I have been really concerned for the thousands of people in Kentucky and surrounding states that have been without electricity in such cold weather. It got me to thinking–how organized am I if our electricity were to go out.

For Christmas I got this darling red tin box. I love boxes and containers. I put it in our family room because it is just so cute. I knew I would find a use for it and I have. It has also helped with clutter control.

I decided to use it as my “emergency, use within the first five seconds of the lights going out box”. I put a flashlight in it. It is the kind I shake for 20 seconds and it stays lit for hours. It needs no batteries. I also put tea lights in it with one holder. (I can get more holders later if needed). This will give us quite a bit of light really quickly. I use a clicker to light my candles and I have one within three feet of the box. I didn’t put matches in it for safety reasons if children come to our home.

This cute box is cute to leave out and everyone in the family will know right where to go in case of an emergency caused by lights out. What organizing tips do you have if the electricity goes out at your home?

Marilyn Bohn is an energetic, lively, compassionate, hard working and creative organizer. She was born to organize! Before becoming a professional organizer she worked professionally in diverse environments. She is involved in her community, providing her clients with a broad base of experience and knowledge.  She is a member of the National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO).