Orderly Manor®

IMPORTANT: Ord Mnr Blog to Merge with eNewsletter

2009-09-07T11:39:00.009-04:00

For those of you reading this blog but not receiving my monthly eNewsletter, pay attention. My blog will be ending Sept. 14th, with all information to be included in the publication of the eNewsletter beginning Sept. 15th. My Orderly Manor eNewsletter comes out the 15th of each month, and is sent via email with link. This will allow me to make more efficient use of my busy time outside of the work I do with clients.

If you would like to be on the mailing list for this newsletter, please add your name/email by filling out the form button to the left (below my pic & bio).

While any of the past posts will be lost, you do have access to past eNewsletters on my website as well as a downloadable eBook through Lulu for organizing content.

I hope you look forward to receiving news from me each month, and for those of you already on the mailing list, happy reading!

Tiny Tips for Saving $$

2009-09-02T08:00:00.002-04:00

I've culled out some money-saving ideas published in the Sept. '09 Redbook.

Dump spare change into a collection spot. When it's full, bring it to the bank or coin machine and use the amount towards a splurge or deposit it into your savings.

Plan out meals and grocery shop by that plan. Put a star next to the items on the list that you have a coupon for.

Choose a credit card that gives you points or rewards for using it.

Keep coupons organized and accessible. Share unused coupons with friends or family members that you know use coupons. Sources for coupons:

newspaper

online sites

manufacturer's websites

Set a goal. every time you're considering a purchase, ask yourself "would I rather put more money toward (your goal) or purchase this item?"

Check out eBay, Craigslist and Freecycle before you buy something.

Reconnecting Takes a Lot of Time!

2009-08-30T07:20:00.001-04:00

I apologize for my lack of recent posting but I have an excuse. And for any of you on Facebook, you'll sympathize. I recently joined FB and have found it interesting, time-consuming, and somewhat addictive. Perhaps you can relate.

In any event, I have found myself typing away for that purpose as opposed to writing anywhere else! Not that I don't have plenty more to say about organizing, redesign and staging, mind you. So bear with me...as soon as my FB honeymoon is over, I'll be back with a vengeance!

An Alternative to Shredding

2009-08-25T15:01:00.004-04:00

The majority of my clients who have shredders either 1) don't use them, 2) hate them, 3) have jammed shredders needing repair, or 4) all of the above. Which explains why I am not a big fan of shredders. They end up causing more clutter and headaches than helping.

I saw an item in http://www.solutions.com/ that I thought was an interesting alternative, besides, say, just ripping up sensitive material yourself.

Here’s a quick, easy way to protect your address, account numbers and other information before you recycle. Cover it up with a push of this stamp—the unique proprietary ink leaves behind a jumbled pattern of characters that make things unreadable. Use on credit card offers, bank statements, personal letters and more.

Is Your Cell Phone Plan Under Control?

2009-08-22T17:01:00.003-04:00

Found this tidbit in Real Simple -- these websites allow you to check your cell phone plan to see if it is the most sensible for you:

billshrink.com

fixmycellbill.com

Sharing $avings - Organize-It

2009-08-19T07:33:00.001-04:00

Save 15% on everything at Organizeit.com from now through August 31, 2009. To take advantage of this great deal, simply use the code EM97LD at checkout.

Fun Office Supplies to Share

2009-08-17T07:00:00.001-04:00

Real Simple showed these 2 problem-solving office products that I thought were unique and inexpensive:

bamboo dry-erase board: buy at threebythree.com

cable clips: buy at bluelounge.com

2009-08-15T11:00:00.003-04:00

"Most stress is caused by people who overestimate the importance of their problems."
Michael Le Boeuf

“One of the symptoms of an approaching nervous breakdown is the belief that one's work is terribly important.”

Bertrand Russell

Coupons in Cyberspace

2009-08-13T07:47:00.002-04:00

Not getting a Sunday newspaper with all the circulars is no longer a valid reason for not having coupons. You can be a thrifty shopper by going online and printing out your own coupons. There are many websites out there that offer you printable savings -- you just need to print out the coupon and you can use it at the grocery store, just like any other coupon.

Try Coupons.com and Cool Savings to get started, and then do a search for "free printable coupons" for more sites. Most allow you to look at specific categories or flag ones you want as you scroll through the pages. Good luck!

Garage Advice from Rubbermaid

2009-08-12T13:05:00.004-04:00

While I don't represent or particularly endorse any organizing products, I do like Rubbermaid because I've found their products to be sturdy and easy to use. Here is some advice from them about garages:

Although it’s meant to hold a car (or two), the typical garage is often so cluttered with garden supplies, sporting equipment, deck gear and…well, junk, that there’s barely any place left to park. Free up room for the car and much more by tapping some unused space—the garage walls—and getting everything off the floor.

1. CLEAR IT OUT: Set aside a weekend to sort through all of the items in your garage—if you can, get the whole family to pitch in. Have large garbage cans on hand to toss anything you really don’t use (be honest) as well as boxes for items you will want to give away or have repaired.

2. GET IN THE ZONE: Once you’ve winnowed down the clutter, think about where stuff will go. Divide the walls of the garage into zones, so you’ll know immediately where to find what you need. For example, designate one area for tools, another for bikes, skis and other recreational equipment, and a third for gardening and lawn supplies. Locate these zones where they’re most convenient; in other words, keep rakes and trimmers by the door leading to the yard.

3. AIM HIGH—AND LOW: A modular hook-and-rail system, like Rubbermaid’s FastTrack, is easy to install and makes the most of vertical space. Add shelves and baskets for smaller items. Hang the things you use most often low or at arm’s reach, and less-frequently used items high and out of the way (just be careful not to hang heavy things so high that taking them down will be dangerous). It’s also a good idea to store hazardous items—cleaning supplies, paint thinner, motor oil—on a high shelf or in a basket out of kids’ reach.

4. FIND A HOOK: Take time to choose the right hooks for the job, and be sure to check the hook’s capacity against the weight of the item you’re hanging. A plastic coating will protect the finish on bikes and such.

5. THINK SEASONALLY: A modular system lets you rearrange stuff easily. So in summer, you can keep hoses, beach chairs and bikes front and center; then when the weather changes, swap for shovels and ski equipment.

Do You Have A Minute? (or 15?)

2009-08-10T07:00:00.001-04:00

According to OnlineOrganizing.com, here are a few quick things you can do to organize your home when you only have 15 minutes:

empty your dishwasher
put in a load of laundry
start a load of clothes drying
make your bed
fold some clean clothes
put away your clean laundry
clean the toilet
clear the extra empty hangers out of your closet
empty your trashcans
clean the bathroom mirrors clean out a drawer
clean out your purse
clean out your wallet
dust one room
sweep the kitchen
balance your checkbook
pay a couple of bills
straighten up one room
file a stack of papers
reconcile your credit card statement
sew a missing button
repair a ripped hem
clip coupons from the newspaper
make a grocery or shopping list
make a to-do list
plan your meals for the week
gather up chore items to return (library books, videos, etc.)
clean expired items out of your medicine cabinet
clean out the fridge
check your desk for dead pens and markers
enter a few addresses in your book or electronic organizer
respond to a couple of emails
write a letter
do the dishes
clean out your makeup drawer
read and sort the mail
set out your clothes for the next day
make lunches for the next day
make a phone call

Cans for Clutter

2009-08-08T17:22:00.002-04:00

I'm sharing this unique take on using cans to help with clutter. Check out the pics where cans are instrumental on getting organized here. Hmm, interesting...

Quickie Tip

2009-08-06T13:00:00.004-04:00

Instead of crossing out items on a to-do list, use a highlighter. Highlighting the tasks you've done will make the accomplishment seem more significant and curiously make the items you haven't done seem more obvious.

School Supplies? Halloween Stuff? It's 1st Wk of August!!!

2009-08-03T16:39:00.006-04:00

Yesterday we were in Michaels, and saw multiple displays of Halloween decor, crafts and orange/black scary stuff. Mind you, it was August 2nd. Am I the only one bothered by this? It seems like this early onset of the holiday surprises me each year, or maybe Corporate American is pushing the stuff earlier and earlier.

The other thing I have noticed a lot of (starting in mid-July) is ads for school supplies and back-to-school sales. Now the college stuff I can understand, although I never started back to campus until at least the end of August when I was in college. But stores are also advertising the K-12 gear already, which seems bizarre to me since it feels like my kids just got out of school (they did, at the end of June). Yet one month later, I saw backpacks and fall clothes aimed at the school-age set on sale. I know I don't want to see any of that stuff anytime before it's necessary -- that would signal the end of summer!

The only thing I can see that's a benefit to all this way-too-early selling is that if you do get it now, stores won't be out of what you want the first week of school. For ex., my kids already chose and we purchased their new backpacks a couple of weeks ago. 1) they were on sale, and 2) securing that fave Hello Kitty and Transformers means no endless searching closer to the 1st day of school.

Otherwise, let me enjoy the summer, World of Retail!

Ah, The Simple Life

2009-08-01T08:00:00.002-04:00

FYI, the first week in August is Simplify Your Life Week. You can do some weeding out of files, paperwork, clothes, and toys to lighten the load. Simplifying can also be applied to routines, systems, and work you do on a daily basis at home and at work.

