Browse Organizing and Learning How to Organize

With a B.S. degree in sociology and psychology and after 30 years as an administrative assistant in the fields of law, government, corporate business and private industry, A Nagel brings a unique perspective to the field of organizing. In all of these capacities, she helped organize a variety of offices and in some c…

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A. J. Miller is an organizing expert, sought after motivational speak, author and the founder and Chief Executive Organizer of MILLER ORGANIZING, a residential and business organizing company based in NYC. Over the course of her career, she has helped hundreds of busy New Yorkers to get – and stay! – organized. She i…

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An innovative, quick-witted and humble professional with rigorous experience of 19 years in development and execution of market hunting strategies and globally leading operations, that have steered the organisation from a startup to the credible IT business partner. The exposure to the vast scale of industries has lev…

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Alice Price, president of Organize Long Island Inc., has a degree in Computer Science, an Information Systems Project Management Certification from the American Management Association and 20 years experience in project management and computer software development. Alice’s project management approach is to take large…

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Positively sorted! founder, Alison was bo sorted and always found herself responding with a smile to the requests of the less organized around her “Alison, will you sort out this mess for me?”. Her sense of order and innate ability to see the clarity in a situation have stood her in good stead throughout her many si…

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Amber Kostelny-Cussen has been serving the Chicago area as a professional organizer since January 2004. She is a Certified Professional Organizer (CPO ®) and specializes in residential organizing. She especially enjoys getting to know her clients to customize the organizing to their lifestyle. Amber earned her B.A in…

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Amy Brueske is an organizing expert and owner of Always Organizing, specializing in residential and small business organizing services, serving the San Francisco North Bay Area (Sonoma, Marin, and Napa counties). Since starting Always Organizing in 2009, Amy has spent hundreds of hours helping others get organized an…

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Angela Andrews is a Simplicity Coach, Certified Eve ote Consultant, and Website Creator who loves to empower people to conquer the chaos in their life and business through organizing, simplifying, and focusing. She believes in “Simplifyzing” which combines organization with simplification. It’s all about keeping thing…

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Angie began her professional organizing business in 2005. She is a proud member of the National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO) and has been featured on CBS WTOL's 'Your Day' weekday morning program. Angie is a graduate of Purdue University with a B.S. in Aeronautical/Astronautical Engineering, with 8 y…

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Ariane Benefit, M.S.Ed. is the founder of Agile Life Design™, Tools for Navigating Life 3.0, Cultivating Personal Agility in the Age of Perpetual Beta & Healing Chronic Disorganization, Overwhelm & Indecision Agile Life Design™ is a groundbreaking alte ative to the "self-improvement, management, control, and goal-dri…

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Barry Izsak, Certified Professional Organizer®, and founder of ARRANGING IT ALL™ in Austin, Texas, has been helping corporate and residential clients nationwide get organized since 1996. Having served two consecutive terms as President of the National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO) from 2003-2007, he no…

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Becky is the owner and founder of Get Organized! L.L.C., a professional organizing service located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Get Organized! provides services to those in Iowa and also serves those all over the world through its website. Becky is a professional organizer, author, speaker and business success coach dedicat…

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"I want to organize my life, but I don't know where to start." "I can't find my ..." These statements have been expressed by almost everyone. The good news is that anybody can get organized. I started an organizing business called No More Chaos because I kept hearing my family and friends express frustration and feel…

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Welcome! I'm Beth Flarida, and I own Get It Together, a company which has been providing organizational services to business owners and individuals since 1991. I know you feel as if getting organized -- and more important staying organized -- is overwhelming and confusing. With a Professional Organizer on your side,…

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South Florida professional organizer Beth Levin established Closet Queen® in 2000. Specializing in comprehensive home and office organizing, Levin creates personalized systems to help each client with their organizational issues. Whether clients are looking to revamp closets, kitchens, storage areas, garages, bedroom…

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Beth Randall, CPO, CRTS started her company, Joe Organizer, LLC in May of 2003. She works with clients in their homes and offices helping them not only get organized but stay organized. She also helps clients that are relocating. Based in Plainfield, Illinois, Beth is willing to travel throughout the Chicagoland area.…

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After years spent voluntarily helping friends, neighbors and relatives organize their homes and offices, Betsy determined that the growing demand for organizing services, combined with her background in human resources, sales, and management, made her an ideal candidate to start a professional organizing business. Bet…

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Bob is an expert computer professional and consultant in the data management profession with over 30 years of experience in data processing. Formally trained in accountancy, Bob found himself a niche in many facets of computerization in large corporations, with a special emphasis on the management of data and informa…

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Brenda Prinzavalli shares her passion for life through sharing her passion for applying organizational philosophies to all areas of your personal and professional life. Even thought her ability to communicate organizing strategies has been with her from the start, in 2003 she made it her official business. Brenda fou…

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Carmen Coker honed her organizational skills during seven years as an officer in the U.S. Air Force. In May 2007, after leaving the military and completing a short stint as a Department of Defense analyst, she established Clutterbugs. Her goal is to assist people with the sometimes overwhelming task of putting order…

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I bring support and strategies to people who have come to the realization that they need help managing their space, time, paper and possessions. I offer a continuum of coaching and hands-on organizing services to partner with clients. My style is one of calm, graduated steps toward lasting habit changes. If you're in…

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Colette Robicheau, President of Organize Anything, is a consultant and coach with an extensive background in professional organizing, project management and business development. Formally educated in the field of public relations with talents in creative services and event organization, she now directs her abilities a…

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Dawn Reitz is currently the only CPO® (Certified Professional Organizer) in all of Nevada. She has spent the past 4 years working hands-on with clients, completing the certification process and training other organizers the skills needed to accomplish their client's goals. She also offers area specific organizing semi…

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Deborah has been organizing since 2003 in the Raleigh/Durham/Cary area. She specializes in residential organizing and home office organizing. Deborah offers expert advice on how to set up systems to help her clients become more organized and tips for time management. She organizes any area of the home and has excellen…

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Organize Your World, Inc., a professional organizing company, was founded by Donna Lindley in 2003. Her team of professional organizers strives to bring simplicity to their clients' lives and environments, and helps them to realize reduced stress, increased productivity, and more time to do the things which they enjoy…

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Since 1984, industry pioneer and founder of McMillan & Company Professional Organizing, Donna D. McMillan, has been a professional organizer, productivity consultant, personal coach, trainer, speaker and writer. Donna was affectionately labeled by clients as their "Clutter Therapist." In 1998, she received the highly…

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Dorothy Breininger is America’s Most Innovative Professional Organizer with a new book called, Stuff Your Face or Face Your Stuff, in book stores now! Dorothy is a member and lecturer for the National Association of Professional Organizers and Institute for Challenging Disorganization. She is an organizing expert on…

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Dr Eddy Kloprogge (Born on 30 Dec 1951, in The Netherlands) is an international accredited research scientist, who has lectured at international symposia (Brussels, Utrecht, London, Stockholm, Minneapolis, and San Diego) and universities (Groningen, Utrecht, Oxford, Paris, Münster). Initially trained under Professor…

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My name is Elizabeth Fuchs, owner of Organized To Perfection, Certified Professional Organizer. Organized To Perfection is a professional household and office organizing company serving the Chicago suburbs since 2002. Specialties include organizing kitchens, closets and garages, unpacking for household moves, and crea…

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Considered a leader in her field, Ellen M Kramer is a professional organizer, productivity trainer, motivational speaker and efficiency coach with a passion for changing lives. She is also co-author of Exploring Productivity: Ideas from Industry Professionals on Getting More Done in the Workplace, a collection of comm…

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Ellen Martin is a productivity trainer and efficiency coach with a passion for changing lives. Recognized as a leader in her field she has appeared on Dr Oz, Larry King Live and TLC, Ellen has earned celebrity organizer status. She’s co-author of the book Exploring Productivity: Ideas from Industry Professionals on Ge…

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Eve Brière has more than 20 years experience with organizing and time management. Originally from a retail background, she was first trained in organizational layouts and closet design before expanding her practice in to all scopes of organization. Now she works with both businesses and individuals ranging in age from…

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Evelyn Gray is CPO-CD® (Certified Professional Organizer in Chronic Disorganization), a Productivity Expert, Peak Performance Coach & Seminar Leader, ADHD Consultant, trainer, speaker, and author. She uses her powerful set of skills to improve your focus, clarity and productivity level. Learn how to set goals and prio…

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Figen is well-known as the first and only Professional Organizer in the world who integrates Meridian andr Energy healing modalities in her work along with spiritual teachings. Her undergraduate studies in Psychology, a BA in English, Teaching Adults, Methodology, have been the foundation of her further studies and he…

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Get Organized is focused on helping you organize everything from the inside of your house, your car, office, and garage, to any other part of your life that needs organization. Get Organized the catalog was launched in 1996 by Taylor Gifts Inc and the website www.ShopGetOrganized.com shortly followed. This catalog was…

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Hi! I’m Jackie Paulson, a freelance paralegal and writer, and live in Park City, IL (USA). I have a Paralegal Degree, Security officier in IL, and Cosmetology License for over 20 years. My passion and love is READING. I love to learn and help others with information, writing, or resources. I hope to publish several bo…

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Jacquie Ross is a Professional Organizer and owner of CastAway the Clutter! Professional Organizing Services, based in Maryland. Jacquie's brings 20+ years of organizational experience and communication skills from her careers at the British Embassy and the World Bank. She enjoys changing the lives of homeowners and…

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Jan Hayner is an expert in the fields of home and office organizing, time management, clutter control, goal setting, paper, record and document organizing, balancing your home and work, organizing productive workflow and information management. She also offers tips on house cleaning shortcuts to save you time and mone…

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Jane Carroo combines her experience as an Educator, Consultant, Life Coach and Certified Professional Organizer to help clients gain clarity and control over their space, paper and time. Services include home and office organizing and client relocations. She was first in the midwest to become a Certified Professional…

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Basic Organization provides professional organizing services to busy families, business owners, down sizing seniors and the chronically disorganized. I help people gain the skills to get organized and live a more simplified life. As a professional organizer, I can provide you with ideas, information, structure and sol…

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Developer of the Flexible Structure Method™, Janice and her team at Minding Your Matters® has an impressive reputation for helping clients achieve “flow.” “Flow” as Janice calls it, is the blissful state of having an organizational process that supports your life and lifestyle. A Certified Professional Organizer in Ch…

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Julie Bestry, President of Best Results Organizing in Chattanooga, TN, is a Certified Professional Organizer®, helping overwhelmed individuals save time and money, reduce stress and increase productivity at home and at work. Julie's clients benefit from her hands-on organizing services and learn skills that allow the…

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Julie has been organizing homes and offices since 2004. She is a Golden Circle member of the National Association of Professional Organizers and a member of the NAPO-Ohio chapter. She has served on the board for the chapter in various positions including President. Julie specializes in paper, kid's areas, closets, hom…

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"Kacy, what are you really passionate about?" asked the big sister. "It doesn't sound very glamorous, but . . . organizing paper," answered the twenty something with 5 business cards. I think we all often quietly ask ourselves this question. It wasn’t until I had reached my breaking point with pursuing a handful of…

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A Little Elf is a Professional Organizing Consultation firm that was founded in 2004 and works with clients worldwide. The founder, Karen, is a member of NAPO and AAPO, the professional associations for Professional Organizers. Karen has written a book focussed on helping female entrepreneurs to declutter, organize, m…

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Organize to Excel was founded by Katherine Macey, Ph.D. in 2006. Katherine is a member of the National Association of Professional Organizers and of the local Los Angeles chapter. Katherine has a Ph.D. in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from the University of Canterbury, New Zealand. After completing her Ph.D.,…

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Kathi Burns is ther Founder of AddSPACE To Your Life, a Professional Organizing and Imager Consulting Agency. She has over 20 years of experience inrncommunication, sales and organization. Her mission is to “add space and transform lives”. As an entrepreneur for the last two decades, Kathi knows first-hand how to cre…

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Kathy Franzen, owner of Project Partners Organizing, has five children, three step-children and several grandchildren. Kathy has been a teen mother, a single parent, and a step-parent. She has over 30 years of household and family management skills. In the course of this time, she used and developed practical organiza…

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Before the “For Sale” sign goes up, call Kim. Count on her & her team to take care of everything from small cluttered areas to downsizing and major moving sales. She transforms crowded spaces into the inviting home that you or your buyers have envisioned. Since 1994, The De-Clutter Box has been helping those overwhelm…

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As a recovering messie herself, Kim understands exactly how her clients feel! She was not born organized, but she was born to organize. Since it is a daily struggle for her, she is constantly evaluating, analyzing and developing methods to solve her own problems. Once she realized that things could be different, she d…

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Owner of Kaos Solutions, Kim has for as long as she can remember loved to organize. Just ask her mom; while other kids were banging pots, Kim was rearranging them. After holding leadership rolls in several charitable organizations in her community, Kim ventured out on her own to take her passion for organizing and tur…

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Kimberly Meredith of Simplify Our Life, has been organizing professionally since 1995. She combines her thirty two years of education and experience in a variety of businesses that improve the quality of your life Before, During, and After a life crisis. Whether you are a senior, an adult child of a senior, have child…

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Lea Schneider, a professional organizer, writer and motivational speaker, brings inspiration on the positive impact of organization to both home and business through her company Organize Right Now LLC. Her organizing advice and hands-on organizing helps homeowners tackle everything from piles of papers to walk-in clos…

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Lisa Montanaro is a Productivity Consultant, Success Coach, Business Strategist, Speaker and Author who helps people live successful and passionate lives, and enjoy productive and profitable businesses. To receive her free Toolkit, Achieve Powerhouse Success with Purpose, Passion & Productivity, visit www.LisaMontanar…

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Lisa Sarasohn, owner/principal of Hire Order, Inc., is a Certified Professional Organizer in the Boulder/Denver area. Lisa is a member of the Inaugural Class of Certified Professional Organizers. CPO certification recognizes those professionals who have met specific minimum qualifications and proven through examinatio…

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My clients come to A New View because they're finally ready to "be" organized.They're tired of the struggle, the overwhelm, and the heaviness of coping with clutter, disorganization, and being late all the time. A New View's phiolosophy is based on the fact that no two people are alike. Everyone has a different rhthym…

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Marilyn Bohn is the owner of Get it Together Organizing, a business dedicated to developing practical organizing solutions that help individuals and business professionals live clutter-free and productive lives. She is the author of “Go Organize! Conquer Clutter in Three Simple Steps” and is an experienced, enthusiast…

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A Timely Solution was established by Mary A Pate in 2002 to help busy clients become more productive by organizing their homes, their offices, and their lives. Previously, Mary Ann spent over 25 years in senior sales management roles helping large corporations and startups achieve their objectives. She hired, coached…

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Mary Boisselle is a creator and a connector who gives busy executives, successful professionals and their families’ time for what’s most important in their lives. For over 14 years, she has provided personal and professional lifestyle management services, including a broad range of specialized one-of-a-kind projects.…

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Mary Dykstra, MBA, Certified Professional Organizer® is a speaker, strategist, hands-on organizing and time management expert and Certified Senior Relocation and Transition Specialist. Mary is passionate about helping clients and audiences regain control of their minds, lives and environments – long term. Her listenin…

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Maya ’s love of helping people translated naturally into being a professional organizer, after doing some dramatic downsizing to simplify her own life. Maya Willis can create an organization plan for your home or office, and she travels to speak as an organization coach. Her specialty is simplicity. Maya is multitale…

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Monica Friel is president and founder of Chaos to Order, a service that helps people organize all facets of their lives – from office to home, and all the moves in between. What started out as helpful assistance to not-so-organized friends and family members, soon evolved into a burgeoning business. Friel recognized t…

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Nancy is a Certified Professional Organizer, one of a small group who passed the inagural CPO exam in May 2007. She is a professional coach and consultant in the organizing industry, who designs and implements organizing systems for paper files, computer files, and everything in between. Since 1987 her clients have in…

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As an ADHD Coach, my passion is to partner with individuals and families, to help them to build positive life habits, reduce stress, and inspire them to take back control in their lives. I am committed to helping each of my clients understand how they can live in control and stress free with ADHD. Through my coaching…

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Pam Woods is a respected authority on personal effectiveness. She has mentored hundreds of executives, managers, and professionals over the last three decades. Now, through her business, Smart WorkLife Solutions, she is helping busy people at home and at work to save time, boost productivity and reduce stress. As a re…

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After obtaining her Executive Secretarial Associate's Degree, Pam spent nearly 20 years in the corporate world. During the early part of her career, she became a Certified Professional Secretary after passing all parts of the exam on the first attempt. Her office skills continually received high compliments, particula…

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Ramona Creel is Professional Organizer, NAPO Golden Circle Member, and the original founder ofr OnlineOrganizing. A former Social Worker, she has always enjoyed helping people find the resources and solutions they need to improve their lives. Ramona now travels the country as a full-time RVer, sharing her story of sim…

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Regina O’Leary is the president and founder of House to Home Redesign, Inc. Established in 2004, House to Home Redesign, Inc. offers the following services to residents of Broward and Palm Beach counties, including the surrounding areas of Boca Raton, Delray Beach and Boynton Beach, FL: Interior Redesign/One-Day Home…

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Renee Ursem, Professional Organizer, started Get It Together, LLC in Las Vegas to help people lea how to organize and maintain their spaces. An accomplished author and speaker, Renee is a member of NAPO (National Association of Professional Organizers). She has a Masters Degree in education and spent 15 years teachin…

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Prior to running Chaos Commandos, Inc., Robert Mizrahi spent over 20 years mastering the art of Advertising and Graphic Design, holding high level creative positions with Dannon, Nokia and AT&T. While with AT&T, Robert created the unforgettable ad campaign for the historic Live Aid concert for Ethiopian hunger relief.…

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Roberta has extensive experience working within a number of industries in various executive roles. Her professionalism and intellect to push the status quo drives purposeful change for the better. Many people like to say they think outside the box, Roberta is an ideas generator who can fulfill such a big promise. As…

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Since 1999, Rosemary Chieppo of Born to Organize (www.borntoorganize.com) has been making her living doing what most people hate to do: organizing! The costs of disorganization are enormous: time, money and stress. She is passionate about the benefits of an organized lifestyle, and her goal is to share those benefits…

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Sandra Carroll is the owner, creator and chief organizer for Creativer Changes, a professional organizing company located in the Palm Springs area of Southern Califo ia. Sandra's background in office administration, and then retail management and merchandizing has given her over twenty years of problem solving, space…

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Since 2000, Sara Pedersen has offered hands-on organizing assistance for countless Twin Cities residents. She helps them organize, simplify, and discover time to do the things they love. She also coaches new and prospective professional organizers and offers marketing services and products for small business owners.…

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Shannon McGinnis has over 25 years of experienceis a natural born organizer and founder of Organized 4 Success, Inc. She has over 25 years of experience clearing clutter and creating organizational systems. Shannon enjoys helping her clients feel empowered while creating a more supportive and balanced environment in t…

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Sherry Borsheim has been helping people to work smarter for years. She specializes in resolving paper, email, time and information management issues. Her clients are individuals whose demanding roles require that they perform at peak efficiency. From corporations, to small businesses and homeowners, Sherry’s clients…

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Sue Becker is the founder and owner of From Piles to Smiles® professional organizing service. She is a CPA, and spent 20 years in various auditing, accounting, finance, and marketing positions at a variety of companies, including The Quaker Oats Company and SBC. The organization and time management skills that she use…

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With a passion for helping people lead a fulfilled and organized life, Susan McDaniel founded Organized Your Way, a professional organizing company. Organized Your Way offers assessments, consultations, and organizing services to individuals, families, and corporate partners. Susan's training and experience give her t…

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Susan Stewart has been bringing order and style to her surroundings for as long as she can remember and is gifted with the unique combination of creativity and organization. Although she has always been passionate about organizing and decorating, she pursued several other endeavors before beginning Perfectly Placed.…

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Experience: Professional organizer since 1999, but started organizing children's closets in the spring of 1994 whilst living in Chicago. I'm currently assisting people with the organization of their homes and offices in IL, CA, UT & NV. I have extensive experience in business adminstration, organization, project and…

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If your home and office are in a mess, your wardrobes are bulging, kitchen counters overflowing, your systems are failing (what systems?), your email inbox is exploding and there is never enough time in your day; perhaps now’s the time to call in the experts and get organised. Tracey Foulkes is the founder of profess…

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Veena Shetty is the marketing manager in a well-established organization, Lean Management Institute of India, based at Bangalore. The company has been delivering high quality lean trainings for individual clients and corporates. She is a graduate from Mangalore university, and has worked with companies like Sify, TQM…

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Vicki Norris is one of America’s favorite professional organizers. She is founder and rnpresident of Restoring Order, an organizing services and products company, and a nationally regarded expert in rnthe field of professional organizing. She is a dynamic entrepreneur, speaker, HGTV television personality, and author…

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Vickie Dellaquila is a Certified Professional Organizer®, Certified Relocation Transition Specialist, and owner of Organization Rules. Vickie also knows that sometimes people get stuck in their life because of difficult situations such as divorce, death of a spouse, simply overwhelmed, depression and other situations.…

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With 8+ years of experience in the field of web development and software development, he has utilized his knowledge in starting Dream Steps to cater to the needs of the businesses. Under his leadership, Dream Steps has become the hub for all digital solutions – web design and development, mobile app design and develop…

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Wendy Davie is known in New Zealand as the Organising Guru. Her Business "Totally Organised Limited" was founded in 2003, since then wendy has grown her business to offer services on a nation wide basis. Her first book "The Accidental Organiser" is due for release in September 2008. Wendy has featured in the NZ Media…

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As I did around this time last year, I just saw a Disney-Pixar film that offers some great organizing lessons. This year it was Toy Story 3 that lured me from the comfort of my couch. The premise of the story is that Andy, who we met as a young boy in the first movie of the series, is getting ready to go to college and must decide what to do with his toys. This story tugged at my heart not only because I have son named Andy who's in college, but also because I see many of my clients face the same struggles as Andy while they move towards creating a new, better life for themselves.

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Some people cringe at the thought of "time management," thinking it limits their creativity. In reality, it's the opposite! Whether you're a stay-at-home parent or work in an office, when you add structure to your day and control your time, you'll get the important things done on time. The following tips will help you "buy" time to enjoy your family, hobbies, sports, and other fun things in your life. 1. Set goals and priorities - Understanding your goals and priorities helps you identify the most important tasks and manage your time accordingly.

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Is your bedroom calm and serene, a place where you can relax and get a restful night's sleep? Or is it a chaotic place filled with clutter, clothes, papers and the like? If your bedroom is anything but restful, consider spending some time de-cluttering and organizing it so it becomes a sanctuary to replenish your mind and soul. In addition, organizing your bedroom will make getting dressed each day a simple endeavor rather than a frantic hunt for matching shoes!r

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During these times of economic volatility, it's a good idea to be prepared in case your employment situation changes. Whether you're currently employed and looking for a new opportunity or unemployed and searching for work, you'll want to get the most out of your job-hunting time and effort. To overcome feeling overwhelmed, I recommend creating a plan and getting organized - this will help you focus your efforts, stay motivated, and accelerate your success. Check out my "7 Simple Steps" article below for helpful tips.

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When an associate mentioned that she was feeling inspired to wash the windows of her home, I realized that the reason for her inspiration could also help people feel inspired to tackle an organizing project. She had recently purchased a squeegee and bucket and discovered that having the right tools provided her with motivation to do the job. In addition, those tools made the window cleaning easier and faster and provided great results. Before the squeegee/bucket approach, she rarely washed her windows and viewed it as a tedious, weekend-long task.

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When life gets busy (and when doesn’t it?) we often feel that we have to put our head down and plow full steam ahead to get as much done as possible. While it may seem counterintuitive, taking a break can actually help you accomplish more, and make life more enjoyable at the same time. Giving your mind (and body) a chance to rest can help refocus your attention and boost your energy as well as help relieve stress and sharpen your cognitive ability.

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I recently saw the Disney-Pixar movie Up, and discovered it was entertaining and instructional. The movie imparted some of the same messages I teach my clients. I actually retrieved a pen and small notebook from my purse during the movie and took notes. (Yes, I am an organizer at heart!) In case you haven't see Up, here's a plot summary: Carl, the grumpy main character, uses thousands of helium-filled balloons to carry his entire home through the sky to move to Paradise Falls, South America, to fulfill his late wife's childhood dream.

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Are your computer files as jumbled and disorganized as your paper files? Are there files on your computer that you don't even recognize? Do you rely on the search function to allow you to find your electronic documents? Are there days that you love your computer and some that you want to send it into orbit? While technical malfunctions are often out of our control, there are things you can do to make your computer more user-friendly.

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Summer is here - the most popular time of year to go on vacation. While you may be looking forward to your vacation destination, you may be dreading the last-minute scrambling that typically accompanies your pursuit of relaxation. These tips will help make sure your trip is actually as relaxing and enjoyable as you've imagined it will be by helping you get organized before you leave.

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From health updates to decorating ideas to news items, magazines and newspapers can contain a wealth of information. However, that information is meaningless if you don't take the time to read it. I have a hard time making time for reading because I always feel there's something "more important" that I should be doing. So I use car trips (when my husband is driving) to do most of my reading. How well are you doing keeping up with your reading pile? These tips offer ideas to keep that reading pile under control.

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After a major windstorm last week, I faced the significant task of "de-cluttering" my front yard. As I surveyed my yard covered with large branches, I felt overwhelmed and unsure how to start. Then I took a deep breath, chose a place to start, steadily sawed the boughs, and deposited them into waste bags for the garbage collector. These tips will help you discover how to tackle the overwhelming task of de-cluttering your space ... whether it's your office, kitchen, or garage.

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Whether caused by Mother Nature or a person, an emergency can throw our lives into chaos. But being prepared in case an emergency strikes can help. How prepared are you? This a great time to evaluate your emergency readiness. The following checklist will help you be prepared for any emergency. Like an insurance policy, I hope you never need to make use of your preparation 1. Set up an emergency plan with your family. Sit down with your family members and plan where you'll meet and how you'll contact each other in an emergency.

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We all put some things off until tomorrow (or next week), but sometimes that behavior can cause problems. Bills don’t get paid on time. Tax forms are submitted late. Projects are postponed for a last-minute scramble. This behavior can cause us to feel guilty, burdened, and exhausted. Plus, it ...

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1. Designate a specific place to keep unpaid bills and credit card receipts. Use a file folder or basket and put it somewhere that's convenient. If it's hard to ignore, you won't just drop things "here for now." 2. Develop a regular schedule to pay bills. Handle your bill payments ...

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One day, as I helped a client organize his home office, we came across an envelope with $3500 in cash! He had completely forgotten about this money, which could have been thrown away and lost forever. n You may not have envelopes bulging with cash lying around, but being disorganized does have ...

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The road to organization is sometimes a long one, especially if you want to start organizing an area that has been growing and spreading for a while! If you can start at the beginning, by that I mean, before things get out of hand, get organized from the get go. The sooner you start, the less ...

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“To be able to open a cabinet, drawer or closet and find what I’m looking for;” “To start my family’s day on time and on a positive note;” “To experience the joy of leisure time.” These are all reasons clients have told me they want to get organized. Although each reason supports a different goal, the one thing each of them has in common is that the end goal is about more than being organized – organization is a means to something bigger and more meaningful.

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We’ve all heard the phrase “less is more” (in fact I’ve written about this concept previously), but how many of us actually practice that philosophy? It sure seems as though the world (or at least the United States) is going in the opposite direction – we’ve got supersized grocery stores with dozens of choices for each food category; enormous home-improvement stores with aisle after aisle of products; hundreds of television stations from which to choose; the list goes on and on. But do all these choices improve our quality of life?

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I don’t know how it always seems to happen so quickly, but here we are welcoming in yet another new year. I often ponder how life must really zip by quickly for people who are disorganized, since they are often running late, in a frenzy looking for misplaced things, or in a panic because they forgot to pay a bill or do some other important task. My wish for you this year is that you experience the peacefulness and joy that comes from being organized and in control. Here are five simple tips that will help you in this endeavor.

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Stress (short for dis-stress) arises when we can’t eliminate the negative emotions, feelings and thoughts that build up inside of us as a result of our reactions to daily events and relationships with others. Learning to listen to and trust your intuition can help relieve the stress in your ...

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We all dream every night. Some people don't remember dreaming and would swear that they never dream. But dreaming is essential for sorting out and releasing the emotional buildup from our day so we can start the new day with a clean slate. If you stop people from dreaming, they become disturbed, ...

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Stress is a natural part of life. We need some stress to maintain our energy for living. But we must find a balance and manage our stress or it will manage us and our lives. Stress is a very personal experience for each one of us because it is based on our personal perceptions. It is our body's ...

Published · 1,421 views · Rated 3/5 from 1 votes

If one of your main sources of stress is the sheer number of things that need to be done, being organized should help you feel more at peace. A good sense of organization will also make you more efficient. Simplifying will help you feel less overwhelmed. Everyone has their own personal style, ...

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Water is very therapeutic and healing as well as cleansing. In our fast paced world, we have become accustomed to taking pulsating showers with strong spicy soaps to wake us up and get us going in our hectic, busy lives. But times are changing. Now we want to relax and be soothed when we’re ...

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It’s finally happened – the last traces of holiday candy, cookies, chocolate covered pretzels, kettle corn and other assorted holiday treats that have filled my home for the last month and a half have been consumed. At last I can continue my quest to eat more healthfully. Sure, I could have embraced healthy eating all along, but until all temptation disappeared from my sight, the lure of sugar always seemed to overtake my limited willpower. And it wouldn't have been fair to the rest of my household to just throw out those tempting morsels.r

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Beating the Holiday Rush for Stress Relief Fall is the perfect time to take stock and make preparations for a healthy low-stress holiday season. Now is the time to clean and get rid of all the clutter. The cold weather brings us indoors more so it makes sense to make our environment as ...

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Pare down. Go through the things in your child's room and help them let go of things they have outgrown or no longer use. It can be overwhelming to find a pair of shorts from a drawer stuffed so full that it can barely close. Give things a home. Go through your child's toys and determine which ...

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Summer is here, our days are packed full and we often become stressed. We sometimes have so much going on we think there's no time to laugh and have fun. Wrong! There is good news! Smiling and laughter are really good for your health! And the more you do them the better! From biblical ...

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In its purest form, gardening is about connecting with the earth and resetting our clocks to the simple, natural rhythms of life. Try as we may, we can't really speed up a tomato plant and make it grow by our time table. We must adapt and in doing so, gardening offers us a gentle reminder ...

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What do piles of opened mail, bags of stuff in the trunk of your car waiting to be returned to the store, and opened but unprocessed e-mails in your inbox all have in common? They are all things that have been started but not completed. Uncompleted tasks can weigh us down – rather than being able to cross something off our physical or mental to-do list, unfinished tasks nag at us and constantly reminds us there’s more work to do. They can also reduce our self-confidence by reminding us that once again we’ve failed to finish what we’ve started.r

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Most people work a 40 hour week so we can estimate that we typically spend about 2,000 hours at work each year. And many people work even more than this. Yet we often don’t take the time to ensure that our job setting is a pleasant place to be. Our jobs are often very stressful and stress is ...

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You may have seen the television commercial in which a group of people are assembling in a conference room for a meeting. They make fun of the fact that one of their co-workers uses a paper and pen rather than an electronic tablet for taking notes. The shamed employee tells his colleagues to ease up on their attack because he’s just gone online and purchased a tablet so he can be just like them.r

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Stress is the response that your body has to all the demands made upon it daily. Everyone has felt the effects of a stressful day in the muscles of the neck or back. Whether you have sore or tense muscles, tension headaches or anxiety, getting a massage can really help relieve all that stress. ...

Published · 1,662 views · Rated 3/5 from 1 votes

It seems that everywhere you look there are signs that the holidays will soon be upon us. And while we enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of this special time, we know that seemingly all too soon, another year is coming to an end. Here are some ideas to help you end the year in an organized way, and get the New Year off to a great start.

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So you used to be spontaneous. Living in the moment. Leaving the house at the drop of the proverbial hat – packing nothing but your toothbrush. You arrived late, if you arrived at all. You lost your birth certificate, your keys – insurance policies, what’s that? Being organised was ...

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Several years ago I saw a sign that said “I have a kitchen because it came with the house” in a client’s home. It’s a relief to know there’s at least one other person besides me who doesn’t like to cook. After all, with the huge number of cooking shows on TV, cooking magazines staring at me in the grocery store, and specialty spice shops and olive oil stores popping up all over, I can’t help but think that everyone except me loves to cook (and is good at it as well). I do love to eat, however, so I’ve done all I can to make meal planning as painless as possible.

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Ready or not, here it comes – tax season will be upon us sooner than we may like. Do you remember how things went last year as you gathered your financial paperwork? Will this year be more organized? Did you have to forego some deductions you deserved last year because you couldn’t find the supporting paperwork? Did you have to pay your tax preparer an additional amount to sort out the jumble of information you dumped in his or her office at the last minute? Did you waste hours searching for misplaced financial statements and receipts?r

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Are you drowning under piles of photographs and wondering how to dig yourself out? My January 2011 newsletter described how to organize photos – the physical prints that may occupy any number of bags and boxes in your home. But maybe it’s your computer rather than you that’s drowning – you may take digital photographs and have a hard drive bursting with them. This month I’ve called upon my husband, John, who is the technical guru of our home, to describe the best ways to organize digital photos (yes, there is a better way than just dumping them into random folders on your computer).

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A survey by Real Simple Magazine and the Families and Work Institute revealed that almost half of American women say they don't have enough free time. The survey defined "free time" as "time that you spend on yourself, where you can choose to do things that you enjoy." I was surprised that the percentage was only 49%, but I'm glad to know there are women out there who don't fit into the mold of an overworked, overstressed female.

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The nature of work is changing at whirlwind speed. Perhaps now more than ever before, job stress poses a threat to the health of workers and, in turn, to the health organizations. According to The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, the Federal agency responsible for ...

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Stress is an unavoidable condition of life today. It's a very natural reaction to situations that may cause us disappointment, hurt, frustration, sadness, confusion, shame or other negative emotions. It can be the result of hurt pride or unreasonable expectations. In some instances, angry ...

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Happy New Year! I hope the coming year is your best yet. If you’ve been enjoying the past month of holiday celebrations as much as I have, you probably have lots of photographs capturing the good times. The question now is what to do with all those photos. If your pictures are in digital format, you may choose to store them electronically on your computer or one of the many photo storage websites that are available (eg., Picasa, Flickr, etc.). But what about the photos you choose to print, as well as the mountains of old photographs you have stashed away in boxes and drawers?

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It's not a pleasant subject, which partly explains why so many people put off creating an estate plan. On top of that, estate planning requires the skill of advanced planning, something many of my clients aren't particularly good at (at least not until after they work with me!). If you don't already have a will and other relevant documents that will be helpful if you're incapacitated, or after your eventual death, I strongly encourage you to get those things taken care of. You'll make things a lot easier for your loved ones and you'll make sure you assets are distributed as you'd like.

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As the carefree days of summer wind down, it’s time to start thinking about sending the kids back to school (or if you’re a frazzled parent or caregiver, maybe you’ve been thinking about it for a while now!). As much as you may welcome the arrival of the school year, it can be a hectic and stressful time. Whether your kids are in preschool or headed off to college, advanced planning and preparation can reduce everyone’s anxiety level and make school days run more smoothly. This month’s newsletter offers some ideas to help with the transition.

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January is almost over, and so, too, may be your memories of making a New Year’s resolution to get organized. Rather than viewing your organizing aspirations as hopeless, you might consider whether you’re ready to change. If not, you’ll need to address your lack of readiness before you’ll be successful at getting and staying organized.

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For those of us who have slogged through an especially challenging winter, Spring can’t come any too soon. It’s time for nature to renew itself and bring forth new life. You, too, can experience this sense of rebirth by renewing your commitment to getting organized. Imagine how freeing it will be to be able to sit down at the kitchen table without moving a mountain of stuff, get your kids out the door without (too much) stress, or find important papers when you need them! If you’ve made previous attempts to get organized, yet failed, use this time of new beginnings to make a fresh start.

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I spent this past Saturday essentially doing nothing, which is very unlike me. Well it wasn’t exactly nothing, but as far as the analytical part of my brain was conce ed, it was a day of rest and relaxation. My husband and I drove 2 ½ hours each way to visit our son at college and attend his (indoor) track meet. For those of you unfamiliar with track meets, there’s a lot – I’m talking hours and hours – of sitting around. Our son participated in only two of the dozens of events, so we spent lots of time watching people we didn’t know compete.

Published · 1,029 views · Rated 4/5 from 1 votes

Did you ever pay attention to how much time you spend processing email each day? I couldn’t find a decisive analysis of the subject, but various studies conclude that Americans spend anywhere from 15 minutes to two hours on average. That’s a significant amount of time, especially considering that most people I know would like to have more time for themselves in a typical day.

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A recent article in Real Simple Magazine about the toll that impatience can take on our enjoyment of life got me thinking about my own hurriedness. It’s a rare day that I’m not bouncing from one thing to another without taking a break. Most of my time (probably 90% of my waking hours) is spent working: client appointments, making and returning phone calls, networking, developing the content for presentations, writing my blog or newsletter, processing email, etc.

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Whether you work for pay, do volunteer work, or manage a household, meetings are a fact of life; unfortunately, they’re often an extremely ineffective fact of life. There are meetings for the business, social and volunteer organizations to which you belong; meetings at work; meetings with household service providers such as architects, lawyers or accountants; civic meetings; and meetings at your child’s school.

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I’ve written previously about the benefits of keeping a to-do list. The process of writing down everything you have to do (either on paper or electronically), prioritizing the list, and scheduling when to do each task can be an efficient and powerful way to get things done. That is, of course, if you honor your commitments and do things when you’ve scheduled them.

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Have you ever said to yourself, “I have to remember to do such and such” but then forget to do such and such? If you’re like me, the older you get, the harder it is to remember things. I recently read the book Getting Organized in the Google Era which states that our brains can only hold five to nine items in short-term memory at one time. As soon as we try to add a tenth item, something will fall out of short term memory.

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November is definitely a month in which we pay attention to time: we enjoy less sunshine each day, and the end of Daylight Saving Time makes the diminished sunshine even more obvious. As we do our best to cope with seemingly shorter days, it’s a good time to work on making the most of our time. What’s your favorite way to tame time? Here are some of mine:r

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The recent series of disasters in Japan, as well as unrest in many parts of the world, should have us all thinking a little bit more about whether or not we’re prepared for an unexpected disaster. Whether caused by Mother Nature or a human being, an emergency can throw our lives into chaos – being prepared can help mitigate an emergency’s negative impact. While there’s been lots of information in the press recently about how to prepare for physical survival in a disaster, you may not have given much thought to your recordkeeping and paperwork. Here are some ideas you might want to implement:r

Published · 1,209 views · Rated 4/5 from 1 votes

Does your summer fun in the sun turn to loathing in the laundry room when you look at the mountains of dirty clothes? Does your dog think those piles are his personal bed? Warm weather typically brings on sand, sweat, and stains that may make you feel like you can never get out from under the piles of laundry. Here are some tips to help you quickly turn those clothes piles into smiles so you can enjoy more summertime fun.

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My crusade to make this the year to “get things done when they need to be done” paid off in many ways recently. Several events, both personal and business, came up at the last minute, and I was able to attend them without missing a beat because I was caught up on everything I’d needed to get done. A year ago at this time, I might have felt stressed and overwhelmed at the prospect of taking time away from my well-planned, yet poorly executed, to-do list.

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Do you feel like you’re always running late to appointments and events no matter how hard you try to be on time? Do you frequently lose patience when caught in traffic because you’re rushing to get somewhere? Many of my clients, especially those with ADHD, experience the same frustration. One common cause of their recurring tardiness is not building travel time into their schedule. There are sometimes other issues as well, such as being anxious about arriving early and having nothing to do, but ignoring how long it takes to get somewhere is almost always part of the mix.

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I recently was on my way to a client when she called to say she had a last-minute emergency and needed to push our start time back an hour. Since it wasn’t feasible for me to go back home, I parked near her house and spent the next hour making phone calls, writing a few thank you notes, and reading. I was grateful that by having planned my day the day before, I had with me not only a list of phone calls to make and notes to write, but also the materials to get those tasks accomplished. I also had a couple of magazines with me to read.

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Happy autumn! It’s hard to believe that summer is coming to an end. As the leaves change color, you might want to consider which habits you can change to help you be more productive and efficient, both at home and at work. To help inspire you, I’ve noted some common challenges that you may be facing, and some ways to overcome them: Receiving too much paperr Call 1-888-567-8688 or go to https://www.optoutprescreen.com to opt out of unsolicited credit card offers. Sign up free at http://www.catalogchoice.org/ to decline paper catalogs you no longer wish to receive.r

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Whether you take notes on scraps of paper, in your planner, or in a notebook, they can pile up quickly. Notes may result from attending a meeting, taking a class, having a phone conversation or engaging in a face-to-face conversation. No matter what the source of the notes, it’s important to have a system to process them after you’ve taken them; otherwise they’ll simply become random bits of information looking for a home.

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Do you find yourself arriving late for appointments, meetings and social events more often than you’re on time? Do your friends and family members tell you an event is going to start a half hour earlier than it actually starts just so you have a chance of being “on time”? Here are some possible reasons for your tardiness and how you might be able to turn around your reputation for always being late:r

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I recently finished working on a month-long project that had me leaving home at 7:00 a.m. and not returning until 9:30 p.m. every night. Although it would be easy to complain about working such long hours, there were plenty of positive outcomes from my experience: • I got to work on an interesting and fulfilling project and meet a lot of wonderful people.

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How did your tax season go this year? Was preparing your taxes a breeze because you'd carefully organized everything throughout the year to avoid the frantic searches you'd experienced in past years? Or did you file an extension because you're hopeful that by October you'll be able to find all the documentation you need? Your tax records might not be the only papers that are in disarray - here are some tips to stay on top of it all. And whether it's this fall or next spring, here's to making your next tax season stress-free.

Published · 1,253 views · Rated 4/5 from 1 votes

A recent Oprah episode included an interview with multimillionaire director Tom Shadyac, who decided to simplify his life by letting go of his mansion and many of his belongings. His former home had 17 bedrooms (although he wasn’t quite sure how many!) and 13 bathrooms. He downsized to a mobile home with three bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, and has never been happier. It was fascinating to hear him describe how freeing it was to let go of so many material things as he felt the weight of his former lifestyle lift off his shoulders.

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I recently encountered a situation with my client, whom I’ll call “Ann”, which exemplifies how some people think neatening is the same thing as organizing, and how detrimental that can be. Ann has several chronic medical conditions that generate lots of paperwork, leaving her buried in piles and overwhelmed. She also tends to be an over-shopper, buying things because they’re fun or pretty, not because she’ll necessarily use them, although she says she intends to give them as gifts someday.

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A few years ago I entered the produce section of my newly remodeled grocery store to purchase some tomatoes, only to discover that it was going to take quite an effort to fulfill my mission. The new and “improved” produce department was at least double the size of the old one, and it took me 5 minutes of intense searching to discover where the tomatoes were located. There were dozens of tables displaying bin after bin of all types of fruits and vegetables, and I became increasingly annoyed at each bin that didn’t reveal the object of my quest.

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I’ve had the opportunity to be part of several organizing makeover shows (as the organizer, not the client, mind you) and really enjoy seeing the client’s excitement as they view their transformed space for the first time. While you may be hoping there’s a television crew about to knock on your door to announce that you’ve won an organizing makeover, odds are that’s not about to happen. So here are some quick tips to help you jump start your own home organizing makeover:

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Although not as intimidating as the ten days’ worth of email l valiantly plowed through, the size of the pile of ten days’ worth of snail mail I recently faced upon return from a trip was rather impressive. Even though I’ve done my best to get off mailing lists (I’ve subscribed to www.CatalogChoice.org to eliminate unwanted catalogs and have opted out of credit card and insurance offers through www.OptOutPrescreen.com) there still seems to be an unwelcome quantity of mail that comes into my home through my mailbox. Here’s how I dug my way out from under the backlog:

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I recently heard the song Live Like You Were Dying by Tim McGraw on the radio, and it got me wondering what I’d do differently if I took his advice. I don’t want to sound macabre, but I found this exercise to be refreshing and eye-opening. Here are the options I pondered:

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The one challenge I hear most from my clients is that they don’t have enough time in their day. However, they typically take an “all or nothing” approach to getting things done. This is unrealistic, because most of us don’t have large chunks of time available to knock out big projects in one fell swoop. A more realistic approach is to chip away at large tasks in the small bits of time we do have available (see my prior blog posting on this topic). In order to do that, we have to break projects down into smaller components first.

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While many seniors enjoy good health and are able to live on their own, some require the assistance of family members or outside caregivers, or have to move to an assisted living facility. No matter what your role is in helping a senior, even if it's to be a friend to someone caring for a senior, here are some organizing tips to help make the job a bit easier.

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I was recently doing a marathon baking session at my house when what to my wondering eyes should appear but a huge mess in my kitchen. There were pots and pans and all kinds of things all over the place.

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I learned about Emotional Intelligence at a conference I recently attended. As part of the session, my emotional intelligence was evaluated. One of the most surprising things I discovered about myself as a result of this process is that I have low stress tolerance. This was surprising to me because I seldom feel as though I have a lot of stress in of my life, which made me think I actually do a good job of tolerating it. After all, since it’s nearly impossible not to have stress in one’s life, yet I don’t feel burdened by it, I must be able to tolerate it well, right?

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Shopping, baking, more shopping, wrapping gifts, hosting guests - this busy time of year is often more stressful than joyful. Expectations are high, crowds are plentiful, time is limited, and funds may be as well. As you may have promised yourself so many times, how about actually making this holiday season the most wonderful time of the year? These tips offer some ideas to help you consider converting your to-do list to a "to-don't" list.

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September 13-17, 2010 was AD/HD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) Awareness Week. AD/HD is characterized by inattentiveness, impulsivity and sometimes, hyperactivity (the official name is AD/HD regardless of whether or not someone has the hyperactivity component). Although someone may have some or all of these traits, personal history, collaborative reports and testing are required to provide an official diagnosis. Whether you have AD/HD or live or work with someone who does, these tips offer information to help you understand how AD/HD affects people's organization skills.

Published · 1,566 views · Rated 4.7/5 from 3 votes

Now that school is back in session, most parents I know are relieved to have the routine of school back in their lives. However, along with the routine come loads of activities that can make most already-busy parents feel overwhelmed and overburdened. If you find yourself constantly on the go and struggling to stay on top of things, the following tips can help you regain control of the hectic school year:

Published · 773 views

I celebrated my birthday last week and received some wonderful gifts from my friends and family. But the best gifts I received were their time, attention and companionship. This focus on gifts got me thinking about another source of gifts in my life – hostess gifts. I’d like your help understanding why people feel they can’t show up at my (or anyone’s) home unless they’re toting a gift.

Published · 1,306 views · Rated 4/5 from 1 votes

Does the thought of getting organized leave you overwhelmed and uncertain how to get started? The concept of kaizen can take you from that feeling of overwhelm to one of being in control and on the path towards accomplishment. Kaizen is a term that was coined in Japan as it began to rebuild itself after World War II – it’s the concept of small steps and continuous improvement. Kaizen is based on the premise that we can overcome initial resistance to change by patiently trusting that small steps will lead us to success.

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One of the best ways to boost productivity of your organization is by following the ‘lean’ path. The very soul of a lean principle is to maximize production and at the same time bring down the wastage of resources. In short, lean transformation is geared towards building more values for your customers, but with fewer resources. So How Do You Take the Lean Journey? Though managers across various business verticals are mostly skeptic about venturing into the lean path, lean transformation does not demand much from organizations.

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Running “lean” is an important method that can maximize every resource of your business. It shortens the product development cycles and helps the business run more efficiently by continuously measuring the business progress and considering feedback. Business plans require rapid changes and fact-based decision making. It definitely is hard work and hard thinking but, the outcomes are profitable. Here are a few important things you can follow to help grow your business without wasting on time and resources:

Published · 2,167 views

I’ve been thinking a lot about getting things done. I have been updating the content on my website, and it is taking WAY longer than it “should.” I know I’m not alone. My clients are struggling with the same thing. Most of them have long lists—often multiple lists—of things that they “should” get done but never seem to get around to them. So what do we do? Let’s start with the “to do” list itself. Most people make one list of everything they want, need, or feel they should do and then feel guilty when it all doesn’t get done.

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Opportunities exist each day to either clear away a small amount of clutter or maintain an existing space. Taking these small opportunities to organize a little at a time reduces the need to spend hours later “getting organized.” I call it organizing “While You Are There.”

Published · 1,262 views · Rated 5/5 from 2 votes

People often ask how to get their kids, spouse, friend, roommate, or parent organized. They are often frustrated by others’ clutter and may have given “helpful” advice: “If you would just get organized…” The less organized person’s response (if they had one) would sound something like this: “If I knew how to get organized, I would have done so already!” So how do we help the less-organized people in our lives? The following techniques are designed to help you (or someone you know) begin to get organized:

Published · 1,762 views · Rated 4/5 from 2 votes

Where does the time go? It seems like only yesterday I was just planning for the summer camps, swim lessons, visits to grandparents, and a family vacation. And now all of the activities are nearly done. I thought summer seemed to go fast when I was a kid, wow it goes really fast as a parent. One reason could be because this fall is especially emotional for me; our son will be starting high school.

Published · 1,280 views · Rated 4/5 from 1 votes

Is it really worth the time (and sometimes money) to get organized? I get asked that question a lot, both out loud and through body language. After all, some argue, I’ve gotten along this long. What’s the big deal? On the other hand, others confess: • I spent an hour looking for _______ this morning (and didn’t find it). • I can’t seem to get anything done lately. I don’t know where to begin. • I keep buying more _____ when I know I have it here somewhere. • I feel guilty when I take time to organize. Shouldn’t I be doing something productive?

Published · 1,214 views · Rated 4/5 from 1 votes

Christmas decorations have begun to appear in stores and malls all over the country. People are already starting to think about (and stress over) gift-giving, and it’s only October. Do we need to panic? Can selecting a gift for someone be easy? While it may always be difficult to find a present for picky Aunt Mildred, the gift-buying (or gift-making if you are crafty) experience can be made easier and less painful:

Published · 1,329 views · Rated 3.5/5 from 2 votes

Everyone, it seems, is moving. It might be a small move, relocating items from one place to another, like when buying a car or a large piece of furniture. It could be moving the contents of one room to another. It might be moving entire home or office across the city or country. Whether gaining or losing space, the task can be daunting. I have done my share of moving. As an Air Force “brat,” I moved several times as a kid and teenager, back and forth in college, between different apartments in my 20s, in and out of classrooms as a teacher, and five years ago with a two-year-old in tow.

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Can you feel it in the air? The buzz begins November 1 as the Halloween pumpkins come down and the Christmas decorations go up. The whole country shifts into high gear as everyone starts asking whether you’ve gotten your shopping done. (For the record, mine is half done.) Here are some tips to help simplify and streamline holiday preparations (and reduce stress levels): • Focus on what’s important. Family? Friends? Faith, peace, simplicity, staying within your budget? Your focus will help determine what to say yes and no to this busy season. • Plug in important dates.

Published · 1,137 views · Rated 3/5 from 1 votes

Happy New Year! Each year brings the possibility of change. Even though we can make changes at any point in the year, each January we start out the year with a list of good intentions. Yet, 30 days later, most of our well-laid plans for change have been set aside. We try to make too many big changes in a short amount of time. We get a good start, life interrupts, and we throw up our hands: “I give up! I just can’t __________!” This year instead of taking on a huge self-improvement program, develop just one of the following habits to become more organized:

Published · 1,236 views · Rated 3.5/5 from 2 votes

Last summer I moved into a new house. We sold our 1288-sq. ft. home, which I had lived in for 13 years, and moved into one that is almost twice the size at just under 2300 sq. ft. Many people might have been tempted to just box up their belongings and move. After all, a bigger house means more space, right? Not necessarily.

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I have come to the realization that I can’t do it all. No matter how organized I am, how many lists I make, or how well I manage my time, I will never be able to do all the things in the time that I have. I have felt this way for a while. Years. Probably most of my adult life, but more since the birth of my daughter two years ago. I have noticed this in my clients (successful small business owners) as well. They have long lists of tasks that don’t get completed, leaving them feeling overwhelmed and defeated.

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If your life is full or clutter, or you’re disorganized now, and you want a fast way to “get organized,” there’s another way! Learn a three-step process that will leave you “being organized,” and learn how my “E.A.S.Y.” method provides a fast way to deal with your stuff. What do you do when you can no longer see over the stacks off stuff or walk in your office or home without tripping? You say to yourself – GET ORGANIZED! Translation: put stuff away, throw stuff away – just get it out of sight!

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How do you eliminate your guilt, stress and fear about getting rid of clutter? Get rid of the mental clutter first, then tackle the physical clutter. From a very young age, many children are taught that they should not waste, that they should use and keep everything. This really instills a sense of guilt, so clutter amasses because we keep everything so as to avoid feeling guilty! It's like having audiotapes playing constantly in your head, saying "YOU MUST NOT BE WASTEFUL!" every time you try to release something from your life. Letting go doesn't seem like an acceptable option.

Published · 1,175 views · Rated 3/5 from 1 votes

What can a baby teach us about getting us ready to be organized? Read this article to find out. It’s disheartening to realize that the majority of working women I talk to about the organization in their life (or lack thereof) feel that there is no way out. They simply feel doomed to a life of clutter and confusion. One weekend, I spoke at The Women’s Show on how to organize your business and home. I had a booth where attendees could sign up to win a half-day of my organizing services in their home or office. Hundreds of women stopped by to check out what I had to offer.

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Why do you procrastinate? The answers aren’t necessarily obvious. Gain some insight on this annoying problem, and get things done faster! “I’ve done it again. It’s 24 hours before my deadline and I’m finally starting to write.” You know what I’m talking about because you’ve done it before. That’s right, the “P” word that plagues us all—Procrastination. Why do we continually put ourselves in situations that cause us stress (and it almost always self-inflicted!)? For working women, some things just have to be left undone—or do they?

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How do you deal with technologies that are supposed to save you time and money, but often don’t? Technology is a double-edged sword when it comes to making life simpler and saving time. While it may do both of these things, there is a dark side. As working women, we feel compelled to fill that newly-saved time with even more things to do, thus complicating our lives rather than simplifying them.

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I keep thinking that one day there will be more time in the day to get things done. My daughter started first grade this fall. For years I heard about all the time I would have once she was in school for a full day. Some suggested that I might even get bored. Yeah…hasn’t happened. Sure, I do have more time to work, a good thing, but a child in school requires more time in other ways. And I definitely have not been bored.

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The push to get started on holiday shopping and planning starts earlier every year. Right after Halloween, images of parka-clad shoppers and ornaments decorated with sale items dance across our screens, urging us to shop early. A woman in my husband’s office asked if he was ready for the holidays—in early November!

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Out of all the cluttered spaces that I’ve seen as a Professional Organizer this year, one image remains. No, it wasn’t the worst thing I’ve seen, and it wasn’t found in the home of a hoarder. It was an opened package of Oreos® perched on top of a stack of plates in a kitchen cupboard. The pantry was so packed that there wasn’t room for one package of cookies. The Oreos stood as a symbol for all the clutter in the kitchen.

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Ahh, summer. In June summer stretches out, appearing limitless. Now as August and the back-to-school ads bombard us, we realize that summer soon will be gone. Have you accomplished some of the plans you made in the spring? If not, you may have fallen victim to a time zapper. What activities zap your time? Possibilities include: o Catching up on Facebook, Twitter, etc. o Shopping (in a store or on-line) o Channel-surfing o Playing video games o Talking on the phone or texting

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I am excited to announce that I have officially begun the first baby steps of social networking by setting up accounts on Linkedin and Facebook. For those who know me personally, you know that this was no easy task. It’s like standing at the edge of a lake. Many of you have encouraged me: “Come on in. The water is fine.” But I have been hesitant to stick my toe in.

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“I don’t know how things got to this point. I used to be so organized.” I hear this lament all the time. People who had no trouble keeping their stuff under control in their 20s one day wake up with “junk rooms” and piles that need to be stashed before company arrives. What happened? Do people start out organized and suddenly become unorganized? No. Clutter creeps in over time. Life events (getting married, having children, moving, and changing/starting jobs) affect both home and office. Organization changes as we age.

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1. Where are these containers going to be stored? Containers in the living room are much different than those you would store in a closet or garage. Rattan baskets and containers in beautiful colors are wonderful for the common areas of your home. Clear plastic bins are what I recommend for ...

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Closets are areas of infinite possibility. Closets can be rearranged, re-configured or re-designated depending on what you need to use it for. You can organize your closets any way that suits your specific needs. The following 5 tips are to help you weed out the things you no longer want or ...

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1. Get rid of anything and everything that you do not love or use: Decide what is trash and either recycle or properly dispose of any junk inside and outside the home. Really consider what you really want to keep, pack, store and unpack and anything that is not worthy of this effort should be ...

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Everyone is inundated with mail, bills, paperwork and projects. The following time management strategy will help you concentrate, unclutter your desk and be become organized for success. The 50 minute hour to Sort and Organize Set a timer for 50 minutes. During this time focus on clearing ...

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1. Create homes for all of your children’s clothes and toys, both in their room and throughout the house and garage. Make areas for containers for their toys and spaces for larger items to be stored so that everything has a home to be put back into. 2. Choose containers that are easy for ...

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I lost 10 pounds in less than one week, and I feel great! No, I didn’t try the latest diet or exercise program. I simply cleared out my file cabinet. Everyone collects information. Some file it. Some pile it. Most are drowning in it. Going paperless hasn’t helped much. It just moved the piles onto desktops and into the Cloud. Digital clutter is now a problem. Collecting information comes at a cost in terms of time and money. Money spent on folders, file cabinets, more memory. Time spent trying to find that one file or document buried in a stack or on a screen.

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Green Living is on everyone’s mind these days. It’s the “hot issue” of our day, and responsible citizens are starting to look at more ways to reduce pollution and unnecessary waste. Many of my Professional Organizing clients ask me what they can do to stop this unwanted ...

Published · 1,690 views · Rated 3/5 from 1 votes

Drew and I manifested the most magical week on the Big Island, Hawaii last week. We stayed with dear friends in a gorgeous 5 bedroom house, about 10 steps away from the beach where many wild dolphin swim. It's the same bay we visited last summer and loved. But this time, we manifested a much ...

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Has this ever happened to you? You’ve just returned from a business trip and your briefcase is bulging with receipts, meeting notes and other essential paperwork. You’ll probably spend your first day back in the office just sorting through the chaotic mass of paper before you can even think ...

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House to Home Redesign, Inc. www.house2homeredesign.com We’re all watching our spending habits in this economy. Here are 5 quick tips for maximizing the power of your decorating dollar: 1) Paint one wall. Be bold! Pick a color you love and try it out on one wall. What have you got to lose? ...

Published · 1,232 views · Rated 3/5 from 1 votes

1. You don’t have duplicates of the same item. Do you have more than 2 or 3 pairs of scissors in your home or office? How many pairs of black pants do you own? Do you really need that many? Whether its clothes, coats, books, crafts, or sports equipment, evaluate what you need versus what ...

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If your bathroom is cluttered with several family members cosmetics, half filled bottles, and grooming tools—it’s time to clear it out, clean it up and convert it to a space that is fresh, green and rejuvenating! First, empty the room and edit all of your belongings. That means you’ll need to ...

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Are you drowning in stuff you don’t use, you don’t love, or you don’t have a convenient place to store? It’s time to tackle your clutter! I know what you’re thinking—“Yes, but…I don’t have time to get organized and my space is so overwhelming, I don’t know where to start.” Being ...

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Are you drowning in stuff you don’t use, you don’t love, or you don’t have a convenient place to store? It’s time to tackle your clutter! I know what you’re thinking—“Yes, but…I don’t have time to get organized and my space is so overwhelming, I don’t know where to start.” Being ...

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Now that you have curtailed new clutter from entering your home as outlined in the "Decluttering Blueprint: Step 1", you need to tackle what you already own. To begin, make an assessment of your current situation and then create a decluttering plan using the steps below. 1. Take an inventory ...

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Everyone is inundated with papers: mail, bills and projects. In just one hour, you can create a clear system to convert your piles into files! 1. Set a timer for 50 minutes: Set aside 50 minutes to sort your most recent papers. Choose a date and time that you will be able to focus and not be ...

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If your kitchen isn’t living up to your expectations, give it a makeover for convenience and pizazz using the steps below. 1. Take stock of your kitchens purpose. Is it for cooking, baking, eating, and storing food? If so, move all the items that are unrelated to the purpose of your space ...

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Is the gathering area (a.k.a. family room, living room, den, great room) in your home chaotic and cluttered? If so, try the following prescription to create a calm, comfortable and orderly space you’ll love to relax in and entertain family and friends. 1. Pin down the purpose(s) of your ...

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If you’ve been following the "DeCluttering Blueprint" series, you’ve noticed the process for eliminating clutter is the same regardless of the room or space you’re working on. In short, you always begin by defining the purpose of your room and then follow-up by identifying the major categories ...

Published · 2,013 views · Rated 5/5 from 1 votes

Summer is here! Time to relax, sleep in, and …get organized? While most aren’t looking for a big summer project (see www.get-it-together-llc.com/monthly-article/archive/general-getting-things-done.html and www.get-it-together-llc.com/monthly-article/archive/time-management-tackling-big-projects.html if you are), there some quick and easy things you can do this summer to look and feel more organized:

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Do you run late for meetings, misplace keys, files, important documents, or other items, run afoul of deadlines, or forget appointments? If so, you’re not alone, Americans lose/waste nine (9) million hours per day looking for misplaced items, according to the American Demographics Society. If ...

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Rush, rush, rush. We hurry out of the house to get in our cars to zip along the freeway to our jobs. As we run errands on the way home, we tap our feet impatiently as the person in front of us takes too long. We hastily prepare dinner, eat in ten minutes flat, and get the dishes in the ...

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It’s a great time to teach a child to get organized! Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, friend, or neighbor, the skills you share will remain with kids for a lifetime. Here are some tips that can be used with your favorite kids of all ages. • Make organizing a part of each day. It’s ...

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Being organized has great personal benefits. You can easily find things, save time and money, and become incredibly productive. Getting organized can have great environmental benefits as well. By following the three Rs (reduce, reuse, recycle), you’ll use fewer natural resources, discover new ...

Published · 4,035 views · Rated 4/5 from 1 votes

Spring is a time for “Spring Cleaning”, new beginnings and a fresh start. Many times a fresh start means letting go of things in your past, both emotional and physical, (or tangible), and allowing room for new things and experiences. As a Professional Organizer, I derive great satisfaction ...

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"Spring forward" is the catchphrase for the beginning of Daylight Savings Time, which takes place at 2:00 a.m. on Sunday, March 8, 2009. How will you spend your extra daylight time? Here are some ideas and tips: Begin clearing space in your yard or garden. Choose an area that needs attention ...

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Spring is a time for “Spring Cleaning”, new beginnings and a fresh start. Many times a fresh start means letting go of things in your past, both emotional and physical, (or tangible), and allowing room for new things and experiences. As a Professional Organizer, I derive great satisfaction ...

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We shoot for success in all our endeavors. This can be quite the goal. At home you want to keep your family up and running. At work you want to be a great employee or business owner. You need a place to start the ball rolling. Choose today to get organized at work. Doing this will provide you with more time in your day to find success in all your ventures. Want to Save Time? Get Organized at Work.

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Being an effective business owner can start by adding these seven habits of highly effective people to your business organizing efforts. If you can incorporate these seven elements into your work life you will be an effective employee or business owner. Have a Plan When you have a plan you can focus on the priorities in your day. Have you heard the 80/20 rule? Simply put 80 percent of your results come from 20 percent of your efforts. Put your effort into things that are ACTUALLY important, and watch the results. Plan Your Day, Week, and Month

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Microsoft Outlook is a go-to organizing tool. If you use it right it can save you time and stress. Use this article as a piece of a series of articles that will help guide you as begin organizing your Microsoft Outlook. The Pesky Problem You need to record to-dos on to your calendar, but you end up collecting scraps of paper everywhere as you jot things down to later transfer to your calendar. You want to accomplish three big things: • Get rid of all those scraps of paper on your desk, in drawers, and lining your pockets

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Every day you look at the growing pile of junk mail and tell yourself you’ll get to it. Your home and business organizing may take a front seat, but that doesn’t ever seem to include your mail. The piles just grow and grow.

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Have you taken a good look in your pantry lately? Do you know what’s hiding in the back? What about your freezer? Can you easily recognize each item? Are petrified condiments lurking in your refrigerator? It’s easy to laugh about these things until we think about what we are throwing away in terms of money spent, food wasted, and what could have been used to help the less fortunate. I heard recently that we Westerners throw away the equivalent of 45 days of food in one year. It doesn’t have to be that way.

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Forgotten the last time your kitchen table was used to hold dinner? Stacks of paper can start adding up quickly. You mean to get them filed, but you don’t want to forget about them. So here you are not knowing where anything is despite the giant mess! Having one place to keep important information or quick reference materials is key, whether you have a business or not. Take a few minutes to read this article I prepared for you and then let’s get your Action Files set up today!

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Do you know how many emails are jamming up your Inbox? Is it 100, 1000, 5000, 10,000+! The number grows daily and along with it your stress and lost time. You want to clear your Inbox, but you never dedicate the time. Checkout the new features in Outlook 2010 that make organizing Microsoft Outlook seem more possible.

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Is there a project sitting around your office, closet, garage, or spare room? Maybe it’s something you’d like to get done, but there never seems to be enough time to get started. It sits in a box or on a shelf, waiting, maybe even mocking you. This may be what I call a “dead-end” project. Ask these questions: • Do I really have the time to do this project? Think through all the steps involved in completing it. Think about current obligations, work schedule, and family activities. Do you really have the time?

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A functional workspace is perhaps the most important element of business organizing. Everyone from the presidents of multi-million dollar companies to the assistants who keep everything running smoothly needs an efficient workspace. Creating an efficient workspace might seem like an overwhelming and expensive task, but it can be done, and doesn’t need to cost a dime. With a little bit of planning and by following these business organizing tips, you can turn your workspace into a place that allows you to be organized and productive.

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Summer is here. Whether you have kids or not, to most of us summer means vacation. It’s a time to slow down, take it easy, and have some fun. With a little planning, it can also be a time to get a little something done. Mini-projects help you create order in a short amount of time so you can enjoy the summer guilt-free. Here are my top 10 quick summer organizing projects:

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When you ask people what their biggest frustration with their workspace is, they are likely to mention paper clutter! All the junk mail, bills, and reports to read – it can get overwhelming quite quickly! It doesn’t have to be this way though – the method in this article will help you get control of your paper clutter once and for all! When a piece of paper comes across your desk, there are only FOUR things you need to consider doing with it – File, Act, Schedule or Toss – F.A.S.T. Keep the F.A.S.T acronym in mind whenever paper comes into you office and deal with it accordingly.

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When used to its full potential, Microsoft Outlook is a powerful tool for productivity! However it can quickly become a source of stress and frustration for those who aren’t sure how to use it. This series of articles will help you increase your productivity by teaching you about organizing Microsoft Outlook.

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Microsoft Outlook can be a tremendously helpful productivity tool when you are prioritizing your time spent on email. But if you don’t know about Outlook’s many functions you may not be using it to its greatest potential. This article is part of a series of articles that will guide you as begin organizing your Microsoft Outlook.

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Stress is taking huge tolls on our physical and mental health in the U.S. today. It is estimated that 75-90 percent of all doctor visits are related to stress. Stress can be blamed for conditions like allergies, migraine headaches, ulcers, high blood pressure, and skin and bowel problems. ALL of the leading causes of death can been caused or exacerbated by stress, including cancer, heart disease, lung disease, cirrhosis, accident and suicide.

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Filing paperwork is often the most disliked and avoided task in an office. Many people find it too time consuming and complicated to find a home for all their paperwork so it ends up piling up here and there and everywhere, making matters worse. The good news is that it is not as hard as many people think to establish and easy to use and maintain filing system! The first step is to understand how simple it can be – did you know there are only three types of files you ever need? An effective filing system has only three types of files: action, reference and archive. Action files

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Do you struggle learning how to get organized at work? Your day to day activities and follow ups can build an incredible amount of paperwork this can be a serious hindrance to getting organized. A tickler system can remind you of all your important follow-ups and other tasks that will need your attention at a future time. This is how you should use your tickler file system. Set up Your Tickler Systemr

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Business organizing starts with a weekly plan. When you want to be organized at work you should make certain that you are creating a weekly plan as well as reviewing your previous weeks’ plans. Don’t know where to start? I can help you get an effective plan in place in only five steps.

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Microsoft Outlook is a great tool to use for organizing your email and time. Outlook has many functions that will give you great advantages in staying organized. This article is part of a series of articles that will help you as begin organizing your Microsoft Outlook. Maybe you’ve been using Outlook for awhile now but you haven’t been taking advantages of any of the helpful functions. Have you realized it is time to start organizing your Microsoft Outlook? Is your inbox overflowing? Then it’s time to get started. And the best place to start is an empty inbox.

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Understanding how to be organized at work means understanding how to write and receive fewer emails. It is important to learn how to get your message across faster and more clearly. With less time needed to dedicate to email you will have more time for your other projects!

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How many times have you put things away only to find piles a few weeks later? Where does it come from, and how can you control it? Let’s begin with the first question. How does clutter get into your home or office? Through the front door. You (and the people around you) bring it in each day (although some swear it sneaks in at night!).

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Do you have a closet full of clothes you haven’t worn in years? Are magazines piled on your desk? Maybe you are keeping that fabric, the appliance, those files, or that tool “just in case” you may need it some day. You may not have thought about it this way, but you are afraid. No, it’s not the screaming-in-terror fear as something creepy inches toward you, but it is fear. It’s the nagging anxiety that whispers the same question every time you try to declutter: “What if I need this later?”

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The holiday season is upon us, and it seems to start earlier each year. The day after Halloween, emails and commercials beckon us to shop with special offers. Black Friday has taken on a life of its own, causing some to hurry through their Thanksgiving dinner to get to a megastore at midnight for the “lowest prices of the year.”

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I don’t like to file. Surprised? After all, I’m an organizer. I should like to file, right? Well, I don’t. Like you, there are many other things I would rather do. There are probably other boring, mundane tasks that you’d rather have the organizational fairy do as well: o Opening mail o Filing receipts o Dealing with emails o Shredding o Putting stuff away So what usually happens? Mail stacks up. Receipts get stuffed in a drawer. Email inboxes fill up. Shredding containers overflow. Stuff piles up.

Published · 1,341 views · Rated 3.5/5 from 2 votes

What is clutter? In my experience, clutter gets built up because of an indecision. You don’t know where an item goes, so it lands anywhere. Typically this will be on countertops, desks, dressers, and sometimes the floor. I see a lot of paper clutter when I go into homes, this is because it is something new coming into the home, and if there isn’t a designated place for it, it goes everywhere.r

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Have you made enough time for yourself lately? If not, you may want help planning a Me Day, which is simply a period of time (at least three hours) to do what you want to do. It’s a date with you. I have been planning my own Renee Days for years now. They began with personal days off from work (when I needed a break from teaching) and have continued as I started my own business and had a child. What I choose to do on my Renee Days has changed (sleep is higher on my list now!), but the basic guidelines are the same:

Published · 1,186 views · Rated 4/5 from 1 votes

Recently I discovered that my favorite color had changed. Ever since my childhood, I loved the color red. My parents let me have red carpet and drapes back in the 70’s, which made my room glow in the afte oons. When given a choice, I always chose red and used to say, “If I’m going to have one, it might as well be red.” One morning during yoga class, I looked into the mirror, admiring my new celery green workout shirt, and realized something startling: my favorite color wasn’t red any more. It was green.

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In the amazing book The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron, she discusses the concept that all of us have an "art" that runs deep within us yearning to break out. This art can literally be an artistic talent like painting, writing, or performing, but it could also be something else entirely. It can be connecting, teaching, being funny, etc. For some people, they find this art at a very young age, and they build a career and a life around it. For others, they may find this art, but decide not to do anything with it, or fight it tooth and nail.

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There's a concept that keeps coming up lately when I'm doing coaching and consulting with my clients. It's the concept of experiencing the valley of your "new normal." It could be a huge change that you're making to your business, like adding on a new income stream, or closing down a division that no longer gets you jazzed. Or maybe it's changing careers or getting a promotion that you’ve been dying for, but are scared to death of now that you've been handed it. Maybe you're relocating, starting a new relationship, getting organized, or working on a health and fitness plan.

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In the book Alice in Wonderland Alice falls down a hole. The first time I read this I felt so closed in I never finished reading the book. I know this is silly but that’s the way it was. Do you ever have fears about how to declutter your home and it seems silly but that is just the way it is?

Published · 1,557 views · Rated 4/5 from 1 votes

I am always amazed at how travel can improve your business and your life. Recently, my husband and I visited the beautiful Caribbean island of St. Lucia. It was a fantastic vacation by all accounts. The island is a marvel of nature with soaring peaks, an active volcano, lush rainforests, volcanic sand beaches, etc. We stayed at a really special place called Ti Kaye Village Resort and booked through a wonderful local company named Serenity Tours. I was able to unplug from my busy life back home, and truly enjoy a tropical escape.

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How many of us have heard the old familiar phrase, "The shoemaker's children always go without shoes?" This phrase has become synonymous with almost anyone neglecting his or her own business. We are all guilty of it now and again. We get so busy working in the business that we forget to 'mind the shop' in meaningful ways. Unfortunately, in the process, we wind up losing one of the best experts we have on staff – ourselves! So, take a step back, and hire someone with superb expertise – you. Let's say, for example, you are a financial planner, but your finances have become a mess.

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Paper. It should be a benign part of our lives. It means no harm, really. But somehow, when it piles up and has a paper party with its friends, it becomes dreaded clutter! What to do? Grab a RAFT and sail to an organized shore!

Published · 3,853 views · Rated 5/5 from 1 votes

Think back to when you were just a wee little boy or girl. Do you remember the question people used to ask all of the time? “What do you want to be when you grow up?” I was thinking about that question today and realized that on so many levels, it is totally unfair! First, how in the world do we expect such a young little one to have any idea what he or she may do for a living when they grow up? Heck, most people I know, regardless of age, still have things they want to do and try in their lifetime. Lots of unfinished business, dreams, hopes, and goals floating around regardless of age.r

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So we are coming to the end of another year. And a particularly popular exercise that a lot of people do at the end of the year is to look back and reflect on their activities, goals, and achievements to determine if the year has been a successful one. But this begs the question: How do you measure success? It seems to me that it's important to have metrics in order to measure success. But these metrics are going to be very different from person-to-person, and from business-to-business.

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The sky was over cast and the day was cold. But I was warm inside the home of rna delightful, intelligent, interesting, busy mom who also has the role of being a wife, counselor to her family, chef, and chauffer just to name a few of her jobs that she does every day. Oh and she works as a nurse part time. She hired me, a professional organizer to tackle her teenager daughter’s bedroom and get it organized. Her goal was to find things that had been lost, create a room where there was no clutter and she could bring her friends to

Published · 1,511 views · Rated 4/5 from 2 votes

Around this time of year when we flip the calendar from one year to the next, most people make a long list of New Year's Resolutions. It is a noble idea in theory, but often in practice, doesn't amount to much. Resolutions often get cast aside and discarded, making their creators feel inadequate and unproductive. So why not skip the New Year's Resolutions altogether this time and opt for an alte ative New Year's ritual: the One-Word Theme!

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In the world of time management, we give a lot of weight to appointments that we set with other people, or events and meetings that we have to attend. We block them out on our calendar and then we make a commitment to show up unless there is a true emergency. And that is certainly a good thing. One would say we are practicing good time management techniques.

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Having multiple online accounts to keep track of is becoming increasingly the norm for most people. Most of us not only have more than one e-mail account, but also multiple accounts on blogs, forums, healthcare sites, eBay and a myriad of other online features and sites that we visit on a regular basis. Additionally, there are online banking accounts, and most people pay at least some of their bills online. Although having everything conveniently accessible online can be quite handy, it does make it difficult to keep all of this account information straight.

Published · 3,820 views · Rated 3/5 from 1 votes

If your home or office has become disorganized, you might be too overwhelmed by the situation and not even know where to begin. Often the main obstacle to getting organized is just mustering up the enthusiasm for getting started. If things have really fallen into disarray, it can be difficult to know how to go about cleaning up the mess, and it might seem hopeless. If this is the case, planning a daily organization strategy can often be the best place to start. Planning Your Initial Strategy In order to succeed at anything, you have to create a realistic plan.

Published · 1,069 views · Rated 3/5 from 1 votes

It has been many years ago but I still remember it as though it was only last month. I was in the sixth grade and we were told by our teachers that we were going to sell magazine subscriptions. This excited me and I was raring to get out and start selling because of the promised prizes we could win. I looked over the prizes and decided I wanted a beautiful tiger that was a pajama holder that would sit on my bed.

Published · 1,508 views · Rated 4/5 from 1 votes

I love watching the Olympics and the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver have been no exception. When one of the experienced cross country skiers fell and slipped into a ravine and hurt herself the commentator said he “just couldn’t write this stuff”. It was the first time I have ever seen such a fall. I cross country ski because I love skiing but am afraid of heights so I can’t go downhill skiing. I am in awe of the athletics that just zip down those hills with no fear or race on those tiny skating blades.

Published · 2,166 views · Rated 4.5/5 from 2 votes

I've worked with many couples as a professional organizer over the last 7 years. Many of them are married, some are domestic partners, others just roommates, etc. My background as a trained mediator often comes in handy during these client sessions. Often, during an organizing assessment, a client will mention that another user in the home cannot maintain an organizing system (or that the other user IS the organizing problem!). When I inquire as to whether the system was created with the other user in mind, the client usually responds in the negative. Therein lies the problem.

Published · 1,760 views · Rated 3/5 from 3 votes

Working in the kitchen can be much more efficient and enjoyable if you have implemented good organizational strategies. A cluttered kitchen can be difficult to work in, which can create stress instead of harmony. Take the time to organize your kitchen cabinets and countertops, and you will find that you find more enjoyment in cooking. Create Work Stations in the Kitchenr Especially if your kitchen is small, creating work stations can be a great way to maximize space and create a more efficient kitchen environment.

Published · 1,530 views

Organizing your wardrobe is a great way of maximizing its usefulness. Without proper planning and organization, it can be difficult to mix and match clothing items to put together great outfits. In fact, sometimes it can be difficult to even find items in your closet if you don't have them well organized. Take an afte oon to organize your wardrobe and you'll save time every morning when you get ready for the day. Take a Clothing Inventoryr Careful assessment is the first step to organizing almost anything, including your wardrobe.

Published · 1,739 views

My aunt was married for the first time when she was 42 years old. She married Uncle Fred who treated her like a queen but they were only married for five years before he died. A year later she married a neighbor man whose wife had died at the same time as Uncle Fred. They were happy together for four years before his life was cut short from a botched operation and she was left alone. Her and her widowed sister then shared a house together until her sister died.

Published · 1,505 views · Rated 3.5/5 from 2 votes

So where is the universally most effective place to start organizing? Anywhere! Yup, that's right - the first place you select is perfect. This spot is exactly where you are supposed to begin. That low hard-to-reach shelf in your pantry? Excellent. The random basket of odds and ends in your bathroom? Right on the money! No need for self-doubt or criticism.

Published · 1,016 views

Planning for life can be challenging. It is constant. We need to do it everyday and something is always popping up to threaten our objectives: meetings, traffic, weather, phone calls, or even just our energy levels and ability to focus. It can feel like we are under siege, constantly fighting against the daily deluge of unanticipated interruptions. And to what end? Life happens and things don’t turn out the way we expect so what is the point of planning in the first place? Should we even bother? Absolutely!

Published · 1,005 views

1. Opt out of distractions to allow time for focused thinking: - Turn off e-mail indicator on your task bar and send calls to voicemail - Set Blackberry alarm (for how long you can work) and then hide in drawer - Close your door or hang a picture of a closed door on your cubicle wall (provided below)rn- If possible, turn to an open work area that doesn’t have a computer Impact Value: It isn’t a big revelation that interruptions decrease productivity; however it is important to realize that “multi-tasking” is also a distraction.

Published · 1,163 views

I once read a dating book by relationship expert John Gray (no relation:) who explained that one of the tricks to starting a good relationship was to always end your relationships in the best way possible. This has always stuck with me: If you embrace the change, are grateful for and learn from your experience, and can let go of what no longer serves you, the energy is cleared to allow for a fresh, new beginning. Now what about the relationship that you have with each passing year? Do you think it works the same way? I do.

Published · 1,173 views

The trees have started to bud, the birds are singing, and the daffodils are popping open everywhere. You can just feel spring on its way! When it gets like this outside I have the strong urge to shake up the stagnant winter energy inside my home. The air indoors seems in such stark contrast to the fresh, vibrant breeze making its way through the trees. We have such little time each day to devote to a big spring cleaning job, so I have outlined here some of my favorite quick and easy ways to refresh the energy in your home and make it feel ready to welcome spring. Enjoy! 1.

Published · 2,058 views · Rated 3.6/5 from 5 votes

If you are traveling, getting organized is extremely important. Without careful planning, you might find it difficult to get through customs or airport security checks. If you take some time to plan ahead, you will find that your trip, whether for business or pleasure, will go much more smoothly and will be more enjoyable. Plan Properly for Your Destinationr

Published · 939 views

Women often depend heavily on what they have stored in their purse. However, there is sometimes a fine line between having everything you need in your purse and having so many things that the purse becomes heavy and uncomfortable to carry. It is also pointless to have everything in your purse if it is so disorganized that you can’t find anything.

Published · 1,967 views · Rated 5/5 from 1 votes

I love getting thank you notes. I like reading what my friends have to say about the gift or service I have done for them. I like the beauty of the cards and I love getting “good” mail. The fact that my friends took the time to write me a note makes me feel important.

Published · 2,287 views

Awhile ago I saw a sign with these words: Simplify, Simplify, Simplify. Someone had crossed off the first two words. I had to chuckle. Just simplify. In my role as a professional organizer I have been working with a woman who has had no less than 6 deaths of close family members (including a young daughter and her parents all within 18 months). She received a great out pouring of love and things from her friends which actually created a burden for her.

Published · 2,274 views · Rated 5/5 from 1 votes

Excitement was in the air as gifts were being selected for Christmas giving. My 16 year old daughter who has always been into environmental issues and working on making the earth a better place decided this one year she wanted a special watch. The face of the watch was a sepia/gold color of the world. The band was leather and she absolutely loved it. I thought it was quite pricey but I decided I would buy it for her and that would be her big present. Every few weeks she would say how much she wanted that watch and would again show me a picture of it.

Published · 1,428 views · Rated 5/5 from 1 votes

I have worked with many clients over the years to organize after the loss of a loved one. Living in the greater NY metropolitan area, I helped many 9-11 widows and widowers organize after losing a loved one in the World Trade Center terrorist attacks. It is an emotionally draining process. My best advice is to take it slow and go at your own pace. After the death of a loved one, some people are tempted to sift through belongings and make decisions quickly. If this feels natural to you, fine (consider checking with a grief counselor before moving too quickly through the process).

Published · 2,121 views · Rated 5/5 from 1 votes

A storage shed is a very hard-working area of your home, but one which can easily become cluttered and unmanageable. Cleaning and organizing your shed before the gardening and yard season gets into full swing can be a great way of saving time and aggravation. Once your shed is organized, you will be able to find everything you need, quickly and easily, while gaining even more storage space. Take Everything Out of the Shedr The first step towards organizing your shed is to take everything out. Choose a sunny day for this task, without any danger of rain.

Published · 1,111 views · Rated 5/5 from 1 votes

Last night I got the chance to relax on a beautiful backyard porch home to a number of potted tomato plants, herbs and ivy – even the occasional rabbit. Trees and singing birds surround its high walls - it is a little haven of nature in the middle of the city. Being from the country, I appreciate any chance I get to ‘commune with nature,’ a practice critical to my mental well-being. As I sat there grateful for my good fortune, I couldn’t help but think, “Wow this is beautiful! I wonder if I have any new e-mail!” Wait – What?! Am I for real?

Published · 1,150 views · Rated 3.8/5 from 4 votes

When women find out that I am a professional organizer inevitably they ask if my home is organized. When I simply say yes then they ask me if all of my cupboards are organized. When I say yes they ask if my closets are organized. Again I say yes. My home doesn’t look like a page out of a magazine because we live in it. A home can have a homey feel and at the same time be organized. Think of someone who you think is totally organized. Here are 6 secrets on how they keep organized. It is simple to declutter your home when you know how.

Published · 2,607 views · Rated 5/5 from 1 votes

Sometimes it seems like the hardest part of getting organized is just finding the time to do it. Especially if it's been years since you've made a dedicated effort towards organization, just the thought of tackling such a big job is enough to make you put it off until another day. However, dealing with disorganization on a daily basis can be very stressful, so it can be well worth your efforts to just bite the bullet and set aside the time to get the job done right. It's OK to Just Do a Little Bitr

Published · 1,806 views · Rated 4/5 from 2 votes

I am the worst offender when it comes to disorganizing our garage. I know I am not the only offender in the family. Even though I am a professional organizer and I know better I am really good at doing a number on our garage. I routinely organize it twice a year. Once in the spring before it gets too hot and in the fall before it gets too cold. Each year it takes less time for me to get it organized because I have places for everything and mostly I just have to put things in their place.

Published · 2,277 views

The ocean is both powerful and hypnotic. When we visited Maine we watched as the beautiful white waves come crashing onto the rocks. In Delaware we watched as the waves come rushing onto the sandy beach where they calmly flattened out and slunk back out to gather speed again.

Published · 2,027 views

If you love books, chances are that you have numerous books and publications in your home. In most cases, this means you have them in various locations, such as on shelves, beside the bed, in the children's room, and maybe even stacked on a table or the floor. It's important to keep your books stored in an organized fashion, not only to keep them protected but also to make it easier for you to enjoy them. If your books are scattered all over your home, it's time to create a home library that you can enjoy and be proud of. Getting Started

Published · 2,084 views

When you agree to perform services for a client, and the client agrees to pay you for such services, you and your client have entered into a legal contract, often referred to as an agreement. The terms of the agreement, however, are difficult to recall and prove unless in writing.

