What To Shred - Organizing Paper

Once upon a time, my biggest personal organizing challenge was... PAPER. I had piles of it. Folders full. Boxes tucked away. I was scared to death of losing a single piece, just sure that I would need it the moment I threw it away. But I soon realized that I was dealing with a lot more stress by keeping it all, and it was time to fire up the shredder.

You'd probably like to do the same, but which papers are safe to shred? Follow these tips from Jenny C. McCune of Bankrate of what you can shred and what you need to store:

Taxes

• Returns
• Canceled checks/receipts (alimony, charitable contributions, mortgage interest and retirement plan contributions)
• Records for tax deductions taken
• Length of time to keep: Seven years

Bank Records
• Go through your checks each year and keep those related to your taxes, business expenses, home improvements and mortgage payments.
  
• Shred those that have no long-term importance.
• Length of time to keep: From one year to permanently

Bills
• Go through your bills once a year. In most cases, when the canceled check from a paid bill has been returned, you can shred the bill.
  
• However, bills for big purchases -- such as jewelry, rugs, appliances, antiques, cars, collectibles, furniture, computers, etc. -- should be kept in an insurance file for proof of their value in the event of loss or damage.
• Length of time to keep: From one year to permanently

Credit card receipts and statements
• Keep your original receipts until you get your monthly statement; shred the receipts if the two match up.
  
• Keep the statements for seven years if tax-related expenses are documented.
  
• Length of time to keep: From 45 days to seven years

For the full list, check out this article from Apartment Therapy.

Photo Source: Apartment Therapy

Happy Father's Day

In honor of all fathers, I'd like to share a special poem written by my friend and fellow organizer Lisa Graziani.

Father's Way

You were born, He was proud.

He said a prayer, but not out loud.

He was quiet in his heart,

He prayed for strength to do his part.

It was his wish to raise you well.

For you, he'd face the flames of Hell.

He knew he had to teach you right.

And keep you safe both day and night.

He never bought you lots of stuff.

But sang about the dragon "Puff."

A magic dragon by the sea,

And other silly songs sang he.

He played with you in grass and sand.

He carried you and held your hand.

He never filled your room with stuff.

But you didn't care, He was enough.

Not to the store, but to the park.

Is where he took you on a lark.

He taught you how to save your money

To run through fields, both vast and sunny.

He filled your home with warmth and love.

He knew what life was really of.

Life is of love, of truth, of light,

Of always choosing what is right.

Life is of faith, of hope, of joy,

Of being proud of one's girl or boy.

He may be gone, but not forgotten.

His lessons were not misbegotten.

A house should nurture like a womb.

And be the furthest likeness from a tomb.

Don't bury kids with stuff you buy.

Pour out your love, 'til the day you die.

~ 2009 Lisa Graziani, America's Best Organizing Solutions

Just One Drawer

Four and a half years ago, I fell in love with this house. The first time we walked through, I knew it was perfect for my husband and me. Erik loved it too, but he really loves to cook. And this kitchen, though cute and cozy, seriously lacked storage and counter space. Seriously. The drawer you see above is the only one in our kitchen, and it barely has room for our silverware.

Now, in every kitchen I've organized, my client and I have noticed that most of us tend to collect more utensils than we really use. So, in my own home, I first had to choose the utensils that Erik uses the most often. Those are stored in two glass vases on the counter, right next to the cutting board and stove.

Of course, Erik has a lot of utensils, and with all the experimenting he does, they come in handy from time to time. Not often enough, though, to take up valuable space in the kitchen. So, those additional utensils have a home in a plastic three-drawer unit that we keep in our basement pantry.

So, yes, there is the occasional trek to the basement for a kitchen item, but it comes down to this: our kitchen is simple and tidy and EASY TO MAINTAIN, which is much more important than having every kitchen gadget at arm's reach. So, with just one drawer, compromises had to be made, but this cute little kitchen was worth it.

Welcome to Our Home

I recently began working with a new client, who has given me permission to share one of our first conversations, an interesting exchange that has given me renewed appreciation for my own organization. During our first session, Nancy asked me about my own home and wanted an upfront and honest assessment of how organized I am.

Fair enough, I said with a smile. I continued... Being organized means something different to each individual. To me, it means that I am comfortable in my home and not afraid of the occasional unexpected visitor. I rarely spend more than a minute trying to locate something, whether it be a piece of paper, an article of clothing or a special memory item that has been tucked away.

I am happy in my home and lucky to have time to add the special touches that make it a fun, functional space for myself and my family.

Is it perfect? No. Our lives change too quickly, and my daughter is growing so fast, and so I am always making small changes to make sure that I can stay organized. I would be remiss not to mention, though, that I married the most amazing man, and he and I are complete equals in the task of keeping a happy home and family. He works hard as a culinary arts teacher, and here at home, he cooks almost every night. For that, I will be eternally grateful.

I would consider myself to be a private person, but I am so often asked about my own home that I feel it's time to share a few of my own tried and true organizing tips. Stay tuned, and we'll start with the all-important kitchen and the organizing challenge we faced with just one kitchen drawer...

"My Mother's Garden" - April 5 on MSNBC

My Mother's Garden is the story of Eugenia Lester, a 61-year-old woman suffering with a dangerous hoarding disorder. Directed by her daughter Cynthia, the documentary follows Eugenia and her four children as they struggle to face her disorder and pull her out of the piles of clothing, toys, rotting materials and furniture that have filled her home and forced her to live and sleep in her own garden.