Complexity creates a maze between you and success.
Simplicity ensures a clear line of sight.
-- Lee J. Colan, Power Exchange

Purse Organizer Review

2009-07-30T19:28:00.007-04:00

I recently was given a purse organizer, and have been trying it out. It is called the "ultimate purse organizer" by Joey Junior, and it is like a long rectangle of fabric (5" x 26") with pockets, key clip, and velcro fasteners [see photo]. The ends velcro together to make a loop which can stand upright, which helps keep soft-sided bags (like my roomy one) stable.

You might be wondering, does it work? Well, so far, so good, although perhaps the purse of a Professional Organizer who only uses the one purse (no changing bag according to my outfit) isn't the best test subject. But I love organizing products, and I like having direct, personal experience that I can share with clients.

To get more info., see all of the purse accessories at Joey Junior, including the foldable purse hanger, which I keep forgetting to get from my uber-organized purse and use!

Sharing $avings - See Jane Work

2009-07-29T06:18:00.005-04:00

Get 15% Off All See Jane Work Storage Thru Friday, July 31st! Enter code '15offstorage' at checkout to receive discount.

A Week of Organizing Personalities

2009-07-25T17:02:00.007-04:00

It's been several days since I posted, namely because I've had a really busy week working with clients. It's a busy summer for organizing!

My clients are all so different in style, personality, family/home life, work, etc. that it makes it interesting (and at times, challenging!). I have found, however, that there are commonalities amongst clients; certainly the reason they hired me is sometimes the same, but also how they're disorganized, cluttered, or needing assistance is similar.

I notice these things again when I work with many different clients in a close span of time. Here are some of the common obstacles to staying organized:

Most of us wait for the problem to disappear on its own. No one really likes to perform routine tasks. But when we postpone today’s work until tomorrow, it creates double work for us. Most of us wait until the work piles up. So very often, disorganization is a result of procrastinating -- putting things off until a later date. Procrastination is really just postponed decisions.
We all have priorities that should be set up in the order of importance. When people indulge in the activity that is interesting but not really important for a long time it obviously leaves no time for the essential tasks. When the work piles up it makes it worse. Is the priority having a clean, organized home or having a lot of stuff? If your family acts according to “work before play”, members know there is positive reinforcement for work done.
Interruptions and distractions reduce motivation to continue to work. Some interruptions are inevitable and can be accommodated without disturbing out schedule while others can be ignored. If we lose our focus and try to do too many things, nothing gets done completely. Have you ever gone from one room to another, only doing a little bit of a lot of rooms instead of a lot in one room? Having a Professional Organizer there, at your home, keeps you on task.
Being in a household with different personality types (neat freak, slob, etc.) makes it harder, but not impossible, to maintain order. Everyone’s got something they like to be organized, so it is a matter of capitalizing on individuals’ strengths. Either you are organized or you’re not, and if you say you were organized before the kids but aren’t now, you never were. To be organized means being that way no matter what, no matter who lives in your house.
Habits are hard to break. Some say it takes 21 times doing something for it to become a habit. If you are used to clutter, then it is harder for you not to have clutter. Therefore start with baby steps to re-train yourself and others to make organization a habit, not an idea to strive for someday. If it is really important to you, I tell clients, then you have to make it a habit.

Tempted by Catalogs Because They Keep Coming??

2009-07-21T07:37:00.004-04:00

I get a lot of catalogs mailed to me each week, especially around holidays. The thing is, I do order from catalogs and online so that's the reason they keep coming. For some, just having a catalog in their home tempts them to buy something, not to mention the number of catalogs adding to clutter in the house.

If you want to reduce the amount of temptation, there are a couple things you can do proactively other than throw out any catalog you get in the mail.

According to ecocycle.org, "contacting the Direct Marketing Association (DMA) and registering with their Mail Preference Service provides an effective way for you to fight the junk mail glut. The DMA does not provide marketers with consumer mailing lists or do consumer mailings. They provide their Mail Preference Service to marketers for the sole purpose of removing consumer’s names and addresses from their prospect mailing lists. To add your name to the do-not-mail list, register online at https://www.dmachoice.org/dma/member/regist.action or download a mail-in form."

You can also check out Catalog Choice. Catalog Choice is a free service that allows you to decide what gets in your mailbox. Use it to reduce your mailbox clutter, while helping save natural resources.

Laundry Shortcut Worth a Try

2009-07-18T20:07:00.006-04:00

The topic of this post relates to organizing vis-a-vis time management and efficiency. While at the grocery store, I noticed the woman behind me in line at the checkout had a new product I've been wanting to try. It was the all-in-one Purex detergent/softener/dryer sheet. She had been told it worked well, and so she was purchasing it (something I'm planning on doing as well).

Here is the product description according to its website:

Purex® Complete 3-in-1™ Laundry Sheets are a load’s worth of detergent, softener and anti-static all in one powerful sheet. Purex® Complete 3-in-1™ Laundry Sheets come in three scents and are available in two package types – a Starter Kit (1 Dispenser + 20 Laundry Sheets) and a value Refill Pouch (24 Laundry Sheets). The Starter Kit includes a refillable Dispenser that makes it simple to protect and access Purex Complete 3-in-1™ Laundry Sheets. Once you have the Dispenser, simply purchase the money-saving Refill Pouch to fill the convenient Dispenser.

There's even a link to get a $1 off coupon on the website. I printed the coupon out myself and am looking forward to trying the product out! Anything to save time....

Are You a Family of Happy Campers?

2009-07-15T11:01:00.001-04:00

Here's a handy checklist I've printed out and used myself in preparation for camping trips. Maybe you'll find it helpful as well...click the link below:

Camping Checklist

Purse Organizer

2009-07-13T06:30:00.001-04:00

I saw this item in a Harriet Carter catalog and thought it looked handy.

Move from purse to purse without forgetting a thing! Handy organizer lifts out to transfer to another purse or tote in a snap. Multiple pockets plus a roomy center storage area keep glasses, cell phone, pen, lipstick, and makeup visible and accessible. Also has 6 credit card slots, zippered coin holder and key clip. 8-1/2" x 5-1/2" x 3" D.
$9.98 2 for $18.50

Quickie Tip: Putting Things Away

2009-07-09T06:47:00.006-04:00

Every time you are tempted to put something (an item) down somewhere temporarily, say to yourself: it takes just as long to put it where it goes. Instead of putting the shirt or toy on the bed or floor "for now", put it in its place. Don't wait until later, just do it then.

Yes, it's often easier just to drop an item on the counter or desk because you're not sure where it goes -- that should be a signal that the item needs a home, one that's predetermined so no thinking is required.

You'll appreciate the effort later when it is time to clean up!

As I Went Walking...

2009-07-07T06:59:00.011-04:00

I just got back from an early morning walk through the neighborhood, and as I was walking, noticed things that begged me to blog about them. I guess the title of this post could be "Outside Clutter" -- stuff in yards that make for eyesores. Certainly I get to see a lot of lovely homes and yards, but I feel bad for the few that spoil it.

It's annoying when one takes care of their yard but has to look out on a not-so-nice vista of a neighbor's unkept yard. A few of my observations from this morning (p.s. photos are NOT what I actually saw!):

crap hanging out on the lawn/yard -- random items like machinery, tools, mowers, bins or kids' playthings not put away: Outdoor Clutter!

Christmas lights (that one is just too obvious to say why it bothers me)

overgrown lawns or planting areas -- at least take a look from the curb and see where some sweat could be applied towards to "clean" up

holiday flags where the holiday was months ago

trash on sidewalk

bushes or trees that hide much of the house -- it really doesn't cost a lot to trim back the vegetation to proudly display your home

scraggly, broken-up driveways

Other than leaving my business card in the guilty parties' mailboxes, I suppose this venting will have to suffice. The lesson is: attempt to control the clutter both inside and outside your home. What you and others see when they drive up to your house is a reflection of you.

Quickie Tip: Halfway Through the Year

2009-07-05T08:33:00.004-04:00

We're at the halfway point of the year, so it's a good time to assess and re/organize paperwork. If you do it now, then you've cut your work at least in half by year's end in preparation for tax return time. Plus, it is always helpful to take a good look at your systems in order to improve them if necessary. Think of it as a New Year's resolution time but in July.

Go through files and cull out old or unnecessary items, be sure things are labeled, set up files, etc. Put systems in place that will work better for the rest of the year. Being organized means much of the work is done for you.

2009-07-03T11:00:00.000-04:00

Hope you have a wonderful 4th of July!

Cool Product to Share

2009-07-02T15:12:00.002-04:00

Check out this item I saw in an industry store's email to organizers: the Shopping-PadTM. Large in size (which is realistic but unusual) and inexpensive.

"A simple notepad that makes it easy to keep track of the items you need to pick up from various stores: grocery store, pharmacy, discount store or somewhere else. No more keeping separate lists for separate stores (and forgetting what you really need from where in the process)."