Published · 1,564 views · Rated 1.8/5 from 5 votes

Let’s face it, there are some things that we don’t like to do either because we think they are hard or we don’t know where to begin or how to do them. A few years ago I was making one of my daughters her freedom quilt (this is a red, white and blue quilt I give them on their 21st birthday). I was appliquéing blue snowflakes onto a white background. I hit a wall and I couldn’t continue making the quilt. Just the thought of sewing on it almost made me ill. Another daughter suggested I make only 21 blocks instead of the number I was aiming for.

Published · 1,390 views · Rated 4/5 from 1 votes

An aunt visited us a few years ago just after we had our living room carpet replaced with blue carpeting. As we visited she said she didn’t like the color blue. I was amazed that anyone could not like the color blue. After all the sky is blue and the ocean is blue. Now I have no room to talk as I don’t’ like the color brown—in textiles anyway. I like beautiful wood. I think I have finally figured out why I don’t like this color.

Published · 1,627 views · Rated 4/5 from 1 votes

To-do lists. Just the name of them sounds exhausting. They have become the thorn in many of my client's side. Whether they are written in long form on paper, or maintained electronically on a computer or handheld device, they cause much stress. And here's one reason why. Most people unknowingly combine their master to-do list and daily to-do list together. This one act causes the list to become lengthy and overwhelming, which in turn almost guarantees failure.

Published · 1,605 views · Rated 4/5 from 1 votes

When I am conducting an organizing, time management or business related workshop, I often ask if anyone has heard of the Pareto Principle. I usually get a room full of blank stares. However, if I ask if anyone has heard of the 80/20 Rule, many people nod their heads yes, and have a better idea what I am talking about. The Pareto Principle takes its name from a 19th century Italian economist named Vilfredo Pareto. In the late 1940s, business management guru Joseph M.

Published · 2,126 views · Rated 4/5 from 3 votes

Recently, I posted the following series of questions on my Facebook business page: How do you define being "productive"? Do you think of it as literally producing more? Or is it about helping you feel more in control or "balanced"? Do you tie it into impacting your bottom line and making more money? Or is that less important to you than its affect on your peace of mind?

Published · 1,296 views

• Do you feel overwhelmed, inundated by your office, out of control, overscheduled and full of mental and physical stress? • Are you running faster, multi tasking more and feeling that you can't get ahead? • Do you accumulate piles of all the things you need to "decide" on? e.g.

Published · 1,524 views · Rated 4.3/5 from 3 votes

One Saturday morning at 8:30 a.m. I was looking out my kitchen window watching a fireman dressed who was dressed in his blue uniform carrying what looked like a heavy back pack on his back walking up the steep street in front of our home. I wondered where he was going and why he would be in uniform on a Saturday morning. It was already a hot 80 degrees heading up to 98 degrees in the afte oon.

Published · 2,045 views · Rated 2/5 from 2 votes

We were out and about in the car the other day buying supplies to make the cutest bags that will we are giving for gifts. We wanted to check with some other stores before driving all over town to see if they had the supplies we needed. Fortunately I had my planner with me that includes my address book. I had every phone number for each store we were planning on going to. Some of the stores I hadn’t called in over a year but because I had their number in my book we saved hours as we found out before going to their store if they had what we needed.

Published · 1,284 views · Rated 3.5/5 from 2 votes

Time management is a major issue for many people. And it's not getting any better. Experts estimate that during the last 25 years, our leisure time has declined by 37% while our workweek has increased by a full day. The American's Use of Time Project at the University of Maryland revealed that the average American spends more than 20 hours per week on housework. Even if you are an otherwise excellent time manager, a disorganized physical environment will steal a large amount of time and energy from your day.

Published · 1,642 views · Rated 3.5/5 from 4 votes

As an entrepreneur or any other type of business professional, you are probably often asked to take on volunteer leadership positions, such as a Board member, a committee chair, etc. These roles can be incredibly satisfying from a personal and professional standpoint. However, it is often difficult to know when to say "no" when faced with too many opportunities and too little time with regard to volunteer leadership roles. Recently, I was asked to take on two separate leadership positions for two different organizations that I am a member of.

Published · 2,555 views · Rated 2.6/5 from 5 votes

Time management has become one of those over-used terms, in my opinion, and has lost its luster. Many people think that time management an ever-elusive skill or concept that they will never master, and have just sort of given up (kind of like life-work balance, but I will save that for another article!). I think one reason for this is that time management can seem so structured and constrictive, and that can be a real turn off for people. But it doesn't have to be that way. Time management can be a bit more creative and loose, and yet still powerful and effective. Enter the Bucket Method.

Published · 1,716 views

Dealing with “End of Life Issues” There are so many wonderful things about our particular society but facing the end of life isn't one of our strong suits. We do very little to prepare for this certain event. This topic, "end of life issues", has been on my mind for some time but it has become especially prominent since several of my friends and acquaintances have lost a parent and I personally have a family member with a serious illness. These unfortunate facts have prompted me to suggest discussions and plans of action for end of life issues for all of us.

Published · 2,386 views · Rated 3/5 from 5 votes

With all of the technology devices at our fingertips these days, it is easier than ever to stay connected 24-7. But, how do we balance the need and desire to stay connected with the danger of technology taking over? By continuing to be the master of technology, not the servant!

Published · 1,685 views

It's been a challenging year. How are you heading into 2010? Are You Ready For Your Life Now? Many of us are overwhelmed by our stuff, schedules & having to deal with change. I help clients set decision making criteria in 3 areas: What to let in? Where will it go (space & schedule)? How do you know when you are done with it (& what's it's exit strategy)? If you can get a handle on these, organizing and time management becomes much easier long term.

Published · 1,441 views · Rated 3/5 from 1 votes

Let’s face it; holidays can be a pain in the neck. I know there are those out there who love everything about the holidays, the hustle and bustle, the frantic preparations, sleepless nights, meal preparation, shopping and tucking gifts away only to forget where they are hidden. But some of us enjoy the hustle and bustle on our own terms. As a profession organizer I have 8 tips on how to declutter during the holidays to make them happier and less stressful. Essential tips to a sizzling holiday meal:

Published · 1,665 views · Rated 3/5 from 1 votes

As a child I loved dolls. I had endless tea parties with them sitting with me around the kitchen table. I dressed and re-dressed them in the clothes my mother made for them. She was an expert seamstress and I had wonderful outfits for each doll. I never remember my mother staying up until 2:00 a.m. or later on Christmas Eve finishing my doll clothes or baking and whatever else people stay up to do on that magical night of the year. Now I know it was because she had learned how to declutter her schedule and take care of herself so she could take care of us.

Published · 1,294 views · Rated 3/5 from 1 votes

My $35,000 turkey started out as a bargain. My daughter was shopping and she called to tell me the store had turkeys for 40 cents a pound. Wow! What a savings. Last year I paid 89 cents a pound so this sale would save me big bucks. Now, we only have a fridge with a freezer on top and I thought I could squeeze in one turkey. (What was I thinking?) I must have forgotten how a turkey is shaped. Instead of being flat it is roundish. But that isn’t the best part—she bought two turkeys.

Published · 1,262 views · Rated 2.5/5 from 2 votes

One of the best books on writing - and life itself for that matter - is Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott. Among the pearls of wisdom she offers in her funny, witty style, is to take baby steps. Apparently, when she was a child, her brother was facing writer's block as he attempted to write a book report on various species of birds. He was overwhelmed, realizing there was so much to do, and didn't know where to start. Her father advised her then 10-year-old brother to, "Just take it bird by bird." Wiser words were never spoken, and not just about overcoming writer's block.

Published · 1,645 views · Rated 3/5 from 1 votes

For most people these days, keeping up with the daily onslaught of email is a major challenge. In fact, experts estimate that e-mail has added an extra 1.23 hours to the average person's workday (E-Writing: 21st Century Tools for Effective Communication by Diana Booher; Managing Your E-Mail by Christina Cavanagh). If you multiply 1.23 hours by 5 days for 52 weeks, the average person is spending 320 hours per year of extra time handling e-mail. Wow! That is a lot of time spent on email.

Published · 1,701 views · Rated 3/5 from 1 votes

Every December it is with great anticipation that we watch the mail for our invitation to the open house at the governor’s mansion. Our mailman becomes our new best friend for a few weeks as he delivers Christmas cards and packages. But we only get one invitation where we get to dress up and shake hands with the governor and his wife. This year we also mingled with the actor Edward Herrmann (We loved him in the North Avenue Irregulars movie).

Published · 1,470 views · Rated 3/5 from 1 votes

“T’was the night before Christmas and all through the house not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse. The children were nestled all snug in their beds while visions of sugar plums danced in their heads”. Ahh… such sweet dreams. When you have guests coming to stay at your home during the holidays is it a dream come true or is it a nightmare? Are you frantically scooping up piles of laundry off the bed and clearing the clutter so there is just enough space for one suitcase and hoping they will arrive later than their planned time of arrival?

Published · 1,411 views · Rated 3/5 from 1 votes

Imagine you are on a roll, engrossed in a project, in the "flow." All of a sudden, the phone rings, an e-mail alarm goes off, a colleague is standing in your doorway, a fax is coming over the machine, etc. Ah, interruptions. If you didn't define all of those as an interruption, think again. Experts estimate that the average American is interrupted 73 times per day. Some people find this number to be high, others find it extremely low. It depends on what your definition of an interruption is. My definition is anything that you didn't want to, or expect to, happen at that time.

Published · 2,502 views · Rated 3/5 from 3 votes

I am a big fan of J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter books. I have read all seven of them, and each time a new movie version premieres, I make it a point to re-read that book before seeing the accompanying movie. I recently re-read the sixth book in the series, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. In Half-Blood Prince, the sixth-year students at Hogwarts are taking lessons in apparition. Apparition is a magical form of teleportation, through which a witch or wizard can disappear ("disapparate") from one location and reappear ("apparate") in another.

Published · 1,484 views · Rated 3/5 from 1 votes

I like the song “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town”. It is upbeat and happy and something I can sing along with. Santa makes a list and checks it twice. If you have ever sewed this is the advice given to sewers—“measure twice, cut once”. When you leave your house I bet you check to make sure you have the things you need like your wallet, tissues, cosmetics, keys and other things twice before leaving your home. December is a busy time of year because of all the delightful opportunities to celebrate Christmas and other holidays. It seems like there is always something that we want to prepare.

Published · 1,387 views

It’s ‘GO’ Month (Get Organized)! Moreover, it’s a new year and a new decade. This is the perfect time to set the tone for a new phase. Remember, small changes over time lead to a huge cumulative positive change. Let’s talk about your office & desk area, whether it’s a home office or a business office. Many of the same issues are the same for both areas. If you find that you have always struggled with getting or staying organized and managing your time, consider hiring a Certified Professional Organizer to help you identify and set up a sustainable customized system.

Published · 2,289 views · Rated 3.4/5 from 5 votes

Typically people make resolutions and set goals at this time of year. And usually within a couple of months most people feel that they have not come close to meeting their goals or feel that they have failed miserably. Why this low success rate? We are so full of promise and expectation in January, how come we can’t follow through? First I believe that people make their goals resolutions too general, such as: LOSE WEIGHT, SAVE MONEY, BECOME MORE ORGANIZED, GET HEALTHY, ADVANCE CAREER, IMPROVE RELATIONSHIPS.

Published · 1,108 views

Greek mythology is fascinating and the story of Pandora’s box is a spell binding myth. Prometheus was a Titan who was a champion of human-kind and was known for his wily intelligence. He stole the secret of fire from the God Zeus and gave it to mortals. But the theft of fire angered Zeus and as one of his punishments he ordered Hephaestus to create the first woman, Pandora, as part of the punishment of mankind. (Now that doesn’t seem quite fair that he considered this a punishment does it?)

Published · 1,241 views · Rated 4/5 from 1 votes

Do you ever wake up feeling stressed just thinking about your day? Phone calls, emails, errands, and appointments. These days it doesn’t matter how early you wake up, the fact is you will already be behind schedule. Because time in our culture is moving so fast. It's like a race to get to the end of the day so you can look back, and say “Look at all those things that I did. Now that was a busy day.” Staying busy, but not productive, is the curse of our times. As the actress Lily Tomlin so eloquently put it, "The trouble with the rat race is that even if you win, you’re still a rat."

Published · 1,254 views

Busy schedules can make it difficult to plan weekly menus that are quick, easy, nutritious and economical. If you are trying to cook every evening for your family to save money and eat better, a little planning can go a long way towards keeping things simple. Sale Itemsr One of the best ways to insure that your food budget stays under control is to always stick to what's on sale. Not only will this help you save, but it is also generally the best way to get the highest quality food. For example, when shopping for produce, whatever is in season is usually the best budget buy.

Published · 2,834 views · Rated 3/5 from 1 votes

Have you ever watched a television program where the people on a beautiful boat are deep sea fishing? They are all decked out in “boat attire” with their white shorts and colorful shirts holding very long fishing poles. When someone gets a bite the pole dips down into the ocean and everyone cheers and yells, “You’ve got one”. And the excitement begins. Everyone focuses on that fish being reeled in to the boat.

Published · 1,325 views · Rated 4/5 from 2 votes

Are you thinking about downsizing to move to a smaller home? You can downsize even if you don’t plan on moving. Reducing the amount of possessions on a regular basis will help avoid the physical exertion and emotional trauma of doing it all at once. Are you living in a home that has become too large for you and it is harder to go up and down the stairs? Are you afraid of getting rid of things because you are afraid you’ll be getting rid of your memories? Clearing the clutter from a house you’ve lived in for years can seem like an impossible or overwhelming task.

Published · 2,159 views · Rated 3/5 from 1 votes

The entryway. Depending on your home, it can be an entire mud room with lots of space, a formal foyer at the front of your house, a breezeway from the garage, or a portion of a hall in a small apartment. Regardless of where it is, or its size, if it is organized, your homecoming will always be less stressful, not to mention that you may actually want to have visitors over! The following are some tips to help make your entryway more organized: - If you have a front or back hall closet, use it for everyday outer wear for the current season only.

Published · 1,806 views

A large percentage of my clients face paper clutter challenges. Despite visions of a paperless society when the computer was invented, we are still inundated with paper at home and at work. One of the biggest culprits is “junk mail” — those credit card solicitations, catalogs, circulars, and the like that you don’t want or need, but that still keep coming. Experts estimate that the average person receives 41 pounds of junk mail per year. How to stop the madness?

Published · 1,802 views · Rated 5/5 from 2 votes

I am noticing a pattern or theme that keeps coming up for many of my clients lately. They express their strong desire for change (whether it be to grow their business or improve or change something in their life or career), but that they don't "have the time" to devote to the change process. They are basically treating change like a one night stand! They will get excited about it, maybe take it out for a drink and even take it home for the night, but then in the morning, poof! They lose interest, turn their attention elsewhere, and lose change’s number.

Published · 1,248 views

Gather those receipts & tax forms…. According to the IRS, there are 2 groups of filers - those who get their returns in as soon as they have their W-2's & 1099's and those who file at the 'last minute'. Interestingly many of the 'last minute' filers have money coming back but do not have their records organized and feel overwhelmed by the process. According to the Consumer Reports National Research Center, only 40% of Americans think they can find a document at a moment's notice.

Published · 1,360 views · Rated 5/5 from 1 votes

It was summer, it was hot and we had an exchange student from France. We wanted to show her as many places as we could in our state and have her experience everything like hiking, camping and water sports. We have a reservoir about 45 minutes away where people water ski. We didn’t have a boat so skiing was out of the question but we had a friend whose canoe we could borrow and at least go out on the water.r

Published · 1,301 views · Rated 5/5 from 1 votes

Teaching children to be organized can sometimes be quite challenging. This is often because children enjoy activities that are fun, and organization tasks can seem quite tedious and boring to them. One of the secrets to getting your children organized is to teach them fun organization techniques that will make them excited about staying organized. Fun Containers Make Organizing Fast and Easy Part of the problem that children encounter when trying to stay organized is that the boxes and containers that toys come in don't lend themselves to good organizational strategies.

Published · 977 views

There is a common misconception that all introverts like to, and want to, be alone most of the time, and all extroverts like to, and want to, be with other people almost all of the time. In my experience, I haven't found this generalization to be true.

Published · 1,433 views

I was teaching an adult education class to some very bright, very busy adults and we were playing a game I called “Why I can’t get organized”. All ten students said their biggest problem in clearing the clutter was they didn’t have time. Fortunately I have 9 tips that will help you find the time ...

Published · 880 views

With the temperature heating up outside now is the time to sell your guilt by clearing the clutter in your home. The saying is “one man’s junk is another man’s treasure”. You can start organizing clutter and make money at the same time. The way to do this is to have a Sizzling summer garage ...

Published · 801 views

I remember when computers were becoming really popular and we all thought they would take care of our paper work pile ups. A man working next to me said he thought they would create more paperwork nightmares. From my observations this has become true. I have 9 tips on how to declutter paper in our homes and offices: 1. Create a filing system that works for you. I use Freedom Filer that is based on placing everything in color coded categories. The first step is to gather up all your lose papers.

Published · 920 views

In the summer are you frazzled and tired of your kids at the end of every day? Are you counting the days until school starts? Summer can be a time to help spark your creativity and your child’s creativity as well. Hold a family meeting where kids can choose an activity they are interested in. Older children can help younger children which can help siblings bond to each other and teach them respect for each other. Some suggestions of what to do so children don’t get bored and you don’t pull your hair out: 1. Plan a picnic.

Published · 1,827 views · Rated 5/5 from 2 votes

I’ve seen it time and time again. My client is no longer letting items fall through the cracks. They have created time in their calendar for focused work without interruptions. Their productivity has skyrocketed. They’ve built a beautiful system for knowing what it is they need to do and when they are going to do it. But they are still feeling anxious. Why you ask? Because they still don’t fully trust that they could build a system that works. That they can handle maintaining it.

Published · 1,345 views

Vacationing with kids in a car is no vacation. Or another way of saying this is “being cooped up with the kids in the car is the pits”. If you don’t plan on popping in a DVD and letting the kids watch endless movies here are sanity saving ideas for your car trip. Long trips can be boring for kids and every two seconds (well maybe one) they are asking, “are we there yet”? Plan ahead before the trip to make your drive pleasant for everyone—of course this works best with school age children. ·Get a map and show the children before leaving where you will be traveling.

Published · 1,132 views · Rated 2/5 from 1 votes

I remember when computers were becoming really popular and we all thought they would take care of our paper work pile ups. A man working next to me said he thought they would create more paperwork nightmares. From my observations this has become true. I have 9 tips on how to declutter paper in our homes and offices: 1. Create a filing system that works for you. I use Freedom Filer that is based on placing everything in color coded categories. The first step is to gather up all your lose papers.

Published · 1,073 views · Rated 3/5 from 2 votes

Well, summer is finally here, and for many people, that means vacation time! Whether you plan to drive, fly, or travel by other means (a cruise, perhaps?), planning ahead will help your travel experience go off without a hitch. I not only love to travel, I love to plan to travel. I can spend hours researching locales and lodging choices, preparing itineraries, packing, etc. Therefore, it seems only fitting to share some of my well-honed travel planning tips so that you can benefit from my travel planning addiction, and enjoy an organized travel experience.

Published · 2,204 views · Rated 4/5 from 2 votes

Deciding Whether to Go Legal As a former full-time practicing atto ey and now a small business owner, I have been on both sides of the fence when it comes to the legal issues a business owner may face. This provides me with the distinct advantage of knowing when to call in an atto ey for assistance, as opposed to using another professional, such as an accountant, financial planner, insurance agent, or business coach -- or perhaps handling the matter myself. In addition, my background helps me to select an atto ey that is the best fit for the business matter at hand.

Published · 2,500 views · Rated 3/5 from 4 votes

Do you dread mornings and feel like you always have to walk on eggshells because you are stressed to the max before you ever leave home in the mornings? Do you feel like a failure as a mother because your kids leave home without a good breakfast or lunch and everyone is fighting? Here are 4 refreshing ideas to get your mornings off of the right foot.

Published · 3,022 views

We all have goals -- or in New Year's parlance, resolutions. We all have visions of what we'd like our lives, careers, and business to be. For many people, thinking about what you would like to change and transform is the easy part. The tough part is actually turning those goals and visions into reality.

Published · 1,638 views

1. “In 2005, a psychiatrist at King’s College in London administered IQ tests to three groups: the first did nothing but perform the IQ test, the second was distracted by e-mail and ringing phones, and the third was stoned on marijuana. Not surprisingly, the first group did better than the other two by an average of 10 points. The e-mailers, on the other hands, did worse than the stoners by an average of 6 points.” (Tim Ferriss, The Four Hour Work Week http://nymag.com/news/features/24757/)

Published · 1,587 views · Rated 4/5 from 1 votes

So, you are searching for a new job? Perhaps you are making a voluntary career transition. Maybe you have been laid off, or worse, fired. Regardless of the reason for your career move, one fact remains true: if you are conducting a job search, it is vital that you take an organized approach. Managing this search is just like managing any other major project. You must create an infrastructure that allows you to operate in an efficient and productive manner. A successful job search requires forethought and action.

Published · 1,661 views

Can Your Business Run Without You? What would happen to your business if you became ill for an extended period of time? Could someone else man the shop for you easily? Would you be more relaxed on vacation (or at the very least, take a vacation!) if you knew that the business could be better taken care of while you are away? Have you ever thought about hiring an employee or assistant, but are overwhelmed with the thought of training someone in all of your business systems and processes?

Published · 2,460 views · Rated 3/5 from 2 votes

In the last week alone I’ve done the following: > Consistently eaten far more sugar than what feels good to my bodyrn> Procrastinated and rationalized my way out of yoga class three timesrn> Found it mind-numbingly exhausting to empty my dishwasherrn> Stayed up past midnight a handful of timesrn> Watched an obscene amount of reality TV What’s my point in sharing all of this with you? > I want you to know that while I am committed to walking my talk, I slip up and get off track too.r

Published · 1,437 views · Rated 4/5 from 1 votes

Long before people came to the Americas and took over the land the Indians lived in beautiful harmony with the land. They “lived light on the land”. Many tribes traveled from place to place depending on the food sources, weather and other conditions. They traveled with their homes and all of their earthly belongings. They respected the earth and had only what they could use. I can safely say as a professional organizer that the majority of us “live heavy on the land”. We have homes we chuck full of things.

Published · 816 views · Rated 2/5 from 1 votes

Do you feel like your home is bursting at the seams and you need to clear the clutter to breathe? Do you have a limited amount of space so your things look cluttered but you need everything you have? Here are 6 ideas on how to declutter your home so you can breathe easier and utilize “hidden” space for storage in your home. 1.Take a good hard look at your “stuff”. Get rid of things you don’t use, don’t like or that have bad memories attached to them. If you have limited amount of space you simply have to have less. So declutter your home by getting rid of the excess.

Published · 1,188 views · Rated 2/5 from 1 votes

Have you ever forgotten an appointment or an important date? Do you think of things you need to do later but don’t remember to do them because you have no place to write them down? Do you have one place to write your most frequently used phone numbers and addresses? How would you like a memory prompter? Do you need a stress reliever in your life? Do you want to clear the clutter in your life? Obtaining a day planner and using it can clear the clutter and organize your life. “The worst pencil and paper is better than the best memory”. That is so true.

Published · 667 views · Rated 2/5 from 1 votes

Clearing clutter is always a priority in my life as a professional organizer. Sometimes I go room to room and look at everything and think, “If I was moving would I take this with me”? Sometimes I think “why on earth would I want to take it with me, I don’t even like it any more or it has been there so long I never really see it”. Whether you are planning a move or just thinking about thinking about a move this is a good technique to use to clear clutter in your home before you actually plan a move. 5 moving day tips to take the sting out of moving: 1.

Published · 906 views · Rated 2/5 from 1 votes

We all only have so many hours in the day to do everything we want to do. Have you ever said, “Where did the day go, I didn’t get anything done”? Here are 8 tips on how to get more done in a day and maybe you can push that snooze button one more time. 1. When you can, multi-task to save time. For instance, put in a batch of wash while you cook breakfast or read to a child. Have a cake baking in the oven while you write a letter.

Published · 692 views · Rated 4/5 from 1 votes

I have a friend who avoided going home after work because it was just too depressing. Her home was cluttered and disorganized in every room. She had fast food wrappers everywhere. Drinks had spilled on the couch and carpet that made a sticky mess. She couldn’t find her DVD’s because they were scattered everywhere. She had late fees galore on both DVD’s and library books because she couldn’t find them under all the clutter. She didn’t know how to declutter her home or her life. If this sounds familiar to you here are 10 Tips on how to declutter your home and your life. 1.

Published · 1,206 views · Rated 4/5 from 1 votes

Organizing is about having a strategy - its not about having the latest and greatest containers. Many of my clients and audiences fall victim to all the great “Organizing” & “ Organized” pictures of beautiful closet systems, kitchen & organizing bin systems which are only 30% filled with color coordinated items. Advertisers make it appear to be an organizing utopia.

Published · 1,830 views · Rated 3.8/5 from 4 votes

When I am speaking in front of a group on the topic of productivity and organization, inevitably I get this question: “I have so many tasks I need to get done that are ALL are TOP priorities. How do I figure out what to do when everything is a #1 priority? Good question. I have some good news and some bad news for you. The good news is that there is a way out of this feeling of frustration and overwhelm so that you can choose which tasks are the TRUE priority in any given moment. I call this micro-prioritizing.

Published · 1,952 views

Simplifying does not mean going without. It means consciously choosing what things, people and events you surround yourself with. I spent 10 years in Marketing learning what colors, words, shapes and offers would make YOU stop in the store, pick up my product and put it in your shopping basket. The industry calls it “impulse purchasing” when you buy things in a store that are not on your list (mental or written). It makes our economy go round. Manufactures and advertisers spend billions of dollars annually to get their products and messages in front of you.

Published · 1,375 views · Rated 3/5 from 4 votes

A friend named Tom, teased me about being a “pacifist” even though I have (he says) a tendency to say “shoot it”. He tweaked me to be more conscious of my use of language and thought process and offered to take me target practicing so I would have a greater appreciation/respect of firing a gun and my choice of words. I said yes – how hard could it be? Sure looks easy on TV. He brought a number of guns (pistol and rifles) – oh boy – where to start? This was a bit overwhelming and VERY COMPLICATED looking.

Published · 1,367 views · Rated 4.5/5 from 2 votes

Children are a lot of work! For the last week I have been taking care of my grandchildren who are visiting from out of state. What a delight they have been and what a challenge it is to keep up with them. My 3 ½ year old grandson said to me “grandma, I love you”. I told him I loved him too and he said; “grandma I don’t love you very much, I only love you a little”. I have laughed at that so many times.

Published · 899 views · Rated 2.5/5 from 4 votes

Wouldn’t you love to have the paper contract for your child’s school? You would be rich. Our kids bring home so much paper every day from school and we wonder what should we keep and where do we put it all? Here are wonderful tips from a mother of five who is a professional organizer. The paper kids bring home is in one of three categories: 1. Paper you must review—permission slips, requests for signatures/money etc. 2. Child’s art work 3.

Published · 1,453 views · Rated 4/5 from 1 votes

Recently, I was preparing the garbage and recycling to bring to the curb for pick up, and my husband was watching me and chuckled "It's so funny. You really like doing the recycling, don't you?" I stopped and thought about it, and then replied, "I don't necessarily like the activity, but I love the results." And then it hit me like a ton of bricks! This simple statement can be applied to so many things! Whether it is getting organized, doing chores around the house, working on a big business or work project… you name it!

Published · 1,626 views

By now, you have probably heard the term "Coopetition." Coopetition is a contraction of the words cooperation and competition, meaning essentially cooperative competition. In the business world, coopetition means collaborating or partnering with your competitors in an innovative way so that both parties benefit. The most successful entrepreneurs realize early on that the old military adage, "To know your enemy, you must become your enemy ... Keep your friends close and your enemies even closer" applies just as well to the business world.

Published · 2,035 views · Rated 3/5 from 3 votes

I was working with a client recently to organize her home papers. We were purging papers that were no longer needed, and sorting the keepers into categories so that we could put them into files for future retrieval. So far, so good. My client confided that she considers herself organized at work, and actually likes a fairly clutter-free environment. She shared that at home, however, she has a really hard time dealing with paper. This is not uncommon. Some clients can maintain organizing systems at work, and not at home, while others can keep it together at home, but things fall apart at work.

Published · 1,669 views · Rated 3.3/5 from 3 votes

Keep Things Moving Everything in life is moving and it should be no different in your home. If you bring something in, something needs to go out. If you don’t do this, you’ll find clutter accumulating all around. With clutter comes dust, then frustration because you can’t find things, then arguments as to who hid your stuff and before you know it life spirals out of control. Nip the problem in the bud. Or, if the bud has bloomed and is spreading, start taking back control.

