NAPO Ohio NAPO-Ohio Blog

Digital Decluttering Made Simple

Julie Riber, CPO® — Sun, 08 Mar 2026 00:33:57 GMT

Digital Decluttering Made Simple: Organize Your Files, Photos & Email Without the Tech Stress

If your desktop is covered in random files, your phone constantly warns you about storage, or your email inbox feels overwhelming, you are not alone. Digital clutter affects nearly everyone, and it creates the same mental weight as physical clutter. The good news is that organizing your digital life does not require technical expertise or hours of frustration. With a calm, simple approach, you can create a digital space that feels clear and easy to manage.

Begin with a Gentle Digital Reset

The easiest way to begin is by creating a small, quick win. Instead of trying to organize everything at once, focus on clearing visual clutter. Move loose files from your desktop into one temporary folder so the space immediately feels calmer. Delete obvious downloads you no longer need and empty the trash. Remove unused apps from your phone that have been sitting untouched for months. These small actions instantly reduce visual stress and help you feel more in control. Progress builds confidence, and confidence makes the rest feel easier.

Create a File Structure That Feels Natural

Digital organization works best when it mirrors how your brain already thinks. Instead of creating complicated systems, focus on broad, clear categories that reflect your life, such as personal, home, financial, work, family, and photos. Within those categories, you can create a few additional folders if needed, but simplicity is the goal. When you save something, think about where you would instinctively look for it later. Your natural instinct is often the best organizing guide. When your system feels intuitive, you will maintain it without effort.

Make Photo Organization Emotionally and Practically Manageable

Photos tend to accumulate quickly because they represent meaningful moments. Trying to organize every single image perfectly can become overwhelming, so it helps to take a relaxed approach. Start by removing duplicates, blurry images, or accidental screenshots. Group photos by year so you have a simple timeline of your memories. Major events such as vacations or holidays can have their own albums, but there is no need to over-categorize. The goal is accessibility, not perfection. A short monthly photo review prevents buildup and keeps everything manageable.

Reduce Email Overwhelm with Simple Decisions

Email becomes stressful when too many messages compete for your attention. One of the most powerful actions is simply unsubscribing from emails you no longer read. This reduces incoming clutter immediately. Creating a small number of folders for important messages allows you to separate what needs attention from what is only reference material. When opening email, making a quick decision to respond, save, or delete prevents buildup. Over time, your inbox becomes a functional tool instead of a source of anxiety.

Reduce Digital Noise to Create Mental Calm

Digital clutter is not only about files and emails; it is also about constant interruptions. Excess notifications, crowded screens, and visual noise contribute to stress and distraction. Turning off unnecessary notifications allows you to focus without interruption. Keeping your desktop visually simple creates a calmer working environment. Knowing your files are safely backed up removes the fear of losing important information. These small adjustments help technology feel supportive rather than overwhelming.

Stifled by Stuff

Julie Riber, CPO® — Mon, 10 Mar 2025 23:17:36 GMT

Isn’t it funny how clutter creeps into our lives? At first, it’s just a little here and there; a stack of mail on the table, a growing pile of clothes to donate, or a closet door that won’t quite close. But before you know it, you're stifled by stuff! It’s not just your space that’s affected, it’s your mood, too. I hear it all the time from clients who feel stuck and overwhelmed by the things they’ve accumulated. The truth is, clutter isn’t just about stuff. It has a way of spilling into your thoughts, your relationships, and even your health. Thankfully, a little clarity goes a long way. With a few manageable steps, you can create space and help your life feel altogether lighter.

The Reach of Clutter

Clutter isn’t just about the stacks of stuff in your bedroom or office, it reaches into most areas of your life. Physically, clutter can make your environment feel cramped, disorganized, and unwelcoming. But it doesn’t stop there. Mentally, clutter often leads to feelings of overwhelm and indecision as you struggle to figure out what to keep, what to toss, or where to even begin. It can also impact your relationships. The embarrassment of a cluttered space can make you hesitant to invite family or friends over, straining your connections and leaving you feeling isolated. Clutter, in all its forms, has a way of sneaking in and creating walls where there should be connection. Once you start clearing it up, you’ll notice a change and with each step, you'll feel an increasing sense of freedom.

Clutter can also have a major impact on how you feel and function day-to-day. When things pile up, it makes it hard to focus and make decisions. It can lead to struggles with productivity, both at home and at work. Even if clutter isn’t physically in your workspace, the mental load it creates can slow you down. Simply put, clutter doesn’t just take up space, it can steal your mental energy, too.

Break Free from the Clutter

Once you start decluttering, you’ll likely notice an immediate improvement in the appearance of your spaces, making your environment feel fresh and more inviting. As you clear things out, you’ll also clear your mind, helping you make better decisions and feel more in control. It’s not just about the physical space; it’s about creating emotional relief and boosting your confidence.

To get started, break the process down into manageable steps:

Focus on One Area at a Time: Whether it's a drawer, a countertop, or a corner of the room, pick one space and work through it before moving on to the next.
Set Short Time Blocks: Dedicate short periods of time—15 to 30 minutes—to avoid feeling overwhelmed. You’ll be surprised at how much you can accomplish in small bursts!
Adopt a Mindset Shift: Embrace the mantra, "Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can." (Arthur Ashe) The key is progress, not perfection.
Celebrate Every Step: No matter how small, every bit of progress is worth celebrating. Each step forward counts!

Remember, tackling clutter is a process, not a quick fix. Take it one step at a time, and don’t be too hard on yourself. An organized, clutter-free space will help you feel more relaxed and ready to take on the year. Whether you’re setting new goals, or creating a calm environment for yourself, clearing out the clutter will help give you the mental and physical space you need.

We’re always here to support you, whether it’s organizing a home office, clearing out your closet, or simply creating a more welcoming space. Contact us to learn how we can help make your space feel lighter, more inviting, and ready for the year ahead!

Julie Riber

How to Gain Motivation, Make Time and Achieve Success at Organizing

Sun, 11 Aug 2024 17:14:22 GMT

How to Gain Motivation, Make Time and Achieve Success at Organizing

By Alicia Turner
Professional Organizer / Owner of Serenity Now Organization

Find your motivation to get organized and make it a reality by setting realistic and attainable goals based on the amount of time you have to complete a project.

You've read the articles and seen the organizing shows, you've seen how the professionals do it. At the moment you feel motivated and ready to tackle a big project. You start by pulling everything out, then sorting items by category, going through each item asking yourself these questions: Do I love this? Do I use this? Will I use this over the next 12 months? After a couple hours you are in the middle of an even bigger mess than when you started. You walk away from the space feeling discouraged and overwhelmed.

While on the shows they pull everything out of the space to show the amount of stuff and how they can easily transform the space, keep in mind they are professional organizers. They have the experience and training to know how to work through all the clutter to help you get to the end goal. But the process a professional uses and the process that is realistic for you to use are two different things.

A better way for you to start would be to break a project down into small and attainable goals based on the time you have to organize. Start Small. If you want to focus on getting your house organized, look at your schedule for the week. Where can you sneak in a couple hours to focus on an organizing project? Doing too much at one time leads to feeling overwhelmed, bigger messes and giving up all together. If you want the organization project to be successful follow these steps:

Ask yourself , “What areas of my home, that I am in daily, drive me crazy? Where do I want to start?” Start where you think it will make the most impact on your daily life. Look at the space. What do you envision the space to be? This vision of the space will be your motivation to see the project through to the end. When you feel discouraged, imagine the new space in your mind. Break the room down into small pieces.

Step 1: Schedule the time to organize. Put it in your calendar and set an alarm. This will help you stay accountable to your organizing goal.

Step 2: Get out unwanted items. Look around the space, pick up anything you see that is trash, donatable, or things that belong in another room and get them out. These should be easy decision items, nothing you have to think about for more than a couple seconds.