Premiers this Sunday, April 5 at 10 p.m. on MSNBC. Check out the preview here.

Photo Source: www.mymothersgardenmovie.com

"Clean Up Your Messy House"

Learn more and watch the preview by visiting The Container Store web site.

Entryway Organizing

This is one of those ideas that just seems so obvious, and yet, how many of us have a designated place for all those miscellaneous bits and pieces that we carry around in our pockets?

I just found this little tip on Ohdeedoh, one of my favorite blogs, and I encourage you to try it.

All you need is a clear jar or open container placed near the most often used entry to your home or where you're most likely to empty your pockets. (That might mean you need a jar in your laundry room as well.) Let the whole family know that the purpose of the jar is to collect their "pocket finds" so that those items don't end up hiding in cupboards and drawers throughout the house.

It's important that you use a clear jar, as a solid or closed-up container will only serve the same purpose as a junk drawer. If you can see the contents of the jar, you're more likely to use them or eventually return those items to their homes.

Photo Source: Apartment Therapy Ohdeedoh

Organizing Holiday Gifts

Happy New Year!!! As usual, it was a whirlwind holiday season, but life is slowly returning to it's normal pace. Decorations are being tucked away. The last of the Christmas cookies disappeared three days ago. And all those wonderful gifts are being put to good use in their new places in our homes...

Or are they?

It's easy to get excited about all the great gifts from friends and family members, but if you're like most of us, there is some stress about finding homes for all of these new "toys." Some gifts need assembled. Others need batteries or power cords. Some just need space, and it seems there's never enough of that.

My advice: Gather up all of the gifts that you've not yet unpacked and put away and find a temporary home where you can keep them all together and out of the way. Now, set yourself to enjoying one gift per day, making sure to take care of it from start to finish. Take the item out of the box and either dispose of that box or designate a place to keep boxes for a short time while you make sure the item works. Now, test it out. Make sure you definitely want to keep the item and will enjoying using it because you only have a short time to return or exchange these gifts. Now, find that gift a home where you will be using the item. If you can't find space, now's the time to create it. If the cupboards are full and drawers are packed, choose the one best suited to your gift and go about clearing it out and making space.

When you work with just one item per day, you can make more time to give each gift a proper welcome into your home and to create the space that will make it fun and functional. Enjoy!!!

Photo Source: www.flickr.com

Small Space Recycling

As the push to "Go Green" becomes stronger, many of us are looking for ways to incorporate recycling into our daily routines. But when small spaces make it difficult to find a home for recycling containers, we often return to our old habits and end up tossing plastic, paper and glass right into the trash.

Consider the slim and simple container above to collect recyclables in your kitchen. The slide-out baskets make it easy to quickly stash your recyclables without having to take them out to the garage or down to the basement. But when it's time to empty those baskets, you can pull them all the way out to dump them into larger recycling containers or to go directly to the recycling center.

Photo Source: Apartment Therapy

Tuna Can Organizer

Need a quick solution to your office supply junk drawer? A dozen clean tuna cans will give you a place for each individual category, so you know where to store these items - and more importantly, find them when you need them!

Photo Source: hgtv.com

Organizing Gifts for Grads

'Tis the season for graduation ceremonies and parties, and if you're at a loss for just the right gift for your grad, consider fun and functional organizing products. These photos from The Container Store are full of great ideas, from hanging shoe sorters to underbed boxes, and funky baskets to colorful clothes hampers.

So, whether they're staying at home with Mom & Dad, heading off to a college dorm or looking for a first apartment, products such as these will give their space style and hopefully encourage order and organization!!!


Storage cubbies, desk accessories, wipe-off calendars and message boards are also great gifts to consider and can be found at your favorite home or office-supply store.

Photos: The Container Store

Zoey's Inspiringly Organized Studio

I could not resist the urge to share one more photo illustrating the organizing potential of cubbies! (And I certainly won't hold back when I come across other inspiring examples...)

I was searching the web for photos of how people across the country organize their cubbies, when I came across this one above. It caught my eye immediately and even motivated some serious thinking about how to add flexible and eye-catching storage to my own home office. I took a look at the name of this photo's owner and was surprised to find that she is none other than one of my new friends!

Zoey and I met while working together at The Blissful last November, and since then we've both begun working there part-time to give Abby (the very busy owner of the French-inspired shop) a little more time to let her creativity soar. (If you're in the mood for more home decor inspiration, be sure to check out her Blissful blog!)

Zoey, Abby and Debby (Abby's mom) have been very generous with their ideas for bringing beautiful, personal touches to the home (and to life in general), and I look forward to many more years of this creative exchange!

The cubbies above are white wire cubes that can be assembled in a variety of arrangements. I purchased a similar product in blue from Target for my Kidz Day setup last July. They are easy to set up and very sturdy. The possibilities are endless! Thank you, Zoey, for letting me share this photo!

Photo Source: Flickr.com

Crazy About Cubbies

In my last post, I gave a suggestion for displaying your favorite mementos on your walls with individual wall cubbies, but what if you need more storage than those small cubes can offer? Well, I'm really on a cubby kick right now because they are usually pretty easy to install, incredibly flexible, great for any decor and really easy to keep organized!

Check out the fun examples I found of homeowners and apartment dwellers using cubbies in clever, creative ways. The photo above shows how you can keep large and small items neat and orderly in their own cubbies. Use decorative baskets (matching or not) to corral smaller items and proudly display the larger items as if each cubby is it's own artistic statement.


This photo (above) shows how cubbies can be used to organize the "stuff" of teenage life, including books, magazines, photos, notes from friends and all the mementos of a fun childhood.

And speaking of books, check out this example of an easy-to-organize bookcase. If you look past the books, you can see that this set of cubbies is not pushed against the wall, which means it also serves as a stylish room divider.

If you are thinking of using cubbies in your own home, check back soon for more creative ways to use these unique storage pieces...

Photos: www.flickr.com

Organized Wall Art

When it comes to displaying your favorite collectibles or prized possessions, consider a fun alternative to your standard shelf or bookcase. Individual wall cubbies, like these from Target, are a quick and easy way to add interest to bare walls.

From an organizer's standpoint, these simple pieces are also great for setting limits on the number of chotchkes that you can display, which means you'll have a cleaner, calmer look. And instead of being lost on a cluttered shelf of "stuff," each piece will receive the attention it deserves in its new place of honor.

Photo Source: www.target.com

Pull-Out Shelves for Organized Cupboards

Cooking supplies can be some of the most frustrating items in a home to keep organized. Often, their odd sizes and shapes make stacking difficult, and there's nothing as jarring to the senses as the uproar of a dozen pots and pans tumbling out of an overstuffed cupboard.

While newer homes are incorporating stylish organizing solutions into the kitchen, most older cupboards and kitchen drawers are hardly ideal. Consider updating your storage with pull-out shelves, likes these custom units from Rev-a-Shelf. You can find similar solutions at your local home improvement store and at places like the Container Store, which are often easy enough to install yourself. Or, if you've budgeted for a kitchen remodel, consider hiring a professional to create the organized space of your dreams.

Photo by Frences Janisch for Domino Magazine

Organizing Statistics

About 80% of the clutter in your home is a result of disorganization, not lack of space. Getting rid of excess clutter would eliminate 40 percent of the housework in the average home, according to the National Soap and Detergent Association.

Realtors regard 'first impression' improvements such as decluttering closets to be one of the smartest ways to spruce up your home before putting it on the market.

We wear 20 percent of the clothes we own 80 percent of the time. The rest hangs there, just in case. ~ Calgary Herald (Alberta, Canada) 1/18/04

Hidden Office

Photo Source: marthastewart.com

I love this idea from MarthaStewart.com, especially since it would be so easy to create.

For those who don't have an extra room to dedicate to use as a home office, the family room often becomes the most likely space for paying bills, working on a laptop computer and performing other office-type duties. Why not keep your filing close at hand but cleverly hidden in a decorative trunk or chest?

For a simple version of this office in a chest, use inexpensive filing frames cut to fit your piece of furniture. For all the bells and whistles you see above, check out these detailed instructions!

Decorative Trashcan

Photo Source: target.com

If your's is like most homes, you probably have your kitchen trashcan tucked away in a cabinet under the sink. Due to the limited space, that trashcan might not be very big or practical, which means you have to empty it a lot more frequently than you would like.

Consider freeing up that valuable cabinet space by bringing your trashcan out into the kitchen. It will be more easily accessible and can be large enough to use 30-gallon bags, rather than the standard 13-gallon kitchen trash bags.

In my own kitchen, I use a wicker hamper similar to the one above, with a removable lid and fabric liner. I keep a roll of trash bags in the bottom, so that whenever a bag is full and taken out to the garage, I can quickly replace the bag.

In an old home with only three under-the-counter cabinets and one Lazy Susan, I can certainly use the extra space under my sink for the cleaning supplies and other kitchen necessities that I want to keep tucked away.

Organizing Receipts

Photo Source

The last time you revamped your old filing system, did you include files for your various receipts? If so, did you keep up with that new system, or did the constant influx of receipts (groceries, clothes, books, toys, home improvement....) frustrate you enough to say "forget it!"

There's no need to toss those receipts when a simple desk spindle or receipt spike like the one above will make saving and finding receipts quick and easy. Keep it where you often find yourself emptying your pockets or cleaning out your purse.

I would recommend filing your most important receipts (appliances, electronics, etc.) and the ones you'll need when it comes time to file your taxes. But receipts for clothing, home supplies, and other items can be easily accessed from this spindle. And once it's full, you know that the receipts near the bottom are the oldest and should be the first to be tossed or filed to make room for current receipts.

Every Paper in its Place

Photo Source: thecontainerstore.com

Everyone knows that one small pile of papers on your kitchen counter will soon become a great BIG pile. And if left alone for too long, that pile will become two piles. And then three, and four and five... until the paper army threatens to completely unhinge you!

~

Consider creating a new household rule: EVERY PAPER IN ITS PLACE.

~

To make sure you're prepared to follow-up with that rule with yourself and others, create a home for each of the categories of papers that you have in your home. Obviously, a good filing system will make life much easier, but what about the incoming mail, unpaid bills, kids' school papers, etc. that are constantly coming into and out of the home?

~

One possible solution is to hang wall pockets near the most frequently used entrance to your home. Label each pocket with the categories that will suit your needs. (Consider a pocket for each of these common categories: To Do, To File, Unpaid Bills, Coupons & Gift Cards, Current Magazines & Catalogues.) For young children, consider using wall pockets as In/Out boxes. When they have papers you need to see or sign, they place them in their IN box. When you have signed those papers, move them to the OUT box, and make sure your children clear out their OUT box each morning before heading to school.

Spring Cleaning & Organizing

Photos Source: flickr.com

I couldn't resist the urge to share these incredible photos with you, as I am anxiously awaiting the first warm day to open my windows and my home to Spring's fresh air.


We are coming upon one of the best times of the year to tackle the organizing projects that we've put off for so long. Spring reawakens our minds and our bodies and fills us with an energy that we've come to miss as the winter weather drags on. I encourage you to embrace that energy and plan ahead to make the most of this time.

Begin by jotting down a list of the tasks you hope to complete in the next few months, including any major cleaning projects that have been on your mind. Now, rewrite the list, with the most important projects at the top, so that you are sure to tackle them first.

Set aside a small portion of each day or each week that you will commit to cleaning and organizing, and if you can enlist the help of a family member or friend, the two of you can make sure that you stay on track to reach your goals!

Taming Car Clutter

Photo Source: flickr.com

Here's a quick idea for keeping your vehicle clean and organized... take just a quick moment now to gather up a handful of plastic grocery bags that you saved from your last trip to the store. Now, hide these bags under the driver's seat in your vehicle and go about the rest of your day.

Now, the next time you're out and about and you have a little time waiting in a parking lot (not in traffic!) take one of those bags and fill it with any trash or clutter that has collected in the car. Once the vehicle is clear of that trash, keep it up by using a new bag as a trash bag whenever you're in the car for an extended period of time.

For long road trips with kids, tie a bag on the back of the seat in front of each child and encourage them to use it to keep the vehicle clean for everyone!

Shedding Light on Organized Living

Photo Source: flickr

As you think about the spaces in your home where disorganization and clutter flourish, do the darker recesses of those spaces cause you additional concern? Dark closets, deep cupboards, hidden spaces under the furniture, forgotten corners... these spaces are often the hardest to keep organized, and one main reason for this is the lack of light reaching these areas.

Improving the lighting in your living spaces can awaken your senses and bring new energy to your organizing projects. Consider opening curtains, adding new lamps and positioning mirrors to reflect as much light as possible. There are also a variety of lights that can be added to those dark spots mentioned above, such as tap-lights and under cupboard LED lights.

With these new lights, the clutter will be exposed, but once that clutter has been sorted and the space organized, that light will show off the space you've now regained. And a well-lit home is easier to keep organized, as you will appreciate and work to maintain these bright new spots of your beautiful home.

"Drop-Spot" Display

Last Saturday, I was invited to a wonderful event at the Masillon Woman's Club that featured several great speakers, exhibitors and activities specially geared toward today's woman.

I brought along my newest display, a sample drop-spot that could easily be customized to any home. Some of the pieces you see in the photo above are the products that I use in my own home, but there are thousands of incredible organizing products that would complement any style and decor.

One of the major stressors that my clients share with me is the area nearest the most often used entrance/exit to the home. Mail, bookbags, purses, keys, shopping bags and more will often pile up here, making it difficult for them to find what they need when they leave the home each day.

When you designate a space or "home" for each of these frequently-used items, you will save yourself the frustration of searching for lost keys, wallets and cell phones, and you'll enjoy the function and beauty of your newly organized space.

* Note that my purse had a home of its own on this display. This idea received a great response, as many of us will leave our handbags on the floor, the kitchen counter, or the table, and occasionally lose track of where we last left it. Simply adding a decorative hook to your wall will give your handbag or purse a safe spot to reside, making it easy to grab on the go!

Remove those Awkward Closet Doors!

Photo Source: http://www.flickr.com/

While today's new homes are being built with ample closet space and much more efficient designs, older closets can often be tricky to organize and maintain. I have found that one of the simplest ways to make a closet more useful, especially for kids, is to simply remove the doors.

You can certainly keep the doors and store them away in case you would later want to put them back up for yourself or to sell your home. But I encourage you to try removing the doors while you organize your closet and leave them off to see how much easier it is to maintain that organization. An open closet is one that is much easier to use and can also be more stylish and appealing.

Bi-fold and sliding closet doors have a way of hiding extra space in a closet, making it difficult to access. By removing the doors, you open up the entire closet, making more room for you wardrobe. Leaving it open will also encourage you or your children to keep their closets neater.

If you would like the option to occasionally hide your closet's contents from view, consider installing a curtain rod and curtain that can easily be pulled aside to access the interior.

* Fun Tip: Painting the inside of the closet in a different color from the walls around it will make the space even more eye-catching and decorative. Giving a closet its own unique and special touches will encourage your kids to make the most of their fun new space!

Pretty & Organized

Photo Source: www.flickr.com

If I've said it once, I've said it a hundred times... in most cases, you must sort and purge your belongings BEFORE you purchase your organizing containers and supplies! BUT, once you know what you will be keeping and how much space those items will need, feel free to take that organization to the next level with coordinating pieces.

Consider this final touch to your hard work the ultimate reward and a special tool to make maintaining the space more enjoyable!!!

Peter Walsh on Oprah Feb. 7

Photo Source: www.unclutterer.com

Peter Walsh is at it again, and I think his next Oprah episode will be quite an eye-opener! Tune in to Oprah this Thursday, February 7 for "Does This Clutter Make My Butt Look Fat?"

Watch this preview to learn more about how Walsh will make the connection between the clutter in your home and the clutter in other parts of your life.

Organizing Books

Photo Source: www.flickr.com


In almost every home that I have worked, I have found that books (in addition to all the paperwork) are often an overwhelming part of the overall clutter. I'm not surprised because I, too, love books and like the look of them lined up neatly on shelves. They represent knowledge gained and information shared, and it's a comfort to know they're nearby when I need inspiration, information or an escape from the "everyday."

Unfortunately, when the number of those books gets out of hand, they are no longer a source of comfort and enjoyment, but rather of stress and disappointment. The key is to make sure that you keep only the books that you truly love and can comfortably display in your home. If your books are boxed up and tucked away in the attic or basement or hidden under the rest of your clutter, how important are they really?

Before you begin to sort and purge your books, establish a limit to amount you can keep. If you have three large bookshelves in your family room or office, then commit to using only that space for books.

From there, begin to edit your "collection" by sorting through your books and keeping 4 for every 1 that you donate. If you still have too many, go through them again and keep only 3 for every 1 that you donate. Eventually, you will find yourself with your favorite and most treasured books, and they will have a place of honor on your bookshelves.

The final step is to maintain this order by committing to donating one old book for each new one that comes into the home.

Photo Source: www.flickr.com

Photo Source: www.flickr.com

The Cost of Clutter

Photo Source: flickr.com

An excerpt from Peter Walsh's "It's All Too Much"

"What's (clutter) costing you emotionally?"

"We often hold on to stuff we don't need because we feel emotionally attached to it... Our possessions can remind us of a time past or someone we've lost. A set of china is a family heirloom that one's grandmother loved. This bassinet is a souvenir of an age one's kids will never be again. These cheerleader pom-poms are a memento from 'the best time' of one's life. But it's time to look at the other emotions that come with living in an overstuffed home. No one should feel stressed out when they open the door to their own home. No one has to. Your home is within your control. It should be the place where you escape all negative forces in the world. Your home should be the antidote to stress, not the cause."

~~~~~~~

If you are stressed and suffering in a house full of clutter, Walsh's words probably hit close to home. His point is one that we don't often consider when we tuck away one special memento after another. If we fill our homes full with items from the past, some that we won't see for many years, what kind of present are we living? It's easy to place a value (both emotional and financial) on our possessions, but what about the value of the space that we lose to these items?

"It's All Too Much"

Chances are, you know who Peter Walsh is, and you know that he has conquered unimaginable clutter in his days as a professional organizer. His work and his books have been featured on Oprah many times, and if you saw his last appearance on her show, you were most likely stunned by the incredible project that he tackled. (I encourage you to check out several clips from that show.) Just imagine a 3,000 square foot home filled with 75 tons of garbage and enough donated items to fill a giant warehouse! It was a shocking program, but one full of hope that anyone can conquer their own clutter with the right tools, a new mindset and proper support.

If you have not yet read his book, I urge you to check it out. If clutter or disorganization is sapping your quality of life, then as Walsh writes, it's time "to change the way you see the stuff in your life."

In future posts, I will share some snippets of his powerful book and encourage you to use his words to meet your own organizing goals...

Bathroom Tricks

http://www.flickr.com/photos/thelazyorganizer/533377543/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/ohmystinkinheck/1709607965/

An organized bathroom is one of the best ways to start your day. In the top photo, you can see how small containers will keep a chaotic drawer from becoming a daily frustration.

The bottom photo shows how you can use the same hair styling holster that is used in your favorite salon. Your hair dryer, curling iron and straightening tools will be at easy reach, instead of in a heap of tangled cords on the floor.

Crafting in the Kitchen

Photo Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/moline/394367091/

I just had to share this photo I found on Flickr.com. The homeowner who created this nifty space wrote the following: "Here I have my paper stuff for writing, cutting, gluing and the collage stuff. It is in the kitchen, so I can always reach it and the children can get crafty, too."

It's easier to stay organized when the items you need for a certain task are near to where you perform that task. This woman and her children like to get crafty in the kitchen, so she created the space she needed to make the most of a creative moment!

Put It Out There!!!

After reading the article from my previous post, I couldn't quit thinking about the value behind the advice to put your goals in writing. Not only does it help to set those goals in motion, but you would be amazed at the pressure that it can take off your mind.

If you are like thousands of other Americans, determined to get organized this year, I strongly urge that you write out your organizing goals. To keep from getting overwhelming, focus on one room or project, such as "I want to organize my paperwork, once and for all!!!"

Next, write down why you want to accomplish this goal. "I want to know that I can find my important papers when I need them. I want to worry less about whether or not I'm handling my paperwork in a timely fashion. I want less stress in my life, so that I can relax and enjoy my home."

Finally, break down your main goal into a list of simpler projects. 1. Set up new home and system for incoming mail and papers. 2. Set up basic filing system. 3. Gather all papers together in one place. 4. Sort one small pile at a time, adding papers to filing system, creating a To Do pile and purging non-essential papers. 5. Tackle To Do pile. 6. Maintain new systems by setting aside 5 minutes a day to address incoming paperwork. 7. Reward to Myself! Reorganize and decorate home office!!!

Once you've accomplished your first goal, try this method with other goals, and hopefully you'll find that it's much easier to stay committed and motivated as you make 2008 a happy, healthy and organized year!

Top 10 Resolutions for 2008

Franklin Covey polled 15,031 of its customers for their annual New Year's Resolution Survey. The results show that Americans are hopeful for a happy, healthy and organized new year!!!

1. Get out of debt or save money
2. Lose weight
3. Develop a healthy habit (e.g., exercise or healthy eating)
4. GET ORGANIZED!!!
5. Develop a new skill or talent
6. Spend more time with family and friends
7. Other
8. Work less, play more
9. Break an unhealthy habit (e.g., smoking, alcohol, overeating)
10. Change employment

I encourage you to read the entire article "The Top New Year's Resolutions for 2008 and How to Keep Them" at http://rismedia.com/wp/2007-12-19/the-top-new-years-resolutions-for-2008-and-how-to-keep-them/.

