Creating our Paperless Home
It has been a whirlwind of sorting, scanning and shredding paper over here! I knew this process would take a while, but I never expected to have it take this long. Between figuring out if we need to keep paperwork, scanning it and figuring out our tags, and actually having time to do the work, it has been an adventure. But an adventure that is sooo worth it!
The first step we did was to sort the papers. This step is also outlined in The Paperless Home. We sorted all of our papers into 3 piles: Trash, Scan & Shred, and Scan & Keep.
The trash pile was easy - straight to the shredder!
Then, I started scanning the pile I knew that I could get rid of, the Scan & Shred. We knew that everything in here wasn't 'essential' to the home. This pile took a while to scan, but once I finished, I knew I only had one pile left.
This pile is one that I am still working on. The reason this pile is taking so long is because it turned from 'Scan & Keep' pile into a 'Scan & do we really need to keep this?' pile. So I am slowly working my way through this stack of papers and having a conversation with my husband about if we really need to keep these papers. (You will be happy to know that most of the answers are 'no'.)
A huge step in this whole Paperless Home is learning Evernote. Without the videos provided by The Paperless Home, I could have figured it out eventually, but it made the whole thing go faster. I especially loved that Donnie walked you through the 2-step verification process. I set up my Filing Cabinet and Notebook Stacks a bit differently than he did, but he gave me a great foundation! I also emulated the way he named each of the notes that we imported, it makes it so much easier to find everything.
I am really enjoying using Evernote so far. We did start with the basic plan to try it out and upgraded for a month to see if it was worth it (we had a credit in our paypal account to cover this) and we decided it was worth it. Being able to access our files and search easier in Evernote is so convenient and worth the small monthly payment.
Along the way I have learned a couple of new things. I also was able to use what we had to make this Paperless Home work well for us.
You can find out more about the Paperless Home here.
If you know you would like to get started, you can purchase the ebook or packages with videos here.
Buy Now
Sorting Papers
The first step we did was to sort the papers. This step is also outlined in The Paperless Home. We sorted all of our papers into 3 piles: Trash, Scan & Shred, and Scan & Keep.
The trash pile was easy - straight to the shredder!
Then, I started scanning the pile I knew that I could get rid of, the Scan & Shred. We knew that everything in here wasn't 'essential' to the home. This pile took a while to scan, but once I finished, I knew I only had one pile left.
This pile is one that I am still working on. The reason this pile is taking so long is because it turned from 'Scan & Keep' pile into a 'Scan & do we really need to keep this?' pile. So I am slowly working my way through this stack of papers and having a conversation with my husband about if we really need to keep these papers. (You will be happy to know that most of the answers are 'no'.)
Learning Evernote
A huge step in this whole Paperless Home is learning Evernote. Without the videos provided by The Paperless Home, I could have figured it out eventually, but it made the whole thing go faster. I especially loved that Donnie walked you through the 2-step verification process. I set up my Filing Cabinet and Notebook Stacks a bit differently than he did, but he gave me a great foundation! I also emulated the way he named each of the notes that we imported, it makes it so much easier to find everything.
I am really enjoying using Evernote so far. We did start with the basic plan to try it out and upgraded for a month to see if it was worth it (we had a credit in our paypal account to cover this) and we decided it was worth it. Being able to access our files and search easier in Evernote is so convenient and worth the small monthly payment.
Tips and Tricks
Along the way I have learned a couple of new things. I also was able to use what we had to make this Paperless Home work well for us.
- Use the scanner you have and make it work for you. The ScanSnap that is recommended in the book, along with several websites I saw, and looks so easy to use. But, I didn't have an extra $300 to just throw at a new scanner, and I don't know many who do. I have a Brother All-in-One that we got at a super discount on Black Friday about 4 years ago. We love it and it has yet to fail us. Some Brother printers, I found out, do have the capability to connect to Evernote, mine however is an older version and does not have that capability. However, I created a folder named 'For Evernote' on my computer that my scanner now sends the scanned documents to. This way it is easy to just click and drag the files from that folder into the Evernote Inbox. Then as I go through each one, I rename it, add tags and file. Simple as that. It's just one more step.
