Wednesday, December 27, 2006

Managing stuff: the rag bag

I'm certainly not the most organized among us, but I've had so many readers ask how we manage our stuff. I'm always trying new methods for the house, while my husband hones his well-ordered personal systems. In fact, he's gearing up for his annual New Year's wallet switch. He alternates the left and right back pockets from year to year so that his pants wear evenly, lasting even longer.

Me? I fling worn-out clothes into the rag bag with reckless abandon. We rarely donate our used or outgrown clothes to Goodwill. I pass along the better items to other moms or offer a bag on Freecycle. If the condition's too bad, I cut off the buttons and put anything interesting in the rag bag for projects. For instance, I admired a gingerbread boy apron in Gooseberry's holiday catalog. I took a brown pair of corduroys from the rag bag and made my own from a pant leg. When the rag bag gets full, I sort and toss the contents in the trash. Keep the rag bag in a laundry room for best results.

I'll try to sort through our other "stuff management" tactics and share in the upcoming days. I know we're all thinking organization as we incorporate all the new Christmas loot into our already full houses!

2 comments:

Amy said...

This is such a great tip and one I would not have thought of. I just don't know what to do with stuff like this. This will be a great way to use up some of those stained baby onsies I have laying around here, but can't seem to part with (for whatever reason!)

Someone Beautiful said...

I've had fun catching up on your blog, and I look forward to the tips! You always give me something good to think about, and ideas for making home nicer. :) Thanks!! :)