Saving Kids' Special Papers

Birthday cards, art projects, notes from friends, A+ writing assignments... kids collect pieces of paper as quickly as we do, and they need an easy system for keeping and storing it all. One suggestion I've made to many of my clients is to have two places where these special memory papers are kept.

The first part of this system would utilize some simple drawers such as either of these two containers above that I found at www.target.com. Label each drawer with one child's name, and be sure to label one drawer "Family Memories," for all of those cards and papers that are important to all of you. Keep these drawers in a handy place, and make sure that everyone knows that any papers they want to keep should be placed in their drawer. (You can also

At the end of the school year (or once the drawers are full), take all of the papers out of the drawer and have your children sort through them to see if they still want to keep them all. Once they've decided what to keep, it's time to put these papers in long-term storage. Use a large plastic tub or container that can be kept in an out-of-the-way place such as the basement or attic. Get one container per child and label it again with their name - "Josh's Papers" or "Anna's Special Memories."

And when your children are ready to take a trip down memory lane, their special boxes will be waiting for them...

Holiday Organizing Gifts

Adding a little organization to the life of a friend or family member is a gift they will appreciate for years to come. We all know someone who dreads digging through old boxes of holiday decorations, only to find that special pieces or ornaments have broken or gone missing since last Christmas. Consider giving one of the following gifts to make the holidays a little less stressful for your loved ones.

You can find these pieces at many of your favorite home stores or online at some of the following sites.

~ Ornament Storage Containers ~ Protect fragile ornaments from dust and breakage in a container made just for these special decorations. Pictured above - Noble Ornament Storage Chest from www.containerstore.com.


~ Christmas Tree Storage Bag ~ Artificial trees rarely if ever fit back in the box they came from! Store them in a protective storage bag to be sure they'll be beautiful for years to come. Pictured above: Artificial Christmas Tree Storage Bag from www.organizeit.com
~ Gift Wrap Organizers - Your friend or family member will love having a place to store all of their gift wrap, bags, ribbons and tools in one convenient carry-all. Picture above: Gift Wrap Station from www.target.com.

~ Outdoor Timer - Save Dad the hassle of running out in the cold to turn the Christmas lights on and off each night. An outdoor timer will take care of the lights for him. Pictured Above: Intermatic Outdoor Timer from www.lowes.com.
~ Holiday Dinnerware Storage - Mom will love having a special place to safely store her holiday dishes. Look for containers that provide plenty of cushion to protect each and every piece. Pictured above: Holiday Dinnerware Storage Set from www.containerstore.com.

Another Organized Spice Cabinet!

After my last NAPO Ohio meeting in Columbus, I stopped to visit my sister-in-law Jen at her home near Worthington. She told me that she and my brother John had taken the advice of one of my first posts to this blog and had organized their spice cabinet with steps made from 2-by-2's. What a huge compliment! Their cabinet looks amazing, and I'm honored to share the results!

Learn how you can complete this simple project in just a few quick steps!

To-Go Tote

Photo Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/turniptopia/122541481/

Get things done on the go with a special tote bag dedicated to running errands and staying organized.

Attach a hook to the wall near the door that you leave the house from each day. This is where you'll hang your To-Go Tote each time you come into the house or once you've finished using it.

As you go through your day or evening at home and you come across items that you'll need when running errands later, place them in your To-Go Tote, and you won't forget them the next time you leave the house. Just be sure to grab the tote each time you head out!

Extra Tip: Keep blank notecards and envelopes in your To-Go Tote. The next time you're out and waiting for an appointment or to pick up the kids, you can write that thank you note you've been meaning to get to!!!

Conscious Clutter Prevention

BEFORE

AFTER

A room that is infrequently used or undefined in its purpose will often become a magnet for miscellaneous items that don't have a specific place for display or storage in the home. This is something that most of us struggle with, myself included, but I have found that being alert and conscious of the choices made about these items can make a big difference.

In this room above, the homeowners found that its close proximity to the kitchen, the family hub, made it the easiest place to stash those miscellaneous pieces. It began with only a stack of magazines here and an extra chair there. Over time, those orginal items became hidden or lost under new things. It's easy to do, but can also be easy to remedy. In just a few hours, we sorted and purged and revealed one of the most beautiful floors I've ever seen. We then established a clear purpose for the room but left space on tall bookshelves (not pictured) to place items in limbo, while a better home is established for them. Maintenance is key, and when those shelves become too full, it's time to take action and clear them off.

One technique that helps with this clutter issue is to really think about an item and its purpose before setting it down in the home. Think about where the item would best be stored or displayed, and then make room for it there. If there is no room, decide if you really need the item, and if you do, you will most likely have to part with another item (probably one you've not used in a long time) to make room for it.

Holiday Cards in the Car

Writing and addressing holiday cards is a task that I always strive to finish by the end of November, and this year, I've made it much easier to do so. Today, I gathered up the cards, address book, stamps and my holiday-card list and put them on the passenger seat of my car. Now, I'm sure not to forget about them, and I'm happy to have something to do during those odd moments waiting in the car before an appointment or other engagement. I encourage you to do the same, and if you find yourself out and about with a little extra time, why not treat yourself to an hour at a coffee shop, where you can finish your cards and enjoy a white chocolate mocha or maple cappuccino? Better yet, invite a friend to join you to work on your cards together!!!

Three-Hour Makeover

BEFORE
AFTER

BEFORE

AFTER