Step 3:Clean off visible surfaces. The floor, a counter, a bed, etc. Break up these surfaces in small bits. Maybe you do the floor over the span of a week, the bed in an afternoon, and a counter in an hour.

Step 4:Uncover what is hidden. These are areas that are behind closed doors. One at a time ,based on your schedule, start sorting through drawers, closets, and bins. Even if you only have 30 minutes, you can probably tackle a drawer.

If you have tried multiple times and these steps don't work, and you are feeling discouraged, you may need someone to help get you started. A professional organizer is like a trainer at the gym. They hold

you accountable to focus on your vision for the space. They will show up when scheduled and have a plan to see you though to the end of your project. A professional organizer helps you work through the barriers you have to getting organized. After a few sessions with a professional organizer helping you build your decision-making muscle you will be more equipped to do it yourself and achieve a higher success rate.

How to Gain Motivation, Make Time and Achieve Success at Organizing

Sun, 11 Aug 2024 17:14:22 GMT

How to Gain Motivation, Make Time and Achieve Success at Organizing

By Alicia Turner
Professional Organizer / Owner of Serenity Now Organization

Find your motivation to get organized and make it a reality by setting realistic and attainable goals based on the amount of time you have to complete a project.

Step 1: Schedule the time to organize. Put it in your calendar and set an alarm. This will help you stay accountable to your organizing goal.

Left-handers Day

Mon, 05 Aug 2024 18:36:50 GMT

In Honor of International Left-hander’s Day: August 13

When I am organizing for a client, one question that always comes to mind for me when setting it up, I ask, “Is the owner right-handed or Left-Handed?” Being a Southpaw (left-handed) writer myself while using my right hand for the occasional task, I question the functionality of many common things that may not be the norm in a 90% right-handed world. For example, let’s say an unpack job for a large kitchen. In this case, the kitchen would function more seamlessly if the utensils are closest to the hand that will be grabbing it, whether from a drawer or a cooking utensil holder on the counter. It is important to consider function in this way to create flow for handedness and in particular for Lefties. Here are some examples of things to consider:

Kitchen: Setting up the kitchen is one aspect of creating an organized and functional space, but there are functionality products geared for Lefties too.

Knives with blades on the left side

- Grill and spatulas that have angled edges for left-handed use

- Measuring cups with the units printed on the side so the handle is on the left or even better, the measurements are at the opposite end from the handle for either hand use

- Manual can opener with the turn knob that sits on top of the can. Have you ever seen a Lefty turn a sidewinder righty can opener (can you say Human Pretzel??)

Office: First, the desk. If it is a shared space, the suggestion would be to center the computer for easy access for either hand, and if a mouse pad is used, consider a large desk mat and an ambidextrous mouse. Next, keep as many office tools like writing utensils or staplers in a centralized location such as a center drawer under the computer if possible. Other fantastic ideas of items for a Lefty would be notebooks with binding on the right and non-smearing writing utensils. And of course, we can not forget lefty scissors!

Closet: Which way do the clothes hang? Professional Organizers like a closet to have one type of hanger and the garments all hanging in the same direction. In the case of Lefties, the clothes should be hung right facing so the front of the garment can be seen first.

Dining: If keeping score, ADVANTAGE Lefties. The fork is on the “right” side of the plate!! When sitting for dinner though, the Lefty will usually opt to the side on the left end of the table to avoid bumping elbows with the Righty next to them.

Lefties have learned to accommodate and navigate through a right-handed world even though some techniques may be awkward looking. When starting a new or renewed space, ask the Leftie what works for them. You may be surprised by small tweaks that will make a huge impact in functional practicality for the Southpaw in your life.

By:

Cara Marks

Professional Organizer

Can Do Organizing and More

Garage Organizing: A Step by Step Guide

Julie Riber, CPO® — Sun, 21 Jul 2024 19:35:52 GMT

If you’ve been putting off cleaning out your garage, you’re not the only one. A study by Harris Interactive revealed that 38% of individuals consider their garage the messiest space in their home. Most of us could benefit from a garage organizing session, and the lazy days of summer are the perfect time to finally tackle it. I know that getting started can sometimes be the most challenging part, so I’ve created a simple step-by-step guide to break down the process for you. Whether you're clearing clutter or making room for your vehicle during the cold winter months, this guide will help you stay focused through your organizing efforts, so that you can make the most of your garage space.

Step 1: Plan Your Space

Before diving into the cleanup, you should create a plan for your garage layout. Consider what items you want to store in each area. This might include things like:

Recreational items
Seasonal decorations
Lawn equipment
Gardening tools
Trash receptacles
Vehicles

If you have a large two- or three-car garage, dividing the spaces can make the task of organizing more manageable. This approach will help prevent you from becoming overwhelmed, especially if you only have the weekend or a few hours here and there to work on garage organizing.

Step 2: Clear and Clean

With a plan in place, you are ready to get to work clearing and cleaning. If possible, remove all items from the area that you plan to tackle first. Try to take out any shelving units, too. Then, sweep the space thoroughly. You might also consider power washing the floor, especially if you’ve been parking your vehicle there during the winter. Cars tend to track salt or dirt from snowy roads into your garage, which can damage concrete over time.

Step 3: Sort and Decide

For many of you, parking your car in the garage might seem like a luxury that is not possible for you, due to lack of space. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, 25% of people with a two-car garage don’t park any cars in it, and 32% park only one. Now that you have a clean blank canvas and all of your belongings laid out in front of you, you have the opportunity to make space for the items that you frequently need and use - including your car.

You can free up space by eliminating unnecessary clutter, such as duplicates and broken items that cannot be repaired. For example, when going through recreational items, ask yourself how many basketballs or soccer balls you really need. Many of my clients don’t realize just how many duplicates they have, taking up space that could be used for more important items!

Unused items that are still in good condition should be set aside in a donation pile. Donating items is a great way to help others, prevent waste, and extend the life of an item that has served you well. Perhaps a neighbor can use your lawn mower to maintain their yard if you have replaced yours with xeriscaping, or their kids can enjoy the sporting equipment that your family has outgrown. You might also consider donating tools and building materials to Habitat for Humanity Restore, which resells gently used items needed for home improvement. Each sale helps Habitat for Humanity build affordable homes for those in need. There are locations across the country, so check out their website to find a Restore near you.

Step 4: Optimize Storage

Once you have decided what to keep, you should implement systems to keep it organized. Thoughtfully selected storage solutions will make it so much easier to find what you need in your garage, saving you time and making outdoor chores much more efficient.

If you can, install shelving at the end of the garage for small items. Even if they are just hanging shelves, they will be useful in keeping items safe and protected from any critters or water damage on the floor. You can also use hooks for small outdoor tools to keep them off the floor. For shovels, rakes, and other tools with long handles, I recommend purchasing a hanging rack that stacks the tools instead of hanging them individually. This will give you more wall space for other storage solutions. If you prefer items to be out of sight, try cabinets instead. You can find a variety of different styles to suit your taste at most large box stores.

During the winter, items that are used seasonally, such as bikes, can be hung from the ceiling to make room for your car. Check The Container Store, Lowe’s, Home Depot, or your local hardware store for hanging storage options.

Step 5: Consider Alternative Storage

If your garage space still feels very limited after sorting and organizing, consider storing some items in an alternate location. A basement works well for storage if you have one. This will help you make more space in your garage for the items that you use often, and it might even allow you to free up enough space to park your car in a tiny garage.

You should also evaluate whether outdoor furniture really needs to be stored in the garage during the winter months. Can it just be covered instead? Furniture covers are a great space-saving solution in a garage. There is a wide selection of options available in stores and online to match nearly any aesthetic.

By following these steps for garage organizing, you can transform your space into an efficient utilitarian area, making it easier to access your belongings and keep your car protected inside. However, if you still find the process overwhelming or need expert guidance, don’t hesitate to contact us. We can provide personalized solutions and strategies to help you achieve and maintain a clutter-free garage.

