31 day purge starts Oct 1st...

[Loupy]

The 31 Day Purge begins on October 1st!
From: Toni Hammersley @ www.abowlfulloflemons.net/

I will post the daily task here in our group, and then I'll post a link to my blog showing you how to complete each task (for those who are interested in more detail). Most of the daily tasks are quick and easy to complete. It's not an overwhelming challenge. I encourage all of you to share your before and after pictures! Now is the perfect time to purge clutter, before the holiday guests arrive and the house gets filled with presents. Are you excited? Share with your friends and have them join you.

If you would like to follow Toni on Facebook, here is her group.
www.facebook.com/groups/homeorganization101/


Welcome to day 1 of A Bowl Full of Lemons 31 day purge.
Over the next month, I will be sharing ways that you can simplify your homes and lives. Your goal is to clear the clutter & fill your homes with order, during this month long journey.

Todays task: Pantry Food.

www.abowlfulloflemons.net/2014/10/purge-day-1-pantry-food.html

[Loupy]

Purge Day 2: Magazines


Task: Pull out all of your magazines & catalogs. Purge (recycle) any that you no longer want or need. If you haven’t read them in the past 12 months, it’s time to purge. Toss outdated catalogs. It’s not necessary to keep any catalogs longer than the most recent issue. Magazines & catalogs can be a huge clutter bug in your home. It’s time to part ways. As a rule, when you get a new monthly subscription or seasonal catalog in the mail, immediately purge the old one.


www.abowlfulloflemons.net/2014/10/purge-day-2-magazines.html

[Loupy]

Purge Day 3: Dresser Drawers

Task: Empty your dresser drawers completely. You can choose just one dresser in your house or all, but please don’t feel pressured to purge them all in one day. It takes time and you can come back and revisit this task. I don’t want you to get overwhelmed. Do a little at a time. As you purge, sort through each item & ask yourself these questions…

1. Have I worn this in the past year?
2. Does it fit?
3. Is it in good condition? (stains, holes, etc)

If you answer no to any of these questions, its time to purge the item.

Organizing Tip: Hang as many clothes as you can. I only use my dresser drawers for under garments, socks, pajamas, and work out clothes. Everything else goes on hangers. Your clothes will be less wrinkled and you will be able to find things easier.

www.abowlfulloflemons.net/2014/10/purge-day-3-dresser-drawers.html

[Loupy]

Purge Day 4: TOYS

Task: Sort through all toys in the house, purging as much as possible. I found it easier to go through toys without the kids around. Ask yourself these questions:

1. Have they outgrown it?
2. Do they play with it?
3. Is it broken?
4. Are there missing pieces?
5. Do you have room for it?

If you answered no to any of these, its time to let it go!



Organizing Tip: Gather up several organizing bins (see through bins with lids work great). Label each bin clearly with all of the different categories that apply to your children’s toys. Here is a great example of functional toy organization. I implemented this system a couple months ago and it works fabulously.



www.abowlfulloflemons.net/2014/10/purge-day-4-toys.html

[Loupy]

Purge Day 5: Cleaners

Task: Pull out all of your cleaners, from cabinets & closets. Purge all empty bottles, combine 1/2 empty bottles of the same cleaner into one, and take inventory of what’s left. Donate any cleaners you no longer use or want (to a neighbor or friend).

Organizing Tip: Create a cleaning caddy for each level of your home (using a shower caddy). Make sure to include all types of cleaners.

www.abowlfulloflemons.net/2014/10/purge-day-5-cleaners.html

[Loupy]

Purge Day 6: Make-Up

Task: Purge all empty, expired & un-used make-up. Here is a free printable showing recommended make-up toss dates.

Organizing Tip: Use clear acrylic or plastic drawers to organize make-up by category. Sort drawers by type of make-up. To see my make-up organization, visit (this) post. There’s also a free printable included!

Blush & Powder
Eyes
Lips
Brushes
Concealer & Foundation

www.abowlfulloflemons.net/2014/10/purge-day-6-make-up.html

[Loupy]

Purge Day 7: Shoes

Task: Pull out all of the shoes in your house. When sorting through them, ask yourself these questions:

Have I worn them in the last year?
Are they still in style?
Are they still in good shape (holes, stains, etc)?
If you answer no to any of the questions, purge them (donate or place in your garage sale pile if they are still in good shape).