Estimating the time it will take to complete any project is one of the most difficult parts of my job as a professional organizer. When I first assessed this room of an 11-year old boy, I assumed that good progress would be made in the first three-hour session, but that it would not be enough to complete the sorting and purging phase of the process. I was pleasantly surprised when the boys' mom and I were able to completely sort his entire room and closet in only three hours.

I returned a few days later to meet with the young boy and discuss my ideas and some new systems for helping him maintain that order. He now has designated and labeled spaces for all of his clothing, school papers, memorobilia, camping gear, assorted collections and miscellaneous toys and electronics. And while his room might not always stay clutter-free and perfectly organized, it is now much easier for him to quickly clean up, put his things where they belong and then find them later when he needs them.

Holiday TO-DO List

Photo courtesy of Flickr - http://www.flickr.com/photos/fredykhor/327255887/

The holiday season is drawing near, and I'm sure by now you've had one of those overwhelming moments thinking, "There's so much to do!!!"

You are not alone, and while it may seem that everyone else is already finished with their shopping and looking forward to a relaxing holiday, those folks are a rare breed.

To ease your stress this season, try writing a holiday To-Do list. The items on this list might seem a bit obvious if you've been doing them for many years, but I think you will still be pleasantly surprised by how this simple step can save a lot of time and worry.

Start by writing down everything that is a must for you this season. (For me, a decorated tree and outdoor lights are very important. A list of people I will shop for and the dates of parties I can attend will also be tops on the list.) Then, write down anything that you would like to get to if you have the time. (Baking holiday cookies would be great, and making my own gift tags would be a fun project.) Now, post your list where you will see it each day and where you can easily jot down any other notes pertaining to your holiday preparations. Give priority to the items at the top of your list, and with any luck, you will find time for the hopefuls as well.

You will be amazed how this list will ease your mind. When we don't put our thoughts to paper, the same thoughts and worries will cross our minds several times a day because we are afraid we will forget about what we need to do. If you've written your To-Do list, consult it each day, and you will find that you can allow yourself to be more relaxed about your holiday planning.

Home Decorating Challenge

I recently ran into an old friend of my parents' at the holiday open house of The Blissful (an incredible little shop that you really need to see, especially before you do your holiday shopping ~ www.theblissful.com). This friend told me that she had purchased an antique door at the shop a while back but had not yet decided how to use it to compliment the decor in her home. Interestingly enough, my husband had purchased an antique door for me a couple of years back, and he and I used it to frame a favorite print on a slim wall in our dining room.

My conversation with this friend reminded me of so many other friends and clients who have an array of home furnishings and other decor that are currently waiting to be displayed in the home. Some of these items need to be hanged or painted or recovered in new fabric. Some are fine just the way they are, but we aren't sure where to put them, or we might not even have the room for them. The saddest of these items are the ones that languish away in the basement or the back of the closet, and by the time we see them again, they've lost that newness and shine that called out to us in the first place.

My challenge to you is this. Set aside one afternoon to make some real decisions. Go in search of these unused items and unfinished projects in your home. Bring them all together so that you can see what you have and make some real estimates about how much time it would take to finish all that is in front of you. Now, comes the hard part, but it gets easier as you go, trust me. Pull out everything that you no longer like and know that you will never get to. If possible, load those items into the car in preparation for a trip to a donation drop-spot. Now, pull out the items that you definitely want to keep, absolutely can't part with and know that you will be able to make time for in the next month. Take a good look at these items and keep them in mind when addressing what is left from the original pile. Now, with the rest of the items, be completely honest with yourself about how long you've had each piece, how much work is required to add it to your home decor and how much you truly love it. Make a decision about each item and transfer it to the Keep pile or the car.

Once you are finished, take the items to be donated immediately. Then, find an out-of-the-way spot for the Keep items, but not someplace where they will be forgotten. MAKE A LIST of these items with space near each one to write down anything that you might need to purchase or do to ready them for placement in your home. Give yourself a time limit for adding each item to your home decor, and if you aren't able to meet that deadline, allow yourself to let the item go, knowing that you have other projects that you WILL complete and add to your home (as well as new items that you will purchase in the meantime!) Post this list where you are sure to see it, and devote a little time week to seeing that you are able to cross each item off, one at a time.

Take Ten - Closet Quick Sort

Now that the days are cooler and winter is fast approaching, this is the best time to organize your closets and make room for warmer clothing. If you only have 10 minutes, pull out all of the spring and summer clothing that you did not wear this year. Because trends and styles are constantly changing, there's a good chance you won't wear them again next year, so save yourself the stress and guilt by getting rid of those pieces. Take them out to your car, so that you can take them to a donation drop-off the next time you're out running errands.

If you have a little more time, carefully fold your remaining summer clothing and store it somewhere besides your closet, so that you have plenty of room to see all of your fall and winter wardrobe.

Unfinished Projects

During every in-home consultation, one of the most important questions I ask is "Have you tried to get organized before?" I then continue with, "If so, how did you do it? What worked? What didn't?"

I have found that the large majority of my clients have made many attempts on their own to get organized. The motivation strikes, and they dive into a project with the hopes of clearing the clutter and making life easier. But a few hours or a few days into that project, and they find themselves in deeper than they started. Eventually, everything goes back to the way it was.

