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I'm Shay! I’m a cookbook author, lifestyle blogger, travel agency owner, wife and mama who loves making every day special for my family.

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Mix & Match Mama

Shades of Shay, Shay ·

Fifty Two Shades of Shay: An Organized Home


Right now, my friends are mocking me.  I can feel it.  Especially Erika…she’s really mocking me.  She probably observes my obsessive organizing more than anyone (please don’t ask her about my clean car of my perfectly tidy gym bag…she will make fun of me, I’m sure of it!).
Yes.  My name is Shay and I like things organized.  Everything has a place in my home.  Everything.  I don’t have junk drawers because I don’t have junk.  Junk gets tossed in the trash.  
I run a very organized home…case in point, after Christmas, we put all of the new toys in my office and the kids were told they couldn’t open any items until they had gone into their play room and bedrooms and filled at least two bags each with items to donate.  They cleaned out their spaces to make room for the new and then we (neatly) put the new toys out.  The reason I do this after Christmas instead of before is that my kids are waaaaaaay more motivated to donate their stuff when they see new stuff.  
But…my organization doesn’t stop with my actual house, we’re very organized with our calendars and schedules too.  I don’t do this to stress myself out…by being organized, I’m actually making our lives more calm.  And that is the key to my happiness most days…we are not frantic, we are not rushing around, we are not late, we are not over-booked or double-booked…we are simply organized.
Here are some ways, we stay organized around our house…

We keep this little calendar on our fridge.  I bought it for like $10 at Target one time and it has been so handy for us.  Every Sunday night, we write down our activities for the week and plan out our meals.  As you can see, we really tried to keep the first week of January nice and simple after the holiday madness!  Andrew and I each keep personal calendars but having one central calendar is really helpful for big things.

Next to the calendar, I keep another marker board for grocery items we need.  I do my major shopping on Tuesday mornings, so between Wednesday and Monday, when we think of something we need, we add it to this board.  Then when I’m writing out my grocery list, I reference these items along with the items we need to make our meals.  (To see how I organize my grocery list, click here.)

And I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again…a good day planner is worth its weight in gold.  And my absolute favorites are Erin Condren Life Planners.  I love, love, love them!

I schedule everything in my calendar so that I don’t over-book myself.  I even schedule chores like “go by the UPS store”, “go to the gym”, “grocery shop”, etc.  Now, I’m not a slave to my calendar and some days, I simply don’t have time or I change my plans but at least by writing it all down, I am never double-booked.

My biggest tip for having an organized home is making it specific to your family’s routine.

I realized that when we’re about to go out the door for the gym, the kids and I congregate near the back door to put on our shoes/coats and grab my gym bag…so, what did I do?  I store this stuff in the playroom closet which is right next to our back door.  This way, we don’t all get downstairs and someone has to run back upstairs because they forgot something.  The playroom closet might seem like a random spot to keep my gym bag but it’s super convenient in the mornings (and then later when we get home, it’s simple and fast to put everything back in its place too!).

Here are some other random items we keep in unusual places to simplify our lives:

1. Kids’ coloring books and markers are in a kitchen drawer because they love coloring at the kitchen table.

2. The kids keep their outside shoes outside right next to the back door, so that every time they come in and out from playing, their shoes are right there and we’re never having to get them from some other location.

3. I keep magazines I want to read in a drawer next to my favorite chair, so when I’m ready to read, I just pull one out of the drawer and am not just stacking/setting magazines just anywhere.

And here are a few other ways we stay organized…

We have DVD books for each genre of film.  This totally goes against the grain of my family.  My parents and my dad’s parents keep every movie in its shell in alphabetical order in their homes.  Not kidding.  It’s insane.  I personally do not have the room or patience for that, so we have these books.

These books make it really easy to store DVDs, simple for my kids to flip through and find the one they’re looking for, and great for tossing in the car on road trips.  We have a Christmas movie book (like above), a Disney movie book, an action movie book and a romantic comedy book.