Sharing Online Organizing Newsletter

2009-06-30T07:14:00.003-04:00

For ideas on office organization, check out OnlineOrganizing. "This month's theme is about creating an organized and enjoyable space in which to WORK -- just visit HERE for these great articles, and more."

Keeping Track of Website Passwords and Info - Quickie Tip

2009-06-26T20:00:00.001-04:00

Unless you use the same exact username and password for every website you visit, you may find it challenging to keep track of Internet user information. I have seen notebooks created for just that purpose, but I find it just as easy to write or type them. The key is to keep the list in a convenient place near the computer.

I have our "database" of websites, usernames and passwords in Excel because I find it easier to type, modify, and reprint such a document. It is kept in a handy place near to the computer so it can be accessed when needed. I cannot tell you how much we refer to it!

A Book!

2009-06-23T16:05:00.008-04:00

I want to let everyone know I have published a downloadable e-book via Lulu called "Common Sense Organizing". It's 150 pages of organizing advice, tips, solutions and strategies for everyday living. Feel free to check it out: Patty's Book

2009-06-21T13:12:00.003-04:00

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!!

Cool Product to Share

2009-06-18T08:39:00.006-04:00

Ziploc, in addition to having all sorts of bags and containers, has a neat product called Flexible Totes.

"These soft-sided, rectangular, cube-shaped bags are great for everyday and long-term storage. They're flexible, so you can squeeze them under beds, into closets or onto shelves, and the modular design means you can conveniently stack them to save even more space. Ziploc® Brand Flexible Totes are made of thick, semi-transparent plastic that's strong enough for everyday use. Unlike rigid containers, they stay folded away until you need them."

These are a less expensive alternative to more permanent, plastic tubs and totes. Prices vary, but I found them to be in the $7 range.

The Simple Sort

2009-06-15T06:43:00.003-04:00

Sometimes you can face an organizing project or space that is overwhelming. There is so much stuff, so many varieties or types of items, and seemingly so much time needed that you cannot imagine getting through it.

For these situations I recommend taking the first baby step: the simple sort. Think of one category, one type of item or label, and use that as your criteria for sorting. For example, say that you have tons of photos to organize. It may seem daunting to just begin when you are faced with almost a lifetime of pictures. Let's imagine that you would like to organize the photos by occasion (although it could be by family member, year, event, whatever). Start with one occasion that you can think of -- i.e. birthday -- and then as you go through each picture, as you touch each photo, tell yourself to pull out ONLY birthday ones.

As you proceed, you're setting aside the birthday ones and the rest go into a "not birthday" photo pile. Remember, this works for any category or criteria you choose, as long as it is fairly specific and you can easily determine whether an item is in or out. You are not figuring out what to do with each picture other than which pile it goes into. Two choices only.

That way, when you're done, you have at least one category culled out that you can stick in a box labeled with the category. Every journey begins with one step....

2009-06-13T11:19:00.001-04:00

A reminder...Father's Day is Sunday, June 21st. If you are planning to get a gift or mail a card, do it soon.

Storing Towels -- Outdoors

2009-06-10T12:51:00.004-04:00

Here's an idea for storing beach towels this summer. We use them both for the beach and for the backyard pool, so I would rather not take up space inside for something used seasonally for one, and, secondly, that is not used inside.

I got a beige plastic storage bin meant for outdoor trash. The hinged top and latch makes it waterproof to allow the bin to stay on the deck outdoors. But it is also easily accessible for kids who need to grab a towel while outside. The bin actually blends in with our house color, but that's just an extra bonus. No matter what, the size and color are neutral enough not to be an eyesore.

My Fave Organizing Product Websites

2009-06-06T06:14:00.003-04:00

Here is a list of my go-to website stores for organizing products. I've made them all links so if you want to check one out, just click. Hope the list is helpful!

Stacks and Stacks

Space Savers

The Container Store

Organize.com

Organize-it.com

See Jane Work

Bed, Bath & Beyond

Home Depot / Lowes / Target / WalMart

Get Organized!

Home Office Organizing Tips to Share

2009-06-04T11:25:00.001-04:00

I thought this was a good list of tips for making your home office or workplace more organized: check out the link here.

Sharing $avings

2009-06-04T10:10:00.003-04:00

Now until Father's Day, save 15% on any order you place at Organizeit.com. Simply use discount code E2DAD3 during checkout. Offer ends 6/21/2009.

2009-06-03T06:38:00.003-04:00

Try not. Do or do not, there is no try.-- Yoda

Want Help With Procrastination?

2009-06-01T08:00:00.002-04:00

Here are some great tips for dealing with procrastination (by Jennifer Koretsky, OnlineOrganizing.com).

When a person is bored or UNINTERESTED, certain tasks and projects can seem like torture! This feeling usually leads to procrastination, and procrastination often leads to GUILT:

RECHARGE DAILY Procrastination can often be caused (or exacerbated by) a feeling of being drained and listless. Be sure to get enough sleep and rest each day so that you have the necessary ENERGY you need to accomplish your tasks.
GET A FRIEND INVOLVED It's harder to procrastinate when another person is involved. If you have a task you aren't looking forward to, invite a friend over to help you out. If you have errands to run, find a buddy who you can run errands with. Just having an ACCOUNTABILITY partner can make all the difference in the world.
REWARD YOURSELF You're much more likely to complete that boring task if there is a dinner out or a new compact disc waiting for you when (and only when) the task is complete. We often forget that we respond better to a POSITIVE enticement to get things done. Instead of using a whip, why not try a carrot?
DO THINGS IN PIECES Procrastination often comes from feelings of OVERWHELM. Break tasks, even small ones, into STEPS so that they are manageable and provide you with a sense of direction.
USE MUSIC Turn on some fun and UPBEAT music and let it pump you up! 80s music and showtunes are often great pick-me-ups that will give you needed energy to tackle your tasks.
DON'T BE AFRAID TO DO TWO THINGS AT ONCE Don't be afraid to balance routine or MONOTONOUS tasks with something that is more likely to hold your interest. You can pay bills while you watch television, or talk on the phone while cleaning up the house.
DELEGATE Do you find yourself procrastinating on chores at home like cleaning and laundry? Or maybe paperwork at the office? Delegate them! Kids, cleaning people, laundry services, administrative assistants and more are all available to take some of those BORING tasks off your list and free up your time for the stuff you'd RATHER be doing.
PRIORITIZE Perhaps you're procrastinating on a task because it's really NOT that important. Maybe you'd love to re-organize your book shelves, but never get around to it. If it sounds like a good idea but in the end it's really not that important to you, don't let it hang over your head. Just let it go and recognize that you wouldn't have gotten that much value out of completing the job in the first place.
GET IN TOUCH WITH THE END RESULT Before you begin a task or project that has high procrastination potential, get in touch with the OUTCOME. When the task is finished, what will that mean to you? What will be better in life as a result?
JUST DO IT Don't THINK about it too much, just jump in and get it done!

Don't Make it More Complex

2009-05-30T11:11:00.001-04:00

I originally wrote about this topic in Oct. 2007, but am sharing it again because the issue popped up with a client recently.

I once heard Dr. Phil say that problems may be complicated but solutions are generally simple. This is similar to when my mom used to say, upon hearing me tell her "it hurts when I (fill in the blank)", "then don't do (fill in the blank)". Sometimes things are easier said than done, but when it comes to organization, Dr. Phil's pithy philosophy works.

You can come up with a long story about a piece of furniture and why it is in your house, or what is in a box, or why a system is set up in your routine, but ultimately the 'fix' can be short and sweet. It is common for clients to want to offer me explanations, excuses and reasons things are the way they are -- that's OK. But part of my job as a Professional Organizer is to bottom-line it and play devil's advocate. What if we don't do something that way anymore? What if we got rid of that? How about we try moving this there and that to another room?

There may be emotional reasons that become obstacles to getting organized. You may not like to hear the simple solution but that doesn't make it less true. You may have to admit to yourself that you don't actually want to deal with the decision of whether to keep or toss. Julie Morgenstern writes: "Often, it's hard for people to let go of things they aren't using anymore because they infuse them with a tremendous amount of meaning. These objects come to represent another time, person, or part of themselves that they feel will be lost forever if let go."

You Know Those Pull-out Drawers in the Fridge?

2009-05-28T14:58:00.006-04:00

They are the plastic drawers designated for vegetables or meat or cheese or dairy, whatever. I am not a fan of them. I don't like them because they hide the contents. It's a perfect case of "out of sight, out of mind". Unless you remember to pull the drawer(s) out on a regular basis, you don't always know what's inside. That leads to things going bad, not being eaten or used, and thus waste.

I have been known to take out the drawers that come inside of refrigerators -- I remove them and use the space instead to put things I can see. What do I do with the items that one would put in the drawer? I use smaller plastic bins (without a top) that I label, such as "yogurt", "fruits" or "vegetables". Then we take out the bin, look through to see what we need, and then put the bin back on the shelf. You can stack them, too, thereby making more efficient use of space.

I do the same for the freezer, too, by the way.

Preparing for Summer

2009-05-25T18:55:00.006-04:00

Officially or non-officially, Memorial Day seems to kick off summertime. Luckily for us around here, the weather was warm enough to feel like summer. The day involved kids' bathing suits, water guns, paper plates, and plastic serveware. And while we haven't set up the kiddie pool yet, this is the time to start thinking about getting ready for summer activities.

