I need ideas for getting organised in all ways

Fusspot

Hi, I would like to get myself organised with things, set up some kind of plan and stick with it if I can. I am almost 53, living on my own in a one bedroomed flat, have two cats, I work full time in a Jobcentre. What I want to do is try and make a plan of the following:


An easy food plan. I don't have time to cook big meals from scratch, plus there is only me at home for the meals, don't want anything time consuming. I have an oven, a slow cooker and a combi microwave.


A basic wardrobe, with a set of clothes for work and another set of clothes for outside work, including weekends, days off and nights out.


A simple skin care regime, I have very sensitive skin and eczema.


A good basic make up regime. I like good products and only use a few basics but don't want to spend the earth, yet not too cheap either.


A basic cleaning regime in order to keep my flat clean but without too many products and gadgets.


I do try and keep things in order but I keep slipping. I maintain a good regime with my cats, they have an orderly diet, a well maintained litter tray and have flea drops regularly and that's good, I love my cats. Would also like to keep things in order for myself aswell.


I don't have a massive budget but I just about cope on what I earn.


Any ideas anyone?

zippychick

we have a thread on organising your life Old style. Ill merge you with it later

this thread may also help you

You may be better to ask in the health and beauty board about skincare and wardrobe

Zip

Nargleblast

A big diary to note down appointments, people's birthdays and dates when big bills are due is really useful, and you can use it for any handy hints or recipes too. Also get into list making. I have a list of jobs to do over the next few days, and I cross things off as I do them or reschedule them if not.
On the wall above my freezer I have a list of what is in each freezer basket, and I meal plan using the freezer as a guide. My OH teases me about my list making, but without that the household would be in a permanent state of chaos.

Fusspot

Thanks for your replies. I have also posted in Health and Beauty. I do note appointments and birthdays and make lists (mainly on my phone now), I just never can seem to stick with any regime I plan.

Nargleblast

Sounds like you take good care of the cats, and if you have a routine for them it should be simple to sort out one for yourself too. After all, if you don't take care of yourself then you can't take care of anyone else! Start by having a regular bedtime routine and get your clothes put out ready for the next day. Work out what foods you like and try to draw up a menu plan for healthy meals that are simple to prepare, and make your mealtimes a pleasurable experience. For beauty products check out places like Aldi and Lidl, some of their products have won awards for being effective and good value.

superskintmouse

for the beauty side, i use porridge oats in the bath in a sock and use aveeno cream on my face and thats it. I use a bb cream for my face with an eye liner pencil and some tinted lip balm and im done!

Housework wise, i picked up a handy tip when i was struggling, never leave a room empty handed always take something that live in the room you are going to and always put things back where they belong. always wash up and put away before bed then you arent startng the next day with a back log. i keep a sponge in the bathroom and wipe my sink every day, clean my loo once a week, sweep my floors every other day and change my bedding fortnightly.

Sit down and think of all your favourite foods, no point in having quick meals if you dont want to eat them!

Minimalist

You might find this website interesting - it's an approach to dressing well with less: http://theproject333.com/about/

I'm nowhere near the goal of 33 items in my wardrobe :eek: - but it's given me some good ideas, and helped me think about how to make the most of what I've got. For example, getting rid of all the old stuff that's been gathering dust, waiting for me to shed those extra pounds...

Broomstick

Minimalist, many thanks for that link. I don't have 33 useable items. (3 pairs of trews, two jumpers, two cardigans, misc t-shirts, two pairs of shoes...) but I've been self-employed for ever and haven't needed decent clothes for work. However, I think I'm going to have to look for a job in the outside world soon and need to do something about sorting out a decent wardrobe on a budget. I think that site will help me do that (but in reverse to what was intended!) because I will have a limit in mind.

B x

Minimalist

I'm glad the link was useful, Broomstick - best of luck with becoming an employee - I hope that works out well for you!

Linda32

Fusspot wrote: »

Thanks for your replies. I have also posted in Health and Beauty. I do note appointments and birthdays and make lists (mainly on my phone now), I just never can seem to stick with any regime I plan.

OK, so what goes wrong with the plan you make? and if you do not stick to the plan does it really matter? Its not one size fits all.

Can we ask what the problems are if you do not stick to a plan. What did you plan and what did not work. Perhaps we can help from there.

TiddlyPom

If you find a way to do it, please tell me how! I have never been so disorganised in my life and now I am finally in a house I will stay in for years, I too am searching for this nirvana!
I seem to have random 'stuff' all over the place and no real systems.

I would think that it would be an idea to concentrate on organising one sector of your life at a time with the others still in the back of your mind rather than a scattergun effect. Can you set yourself a fortnight to sort out each? Start by making a list of what you want to achieve but realise that the list may change as you go through the process.
I think when you are doing this sort of thing, a good friend is invaluable as they can look at things objectively.

I'm subscribing to this thread and really hope to learn from it!