So, why is this? Why is it so hard to complete an organizing project and maintain a higher level of organization? Well, the first reason is a lack of planning. Before you get started with any organizing project, you want to think about your ultimate goals and how you want to use the space. Make sure you have all of your organizing tools ready, including a notebook, pen, scissors, tape, assorted labels, trash bags, and several empty containers or boxes. Once you begin the project, keep your goals in mind while you decide what to keep, what to donate or sell and what to relocate to other areas in your home.

The second reason for unfinished projects is that we often start in the wrong places. When faced with a cluttered or disorganized room, we start by clearing out drawers and cupboards to make room for the items left out on tables and counters. But after an hour or two of this, the room itself becomes even more cluttered and overwhelming, discouraging us from continuing. To head off this problem, tackle the visible clutter first. Once you've tossed or donated what you don't need, keep the rest of the items in a box or boxes in a low-traffic area. Then, one at a time, clear out your drawers and cupboards, making room for the items in that box.

Getting organized can take a little or a lot of time, but no matter what your situation, you want to break it up into manageable projects that will keep you motivated and energized!!!

An Organizer's Paradise!

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When organizing with my clients, I always work to use their current belongings and containers without having to purchase anything new. But there are times when purchasing a particular item or organizing system will make the process easier and even more fun to maintain.

Once a month, I make a trek to the Container Store in Columbus, and I always spend at least an hour browsing the aisles and checking out new products. I will also shop for products that my clients' have requested, saving them the two-hour trip.

But if you're looking for something to do on a weekend, I highly recommend checking out this incredible store. You'll find everything you need, from containers to closet systems, and there are plenty of helpful sales associates to answer your questions.

Though the prices might seem a little high on some items, the quality of these products is top-notch, and you'll find that if you buy the right item for a project, you'll only buy once.

The Container Store is located at 4222 Easton Loop West in Columbus at the Easton Town Center. Check out the store's web site at http://www.containerstore.com/.

Take Ten - Organize Cooking Utensils

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If you have a crock or jar on your kitchen counter for cooking utensils, there's a good chance that it's so packed you have trouble getting utensils out and cramming them back in!!!

So, take ten minutes to organize this space, and save yourself that daily frustration when it comes time to cook!

First, empty out the crock and take a good look at the utensils. If you haven't used a utensil in the past year, you can probably toss it. If there are any tools that you only use once a month or less frequently, is there a better place for them? You want to make sure that only your most frequently used utensils are kept on the counter, so once you've determined which tools they are, place them back in your crock. If the crock is still too full, then consider adding another crock and transferring a few tools over. That way, you'll avoid the stressful struggle to cram your utensils back in their assigned space!

Cute Idea for Kids Clothes!

If you're short on closet space, here's a great way to store and display all those adorable kids' clothes. Using metal pipe and other materials available at your local hardware store, create a closet frame on a wall in your child's bedroom.

As you can see from the photos above, the look is industrial chic and can easily blend with most kids' bedroom decor!

Easy Spice Cupboard Project

If your spice cupboard or drawer is clean and organized and easily stays that way, then you are most likely highly organized in every aspect of your life! Congratulations!!!


My guess is, though, that like most of us, the spice cupboard is a constant source of frustration, even if you have the time to regularly clean it out. Due to my organized nature, I've managed to keep my own spice cupboard from becoming overwhelming, but until recently, it still was a pain to find the right spice without having to pull out several bottles to find the right one.

Part of the problem is the depth of the cupboard. So, to elevate the spices in the back, my husband and I decided there was no need to purchase a stepped spice stand when we could quickly make our own. We used 2 by 4 pieces of wood and cut 12 pieces just slightly shorter than the width of our cupboard. It took less than 15 minutes to do, including the time it took to measure and get the saw ready. We then stacked four pieces on the back of each shelf and two pieces in front of those, creating our own "steps."

Above: Here you can see what the steps look like before adding all of the spices.

Below: Once the spices are put back in the cupboard, you can easily find what you are looking for, and there's no worry that you will lose any spices to the mysterious black hole at the back of the cupboard!!!

Laundry Closet Before & After

From cluttered and frustrating...

To orderly and easy-to-use.

BEFORE

AFTER

This laundry room closet was a huge stress to my client because it's a closet she uses every single day. When I first saw it, each shelf was packed full of rags, towels, cleaning supplies, lightbulbs and pet supplies. As we began clearing it out, my client realized that many items she had written off as lost were just pushed way back into the closet, where she hadn't seen them in months or even years.

Once we had cleared out any unnecessary clutter, we assigned a shelf to each category of supplies. Now, it's easy to see what is there, and it will be easy for the whole family to return items to their proper place. *Note - Notice the extra space we left on the shelves. This is very important! When organizing on your own, you want to make sure you always leave extra room for any new items that would need a spot in your newly organized space.

Kidz Day

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This year's Kidz Day event (sponsored by 98.1 WKDD) was an absolute blast, and I am so happy that I found out about it just in time to reserve a spot for my booth. Thanks to a lot of help from my handy Dad, I was able to put together two full display walls full of fun organizing products for kids.

Congratulations to Barb M. of North Canton who won an organizing makeover for one room in her home. And a special thanks to everyone who stopped by to enter our contest and "talk shop" with me. I came away from the event with a better idea of what my future clients will need from a professional organizer, and I hope to work with many of you soon!