We bought more sunscreen. We talked about when we'd install the air conditioners. We made sure we had the makings of s'mores. Last week I checked the kids' inventory of shorts and tops, as well as checked sizing of bathing suits and flip-flops. All part of the rite of passage to summer.

Along those lines, here are "10 simple tips to help you get your family started down the road to a clutter-free summer" from AOL Kids & Family Coach Rita Emmett:
1. CAR GUNK: Put a large wastebasket in the garage for car trash. If no garage, tuck grocery plastic bags under the car seat for trash.
2. SWIM STUFF: Swimsuits go right in the washer or draped over the side of the tub; Water toys go in a box outside the door or into a tub.
3. CLEAN REWARD: Offer a reward (a favorite snack; trip to the movies or mall; a new game) to every kid who puts away his or her wet gear for a week without being reminded.
4. FIX IT OR FORGET IT: Repair broken tools. If you don’t have time to fix it now, you never will. Get rid of it.
5. PICK YOUR SPOT: Decide on a location for all of your yard and garden tools and remember to keep your stuff there.
6. BLITZ THE BACKYARD: Set a timer for 5 minutes, gather up and put away the tools. If others have toys or stuff scattered around, make a new house rule: No TV, computer, phone time (or whatever that child loves) till they do the five minute “blitz.” You’ll be amazed at what you can accomplish in five minutes.
7. TOY BOXES: Assign places for toys to belong
8. SORT AND DONATE: If there are too many toys, take strong steps. Toss broken or incomplete toys. Donate ones your children no longer use. If STILL too many, pack some away for a rainy or sick day.
9. PICK FAVORITES: Have “Pack Away Days” when the kids get to pick out three toys, games or books that were packed away but they have to give items to replace those that were packed away.
10. INSIDE SWEEP: Set the timer for 25 minutes and have everybody “blitz” -- race through the house picking up stuff and putting it where it belongs. When time’s up, everyone join in for a special treat -- a trip to the pool, fixings for a hot fudge sundae, a special surprise DVD.

When You Care Enough to Have the Very Best...

2009-05-22T11:40:00.007-04:00

One thing I have found helpful to have on-hand is greeting cards. Especially when you have kids, and they're invited to tons of parties, it makes it easy when you have one less thing to go out and get.

I use a card organizer to hold categories of cards, such as Juvenile Birthday, Get Well, New Baby, and Sympathy. I look through the sections on a regular basis to make sure each type of card is well-stocked. Obviously some types of cards are accessed more than others, which is fine -- once bought, I don't have to buy again for a while.

Not only does such a system work well when I need a card, but it allows me to store individual cards I come across from time to time -- ones I like but don't necessarily have a person or occasion in mind for.

You can buy cards in bulk at stores like Hallmark and Current.

The "Don't Want" Pile: To Sell or Not to Sell?

2009-05-20T19:59:00.000-04:00

The spring and summer are popular seasons for yard sales. It gets me a tad worried about people purchasing more clutter to add to their homes. However, for the yard sale host, selling the unwanted items is a great way to declutter. Many times clients aren’t sure what to do with the stuff they’ve sorted; they have identified what they don’t want to keep or throw, but would like to try selling or donating the rest. What are some options?

Garage/Yard Sale – The pros are the potential to make some cash while getting rid of items and that you can do it right at your house. Cons include: no guarantee of selling anything; your time sitting outside with your stuff on a weekend; costs of promoting the sale; whatever doesn’t sell, you still have to deal with. Often people wait until they have enough to make it worthwhile, so in the meantime, a pile builds up. And what about wintertime? Sometimes yard sales are worth it, sometimes not.
eBay – With eBay and the like, you can make money (a lot depending on item) from the comfort of your home. All you need is a computer, online access, and a digital camera. Unfortunately, you need to consider that there’s no guarantee you’ll sell anything. Other cons are your time to take digital photos, write listings, and monitor listing; cost of listing plus final value to eBay for whatever sells; if items don’t sell, you still have to deal with them. In my opinion, the things that sell best on eBay are brand names and unique/antique or collectible items.
Freecycle – The pros of Freecycling is that you get rid of items by gifting to someone else. You don’t have to go anywhere; just list the item(s) online through Freecycle.org and if someone wants, they’ll pick it up. Cons include: no guarantee that someone will want items; amount of time to list, monitor email responses and coordinate with person you’re giving item(s) for pick-up; sometimes Freecyclers don’t show, and then you decide what to do with item(s); not all towns have a Freecycle group; no money is exchanged.
Local Charities (i.e. Big Brother Big Sister) – I’m a big fan of this option for the following reasons: your stuff goes to a charity; you feel good about donating; you receive a tax deduction receipt; your item(s) leave your house. Depending on the organization, you may have to bring the items to the charity, not all charities accept all kinds of things or all the time, and for whatever they don’t accept, you have to still deal with.
Give to Friend/Family/Other – The pros of giving to someone you know is that you get rid of usable items to people that you know who receive the benefit of your donation. However, it might be hard to find someone who wants your stuff; or it may be time-consuming to coordinate the donation. Often clients plan to give things to friend or family but never get around to it, so stuff sits around at their house.

Obviously there are advantages and disadvantages to each option, and you have to do what is right for you. I strongly suggest that you consider pros and cons before you start decluttering, and limit the number of outlets for your stuff. Don't have 5 categories -- "I'll sell this, donate that, give that to Aunt Jane, save those for my neighbor Sue, and do a yard sale for the rest". It's unrealistic and slows down your process for reducing the inventory in your house. The key is to do something!

Want to Share A Couple of Tips...

2009-05-17T14:55:00.003-04:00

Here are some tips I culled from the latest issue of Real Simple:

· Store batteries in the same direction; if positive and negative ends touch, it can shorten the life of the batteries
· Temperature does not affect the performance of lightbulbs, so you can store bulbs in the garage or the attic
· To preserve paint for later use, clean around the lip of the can then cover with plastic wrap before replacing the lid – this prevents rust from seeping in to the paint and makes the lid easier to pry off
· When summer ends, put (dry) lawn furniture cushions into large plastic boxes that you’ve poked holes in to prevent mildew

Tips for Organized Travel

2009-05-15T15:16:00.001-04:00

I came across this list of tips and product ideas for traveling from The Container Store. Check it out here...

Decorating with Organization in Mind

2009-05-14T12:15:00.004-04:00

Less is more (impactful), most of the time as it relates to decorating.

Keeping decor to a minimum is connected to organizing. Consider visual clutter that is created by lots of fussy, small items or knick-knacks. Think about how, when you have too much on a wall, that your eyes notices nothing in particular. More of an impact is made when items are set, sparsely, with a solid background. Less tchotchkes means less dusting. This principle works for horizontal spaces as well -- your desk, tabletops, floors. Think: quality vs. quantity, and a few big or important items instead of multiples of pieces.

The more streamlined your decor is, the less cluttered and more "model home"-esque your house will look, and the easier it will be to keep organized.

Finding Recipes Using Foods You Have

2009-05-11T09:30:00.001-04:00

I was recently intrigued by an article referencing websites that you could use interactively, typing in ingredients you had, and seeing what recipes matched them (instead of vice versa). Aren't there a few times you've had, say, ground beef and wondered what you could make from it?

I like the idea that you can come up with recipes using rarely-paired ingredients, and that you use what you have. Half the time I see interesting recipes, I think to myself, I guess I'd have to go out and get [fill in the blanks for 5 or more items I don't have at home or have never bought].

Check out Leftover Wizard and SuperCook.com. Both sites allow you to pick from a list of ingredients and flavors, and recipes that use those (plus some that use those and more) come up from a search. Very efficient use of pantry items!

Organizing Paperwork on a Regular Basis

2009-05-09T16:45:00.002-04:00

A key to staying organized is regular maintenance. Often I find that clients can get organized, but they can't stay organized. For example, a person will take the time to put systems into place, declutter, the whole 9 yards, and then life happens and the organizational level diminishes to null.

While it is wonderful to get organized, if you want continued success, you need to follow through on a regular and consistent basis. This is most applicable to paperwork, both at home and in the office/workplace.

The old adage "you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink" works well to illustrate the problem. You (or a professional organizer) can organize your papers, filing, bills, etc., but unless you deal with it regularly, the system will crash and burn. I suggest to clients that they pick a regular time of day or during the week to make sure to manage their desks or paperwork. At that time, you'll want to file things to be filed, check on the status of bill paying, deal with actionable items, clear off your desk or work space, and update your calendar or planner.

Being routinely on top of paperwork is how you'll stay on top organizationally-speaking!

Quickie Tip!

2009-05-04T11:33:00.005-04:00

In your kitchen drawer(s) of gadgets and utensils -- the one(s) with spatulas, serving spoons and tongs -- make retrieval easier by facing items in the right direction. When you pull the drawer out, you may see only the first front half of the drawer's contents. [Normally these drawers are wide but short in height.] The rest of the items are slightly hidden unless you pull the drawer all the way out. Notice in the pic on the left how this is so?

