Posted by Julie Signore on August 24, 1998 at 10:27:17:
In Reply to: My desk area is organized, but the location is a challenge posted by Chris on August 23, 1998 at 10:37:43:
: Any suggestions, my desk area is in the kitchen right off the garage entryway, and it frequently becomes the drop-off, or "just for now" site. It seems like I'm continually uncovering everyone's items off to get to my desk again. Also any ideas of how to encourage others to leave the area alone, ie getting pencils, markers and not returning, or leaving the mess, etc. Right now, I created a special box with all of those things they get into, and announced that this box was a free for all, but leave the other stuff alone. Helps a little. I've also gone so far as to use a Kotex box inside the cupboard, with the stapler, good scissors, stamps, located in it, no one seems to want to look in there, and my tools remain "findable"......:) Anyone have help?
Aloha Chris....
Hmmmm, sounds like you need to have a "family meeting" & discuss your dilemma :) *see description at:
http://www.123sortit.com/RO/familyschedules.html
In your case I would bring up the fact that you are attempting to keep your area "neat & organized" & you really need their help & co-operation. Encourage all family members to pick up after themselves & not to dump in your private area. If you are having trouble with cooperation, or the "habits" that are in place, let them know that you will claim the item you find for yourself!
During the course of each month hold a family auction where everyone must purchase their items back from you. The form of purchase can be completing a particular chore of your choice. Never return an item prematurely, or the lesson will be repeated. One game without your child’s valuable baseball mitt will not be a lesson easily forgotten.
This process really works & remember no one is immune (not even hubby) :)
As far as being able to avoid family members "borrowing" your items & not returning them -- are the kids setup with their own supplies in their rooms??? This is an absolute MUST (see section on Kids rooms: http://www.123sortit.com/RO/kidsroom.html ) I'm sure you will see the necessity :)
Hope some of this helps -- Keep me posted I would love to hear your reults .
Much Aloha,
Julie Signore - CEO
1,2,3 SORT IT Organizing Solutions -- Innovative Tools
NSA Member, NAPO Member