Are You Organized?

While surfing the internet, I came across a list of 'ways to tell if you are organized.' I've modified it a bit. Some were just downright an insult to most people's intelligence.


The first thing I thought of when I read the original list was Jeff Foxworthy's "You Might be a Redneck" spiel.

So, without further adieu:

You Know You're in an Organized Home When...

1. You can direct someone else to something and they find it.
Before many of us took the first step in this journey, we could never remember where everything was. When you begin to become organized, there is a place for everything. Not only can You find it, You can direct a friend or family member to its location and they can find it on the first try.

2. Preparing for taxes no longer involves a month long search for all of your paperwork. No one likes doing their taxes, though death and taxes are certain in life. When you are in an organized home, your files are set up where each piece of paper that is relevant to taxes has been stored properly. When it is time tax time, it is a matter of grabbing the correct folders. Saving you time and frustration.

3. You know what is in your home for meals.
How many times in the past have we all stood in front of the open refrigerator trying to figure out what to fix for dinner? In an organized home, you have a meal plan, whether for the week. You are able to put your meal plan together because you know your freezer and your pantry contents. No more wondering what is available to fix a meal you want to eat, no more using the open refrigerator to cool down the kitchen, and no more ordering pizza for the 2nd time in a week.

4. You know your schedule. In an organized home there is a central calendar with everyone's activities clearly noted and color-coded. You know at a glance when anyone has to be anywhere. No more confusion.

5. You are able to entertain with minimal preparation. Yes, having guests over for a last minute party is possible. It is not only possible, but when you are in an organized home it is an enjoyable experience. You not only know where your serving pieces are and what your menu is, but you are able to relax and enjoy your guests.

6. Clean up takes a few minutes here and there. When you are in an organized home, you are able to keep up with the housework and maintaining a clean house is a matter of establishing routines. A routine is easier to start and easier to maintain.

7. Your flat surfaces stay clear. When you are in an organized home, you no longer have to worry about piles toppling over onto the floor--just one more flat surface-- because your organized home has the filing, recycling and all other `piles' in their proper place.

8. You can move freely from room to room in the dark. In an organized home, there is no need to put nightlights in every available outlet just to avoid injuries. When everything has a place and is in its place, you can move about freely--even in the dark.

9. You have time to enjoy yourself. Hobbies and other activities renew, refresh, and reinvigorate you. In our busy lives we sometimes forget to take care of ourselves. In an organized home you have time to take care of yourself.

10. Your whole family can get ready and out the door in less than one hour every day. In an organized home, lunches are made, backpacks are packed, permission slips are signed, and clothing is set out the night before. Your 9 year old will not be screaming at you to sign, yet another, homework assignment chart as he rushes to the bus stop (not that it has happened in my home).

11. You no longer have duplicates or triplicates. In an organized home, you know what you have and you don't have to run out at the last minute to buy a tool, or ingredient of any kind simply because you can't find the one you know you have--somewhere! You will not only have what you need, but you will know where it is in your home.

12. You no longer have to pay late fees for video rentals or fines for overdue library books.
In an organized home you have a basket or a box of some kind that is specifically used for rental returns. This basket keeps your returns near the door so that you can grab them to return on your way out the door, in time to avoid late fees.

13. Getting dressed for work or school is quick and painless. In an organized home, the clothing is always in the closet, hung up neatly and arranged either by outfit or with like-things together. When your clothing is hung up in the closet and put away in the dresser you are easily able to select your outfit and accessories either the night before, or when you get up in the morning.

I'm still thinking:
"If you're to drunk to fish ... You might be a redneck."

Can you come up with three:
You know you're __________ when (or if) __________.