The College Move

Fri, 14 Jun 2024 12:11:25 GMT

It’s a rite of passage that many students go to college. While the academia portion is very important, another important portion is the new living space and the packing of the car. We are going to assume that this student is moving into a dormitory. We also are going to assume that this student is also coming to the dorm in a car as opposed to coming on a plane.

Many students have the opportunity to see their new dorm space, but sometimes, it is eye opening when arriving the first day. The haul from the car can be overwhelming as well. Not to be sexist, but a female student is going to have a greater inventory than a male student.

Many campuses have move-in teams that will help you. They bring a large commercial grade bin on wheels that you can fill with your items for your dorm. But in past experience, all items will not necessarily fit in said bin. You don’t want to be using boxes to haul your things, because there is the issue of getting rid of the boxes after you unpack. Then come springtime, your family will want you to be packed up before they arrive to pick you up. And those roller bins are not going to be around to help you move out.

This is where large reusable shopping bags come into play. Think those large blue bags from Ikea or any large bag. They can be filled with a variety of things and then slung over your shoulder leaving your arms free to carry more items. Sometimes you can even sling two bags over one shoulder. The best part is they fold up flat to be stored for the school year.

Consider taking two sets of sheets and two sets of towels. Your bed can be made right away without having to do laundry before bedtime. Also consider a Ziploc flexible tote to store your extra sheets and towels under your bed. Those reusable shopping bags can also be stored in there as well. The Ziploc tote is smaller than a large bin and also allows drawer space to be used for clothing.

Parents, your student is starting a new adventure. They will figure it out and most likely learn from it. Let them do the learning their way.

Post written by:Ellen Limes, CPO®

Certified Professional Organizer

614-499-2443

Retro Fever!

Mon, 15 Apr 2024 19:19:27 GMT

Surprising Auction Market Trends - Spring 2024

With spring cleaning in full effect, and the housing market heating up, we are seeing inventory pick up here at EBTH! We are seeing a lot of vintage items come through our warehouse doors as basements and closets are cleared out across the state of Ohio and beyond.

Luckily for us, the collector's market is thirsty for retro finds. While 1950s/1960s Midcentury Modern has been in style for what seems like decades, we are now seeing a wider range of vintage styles gain in popularity and value. Check out a few examples below!

1970s-1980s Audio Equipment

While movie film projectors and reel-to-reels remain undesirable, we are seeing an uptick in demand for certain vintage audio technology.

This Sony model from the late 70s/early 80s sold for $325. This Marantz receiver sold for $821, and this Pioneer receiver and tape deck sold for $190.

Again, the market for vintage film equipment remains bleak. These projectors sold for $25, and even this model from the 1940s sold for only $40.

Vintage Magazines

After a years-long dip in demand for paper ephemera, we are seeing some decent numbers from vintage magazines and similar items. This lot of ephemera from midcentury wrestling clubs sold for $205. Even a small group of Harper's Bazaar and Vogue magazines from the 1960s sold for $122. In a lot I found personally entertaining, these 1970s Kings Island maps and other pamphlets sold for $120.

However, not every era or subject matter is a hit. Life magazines are still undesirable, as are most sports publications, science publications, or vintage comics that aren't superhero/Marvel/DC.

Highball Glasses

We all know alcohol never goes out of fashion, but the formal crystal market has taken a steep nosedive over the past 3-4 years. In its place, modern and post-modern style barware is rising in value. The highball glass is seeing the most dramatic and sweeping demand. This set of six featuring a female face design sold for $226, and this set of 7 gilded glasses sold for $305.

The bonus of a high-end brand name raises the value even higher. This Baccarat set sold for $436, and this Waterford (yes, Waterford) set of 7 sold for $425. Even brand names you may not think of when it comes to glassware are bringing in big prices, like these Ralph Lauren glasses that sold for $626, or these Charley Harper tumblers that sold for $400.

While it's true that not every barware lot is a hit, we are watching this trend, and are on the hunt for unique highball glasses!

It's not about appearances

John Gutknecht — Fri, 15 Mar 2024 13:52:55 GMT

Keeping your home organized isn't just about appearances—it's about creating a space that nurtures your well-being and productivity. Here's why organization matters:

Reduced Stress: Clutter and disorganization can lead to feelings of overwhelm and anxiety. By organizing your home, you create a calming environment where you can relax and recharge.
Improved Efficiency: When everything has its place, you spend less time searching for items and more time focusing on what matters. A well-organized home streamlines your daily routines and tasks.
Enhanced Productivity: A clutter-free environment promotes clearer thinking and better focus. Whether you're working from home or tackling household chores, organization sets the stage for increased productivity.
Better Health: Dust, mold, and pests thrive in cluttered spaces, posing potential health risks. By maintaining an organized home, you create a cleaner, healthier living environment for you and your family.
Increased Happiness: Studies show that people who live in tidy, organized spaces tend to report higher levels of satisfaction and happiness. A clutter-free home fosters a sense of pride and contentment.

Investing time and effort into organizing your home pays off in numerous ways, contributing to your overall quality of life. Start small, declutter regularly, and enjoy the benefits of a well-organized living space.

Reflections on Our Profession

Sun, 02 Jan 2022 13:56:17 GMT

Recently I read an article written by Josh Mcloughlin for the Spectator|Australia titled “Jordan Peterson and the cult of tidiness”. Full disclosure, I haven’t read Mr. Peterson’s book Beyond Order: 12 More Rules of Life. However, the article written by Mcloughlin about Peterson’s book caused me to reflect on our profession as productivity experts and professional organizers. Asking myself about the reasons we chose to pursue this profession and the value we provide our clients.

The idea that clutter makes a house a home is promoted in this article. That a person can be naturally attuned to things and the relationship with things is not bad. Beyond a general misunderstanding of what clutter is, there is also a lack of understanding that, as in most areas of life, our attachments can become unhealthy. It made me realize, as well, that Mr. Mcloughlin may have a general misunderstanding of what professional organizers and productivity experts do. Even though this article could be dissected even more, I want to address the idea that separating someone from clutter is done even at the expense of the client’s wellbeing and mental health.

As members of National Association of Productivity and Organization (NAPO) we are bound by an ethical code. Causing someone mental anguish is not on our list of a successful client session. It is about empowering the client to be in control of the things in their environment rather that the other way around. It is also about giving them power over their time and their calendar. I am positive we have all worked with clients that have varying levels of comfort with the amount of items in their space. A true professional organizer is not there to impose these ideas on the person, but to help that person better define those boundaries for themselves to truly have joy in their space.

As professional organizers, and members of NAPO, we work hard and thoughtfully to support our clients with compassion through the process of decluttering and organizing. Many of us have seen severe and extreme situations that put a person’s health and well being at risk. All of us have experienced working with a client who has distress, anxiety or concern about clutter and disorganization they personally live with – that’s why they call us. We have witnessed firsthand the energy change and the emotional uplift decluttering and organizing their space has given them.

Being organized and managing your time (productivity) to live your best life is not just a cultural phenomenon, there are true benefits: mental, physical in some cases, and financial. Professional organizers and productivity experts are trained to support their clients through the process and help them find a system that works best for them. They are successful when their clients are successful and have achieved their goals. We are not there to cause our clients mental anguish, but in fact the exact opposite. We are trained professionals that are there to help our clients achieve mental clarity and hopefully a new found happiness and joy.

Organize & Repurpose

Mon, 30 Aug 2021 17:13:10 GMT

Let’s establish some organizing ground rules—

It doesn’t have to be perfect!
It doesn’t have to be new!
It doesn’t have to be fancy!
It simply needs to work for you!

It is very tempting to assume that shopping for matching containers is a good way to get started on an organizing project. Actually — not true. Why buy containers for items you do not need, use or want? How can you determine what size to buy when you don’t know how much you will keep or where you will eventually put them?