Scarf hangers make finding the right scarf so simple!  And no judging…I like scarves.  

And since I’ve never lived in a house with a big closet, I have learned that for me, stacking shoe boxes is the best way to neatly store my shoes.  I write on the outside of the box what’s inside and then in the morning, I just look up and select the right pair (I have a little step stool to help me reach).
My nail polish bins have been blogged about before but they’re worth repeating.  Two boxes…one for fall/winter colors and the other for spring/summer colors.  Simple!
And I did an entire post on organizing my Kids’ Closets.  Check it out for ideas!
Also, check out my Jewelry post!  I have lots of tips for storing all of that jewelry!
Gift Wrapping can be a big mess, so I did a post on organizing that too!  Simple stuff!
 So, I know none of these are earth-shattering ideas but they’re sure simple and help me keep my sanity on a daily basis.  What are some of your favorite organization tips?  I would love to know!

And coming up on 52 Shades of Shay:
Saying no to all of those commitments
Organizing your photos and scrapbooks
Get out of the frump!
Getting your kids to nap (Finally!  You people have been begging for this one!)

And I have two recipes for your Tuesday…

My Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings is perfect for a cold January night (and simple too!).

And my Spicy Corn Dip is perfect for football watching parties (like the Super Bowl!).

Check them both out and then have THE BEST Tuesday!

XOXO

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Comments

  1. Sheaffer {Pinterest Told Me To} says

    LOVE LOVE LOVE this post. It does however make me want to invite you over and show you my junk drawers. I feel quite sure your eye would start twitching.

  2. Jessica says

    Love this post shay! I feel I've always been organized but definitely could use more help! My main struggle is keeping up with the mail pile and office area. What are your tips for keeping up with this?? As simple as it seems to just pitch the junk mail immediately and file the important stuff away, I seem to still struggle with this daily!! Please help!!! Thanks
    Jess

  3. Jessica says

    Love this post shay! I feel I've always been organized but definitely could use more help! My main struggle is keeping up with the mail pile and office area. What are your tips for keeping up with this?? As simple as it seems to just pitch the junk mail immediately and file the important stuff away, I seem to still struggle with this daily!! Please help!!! Thanks
    Jess

  6. Ashhog says

    You have totally inspired me with this post! Im so ready to get organized! Love the DVD idea! Do they get scratched easily that way? I know when I used to keep CD's in a case they would get scratched up. Got to go get organized! 🙂

  7. Kim W says

    Great post with lots of inspiring ideas! I am SOOOO looking forward to your post on saying NO… one of my new year's resolutions is to STOP overcommitting myself and overvolunteering for things. I feel frazzled as a result of all of the volunteering I do!

  8. Mrs. Harvey says

    I'm interested in knowing how you organize your pantry!! I seriously need help with my pantry! I clean it up, but within a couple of weeks, it's back to unorganized chaos!

  9. Kristen Wood says

    Love this post!! We are in the process of decluttering as we prepare for our home to sell..I vow to be organized when we move:) thanks for the ideas!!

  10. Anonymous says

    I'm a total organize freak…..in every way. My car is NEVER messy. I have no junk drawers. Every drawer and closet is organized. I just can't live any other way. It comes natural to me. I don't really work at it, it's just who I am. I think it brings a more peaceful and calm life. I never have to search for things. I know exactly where they are. I run a tight ship at my house, too. And I get a lot more done in a day because I know where things are. And finally, cleaning the house is a breeze (basically it's always clean) because I'm CONSTANTLY de-hoarding and throwing things away or giving things away.
    Kelly

  11. Anonymous says

    I'm a total organize freak…..in every way. My car is NEVER messy. I have no junk drawers. Every drawer and closet is organized. I just can't live any other way. It comes natural to me. I don't really work at it, it's just who I am. I think it brings a more peaceful and calm life. I never have to search for things. I know exactly where they are. I run a tight ship at my house, too. And I get a lot more done in a day because I know where things are. And finally, cleaning the house is a breeze (basically it's always clean) because I'm CONSTANTLY de-hoarding and throwing things away or giving things away.
    Kelly

  12. Katherine says

    Thanks for sharing these great ideas. I went back to read jewelry organization and will be going out to container store to find the compartment box.