Organizing Tip: Place all shoes in plastic shoe boxes or on a shoe shelf. You can also separate them into baskets. Make sure to separate into “summer & winter”. Place all out of season shoes into a large tote and clearly label “summer/winter shoes”. Store the tote in your closet, garage or attic.


www.abowlfulloflemons.net/2014/10/purge-day-7-shoes.html

[Loupy]

Sorry I'm late posting this...but it is my anniversary, so I guess I'm allowed one mistake... smilieshhhhhhhhh_zps0a30869c

Welcome to Day #8 of our 31 Day Purge.
Today we are headed outside. Some of you may not need to do this task, but others need to desperately. You know who you are. Don’t skip today. Complete it and pat yourself on the back when you finish. Now lets get purging!

Task: Purge everything from your car (that doesn’t belong there)! Empty out all un-necessary items. Toss the trash & put things back where they belong. Clean & vacuum if you have time, but concentrate on purging. Don’t forget the trunk!

Organizing Tips:
Assemble an emergency car kit & place it in your trunk. Gather all paperwork & insurance papers & place them in a long accordion (coupon like) organizer. Don’t forget to label each divider. My “Auto Care Kit” contains everything you need to keep up with maintenance on your vehicle, including an emergency car kit checklist.

Make it a habit to clean out your car every evening. Even if you have to make 2 trips – do it! It only takes a minute or two. Trust me, you will enjoy getting into a clean car every morning. It’s a great way to start your day off right.

Check back soon to see my brand new “car organization” blog post. I will be sharing it later on this month.

www.abowlfulloflemons.net/2014/10/purge-day-8-car.html

[Loupy]

Purge Day 9: Bathroom Cabinets

Task: Empty all bathroom cabinets & drawers. Purge empty bottles, un-used items, trash, etc. Scrub surfaces clean.

Organizing Tip: Separate items into categories & place in baskets, bins & containers. Label each container.

www.abowlfulloflemons.net/2014/10/purge-day-9-bathroom-cabinets.html

[Loupy]

Purge Day 10: Bills

Task: Take a deep breath. Now pull out your stack of bills and place them on the kitchen table. Sort through each bill, purging duplicate copies, trash, anything out dated, etc. Make sure to shred personal information, as you compete this task. If you pay your bills online, toss all envelopes (if applicable).

Create the following piles…

Due. Need to pay.
Paid. Need to file.
Shred. No longer needed.

Once you are finished sorting through all of your bills & making 3 piles, immediately take action! Shred what needs shredded. File away what needs filed and pay what needs paid. If its not time to pay, or you don’t have the money to pay them yet, place the bills in a designated spot in your house. I keep mine in my office, tucked in my wall organizer. Once you are finished, you shouldn’t have any papers left. That’s it! It wasn’t too bad, right? Take another deep breath. You are ready to move on to day 11.



www.abowlfulloflemons.net/2014/10/purge-day-10-bills.html

[Loupy]

Purge Day 11: Freezer Food

Welcome to Day 11 of our month long purge. Today we are going back into the kitchen to purge the freezer. Do you even know what’s in there? Do you keep an organized list of the contents? If not, you may be wasting food and money. It’s time to purge and organize!

Task: Empty out your freezer of all its contents. Sort through and purge expired or freezer burnt food. Wipe the freezer clean.

Organizing Tip: When filling your freezer back up, categorize each shelf or drawer. Place like items together. You can even label the shelves or organize food into baskets. Also, don’t forget to make a list of what you have/need.


www.abowlfulloflemons.net/2014/10/purge-day-11-freezer-food.html

[Loupy]

Purge Day 12: Medications

Task: Gather up all medications (over the counter & prescription) in your home. Place them on the kitchen table, where you have room to sort. Look at the expiration dates & purge allexpired meds. Also, purge any medications that you no longer use (leftover antibiotics, etc).

Organizing Tips: Sort all medications into categories. Then place into baskets/bins & label the front of each bin with the proper category. Here are the categories I suggest.