Turn handled items so that the identifying end (the spoon, flat spatula part, whatever) is closest to the handle, facing you -- namely, the front of the drawer. That way, instead of seeing a row of handles, you'll see what you have quickly and can grab n' go.

From The Container Store...

2009-05-01T06:51:00.002-04:00

..."If you're like so many of us, the first flutter of spring makes you want to throw open the windows and organize your home after the long winter months. From the closet and the kitchen to the kid's room and all of your outdoor spaces, you'll find great ideas for keeping things neat and tidy at The Container Store during our annual Spring Organization Sale. Declutter and get organized...for less!"

To find products on sale, check out this link.

Sharing Savings

2009-04-30T09:57:00.002-04:00

Check out 15% savings at Organize-It.com. Simply use discount code E4MOM7 during checkout. Offer ends 5/10/2009.

Tips for Travel by Automobile

2009-04-30T04:55:00.000-04:00

The key to successful road tripping with children in tow is preparation and organization. Actually, even if you are not traveling with kids, the same applies.

Here are some tips for making the experience of car travel better with preparation and organization in mind:
For each child, have one backpack or bag allowed. Kids can choose their favorite items as long as it fits in the bag. It is also a good time to add a new toy, travel game or book to keep their interest -- maybe it is a special toy they don’t get to play with on a regular basis. for adults, consider recorded books, an MP3 player that works with your car stereo, and (for passengers) a portable DVD player for watching movies. Bring plenty of convenient snacks and bottled water (in a cooler if possible), as well as wipes, gum and a trash bag.

Make sure your car is road-ready. The last thing any car traveler wants is to run into trouble along the way. Take the time before you set out to make sure your vehicle is ready for the trip (i.e. gas, it's cleaned out, etc.). Prepare or purchase a car emergency kit -- a few emergency essentials that will get you out of sticky spots until you're able to get help should you run into trouble along the way. Your emergency kit should contain car maintenance basics like motor oil, a fix-a-flat kit, wiper fluid, and coolant. Also pack some bottled water and non-perishable snacks, a blanket, a basic first aid kit, and a few bungee cords. In addition to your kit, consider programming your auto club's emergency number into your cell phone so you can get in touch quickly if you run into a snag.

Don't overpack. Just because you can bring a lot with you doesn't mean you should. Remember: the more you bring, the more crowded your car will be and the lower your gas mileage. Go about packing for car trips the same way you would for other trips: make a list of what you'll need based on your destination and what you'll do there. You might throw in a few extra outfits, shoes, or sporting equipment you wouldn't normally be able to take on a plane, but don't cram your trunk full: you'll still want space for things you pick up along the way.

"Got Clutter" in the Spring?

2009-04-27T09:00:00.000-04:00

Just wanted to share my latest column as published in the local newspapers...click link here

New Product To Check Out

2009-04-26T08:28:00.002-04:00

Here's a cool product I noticed and wanted to share: Post-It pockets. They are available in 3 sizes, and I love the novelty and practical application (although I can't seem to find in many stores yet -- perhaps they are too new. Website says to try Target).

To get a better visual and see their uses, check them out online here.

To Donate a Cell Phone

2009-04-24T05:58:00.001-04:00

I read about this way to recycle/donate cell phones in the May Woman's Day issue. You can send any model of cell phone to Cell Phones for Soldiers, and they will be sold to a recycling company; proceeds go to buying calling cards (minutes) for soldiers. Mail to: 2555 Bishop Circle West, Dexter, MI 48130-9916. You can print a receipt and free postage label at CellPhonesforSoldiers.com.

What a great way to recycle and donate to a worthy cause in addition to decluttering!

Home Improvement

2009-04-22T10:25:00.003-04:00

BJ's Journal suggested 9 ways to invest in your home that make sense both for improving the value of your house as well as increasing energy efficiency:

basement finishing -- increases home's livable square footage

bathroom revitalization -- you may recoup 75% of the expense when you sell

exterior coatings -- reduces annual cooling costs substantially

hardwood flooring -- increases home's resale value

roofing replacement -- reduces maintenance costs long-term and increases outside look

siding -- offers up to an 87% return on investment

sunrooms -- adds greater value for resale plus more livable square footage

windows -- improves energy efficiency and saves on utility expenses

Bon Voyage: Packing and Traveling Tips

2009-04-19T06:44:00.000-04:00

Doing any traveling over April vacation? Have an upcoming business trip?

Here are some general tips for organized packing and traveling:

· If shoe space is limited, take a multi-use pair of shoes plus a pair of sneakers (or wear the sneakers while traveling so you have them upon arrival)
· Consider wearing items multiple times -- try packing clothes that won't need to be ironed, can be mixed and matched, and will stand up to a few days' wearing without needing to be washed.
· To conserve space, try packing items as flat and wide as you can, one on top of another (the weight of layers will avoid wrinkles)
· Store socks and underwear inside of shoes
· Use vacuum storage bags (specifically for suitcases) to flatten bulky items
· Take the time to find out what the weather will be like in your destination and consider the range of activities you’ll be doing when you plan what to bring.
· Try to limit yourself to carry-on bags whenever possible. Not only does this make it much easier to check in for flights and get out of the airport quickly once the plane lands, it also limits the amount of stuff to lug around once you’ve arrived. It's not always possible to go the carry-on only route, of course; sometimes, checking bags is more convenient, necessary, or both. It’s worth aiming to pack light anyway. You'll have less to deal with, less to worry about, and less to lose.
· "Containerizing" your clothes, shoes, accessories, and toiletries can go a long way toward keeping your suitcase from descending into chaos, and can also make it easier to find what you need when you unpack.
· Keep valuables in a bag you'll have with you at all times. Think before you pack your valuables; as a general rule of thumb, it's a good idea to leave at home anything that's irreplaceable or that you'd be devastated to lose.
· Carry on those items that you must have if your luggage doesn't arrive with you. This might include prescriptions, eyeglasses, travel itinerary, confirmations, directions, tickets, and something to entertain yourself with (assuming that passport, visa, and photo identification, credit cards, traveler's checks, and money are in your purse, women). Pack a change of clothes in a carry-on in a Ziploc bag. If your flight is delayed or your luggage is lost, at least you have another change of clothes.

Taking Inventory Post-Tax Time

2009-04-16T08:05:00.004-04:00

Did you survive Tax Time? Although you might not want to think about it now, it is a great time to evaluate your paperwork systems and organizational level when it comes to filing tax returns. What worked? What didn't? How could it be better next time? Improving and setting up your filing system now makes sense -- you have a blank slate in a sense, and can implement it now going forward.

Isn't It Annoying When...

2009-04-14T07:16:00.008-04:00

...you come home from the grocery store, just to realize that day or the next day that you needed one or two other things? That you could have bought them but didn't realize you were out? That you had gotten everything on the To Buy list, and then had to write down 1-2 more things? "If I had known, I could have picked that up!" Arrgh. "Of course we ran out of [fill in the blank] the day after I went grocery shopping." It can be very frustrating.

So what can you do about it, shy of running to the store every day? Buy two of everything. When you do buy another, buy a 2nd so that you have a back-up. that way, you don't have to buy an item reactively right away out of necessity. [This is an easier feat if you have additional pantry/storage space, a second refrigerator or freezer, too].

Keep a list near the fridge in the kitchen with a handy pen or pencil, so that you can readily write down what you're out of. Inform/train family members to do the same. Additionally, write down a To Get item when it's running low and will run out in the foreseeable future.

2009-04-12T07:00:00.000-04:00

Have a lovely holiday...

What, No Rooms Just for Gift-Wrapping?

2009-04-10T06:06:00.000-04:00

I had to laugh when I read over the weekend that Candy Spelling (Tori's mom) had 3 (yes, 3!!) rooms solely dedicated to gift-wrapping. Imagine, having a room just for wrapping presents? Since most of us don't have that luxury, it encouraged me to repost some tips on gift wrapping I provided a couple of years back.

It is helpful to have a ready supply of both cards and wrapping paper/gift bags.
Cards: I use a card organizer box, that has tabbed dividers by category (Thanks, Birthday, etc.). I generally stock up on greeting cards at Current or if I see ones I like at the store. If you have them at home, you're less likely to have to make a special trip to Hallmark to get a card and will have one if you need one last-minute (such as a thank-you card that Hubby needs ASAP but didn't mention until now!).

Wrapping: I like gift bags because they are easy -- plus I save the ones given to us if they have wear left. If you get a bunch of different sized bags without a specific theme and have lots of white tissue paper on hand, you're all set. I also take the solid colored ones and use marker or paint pens to embellish the bags for an occasion. Curling ribbon works well because it can go on wrapped boxes or to tie the handles of a gift bag together (plus I think it is fun to curl with one edge of scissors!). Gift bags are good for awkwardly-shaped items, too.

If you do like gift wrap better, go with flat wrap that can be piled efficiently into a Rubbermaid tub or plastic lidded bin. You can stock up on flat wrap at dollar stores or when you see it on sale.You can flip through flats of paper easily; rolled tubes of paper seem to be space-wasters, and I don't like how they are 'curled'. Label plastic bins of wrapping to show "All Occasion" or "Birthday/Holiday". Generally I use wrapping paper if I have a box or the item is in a container.

