Organizer Offers Advice to Busy Mothers of Multiples

Resolution #1 – get organized in 2010.  Easier said than done, especially when you have children, their toys, clothes, school materials and activities!  So imagine the difficulty in getting things together when you are a parent of twins or triplets, more kids and much more stuff.

Lorraine Falcone, a professional organizer and founder of Hudson-based Naturally Organized, spoke to the Greater Nashua Parents of Twins and More (GNPOTM) on Thursday, January 14.  The evening was a chance for friends to gather, share organizing tips and enjoy a night out. 

Falcone shared some solutions for the most common organizational mistakes that people face in their homes. 

For instance, every house should have a “command center.”  Important information organized in binders, folders or wall slots, should be kept in this area.  A central calendar will keep everyone aware of various activities.  Further, each person in the house should have a place to put their own things so they do not end up stacked on a kitchen counters. 

“Use a closet as a place to retrieve items, not as a place to store them,” said Falcone, speaking of bedroom closets.  She says that many people see the space in their closets as a place for long-term storage, and as a result, the clutter builds.  Items to be stored should be placed in an attic or basement.  Only those things used on a regular basis should be kept in a closet.

Falcone also suggested looking at things in a different light.  Small photo albums could be kept in the car to organize restaurant & store coupons which can easily be sorted while waiting in the line to pick up children from school or other activities.  Small plastic boxes intended for sorting beads can be used to hold jewelry.  She also recommends containers with lids for storing toys, as the containers can be stacked. 

Storage and organizational tools need not be expensive, says Falcone.  She displayed several items that can be purchased inexpensively at local stores.

Falcone, who is also a designer for Closet Factory, added that custom closets are a popular trend among homeowners.  Newer homes tend to have large walk-in closets that are just magnets for clutter.    

The most important thing for people to do is to get rid of things they do not use.  “If it has no use, then why is it taking up space in your home?”  Falcone also says that once a place for things has been established, it is important to maintain order and put things away. 

“It sounds so simple, but it is amazing how much stuff people can collect.  Some things are hard to part with for sentimental reasons, but other things are just clutter.” 

Professional organizers and organizational tools are one of the fastest growing businesses in the country.  The National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO), formed in 1985, promotes professional organizers and the organizing industry.  An organized home can save money and time.  A professional organizer can help anyone to make the most of their space. 

Falcone specialize in residential organizing, including closets, home offices, basements, garages, family rooms and kitchens.  She frequently presents on organizing techniques and conducts organizing workshops.  For more information, contact Lorraine at 603-821-0736 or lorraine@naturallyorganizednh.com.

Established in 1973, GNPOTM is a non-profit organization that offers support and advice on raising multiples.  Being a parent of multiples is only something that another parent of multiples really understands.  The club is a unique organization, consisting of diverse group of people with the kinship of multiple-parenthood as the bond.  GNPOTM is a chapter of the Massachusetts Mothers of Twins Association, and a member of the National Organization of Mothers of Twins Clubs.

For more information about GNPOTM, please contact either Diane or Chrissy at president@greaternashuapotm.org or see the website at www.greaternashuapotm.org.

Let's get started!
Lorraine Falcone
CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZER ®

603.821.0736
lorraine@naturallyorganizednh.com