- When in doubt, skip it and come back. One of the things that was holding me up in the beginning was looking at a piece of paper and trying to decide if it was worth keeping. So what I decided to do was just assume I would keep it after scanning. This way, I was able to just get started and learn. After getting started and having the chance to reread the book, I can now determine quickly if I even need to scan some of the items. This process is going a lot faster than it would if I took the time to figure these things out in the beginning.
- Do bulk scanning. At first, I would scan and then go enter the document into Evernote. I thought this was a great idea and I thought I was really making some progress. But I saw that my piles were not going down as quickly as I wanted. I also only had the morning before my daughter woke up to really have access to the scanner. So I decided to bulk scan. I just spent the half hour that I had in the morning scanning to my computer. Then, at naptime or in the evening, when I could access my computer but not the printer, I organized everything into Evernote - which went so quickly.
You can find out more about the Paperless Home here.
If you know you would like to get started, you can purchase the ebook or packages with videos here.
Buy Now
Owner's Manual & Warranty Organization
Murphy's Law: When you finally get to heat up your lunch for the third time this afternoon and your child is actually napping, your toaster oven calls it quits with cold pizza still inside. You know it's not dead and you want to troubleshoot it, but where is that owner's manual - and warranty in case it's broken.
Yes. I have lived this situation. Owner's Manuals. This is one area that Marie Kondo, the creator of the KonMari Method, and I disagree on. And this is probably the only time I will tell you that I think it is ok to keep papers around.
Conquering Paper Clutter with the Paperless Home
I am a piler. I pile papers into different groups but never get rid of anything. I think I have a system until I can't find the life insurance paperwork to make my payment. Days later I find it, and it's late, in danger of being terminated. I think it's time to tame the paper clutter.
Office Space Organizing - The Plan of Attack
So this month we are focusing on the Office Space. When we redesigned our basement, knowing we would lose our second bedroom to the nursery, we brought our desks downstairs. We have been living with this arrangement for a couple of years and I have to say it is delightful! I love having our desks situated the way we have it.
So this month, we are focusing on the clutter that is attracted to our desks. Let's take a look at the before pictures.
Master Bedroom Reveal - Small Changes Make a Huge Impact
Well, August has come and go and I am finally ready to reveal to you our master bedroom!
It was truly a team effort from my husband and I. I am so happy to be able to have his help. He has really come on board to help out more since his work schedule has loosened up a bit. It really helps in the completion of projects!
It was truly a team effort from my husband and I. I am so happy to be able to have his help. He has really come on board to help out more since his work schedule has loosened up a bit. It really helps in the completion of projects!
DIY Tufted Fabric Headboard: the Do's and Don'ts
In the process of making our master bedroom a real retreat, we decided we wanted a headboard. We looked for options to buy, but we had already spent a fair share in the bedroom and we wanted to be able to DIY one since it would be much more affordable then buying one.
There are TONS of tutorials out there for making a DIY Fabric Headboard, this is not one of them. I am going to walk you through some of the dos and don'ts for creating your own headboard. Since none of the tutorials seemed to run into any problems that we did, I wanted to share our experience and what we did to solve the problems we encountered. So learn from my mistakes and keep this handy when you decide to do your own.
There are TONS of tutorials out there for making a DIY Fabric Headboard, this is not one of them. I am going to walk you through some of the dos and don'ts for creating your own headboard. Since none of the tutorials seemed to run into any problems that we did, I wanted to share our experience and what we did to solve the problems we encountered. So learn from my mistakes and keep this handy when you decide to do your own.
Using KonMari Folding to Organize Your Drawers
We have been super busy here finishing up our bedroom makeover for this month. We have been so busy in the bedroom working, I have been slow on posting here about our updates. So we may be posting some tutorials in September - oops :).
Now that we have been able to bring our wardrobe under control
(hubby worked on his this past weekend) we have been able to find the best way to organize our dresser drawers and our now minimally used closet space.Finding the Joy in Your Clothing with the KonMari Method
I have mentioned that I read and started to implement "The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up", lovingly referred to as the KonMari Method. I talked about this a bit when we did the Master Bathroom Organization but I skipped ahead in talking about the process - on purpose.