Auto Organizing

2009-04-08T17:50:00.000-04:00

A place often overlooked in terms of clutter is the car. Some us treat our cars differently than our homes, and what is not allowed indoors, is allowed in the car. Whether it is to drive to the office or transport children to and for, we benefit from better organization of the inside of our vehicles. Our car is one facet of our lives that's transparent to our friends and to the public. You are in your car every day probably, and yet still, clutter is not kept at bay.

In the case of a car, organization adds safety as well as cleanliness. If you have to dig through a storage place in your vehicle to find something while driving, that's unsafe. First, clean out the space and decide what needs to go where. There are lots of clever organizing products available on the market specifically made for auto organization. Things must be returned to their designated 'home' after each and every use, but it this is easier to maintain if there is a place for each item. Think of your car like your home away from home, and strike to make it clutter-free, too.

Here's some interesting stats on survey findings of U.S. women who own or lease a car:

89 percent say being well organized in their car helps them keep their eyes on the road.
30 percent of women, ages 18-34, say they have either had, or almost had, an accident because they were reaching for or looking for something in their car;
62 percent say their car is like another living space.
76 percent agree that they crave organization in their lives, especially when "on the go."
48 percent of women, and 60 percent of women ages 18-34, say it is a constant battle to keep their cars organized.
57 percent have gotten creative by adding one or more containers to their cars to help them keep organized.
27 percent describe themselves as very organized and 52 percent say they are somewhat organized.
56 percent stated they wish they had more storage space in their cars for small items.
30 percent would like to have more storage space for larger items, such as clothes and children's toys and equipment. [Road & Travel Magazine]

2009-04-07T16:38:00.003-04:00

Check out See Jane Work's beat-the-recession organizing tips...Here

2009-04-06T07:18:00.001-04:00

Easter is around the corner (Sunday, April 12th to be exact). Are you ready??? Don't forget to buy white eggs for coloring.

Organize Your Files -- It's an Official Holiday

2009-04-05T18:35:00.000-04:00

The 3rd week in April is "Organize Your Files Week". Don't tell me you didn't know that?!? I am assuming you are already planning on celebrating by working on your file system and getting it organized. If you'd like some inspiration, check out Online Organizing's info.

Have fun!

2009-04-02T14:52:00.000-04:00

"How we spend our days is how we spend our lives." - Annie Dillard

It's Spring? Really? Come On...

2009-04-01T10:20:00.006-04:00

Although it is technically spring now, you wouldn't know it by the weather or low temperatures we have going. It's 40 degrees here and cloudy. My kids are still asking for hot chocolate after time outside.

To force Mother Nature's hand, though, I have begun removing traces of winter wear and pulling out the short-sleeve tops. The boots, the heavy winter coats, and the snow shovels have gone back to storage.

In case, you, too, would like to make the change of season streamlined, let's review some tips:

For the kids, try open baskets labeled "Too Big" that hold clothing items for the future, including out-of-season things that will fit at one point. When it is time to pull out warmer or cooler clothes, or when larger sizes are needed, pull down the bin. Then take those items that are the in the closet currently and divide them into 2 categories: still can wear for following year/season (back into "Too Big" bin) and too small for the following year/season (to be donated). Items like jeans or sweatshirts stay if they fit (since they can be worn year-round). Because kids are always growing, it is easier to have as many clothes in close proximity so you can frequently check to see if they fit. Otherwise, they'll be out of sight and out of mind, and you may miss opportunities for kids to wear the clothing.
For adults, since sizes don't change much for snow boots and sweaters et al, use out-of-the-house plastic tubs that you can store in a garage, attic or shed. Since it is easy to separate by gender, all clothing that is season-specific (for winter it might be heavy sweaters and boots) goes into a labeled bin. It gets swapped out with the other season-specific bin (with, say, shorts, tank tops and flip flops). Again, try to do this twice a year. If you know you have a vacation coming up where you'll need summer-y things, this method works well, too, instead of having ALL the clothes you own in your closet at one time.
Some people are lucky enough to have enough space in their bedroom closet to keep all their clothing. If this is you, it is still helpful to separate and organize types of clothing by season and type for easy access. It doesn’t make sense to have seasonal items intermixed; why should you have to see items that are not even options for wearing among the rest? Create zones of winter vs. summer clothing just like you arrange pants vs. dresses, for example. That way, when you scan the footwear for what to wear on a cold, wintry day, you are not wasting time looking at flip-flops and sandals.
If you do choose a storage spot away from your primary closet, remember that it must be cool and dry. Choose a place that is not likely to be exposed to heat. A dark place will prevent fading and keep the area and clothing cool. Make sure the storage area is dry because wetness will attract mildew and insects (this may rule out an attic or basement). Utilize space bags and plastic tubs to protect your clothing. Transparent plastic boxes are tidy and stackable, and will keep your clothes clean and dust-free in the off season.
Lastly, don’t forget to label the containers. If you have one seasonal bin for each family member, it can simply say “Seasonal Clothes – (insert name)” since you’re swapping out only 2 sets of clothes each year.

Quickie Tip!

2009-03-29T07:59:00.003-04:00

When you are organizing emails, be sure to set your in-box up with a Sent folder (your email program may automatically do so). Regularly sort through the contents of Sent Items and file emails. Yes, they are from you, but often you need a record of what you've said, when you emailed, etc. Plus, if you are replying to an email, Sent Items have the history of the back-and-forth dialogue. The most recent response (which included the original emails and subsequent exchanges) trumps all the other related emails; therefore you can delete anything prior and keep the folder organized.

The goal is to keep the Sent, Drafts, and Inbox folders empty by either handling or filing the emails located within. It's cleaner, more organized, and uses less memory.

Sharing Savings

2009-03-26T08:53:00.005-04:00

I've noticed that many of my go-to organizing products websites are offering lots of discounts and savings right now. Since I do a lot of ordering online for clients, I am a frequent visitor. Stacks and Stacks has 3 offers on their home page (I used a 20% one today). Truly amazing to find were the savings offered at The Container Store, including a 25% promo code (very unusual!). Another tip is to do a web search of 'organizing products' and 'sale'. Happy shopping!

Coupon Scavenger Hunt

2009-03-24T07:10:00.005-04:00

Do you cut and save coupons? If so, there may be times that you feel like you've collected a large mass of them, wondering if you'll ever use most. It's helpful to go through them on a regular basis and check for expiration dates, but still, you may wonder if the thick pile of coupons is worth carrying around.

One thing you can do is designate one shopping trip to use most or all the coupons you have. Split the pile of coupons, give half to your husband or kids, and have them go on a hunt for those coupons' items. Try to avoid purchasing anything that you don't have a coupon for. The last time I did this I saved $28 at the register. Plus, I got rid of a big chunk of savings all at once, instead of periodically applying coupons to my purchases.

No More Children's Thrift Items Due to Safety Law

2009-03-22T14:31:00.000-04:00

Recent legislation has caused several resale/thrift shops to change their inventory. "Congress passed the new law, the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act, last year and it went into effect Feb. 10. It applies to toy manufacturers, stores and resale shops, which could face criminal or civil penalties if they sell a toy that exceeds standards for lead or phthalate content. Some thrift stores across the country have started pulling all items off their shelves that could potentially have lead or phthalates rather than test each item, which could be expensive. As a result, some stores have few children's items."* And it is not just clothing -- things like books have been included, too. One local resale store that consigns children's clothing and toys, baby gear, et al, is actually closing next month because of this law.

I used to encourage clients to either donate children's items or bring them to a consignment store. Since many outlets will no longer accept children's items because of this law, it is necessary to find out whether the charity, store or recipient is willing to before you drop the items off. "Customers are therefore advised to consider their own safety and the safety of their children in purchasing items at this store and are further advised that all purchased are made at their own risk to the maximum extent allowed by applicable law."*

This law seems to come at a bad time, when a bad economy has forced many to do bargain shopping and depend on thrift/resale stores!

*Suburban Journals online

Quickie Tip!

2009-03-21T06:29:00.000-04:00

When labeling files, pick the name you would think of first if you had to find the file. But try to use generic folder names whenever possible. For example, name the file "Telephone" rather than "Verizon". That way, you don’t have to start a new file if you change phone companies. Don't make the mistake of over-organizing or making the file system too narrow, fussy, or complicated.

2009-03-18T15:24:00.002-04:00

It's always interesting to see where the readers of my blog are from -- so thanks and greetings to Mountain View, California; New York; Charleston, South Carolina; Auckland, New Zealand; Brunswick, Georgia; and Hamilton, Ontario!

Clutter Awareness Week

2009-03-16T07:00:00.000-04:00

In case you needed a specially-designated week on the calendar to identify that you have clutter, you got it! The 3rd week in March is the official "Clutter Awareness Week". To learn more on the topic, see OnlineOrganizing's page.

Have a great week!

Shall We Part With These Toys, Kids?