Published · 992 views · Rated 4/5 from 1 votes

Do you consider yourself a failure when it comes to organizing? Do you feel like giving up (or have you given up) trying to clear clutter in your home? As soon as you get a space cleared on a book case or on top of a flat surface does someone in your home come along and fill it up? Fill it up syndrome is alive and well in our home. It drives me crazy. One thing I do to thwart this syndrome is that I don’t allow the stuff to “live” there; I move it to its designated home. I find it is easier to just move something that to complain about it.

Published · 928 views · Rated 4/5 from 2 votes

Summer is winding down—although you won’t know it by the unseasonably high temperatures outside but the calendar says it is. And State Fairs are blooming all over America. Fairs are so much fun. We just attended the first day of our state fair. We were eating our chicken in a pocket for lunch at some tables under the shade and I couldn’t help but notice all of the decluttering going on. There were people constantly picking up the littlest scraps of paper and throwing them away.

Published · 875 views · Rated 4/5 from 1 votes

I heard a commercial on television asking “how will you be remembered”. I started thinking about that and things I remember about certain people in my life. From the time I was about 6 years old until I was 12 we would pick raspberries every hot summer in my uncle’s berry patch. The adults would chat back and forth as we made our way down the rows of prickly berries. The wife of my uncle who owned the berry patch didn’t work in the fields. She evidently was cleaning and de-cluttering her house.

Published · 1,461 views · Rated 3/5 from 2 votes

"To do two things at once – is to do neither." ~ Roman philosopher Publilius Syrus, 100 A.D. When we need to accomplish many tasks, we do 2-3 things at once, sometimes more. We do this in order to be more productive. Multi-tasking has basically become the American way. In fact, employers often include "multi-tasking" as one of the desirable traits they look for in job descriptions. But is multi-tasking really leading to increased productivity? According to some experts, the answer is no. Multi-tasking is generally less efficient than focusing on one thing at a time.

Published · 2,822 views · Rated 4.2/5 from 6 votes

When I opened Google today there were these pretty little circles at the top of the screen and I clicked on it to find out what they were. I found out they are crop circles. These are patterns created by the flattening of crops such as wheat, barley, rye, or corn. Many people think these circles are formed by the paranormal or by ball lightning or vortices in the wind. Others believe the circles are man-made hoaxes. Some of these circles aren’t actually circles at all but are beautiful geometric patterns but the name circle has stuck as a generic term for crop patterns.

Published · 1,536 views · Rated 4/5 from 2 votes

The phrase 'time management' has become one of the most oft-repeated phrases of our society. Almost everyone thinks they need to improve their time management skills. The problem is that most people aren't even examining what the real issue is. Instead, the average person will blame time itself. Think I am kidding? Let me demonstrate.

Published · 4,434 views · Rated 4/5 from 1 votes

If you ask most people want they want for their career, business or life, often the word Success comes up at some point. Indeed, many of us want to be successful. So what stops some people from being successful but not others? A whole host of things. It is often said that success leaves footprints. I do believe that there are certain patterns that successful people follow -- taking action, being focused, making bold but calculated risks, finding a support system, and staying positive to name a few. But there are also some serious saboteurs that often get in the way of success.

Published · 1,318 views

We all love to collect things, whether it is our silk scarves from places that we have visited, shells picked up at the shore, or antique collectible teacups. And some of our collections are not so clearly defined as a “collection”. For instance all those Victorian Home magazines or ...

Published · 1,062 views

As I was walking this morning there was a beautiful rainbow in the sky. I started thinking how each color could represent some part of organization in our homes. (I can't help it, as a professional organizer my mind works that way). The story I was told as a child about the pot of gold at the ...

Published · 1,176 views

As I work with families as a professional organizer whose loved ones have moved out of their homes either to a retirement center, nursing home, care center or are deceased I increasingly see what a burden their loved ones possessions are to the families in charge of taking care of these ...

Published · 2,234 views

I am sick and sad. I cleaned out a storage place in my home and I found an old suitcase and large plastic bag with baby clothes included two christening dresses that I had saved. I am sick because of the condition they were in. It's a good thing I decided to organize this area or there would ...

Published · 2,960 views

We all want our homes to look like House Beautiful when we and our families would be much happier with a home that is just the best our own home can be. I know as a professional organizer, organizing for women it is possible to have a clutter free home where we can walk in the door and take a ...

Published · 789 views

If any of you have ever watched an organizing show or read a book on organization, the purge is one of the most heart wrenching things to do. Why is this? Why is a broken old vacuum cleaner so impossible to part with? Well, here is the main reason: We are emotionally attached to our things. How ...

Published · 1,643 views

Organizing clutter in our homes is important as it creates space and gives us peace and happiness. It can also help to prevent fires. As we go about organizing clutter from room to room I suggest we also take a look at what we can do to keep our homes free from fires. October 5-11 is Fire ...

Published · 1,223 views

As a productivity consultant, success coach, and business strategist, it is my "job" to ensure that my clients are being the most productive they can be in order to be successful. Or is it? It may come as a surprise that many of my clients seek me out not to be more productive, but to actually slow down and do less. So, does being more productive mean you have to do more, but being less productive means you are doing less?

Published · 1,404 views

Do you feel you practically live in your car? Americans spend an average of 2 ½ hours per day in their cars. They are often command centers when we run errands, act as a shuttle driver to take children to school, chauffeuring to sport activities, music practice, or running back to school to take ...

Published · 1,136 views

I love organizing tips. Even before I became a professional organizer I was always reading organizing tips to see how I could do something faster, and more efficient. Here are three favorite organizing tips from my friends that can also help you to be organized. Edna does three things on ...

Published · 810 views

One very big key focus in my work with clients is understanding what triggers overwhelm and developing a system to get them – and keep them – out of it. Dealing with the mail is very often one of these triggers. And it makes sense doesn’t it? There are all decisions to make when dealing with the mail – What should I pitch? What should I keep? Where should I keep it? Sometimes it is just easier to not deal. It is easier to let it stack up. But the challenge with this approach is that it creates lots of energy-draining anxiety.

Published · 1,053 views

Someone said to me the other day, "I don't know where to start to get organized". This is a legitimate concern. She had taken the first step; she recognized that she needs to get organized. I have worked as a professional organizer for several years and I have found it is best to start with ...

Published · 795 views

It is important to all parents and caregivers who have young children to be able to take a break away from the children and go out together. I can remember the first time we got a baby sitter for our little baby girl. We went somewhere close in case we needed to rush home. We weren't needed, but ...

Published · 1,164 views

If you are traveling by car here are a few organizing tips to get your car ready before leaving and other trip ideas to make traveling pleasant and safe:I was driving to Colorado for a week to do some organizing. The car tires looked low so I went to a shop to have the tire pressure checked. I ...

Published · 862 views · Rated 3.5/5 from 2 votes

Last week at my rug hooking group we were chatting about Organizing ideas for Christmas and about our favorite memories and organizing ideas surrounding Christmas cards. One woman said she likes to write a little family history even though she knows no one likes getting them. I take exception ...

Published · 835 views

You know how Santa makes a list and checks it twice? That is exactly what we need to do. Make a master list of what you want and need to do before and during the holidays. Here are some organizing tips to get you started making out your list: 1. Decide on a budget and stick to it. I know that ...

Published · 657 views

In order to gain, we must let go. We all want more money and more peace of mind in our life, especially given all the uncertainties in the world today. The more chaotic the environment, the more we naturally want security and peace. We can have this and more. However, it means giving up old ...

Published · 1,443 views

Messy rooms, disorganized closets and jumbled junk drawers (I think of them as resource drawers) add unneeded hassle to our already hectic days and lives. Organizing our possessions, treasures, and 'stuff' does give us peace of mind and a feeling that we can accomplish other things in our ...

Published · 788 views

With preparation and organization traveling with children can be a pleasant experience. Here are some organizing ideas and organizing tips to make your holiday traveling easier and less stressful. Pack everything the child will need or want in a carry on bag that can be used in the airport ...

Published · 754 views

Have you heard the expression “A stitch in time saves time?” If you have ever gotten a rip in your dress or pants or some other article of clothing and haven’t fixed it right away it usually continues to grow. But if it would have been fixed right away it wouldn’t have taken so much time to fix.

Published · 1,706 views

We love looking back at photos of our family Christmas memories—how about you? Some years my five daughters would "pose" for pictures taken from the back showing their long hair. The bonus of these pictures was we didn't have to wait for makeup to be applied. (If you have girls you know ...

Published · 1,068 views

Have you ever said, I am so disorganized, if only I could organize, I hate to organize, it is so hard, or I wish organizing was easy? If you have said any of the above, read on for great Do's and Don'ts that are so easy even you won't know you are organizing. The key to effortless organizing ...

Published · 1,264 views

Organizing can be effortless--honest. To me it can even be easy, but I will not use that word because every time someone tells me something is easy it ends up being hard for me. I have some more simple tips to help make organizing everything and everyplace in your home effortless. When phones ...

Published · 856 views

When did life get so hectic? Are you always rushing around hunting for things, are you accruing fines at the library, do you have clutter because there just aren't places for what you own? If so, you are not alone! I was talking to a friend and she shared with me that her life has been overrun ...

Published · 855 views

My belief as a professional organizer is that it takes a lot less energy and saves a lot more time when things have a designated place to "live" and it is tons better when those things live in a container in their home. I know everyone has containers in their home that won't cost them a single ...

Published · 1,456 views

When the weather is cold I love turning up the furnace. I am glad I wasn't a pioneer because I love my electric blanket and warm showers. In the summer it is nice to step into our home and feel the cool air when it is hot outside. But having heat and air conditioning means there is a bill to ...

Published · 1,197 views

Words of Wisdom: Having countless containers does not make you organized. A system is needed and most often a behavioral change is needed. The following will help you organize any space in your home. So many people want to get organized but they are just unable to get started. Whether it is ...

Published · 797 views

Organizing is a personal adventure. No one can tell you how to organize your space or your things. You have to be part of the decision about how it all happens. Organizing your space is something that must come from you, your soul, your head, your heart. Having an organized home, office, car, ...

Published · 1,415 views

Is your kitchen a place you enjoy being in or is a place you go to because you have to be there to prepare meals? Because it serves a variety of purposes it needs to be organized to meet the needs of everyone in the family. A variety of storage solutions will help keep it organized and save time ...

Published · 849 views

I worked with a client a few weeks ago and we set up a filing system in her home office. Then we organized every other room in her home. She called me to say she felt free because of all the organizing we had done. She could now find everything and by putting things away where they belonged she ...

Published · 887 views

Breathe in… There are two signs of spring in New England for me, one is spotting the first crocus and the other is being able to open up all the windows in my home. Feeling the warm breeze on my face and having my home flooded with the fresh, clean, scrumptious air gives me a sense of ...

Published · 1,397 views

We all have them…the closet that everyone is afraid to open because we know we can’t get it closed! Whether it is a master bedroom, linen, pantry or coat, it’s the same techniques to clear the clutter. Use the 4 Boxes Method (Keep, Give, Move & Toss) and pull out everything, placing it in one ...

Published · 972 views

Wouldn’t it be great to have a clutter control wand that was magic and you could wave it over your closet, drawers, shelf’s, filing cabinet, book cases and other places that were cluttered and it would whisk away the clutter so you didn’t have to deal with it? The problem with that is what you ...

Published · 1,255 views · Rated 5/5 from 1 votes

“There is no more miserable human being than one in whom nothing is habitual but indecision.” ~ Psychologist William James In my years of experience working with clients to improve their organizing systems, I have noticed a trend. Disorganized people and organizations often have difficulty ...

Published · 1,086 views · Rated 5/5 from 1 votes

“There is no more miserable human being than one in whom nothing is habitual but indecision.” ~ Psychologist William James In my years of experience working with clients to improve their organizing systems, I have noticed a trend. Disorganized people and organizations often have difficulty ...

Published · 1,027 views · Rated 5/5 from 1 votes

It is difficult enough for one person to be organized and maintain that state of organization on a daily basis. Now imagine being thrust into a living situation with a person you have never met before, who is not a relative or even a friend. A person with different sleeping, grooming, eating, ...

Published · 2,221 views

First, let me start by saying that, if it weren’t for my friend, Tracy, I probably would not even be a professional organizer, or at least, it would have taken longer to find the profession that is my true calling. Tracy, demonstrating the intuitiveness that I have come to know is her classic ...

Published · 2,674 views · Rated 5/5 from 1 votes

Anytime is a good time to be organized. But now it may be more important than ever. Even if you aren’t facing any greater financial challenges than you did last year here are some reasons being organized can save you money and time. I am a professional organizer and I had a woman call me and ...

Published · 1,015 views

As a professional organizer I work with women and seniors clearing clutter in their kitchens. This is a problem room for many people. Clearing clutter can be done pretty easy if it is done a little at a time and isn’t allowed to get out of control. One great idea that works well in clearing ...

Published · 1,057 views · Rated 5/5 from 1 votes

We all have a lot of paper coming into our homes constantly; either from the mail, work paper, children’s paper and other sources. In order to conquer the paper problem that many of us experience in our homes and to reduce clutter we need to have a working filing system where we can find ...

Published · 1,600 views · Rated 5/5 from 1 votes

We make decisions every day -- some trivial and some very important. Stop and ask yourself if you generally have issues with making these decisions. Do you fret over them? Does the idea or reality of making decisions freak you out? Well, if so, Decide to Decide!

Published · 1,543 views

“Green” Spring Cleaning Ahh, Spring. Now is the time to throw open the windows, put on some upbeat music and start spring cleaning. Let’s get started, but let’s do it without harsh chemicals that can harm your body. Many people believe, inaccurately, that the only way to effectively clean ...

Published · 1,535 views

Like many Americans you probably have to reinvent your self in this current economy. It means learning new coping skills and making business and lifestyle changes. It means maximizing the use of things you already own and sharpening your skill set to get a new job or retain your current job. The American stress level has not been this high since the Great Depression. Instead of putting your energy into worrying (a huge miss use of creative imagination), it's time to be proactive and focused. It's time to get back to the fundamentals.

Published · 1,465 views

When you are busy getting tasks done but you don’t get it all done are you hard on yourself, thinking you are a failure? Stop being so hard on yourself and start using a planner to help you accomplish more that you want to do guilt free.

Published · 1,630 views · Rated 3/5 from 1 votes

Meet Your Board of Advisors Imagine a group of people that are available to bounce business ideas off of, to help you make pivotal business decisions, and to serve as a sounding board. Major corporations have a Board of Directors. Non-profits have a Board of Trustees. Why can’t the ...

Published · 889 views

While “green” and organizing may sound unrelated, promoting green consciousness is a natural extension of the organizing process. Professional organizers enter homes and businesses on a regular basis, and armed with proper knowledge, a professional organizer can assist clients in becoming more ...

Published · 1,500 views

Regardless of what stage your business is in, chances are you can use some reminders of vital ways to protect your business. The following is a list of 10 ways to protect your business regardless of size, location, or stage of your business. Use it as a checklist to measure your business ...

Published · 1,109 views · Rated 3.5/5 from 2 votes

Is the Threat of a Lawsuit a Real Fear? As a small business owner, you may be one of the 48% conce ed about frivolous or unfair lawsuits. According to the U.S. Chamber Institute for Legal Reform, actual lawsuits and the fear of lawsuits cost U.S. small businesses $98 million in 2005. That ...

Published · 1,390 views

How many times have you said to yourself I wish I could stay organized? I am a professional organizer and I tell the women I work with it is possible to keep organized but I don’t think it is possible to stay organized. The word stay gives the impression that once a task is done it is done for ...

Published · 905 views

Are you a great procrastinator? Do you say “I’ll just do it tomorrow?” And then tomorrow never comes and before you know it you are in the position that clutter is taking over your space? Well you are not alone! Clearing clutter can become a thing of the past by stopping clutter before it ...

Published · 897 views

As a professional organizer, when I speak to women’s group I am often asked, “how can I get my children to pick up after themselves” or “how can I get my husband to put his tools away or pick up his socks and put them in the hamper”? I have suggestions on how to motivate children but when it ...

Published · 932 views

Is your home larger than it was 30 years ago and yet you still don’t have a place for everything you own? Do you struggle to find a place for all the things you have to keep? Could it be you have too much stuff? My philosophy is to surround yourself with things you like, you love, you use and ...

Published · 833 views

People often ask me how they can find more time in their day to do all the things they want or need to do. Do you have time to do fun things with your family and friends? Do you have time to do all the things you have scheduled to do every day? As a professional organizer I suggest it may be as ...

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We’re in a mess. Large retailers are going under as fast as mom and pops. Entire malls look like ghost towns, completely vacant of tenants. Consumer spending is limping along. Our relationship to Stuff is changing, out of necessity. Our values around what we buy are shifting as we tighten ...

Published · 946 views

There are days when we just feel scattered and don’t know where to start with all the tasks and things we need to do. Do you ever think “the faster I go the further behind I get”? I think we all have days like this. Let’s put first things first which means let’s prioritize what we need to do ...

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As a professional organizer I frequently work with people who have been the victims of Internet fraud and I bet you probably know someone or have heard of someone who has also been a victim. Become proactive and protect your identify so you won’t become a statistic of Internet fraud. We live in ...

Published · 1,567 views · Rated 5/5 from 1 votes

If my friends could see me now! I had a friend who used to tell me how cluttered my fridge looked on the inside. Have you ever saved food and then it molded so you had to toss it out? Me too. It’s hard to throw it out even if we probably won’t use that last ¼ of a cup but we don’t want to be ...

Published · 1,121 views

Spring marks the transition from winter into summer. It is a time that most of us equate with renewal, increasing day length, and a symbolic changing of the seasons. Spring is seen as a time of growth, when new life (both plant and animal) are born. The term is also used more generally as a ...

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When the economy is slow, many business owners tend to pull back. Some even throw in the towel. But what if you change your mindset, and look at this recession as an opportunity to "reinvest" in your business? If you have funds set aside for slow periods, good for you. If not, then all you have ...

Published · 1,548 views · Rated 3/5 from 1 votes

I worked for The Department of Services for People with Disabilities for ten years. I was a caseworker for people who were low functioning. There are many types of disabilities, mental as well as physical limitations. This can be a challenge for the parent or guardian when traveling at any time and during the holiday rush it can be an even bigger challenge. With preparation and organization those with disabilities can travel just as well as anyone else. Here are some ideas and tips to make your holiday traveling easier and less stressful.

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It can be hard to let go of things and get rid of clutter. Clutter becomes overwhelming when we hold on to things we don’t need or use. Here are 7simple tips to help you decide effortlessly what to let go and what to keep when organizing your home.

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Do you cringe when you hear the word goal or New Year's resolutions? Or are you goal driven and you relish the thought of writing goals and crossing them off? I am one of the latter. I write down what I am going to do during a day, if I do something that is not on my list I sometimes go back and write it down just so I can cross it off. And I know others who do the same thing. It gives me a feeling of accomplishment which is motivational.

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I have a friend with the sig Simplify above her kitchen sink. Another friend was tell a group of women that she has signs all over her home that say Simplify. Her husband asked her, "What does Simplify mean to you??" We all laughed about that and the sign that used to say "Simplify, Simplify" ...

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I was reading in the book "Don't Sweat The Small Stuff…and it's all small stuff" by Richard Carlson, PH.D. I have read the book before but not everything always sticks so I like to go back and reread as a refresher. I set as my goal to read two to three chapters a night. They are so small each ...

Published · 2,008 views

When you think of clearing clutter does a closet, drawer or room come to mind? How about getting rid of the clutter in your medicine cabinet? This could be as important as getting rid of clutter in other parts of the home; it could actually be a health issue. The bathroom is not the best ...

Published · 858 views

One thing I have noticed as a professional organizer of homes and offices is that most people hold onto magazines and catalogs way after they have 'expired'; which creates clutter. It seems today everything has an expiration date, from food, medicines, children's car seats, batteries to parts in ...

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Honestly this is the very hardest!! Tips I have found that work for me: I show him how I want it to look and how I want it kept that way (like junk 'resource' drawers that he also uses all the time). I bought organizers for the drawer and organized it and asked him (a verbal contract) if he would help me keep it that way. It worked. Now and again I do have to put things back in their right place in the drawer but that doesn't bother me as it is a very simple and quick thing to do.

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Messy rooms, disorganized closets and jumbled junk (I like to think of them as resource drawers) add unneeded hassle to our already hectic days and lives. I sat by two colleagues at a meeting today and the one was telling us about the flood she recently had in her office when she was on ...

Published · 850 views

When I was a child ADD/ADHD was not a diagnosis that had been identified. I was considered hyper active and was the child who presented a challenge to the teacher because I could talk to my neighbor, and at the same time know what question the teacher was asking and then answer the question. If ...

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• Keep all pet supplies handy. In a basket keep all supplies together, brushes, combs, flea collars or powders, soap, leashes, or extra toys. You may find it more handy to keep a brush near where you actually brush your pet, or keep soap under the sink where you bathe your pet. I have used ...

Published · 905 views

Do you cringe when you hear the word goal or New Year's resolutions? Or are you goal driven and you relish the thought of writing goals and crossing them off? I am one of the latter. I write down what I am going to do during a day, if I do something that is not on my list I sometimes go back ...

Published · 633 views

Recently my daughter applied for a home loan and to her dismay there were four errors on her credit report. Credit card companies and one bank she had never had accounts with were listed with thousands of dollars owing on the accounts. It took several weeks and a lot of time and effort, not to mention frustration to get these inaccuracies off her report. My friend who requested her credit report found a loan showing up as 90 days past due which she had actually paid off early. It took her 30 days to get this cleared off her record.

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You know the drill. You move stuff over on the counter so that you can prepare dinner. You get out the ingredients and then you move stuff away from the sink so that you can rinse and chop vegetables. The sink is full of breakfast dishes but they can’t be loaded in to the dishwasher because ...

Published · 941 views

But……I can’t throw anything away. But……I might need it someday. But……It was expensive. But……I’ve always done it this way. But will get you know where BUT back to where you started! If you are ready to spring clean, then you have to spring sort first. Try as hard as you might, you simply ...

Published · 826 views

Have you seen the billboards or posters that proclaim that babies do not come with instructions?n n Kids may not arrive with instructions, but as soon as they can hold a crayon in their chubby little fist, they bring in a flurry of papers. Pretty soon, the refrigerator is tipping over, ...

Published · 996 views

Have you seen my? Watch? Keys? Socks? Purse? Homework? Pretty much anything you can think of can and will get lost in the course of a day. That, my friend, is exactly why you need to get organized. According to statistics, the average person spends an hour a day looking for things. If ...

Published · 9,392 views

It’s almost time to break out the polished toenails and the sandals. But I ask you, why bother with the toenail polish if you can't find two matching sandles and the capri pants are part of the missing floor of your walk-in closet? The change of season is the perfect time to get your closet ...

Published · 1,426 views

I worked for The Department of Services for People with Disabilities for ten years. I was a caseworker for people who were low functioning. There are many types of disabilities, mental as well as physical limitations. This can be a challenge for the parent or guardian when traveling at any time and during the holiday rush it can be an even bigger challenge. With preparation and organization those with disabilities can travel just as well as anyone else. Here are some ideas and tips to make your holiday traveling easier and less stressful.

Published · 1,161 views

Do you remember the days when computers were just getting started and we were looking forward to becoming a paperless society? It just didn't happen, in fact we have just as much if not more paper now than before computers.

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This winter I went to a neighboring city for the day. When I left home it was partly sunny and I thought a light sweater would be enough to wear for the day. At the last minute I did take my jacket. In two hours time the weather changed to blizzard conditions. It was snowing, blowing, and the electricity went out. Because of the storm I was a bit conce ed and wondered if I would even be able to make it home because of the blizzard.

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Have you been taught if a can of food is bulging then it is bad and that is all you know about the safety and quality of food on your shelf? If your milk in your fridge has passed the expiration date do you still drink it until it tastes bad?

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Seasons are changing and it is time to think about putting away your summer or winter clothing—depending on where you live---and getting out the clothes that have been stored away. This is a good time to look at every article of clothing you have in your closet. Take out each one and check it for rips and stains. Analyze if you still like it, if you even wore it this year and if you want to keep it. The statistic is that 80% of the time we wear 20% of what we have hanging in our closets.

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About 2-1/2 million children are injured or killed by hazards in the home each year. The good news is that many of these incidents can be prevented by using simple child safety devices on the market today. Any safety device you buy should be sturdy enough to prevent injury to your child, yet ...

Published · 841 views

Have you ever noticed how everyone's home smells different? I believe that your home scent is a comfort to you, and one of your basic instincts that let’s you know that you are safe and where you belong. When you move into a new place, you really won't feel comfortable until you rid your home ...

Published · 1,251 views

I was sitting on the beach and thinking about what really matters in life? I have no doubt that I am not alone in these thoughts, but what does really matter? Relationships, family, friends, neighbors, co-workers and other people that are strangers to us…n nor possessions? Why do so many ...

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1. Attitude…organizing is like planning, if you take the time to do it, it will save you time in the long run. 2. Time Management…whatever your calendar method, maintain it, and be sure to schedule time for family & friends and organizing maintenance! 3. Maintenance…spend some time each day ...

Published · 1,710 views

1. Attitude…Enjoy being organized and look at it as a treat for yourself instead of a chore that you need to do! 2. Finances…Create a financial budget and follow it. 3. Time Management…Create a schedule for your time. Don’t forget to schedule time for family & friends and organizing ...

Published · 1,308 views

Power of ElfActionTM Affirmations Playing to Win with Bookkeeping! I deposit all personal checks into my personal checking account. I deposit all business checks into my business checking account. I write myself a check from the business to pay myself. I have a trusted, ethical tax ...

Published · 1,114 views

One of the most important jobs you have as a parent is keeping your child safe when riding in a vehicle. Each year thousands of young children are killed or injured in car crashes. Proper use of car safety seats helps keep children safe. But with so many different car safety seats on the market ...

Published · 730 views

Garages seem to become the dumping ground for everything we want out of our homes but can't part with so we stick it in the garage. Clutter can pile up until there is no longer room to even park the car. Here are some simple no cost solutions to clutter clearing the garage and keeping it that ...

Published · 770 views

While speaking to my friend and colleague Christine Lucas of the Salvation Army last month, it dawned on me that I needed to write this article. Often I find in my client’s homes stacks of solicitations and donation requests. These free address labels, greeting cards, and pleas for cash can be a BIG part of paper overwhelm. Especially if you haven’t created yet a “Giving plan” that can streamline the entire process.

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Two years ago a good friend of mine gave me a book for my birthday. I love reading books and I put it aside into my reading queue thinking what a nice gift she had given to me. When I did pick it up to read I saw it was personally signed for her and to her by her friends. I was not sure what I ...

Published · 1,209 views

I was with my rug hooking group the other day working on our rug projects and because my friends know I am a professional organizer they started asking me how to organize various problem spots in their homes. One dilemma for several of them in new homes was what to do with linens when the ...

Published · 1,532 views

One of the most important jobs you have as a parent is keeping your child safe when riding in a vehicle. Each year thousands of young children are killed or injured in car crashes. Proper use of car safety seats helps keep children safe. But with so many different car safety seats on the market ...

Published · 748 views

Wait! Don’t “give that away!” Do these words sound familiar? We’ve either said them or heard them from someone we know and love. It’s hard to let that old sweater go, even though we haven’t worn it in years. It used to be the “favorite” or it’s reminiscent of a happy time in our ...

Published · 1,278 views

My daughter who works for the Peace Corps was visiting three of the countries in Africa which she is country desk for. (I have no idea what that is other than it is a lot of responsibility and work which she loves). She wrote: "being in Burkina is awesome! I feel so far away! I feel like I've ...

Published · 734 views

"We often keep items longer than we should for sentimental reasons", says Fugen Neziroglu, Ph.D. in Woman's Day magazine 6/05/07. Her surefire solutions in helping us to let go: Find the best tribute: Instead of holding onto every single memento—greeting cards, playbills and ticket stubs—chose ...

Published · 727 views

Containers are the answer to a clutter free world. Well, that may be over simplifying it, but containers go a long way when you have an organizing dilemma. Do not go out and just start buying containers thinking then you will be organized. Containers can become clutter too. Here are eleven ...

Published · 825 views

1.When I get a raise I put the amount that actually shows up in my pay check (after taxes etc) in savings rather than in checking. 2.If I am writing a check I round up to the next ten and either put that in savings or let it build in my checking account. (IE: If the item was $45.79 I would ...

Published · 952 views

When I was about 10 years old I was in a recreation program. I loved going there everyday because it was fun and it got me out of picking raspberries. We would get up at 4:30 in the morning and start picking as soon as it was light. We kids got to leave the field at 9:00 to walk the ¾ of a ...

Published · 761 views

I remember driving from Oregon to Utah every summer in a small old car. My mom would pack up the back seat with boxes and suitcases and place on the top a mattress. It must have been a crib size as it was a small 1940's Ford. That is where I rode during the LONG trip. We would play I spy games, ...