The first step in the process is actually to start with clothing. Her thought is that it is easier to decide if a piece of clothing brings you joy rather than a photo you may be holding on to. So, even though I shared our decluttering from the bathroom first, I actually did go in order and started with my clothes.
The first step in the process is actually to start with clothing. Her thought is that it is easier to decide if a piece of clothing brings you joy rather than a photo you may be holding on to. So, even though I shared our decluttering from the bathroom first, I actually did go in order and started with my clothes.
Back to School: Homework Station
I am excited to have guest poster Brittany from Overdue Organizing here today. She is sharing with you ways to keep homework managed for the school year starting soon. 
5 Splurge Worthy Office Supplies to Buy During Back to School
Today I am guest posting for my friend Brittany over at Overdue Organizing.
"I love office supplies. I actually have such a problem with hoarding office supplies my husband has put a ban on new supplies coming in the door. Not to mention I used to shop these sales for my classroom before I became a stay-at-home mom. Since I am a self-appointed expert on what to purchase during this time of the year, I wanted to share with you the prefect items to make your desk, and you, smile."
Be sure to head over to her blog and see what items are worth shopping for during the current sales.
Creating a Master Bedroom Retreat {before & design plan}
The Master Bedroom should be a retreat. It should be the one place in the home that is relaxing to go into and enjoyable. It should be...our Master is not right now. At one point in time it was. That point in time was before our daughter was born. So I am on a mission this month to turn our bedroom into the retreat it once was for us.
365 Ways to Say 'I Love You'
Master Bathroom Organization - Reveal
I have no idea where the month of June went. We had a blackout the end of the month and 3 weekends without a husband, made June fly by. I forgot that it was July and I didn't post my Master Bath reveal OR any of the organizing we have done. So I apologize for the long post today, but pictures make it fun :)
So as you may have seen, we have started decluttering our home with the KonMari method. In her book, Marie Kondo suggests sorting by category, rather than room, and going in a particular order. I promise you, I have gone in order, but since Operation Project Organize is not focusing on clothes {next month is Master Bedroom Organization for Operation Project Organize so you will see it soon enough}, books or paperwork this month, I did those tasks but will post those decluttering posts later. So here is the process you can use to declutter your bathroom.
Again, Kondo suggests that you declutter according to category, but after clothing, books and paperwork, the komono {miscellaneous} categories can be a bit daunting. To help me out, I downloaded this amazing printable I found at Jersha & Dup. She breaks down each 'room' into a category so you don't forget anything. I skipped to the bathroom, because I don't think there really is a method to this part and that is the focus for this month, and used each part as the 'category' to sort.
So to get started, I collected all of the things in each category to sort, starting with towels and working down the list. I did leave the laundry room things to do until we do the laundry room for Operation Project Organize {hint hint: December}.
Here is what our decluttering looked like. We started with the bathroom undersink and the linen closet because most of the 'bathroom' categories were actually in the linen closet.
So as you may have seen, we have started decluttering our home with the KonMari method. In her book, Marie Kondo suggests sorting by category, rather than room, and going in a particular order. I promise you, I have gone in order, but since Operation Project Organize is not focusing on clothes {next month is Master Bedroom Organization for Operation Project Organize so you will see it soon enough}, books or paperwork this month, I did those tasks but will post those decluttering posts later. So here is the process you can use to declutter your bathroom.
Again, Kondo suggests that you declutter according to category, but after clothing, books and paperwork, the komono {miscellaneous} categories can be a bit daunting. To help me out, I downloaded this amazing printable I found at Jersha & Dup. She breaks down each 'room' into a category so you don't forget anything. I skipped to the bathroom, because I don't think there really is a method to this part and that is the focus for this month, and used each part as the 'category' to sort.
So to get started, I collected all of the things in each category to sort, starting with towels and working down the list. I did leave the laundry room things to do until we do the laundry room for Operation Project Organize {hint hint: December}.
Here is what our decluttering looked like. We started with the bathroom undersink and the linen closet because most of the 'bathroom' categories were actually in the linen closet.