Eyes, ears, nose, throat
Childrens Medications
First Aid & Wound Management
Fever & Pain
Splints & Wraps
Bowels & Belly
Allergy & Bites

I reorganized my medicine storage after the purge. You can find my old system in this post. I keep our medications in the spice cabinet now. Its organized into 4 boxes: 2 medications boxes, one medical box (for thermometers, splints, etc) and one first aid box for cuts and bruises. I also keep a box of bandaids available for my kids to grab if needed. I have more medication in my emergency kit & some upstairs in the master bathroom (although I don’t recommend storing it in a bathroom).



www.abowlfulloflemons.net/2014/10/purge-day-12-medications.html

To learn how to properly dispose of medications, click this link:

www.fda.gov/forconsumers/consumerupdates/ucm101653.htm

[Loupy]

Welcome to Day #13. It’s time to purge some of those old game boards. If you don’t play it anymore, why keep hanging on to it? Let it go. Someone else would love to take it off your hands. I happily let a lot of ours go to charity.

Purge Day 13: Game Boards

Task: Pull out game boards & puzzles from all closets & rooms. Make 2 piles (keep & purge). Decide as a family, what you want to keep or toss. This alleviates any surprises down the road, when someone is looking for a game. Ask your family these questions.

Have we played this game in the last 12 months?
Does the game have all the pieces? (Go through each box)
Is the game in good working order? (broken, torn, etc)
If you answered no to any of these questions, it’s time to purge.

Organizing Tips:

Place small game pieces in ziploc baggies.
Place puzzles in smaller boxes or baggies (to allow for more space). Don’t forget to cut out the small picture on the side of the box.



www.abowlfulloflemons.net/2014/10/purge-day-13-game-boards.html

[Loupy]

Welcome back to the 31 Day Purge.

Today we are sorting through and purging books. If you are a lover of books, you probably need it most. Don’t forget the kids books too. Have a great day purging!

Purge Day 14: Books

Task: Browse through every bookshelf in your house. Pull out any books you no longer want, probably won’t read, & outdated reference books. Sell the books to a used bookstore or donate to your local library or shelter.

Organizing Tip: Reorganize your bookshelves into genres. Designate each shelf as a different category.

My Bookshelf: I love to read, so I keep my books in the area where I use them most, organized on a bookshelf in my master bedroom.



www.abowlfulloflemons.net/2014/10/purge-day-14-books.html

[Loupy]

You made it! We are half way through the 31 day challenge and you are still with me. How does your home feel now? Are you seeing any changes? I hope so. Keep going. We only have 2 more weeks to go. You can do it.

Purge Day 15: Tupperware

Task: Pull out all tupperware containers & their lids, from your cabinets. Determine what you use and what has collected dust. Purge away, keeping in mind that you don’t use or need all of it. Simplify!

Organizing Tip: Stack the same size containers together & place all lids in a separate basket.

Green Tip: A couple of years ago, I decided it was time to trade out my Tupperware for glass glass containers. Below is a picture of how I organize my “leftover food” glass containers. I keep one basket of Tupperware on hand, to give leftovers to guests & for school related functions that require food.

HAPPY PURGING!

www.abowlfulloflemons.net/2014/10/purge-day-15-tupperware.html

[Loupy]

Welcome to Day 16 of our 31 day challenge.
Today we are going to sort through our purses, handbags, backpacks, and pouches.


Purge Day 16: Purses

Task: Gather together all purses & bags from your home. Ask yourself these questions, then purge away! Try your best to purge as many as you can. Simplify your closets!

Have I used this purse in the last year?
Is it still in style?
Is it in good condition (stains, holes, etc)?
Can I live without it?

Organizing Tip: Store bags & purses on a bookshelf or top shelf, in your closet. Use bag covers (if they come with your purse), to extend the life of the purse.

Have fun purging today!

www.abowlfulloflemons.net/2014/10/purge-day-16-purses.html

[Loupy]

We’re back today for another purging task. Today we are going to purge some bedding. Follow the tips below to see if you can let some of your extra sets go. Have a great day.

