Review of Freedom Filer

For this months goal, I wanted to improve our paper system.  Our current system was not working, as there were always piles of paper around the house, I could never seem to find what I needed.  To start the year off right, I had been researching file systems online and came across Freedom Filer on Unclutterer's website.  The price of the system was a little steep at $42, for labels....but after reading multiple good reviews, I decided to take the plunge.

I was able to set up my files in less than 2 hours, and was amazed at how easy it was to learn the system.  Within another 2 hours, I had sorted thru all our documents.  It was great to see 4 garbage bags of paper we no longer had to keep, and everything we needed, fit nicely into 2 file bins.  I also set up an active set of files in our kitchen to aid the reception station as mail comes in the door.  I am so amazed at how clean my house looks now, that there is no longer piles of paper cluttering the space.  The best part of the system, it is a self purging system.  So never again will we have to sit for 4 hours sorting thru all of our documents.  If you are looking into an organization for your paper documents, I would highly recommend this one.

Nintendo Organization

My husband has been on a Nintendo kick for the past several months. This has included getting an older TV so that we could play Duck Hunt....because yes, the new flat screen TV's don't allow the gun to work! So after living with the TV on an heater and cords everywhere for the past couple months, I decided to surprise him with my organization skills:) While he was off with his friends to a Red Sox game, off to Ikea I went:)

Prior to the trip, I put all of his Nintendo stuff on the dining room table and grouped similar items. I then measured games, etc. to ensure getting the correct box and ample amount of storage. The Expedit Bookshelf was the perfect fit, as we are limited for space. but the $40 price tag was also perfect! I think it turned out pretty good and my hubby was thrilled!

Before:

After:

A Thrifty End Table

For the living room, we had been looking for an end table that could fit in the space. My husband found a glass end table top at a garage sale for $5 and I decided to make a cover out of fabric. For $12 of fabric, I was able to make this simple cover and even a small pillow with the left over remnant. In addition, underneath the glass is a three drawer container that we had, which stores games and power cords, which helps keep clutter to a minimum. I really like what it has done for the space.

Craft Room

I was tired of having to convert the dining room between crafts and dining (my husband too!), so we finally took the plunge and decided to utilize our space to meet our needs. We changed one of our spare bedrooms into a craft room, where I can work on my projects and if I need to stop in the middle, I can simply close the door. With the inspiration of the black singer, we made it the focal point in the room. We then moved the kitchen table which we never used to the craft room. Moving the kitchen table really solved 2 problems, as in the kitchen all it did was collect clutter and it really gives me nice open space to sew and scrap.

With the help of my friend Phil, I made a felt board to help piece together my quilts. Phil made a basic frame from wood and we covered it with felt. The fabric simply sticks to the felt without any pins, so it's easy to move pieces and determine placement of squares, etc. It also keeps me on task to finish my current projects, as it's displayed out in the open and not tucked away in the closet.

This desk armoir, is the resting spot for both my sewing machine and cricut. It also stores my resources so they are handy to pull out when in need.

I really enjoy my new space, hopefully it inspires you to create your own:)