Published · 865 views

An elderly Chinese woman had two large pots, each hung on the ends of a pole which she carried across her neck. One of the pots had a crack in it while the other pot was perfect and always delivered a full portion of water. At the end of the long walk from the stream to the house, the cracked ...

Published · 761 views

“Organizing and spirituality?”, my clients query, “What does one have to do with the other?” My response to this question is simple. Organizing brings order to the physical chaos and spiritual practice brings order to a chaotic mind or calm to our inner life. The ancient Chinese proverb, “A ...

Published · 1,819 views

Organizing As A Spiritual Practicenn“Organizing and spirituality?”, my clients query, “What does one have to do with the other?” My response to this question is simple. Organizing brings order to the physical chaos and spiritual practice brings order to a chaotic mind or ...

Published · 1,181 views

Identify theft is a serious crime. It occurs when personal information is stolen and used without our knowledge to commit fraud or other crimes. According to the Federal Trade Commission here are the Common Ways ID Theft happens: 1.Dumpster Diving. They rummage through trash looking for ...

Published · 898 views

I just have to say I go all agog when I get to go to The Container Store. (We don't have one here in Utah). I know it's sad but true. I use containers all the time in every room. I can go so far as to say I love containers. They are great to store things in, contain things in, make things get ...

Published · 876 views

When I was a little girl we lived in a town of 1200 people in Oregon. An uncle came to visit and was horrified at the price of gas in our little town. I remember it was 41 cents a gallon and he said it was 21 cents where he lived. That didn't mean anything to me then but the high cost of gas ...

Published · 725 views

I quilt, I am a quilter, I love quilting, and I love to quilt. Quilting has enriched my life in ways I never dreamed of. I have learned interesting facts about history because of quilts. I have made a ton of friends; and I have traveled because of quilting opportunities. To make quilting fun ...

Published · 1,499 views

No, I am not a gardener. Whew, it just feels good to say that. Here in the Northern Hemisphere it is time to plant gardens and mow the lawns. We wait until after Mother's Day which was on May 11th this year to plant tomatoes and other warm loving veggies. Any earlier than this and they can get ...

Published · 826 views

My aunt who was a wonderful loving, kind woman who had dementia the last seven years of her life. It was sad to see how it affected her life. The first I became aware of it was when a neighbor called me (I lived an hour away) and told me my aunt had answered her front door wearing only her ...

Published · 719 views

What do these three people have in common? 1) These grandparents' grandchildren live in a different state than they live in and the children only visit twice a year. 2) The grandparents live in a condo with limited space, 3) another grandparent is 'obsessed with having a picture perfect home'. ...

Published · 950 views

My friend's daughter is a ballet dancer. She had surgery on her tendon on her right ankle and then when it was almost healed she fell down the stairs and hurt her other ankle. This put her out of commission for several weeks and she wasn't able to try out for "So You Think You Can Dance' which ...

Published · 915 views · Rated 3/5 from 1 votes

As a kid did you love to play a game where you would all pile on top of each other and the bottom person would be yelling, "Get off, I can't breathe"? Do you ever feel like the paper in your home is making it so you can't breathe? Paper piles in homes and offices can become a heavy weight if not ...

Published · 1,168 views

Is your biggest problem in your office knowing what to keep and what to get rid of? As I organize offices for women I find this is a big problem in the majority of homes. First it is necessary to have a filing cabinet that accommodates hanging folders. It is not necessary to have manila folders ...

Published · 1,412 views

Your great plan for the summer was to go through all your child's school work/art work they brought home this past school year but yikes there is so much of it where is the best place to start? First of all let's have a little talk:nn·Do not keep all of your children's art/school work. Just ...

Published · 3,133 views

I don't believe in using this phrase: "Do as I say, not as I do". Well, I have to eat my hat—or is it eating crow? Sometimes I can't believe myself. My confession is this…… Twice, not just once, I am chagrined to say, but twice this week I have committed to doing two things at the same time. ...

Published · 835 views

Traveling to foreign countries can be a lot of fun and a great cultural experience. With research and planning the trip can be double the fun and less hassle. You will come home with great experiences to put in your memory bank and to share with friends and family. Things to know before you ...

Published · 935 views · Rated 3.5/5 from 2 votes

Teenagers are busy, busy people. Often they get a bad rap from adults calling them lazy. But in my experience, which includes rearing five daughters and professionally working with troubled teens they are ambitious, fun and interesting. Teenagers are my favorite age. However, a lot of fights ...

Published · 1,283 views

I just read another article that said multi-tasking is not possible and I just have to take exception to that. It bothers me enough that I want to say it just isn't true in some instances. First let's talk about the difference between men and women and can they or can they not ...

Published · 1,333 views

I was at a friend's home waiting for her to come out of the house so we could go shopping. The man next door was using a leaf blower to clean off his drive way. He was blowing dirt, not leaves. As I sat and watched him I thought why I hadn't I ever thought of that. A leaf blower was just that to ...

Published · 895 views

I just organized a two car garage and my client found so many duplicate, good, and unwanted items that she is having a garage sale. The reasons for a sale are many and varied. No matter why you are having a garage sale here are some tips for a successful sale: 1·Gather Your Inventory Once ...

Published · 1,304 views

One of the biggest complaints I hear as a professional organizer when working with busy women is, "I just can't get on top of the laundry, there are always piles and piles. When my kids need clean gym clothes or the purple blouse for purple day at school those are the clothes that are always ...

Published · 1,131 views

Getting rid of clutter just got easier by usingthese 2 tried and true ways to manage your time and get rid of clutter. If youthink you don’t have enough hours in the day try these for 10 days ans find outwhat a big difference they make.

Published · 2,226 views

It was a warm July morning, birds were singing outside my open window and the curtains ruffled in the breeze. I was standing in my bedroom and I was scared. I thought scary things are supposed to only happen in the dark on cold rainy nights. I had a good reason to be afraid as I was trying to find something to wear and nothing I had in my closet or drawers were fitting.

Published · 1,757 views

You’ve moved! The big event is finally behind you, but now you have a lot of unpacking to do. This part of the job can be as hard as packing up and moving itself. However, by planning ahead and being organized in the way you pack your boxes, you can make settling in to your new home a lot easier and faster. Take advantage of these tips before you start packing up to move. Pack and Label Room by Room

Published · 1,263 views

Moving is expensive and while the cost of hiring a moving company or renting a truck to haul your own stuff can’t be avoided, here are some ways to cut costs. Movers: Full Service or DIY?

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It has been said that moving is one of the most stressful of life’s events, only slightly less stressful than divorce and death of a spouse. However, getting organized in advance of the move can greatly reduce the stress and make the move much easier. Here are four tips to help your next move go smoothly. • Don’t Move what you Don’t Want or Needr

Published · 1,347 views

If you are moving and your new home has a garage and/or basement, consider yourself lucky. These areas offer a treasure trove of storage space and make it much easier to keep things organized before, during and after your move. Here are some tips to make the most of these storage areas. The Strategy

Published · 920 views

If you are moving, you already stressed. The last thing you want is to find your favorite wall art or family heirlooms broken or damaged when you unpack them at your new home. Here’s how to avoide that unwelcome scenario. Start Early Pack early so you have plenty of time to pack carefully. If you are rushing, you may skip steps which can result in broken glassware or a hole in your favorite painting. So start gathering your supplies early and start packing as much as you can ahead of time. Provide Cushioning

Published · 1,578 views

Moving day is very stressful and the more planning and organizing you can do in advance, the easier things will go on moving day. Here are some organizational tips to help you start early and reduce stress when moving. If you are Moving Locally

Published · 1,127 views

If you’ve ever moved a house full of furniture, accessories and personal belongings, you know how expensive it can be. It’s not like college, when you can just load up and old van with laundry baskets full of jean and sweatshirts and go truckin’ merrily down the road. Moving in the grown up world is more complicated and expensive, but here are a few unusual ideas you can use to save money. Boxes

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Systems are simply ways of automating or structuring processes so that they can occur without so much thought or attention—and by more than just one person, so that the business can continue to run if you decide to take a vacation. Figuring Out What to Systematize For most of us, there are dozens of similar repetitive tasks, large and small, in our businesses or jobs that could be systematized. To identify where you can apply systems, step back from your business or life and try to look at it objectively.

Published · 1,383 views

Are you a disorganized person? Is that what you are telling yourself when you can’t find your report in the morning or your socks don’t match or you walk in 10 minutes late to a meeting? Or are you telling yourself something worse? That you are lazy. That you are stupid. That you are worthless and will never live up to your potential. I’ve heard all of these accusations—and worse—come out from the mouths of many of my clients.

Published · 1,563 views

Today I’ve compiled for a very quick top ten list of my favorite organizing tips. - Get more sleep! – You’ve heard it here before but it cannot be overstated: you will never be more organized then your personal energy allows. - Pitch your mail ASAP – sort your mail as you walk into your home and be brutal with what you trash/shred/recycle immediately. - Get everything out of your head – ideas, to-do’s, appointments – create a home for each of these AND the time to review them daily.

Published · 1,416 views

The only constant thing in our lives is change. However, few people like -- much less love -- changing. There are many famous quotes about change, all conveying the same general message: that change is inevitable and scary, but good. Any time we make a change in life, whether we initiated that change or it was forced upon us, we have a choice to make: to embrace it, or fight it. But what about the process that’s involved in making that choice? The change process can be extremely difficult so here are some ideas to help you through it.

Published · 1,462 views

I settled onto my throne of pillows, seated in the lotus position. I closed my eyes, relaxed my hands and arms and let them rest on my legs. My breath was full and purposeful. I placed my attention only on my breath in the true Buddhist tradtion of meditation. Minutes later mental mind chatter ...

Published · 1,284 views

In the many years of my organizing business there’s always one question that comes up. How did you get started doing organization? My response is that I’m the youngest of 12 children and I grew up in a home that was always neat and tidy. It was very warm, comforting and there was “A place for ...

Published · 1,352 views

There are those who plan to the milli-second of time and detail. And those who enjoy no planning and flying by the seat of their pants. Let’s take both choices and discover the pros and cons of each. Ultra Planner The Ultra Planner feels life is in control. They know what needs to be done ...

Published · 1,242 views

Each of us is in some level of transition. Some are in a very high level of change, others are involved in more manageable levels, knowing that this too, will change. Juan Ramon Jimenez (Spanish Poet) said “A permanent state of transition is man’s most notable condition”. Also, “The only ...

Published · 2,993 views

Does the thought of de-cluttering your home, closet, a drawer or any space in your home make you uncomfortable? Perhaps you feel tired, sad or ashamed so you feel which stands in your way of de-cluttering your home. If you said yes to any of these questions perhaps you are hanging on to beliefs that just aren’t true when it comes to getting rid of clutter. I was talking with my friend who shared this story with me and I have to say we had a good laugh. We were talking about our belief systems and what beliefs we hold on to even when they are proven to be false.

Published · 1,966 views · Rated 4/5 from 1 votes

Powerful smart phones, computers, tablets, websites, software, blogs and social media. There are so many technology tools and gadgets these days that it is hard to keep up! On the other end of the spectrum are people that are glued to their devices, addicted to their "Crackberry." Indeed, for many people, technology has become the master. However, true technology was designed to be our servant. The following tools (some are "apps," which is short for applications for those of you that have are not as familiar with smart phone lingo) will help you harness technology to boost your productivity.

Published · 1,504 views

Are you stressed because there isn’t enough time in the day to declutter your home, run the kids everywhere, cook meals and have time for yourself? Here are 4 time-tested tips to help you find more time without being stressed to do it. My mother used to say “A stitch in time Saves Nine”. I just didn’t get that as a child but as I got older and I got a rip in my clothing and I was the one who had to mend it I understood what she meant.

Published · 1,398 views

Do you want more time to do the things you really like to do? Here are 6 fresh tips to help you get rid of clutter in your home so you will have more time to do the things you love to do. Several years ago my aunt went back to school to become a nurse when she was in her 40’s. Her husband was a farmer and he worked before sun up and after the sun was down out in the fields so the meal cooking and household chores were still her responsibility.

Published · 1,433 views

If you're like many people today, you probably possess far more personal possessions than your parents and grandparents did when they were your age. Quick and convenient access to almost anything one needs to buy makes it easy to accumulate a lot of household and personal possessions. To make matters worse, many people find that they have a tendency to use shopping as a kind of emotional therapy. If they become unhappy, depressed or stressed, a shopping trip to their local department store sometimes is the cure used in order to feel better.

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Sometimes when attempting to organize your household you might discover that the problem lies in your family's overall processes, habits and lifestyle. For example, even the most perfectly organized laundry room may not be a match for the fact that your family simply creates too much laundry. Although you might not think about it very often, today's busy lifestyle has made most people a bit more careless than they used to be. For example, have you ever caught yourself tossing a clean shirt back into the laundry hamper just because it was slightly crumpled and needed ironing?

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Table linens can certainly add a beautiful finishing touch to any table. However, families today tend to not use table linens as much as families did in the past. As such, you might feel a little unprepared when purchasing formal or even casual table linens for your home. Plus, once you buy them, how do you care for them, organize and store them so that they always look their best? If you're confused by the subject of table linens, here's some tips that can help. Choosing the Perfect Table Linens

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If your household is like most, it's likely that you and your family members are drowning in a sea of paper. Although computer experts have long talked about the "paperless" office of the future, most families and businesses have a long way to go in order to achieve that lofty goal. In many cases, the trick to effective paper control involves throwing out a lot of what you really don't need. However, there are some documents that are simply too important to throw out. In fact, many of these documents deserve their own special organizational strategy in order to keep them safe and secure.

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As the colder weather approaches, it eventually becomes time to take your bulky winter coats and other winter wardrobe items out of storage. When this happens, many families struggle with how to store them in a convenient and yet space-efficient manner. Because these items are bulkier than summer clothing items, the result is often over-stuffed closets and a general lack of storage space. If it's time to make your seasonal wardrobe switch, here are a few ideas that can make the entire process easier and a lot less frustrating. Organizing Coats

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Sometimes it's the little things in life that are the most difficult to get under control. In many households, toiletry items fall into this category. If you're like most people, you probably have an extensive collection of toiletry items, personal care products, and even medications. Although you undoubtedly use a lot of these items, it's also likely that there are some you never use. In fact, if you're truthful with yourself, there are probably a lot of these products that you'd never even dare to use because they are so woefully outdated and past their expiration date.

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If you are planning to entertain in your home, you might be stressed out over all the details and tasks that you have to take care of. When planning an event, it's best to focus on the basics so that you'll be able to enjoy spending time with your family, friends and associates. After all, you don't want to be so worn out from planning the party or event that you're not even able to enjoy it when the big day finally arrives. Whether you're planning a wedding or just a quiet dinner get-together with a few friends, you can use these tips to keep the planning process sane and under control.

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If you're like most people, you probably have far more clutter than you'd like. You probably have stacks of paper and items that you don't really need but can't bear to part with stashed in various places throughout your home. In many cases, a digital solution can really help get these messes under control. If you have access to a scanner, a home computer and a stack of CDs or DVDs, you're well on your way to a neater and more organized life. Dealing with Paper Clutter

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In today's busy and fast-paced world, it can be sometimes be difficult to stay organized. Demanding work schedules, busy social calendars and family responsibilities can often take up every free moment of a person's time. This kind of hectic existence often results in disorganized homes and an inability to find items when they are needed. In addition to creating frustration, a disorganized home can waste one's time and even money. Although it requires a bit of time and dedication, finding the perfect location for every item in your home is usually the best solution to this everyday problem.

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In today's challenging economy, most people are constantly looking for ways to live more economically and save money. Taking advantage of sales and using coupons can be a great way to stretch one's household budget. Instead of buying items at full price when they are needed, it's usually better to simply stock up on them when they are on sale or when you have a good coupon you can use. However, many families find that their homes become cluttered messes in their attempt to live more frugally.

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Storage units are becoming increasingly popular among those who simply don't have enough space to store everything. For those who live in small homes or apartments, even a small storage unit can provide much-needed storage space. However, some people discover that utilizing a storage unit also makes them less diligent about throwing things away and instead encourages a kind of "pack rat" mentality. If you're thinking about getting a storage unit to increase your storage space, here are some things to consider. Seasonal Storage

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If you're like most people, you probably start thinking about shelves and organizing techniques when somebody mentions streamlining your laundry day. However, it's important to remember that keeping your laundry room neat and organized is only a small part of the laundry day battle. Most of the time the actual causes of household laundry challenges exist outside of the laundry room. If you have a neatly organized laundry room and still can't seem to get your laundry under control, here are some streamlining tips that can help. Choose Your Clothing Carefully

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“There just isn’t enough time in the day!” It is a common frustratio I hear. Or this one: “I have too much to do – I will never be caught up!” Sound familiar? I tend to get stuck in these patterns of thinking, too. That time is the enemy. That there is never enough and so I always need to be rushing off to the next thing so I can squeeze in as much as possible in any given day. And for what reason? What are we rushing to? What are we hoping to achieve with all of this doing?

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You often hear that money is one of the biggest reasons why people get divorced. Likewise, in business, differences over money cause many partnerships to split up. But money itself it not the problem. The problem is the lack of communication and differences in opinion as to the role that money and finances should play in a marriage, relationship, or partnership.

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There is a fear of being more productive and efficient with our time that no one ever talks about. Without addressing this deep-seated fear it can be challenging to create an organized schedule and space that truly supports your goals and allows your days to flow with ease and enjoyment. I have noticed it surface time and again with my clients. They are yearning to be out of the chaos and overwhelm they feel inside. They want to live a life that feels in control, balanced, and one lets them be present even if they’ve never felt that way before.

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If you find that your family is constantly struggling to keep paperwork, instruction manuals and other paper items organized, a filing cabinet could be just the solution you've been looking for. Instead of stashing paperwork in various locations around your home, keep all your items organized and easily accessible by using an inexpensive filing cabinet. Here are a few filing tips you can use to get household paper clutter under control. Finding the Perfect Filing Cabinet

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Regardless of whether your kitchen is large or small, there's a good chance that you're not maximizing the usefulness and efficiency of your kitchen cabinet space. Kitchen cabinets just seem to have a way of getting cluttered and disorganized, no matter how hard you try to keep things under control. If your kitchen cabinets seem to frustrate you every time a door is opened, it's time to maximize the space and increase your kitchen's overall efficiency and space utilization. Here are a few tips you can use to help get your cabinets better organized. Purge Unnecessary Items

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If you never seem to know what your spouse or children's schedules look like, perhaps it's because you haven't taken the time to create a family calendar. Having one calendar devoted solely to your family's schedule can make the difference between chaos and organization in a household. Although each family member might already have their own calendar, a combined calendar will make it easier for everyone to keep track of family activities. If you've never created a family calendar before, here are some helpful tips to help you get started. Paper or Digital?

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Overwhelmed just thinking about the upcoming holiday season? Relax. If you take a little time to plan your holiday season, it will be more enjoyable for you and your family! Focus on practicing good organizational techniques and time management principles. Here are some tips to make the holidays enjoyable and the New Year start off in a positive manner. Set Goals

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There are three types of sacred spaces: - A room - A location for a specific item - An interruption-free block of time All three have the following characteristics in common: - They are used for one specific purpose - They are clutter-free - They flow naturally with your routines and habits - They are peaceful and stress-free - They are easy to maintain How you create these sacred spaces is the same for each type:

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As a productivity consultant whose business is founded on the idea of making people's lives easier and more manageable, I spend nearly every day thinking about control in some sense. Control is strange when you stop to really think about it. Is it a concept? An idea? Or a goal? And is it inherently good or bad? My answer is... it depends.

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If you're like many people, you probably have a lot of "junk" in your trunk - and possibly even in your back seat, console and glove box! Although it's definitely a good idea to be prepared for emergencies, carrying a variety of different supplies around in your vehicle can be an organizational challenge. If you want to reclaim your vehicle's space and get better organized at the same time, here are a few ideas that can help you get the job done right. By following these easy tips, you'll be able to get organized and maximize every inch of your vehicle's space at the same time.

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If you've finally decided to "clean up your act" around your home, you might be wondering where to start. Getting a home organized from top to bottom can definitely be a challenge - but one that's certainly worth taking on. Springtime is a popular time of year for people to de-clutter and clean their homes. By taking the time to re-organize, de-clutter, and clean your living space, you'll be on your way to a simpler and more enjoyable way of life. Before You Begin

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Although the cold and icy winter weather might make it difficult to envision warm and sunny days, spring is literally just around the corner. There's no better way to welcome spring than to give your home a good all-over cleaning. Since spring signals a fresh new start for nature, it's a great time to give your home a fresh new start as well. If you're ready to spruce up your home from top to bottom, here are some tips that will help you get the job done right. Getting Started

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If you need to lose weight or just want to live a healthier lifestyle, making a commitment to eating healthier can be a great way to start. Although it can sometimes be a bit of a challenge to stick to healthier eating habits, organizing your pantry can definitely help. If your pantry is like most, there's a good chance it may currently be filled with food items that aren't exactly "diet friendly." By removing these food items prior to dieting, you'll be much more likely to succeed. Here are some tips you can use to get your pantry ready to support your dieting efforts. Getting Started

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If your family's schedule seems to be a never-ending string of dentist appointments, dance recitals, P.T.A. meetings and soccer matches, getting your calendar organized might seem like an impossible goal. Keeping a busy family's schedule organized can be quite challenging. However, you might be surprised how easy it can actually be to organize even the most hectic family schedule by using a good calendar system. Here are some tips that will help you use a calendar to get your entire family "on the same page." Choosing a Calendar

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If you love to read, there's probably a good chance that you've accumulated a sizable collection of books over the years. In this "digital age," e-readers and digital books are becoming far more popular. Although you might personally embrace the concept of digital media, there's probably a good chance that you still own a myriad of "hard copy" books as well. Some of your books might hold sentimental value and others might actually be valuable. However, you probably also own a number of books that you don't really need to keep.

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If you have a budding Albert Einstein or Madame Currie living under your roof, providing him or her with adequate study space is an absolute necessity. Even if your home is a bit short on space, a personalized study area is very important for a child. Whether you set aside a corner of your child's bedroom or designate a special study area in the home office or dining room, having a dedicated study area can be extremely conducive to the learning process.

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Check Email Only When You Can Process Email. We all love to ‘check’ our email to see what has arrived since we last viewed our inbox. But this means we continually add to our to-do list (and our anxiety) without giving ourselves the time to actually deal with the email (i.e. respond, delete, file, etc.). When you really think about it, constant email checking is like running down your driveway to the mailbox every few minutes to see what’s inside and then closing it back up with everything still in there. Talk about exhausting.

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Are you tired of spinning your wheels when it comes to getting rid of clutter and it seems to take more time all the time. Try these 3 simple tips to lighten your load. I remember when I worked in an office someone had the brainstorm that we as workers would every 15 minutes write down what we had been doing. Let me tell you this was exhausting and for me a big timewaster.

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Do you dread the weekend because there is always so much to do and you are glad to get back to work? If getting rid of clutter is something you want to do but you get tired just thinking about it here are 5 ironclad organizing tips to get you going. Don't you just love Monday's? Without a Monday we wouldn't have Fridays and everyone I know loves Fridays. Fridays mean the work week is over and we can start having some fun for a few days or it may mean we switch from doing one kind of work to another.

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It is a common belief that our short-term memory can hold up to 7 pieces of information at any given time. That is why they originally made telephone numbers 7 digits long. But in recent years scientists have realized the real number is actually closer to 4. FOUR. 4 ideas, to-dos, reminders, etc. That’s it. That’s all our prefrontal cortex can hold. And if you try to exceed this (as each of us do everyday) you rapidly deplete the amount of energy you have to think clearly and make decisions easily. Which are the exact skills you need to prioritize effectively.

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So, you are a perfectionist. And proud of it! And in some ways, that serves you really well. You maintain high standards, delivery quality, and people value your level of expertise. But sometimes, that perfectionism is causing you stress, procrastination, and depriving the world of receiving your great ideas and content. So what to do?

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"None of us got where we are solely by pulling ourselves up by our bootstraps. We got here because somebody -- a parent, a teacher, an Ivy League crony or a few nuns -- bent down and helped pick us up by our boots." ~ Thurgood Marshall

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If the upcoming spring season has you stressing about your disorganized deck or patio, don't despair. It can actually be quite simple to get your outdoor spaces into great shape. Spring is the perfect time to start fresh and get organized. Here are a few organizational tips you can use to get your deck or patio ready for the spring and summer outdoor season. Clear the Clutter

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A large stuffed toy collection can make it significantly more difficult to keep your child's room neat and tidy. In fact, sometimes even a small stuffed toy collection can be challenging. Most stuffed toy collections consist of some animals that a child plays with on a regular basis - or even sleeps with each night - in addition to many other animals that they play with less frequently. In some cases, a child might not even play with most of their stuffed toys at all. If you are faced with the dilemma of organizing a stuffed toy collection, here are some tips that can help.

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If you are planning to adopt a new pet into your family, it can be well worth your time and effort to get your home properly organized and arranged in advance. Too many times families adopt a puppy or a kitten, only to discover after it's too late that there are dangerous safety hazards or messy areas around the house that cause problems. Before you bring your cute new arrival home, here are some organizational tips that will help you get your home in tip-top pet condition. Electrical Cords and Outlets

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Unless you live in a climate that has similar weather all year long, you undoubtedly have different summer and winter wardrobes. Although some people simply leave all their clothes in the same closet year-round, this method can make it difficult to utilize closet space in the most efficient fashion. Instead of overcrowding your closets, it can be helpful to rotate your clothing and accessories on a seasonal basis. If the arrival of springtime has you thinking about what to do with all your wooly winter clothing, here are some organizational tips and ideas that can help. Sort First

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Learn the art of delegation to have fun and to save you time and energy when getting rid of clutter.

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Clearing clutter is as easy as pie with these 3 time-tested organizing tips. Listen to your mother--she's always right. Want to start a family fight over clearing clutter in your home? Today I am sharing a true experience. Only the names have been changed to protect the innocent--not that anyone was innocent or that anyone needed protection. Never-the-less here is the story---r

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Spring organizing gives you the jump on summer fun. 8 valuable tips will have you organized in no time. It is such a gorgeous spring day I washed my car. I will wonder where I am now that I don’t have to look out of windows covered with smudged gunk the tires spray on the windows and rear view mirror. I got out the window cleaner and while washing the windows the birds nearby were chattering away. Ahh, it is so good to hear the birds again.

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7 time-proven organizing tips for your garage. Do you want your garage to be user friendly? Then you’re in luck with these 7 tested tips that help you in getting rid of clutter in a snap. The curtain is yellow on the door window that goes out to our garage. It is the color of the outside today. The sun has taken over the sky and after months of cold weather it sure does feel good. A week ago they were predicting today would be the warmest day since November 2010. I am glad they were right this time.

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Everyone is thinking about spring cleaning which makes it a perfect time for Spring Organizing. Get Rid of Clutter and welcome spring in your home with 4 fresh organizing tips. The calendar says it is spring so it seems like a good time to do some spring organizing. However the weather outside is not typical spring weather. Instead of beautiful flowers and green leaves on the trees as I look out my window I see it has snowed 5 inches ove ight and it is still snowing. Never-the-less this is the time of year our minds turn to spring organizing. 1. Closet Turnaround:r

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Do you find yourself nagging your spouse to get rid of clutter and to organize? Nagging doesn’t work and can drive a wedge between you. These 7 tips will help get your spouse organized without nagging. As a professional organizer one questio I am often asked is, “How do I get my husband to get organized?” I have given this some serious thought and have come up with a few ideas that will help you help him without turning into a nag.

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Although you might ordinarily think of home organization plans as simply a way to clear up clutter and increase personal efficiency, sometimes there is a safety aspect to consider. There are many different kinds of emergencies that can occur in a home, many of which you may have no control over. By having a good home organization plan that takes emergency preparedness into consideration, you and your family will be ready for anything.

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In today's world, there always seems to be a focus on "more, more, more." Most people seem focused on finding ways to make more money, own more possessions, and occupy more of their time with work and other worthwhile pursuits. While some of these tendencies can be quite productive and even admirable, this kind of "go-go-go" mentality does tend to create a lot of personal stress. Instead of constantly looking for ways to acquire more of what you don't have, perhaps it's time to concentrate on doing more with what you already have.

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Are you discouraged by magazine articles that set the expectation for organizing too high? Here are 5 proven and powerful tips for getting rid of clutter in just a few minutes.

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Discover 9 rejuvenating tips on how to maximize your time and how to get rid of clutter. Saturday was one of those days when I needed to work and I wanted time to do some fun stuff like quilting a quilt for my daughter. I set the timer and worked on work stuff one hour and then I did the fun stuff for two hours. I did this for several hours and I was really energized. I got a lot of work done and a lot of fun things I wanted to get done besides.