I follow a simple process with any area:

REMOVE all items from the area.
REDUCE the number of items you will keep.
REPURPOSE and reuse items in clever ways.
REARRANGE items to match the purpose of the area.
REJOICE!
REPEAT!

Here’s a clever secret—

You will save time and money by learning to

creatively repurpose items in your home!

What exactly does that look like?

Here are just a few examples!

Mason canning jars for tea bags
Ice cube trays for earrings
Buffet table for entertainment items
Garbage can for sports equipment
Vintage stool for a plant stand
Old ladder to hang towels
Old rake to hold garden tools
Mint tins for needles & safety pins
Plastic dish tubs for sorting toys
Window frame for photo display
Old door for a craft table top
Ceramic cookie jar for receipts
Glass relish plate for necklaces
Stack of suitcases for games
Glass jars for refrigerator leftovers
Magazine holder for boxes of wraps
Over the door shoe organizers for office supplies
Sewing cabinet for end table
Travel souvenir mug for pens

When you have decided that it doesn’t need to be perfect or new or fancy or expensive,

you allow yourself the freedom to be creative! And with freedom comes fun!

Don’t put pressure on yourself to design custom labels from a Pinterest template.

Simply use colorful painter’s tape or index cards and a black Sharpie.

Sometimes we make organizing more complicated than it needs to be. Go on a treasure hunt in your own home. See what you can discover and repurpose!

Read more encouraging blogs by Olive at:

www.organizedbyolive.com

College MOVE-IN DAY

Cara Marks — Wed, 28 Jul 2021 00:03:02 GMT

It’s that time again… or maybe the first time in preparing your newly graduated high school student to get ready to go away to college. Such an exciting time in their lives when they get to go live away from home. With that, though, is also the “everything” that must go with them to make their new dwelling feel a little bit like home!

It can be overwhelming but if you break it down into categories it makes it more manageable. The main categories are clothes, school supplies, bedding/décor, toiletries, cleaning, and food/kitchen. Oh, and maybe an extra category would be if they participate in a sport or extracurricular activity. Plan to make a list, adding and subtracting to it from year to year – it’s a great way for those procrastinating young adults to gather all their things efficiently at the last minute and for a quick grocery trip before leaving town.

Colleges usually have a list of all the amenities that are provided that would help in the determination of some larger items that need to be brought along (i.e., fan, microwave). It is also helpful if roommates plan ahead to determine shared items like the microwave, mini fridge, air purifier, rug and similar items that really do not need to be duplicated.

Being an organizer and having experienced packing up for these mini moves, these are my top 5 favorite dorm room picks and tricks to help with the move and keep the dorm room tidy:

Zipties – These are very multifunctional for keeping electrical cords tidy as they are typically used for. For a dorm room though, zipties can be used for strapping headboards to beds or even grounded multi-plug strip extension cords to bed railings. Additionally, zipties can be useful to hang pictures, flags, Christmas lights and anything else that can hang from hooks that are typically in dorm rooms.

Grounded Multi-Plug Strip Extension Cords – A segway into the next item. A dorm room will probably be limited to the number of outlets for the multitude of chargers one student might have. My suggestion is to get at least one long one that can go the length of the bed and a shorter one for the desk area or tabletop where their computer or TV may go.

Square Box Seat/Ottoman (Poppin) – This is the best thing ever! It can be folded flat but still be strong enough to be a stepstool to climb onto a semi-lofted bed. It is multi-functional as the stepstool, storage for shoes/socks, and an extra seat for friends.

Large Ziploc Plastic Cubes (have to give credit to Ellen Limes of Organized By L for recommending these for my son’s first move) – These are so roomy on the inside for packing literally everything but especially items on hangers. These have built-in handle holes that make them so easy to carry too. Another added bonus to these cubes – they stack! Four cubes can be bungyed to a folding hand truck and taken in one trip (less trips the better I say). These zippered cubes are great to fold up inside each other and store somewhere in the dorm room so when it is time to pack the dorm items back up again, the cubes are there and ready to go.

Multi-Purpose Bin from Container Store – This bin comes in four different sizes and looks like it would just hold magazines, but it is multi-functional in keeping notebooks, extra toiletries, dishes and cups, extra chargers and electrical cords, cleaning supplies (that you hope get used), and extra sheets (and maybe even for storing the Ziploc cubes). These inexpensive bins hold items vertically and are great space savers while keeping like items contained.

BONUS TRICK – Small Stretch Wrap – This is by far my favorite thing, and it is very helpful in any move. This stretch wrap is readily available but the one to look for has a handle that lets the stretch wrap unwind freely without twisting your wrist. For any item that you are moving that is awkward to handle because it has a lid that comes loose or a drawer that slides out or anything where the contents would spill out, the stretch wrap can be wrapped around the bin, dresser or chest and the stretch wrap keeps the lids on and the drawers closed because the stretch wrap sticks to itself just like that plastic wrap in your kitchen. Another example of its awesomeness, the computer monitor or TV can be wrapped in the comforter from the bed and then shrink wrapped with the stretch wrap to protect it from getting damaged when transporting.

BONUS TIP – Label every packed cube/box with the student’s name and room number. Volunteers may be there to help on move-in day, and it ensures that the boxes get to where they are supposed to go.

This is an exciting time but just as in any move there is chaos before the calm. A lot of students moving in at the same time, parking spaces are at a premium, there may be volunteers taking items up to the room for you and there may be a time crunch to get all the items up to the room, unpacked, set-up, so the car can be moved. Planning and organizing ahead of time will create a smooth move-in where most importantly, you are creating a nest for your little bird to get ready to fly and enjoying time together before saying good-bye!

Garage Organizing

Ellen Limes, CPO® — Mon, 05 Jul 2021 19:36:07 GMT

What is the value of your car? What is the value of your stuff filling up your garage?

You don’t have to be a scientist to figure out the answer to that question. Yet you say, “I need the stuff in that garage!”

Let’s assume your goal is to put the car in the garage. It’s OK if you want to keep the stuff, but you need to organize the stuff. Start by scheduling a date. You will never find time if you don’t make time. Get realistic. You can find time if you think of the long-term improvements.

To get started, think of categories. You are going to put like with like. Lawn care, car care, toys, picnic, holiday, trash etc.

Once you have it sorted, it gives you an idea of what needs to be stored. Not everything needs to be in a 55 qt bin. If you have a small group of items, it can be in a smaller bin. You also need to consider ease of access. If you use it frequently, it doesn’t necessarily have to have a lid. If its seasonal décor or such, you probably want to have a bin with a lid. This will keep the dust off the items when not in use.

Your goal in organizing is to get things off the floor. If it has wheels, it can stay on the floor. Otherwise, consider shelving or a track to hang on the wall. Five shelf adjustable chrome shelving is great for all those small things. The adjustable shelves give you the flexibility to store articles of various sizes. Going vertical allows you to utilize space that is available to free up floor space for say, a car.

Tracks on the wall have a variety of hooks that can accommodate tools and things. Maybe you have bag chairs standing in a corner. Get those off the floor by hanging them on hooks with yard tools.

Organizing the garage is a big project, but the benefits of getting in a car inside your garage during inclement weather will make your efforts worthwhile.

Be A Networking Champ

Sun, 02 May 2021 16:10:31 GMT

We are going to start with a couple of questions. Do you network? Are you confident in your networking skills? What would networking do for you professionally?

Now let's talk about networking for a few minutes. Why, because it is important and it is one of the main benefits of being a NAPO Ohio member. The more confident you are in doing it, the better your experience will be and the more you get out of your experience.

Networking is the act of meeting new people in a business or professional context. It is common for there to be an exchange of information or ideas. It can also become a source for referrals or collaborations. I don’t know about you, but that sounds important to me. Especially since entrepreneurs often work alone, networking can prevent you from feeling isolated. Great, so its important how do you get better at it?

