Kathi,

Our house is being overrun by sticky notes. I’ve tried to teach my kids and wife not to use them for everything but they won’t listen to me. I thought perhaps there are some standard rules to help decide when to use sticky notes. Please help my family get un-stuck.

Kent, Rancho Santa Fe

Kent,

Here are a few tried and true sticky note guidelines.
Don’t use sticky notes:

•To record phone messages, they tend to fly away. Use a spiral notebook kept by the phone for all messages.

•To label computer discs. They get jammed into your hard drive or lost before you have a chance to use them.

•To record reminders of daily activities or projects. Have each family member maintain their own to-do list that is always kept in the same spot.
Do use sticky notes:

•To compile quick lists, such as groceries or errands which can be placed temporarily on your to-do list.

•For writing positive affirmations to each other.

•To create spontaneous hide-and-seek games for holidays, birthdays, etc.

• To attach to the back of a document to be faxed with the fax number noted so you won’t have to look up the number again.

• As a repetitive messaging system. Pre-write common messages such as, “at yoga, be home at 6 pm,” “walking the dog,” or “pick up the drycleaning.” Keep these notes on the inside of a cabinet door for easy access.

Kathi,

My kitchen is running out of space. I have too many gadgets to fit into my cabinets. Do you have any secrets for storing these items?

Marti, Del Mar

Marti,

The number of gadgets and tools created for cooking is amazing.
We can own deep fryers, corn bread skillets, power juicers, fruit wedgers, popsicle makers, tortilla bakers, pancake warmers, bacon presses, ice cream makers, grating mills, egg slicers, fruit ripeners, salad blasters, shish kabob baskets, bread buddies, and thousands of other kitchen-type things.

A quick way to increase the space in your kitchen is to get rid of the gadgets and appliances you never use. You might have paid good money for that butter warmer and deviled egg tray. BUT, if you never use them, they’re just taking up valuable real estate. Give them the heave-ho and send them on their way to a local charity. Perhaps someone else will actually use them.

The next time you see a gadget or appliance that you feel might be nifty, ask yourself how often you’re going to use it — and be honest with yourself. Chances are, you’re not going to eat heart-shaped waffles more than once a year. If you do, then that heart-shaped waffle maker may be just what you’re looking for. But, if not, save your money and keep your available kitchen space free for something you’re going to use all the time.

If you still can’t stop yourself from buying new kitchen gadgets, label each item with the date purchased. If you don’t use it in a year, it gets exiled from your kitchen and donated to a good cause.

Kathi is a professional organizer, image consultant and event planner based in San Diego California.

Please submit your questions to: advice@addspacetoyourlife.com
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San Diego Professional Organizer