Being Organized, part 3

Eye Talk by Annie Schlesinger

We’re not organized yet; this article will give more of my thoughts about it. Less is easier to manage and a well thought out routine allows time for relaxation, fun things and less anxiety.

In the kitchen clear counters are better. Take items out and put them away; you will be able to find the item later. Bins and trays keep supplies in their place.

Measuring dry or liquid ingredients on a tray makes clean up easier. A liquid indicator such as “Say When” is good when pouring liquids. A round plastic fishing float can be used for cold liquids. Find these floats in sports department.

Pay attention to knife storage. I used to have a wooden counter top block for storage but don’t have counter space for it now. I keep my sharp long knife in a drawer, sharp side down, wedged in a space next to the silverware tray. Paring knives go tip down in a heavy cup-like container in a corner of counter.

If you take long term medications see if your pharmacy has automatic renewal. I receive some medications by mail. The label can be read by a machine that was given to me.

When I leave the apartment I lock the door with the key – I always have my key with me.

I have two identical purses-one summer, one winter so items are always in the same pocket or compartment. I use cross body bag and rarely set it down when I am out; I might forget the bag or not see it.

For taxes I plan to sort items in envelopes; I may need some help with taxes.

Spots on my clothing may not be seen by me so I try to avoid them. I often wear a chest protector (bib, crumb-catcher). I did some beading on a cord, attached an alligator clip and use it with a napkin-a fashion statement! I gave one to my brother and he uses it, takes it on trips even (he likes the pearls).

My microwave has bump dots marking the controls. My mail box in mail room has bump dot on it. Answering machine, TV remote and telephone have dots besides the standard one on number 5. I have marked my thermostat and space heater controls with dots. 3D and puff paint works well on some items.

I have many things around the house marked with bump dots or 3D paint. I put dots on top of electric cords that need to be lined up a certain way.

3D paint dots in braille letters are used to mark my clothing and hats for color. Pen Friend laundry stickers and safety pin in a code are among some of the ways to mark clothing. There are commercial products or apps identifying colors; try before buying.

In my community laundry I place a cutout from a magnet sheet on the washers and dryers I am using. I have customized these with my name using 3D paint. As there are ten washers and ten dryers this is a help for me. One sighted person has adopted this idea.

New apps are coming out all the time and I try to check out all the ones I hear about that might be useful. Networking and belonging to groups help keep me up-to-date. Several apps help me read print and identify objects. There are also stand-alone machines that read print.

Finally, the end. Being organized helps us live more worry free. My memory is not as good as it used to be and I can get distracted. Return the item to its designated spot and you will be able to find it again. Control equals satisfaction!