Get organized, save money, be happy

A disorganized home wastes time, and time is money. It can be frustrating if you're constantly misplacing items, throwing out spoiled food that went missing in the kitchen and paying surcharges for unpaid bills that got lost in the shuffle. But it's easy to put a little happiness back into your life if you just get organized. Here are some tips for getting your home - and your life - back in order.

Get organizedTackle one room at a time to get a sense of accomplishment right away. The kitchen is a logical place to start since it's typically the landing place for all things that get dropped while passing through, from cell phones to car keys to school notes. Get rid of visible countertop clutter. Throw out what you don't need and corral small items in great-looking woven baskets or pottery bowls.Next, declutter behind the scenes in the drawers and cupboards. A few well-chosen cabinet accessories can help you here. A wood cutlery divider added to a crowded utensil drawer will keep your flatware in place, and give you a fighting chance at locating the pie server or pizza cutter. And, if you can't open a lower cabinet without a pile of pots and pans clattering to the floor, consider using pullout racks.Save moneyDesignate a "home office central" so you can keep track of money matters and never miss a bill again. Carve out desk space in the kitchen or family room to sort mail and pay bills as they arrive, or to keep it all in one place until payday arrives. Everyday items can pull double duty to help you organize. Turn an attractive rectangular serving dish into an "inbox" for bills, and let a colorful coffee mug serve as a pen and pencil holder. While you're at it, why not use a wine rack to organize bills? A wine cabinet with an open, X-shaped interior can provide fashionable storage for your reds, whites and zinfandels, but it will also work perfectly fine for sorting and organizing bank statements, tax information and charitable contribution receipts. It can serve to sort a variety of other items, from mittens to small toys - just let your imagination be your guide.Be happyAs long as you're making a few changes around the house, kick up your mood with color. Be on the lookout as you organize drawers, cabinets and closets for items that can be used as accessories to brighten up your home - dig out that collection of baseball caps in team colors and display it on pegs in the mudroom; turn a red metal toy truck into a conversation piece for the mantel; re-cover old pillows in fun new colors and throw them on the couch. Cheer up cabinets with fashionable finishes in inspiring colors. With these simple changes, you'll not only get organized, but you'll save money and feel happier about it, too.False12001599Wine racks can be used as sorting tools for bills or other items. False