First, I don’t consider myself an expert, so if you want to grow in networking you may want to explore the topic with additional resources. That said my personal journey should give everyone hope that you can grow in the networking skill. I considered myself weak in the skill and if I am being completely honest, I had a lot of negative talk around it. The thing I loathed the most, phone calls – wasn’t a fan. The first obstacle I faced was overcoming my thoughts and ideas about my own networking performance. If this sounds like you, you aren’t alone. You can absolutely turn your mindset around!

If you have decided to get better at networking, set a goal. I started with professional social media reach outs. LinkedIn, Alignable and NAPO Point are professional platforms you can use to network. Set a goal of time spent on the platform and/or number of messages you send out. It helps to have a plan of the businesses or professions you would like to network with. It focuses your efforts and makes the process more efficient.

Next, I tackled phone calls and then in person meetings. Since I don’t feel comfortable cold calling, making calls was the second step of my plan, which helped me overcome my mental block. Set a goal of calls per week. Calls usually are around 15 minutes in length. Before making the call identify what you can share and what you might receive. Are you looking for advice, feedback, or to share a client base? Be clear about what you are looking for and be open to share what could be of value to the other person.

Finally, in person (or virtual face to face) meetings. Phone calls are good, but for me in person is where it is at. Set a goal of meetings per month. Come prepared with some relevant questions and business material. You will also want to be prepared to take notes. You want to remember important information and note inspiration when it strikes. It is also important to follow up on any actions you have committed to after the meeting and to send a thank you to the person for their time.

NAPO Ohio is a great place to network. We have shared passions and professions. The contact information for members and business partners are available to you on our NAPO Ohio Site. If you’re shy, start with social media or an e-mail. Comment on NAPO Ohio social media posts; I call this digital networking. When we are in person again, make a point to introduce yourself to one or two members and have a short conversation. Volunteer to be a buddy for a prospective or new member. Most importantly, take action today.

The most important thing I learned when I decided to get better at networking, because I felt like my business success depends on it, is that taking action is the most important thing you can do to affect change. I challenge you to take action now on one or two things you can do to improve your networking skills in the next month. I know you can do it. Now raise you arms up and say out loud, “I am a networking champ”!

April Brings Spring Cleaning

Julie Riber, CPO® — Mon, 05 Apr 2021 16:39:21 GMT

April Brings Spring Cleaning

Every spring you plan on cleaning out all the closets, deep cleaning the cupboards and maybe even having a garage sale to remove all the clutter in the basement or garage. It seems like you never have the time, or the weather is so nice you would rather be outside. The kids have started their spring sport programs with practices and games. Your time is limited so choose the area to clean based on the weather.

When it is 70 degrees or above and sunny out, clean out the garage or work on the yard. For the garage, you will want to take most items out to spray out the salt and chemicals that have accumulated on your garage floor over the winter. Tracking those in the house is bad on any type of flooring you have. In your yard it means cleaning up the leaves that you missed on the last rake during the fall or picking up all those limbs that fell during the winter. Some even see small early weeds to pull so they do not take over your early flowers.

Save the cooler April days for the basement and inside. If you have children, choose a rainy April day to go through their wardrobe. Do not try to do it all in one sitting. Try on short sleeved shirts one day and shorts the next. The warm weather happens gradually, so you have time if you did not have to donate all their clothes from last year. Make a list of items they will need for the warmer weather and maybe you will be lucky and see them on sale.

Your wardrobe should also be examined. Decide what you wore last year and what you did not. Styles change and most people do not wear in their 40’s what they wore in their 20’s. Decide on what you like and keep items you will really wear. Maybe you changed careers and your current job is more casual or you are now working from home. Many experts will tell you to keep the classics not the trendy clothes and that goes for shoes too. Comfort is also important on shoes as you do not want to be in pain every time you take a step.

The basement can also be cleaned out during the spring, so items are easier to find when you need them. Shelving will help keep items off the floor and avoid stacking and the often, crushed box or bin. Remember to remove anything you are no longer using and anything that has been sitting and unused for years.

The spring brings us hope and time to declutter so we may enjoy the summer and the outside.

Spring is Almost Here!

Sun, 28 Feb 2021 17:57:57 GMT

I am very thankful that my little corner of the world has four seasons. I enjoy seeing the promise of Genesis 8:22 unfold before my eyes: “While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, winter and summer, and day and night shall not cease.” Knowing that spring is right around the corner motivates me to follow through with the following simple refreshing tips:

S—SORT through your clothes! Go ahead and freshen up your wardrobe by saying goodbye to clothes that don’t fit, don’t look great, and you don’t like.

P—PURGE those plastic cups and plastic containers.

R—READ the magazines (or cancel the subscription). Then freshen up a hospital waiting room by donating your magazines while they are still current.

I—IMAGINE a calm, clean, uncluttered living room…then write down what you can do every day to make it a reality.

N—NIP the avalanche of junk mail by signing up for opt-out services, such as:

www.optoutprescreen.com

www.yellowpagesoptout.com

www.dmachoice.org

G—GIVE your extra and unwanted books, DVDs, and CDs to your local library for their annual sale.

I—INITIATE one new easy healthy habit.

S—START your day with a clean and shiny and empty sink.

A – ASK for help from a professional organizer! :)

L—LEAVE behind the mistakes and clutter of the past.

M—MINIMIZE your cleaning supplies by using multi-purpose products.

O—OPEN the curtains, wash the windows, and let the sun shine in your rooms.

S—SET limits on your garage storage with similar sized sturdy bins with labels.

T – TAKE the time to sort through games and toys your children have outgrown.

H—HEAVE old travel brochures, knickknacks, coffee mugs, T-shirts, souvenirs, and bulky suitcases to make room for fresh adventures.

E—ELIMINATE last year’s clutter from your porch and yard.

R—REPLACE your stained and faded kitchen towels with fresh new ones that make you smile.

E—ENJOY each spring day. Let your heart be refreshed and renewed!

Do yourself a favor--take advantage of the change of seasons to refresh your home. Use the next three months before summer to discover the less cluttered side of life. Decide what truly matters in your current season of life. Welcome the opportunity to live with less stuff!

The New Home Office

Sun, 31 Jan 2021 16:32:35 GMT

I have been a professional organizer for over twenty (20) years! While I can still remember the very spot I stood in when the I made the decision, I am shocked that it has been two decades of work in this profession. Those two decades account for hundreds of visits, thousands of hours, and a never-ending string of creative problem solving.

Even with all those differences, every time I walk into a new client’s home there is a story to be told. A lot of those stories have similar traits, but each is unique and personal to the client. Maybe it is even the first time the client has gone through the current problem, which makes it front and center in their brain. Addressing the organizational issues usually leads to an emotional weight being taken off of the family.

All the above is true in any ‘normal’ year, but 2020 was not a normal year by any definition. Even at the beginning of February 2021, school day rotations, work meetings, and changing expectations, can all lead to frustration on a daily (maybe hourly) basis. In the spirit of telling stories, I wanted to give two examples of how clients have dealt with the uneasiness of working from home. The first is a family located in Central Ohio, two parents that had to start working from home along with three boys that started attending virtual school. The second is of an individual that left the hustle of New York City to work from her home in Hudson, NY. While the situations may sound different, the emotional need for organization was very much the same.

While the day started before 6 AM, real work didn’t really begin until after 10. When Ohio went to lockdown, the dad would get up early and begin prepping for his workday. The mom, a middle school teacher, would also begin to prep for the lessons of the day…while learning the new technology that would bring her lessons into the homes of her students. The three boys would roll out of bed with ten minutes to spare until their classes began for the day. By 8 AM, the kids broke to their different zones for the school day. One at a makeshift desk, one from a chair, and one from the comfort of their bed. The mom reserved a corner of the bedroom for her classroom, and the dad sat a desk behind a laptop. Then the musical chairs would start…technology problems for the first kid, checking to make sure the almost teenager was actually ‘in’ school, and then running up stairs to make sure the other near teenager hadn’t fallen back to sleep. The dad felt like Tigger, bouncing from room to room, putting in a half days work before he had time to check email.