  13. Jodi says

    I, too, LOVE being organized. I like your idea of organizing nail colors by seasons in those cute Target heart bins. Thanks for the ideas!

  16. Cheryl says

    I need those scarf holders so badly…..where do I purchase those?….my scarves are out of control and they end up wrinkled and not ready to go, so I tend to not wear them…..someone else mentioned your pantry organization…I'd love to see that also….can't for the life of me keep that thing organized. Great post!!!!

  18. queen of babble says

    Love this post! I agree with everything you've said, orgainization is key! It helps life feel more settled and more enjoyable! I also have the same nail polish buckets as you, thank you target! So cute!!

  20. Amy says

    Hi Shay! I found your blog after your pajama party with Kelly at Kelly's Korner. Love it! I am just starting a scarf collection, and I wondered where you buy your scarf hangers. Love being organized! 🙂

    Amy

  21. Anonymous says

    Love your organization tips. They are coming at the perfect time of year. We do the after Christmas toy purge too. I also do a complete clean out in June right when school ends. My pantry is a problem area in my house, would love to hear any tips you have. 🙂

  24. Darcy says

    Great tips! Thank you – I don't have kids, but LOVE the idea of a simple calendar on the fridge for my husband & I. Have a great week!

  25. Susanne says

    I would love to know how you organize your pantry…that's my big goal right now. Loved all your tips! Wish organizing came easy for me.

  26. Meredith Anna says

    SHAY! I love organization and this post makes me happy! Can't wait to really start utilizing your suggestions!!!

  27. Anonymous says

    I love your post! Been working on organizing my house this week…baby number two is on its way in April! My house is shrinking!

  29. Lisa Iwasyk says

    I love passing on my children's old clothes! I have one Gap fleece hoodie that my oldest son wore (12 mos) he is 18 now. Then my 10 yr old wore it and then my 5 yr old. Now it has been passed through all the cousins! I make everyone take a picture of their child in it and its like a little family heirloom! I was more sentimental about my daughters clothes, being my only girl. But then my brother and sister started having kids and between them have 5 girls, so it's awesome that I get to see her little outfits on repeat! And by the time they will be done with them I won't even care about the clothes because they haven't been in my possession! I am working on the art stuff. Making a coffee table book for each of them, take pics of the art, download to Shutterfly and make a nice book! Just make sure their names and years are on them! Awesome post!

  30. Anonymous says

    Thanks for the tips Shay! I am very unorganized so am hoping your blog will help me out in that area. I hope that you will do a post about mail and your office. I just stack things everywhere so would love to know how you keep yours organized. I can never find anything when I need it. I am such a mess!

  31. Shawnee says

    I wish I was organized and didn't have junk drawers!! I did take your idea for all the wrapping paper, bags, bows, etc. I LOVE Thirty-One and I have tons of bags so I took one of them and put all my stuff in it and put tape and the rolls of ribbon in the pockets and put it in the closet…..such a great idea and so organized!!

  32. knmkendall says

    I love your blogs! Thank you for this helpful post. So many great tips! I really like your DVD storage book idea and the way yours looks compared to others I have seen. Could you tell me where you got it? Thanks again for all your helpful ideas, I am excited to get better organized here!

  34. Anna @ The Things I'm Learning says

    I just recently started reading your blog and oh my goodness, I am the same way when it comes to organization! I am stressed without organization. Love this post!

  35. kelsey @ so much life to live says

    Where did you get your scarf hangers?

    I LOVE the organization! I'm a bit of an organization freak, but I don't think I can compare myself to you:) Thanks for the tips!