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Do you share space with a loved one and find it challenging at times because you have very different organizing or time management styles? I have a number of women and men who call asking for organizing help frustrated with their spouse/significant other's habits. When I enter the situation, many times it's a bit tense because the "unorganized one" feels judged and harassed and the "organized one" can't understand their love's plight and seeming resistance to being "more organized".

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I have worked with a number of people over the years who have called saying they feel overwhelmed when they walk into their kitchens and are inundated by counter clutter, cupboard chaos, and fridge fright. Ever feel like your home life is out of control and you are overwhelmed by the state of your kitchen? It’s not surprising as the kitchen is the heart center of the house. For most, it’s a multi purpose room - food prep & storage, school study, home office, eating, crafting and visiting area.

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I grew up in a tiny little town with a population of 2,500. It was safe to walk the streets and everyone had a post office box. I liked twirling the dials to open the box. Sometimes I went too fast and I had to do it over again to reach our mail. I rode my bike all over town and we didn't have a phone. One of the highlights of late summer was when the circus came to town. It was great fun watching the men putting up the big heavy tents and then the hawkers trying to get us to spend our precious nickels on seeing a two headed calf or some other anomaly of nature.

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If your family is like most families, time and bathroom space always seems to be in short supply in the morning. With everyone rushing around getting dressed and taking care of their personal care regime, things can get pretty hectic, disorganized and chaotic. Wouldn't it be nice if you could get your own personal care regime under better control, as well as help your other family members do the same? By using these tips, you'll be able to transform hectic mornings into something much more manageable and less stressful. Create a Schedule

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If you never seem to be able to get organized, perhaps it's because you've never taken the time to truly understand your personal priorities. All too often, people try to do things not because they have to, but because they think they should. For example, do you feel as though you have to iron every piece of laundry just because that's the way your mother always did the laundry? If so, you might be spending a good deal of your time each day on things that really don't need to be done or things that simply aren't important to you.

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Garage sales, yard sales, or tag sales (no matter what you call them) can be a lot of fun and are a great way to help you de-clutter your home so that you can get more organized. On any give Saturday morning in American suburbia, you can find slowly-circling cars and mini-vans, making the rounds through neighborhoods in search of good buys on everything from dishes to blenders to clothing to furniture. After all, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.

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An organized kitchen pantry simplifies your work in the kitchen, allowing you to find the things that you need without a lot of effort. Organizing the pantry doesn’t take a whole lot of effort. If you have the right tools and an hour or so of time, then you can turn any pantry (or even a closet near the kitchen) into a useful storage area that will help you stay organized and make the most efficient use of your time. A properly organized pantry can free up cabinet space in the kitchen while giving you plenty of room to store plenty of food and other supplies. Installing Shelvingr

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A clean home is usually an organized home. Springtime has finally arrived, and the time has come to start getting your home spring-ready both inside and out in preparation for the warm, sunny days ahead. The tips for spring cleaning and organization that follow will help you stay on track to get everything done while still having time to relax on the deck. Spring Cleaning and Organizing Inside the Home

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If your family is like most, your closets are among the most cluttered spots in the home. Many people try to keep all of their clothing in the closet year round, which is just fine for some walk-in closets. But if you have a smaller closet space to work with, you need to keep only the clothing that you can wear for the season at your fingertips. This means that when spring cleaning, the time is at hand to clean out those fall and winter clothes from your closet. Getting Startedr

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Moving is rarely an occasion that one would describe as fun. In fact, moving can be a huge challenge. Nonetheless, one in five American families will move this year. If your family is among them, you can make the move less frustrating by organizing your belongings before the move. Yes, organization is the key to taking the scary, confusing aspect out of tossing everything that you own into a moving van and hitting the road. Moving is a daunting prospect, but being organized before the move can take the stress of moving down a few notches. The mover-tested tips that follow can help.

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Chill out this summer and get organized with these 8 easy tips. With a little planning ahead it is a snap to organize your home for summer fun.

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Do you wish your life could be simplified? As a professional organizer, women tell me all the time they want to simplify their home and life. Many of them recognize a way to simplify is to get rid of clutter and get organized. Living simply and being organized has a different meaning to everyone. It could be something as simple as being able to find a pen and piece of paper to jot down messages. It could mean being able to get dressed in the morning without pulling out five outfits before finding one that is wearable.

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Traveling is fun and takes us away from our "normal" lives but it can be frustrating if you don't have the right documents with you when you need them. Learn what documents you need when you travel and how to quickly organize them by using these 5 proven organizing tips.

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Preparing at work for your vacation involves more than just getting rid of clutter on your desk. Are you worried the entire time you are away from your office under the guise of "being on a vacation"? Are you one of those people who feel pressured to be "at work" even when they are away from the office? I pass people in the airport typing away on their laptops or drafting letters and memos on the plane. I suspect others flip through channels in the hotel room yet their mind is on work. And they say they are "on vacation".

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In today's challenging economy, most people cannot afford to waste money or resources for any reason. Just as is the case with everything else the average family needs to buy, the cost of food continues to rise. Although food is a basic essential that nobody can do without, there are ways that you can reduce waste and save money on food purchases. Cleaning and organizing your refrigerator and freezer is one way to make sure that you make the best use of your food and money. Here are a few easy tips you can follow that will help you get your refrigerator and freezer organized efficiently.

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If you feel as though you never seem to be able to get organized, you might sometimes wonder if you need somebody to give you a bit of help. Professional organizers specialize in helping people take control of their time, belongings and even their lives. If you've ever wondered if a professional organizer could help you get everything under control, here are some questions to ask yourself that can help you make the right decision. Can I Afford a Professional Organizer?

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If you take a close look at a truly organized person, you'll immediately see that he or she is actually an expert at making good use of time. Although most of us feel as though we don’t have enough time, the truth is everyone gets exactly twenty-four hours to work with each day. In most cases, the difference between an organized, productive person and somebody who is disorganized and never seems to get anything done is simply how they utilize their time.

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Although you often hear a lot about getting your home, office and yard organized, it's also important to remember that it's hard to get things accomplished when your mind is cluttered and disorganized. In today's busy world, it can sometimes seem as though there just isn't enough time in the day to get everything done. If you always seem to be running late and never seem to be able to get projects done on time - or even done at all - perhaps it's time to get your thoughts organized. You might be amazed at the difference a little bit of mental organization can make in your daily life.

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Although the bathroom is often one of the smallest rooms in the house, it can also be one of the busiest rooms. Unfortunately, this sometimes means that the bathroom is also one of the messiest rooms in the house. If bathroom clutter and disorganization is getting you down, perhaps it's time to clean things up and de-clutter. The end result will be a peaceful, relaxing and serene bathroom that will be a joy to use each day. As an added bonus, you'll probably find that a clean and organized bathroom will help your family get ready for school and work more quickly in the morning.

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The average person spends a significant amount of time each week in their vehicle. As a result, vehicles have a tendency to become messy, disorganized and dirty. Instead of starting and ending your day with a commute in a messy vehicle, why not take the time to clean and organize your car, truck or SUV? The end result will be a much more pleasant commute, plus the peace of mind that comes with knowing that you are better prepared for emergencies. Here are a few quick tips that you can use to get your vehicle in tip-top shape today. Remove the Clutter

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Getting organization is something that is on almost everyone's "to-do" list. Unfortunately, busy lifestyles, family responsibilities and other commitments can often make it difficult to find the time you need in order to get the job done. If you are having problems finding enough time to develop and implement an organizational strategy in your home, perhaps the problem is that you are trying to do the entire job yourself. In reality, getting organized should be a task that the entire family shares together.

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When people learn that I am a professional organizer, they often ask me what my favorite ‘organizing tips’ are that I like to use with my clients. Many are surprised when I tell them that some of my favorite tips – and those I believe can most impact their productivity and organization - don’t involve any organizing!

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Pause for a moment and consider just how many to-dos, ideas, projects, and plans you’ve currently got floating through your brain. They keep flitting around bumping into other thoughts, (“Boy, I wish I was still in bed”), and never stay put on your mental to-do list. It takes constant vigilance to keep everything in line and the one moment you take your guard down, off into the abyss floats your plan to end world hunger, a reminder to buy your nephew’s birthday present, and who knows what else?

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This month has been filled with so many fun organizing projects and amazing transformations! In a matter of minutes one client cleared out three closets full of clothes that no longer fit her and made room not only for more storage but also for greater self-acceptance. She was overjoyed. Another client tackled a home office that has been weighing her down for years – within hours she had let go of hundreds of pounds in paper and archaic office supplies. You could literally watch the weight fall off of her shoulders too. She was so ready!

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In my line of business I often run into amazing parents, spouses, business owners, graduate students, and in-demand professionals – many of whom fall under each one of these categories at the same time. Clearly I love working with overachievers because on a certain level I can relate. We love to take on all that we can because we are good at a lot of things! And we have lots to contribute.

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Ahhh. Here we are again – the quick end to another year and a new one clamoring into the starting gate as we speak. For years, I have used this time to begin a big goal-setting session for the New Year – to dig in deep and outline all that I want to achieve in the year ahead in each area of my life. Ironically, this Goal Setting Project often takes me weeks, if not months to finish. And let’s not get started on when I actually get around to completing these wonderfully well thought out goals.

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A couple of years ago I took an improv class. I didn’t do it because I secretly yearn to be the next Drew Carey, but because I had heard that improv classes can sharpen your public speaking skills and how well you think on your feet. The idea also scared the hell out of me, so I figured that was a good sign that I’d get something out of it.

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Are you a chronic ‘doer’? Does sitting around ‘relaxing’ give you the jitters or worse – make you feel guilty? Are you terrified that if you let off on the gas even a little, all that you have created will collapse? This is a phenomeno I am all too familiar with and one I am passionate about combating in myself and others. Chronic doing is a cycle that can be very hard to break free from, but the good news is that being of aware of it is the first step toward freedom.

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Whenever I decide to introduce a new habit into my life, the doubting voice inside my head shouts, “You think you are going to be able to keep that up? Forever?!Who do you think you are– Wonder Woman?” This default response occurs whether I feel the itch to start a new yoga practice or attempt to get out of bed 30 minutes earlier. It pops up if I commit to shutting down my computer at 6:00pm or to taking a 5-minute break from work every couple of hours. This voice is just one of the many hurdles to breaking in new habits and can make it an even more challenging process to undertake.

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Ah, procrastination. Most people experience it at one time or another. Procrastination can be a deep-seated problem involving fear of failure or success, or a natural result of overload. Regardless of why you are experiencing procrastination, there are ways to overcome it! How you choose to overcome procrastination depends on the task involved, the people involved, and the underlying reason for the procrastination. Take a look at the following strategies, and see which help conquer your procrastination the next time it rears its ugly head. Get Started

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We’ve all heard of the negative impact of ‘shoulds’ – you know the frustrating “I should do this” or “I should do that” cycle of trying to get yourself to do something because you feel like you have to. For the record these types of tasks are laden with the heavy energy of obligation and guilt. You can actually feel it in your body when these tasks pop up. They weigh you down and steal your focus, clarity, and good humor.

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Due to the popularity of several television shows, the affliction of hording has been gaining more attention. Although hording isn't something that's new, it has recently received more attention and this has raised awareness of this obsessive compulsive behavior. However, just because a person has "packrat" tendencies does not necessarily mean that they are a hoarder. In fact, in today's challenging economy, there's a lot to be said for keeping a stash of useful items that you might be able to put to good use, instead of simply discarding them.

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If finding your cleaning supplies is sometimes more challenging than the cleaning tasks themselves, then perhaps it's time to get your supplies better organized. In some cases, finding an organizational strategy that works for your cleaning materials is simply a matter of convenience. However, in other cases finding a good storage solution is a matter of safety, especially in homes with small children or pets. If you want to streamline the cleaning tasks around your home by getting your supplies in better order, here are some organizational strategies to try. Read the Labels

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If staying in touch with family and friends seems to be more trouble than it is worth, this could be a sign that you need better organizational strategies. If you dread the thought of sending out party invitations because you don't have everyone's address close at hand, you're making things much harder than they need to be. With the proper organizational strategies, you should be able to send e-mail, "snail mail," or make phone calls with only a minimal amount of effort. Here are some handy tips you can use to get better organized and communicate more easily.

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Most families enjoy decorating their home and yard for the various holidays throughout the year. However, it can often be difficult to keep holiday decor organized, easily accessible and yet out of the way throughout the year when it's not being used. If your basement, attic or garage is stuffed to the gills with messy and disorganized boxes, bags and bins of holiday decorating supplies, here are some easy organizational tips you can try. Decide on an Organizational Strategy

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If you are like most people, chances are you read a variety of different magazines. Although some magazines can simply be read and then discarded, other magazines can be useful for a longer period of time. For example, you probably wouldn't want to discard your sewing, woodworking or other crafting magazines after reading them. If you have a number of different magazines that you want to keep for reference purposes, organizing them in a neat and efficient manner is probably one of your conce s. Here are a few tips you can use to keep your magazines safe, neat and easily accessible.

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Mailing and packaging supplies can often be a source of home clutter. Although these useful items are a necessity in most homes, they can be challenging to keep organized. In some cases, you might simply want to keep the envelopes, stamps and stationery that you use for personal communication better organized. However, if you run a small business out of your home, the need for organizing mailing and packaging supplies becomes even more challenging and important.

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If your family is like most, paper clutter and chaos is probably one of your most challenging organizational issues. In today's busy world, it can be quite difficult to keep household paperwork organized. Even though the thought of a "paperless office" might sound appealing, the fact remains that most homes have far too much paper. If you'd like to get the paper mess in your home under better control, dealing with the daily mail can be a great place to start. The Disadvantages of Poor Mail Handling Strategies

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How do you decide what to keep and what to toss? With these three simple steps it will be easy for you to get rid of clutter and be free of the guilt of holding on to things you don’t know what to do with. It was a cool Tuesday Morning as we climbed among the huge landscaped rocks in our neighbors’ backyard. We were as quiet as cats’ paws because we didn’t want to wake anyone up as we cut the lavender to make into foot soak. The bees buzzing around the delicious flowers made more noise than we did.

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Have you ever felt trapped by your to-do list? Like it was running your life instead of the other way around? You aren’t alone! This is a common theme among those I am fortunate enough to work with: How am I supposed to relax when I have so much TO DO? I feel your pain. I’ve been in that place where your list can feel like a prison sentence. When every new item you add is another step away from that elusive state of blissful relaxation and peace of mind that can only found at the end of your to-do list. But is this really true? I don’t think so.

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If you're like many people, you probably wish you could get your life and home better organized. However, you might also feel as though you never really have enough time to get organized in the first place. Many people go through their entire lives putting off the entire organization process until "later," somehow thinking that next week, next month or next year they are going to miraculously have more spare time. In reality, being disorganized may be one of the primary reasons why you don't have enough spare time in the first place.

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If you ask most people about their most difficult challenge when organizing their home, you're likely to hear paper mentioned as one of their primary problems. In today's busy world, most people simply have more paper in their homes than they know what to do with. Although many of us dream of achieving a "paperless" lifestyle, for most of us, it's just that - an unattainable dream. However, just because you're forced to deal with a lot of paper in your life, it doesn't necessarily mean it has to clutter your home and cause problems.

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If you never seem to be able to get your home organized no matter how hard you try, perhaps the problem is that you are trying to do everything yourself. Although it can be admirable to try to be an "organizational hero" around the house, it's far more likely that you'll end up exhausted and frustrated instead of being successful. Instead of trying to take on the entire task yourself, why not learn to delegate more effectively? Not only will you get more accomplished in less time, you might even find that your family will have fun working on common goals together.

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"Mental clutter" can be a big problem for many people. If you find that you have lots of ideas but not much time in which to implement them, chances are you're being adversely affected by mental clutter. Symptoms of this syndrome include frustration, worry, distraction, disorganization, and a constant feeling that you are forgetting to do something important. If you've got a lot of ideas in your head but still never seem to actually get anything done, here are some techniques you can use to transform mental clutter into productivity. Make a Concrete Plan

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If your home or apartment is a bit on the small side, you might find it is especially challenging to get it organized. Small living spaces can often be difficult to organize properly, because there's only so much room in which to work. If you'd like to get your small home or apartment better organized, here are some handy ways to make space savers work for you. Hidden Storage Space

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Almost everyone has a "to-do list," whether it's written down on paper or simply carried around mentally every day. In fact, most people spend a considerable amount of time each day thinking about their list of things to do, as well as worrying that they won't get them done on time. If you want to learn a little bit about yourself, it can be helpful to take a closer look at the things on your "to-do list." In fact, after you gain a bit more understanding about your list and your personal tendencies, you might just find that you'll even be more effective at getting some of your tasks done.

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If you never seem to achieve your goal of getting organized, perhaps the problem is that you don't truly understand your underlying motivation. Although most people have an underlying desire to become better organized, not everyone wants to achieve this goal for the exact same reason. If you'd like to become a more effective organizer, it can be helpful to better understand what actually motivates you. Once you do that, you'll probably find that you have far more incentive to actually achieve your goals. What's in it For You?

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If I were to write lyrics to the song "These Are My Favorite Things" I would write--walking down the street hearing the crunch of leaves under my feet on a cool beautiful fall day. I also like the way the sun filters through the leaves that are still on the trees in the fall. And it is nice to be able to sit on the porch and enjoy the last flowers of summer and the cooler weather.

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One of my goals in life was never to quilt. All of that changed one beautiful rainy day at Cape Mears Lighthouse in Oregon. I bought a package with 12 lighthouse quilt blocks in their lovely tincy- tiny gift shop. I love lighthouses so these called out to me. I planned on asking my friend who was a master quilter if she would help me make these into a quilt. This was going to be my one and only quilt.

Published · 1,881 views · Rated 2.5/5 from 2 votes

If you have a lot of craft supplies but a very small space in which to keep them, it's important to come up with highly efficient organizational strategies. By keeping your craft materials well organized, you'll undoubtedly find that you will participate in your chosen craft more frequently, while enjoying it more. If your craft supplies are currently somewhat of a mess, here are some tips you can use to organize them in even the smallest storage space. Assessing Your Storage Needs

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Ah, New Year's Resolutions. They come but once per year, and cause quite a stir. Indeed, people talk about their New Year's Resolutions quite freely. A small portion of people even write them down. But how many truly achieve them? The number is probably dismally small. Why? Because most people do a great job of talking about their resolutions, but don't do such a great job of taking action on them. They often set themselves up for failure by biting off more than they can chew!

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If you’re like most people, you probably think of many great organizational ideas and plans every single day. Unfortunately, because of busy schedules and other time constraints, most people never take the time to implement these great organizational plans. Of course, you cannot reap the benefits of an organizational plan unless you actually put it into action. Since taking the first step is often the most difficult part of getting organized, here are a few ideas you can use to jump-start your organizational plans. Create a Realistic Plan

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Lack of efficient storage space is often a key problem for many people when they try to get their home organized. Although it’s certainly important to reduce clutter and discard anything you don’t really need, you also need an efficient way to store the things you plan to keep. If you are currently trying to get your home better organized, it might be time to look at shelves. Shelves can be used in a wide variety of ways to store and organize items in a neat and easily accessible fashion. Here are a few shelving ideas you can use to help bring a bit more organization to your own home.

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Most companies devote a significant amount of time and effort to finding ways to improve their business processes. By finding more efficient ways of getting things done, businesses can save time, resources and money. However, process improvements aren't only useful for businesses. Why not take some time to investigate ways to improve processes around your own home? Here are a few ways you can streamline household tasks, get better organized, and become more efficient. De-Clutter Your Home

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I was a social service worker for 24 years. I worked in an office and commuted to work every day 18 miles one way. Totally out of the blue one day my supervisor came to me and asked if I would be willing to telecommute. This meant I wouldn't have to drive to work every day, I wouldn't have to put on makeup every day, I wouldn't waste time at work with people stopping by my office and wanting to chat any ole time of the day, and I would have an extra 30 minutes night and morning.

Published · 1,656 views · Rated 4/5 from 1 votes

5 great ways to get rid of clutter simply and easily without all the hassle, worry and fuss. An organizing expert makes it fun to get rid of clutter. About 23 years ago I decided I needed to get rid of clutter in our home. The clutter I am talking about is the clutter of books. I love books, I own a lot of books and I read a lot of books as did my children living at home at the time. We had a lot of books that kept accumulating everywhere in our home.

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We spend so much time in our kitchens shouldn't they be free of clutter and be a place we want to be? How to get rid of clutter in the kitchen in 7 simple steps will lighten you kitchen and put a smile on your face. I was six the year Santa brought me a child's size white wooden cupboard. I can still remember Christmas morning when I saw this cupboard near the tree. It had shelves on top to hold my little tea sets, two drawers and a shelf on the bottom. There were little silver knobs on the doors. I fell in love with it immediately.

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Last week I received a phone call from a local producer of an early afte oo "lifestyle" show. They asked if I would be on the show to talk about getting organized for the New Year. I did appear on the show and I had a lot of fun. The host talked about the 3 most popular goals people set for the New Year. He said they are: 1. Financial, 2. Health, and 3. Organizing. As an organizing expert I am always interested in organizing no matter what time of the year it is.

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If you have pets, you probably know how difficult it can be to keep all their supplies and accessories well organized. If your pet supplies are disorganized, you might not be able to find the items when you need them most. It can be well worth the time and effort to get everything organized and under control. Here are some tips you can use to clean things up quick. Sort and Purge

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Before the busy spring planting season gets here, it can be a good idea to get your existing gardening tools and supplies organized and ready to go. Not only will you be better prepared by getting this task done early, but you'll also have a chance to buy anything that needs replaced or replenished. Plus, it can be a great way to spend a dreary late winter day, allowing you to dream about the warmer days of spring to come. If getting your gardening supplies organized is on your list of things to get done, here are some tips that can make the job a bit easier. Sort and Itemize

Published · 1,168 views · Rated 4/5 from 1 votes

If you're looking for a way to simplify your life and reduce your worries, getting your finances organized should be at the top of your "to-do" list. There's nothing quite as stressful as not knowing where all your bills are, or even not knowing exactly how much money you need each month. Instead of constantly worrying about your finances, why not spend a bit of time getting everything organized? Not only will you be able to pay your bills and take care of your finances in a much faster fashion, but you'll have more peace of mind. Choose a Storage Area

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Checklist for Busy Executives 10 tips for better time management, efficiency and organization by Mary Sigmann, Certified Professional Organizer ® 1. "Bookend" your day with planning and organization. When you start your day with a plan and an organized office, you are able to hit the ground running and accomplish so much more. Each morning, review and revise your "to do" list. At the end of the day straighten up your work space and create your schedule for the following day. 2. Focus on the task at hand.

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I just love the UPS truck when it is parked in front of my home and not just zipping by. I always wail..."come back, leave me something". How about you? Doesn't your mind leap to the possibilities of what he (I have never had a she) is delivering to your door? This was the case yesterday when my DYMO rechargeable desktop label maker was delivered. I am way excited to start using it because I know clearing clutter is easier when things are labeled.

Published · 1,480 views · Rated 4/5 from 1 votes

It is winter here in Utah which means we have a lot of snow in our mountains. With the beautiful and fluffy snow comes snowboarding, snowmobilers and ski enthusiasts and (sorry to say) danger. There are times when accidents happen and an outing of snow sports become deadly. One way this happens is when snow is triggered off the mountain and there is an avalanche. People are buried and rescuers spring into action.

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It was a typical work morning. I was sitting at my desk reading through a report and people were coming into the office greeting each other. I could hear Neil through the partition complaining that he was late to work because he had to help his wife find her keys. The thing is this was literally an everyday occurrence. He would come in, put his brief case down and start grumbling about his wife losing her keys.

Published · 1,573 views · Rated 4/5 from 1 votes

It is more important than ever to be organized when homeschooling. With the children home 24/7 you do want to remain sane. Here are 3 tips for successful home school organization: Papers: Designate a cupboard or shelves in a closet for home school supplies. Give each child her/his own shelf. In the beginning it might be a good idea to label the edge with the child's name.r

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You have heard the saying, "Two things in life are certain: paying taxes and dying". Neither is pleasant to think about but if we don't want to leave our heirs with a lot of paper clutter and extra expense and headaches there are certain things we need to get in order.

Published · 1,600 views · Rated 5/5 from 1 votes

A door is something I take for granite. How about you? How many uses can you think of for a door? Here is my short list: 1. A door keeps people out when we close and lock our exterior doors. 2. It hides gifts in the closet. 3. It hides clutter-it may be time to declutter your home because it hides clutter so well. 4. It is where the door knocker is attached. 5. In our garage the previous owner had attached an old door 3 feet from the ceiling to be used for storage. We store our Christmas tree on this door. 6. A door on the bathroom keeps baths private.r

Published · 1,485 views · Rated 2/5 from 1 votes

Is your home, office or personal life disorganized, and yet each day you fail to start working to correct the problem? If so, chances are you are simply overwhelmed by the thought of starting the job. Most people find that once they start cleaning and organizing, it's actually a lot easier than they had thought it would be. If you need a bit of help taking that first step, here are some ways you can find the inspiration to finally get organized. Think About Stress Relief

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If your home or personal life is chaotic and disorganized, chances are you are wasting at least an hour of valuable time each and every day. You might not actually realize how much time you spend looking for things or trying to deal with the detrimental effects of clutter and disorganization. But, if you took the time to write down the details of your day, you'd quickly see how disorganization is causing you to waste time. Just think of what you could do with an extra hour every day!

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Most people tend to struggle with household clutter, which can be a real detriment when trying to get your house and lifestyle better organized. In many cases, this clutter consists of items that you've saved for one reason or another. Because you've purposely saved the items, it can be difficult to convince yourself to discard them. If you struggle with not wanting to discard items that you view as useful, why not try putting them to good use instead of tossing them in the trash? Not only will you clear your house of clutter, but you'll also have some craft-making fun.

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A lack of time is one of the obstacles that many people blame for the lack of organization in their lives. Job responsibilities, housekeeping tasks, family commitments and other activities do take up quite a bit of time for most people. However, a busy lifestyle doesn't have to prevent you from getting your life and home more organized. In fact, a more organized lifestyle can actually save you a lot of time and effort in the long run. If you never seem to have enough time to get organized, the "Ten Minute" organizational method could be just what you need. Just Ten Minutes

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It was a beautiful cold day outside. I know it is cold when my outdoor thermometer says it is 4 degrees. I thought it might be broken but when it warmed up to 6 degrees I knew it was working as the temperature had changed.

Published · 1,348 views · Rated 4/5 from 1 votes

Are you a big time procrastinator when it comes to getting rid of clutter and it is sapping your energy? Do you feel like you are a bad person and you need to change? Does it cost you money and time? Here are 4 hot tips on getting rid of clutter. Procrastination is just like having a big vacuum with a strong suction hose attached to our skin. It sucks energy out of our bodies and can make us sluggish. This happens even when we don't realize that it is happening.

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There is a practice that I have been using for years when it comes to my schedule and how I allocate my time. It is a habit I started doing years ago because I am very calendar-focused. I pretty much put everything on my calendar. And by everything, I mean even activities that most people wouldn’t think belong on a calendar. Most people schedule in appointments and planned phone calls, both personal and professional. They also layer on social events, such as parties to attend.

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When I was a little girl I always knew when fall was here. After school we would skip and walk and dawdle down to the local grocery store where we would pick out the biggest pomegranate we could find. That is the only time of the year we could buy them. Back then there was no such thing as pomegranate juice, frozen pomegranates or as far as I know recipes using them. I remember biting into that big ball being careful not to let the juice get on my blouse. My friends and I would pick out the seeds one by one and laugh as we stuck out our bright red tongues at each other.

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In the late 1890's the American economy had been hit hard which caused widespread unemployment. This financial crises motivated men to try their luck in the gold fields. Men from all walks of life headed to the Yukon in Alaska. Many were professionals such as teachers and doctors who gave up careers to make the journey. William Howard Taft who because a U.S. President, Jack London the writer and Robert W. Service a folk-lyricist were just a few of them. They probably went for the adventure because their chance of finding significant amounts of gold was slim to none.

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Keeping the family medicine cabinet well organized is important for safety reasons in addition to simple convenience. After all, if you allow the medicine cabinet to fall into disarray, you might not be able to locate the supplies you need in the case of an emergency. It's also easy to overlook outdated medications or a shortage of a particular medical supply if things are not kept neat and organized. If your medicine cabinet is a mess, here are some tips you can use to get it back into shape fast. Start With a Good Cleaningr

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As you start the organizing journey, you may suffer from what I like to call, Temporary Organizing Paralysis. This is when you start organizing, freeze up, stare at all of the stuff and think, "Where do I begin?" "What am I going to do with all of this stuff?"

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It was a cool evening just before dusk. We were in a foreign city enjoying a walk around the streets of an unfamiliar city. My daughter loves ice cream so we were on a quest to find an Italian geliato store which had been recommended in our guide book by Rick Steves.