I would venture to guess that most families shared the same struggles and dealt with the overwhelming emotions of not knowing how to handle the uncertainty of a new world. The story of this family is that they needed simple organizational tools so that each member could create their own world to learn and work. After talking with the parents and learning more about their needs, I focused my efforts on the following…

· Essentials – Create a small list of the essential items each person needed to complete their work. The kids did not need an entire book bag spread out on the floor next to them for the entire day. Instead, the bag hooks stayed in the same place and when a new subject started the kid could go take out the required work. The same is true for parents…by taking 10 minutes at night to plan for the next day, they could identify the required paperwork/computer/etc. that would be needed for the next morning. Don’t bring ten different items to a meeting but let the priorities of the moment tell you what is necessary.
· Zones and Communication – Even though the house was big enough for everyone to have their own room, noise travels loud and fast. We developed ‘signs’ for each person to use when they couldn’t be interrupted. The dad chose to only put on his headphones when he was in a meeting. If the kids needed help and saw that the headphones were on, they knew to either write a note or check with another person. The reverse was true of the children as they always wanted their headphones on. Waving, thumbs up, or a quick sign allowed the parents to check on the kids and make sure they were okay.
· Personalization – This standard is true for all of my organization clients…they need systems and a space that works FOR them and not AGAINST them. The classroom set up for the mom was a great example of being creative with space and storage. First, we emptied and pivoted the large dresser to serve as her ‘desk’. This allowed for plenty of storage of papers, markers, computer battery, devices, and everything else that was needed for the day. Second, we focused on sunlight and made sure she had access to the three large windows in the bedroom. Lastly, stools from the kitchen bar were brought upstairs so that she could ‘rest’ while teaching throughout the day.

Even though the emotions of this family were shared by nearly every family out there, the situation was new to them and therefore demanded a creative approach.

Now take a moment to think about our second story. An individual that gets away from the constant movement, noise, and disruption of a traditional office and goes into the solitude of single living/working hundreds of miles away from coworkers. My guess is that many of us would welcome this second example … “I can work in peace and quiet”. What many of us found is that after weeks of being alone the workday stretched from before sunup to well after sundown. That constant workday stretched to being one long work week, and eventually to extremely long work months. Knowing the additional stress that many of us felt, I focused my efforts on the following…

· Environment – Use art, especially art that elicits a positive reaction, to reinvent your workspace. The neutered white walls of an office should not be brought home to create a sterile environment. We went through the paintings of this clients and arranged them as a great front drop so that happiness was generated when looking up or taking a break.
· Storage – The Hudson home was a second home/Airbnb property for this client. While it was set up extremely well for vacationers, quick and accessible storage for work purposes was not present. One remedy was to create a sleek looking workstation that provided ample amounts of quick storage. The result was to create a wall long bookshelf with cabinets on either end. Paperwork could be arranged based on need, scheduled meetings, or completion.
· Time Management – What many other have experienced are days that blend into each other. Just because you have work in front of you all the time does not mean that you should be working all the time. Creating breaks in your schedule for a walk, lunch, or maybe a quick nap are necessities in this new work environment. The hard part is that while designing a schedule is the easy part but holding yourself accountable to these breaks is something that many of us need to work on.

Many large corporations have already stated that their office workers will not come back to the traditional office until at least the third quarter of 2021. That news provides us with nearly six more months of working from home…and don’t forget spring and summer break for the kids. Even though the two stories I outlined were different in nature, the solutions were focused on meeting their specific needs. Working with each client on a one to one basis, while sticking to the tried and true fundamentals of organization allowed me to develop answers to their problems and give them the chance to be successful.

2021 The New Normal

Cathy Van Volkenburg CPO® — Tue, 29 Dec 2020 17:42:10 GMT

As we welcome a new year bringing hope for a return to a new “normal”, it is interesting to reflect on the changes many of us have experienced during the pandemic while sheltering in place. Our homes now must serve us in new and unexpected ways that we never thought possible!

Being forced to create new spaces for online schooling, working at home, and daycare have opened our eyes to how our homes function on so many levels. 2020 has given many people the rare opportunity to really evaluate our homes like never before! We can’t simply ignore what isn’t working anymore! Instead of hooking up the computers and working at the kitchen table, can we take an extra bedroom and create an office? Where do we store the masks and hand sanitizers so we don’t forget to take them with us every time we leave the house? How do we meet all of our needs and still make our homes a respite from the realities of Covid-19? For each scenario, there are many possible solutions. How do we begin?

The organizing industry is showing us ways to make our pantries Instagram ready and our closets bursting with joy. These episodes are entertaining; they inspire us with possibilities. Professional Organizers assist individuals and businesses in defining possibilities. The pandemic has underscored the importance of living in a home that is set up to accommodate our new normal way of living. Is your home supporting you? Here are a few questions to ask yourself:

Do you have what you need?

Can you find what you want quickly?

What is working?

What is not working?

Is it time to change the function of a space?

What spaces or items no longer serve your new normal?

As we contemplate change, the answers to these questions will help us determine our priorities. Perhaps one silver lining we can take from 2020 is that we have a new lens with which to view our homes. May your home support and nurture you in 2021 and beyond.

Cathy Van Volkenburg CPO®

Accent on Organizing

Cathy@accentonorganizing.com

Christmas: Adjusting Your Giving & Receiving

Ellen Limes, CPO® — Fri, 04 Dec 2020 01:12:24 GMT

Ah, Christmas! The time of giving and receiving and receiving and receiving!

Many people get overwhelmed with Christmas and want to reduce the volume of gifts. Whether is it giving or receiving, there is volume. If you are longing for a simpler time, there is no time like the present to begin.

The most difficult part is starting the discussion. Ideally, these discussions should take place before the “season”, but right now can work too. If you are broaching the subject with your extended family, try to schedule a multi person call so all those involved can hear it all. Emailing to start the conversation is another possibility. As great as technology is, there also are faults. Many times, feelings are hurt, things are read and interpreted wrong as well as misconstrued. Be sure to think through your email before pressing SEND. If you are raising the discussion with the members of your household, consider starting new traditions that might not involve physical “gifts”.

Whatever your intent, make sure that others know this is how YOU feel. They can join you in your desire to “reduce” or they can hopefully understand where you are coming from in your desire to reduce. Not everyone is going to understand why you feel this way, but you are entitled to your opinion. Be sure to not appear judgmental. This is what you need to do for you.

In addition to changing the influx of gifts, you might also consider the present volume of things in your home. Asking yourself some questions may help you get some answers. For instance, are you happy in your home? Are there aspects of your home that frustrate you? Do you feel comfortable inviting people into your home? And most importantly, can you get your car in the garage? Once you determine if there is a need, or better yet a want, to make a change, then you are half-way there. Sometimes the vision of a Professional Organizer can enlighten you to things you had not considered. A fresh set of eyes can help you reveal a brand-new home for you to enjoy during the holidays and beyond.

The 7-year old organizer!

Thu, 05 Nov 2020 14:10:43 GMT

My 7-year old granddaughter knows what it means to be organized! When she came for a recent visit, she wasted no time unpacking her suitcase and setting up her things in my guest room. In fact, she politely asked me to empty out my vanity drawers so she could neatly arrange her clothes and books. She cleared off the top of the vanity and carefully set aside my items in the corner of the room. Then she thoughtfully placed her doll and hair accessories where she wanted them to be. She finished getting settles by arranging her (many) stuffed animals along the top of the bed. She made it her space and she kept it neat and tidy during her 5-day stay.

Maybe we could all learn a thing or two from this sweet little girl!

She had out the things that were special to her so that she could enjoy them.
She gave each item a home so that she knew where to put each item when she was finished with it.
She genuinely enjoyed creating and maintaining a sense of order.
Did I mention she is 7 years old?!

