the perfect job: an amusement park, easy work, a little exercise and a paycheck.  I felt overqualified and confident.  I filled out an application and geared up for a great summer.

A letter from the Kennywood employment office arrived two weeks later.  I didn’t get the job.  Never understood why and I’m not sure I ever got over the rejection.

Jump ahead several years. I’m a homeowner, browsing my local Bed, Bath & Beyond, and my heart stood still.  There it was.  A broom/dust pan combo set, just like the ones issued to those lucky Sweeper girls.

I bought it and brought it home with a definite feeling of vindication.  

The reason for posting this silly story: I actually LOVE that broom/dust pan combo set.  I use it daily. It’s perfect for those quick kitchen floor clean-ups and it tucks away nicely in the pantry.  It’s much better than dragging out the big broom then hunting down the dust pan that your husband left in the garage.  And because it’s small and light-weight, even my 4-year-old can use it.  Bonus: one day, if she applies for the summer job at Kennywood, she’ll have enough experience to land that job in the Sweeps department!

Love Your Home,
Sue