A quick tour of my house confirms that I am what one might call Challenged in the Organizational Arts. Much as I’d like to have Molly wave her magic wand and tidy things up, I know that isn’t going to happen. What needs to happen is this: I need to start Throwing Stuff Away. I have a hard time letting go of books, and I share my home with a dedicated pack rat with a strong sentimental streak. This has made it somewhat difficult to pare down the clutter.

And so, I am taking baby steps toward an organized home. Rockford has a bowl in the living room for his wallet and pocket things. I have a tray on the kitchen counter that’s designated the Stuff Catcher. It’s small, and when it’s full it’s meant to be cleared of Stuff. Said Stuff is supposed to then be put away. (I say “supposed to” because that doesn’t always happen as planned.) I try to keep the library books in the Library Bag, and the art supplies are all confined to one space. (A very disorganized space, but at least they’re together.)

But my most favorite and definitely most successful organizational effort?

It’s a battery organizer.

I bought it a few years ago using a gift card Rockford’s uncle gave me for my birthday. Making it both exciting and luxurious. Sarcasm aside, I really do love the battery organizer. It’s one of my favorite purchases ever, and it soothes my soul every time I open the doors to the laundry and see it hanging there, all organized and lovely. It makes me believe that maybe there will come a day when my house won’t be quite so cluttered. It’s also so very helpful when the kids need batteries for one of their 10,000 battery-operated gizmos.

I know there are people out there who live in clutter-free homes. My dad is one of them. Are you? What’s your best tip or product suggestion for living an organized life?