Last summer during a visit, she asked me to help her organize her room. We sorted through her books, papers, toys, supplies, and treasures. She chose which ones to keep. Then she made the labels – in her own handwriting – for each of the drawers. She was so pleased and proud when we finished.

So what was her simple organizing method?

Making decisions
Setting limits
Using labels
Enjoying the space

At 7 years old, she is getting an early start at creating and maintaining a sense of order. Who knows --maybe she is getting an early start at becoming a professional organizer too!! At any rate, hopefully her story will bring a smile to your face and a dose of encouragement to your heart to take the time to organize one small area in your home today!!

This post originally appeared on www.organizedbyolive.com.

How Organizing My Garage Helped Me Find the Special Treasures

Mon, 19 Oct 2020 21:40:45 GMT

I’ve been deliberately and intentionally sorting through storage bins in my garage. I have opened every single one and asked myself if the contents were still worth keeping. I will admit that some bins were easier to deal with than others! The easier bins were the ones where the contents were so obviously outdated and obsolete that I laughed out loud when I held the contents in my hands. I enjoyed thinking about the memories, but quickly discarded the items. Other items immediately brought to mind a specific someone who could use the item right now. Of course, there were many items that were appropriate for donating. I sorted what was left, attached new labels to the bins, and re-stacked the keepers at the back of my garage.

I hesitated looking at the several bins of homeschool books. I wondered if I would be too sentimentally attached to pass along any of them. Much to my surprise, it was easier than I had anticipated. Could it be that the 12 years (yikes!) that had passed since homeschooling my 3 children had indeed created a sufficient buffer to realistically evaluate these wonderful resources? Yes, I’m happy to report, that was indeed the case. I refreshed my selections of books in my living room to match the current reading levels of my grandchildren and put away all the younger ones. I put together a surprise box to send to them in the mail—which they received with excitement today! I dropped off a box of paperback books at the local laundromat. I selected ones to donate and without guilt tossed the ones that were obviously out of date. I sorted the remaining true treasures into more relevant categories and labeled each bin. And I ended up with several empty bins!

One bin contained my adult son’s key chain collection which he started during his preschool years. As I opened that bin, I again wondered if I could eliminate any. I dumped them all out onto a big table. Immediately I saw several duplicates which could be donated. Then I picked out ones that were broken. I tossed the ones made of plastic that were sticky or yucky. I smiled the whole time remembering how much enjoyment collecting these key chains brought to everyone in the family. When my son was in 5th grade, he even had the opportunity to display them at our local library. Friends, relatives, and even strangers had contributed to this collection. But it wasn’t necessary to keep every single one. Now I had the opportunity to send the best on to my son. That refreshed collection ended up being just the right amount for a large flat rate postal box, which is currently on its way to Texas.

I almost overlooked 2 bins at the end of a shelf—simply because they had probably been there about 10 years! I am so glad that I took the time to open them. As it turned out, they contained items that belonged to my father that my mother had packed away. Both of my parents have been gone for several years. I was absolutely amazed to find one of the best pictures ever of my dad taken when he had won a city bowling tournament in 1968. What? How did I not know about this? How had I never before seen this picture? Even more amazing was a leather envelope-sized portfolio with his original discharge papers, a letter from President Truman thanking him for his service in WW2, and a letter from General Omar Bradley regarding his veteran benefits. The leather portfolio was engraved in gold with his name on the front and “Presented for Your Discharge and Service Papers – Your Valued Possessions / Christmas 1945 / McGraw Chevrolet” on the back. These must have been given to each employee that served in the military. It looks brand new! Once again, I had never seen this before. Now I am using it to hold my car insurance papers, which is quite the upgrade from my previous plastic folder held together with tape. I will be reminded of his service whenever I look at it. The fact is, if he had not returned safely, I would not be here today.

My plea to you is to open those boxes and bins! Give yourself permission to only keep the best and donate, share, or toss the rest. Find the hidden treasures. And treasure the memories. :)

Originally posted by Olive Wagar at https://www.organizedbyolive.com

A welcome dose of calm

Thu, 30 Apr 2020 19:25:25 GMT

If you have felt rather overwhelmed by the COVID-19 crisis, you are not alone. Stocking up on food and supplies, constantly watching the news, and wearing masks in public seems unusual. And it is quite common to feel a sense of anxiety. But don't let those feelings completely control your outlook. Instead, consider these 19 positive next steps that will help you create a sense of calm and order even in uncertain times.

1. Wash all the sheets & hang outside if possible.

2. Wash all blankets & throws.

3. Wash all coats & jackets.

4. Wash the refrigerator shelves & drawers.

5. Remove mugs & glasses; clean the area; put back the favorites.

6. Remove casserole dishes; clean the area; eliminate the odd ones.

7. Remove plates & bowls; clean the area; put back the best.

8. Remove pots & pans; clean the area; put back what you really use.

9. Gather all games; pick out your favorites; have a game night!

10. Gather all DVDs & CDs from around the house; keep the favorites.

11. Sweep the floor, run the sweeper, & shake out the rugs.

12. Wash one window; smile; wash one more window.

13. Remove one category of clothing from your closet; put back the best.

14. Repeat for every type of clothing.

15. Gather all shoes; eliminate duplicate styles & colors.

16. Empty out the junk drawer; put back the most useful items.

17. Gather all magazines; set the most recent by your reading spot.

18. Remove books from shelves; clean the area; put back the favorites.

19. Sort through coupons, flyers, & junk mail; eliminate quickly.

Eliminating any amount of clutter is always a good thing! You can pick and choose where and when to start. When you feel like you don't know what to do, simply pick one and then enjoy a small dose of satisfaction and encouragement!! There is always something positive that you can do everyday. Decide. Organize. Enjoy!! :)

Free Conference Calling

Mon, 16 Mar 2020 18:50:39 GMT

FREE CONFERENCE CALLING

By Janet Jackson

March 15, 2020

When I started hosting an online-attendance option for my monthly Express Training, I paid for a commonly known web-meeting service. It was expensive and didn't include all the features I needed. So, I went shopping a bit more and found www.FreeConferenceCall.com

I have been using this service for over a year now, for my Express Training, for virtual training with groups, for team collaboration meetings, and for client meetings when we just can't meet in person. Here's what I like about it:

• It's free

• It's easy to set up and easy to use

• It doesn't require my attendees to download anything. They just need phone/internet access (unless they need to share their screen with me - then they need to download the app)

• It's free

• It doesn't cost extra for additional features such as recording calls or switching who's screen is being shared

• There's no limit (or at least one that I'll exceed) in regards to number of people who can join the call

• It's free

• I've had almost no technical issues. It's been fuss-free.

• They don't clutter my email's inbox with promos or announcements

• They don't clutter my attendee's email inbox with promos or announcements (that I'm aware of)

• There aren't any annoying ads. I'm honestly a bit confused how they can continue to offer so much for free.

• And one last time - It's free

What I have not liked about it: Their customer support was lacking (and even annoying) when I reached out due to the one issue I have had. Perhaps I just happened to get "that guy". Regardless, I've since figured it out and unless you're demonstrating PowerPoint slideshow tools while also connected to a projector; I don't think you'll have any issues with it.

I'm a longtime proponent of virtual meetings in an effort to increase workplace productivity. I don't think they replace all in-person meetings but I do think they can reduce the amount of time we spend in meetings. And certainly as I write this today, there are reasons beyond productivity to consider virtual meeting solutions. I hope this helps!

May you have blessings and balance and health!

I Have An Idea Problem

Fri, 14 Feb 2020 14:32:10 GMT

You may have heard me say that I have more ideas than I have years left in my professional career. Seriously, I can’t make them stop. What’s worse is that I tend to have endless ideas for others as well, which seems to make my clients happy but my family not as much. Ha!

