Project Organize :: Mental & Craft Room Organization.

MENTAL & CRAFT ROOM ORGANIZATION
by Dawn Woleslagle of Wplus9 Design Studio


Organized. Not the first adjective that leaps to mind when I think of myself. In fact, when Hannah asked me to participate in Project Organize, I laughed out loud. Literally. After my husband laughed at me as well, my defenses kicked in. Hey, I'm a mother of two rambunctious school age boys, work full time outside of my home, host cub scout meetings and outings 9 months out of the year, and run a small stamp company, Wplus9 Design Studio, from our home. I can't possibly be that disorganized, can I? So how do I juggle it all? Mental Organization. The key is to keep it all compartmentalized.

1. Make a schedule
I'm sure I'm not alone in the "wears many hats" department. I have found that blocking out my time helps me to keep on track. For example; from x-x go to work, from x-x family time, from x-x personal time, etc. Get as much as you can done in the time allotted, but remember rule #2.

2. Be Flexible
Accept that you can't do everything, all the time. Every week brings with it a new list of "to dos". Go through this list and identify the "have to dos" and designate the days and times to do those first. Be sure to include a "want to do" for yourself at least once a week.

3. Write It Down
Whether you use a handwritten calendar or a PDA device, or a smart phone, having a visual or audible reminder is priceless. I could not live without my iPhone. I have my work Outlook Calendar as well as my personal calendar synced so that I don't have to worry about double booking or missing a meeting.

4. Stay Connected
Use modern technology. I'm serious. In addition to my calendars, I have all of my email accounts synced with my iPhone as well. As long as I have my phone, I can answer all emails, re-schedule appointments if I'm running late. pay bills, update my e-commerce store. I'm never down or out of touch.

5. Create Space
Designate a space for yourself. It doesn't have to be a whole room, a desk will work just fine. Have a least one piece of functional furniture in this room to store or file the materials you use most frequently. We only have a three bedroom home. So I've had to improvise a bit. We have a desk with file drawers in the bedroom for all of personal and home filing, and I use the top shelves of my sons closet to store my inventory for now. My "studio" where I craft, fill orders, and design for my stamp company, doubles as our formal dining room.

I chose a buffet that would not only accommodate all of my crafting supplies, but look like it fit in with the room as well.

The over-sized table is large enough for me to work at as well as have the boys join me to do their homework, or craft along with me. The location of the room allows me to still be "present" even when I'm working, so I am never out of touch.

Sometimes, a little mental organization can be just as powerful as physical organization...just remember to be flexible.