Purge Day 17: Bedding

Task: Pull out all bedding (sheets, blankets, pillow cases) from your linen closet. During your purge, consider only keeping…

2 sets of sheets for each bed (plus 2 sets of flannel sheets for winter time)
2 sets of sheets & blankets for guests
1 extra blanket for each bed

Organizing Tip: Organize sheet sets by person (bed).

HAPPY PURGING!

www.abowlfulloflemons.net/2014/10/purge-day-17-bedding.html

[Loupy]

Today should be an easy day. Most people read the news online these days but there are some out there who still read the newspaper. If this applies to you, it’s time to purge!

Purge Day 18: Newspapers

Task: Gather up all newspapers in your home (including sales flyers & expired coupons). Recycle them.

Organizing Tip: Use a large square basket to store newspapers in. Once the basket is full, its time to recycle.

HAPPY PURGING!

www.abowlfulloflemons.net/2014/10/purge-day-18-newspapers.html

[Loupy]

We are now on day #19 of the 31 day challenge! This month is going by so fast. Wow! If you haven’t already purged all of your kids clothes yet, today is the day to finish. With the seasons changing, now is the perfect time to get it done.

Purge Day 19: Kids Clothes

Task: Pull out all kids clothes from closets (and drawers, if not already done). Purge clothes that are too small, have stains or holes, and those that have not been worn in the last year.

Organizing Tip: Hang like items together & label boxes for out of season clothes.

To see examples of what Toni did with her 3 kids clothes, click on the link below.

HAPPY PURGING!

www.abowlfulloflemons.net/2014/10/purge-day-19-kids-clothes.html

[Loupy]

We are now on Day 20 and back in the kitchen for more purging. It’s time to purge your expired spices. Today should only take a few minutes. Have fun!

Purge Day 20: Spices

Task: Go through all spices in your kitchen, checking the expiration date. Purge all expired spices.

Organizing Tip: Place all spices in clear jars. Label each jar. Then write the expiration date on a sticker & place on the bottom of the jar.

HAPPY PURGING!

www.abowlfulloflemons.net/2014/10/purge-day-20-spices.html

[Loupy]

Today we are staying in the kitchen & purging the fridge.

Purge Day 21: Fridge Food

Task: Empty out your refrigerator & purge expired condiments, food, and empty containers. Wipe clean.

Organizing Tip: Use refrigerator bins to organize food by category. (Condiments, sandwich kit, drinks, fruit & veggies, etc).

For tips on how you can organize your fridge, and a free printable fridge inventory sheet visit...


www.abowlfulloflemons.net/2014/10/purge-day-21-fridge-food.html

[Loupy]

Purge Day 22: Email Subscriptions

Task: Go through ALL of your emails – purging junk mail, responding, taking action and saving what needs saved. Allow yourself 20 minutes to do this. Set the timer and get started. To help reduce email clutter, “Unroll” yourself from email subscriptions. To do this, follow the instructions here.

Organizing Tip: Create an email account specifically for subscriptions. This will alleviate un-necessary emails from going to your main account. Also, if you haven’t already done so, create new “action” folders.

Label them…

Urgent. All emails that need immediate attention. Respond by the end of the day.
To Do. Anything you need to respond to or complete (non urgent).
Events. All emails that have a date & time (parties, baby showers, etc). Don’t forget to write them in your planner. Once the event has occurred, delete the email.

*Don’t forget to go through the folders each day, taking action, so your email doesn’t get cluttered up again.


www.abowlfulloflemons.net/2014/10/purge-day-22-email-subscriptions.html

[Loupy]

Purge Day 23: Junk Drawer

Task: Empty your junk drawer onto the kitchen table. Purge away, throwing out the trash & organizing the rest.

Organizing Tip: Make several piles.

Belongs somewhere else
Pens & Pencils
Tools
Tape & Glue
Personal Care
Paper
Batteries
Money

Gather small drawer containers to organize your things. You may also label each container with label tape.


www.abowlfulloflemons.net/2014/10/purge-day-23-junk-drawer.html

[Loupy]

Purge Day 24: Desk

Task: Declutter your desktop, purging trash & removing things that don’t belong. Wipe down the desk with an all purpose cleaner.