2009-03-13T09:09:00.004-04:00

One surefire way to get your kids to play with toys or items they haven't played with in a while is to suggest to them you're planning on donating the items. The minute the toys are set aside for the Donation pile, suddenly the children are interested in the items and play resumes. The reason this works is the same reason toy rotation works -- set 1/2 of your kids' play items away in the attic or in storage, and rotate with the other half of your toy inventory.

Try it!

Simplicity is Part of the Success of Being Organized

2009-03-12T10:30:00.001-04:00

I originally posted this on my blog a year or two ago, but I am revisiting it because the principle comes up all the time in my organizing work. I often say to clients, less is more. Less you have, more organization you have.

Heard of the "KISS" principle of "Keep It Simple, Stupid"? It can often apply to organizing and home staging -- without the 'stupid', of course. Sometimes less is definitely more, especially when it comes to clutter. Obviously it is easier to clean when you have less 'stuff', and the goal of decluttering is to reduce what you have. Another aspect of simplicity in organizing is that you want your life to be simpler, peaceful, more orderly, and easier to find things. The search for items, for example, should be a simple one. The systems you have in place in your household should be easy to implement and simple to follow. You have better success in staying organized if you keep it simple. Home staging, or preparing your home to sell, also needs simplicity. It is best to get rid of personal items, the amount of furniture and decorative touches, and go neutral. The simpler decor maximizes the square footage and accentuates the positives.

"Simplicity is not about DEPRIVATION. Our homes should shelter and nourish us physically and emotionally. But sometimes we lose sight of that PURPOSE and let our homes dominate our lives." -- Linda Breen Pierce

2009-03-11T09:15:00.003-04:00

I do a lot of Internet work and research online. I'm often asked about the sites I visit most frequently, and in my eNewsletter I publish a list from time to time (you can visit my website for past issues of the newsletter). Here's a short list of faves...For lots of organizing ideas and other home-related topics, check out Real Simple online. The Container Store has a wide variety of organization products and more -- click here. If you are a HGTV junkie, you can see more on their website here.

Savings for the Season

2009-03-07T07:04:00.011-05:00

If you are looking for some deals on organizing products, now is a great time due to the proximity to tax return time. I've been seeing all sorts of headlines and specials referring to tax season and getting paperwork organized. Between that and spring cleaning, there's plenty of reason for stores to celebrate -- and you receive the benefits.

Many large retailers such as Target and Wal-Mart realize that people are looking to get office space and paperwork organized this time of year, and their deals reflect that. SpaceSavers.com asks "Need Help Organizing Your Taxes?" with products and tips. The Container Store and See Jane Work both are having a Tax Time Sale on products. Of course, the stores that are most excited about tax time are the Office Depot's, Staples, and office supply retailers -- now is a great time to go in and stock up on tax software, file folders and organization supplies.

My latest favorite/can't-live-without item...

2009-03-04T08:21:00.003-05:00

...is extra-wide tab dividers. Let me explain...

I use 3-ring binders with sheet protectors often, both at home and with clients. They are super organizing tools for recipes, photos, magazine articles, warranties, holiday planning, storage of paperwork, etc.

The problem in the past, however, is that when you use the plastic inserts, their width would hide any tab dividers you normally have. Enter these wider tab dividers. These "bigger tabs and inserts provide 50% more space; wider than regular dividers (9" x 11") 5-tab set; for use with top-loading sheet protectors and oversized documents". [Staples.com] Voila!

Shown is a photo of my recipe book...

Quickie Tip!

2009-03-02T06:23:00.003-05:00

Linen and clothes closet tip: when items are in vertical piles on shelves or in drawers, ensure an even rotation of usage by putting newly cleaned items on the bottom of the pile. This also applies to dishes -- if you stack plates, for example, the same ones (used then cleaned and put away; repeat) will be used again and again. Grab from the bottom of the pile.

Managing Office Time at Home

2009-02-28T07:00:00.004-05:00

In this day and age when family members are working from home, being their own boss, or families are incorporating less traditional work situations into their home life, it is helpful to examine home office dynamics. It can be tough balancing work from home -- I often find it a challenge to make client phone calls when I have two little ones who may burst on the scene at any moment. My husband, who also does work at home, finds it hard when his mindset is on job-related tasks but kids, laundry, phone calls and the like are buzzing all around.

Here are some tips to manage office time and effectively limit interruptions (adapted from BlueSuitMom.com):

1. Set office hours and stick to them. Post this list on your fridge or bulletin board where your family can see it and remind yourself to close up shop at the appointed hour. Focus on work during office hours and then transition into parent and/or spouse mode at the end of your day. Performing a simple ritual such as straightening your desk or making tomorrow's to-do list will help you move from worker to family member in a simple but effective way, even if your commute home is just from the desk or across the kitchen.

2. Close the door and walk away, or put up a decorative folding screen to block the view of works in progress. If you walk by your home office or desk piled high with reports, it's hard to focus on what your family needs from you. Although many of us can and do multi-task quite well, it's fairly impossible to concentrate on everything equally well. Mentally hang a CLOSED sign on your office door & resist the urge to reopen for "just one more thing."

3. Establish boundaries including phone rules: create a "do not touch" pile or "do not enter" zone in your work area. Be sure to instruct children in the use of your office, such as what is usable and what is not allowed so that there are no misunderstandings. If you do not want anyone in your work area under any circumstances, then tell your family your wishes up front. Communicate rules such as: ‘no talking allowed…’, ‘use an inside voice…’, or ‘whisper… when mom is on the phone’, and screen calls during meltdowns or family time.

4. Work with, not against, your kids' schedule by utilizing naptimes or when they are in school. If your children are young, work when they are napping or after they go to sleep at night. As they grow older, you can do a little work when they are having a snack at the table or occupied with a video. You will just get frustrated telling kids that “Mommy has to work!” when they really don’t understand the mode you need to be in.

Color Coding Your Calendar

2009-02-25T07:29:00.006-05:00

Whether you use a paper/pen calendar or a digital one on the computer, it can be helpful to color-code events by category. This allows you to quickly see types of events at a glance. For example, if money-related tasks or deadlines are all green, you can sort your online calendar by that category/color. On a hard copy or paper calendar, the green events 'stick out', appear significant, and are easily found.

Many calendar software programs offer this feature -- on my Palm, for instance, I can create categories then designate an event or task with that category and its respective color. I do green for money matters, red for medical appt's, etc. It makes significant events more obvious as well as allowing me to have the calendar only show certain category events if I want (i.e. sort/show only medical for that month).
If you write things down on a wall calendar, you can use highlighters or write in different colored inks for each type of item or by family member. The key to success with this method is to keep it simple -- not too many categories, basic colors, easy to implement. You are more likely to maintain a color-coding system if it's not too complicated. Give it a try!

Organizing Jewelry

2009-02-23T07:08:00.005-05:00

I wanted to share a great and simple solution to organizing necklaces. While there are certainly many options out there for jewelry organization, I found this product to be the best and easiest to maintain. It's perfect for keeping necklaces and bracelets untangled, and I bought one for my daughter to use. [I have a lucite one with a different style but essentially the same idea.]

NAPO's Tips

2009-02-20T15:16:00.003-05:00

NAPO, the National Assn of Professional Organizers, has redone their website. Included are tips which you might want to check out: Organizing Tips. Here you'll find different ideas for areas in your home as well as case studies sharing real stories of people who've gotten organized.

Donations Resource in Eastern Mass.

2009-02-17T14:20:00.002-05:00

I utilize Big Brother Big Sister both personally and professionally but making regular donations. The best things about this organization are that donations are tax-deductable and a truck comes to pick up the donations. Check out what they have to say:

Have you ever wished you could give back to your community, but couldn't find the time? With the Big Brother Big Sister Foundation, making a difference has never been easier! Through our "Clean Up Clutter for a Good Cause" campaign, cleaning out your home serves the community at the same time.

You just clean out clutter and bag it. Then we pick up your donations (like old clothes, shoes, small toys and household items) right at your doorstep. And to make things even easier, you receive a friendly reminder to notify you when we're picking up in your town.

We then turn your used clothing, jeans and small household items into cash and donate up to 100% of the net profits to mentoring programs throughout the Greater Boston area. In fact, your donations help to provide more than 5,000 children with adult mentors.

Want More???

2009-02-15T13:36:00.004-05:00

In case you didn't know, I publish and send out a monthly eNewsletter on the 15th of each month. If you would like to be on the mailing list, go to my website and scroll down to where you can email me. Furthermore, if you would like to view past eNewsletters, there are links available on the "More About OM" page.

2009-02-14T06:28:00.001-05:00

Happy Valentine's Day! Wishing you lots of love, chocolate and hearts.... xoxo

Stocking Up to Save

2009-02-12T06:20:00.004-05:00

The price for a first-class mail stamp will increase 2 cents to 44 cents, starting May 11. Consider stocking up on the USPS' forever stamps, which you buy at today's rate (42 cents) then can use 'forever'. Since we don't know when the postal rates will go up again, you save a few bucks by investing in the forever stamps.

The stamps will last even longer if you switch to online bill paying which has the bank paying for postage.