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It can be so frustrating to want to be organized and try many different things to get organized but nothing seems to work. We are not all the same, we learn differently and we like different things. What will work for one person may not work for another. As a professional organizer I receive questions from people all the time who want to be organized. A sweet young girl wrote me the following:

Published · 2,333 views · Rated 5/5 from 2 votes

One of the greatest challenges for busy, successful and creative people juggling several projects, talents and ideas is to live a well-balanced life. If only we could do all that is on our personal and professional 'to do' lists while simultaneously attending to our health, nurturing our important relationships and taking good care of our responsibilities.

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Imagine you are on a roll, engrossed in a project, in the "flow." All of a sudden, the phone rings, an e-mail alarm goes off, a colleague is standing in your doorway, a text message is coming through on your smart phone, etc. Ah, interruptions. If you didn’t define all of those as an interruption, think again.

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Most of us want to be more productive and focused. We want to get more done in less time, and work smarter, as opposed to harder. But we also live in the real world, where we have responsibilities, to-do's piling up, people relying on us, and a laundry list of tasks that we want to get to.

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If you have a big jewelry collection, you probably enjoy having so many accessory options every single day. But the downside of a growing jewelry collection is that it can be so easy to lose track of small pieces and keep everything neat and tidy. The secret to enjoying your collection is organization. There are countless ways to organize your jewelry. Whatever system you select – and no matter the size of your collection – be consistent. If it’s a small collection, keep it visible.

Published · 2,173 views · Rated 3.8/5 from 4 votes

Most people treasure their jewelry. They wear it proudly, pass it down to loved ones and even insure it. But do they care for it properly on a daily basis? Jewelry gets dirty with simple daily wear. It is exposed to the elements, rubs up against oily skin and gets smudged by makeup, food bits, etc. That is why, at the very least, you should regularly wipe down your jewelry with a clean, smooth, 100 percent cotton cloth. This is especially true with jewelry you wear often – like a wedding ring or watch. Sterling silver jewelry tarnishes quickly when exposed to the air and light.

Published · 2,508 views · Rated 4/5 from 3 votes

Few people enjoy doing laundry, but let’s face it – it’s got to get done. Instead of dreading it, take an afte oon and introduce some simple organization to your laundry room. With just a little effort and some small purchases, you may find laundry a more pleasant task that’s not nearly as time consuming. First, declutter your laundry room. Take out everything that weighs less than 25 pounds or isn’t bolted down.

Published · 2,443 views · Rated 4.3/5 from 3 votes

Learning to let go of things is not an easy task for most people. It does, however, get easier with practice. Here are the most common reasons our clients give for not wanting to part with an item and some strategies to overcome these obstacles: - I might need it later -- A major obstacle for letting go is the thought that you might need it later. You must learn to trust your own judgment. Yes, sometimes a mistake is made, but honestly, things are replaceable!

Published · 1,588 views · Rated 4.3/5 from 3 votes

It seems like kids have more on their plates today than ever before. They are constantly running from one activity to the next. They head straight from school to soccer practice and then they go out skateboarding with their friends. On the weekends, it is a dance recital or Sunday school or a family reunion. Between sports, formal events, and random day-to-day activities, kids today have a lot of occasions for a lot of different kinds of shoes. We all wish life could be a little simpler, but the fact is, you can’t wear your baseball cleats when you’re riding a skateboard.

Published · 3,978 views · Rated 4/5 from 3 votes

Keeping the bathroom clean is a big enough job when it’s only used by one person. When an entire family has to share a bathroom, it can quickly become a gigantic mess. Wet towels hang all over the place. Toothbrushes are piled into a dingy glass. Soaps and shampoos jockey for position on every available ledge, nook and cranny in the shower. Dozens of unidentifiable balms, creams, and moisturizers litter the windowsill. And the medicine cabinet…good heavens the medicine cabinet…. Trying to keep a disorganized bathroom clean is a lost cause.

Published · 3,826 views · Rated 4/5 from 4 votes

Having a washer and dryer in your own home is a luxury that many of us too often take for granted. It is easy to forget what a pain it is wasting a good chunk of your day at the Laundromat when you consider the state of your own laundry room. Most of us don’t have the benefit of extra space for proper laundry facilities. We cram washers and dryers into closets, kitchens, and dingy basement corners. Detergents and dryer sheets end up scattered all over the place. There is nowhere to hang dress shirts. Your family’s clothes are constantly getting mixed together.

Published · 3,152 views · Rated 3/5 from 2 votes

For busy families in today’s modern world, laundry areas can look more like disaster areas. During the winter, moms and dads across America stand vigilant guard by their front doors on snowy days. Their offspring are barred entry when they return home from frolicking in the snow, sent to the back door and straight to the laundry room. This may prevent water from getting tracked through the house, but it also results in an explosion of outerwear in the laundry room Families with children who are old enough to do their own laundry can encounter even worse laundry room traffic jams.

Published · 2,743 views · Rated 3/5 from 2 votes

It is amazing what people will do to get an extra few minutes of sleep. Some people make their breakfast the night before. Some skip breakfast altogether. Some people lay out their clothes for the next day before they go to bed. Others frantically root through their closet in the morning because they hit the snooze button one too many times. People are constantly looking for new ways to cut down on the time it takes to get ready in the morning, but it always seems to take the same amount of time in the bathroom. Well, not anymore.

Published · 2,403 views · Rated 3.3/5 from 4 votes

The bathroom is one area of a house that needs constant attention. Depending on the amount of people who frequent this area, a bathroom may need to be maintained on a daily basis. If your bathroom is not clean, it can be a really uncomfortable situation for everyone involved. Cleaning a bathroom is not exactly a fun time, but once the bathroom is clean, it is well worth the effort. Letting dirt and grime build up for weeks and months is a recipe for disaster. If grime builds up on your shower, tub and countertops, it can be difficult to remove and may even leave stains.

Published · 2,073 views · Rated 3.8/5 from 4 votes

Every room in the home has a function. In many households, the kitchen is one of the most important rooms, and it serves several functions. We all must eat to live and having a clean kitchen is very essential to that need. If you want to have a clean kitchen, it really starts with having an organized kitchen. When you’re cooking, you don’t want to worry about a thick layer of dust on the range or dirty countertops or shelves. However, cleaning can be a chore, even though it does promote a healthy home and safe cooking environment.

Published · 2,929 views · Rated 3.8/5 from 5 votes

Did you know that the average person can only keep seven things in short-term memory at one time? Do you lay awake at night worried that you will forget something important? Are you consistently forgetting about tasks that need to be completed? Before you assume that your memory is failing, try writing your tasks down. - Paper vs. Electronic -- I often get asked which task management system is better -- paper or electronic. There is no one right answer. It depends on your style, mobility, budget, etc.

Published · 1,898 views · Rated 5/5 from 2 votes

A well organized bathroom can be a relaxing haven when you need to take care of yourself. Getting ready to go to work, or out for a night on the town is a lengthy and frustrating process when your favorite essentials are lost in the clutter of an unorganized bathroom. Keeping your bathroom clutter-free will reduce stress, and time wasted looking for missing items.

Published · 2,480 views · Rated 4/5 from 3 votes

You love your jewelry collection. Rings, bracelets, necklaces and earrings can tie an outfit together, make a creative fashion statement, and express your personality. Jewelry also carries a great deal of sentiment. Certain pieces can remind you of a meaningful anniversary or a loved one. These are special accessories that we treasure, and save for special occasions. We hand them down to our daughters and granddaughters. But without the right storage system, it can be a huge hassle to find your favorite pieces.

Published · 4,949 views · Rated 4/5 from 3 votes

Having an organized house is a great way to save time and get the most out of your effort when you dedicate an afte oon to cleaning. One major area that needs to be organized is your closet. Precious time can be wasted trying to figure out what to wear if your closet is unorganized. There are most likely garments at the bottom of your closet that you thought were lost.

Published · 2,404 views · Rated 4.3/5 from 3 votes

You love your home, but you don’t love clutter. A lot can pile up in little time at all. Mail, laundry, media… let’s not even think about the garage. For some, it’s tough to even think about reducing all the clutter in the home. With a little know-how, organizing your living space is a snap. Mail Dominance Mail call doesn’t have to be a disaster with the Mail Sorter Desktop. This classy, faux leather organizer brings order to messy desks. Now, envelopes, magazines, documents, pens and miscellaneous desk supplies all have a tidy home in the five-compartment organizer.

Published · 1,985 views · Rated 3/5 from 1 votes

Let’s talk laundry. More specifically, the laundry room. Is yours well-organized? Does it lack space? Are your laundry products stored close enough to allow you to do laundry quickly and efficiently? If you answered “no” to any of these questions, it’s time to get organized. Consider some of these savvy storage solutions for your laundry room. Roll-Out Laundry Caddy This compact, 3-shelf unit nestles nicely between the washer and dryer. The durable, raised side rails keep everything in place.

Published · 3,559 views · Rated 4/5 from 2 votes

How many earrings –not to mention necklaces and rings– have you lost due to poor jewelry organization? If your jewelry storage option involves a spinning ballerina, then it’s high time for an upgrade to a modern jewelry organizer. From simple hangers to elaborate armoires, today’s jewelry storage options aren’t just efficient, but they’re also lovely to look at. With all these fabulous choices, you won’t think twice about passing that ballerina on to a younger family member.

Published · 3,283 views · Rated 3.7/5 from 3 votes

How is it that shoes can end up in a massive heap in the blink of an eye? And how is it that one shoe manages to burrow down to the depths of the pile, while its mate covertly sneaks off under the bed, often managing to remain hidden for months? It’s time to take control of this shoe war. Fortunately, thanks to these seven types of great shoe organizers, you’ll save lots of time and energy. Cubes Shoe cubes are an excellent way to store men’s and women’s shoes in a cubby-style manner. The Melamine Shoe Cube offers organization of 25 or 15 shoe pairs.

Published · 2,642 views · Rated 3.7/5 from 3 votes

Perfectionism is defined by American Heritage dictionary as a propensity for being displeased with anything that is not perfect or does not meet extremely high standards. Perfectionism is a self-defeating behavior that is often disguised as a virtue. In fact, many non-perfectionists often wish they were more like those they see with “perfect” lives. The unfortunate thing is that dysfunctional perfectionists often live a tortured life in which nothing is ever good enough. One thing to keep in mind while reading this is that a little bit of perfectionism is a good thing at times.

Published · 3,189 views · Rated 3.7/5 from 3 votes

Is your to-do list a mile long? Do you look at the same long list of tasks every day and wonder where to start? If so, how do you choose which tasks you will work on today? Writing down your to-dos or entering them into your task list is only the first step to getting things done. You also need to assign each task to a date when you plan to complete it.

Published · 2,484 views · Rated 4/5 from 5 votes

How many times have you heard someone say, “I never have enough time!”? Maybe you have even said it yourself. I hate to break the news to you...we all have the same amount of time: 24 hours in a day which means 168 hours per week. There is nothing that anyone can do to change it. For some people that is the bad news. There is good news, however. You are in charge of your time.

Published · 2,681 views · Rated 3.3/5 from 15 votes

How clean is your bathroom? If you’re like most of us, though you try your best to keep your bathroom clean, it inevitably becomes a cluttered mess in no time. If this sounds familiar, then try these bathroom organization tips to help keep toiletries out of the way, yet right within reach. Ah, the under the sink area; a prime culprit for bathroom clutter. Sure, it’s a great place to store items, but just how easy is it to grab one thing without knocking half a dozen other items over? Best way to overcome this dilemma: the Gray Expandable Under Sink Shelf.

Published · 3,704 views · Rated 5/5 from 2 votes

Save time and energy spent on rooting through jewelry boxes or nightstand drawers and keep your jewelry neatly in place with a jewelry organizer. Available in a variety of styles and colors, you're sure to come across the perfect jewelry storage for your bedroom or bathroom. Not only will you have easy access to your collection, but you'll also take better care of your accessories when using an organizer since they won't be a tangled mess. See which one is your favorite today! Upright Jewelry Valet

Published · 4,346 views · Rated 4/5 from 2 votes

May is Family Wellness Month. Whether you are a family of one or a family of ten or more, there are a number of ways that you can enhance wellness in your life. This article will speak to wellness in terms of mental health as it relates to a functional space and calendar.

Published · 2,598 views · Rated 3/5 from 3 votes

Going through your day at a hundred miles an hour doesn't leave much time for thought. When you are not thinking you are simply reacting to what happens around you. This anxiety causing cycle will cause you to lose your mind. When you feel yourself spiraling out of control, you must stop. Stop, take a deep breath, and think about what you are doing. Stop to really think about the pieces and parts. What is the next step you must take? Are you doing things in an efficient order? How can you get control of the situation to avoid future anxiety-filled days?

Published · 1,892 views · Rated 4/5 from 2 votes

Clutter has a way of sneaking up on you. It all can start pretty innocently. Let’s say it is something as simple as buying a new pair of shoes. You finally find the right pair and when you get home you go to put them in your closet and realize that all your shoe storage space is accounted for. You are tired from all your shopping so you just throw them in there, figuring you will re-organize later. This is when things can get out of hand in a hurry. First it is one pair of shoes and the next thing you know half your wardrobe is busting out of your closet door. How does it happen so fast?r

Published · 4,975 views · Rated 5/5 from 1 votes

Watching cooking shows on cable television is oftentimes more about indulging a fantasy than it is about learning how to cook a particular meal. The fantasy isn’t about eating the food either. It is about having access to those amazing kitchens! Seeing those unbelievably spacious kitchens being flaunted before your very eyes can throw a normally calm person into a jealous fit. “Does that stove actually have ten burners?” “Look at all that counter space!” “Okay, no one on Earth has such a well-organized refrigerator. This is totally unrealistic.” It can all get pretty exhausting.

Published · 3,974 views · Rated 3.3/5 from 3 votes

If you are really sick and tired of gawking every time that you take a peek inside of your closet, it may be time for some closet organizers to come to the rescue for you. Fortunately, there are tons of great closet organizers that you can find these days, especially if you seek to look for them online—where the best selections can be easily uncovered without even having to step foot outside of your home.

Published · 3,013 views · Rated 5/5 from 1 votes

Most people associate the word “addict” with alcohol or drugs. Reality is that people can become addicted to either a substance or a behavior. As a professional organizer, I work with many clients who are addicted to stuff. What does this look like? Here are some of the signs: o more stuff enters a space than leaves a space o the urge to have the “latest and greatest” is strong o shopping is used as a type of therapy o although clutter may bother a person, it doesn’t affect the person enough to stop acquiring new items

Published · 2,529 views

First college dorm or apartment? Congrats! You’re finally on your own. Chances are, your new place doesn’t have a lot of storage space, especially in the bathroom. Check out these space saving bathroom organizers that make it possible for you to squeeze in all the amenities you need in tiny bathrooms.

Published · 4,319 views

Kitchen clutter got you down? Time to get it together. If you’re like most of us, your kitchen is among the most disorganized spaces in your home. If your kitchen items are so scattered that you’ve had to modify recipes just to avoid tracking down wayward ingredients or appliances, you’ll delight in these handy kitchen organizers that every cook needs. Spice it Up

Published · 3,482 views · Rated 4/5 from 1 votes

Calling all shoe addicts! Do you believe that you can never have enough pairs of shoes? Join the club. Finding adequate space for storing all your shoes can be a big challenge, especially if you have treasured pairs that are easily-damaged. Fortunately, there are many shoe organizer options for the footwear fashionista. Boxes

Published · 4,892 views · Rated 3/5 from 1 votes

If you have a large brood, then you’re unquestionably faced with many storage issues. Among the most common: shoe organization. With lots of people come lots of shoes; heaps, in fact. Shoe organizers are smart storage solutions for big families. With so many different designs available, organizers make it easy to win the shoe storage battle. Rack ’em Up

Published · 7,631 views · Rated 4/5 from 2 votes

Obsessed with accessories? After jewelry fever strikes, collections can go from zero to overwhelming in the blink of an eye. If your collection falls in the latter category, organization is a must. Without the right jewelry organizer, you can easily lose pieces. Also, jewelry casualties can result from improperly-organized accessories. Often –especially with necklaces—they become so intertwined, they must be sacrificed to the jewelry gods. Jewelry organizers are the perfect way to keep your favorite accessories safe and tidy.

Published · 5,341 views · Rated 3/5 from 1 votes

Whew! The tax deadline is behind us! Now, it's time to figure out what to do with that pile of papers covering the desk or dining room table. Not sure where to start? There is an easy way to archive taxes to ensure that you are withi IRS rules. Plus, you don't really have to think about it much each year. First, purchase a box of two-inch box-bottom hanging folders at your local office supply store. Whether they are colored or not is up to you.

Published · 1,638 views

"Waste Time Faster." This is a phrase on a billboard advertising high speed internet. I laugh each time I see it, but it also makes me think about how much time we do waste on the internet. Playing around online is just one of many activities we use to avoid getting things done. Of course, the things we are avoiding are usually things that may be difficult or not so pleasant. Avoidance behavior is a component of procrastination. Some causes of procrastination are task related anxiety, fear of failure, perfectionism, and lack of knowledge.

Published · 2,087 views · Rated 3.5/5 from 2 votes

Has your life gotten out of kilter in some way? Maybe your job doesn’t excite you anymore or you don’t have a job and want one. Perhaps you want to spend more time with family or friends or doing a hobby you really enjoy. Possibly there is something that you have always wanted to do that you haven’t done yet. June is Rebuild Your Life Month. No, I really don’t make these “holidays” up! Let’s take a look at one crucial piece necessary in the rebuilding process.

Published · 1,563 views

Saving space by getting your shoes organized is a great way to remove the clutter around your house. At first glance, it may not seem like shoes are the root cause of clutter. But when you take the time to think about how many different types of footwear are needed for daily activities and events, you realize how challenging it can be to keep them all neat and organized. This is especially the case for people with small closets or a lack of extensive closet shelving.

Published · 1,986 views · Rated 3/5 from 3 votes

Closet organization is important for anybody who wants an efficient, well kept home. Anyone who has struggled with cluttered, unorganized closets will tell you that it is a major headache. When your closet isn’t organized, you’re forced to waste time searching for the clothes, shoes and accessories you need every single day. Luckily, there are easy solutions to save you time and get your closet back in working order.

Published · 1,186 views · Rated 3.7/5 from 3 votes

Organizing dorm room closets can be tricky. Because they’re so small, college dorms pose challenges that are unique and can seem expensive to solve. Many college students have a hard time transitioning from living in their parents’ big houses to these tiny, shared rooms. It can seem impossible to find adequate space for all their belongings. Luckily, you don’t have to leave half of your wardrobe behind to move into a dorm. And you don’t have to spend a fortune on complicated, space saving products.

Published · 3,304 views · Rated 2.3/5 from 3 votes

It’s easy for clutter to accumulate throughout your home. Especially in households with large families, it can be hard to maximize your storage space and find room for everything your family needs. Over time, closets and other storage areas can be taken over with clutter. When your closets aren’t organized, your living space can start to feel noticeably smaller. But you don’t have to surrender to the clutter battle. Getting your closets organized is one of the best ways to increase your overall living space.

Published · 2,140 views · Rated 3.3/5 from 3 votes

Whether you have a jumbled mess of footwear on your closet floor, or simply need a small upgrade for your growing shoe collection, a good shoe organizer can do wonders for household organization. It can be challenging to keep all of your shoes neatly organized. Unorganized shoes are messy, difficult to find and just downright aggravating. Finding a shoe organizer to keep all of your shoes together can save you time and frustration. Review these simple tips and products and start getting your footwear in order today.

Published · 3,594 views · Rated 3/5 from 3 votes

Are you sick of searching for your slippers? Tired of tripping over piles of sandals on the floor of your closet? With a compact, convenient shoe organizer, you can keep all of your favorite shoes right at your fingertips and prevent delicate leather and fabrics from getting scuffed up and coated with dust. If you’re ready to whip your shoe collection into shape, shave minutes off your morning routine and make your living space more organized and serene, check out these amazing shoe organizers. Save as much closet space as possible by hanging a shoe holder over your closet door.

Published · 1,455 views · Rated 2.5/5 from 2 votes

While listening doesn't sound like something required to organize, it actually is an important part of reaching your organizing goals.

Published · 2,132 views

When people leave this world, they always leave a legacy. The legacy might be food, clothing or shelter for those less fortunate. It might be a building used to educate others. The legacy might be children who solve major world problems. These are the bigger legacies. The more obvious ones. Since we all leave a legacy, here are some of the less obvious ones: 1. The person who donated goods to a local soup kitchen each week. 2. Someone who consistently dropped off clothes & household items to a homeless shelter.

Published · 1,461 views

No matter what size your bathroom is, there never seems to be enough space for all the important items you need to have at your fingertips. Towels, toilet tissue, cleaning supplies, beauty products, medicine, first-aid products, hair dryers, toothbrushes — the list is endless. With so many items stuffed into a relatively small room, it’s no wonder that the bathroom is typically the most cluttered room in any house or apartment.

Published · 2,688 views · Rated 3.5/5 from 2 votes

As the seasons change, so does your wardrobe. And as you switch out your breezy summer blouses and T-shirts for cozy fall sweaters and jackets, it can be challenging to find space and maintain order. If you’re looking for creative ways to keep clutter from taking over your closet this season, try experimenting with a closet organizer.

Published · 3,312 views · Rated 3.7/5 from 3 votes

Are you looking to protect your wardrobe from dust, moths, and dirt all while making your wardrobe easier to access? Try one of these convenient closet organizers! These simple products protect your clothes, letting you get more wear out of your wardrobe. What’s more, these organizers will reduce clutter and add much-needed space to your closet. If you’re ready to get your closet clean and organized, take a look at some of these helpful products. With hanging compression bags, you can keep your wardrobe clean while saving closet storage space.

Published · 3,547 views · Rated 3.5/5 from 2 votes

Are your shoes piling up in your closet? Are they scattered haphazardly under your bed? A shoe organizer will help you create order out of chaos by reducing clutter and creating much-needed space. Turn your closet into a tranquil, organized space with these wonderful shoe organizers. Store a dozen pairs of shoes under your bed with products like the Shoes Under space saving solution. This shoe case has a rigid vinyl bottom and clear plastic cover so that you can find your shoes easily and keep them dust free.

Published · 2,650 views · Rated 3.3/5 from 3 votes

Do you feel like you never get to the end of your to-do list? Are there some to-do items that seem to move from list to list? Do you track things to be done on one list, multiple pieces of paper, an electronic device, or in your head? One crucial factor in getting organizing is using time wisely. While there are a myriad of ways to approach the 24 hours you are allotted each day, this month we will concentrate on developing a new habit. And the new habit is: learn to differentiate between tasks and projects.

Published · 1,639 views

A hurricane or tornado is on the way, what should you grab so that you can rebuild your life if necessary? Someone dies unexpectedly, what should they have in place to make it easier for their relatives? Many believe that a natural, weather-related, or man-made disaster won’t affect them. And after-the-fact they regret that they didn’t make any contingency plans. Even if you know that you need to have an emergency arrangement in place, the task of creating such a plan may feel daunting. Let’s see if we can break the process down into doable steps. Step #1: Establish a Plan.

Published · 1,958 views · Rated 4/5 from 1 votes

It is no secret. As people advance through their lives, they generally continue to accumulate more and more personal possessions, whether it’s clothing, tools, electronics, or accessories. And while most people cherish their possessions, many struggle to keep them organize, safe and clutter free. But let’s face it — it is far easier to remember where you put the lawn mower or a sweater than it is to recollect where you misplaced the necklace your grandmother handed down to you!

Published · 2,178 views · Rated 3.2/5 from 5 votes

Are you aggravated by your jewelry collection? Do you find yourself late for work or social events because you wasted time unraveling chains and digging through earrings and pins? Are you so overwhelmed by the mass of metal and baubles in your drawer that you only utilize a small portion of your collection when you accessorize?

Published · 3,275 views · Rated 3.3/5 from 4 votes

What happened? Your kitchen used to be your domain. You were equal parts queen and sorceress, ruling benevolently over your kingdom and creating magical and tasty concoctions for your family. So where did all the magic go? Perhaps your empire has slid into disarray and disorganization to the point where it takes you just as long to find what you need as it does to work your domestic magic.

Published · 3,156 views · Rated 3.8/5 from 6 votes

Are you tired of searching your kitchen cabinets and not being able to find anything? When you open a cabinet, are you flooded by an avalanche of cans, pans, or spices? These are some of the signs that tell you it’s time to organize your kitchen cabinets. The good news is that there are numerous solutions to help you address this problem. Let’s start with the cabinets where you keep food, canned items, foils, wraps, and similar items. Get those cans out of the way with a three-tier can rack shelf that can hold up to 60 cans.

Published · 2,759 views · Rated 3.3/5 from 3 votes

Organizing your closet is one of the most difficult tasks one can perform around the house. You may be in too much of a hurry in the morning to worry about neatness, and you may not have enough energy in the evening to care if your clothes are neatly folded or on the right hanger. More often than not, your goal is to get from one thing to the next as quickly as possible. The problem here is that over time, when you treat your closet like this, it creates a mess.

Published · 2,167 views · Rated 3/5 from 4 votes

It is no secret that many females have an affinity for shoes. Most shoe lovers could own easily over 200 pairs. A true shoe love has an ever expanding footwear collection. But without the right organizational products and systems in place, even moderate footwear fanatics can find themselves with limited closet space.

Published · 2,492 views · Rated 2/5 from 1 votes

The bedroom should be a serene retreat from the chaos of every day life. A place to unwind and rejuvenate. But if clutter is accumulating in your bedroom, it can be almost impossible to relax and get the rest you need to face the day. For some reason, bedrooms seem especially prone to clutter. From books to clothing and little knick knacks, things can accumulate at a staggering pace. If your bedroom is starting to feel like that last place you’d ever want to relax, then it’s time to get organized. The longer you let things pile up, the harder the clean up assignment will be.

Published · 2,688 views · Rated 2/5 from 1 votes

In a truly well organized home, everyone pitches in to keep things neat and tidy. If your home is feeling cluttered, or if cleaning day is stressing you out, here are some simple home organization tips that everyone can use. To get started, you will need to determine how much time you want everyone to devote to cleaning each day, or do you want to dedicate a certain day of the week to cleaning instead? Everything should have a place of its own and everything should be put away if it is not in use.

Published · 2,205 views · Rated 3.6/5 from 5 votes

Let’s be honest. When it is time to start organizing your kitchen, it is fair to say we would rather have someone else do it for us. It is one of those chores we would rather not do or even think about doing. But when it comes to cooking, you certainly do yourself an injustice if your kitchen is not well organized. There is no particular time of year to clean and re-organize your kitchen. But the sooner you get started, the faster you can start enjoying your kitchen again. Some people just do not know where to start.

Published · 2,008 views · Rated 2/5 from 2 votes

Keeping your kitchen organized is a never ending task. It is a project that requires dedication and commitment. It might take you a couple of attempts at organizing before you think you have found the setup that works best for you. One of the ways to keep your kitchen organized is to take the time after grocery shopping to make sure similar items will be stored together. The next time you are ready to go to the grocery store, your new organization will help you figure out what you need to buy, and will stop you from buying items you already have on hand.

Published · 2,505 views · Rated 3/5 from 4 votes

A place for entertaining, communing and, of course eating, the kitchen is in many ways the focal point of any home. But with an ever-hectic lifestyle becoming the norm and cooking reality shows claiming bigger slices of the pop culture pie every day, it’s tough to be an adventurous cook and maintain a spic and span workspace at once.

Published · 1,730 views · Rated 3.5/5 from 2 votes

Whether you’re a budding gourmet chef or just happy with getting a decent meal on your plate every evening, your kitchen is an essential workspace that’s prone to clutter and messes. With an ever-increasing slew of cooking TV shows and contests spawning brand new foodies every day, it’s no surprise that more and more cooking gadgets and appliances are cluttering cabinets and counters everywhere.

Published · 3,341 views · Rated 3/5 from 4 votes

If you’ve been opting for the barefoot or mismatched look lately in lieu of sifting through the jumble of shoes, sandals, pumps, boots, slip-ons and sneakers in your closet, it may be time for an organizational intervention.

Published · 3,847 views · Rated 3/5 from 1 votes

Your bathroom should be one of the most relaxing rooms in the house: a simple, clean haven from the increasingly jumbled, overcrowded and public world outside. If your water closet offers somewhat cramped quarters, keeping all your essential toiletries and linens organized can be a bit of a quandary. Help your powder room achieve its most peaceful potential and get it in order with these helpful bathroom organizers. Toilet Tank Shelf / Space Saver One of the most common places in the bathroom for space to go unused is above the toilet.

Published · 2,799 views · Rated 3.5/5 from 2 votes

Your bathroom should be one of the most relaxing rooms in the house: a simple, clean haven from the increasingly jumbled, overcrowded and public world outside. If your water closet offers somewhat cramped quarters, keeping all your essential toiletries and linens organized can be a bit of a quandary. Help your powder room achieve its most peaceful potential and get it in order with these helpful bathroom organizers. Toilet Tank Shelf / Space Saver One of the most common places in the bathroom for space to go unused is above the toilet.

Published · 2,411 views · Rated 3/5 from 1 votes