Bathroom Organization Updates & Progress
Bathrooms are not always the most glamorous rooms in the home, but there are some beautiful ones out there! Bathroom organization is tricky but when well executed, it is amazing and makes life so much easier.
Let's check out how our bathroom progress is going.
Let's check out how our bathroom progress is going.
Using the KonMari Method to Tidy My Home
*This post contains affiliate links. You get to shop from your couch and support Managing a Home. win-win :)*
I have been encouraged by several bloggers to read the Life Changing Magic of Tidying by Marie Kondo. The system has been nicknamed the KonMari Method as a combination of her first and last name. I have to say, I was a bit skeptical reading the title, but I bought the Kindle version and I started to read.
Little Girl Nursery Gallery Wall
Several weeks ago, I asked my husband to put up the frames that I bought in our daughter's room. I took the time and planned out the placement and orientation of each frame and he hung them for me. Several weeks later, here I am just getting the frames filled.
It was very hard to narrow down which prints I would use for the frames. I had a Pinterest board filled with ideas and needed to make some decisions.
You will see below where I got the prints from or if I made them myself. I printed all of the prints at Staples. They do a great job of accommodating sizing for your prints.
{from left to right}: Cute as a Button - {original} {my 5x7 print} | beYOUtiful | State Printables {all 50 states are included} | Twinkle Twinkle {printed and put on scrapbook paper} | Glitter Heart 'S' - cut on silhouette from glitter vinyl{inspiration not available anymore - tutorial to come} | You are Loved | ABC Printable {missing from the gallery - printable verse}
Visit these great places and print out some new ideas, whether you are sprucing up your current gallery wall or you are creating a new one.
Happy decorating!
Bathroom Organization - Month 6 OPO
Half way through the year?! Where did the time go? This month the focus is on bathrooms. I will be focusing on just our Master Bathroom and Jenny will be ambitious and tackle all 3 of her bathrooms!
Stephanie's Bathroom Project
So this month, I am focusing on the Master Bath. Just the Master Bath you ask? Let's face it...
- I
can barelycannot even finish a room on a normal month, let alone several bathrooms. - Honestly, we only have one full bath - so there is my focus
We renovated our bathroom less than 4 years ago so we will for sure not be undergoing any major changes here. Here is just a brief look at our previous bathroom to our current bathroom. {Excuse the poor lighting in the first photo, this was way before I started blogging and knew I should document each step :) }
So now we just have some minor things to update and make more useful.
The Plan
- We have clutter all over the bathroom. With only one sink, we cannot afford the valuable space being taken up.
- I would also like to be able to open the door all the way. Right now we have so many towels hanging on the back of the door that it will not open all the way.
- One thing you don't see is that after bathtime, the floor is covered with toys and dirty clothes. We need a better organizational system for that.
I did attempt to organize this at one point!
- Obviously something isn't working for us or this organization would still be in tip top shape. We either have too much stuff or it's not functional. Time to evaluate.
- The bottom drawer did start out as the baby's drawer and was organized, until she realized she could open it and get toys out. So I need to figure out a way to keep it baby friendly and organized.
Not too much on this end! Phew...this way I hope to find ways to finish projects in other rooms.
Jenny's Bathroom Project
The plans:
- Just to touch up some of the paint.
- Install hardware
- Change out the faucets
The plans:
- We are going to do a bead board ceiling. Which will be a quick and easy way to patch this ginormous hole and will add to our beachy feel.
- I want to move the outlet. We can't use it in the current state.
- Touch up paint
- Possibly paint the laminate flooring. I want to explore some options at the very least.
- Replace the sink and faucet.
- Install hardware
- Paint light fixtures
- Change out ceiling vent thingy
- I am going to re-organize their bins. For like the 10th time in 5 years.
- I am going to touch up paint.
- I am going to replace their shower head.
- I am going to see if they want to make any changes to their mirror.
- I am going to paint their vanity and reorganize the pigsty underneath it as well.
- Install hardware.
I hope you are ready to kick off the month! Don't forget you can click to download our checklists to help you out with your planning.
Share with us what you are planning this month on Facebook and check out our Pinterest Board for more inspiration.
