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Are you an "Innie" or an "Outie"?
By Kelly Rush

I once heard a presentation from a woman with a professional organizing firm who explained that most
people fall under two categories: Innies or Outies. She further explained that Innies (that'd be me) like to
have all of their stuff put away in a drawer or in cupboards - behind closed doors, neatly tucked away
somewhere and not seen out in the open.

Outies, while seemingly messy, can be just as functional as Innies, but they are usually more comfortable
having everything out in the open where it can be seen when needed. If you're an Outie, or you know one,
you can probably attest to the fact that Outies can find what they need in a matter of seconds, just as an
Innie will proceed quickly to their tidy filing drawer! It's simply two different styles, not necessarily a
strength or weakness.

If you are an Outie by nature, your home probably isn’t as orderly as you'd like it to be when company
visits, but clutter probably doesn’t cause you much stress. However, if you are an Innie who can't seem to
find a home for everything, or you tirelessly put everything where it belongs, just to have a three-year-old
(or your spouse) leave a trail behind them – clutter is probably robbing you of your joy, even if you don’t
realize it.

That’s why it’s important to get a handle on clutter in your household. A little organization goes a long way
toward keeping you and your family functioning smoothly.

This part of the website is for outies that wish for a tidier home, and innies that are obsessed with the need to
find a home for everything.

Where is your trouble-area with lack of organization? Click on the links below (or above) for several tips to
create a place for everything!

Paperwork

Clutter

Toys & Kids Stuff

Organization Supply List:

Rectangle baskets & stackable containers
(wicker or plastic) of various sizes
Use: toys, junk basket for miscellaneous clutter that
piles up on kitchen counters (more ideas see toys or
clutter)

Sharpie markers
For: labeling the date on jarred-food once opened, or
freezing food in ziploc bags or aluminum foil

Magnets with clips
For: coupons, reminders from school, recipes you plan
to make soon, hanging permission slips or reminder
notes to hang on your front door or garage door (Those
are steel doors, ya know - magnets work on them too!)

Gallon size ziploc bags
Use: storing all of the socks or tights your child grew
out of - reserved for younger sibling or donate, or hats
& mittens to store over summer)

Pencil boxes
(plastic storage containers with a flip/snap lid)
Use: small toy parts, crayons or markers, stickers, hair
accessories, toiletries, flash cards, small games or
puzzles in lieu of original cardboard boxes

Manilla folders
Use: saving sheets your child colored, important
records, temporary filing of other paperwork

Plastic storage drawers (tablet-top style)
Use: toiletries stored in a bathroom cupboard or linen
closet, office supplies - envelopes, stamps, stapler,
pens, medicines, band-aids, ointments stored on a
shelf or cabinet

Carts with drawers
Use: kids stuff like coloring books, notepads, workbooks,
craft supplies, etc.

Hanging canvass shoe storage
Use: hats & mittens, dress-up clothing/accessories,
storing dressy shoes (that don't need to be readily
available in your main closet.)

Under-bed bins (lids not necessary)
Use: Clothing, toys, stuffed animals, bed linens,
wrapping paper, books - measure the area under bed
frame before shopping for a container

File box w/ handle
Use: Bills & important record, kid's files, manilla
jackets for kids portraits, use hanging files to store sales
ads, magazines or other system of sorting papers