Organizing Tip: Organize important papers into your filing cabinet. Shred what you don’t need. To keep your desk free from clutter, clean & organize every evening, before you go to bed. Go through your mail right away & recycle junk mail. Do not stack it “until later”.

HAPPY PURGING!

www.abowlfulloflemons.net/2014/10/purge-day-24-desk.html

[Loupy]

Welcome to day 25 of our 31 day purge. I hope your starting to see a transformation in your homes. Purging creates order and we need order to function well. Today we are purging the master closet.

Purge Day 25: Master Closet

Task: Pull out your clothes from the closet & place them on your bed. Go through one piece at a time. Ask yourself these questions then purge away!

Does this still fit?
Have I worn this in the last 12 months?
Is it still in good condition (holes, stains, etc)?
Can I live without it?

Organizing Tip: When it’s time to put them all back, hang your clothes together by type (short sleeve, long sleeve, pants, skirts, etc).


www.abowlfulloflemons.net/2014/10/purge-day-25-master-closet.html

[Loupy]

It’s day 26 of our 31 day purge and we are almost finished! I bet you are relieved. How is your house looking? Today we are decluttering and purging our mudrooms or coat closets. Winter is headed our way and we need to get prepared.

Purge Day 26: Mudroom

Task: Empty out your mudroom (or coat closet), purging things that you no longer use or need and things that don’t belong in there. This is a good time to wash and organize your coats, scarves, hats and gloves. Wipe down the shelves before putting things back.

Organizing Tip: Label baskets & bins for items you store in your mudroom. (Winter wear, flip flops, bags, etc).

HAPPY PURGING!

www.abowlfulloflemons.net/2014/10/purge-day-26-mudroom.html

[Loupy]

We are on Day 27 of our 31 Day Purge. Today we are sorting through all of those DVD’s. Lets get purging!

Purge Day 27: DVD’s

Task: Sort through all DVD’s, purging any that you no longer want or use.

Organizing Tip: Organize DVD’s in an acrylic storage box (or any box that will work for you), then label sleeves with the title & number.

HAPPY PURGING!

www.abowlfulloflemons.net/2014/10/purge-day-27-dvds.html

[Loupy]

Welcome to Day 28 of our purge. Today we are in our master bedrooms, purging the night stand. This task should only take a few minutes. Lets get purging!

Purge Day 28: Nightstand

Task: Clear off the top & empty out the drawers of your nightstand, purging what doesn’t belong. Wipe it clean & re-organize.

Organizing Tip: Use drawer organizers & containers to keep things neat. Visit my master bedroom post to see my organized night stand.

HAPPY PURGING!

[Loupy]

Welcome to day 29 of our purge. Today we will be doing the simple task of purging expired nail polish. It’s an easy one so if you need to catch up, this is a great day to do it.

Purge Day 29: Nail Polish

Task: Gather up all the nail polish in your home. Purge all polish that’s old or any that you no longer want. You can generally tell if a nail polish has expired if it’s clumpy or separated. Most nail polish will last at least 2 years. Organize them together into one container or on a nail polish organizer.

Organizing Tip: There are several nail polish phone apps, including this one here. Choose an app to keep track of your nail polish colors. When you’re at the store, just pull the app up to make sure you are not purchasing a duplicate polish.

Another great tip, while we are on the topic of “nail polish”, is putting together a manicure & pedicure kit. I love having this & use it often.





www.abowlfulloflemons.net/2014/10/purge-day-29-nail-polish.html

[Loupy]

Welcome to day 30. We are just about finished with our 31 Day long purge. It’s been an exciting month and we have purged a lot. There are only 2 tasks left and the first one is to purge under your kitchen sink. Have a great day.

Purge Day 30: Under the Kitchen Sink

Task: Pull out everything from under your kitchen sink. Purge empty bottles, things that don’t belong & trash. Wipe clean before putting everything back.

Organizing Tip: Use containers & bins to organize cleaners, sponges, cloths, and brushes.

HAPPY PURGING!

www.abowlfulloflemons.net/2014/10/purge-day-30-under-the-kitchen-sink.html