  36. Tab & Erika says

    This is hilarious!!!! I'm cracking up because WHO doesn't have a junk drawer??? You know what…every year a little of your organization rubs off on me. In twenty years, who knows maybe I won't have a junk drawer either???

  37. Nicki says

    I love this post so much!! Organization, label makers, color coding…it all makes me so happy!! haha. Love your tips and am totally getting an Erin Condren planner! I bought my Mom her address book for Christmas and it has SOLD me!

  38. Autumn says

    Love this post! I used to be SO organized, but since moving into our current house 2 1/2 years ago when I was gigantically pregnant with baby #3, things have been total chaos! I still don't know where things go! I guess a few things have found their place. Our dining room buffet holds coloring books, puzzles, and play dough, because these activities are done at the dining room table. Oh, how I wish you could come help me organize the rest of my world!

  39. Maryellen says

    Love this post and love a gal who is organized ! I am an organization freak hah I was single a long time and trying to gracefully accept hubby's differences was a challenge hah

    I keep an organizer too and write everything down. A real stress reducer.

    P.S. Your children are just beautiful and I love your name choices.

  40. Courtney says

    I'm so excited that you will be doing a post on organizing photos. It seems strange but I have been very stressed out lately about the unorganization of my electronic files…. photos, digital home videos, work folders, etc. Any tips from you & your readers about how to sort, label, back-up photos/videos would be so appreciated. I don't have a blog, but I take a ton of pictures….I can't imagine how bloggers are able to keep up with all the uploading & storing of the zillions of photos many seem to snap. Thanks so much.

  41. Kathleen says

    So helpful Shay! A quick question though…how do you organize Kensington's hair bows/accessories? I would love to know!

  42. Janene Benjamin says

    Love the tips! I have a Word document that has my grocery/Target items on it that we regularly use – and a checkbox next to each one. I print out 6 blank copies of this at a time. Each week I grap a copy and put it on the frig, and check off the appropriate box when we need something. Then my grocery list is already done!

  43. Janene Benjamin says

    Love the tips! I have a Word document that has my grocery/Target items on it that we regularly use – and a checkbox next to each one. I print out 6 blank copies of this at a time. Each week I grap a copy and put it on the frig, and check off the appropriate box when we need something. Then my grocery list is already done!

  44. Lauren says

    What age did you start the Christmas purge toy thing with your kids. I have a 3 year old, a 1 year old and a baby on the way but my 3 year old gets SO upset over toys being given away or trashed. Thoughts!?

  45. Shelby says

    Ok so this post seriously inspired me!! Thank you for such great tips; I truly believe a more organized life leads to a more full, happy life! Thanks for helping me make this more a more intentional goal for this year!! 🙂

  46. Bfassler says

    Totally recommend Cozi for a centralized calendar and lists. It's my free and available in mobile and PC versions. Everything for the whole family is stored in one calendar and we can all access it anywhere.

  47. Bfassler says

    Highly recommend Cozi for a centralized calendar and shopping lists. Everyone can access it from their PC or mobile phone. It's free. We've been using it for a couple of years now.

  48. Christina Mendoza says

    Thank you for your helpful tips. I'm feeling convicted AND inspired! Between you and Sheaffer I'm turning into a new and improved me! I love your " I don't have junk drawers because I don't have junk. Junk gets tossed in the trash" quote!

  50. MorganizewithMe says

    I am sooo curious how you organize your blogging work – writing and posting? Please share 🙂 Great post, I love anything on organizing! xoxo

  51. Dianna says

    I love the DVD books! My 2 yr just got into watching movies and I always worry he is going to break them getting them out of those ridiculous cases!

  52. Angela Ellingson says

    Got my EC life planner in the mail yesterday… Life changing!!! Thanks for the recommendation!!

  53. Michelle Bradley says

    Hey shay I love the idea of putting the DVDs in those little booklets ! What number of inserts do u think work best they have so many sizes!

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