Let Go of Your Stuff

2009-02-11T08:30:00.001-05:00

March's Real Simple magazine has an article from a reformed hoarder about "10 ways to let go of your stuff". Here are some of the highlights summarized:

get rid of items of the past to make room for the present
you probably won't fix the items you set aside to fix one day; the amount you would be willing to pay for them new is less than the cost of having them fixed
no one will notice a gift missing and ask why; don't keep gifts just because you feel it is the right thing to do (if you don't like, don't keep)

admit that you don't like an item; don't live with it out of 'pure apathy'
know what you really need (be realistic!)
let go of the guilt; think about whether loved ones who've passed away would truly want you to keep all that stuff
face it: 'one day' almost never comes; storing all those one day items costs mosre than they are worth

Organized Cleaning

2009-02-10T09:19:00.005-05:00

Cleaning -- one of my favorite activities (NOT). Bottom line, the less stuff you have, the less you have to: handle, move, touch, clean, store, etc. Sounds obvious, huh? But “lean and mean is easier to clean” is true, and is something you can control.

One method of cleaning is called “Eliminate the Evidence” (ETE); it basically means to pick up as you go. By doing so, you avoid marathon sessions of cleaning up. It may be helpful to tackle chores in baby steps, by doing a small number in a certain time frame that is doable for you, like in 15-minute increments.

Another technique is, for all the chores or tasks you want done, create a master list. Walk around your house, and write done everything that needs to be done by room. Highlight or cross out task when done. You can also think of your home as a tree and each room is a branch of that tree. For each branch, compile a list of all the tasks you'd need to accomplish to get that room to be the way you want it to be. Cycle through the branches, one per week, and spend just 15 – 30 minutes per day in your branch.

Give yourself little mental races: do a task during commercials before show comes back on, or the microwave dings, or see what can get done before something happens (i.e. work on a drawer until laundry is done or Johnny gets home). You’d be amazed at how much you can get done, either in breadth or depth, when you are motivated by time.

One overall tip for teaching children to make clean-up part of their routine involves attitude. Go in with a positive attitude. If you assume the worst before you have even begun, your partner and children will pick up on this. Explain that all the junk and mess is making you feel stressed and grumpy and that isn’t any fun to be around, and that the good thing is that it doesn’t have to be that way. Be clear about your intentions and when you think the time is right, ask for help. (Remember not to nag or you won't get anywhere!!)

Show that you are making a big effort to be better organized and less stressed. More than anything else, this will influence your family’s response to your new commitment to a clutter free house. For example, if you are given something you won’t use or do not like -- or you have something that breaks, that you know you will never get around to or isn’t worth fixing –- show the kids that you have changed and throw these items away or donate them to charity (which ever one is applicable). So when a toy breaks or a tool doesn’t work anymore you will more than likely be able to get them to do the same.

Explain that by helping keep their designated areas tidy, and junk free, you will all benefit. For the kids, explain that this may mean you will be more likely to let them have their friend over to play, go to the movies, have their favorite dinner, etc. -- if they do their bit. For hubby, it may be to explain, that with a little more input from him and lessening the load of those boring mundane jobs we all hate, you will have a healthier relationship as a result of feeling more appreciated.

Initially keep up your own good work without expecting your partner to notice or even comment about it let alone miraculously do the same thing. Have your own "to do" list somewhere your partner can see it and over time start a separate one for them (don't make it overwhelmingly long or this may frighten them off!). The fridge is a good place to put this. Be prepared to help your partner go through their things with them and remember to help them be ruthless in the filing or binning of it all. Tick off the jobs for both of you as you go -- if your partner hasn't done theirs already. Remember that the habits your family has formed didn’t happen overnight and you won’t be able to change them overnight. It may take a month or more, but it’s worth making a start to get back on track and being happier people as a result.

Websites for Savings

2009-02-08T08:39:00.004-05:00

Here's a list of sites that may help you to save some bucks and make your sale go further online:

couponcabin.com
coupons.com
coolsavings.com
cybermonday.com
extrabux.com
ebates.com
freeshipping.org
shoppingnotes.com
swapagift.com

websites thanks to Real Simple, March 2009

Valentine's Day Reminder

2009-02-06T11:05:00.002-05:00

For those who are planning on sending V-Day cards, buying valentines for kids, or going out for a special dinner, you may want to be sure you're set. Valentine's Day falls this year on a Saturday (2/14, of course) which is one week away.

If you have young children doing a class set of Valentines, have them do a little each do to complete as opposed to doing 20 at one sitting. Don't forget the teachers, too.

If you plan on going to a restaurant, make a reservation early to ensure seats. Or try OpenTable.com as discussed in the previous post.

Plan on mailing any cards early next week to ensure their arrival by the 14th.

If you are buying flowers or candy, allow time before the holiday so you are not getting them too early or too last-minute.

xoxo

Online Restaurant Reservations

2009-02-02T06:32:00.005-05:00

It seems like you can do anything online, these days. Not to be left out, restaurants are part of the cyber-world with OpenTable.com. I used the website the other day to book a table for lunch as part of our outing on Saturday.

Unfamiliar with OpenTable? For diners, concierges and administrative professionals, the website provides a fast, efficient way to find available tables that meet desired criteria for cuisine, price and location at a specified time. Reservations are free and can be made around the clock. The website is directly connected to the thousands of computerized reservation systems at OpenTable restaurants. Search results reflect actual, "real-time" availability and reservations are immediately recorded in the same electronic reservation book used by the maitre'd. You can go either directly to their website or often you'll find links to it within the actual restaurant website where the site offers you an opportunity to make a reservation.

If you don't know where you would like to dine, there are search options based on type of restaurant and location. There are also reward points given, although I have never earned enough to redeem anything. Bon appetit!

An Expert on Dealing with Clutter

2009-01-31T08:30:00.000-05:00

In my latest industry newsletter, I read a quote from Peter Walsh that I found very impactful:

I believe homes are metaphors for our
lives. I believe it’s impossible to make
your best choices, your most enlightened,
spiritually rich, emotionally stable choices
in a cluttered and disorganized home. It
just can’t happen. Time and time again, I
have seen that when you open the space
you create the opportunity for amazing
things to flow into that space.
The exercise of helping people focus
on what they want to create in their open
space opens them up to new possibilities.
Instead of relying on their stuff to define
their lives, they look to themselves to do so.
And once people start down that path, it
totally redefines themselves and the image
they project to the world.
For example, if you decide to visit a
spa for the day, as soon as you step inside
that space, you hear soft music, see clean
lines, and sense the peaceful atmosphere.
Everything in that space exists to create a
calm, comfortable environment for you.
Your home and your workplace should
do the same for you, and if it doesn’t, then
you need do something about it. You need
to ask yourself if you own the space or if
the space owns you. It’s that simple.

Fun File Folders

2009-01-29T08:06:00.012-05:00

First of all, can file folders actually be 'fun'? Well I came across some clever (and irreverent) file folders that I wanted to share. They'd be especially great if they were visible in an office or on a desk. Hee hee.

These utilitarian folders add wit, color, and honesty to organization. Included for free are useful checkboxes and space for both interior and exterior notation. -- Organize.com

Make One Giant Pile

2009-01-28T05:50:00.000-05:00

Let's say you have a messy room, or cluttered space, that seems overwhelming to tackle. Here's a technique to attack that mess -- a technique that will allow you to handle it in steps if you wish, or all at once.

For every category, make one pile. For instance, get all the clothing that can be found spread throughout the room, and put it in one giant pile. Gather up papers and put them into a laundry basket or holding bin. So you're sorting, but in major sweeping passes -- not determining whether something stays or goes, what it is, any decisions about the item.

Once this is done, you can either choose to tackle the piles or stop. The advantage of this technique is that now when you do dive into the piles, the items contained within are of the same category and can be handled easier. You can make quicker decisions related to the one type of item or move the whole pile to where it goes. The other benefit is that you have made progress from the chaotic scattered mess to one that has been 'organized' somewhat into more manageable groupings. When you are ready and willing to handle the paperwork, for example, it is all in one place.

Hopefully you can use this method to gain back some space and sanity if clutter is overwhelming.

Replace Biz Cards with Gift/Club Cards

2009-01-25T10:00:00.001-05:00

Real Simple, in one of my favorite sections of the magazine, had a neat "Original Purpose" to "Aha! Use" idea for an open card organizer. Normally used as an address book or business card holder, you can use the organizer to hold family's club and gift cards instead. I would add that it might work better to keep the organizer close to where you leave your house so that they are not forgotten. If you have a frequent shopper card or retail gift card, you are more likely to grab it while going to the car.

BHG Organizing Article

2009-01-24T10:00:00.001-05:00

The January 2009 issue of Better Homes and Gardens had an article titled "7 Tips for Beating Clutter Forever" by Donna Smallin. Here are the points I felt were most significant and helpful:

"Give everything a home. A big reason why clutter accumulates is because items are homeless. A good home for a frequently used item is one that makes it easy to retrieve and return."

"Declutter daily. It's easier to keep up than to catch up, so eastablish a daily routine. Grab a a laundry basket and make the rounds, tossing in anything to be put away. Also purge periodically."

"Use a notebook instead of random sticky notes for lists and contact info. Then you'll always know where to find what you've written."