Exciting Announcement for Parents!
Hi there! Thanks for reading Managing a Home! I am so happy to have you all reading along with our little blog we have here. We are super excited that you have stayed with us through the changes we have here at our blog.
We have one more change here for you. Since this site is all about Managing our Homes, we thought it only fitting to keep it to just that....Managing your Home. We recently launched our new blog, just for parents!
Raising Seraphim is all about parenting, kids activities and all things kids focused. We are keeping this information separate from this blog because we have found a lot of women who want to learn our healthy living and organizing tips but don't have children. Plus, being a teacher B.K. {before kids}, I have tons of ideas and activities that I do with my own child now.
Be sure to visit us over at Raising Seraphim, follow along on social media and check out some posts! {You can also find the link in the 'For Your Kids' drop down menu anytime!}
See you soon!
We have one more change here for you. Since this site is all about Managing our Homes, we thought it only fitting to keep it to just that....Managing your Home. We recently launched our new blog, just for parents!
Raising Seraphim is all about parenting, kids activities and all things kids focused. We are keeping this information separate from this blog because we have found a lot of women who want to learn our healthy living and organizing tips but don't have children. Plus, being a teacher B.K. {before kids}, I have tons of ideas and activities that I do with my own child now.
Be sure to visit us over at Raising Seraphim, follow along on social media and check out some posts! {You can also find the link in the 'For Your Kids' drop down menu anytime!}
See you soon!
Nursery & Garage Organization Reveal
This week we have been hard at work. We have been organizing, cleaning and decorating our areas to be able to give them a new life.
Stephanie's Nursery Reveal
This month started off very strong, but when your husband is traveling for work and your daughter gets sick, life definitely steps in the way.
We started off the month with a deep clean of the baby's room. I always like to start with a fresh slate and we deep clean one room a month so that we don't end up doing it all in the spring.
We were able to hang up her gallery wall {well most of it} and here is where you can find the printables for yourself.
I made new room darkening shades for her room and put up her name, that I have had cut for a while, over the crib. {Please excuse the bad lighting. It is tough getting a moment to take the picture during a rainy day}
I made some changes in the closet. I rearranged her clothes and added hooks for the infrequently used but needed extra bags. I haven't done much yet with the shelf side of the closet as every time I go into the closet, a little body is following after me taking down clothes or hangers :)
It has been super difficult to get in this room to get things done, seeing as that I usually work on projects during nap-time. I do have a couple of projects in the works still that haven't been completed, but will be finished up soon enough!
Jenny's Garage Reveal
I have a surprise for you. By now, you and I are great friends and I am sure you won't actually be surprised. Not anymore. But guess what! We didn't finish the garage!! SHOCKING - I know! So, for this month's garage organization reveal, we are going to show you Marco's great big contribution to this month's organization project.... yes, you can feel free to note the sarcasm.
Hardware Drawer Labels
Honey, Have You Seen the...
A Husband’s Perspective…
The Right Tools
Getting Started
Making Labels
Begin entering the label titles into the machine. The way this works is you can enter several words on one strip of tape until the machine tells you that you cannot fit any more. Words are separated by one or two spaces. After you receive the indication that no more words will fit, you review your labels. Once you are satisfied, you hit PRINT. The machine can print out about a 9” strip at a time. The length of each label determines how many are printed on one 9” strip. The DYMO has a built in cutter. Push the cutter button and you now have a strip of labels. Cut the strips into individual labels.
Applying Labels
Reveal
At least I got to keep a few things my way!
Hope that you follow along and become inspired by our Operation Project Organization and that you find some ideas and inspiration to make changes in form and functionality to your home as well. In fact, we are challenging you to become organized along with us! Later this week, we will be posting about how you, the reader, can participate in Month Six of Operation ~ Project Organization ~ 2015! You don’t even have to be a blogger, just a person with a need for one area (month) or more. You can also follow along on our Operation Project Organization 2015 Pinterest board for more great ideas as well!
Happy Organizing!
Nursery & Garage Organization Progress - OPO May Update
Welcome back to our update for our organization projects. Just as a recap, Jenny and I are working on organizing a garage and nursery.
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