The Nerve Centre

Organizational Guru Peter Walsh  has amazing ideas to help us all get organized and keep the clutter out of our lives.  He suggests that all families have what he calls a 'nerve centre'.  This is the area where we manage the household.  This where the family's commitments and activities are managed and organized.

His tips include:

1- Get the whole family involved in the process of setting up the nerve centre.  If it is just mom getting this together the kids (especially teens) are less likely to buy into this.  Plus this is for every one's benefit - so everyone should participate and fully understand what this is about.

2 - The nerve centre should be in a common area like a nook in the kitchen, front entry or the mudroom - not some one's bedroom. 

3 - Once you have selected the area for your nerve centre.  Start by completely de-cluttering that space.  So you can start fresh!

4 -  Have a place for everything.  A cork board for notices, a large calendar to track every one's activities and commitments (you can even colour code each member of the family and keep the pens by the calendar), have a tray for incoming mail, have a bin for your purse/wallet, have a key ring to hang keys, and bins for each child for their backpack/hats/mitts etc.

5 - Remember practice makes perfect.  To turn this routine into a habit you all must practice and try not to get frustrated along the way - it takes a bit of time to stay organized but once you are, you'll love the feeling!