It might help to pause here and make sure we’re all clear on what I mean by an idea. It’s something that I think might be a good thing to do but there is no due date or anyone waiting for it. It can also be a “should be done” – something you hear that others are doing and think that maybe you should too. They can be complicated items like developing and launching a new program or smaller ideas like researching a specific topic. The key is, no one will really ever know if you don’t do it.

In regards to Organization Solutions, LLC, hopefully, you have found some of my ideas to be beneficial because things like my eLearning site, my YouTube channel, and the new Organization & Productivity Boot Camp are some of the results. I recognized it as a “problem” through a couple of years ago. My files were bulging with the ideas I’d jotted down (because you know I don’t like to keep things in my head). And that doesn’t just have to mean paper files – electronic files can bulge too. Trust me. I see it ALL the time! I found it to be a problem because I had a hard time knowing what I wanted to do next and what even made sense to do at all.

I felt overwhelmed.

In meetings or visioning sessions, facilitators often use Parking Lots. Typically, it’s a flip chart or whiteboard where you can capture things that are good topics but not necessarily what you need to be talking about at the moment. With a Parking Lot, you don’t dismiss the topic altogether and can schedule a future meeting to discuss it in more detail. (Some of you might want to stop reading right now and process that for a moment. Consider a parking lot for your next meeting to help you stick to the actual agenda!)

I decided to apply this Parking Lot technique to my own ideas. I designated a single repository to capture the ideas. Can you guess where? Yep. An Excel spreadsheet. It includes a column to indicate the idea’s priority and serves as an index as well, with a column helping me know how to get my hands on the hard copy file if one existed. Anything can work – the repository doesn’t have to be Excel or even electronic. Simply getting all the ideas together, in one place – and away from the true “to do’s” – brings a lot of sanity and provides clarity.

To really contain the problem though, I had to take it one step further and “set boundaries” on my long list of ideas. My Parking Lot now has a finite number of spaces. What that means is tomorrow – when I have the next idea or hear the next thing I “should be doing” as a business owner, I’ll compare it to what’s already on my list. If my list is full (which it is), then I have to decide which idea stays and which one goes to keep my list to that specific number. It might be that the new idea doesn’t make the list at all.

Managing my ideas this way also helps me feel confident that I’m choosing to spend my time on what’s important instead of bouncing from one thing to the next. For those of you who might be feeling overwhelmed by all the things you think you “should be doing”, I hope this strategy offers some relief. It’s something to consider for those of you leading a team as well, helping you all focus your time and talent in the same direction. If this resonates with you, please let me know! And know that I’d be happy to answer any questions you might have as you try to get your thoughts under control.

May you have blessings and balance!

Janet

http://www.abetterwayto.co/

https://organizationsolutionsllc.com/

Easy-Peasy Way to Say “GOODBYE, 2019!” and “HELLO, 2020!”

Fri, 27 Dec 2019 16:32:44 GMT

As you approach the last days of 2019, why not consider a few easy steps to get ready for 2020! You will start the new year with a sense of accomplishment without feeling exhausted by finishing tasks that usually get put off or neglected. Some take less than 15 minutes! You can do one each day in January. Either way you end up starting the new year organized and ready for new opportunities!!

1. TAKE DOWN all interior and exterior holiday decorations.
2. SORT & ORGANIZE decorations as you put them away.
3. DONATE all decorations you didn’t use.
4. DISCARD all leftovers in your frig & freezer.
5. DISCARD all expired items in your pantry.
6. DONATE all 2019 magazines.
7. RECYCLE all 2019 newspapers.
8. TOSS all expired coupons.
9. DONATE 20 clothing items.
10. THROW AWAY all car clutter.
11. CREATE a simple one-page budget plan.
12. CREATE a simple one-page food & supplies list.
13. UPDATE your address list.
14. DELETE excess photos on your phone.
15. DELETE old voice messages on your phone.
16. DELETE excess text messages on your phone.
17. DELETE unnecessary emails on your computer.
18. RETURN all library items.
19. BUY new toothbrushes for your family!
20. GO to a car wash!!

BONUS: Reward yourself with a favorite holiday treat. My favorite is frozen strawberry yogurt + 7UP. Mix together in a mug or glass as thick as you like!

The Gift of a No-Confusion Holiday

Fri, 29 Nov 2019 18:01:48 GMT

I don’t like being lost.

I don’t like being confused.

I don’t like being overwhelmed.

On a recent trip, I took an unintended detour off the interstate. The roads were unfamiliar to me and not very well marked. The directions on the GPS didn’t seem to match the reality before me. Let’s just say it wasn’t exactly my idea of fun. But I made one decision that made the difference. I decided to keep going north! I knew that eventually I would get back to my intended route.

Maybe, at times, you have unintentionally drifted through a season of life. It wasn’t where you wanted to be or what you wanted to do. You were confused and overwhelmed. I’m guessing it was not your favorite time, either.

Whatever the situation, it helps to ask some questions.

1. What values matter to me?
2. What decision can I make?
3. What action can I take?
4. What can I do differently?
5. What can I eliminate?
6. Whom can I ask for help?

Asking questions and making decisions helps you get past feeling helpless. Doing something is so much better than doing nothing. And there is always something that can be done, even if it isn’t always immediately obvious.

Consider the frustration of sometimes forgetting to pay a bill or getting charged a late fee. Regardless of how much income you have coming in, you can ease the stress of paying bills by having a written monthly budget. It doesn’t need to be fancy or complicated. Just one sheet of paper with what bills you normally pay in a month. List them in chronological order with amount & due date. Check off as you pay with cash, check, or online payment. With that one simple tool, you have eliminated the confusion of paying your monthly bills.

Consider the stress of preparing evening meals. Again, a written plan will bring clarity to this daily dilemma. Decide to simplify your meals. Ask everyone in your family what are their favorite meals. Decide what themes would work well, such as Taco Tuesday or Pizza Friday. Post the intended meals on the frig so everyone knows what to expect and how to help. Look at your activities for the week. Soup and sandwiches might be best for an evening with later activities. You can decide to do something to eliminate the last-minute rush to the drive thru. Or you can plan that and not feel guilty about it!

Perhaps the holidays bring a sense of being confused and overwhelmed to you. Give yourself grace to determine what “have a happy holiday” means to you. Let that be your filter as you decide what to do in the coming weeks. It doesn’t have to look like last year and it certainly doesn’t have to look like a staged magazine article. There is no “one-size-fits-all” for celebrating holidays. Let your values, your season of life, and your personal resources be your compass. Have confidence in determining what works best for you! No apologies necessary.

Values and goals.

Decisions and actions.

That is how you get past confusion.

Give yourself the gift of a no-confusion holiday!

How to Change Your Corner of the World

Tue, 29 Oct 2019 17:25:16 GMT

You may not be rich or famous — but you are an influencer!

It doesn’t matter if you make the evening news or the front-page headlines. You change your corner of the world by the decisions, choices, and actions that you make every day. You can make decisions that bring chaos, confusion, and frustration or you can make decisions that bring peace, contentment, and joy.

Having a measure of order and efficiency is not just reserved for a chosen few. It is available to anyone who is willing to accept change and a fresh perspective. Too often we settle for the way things have always been. We replay failed attempts and mistakenly assume that future attempts will automatically be the same. That simply isn’t fair or true.

My one my favorite childhood memories was watching the yearly replay of “Cinderella” on TV. This was before VHS and DVDs! I loved singing “in my own little corner, in my own little chair, I can be whatever I want to be!” And even as an adult, I still sing those words. I can make small changes in my corner of the world that enable me to live the life I want to live.

I can make changes so that I am an organized person.

I can make changes so that I am a dependable person.

I can make changes so that I am a generous person.

I can make changes so that I am a productive person.

I can make changes so that I am a gracious person.

One way to change your corner of the world is to significantly reduce the quantity of items in your home. We tend to use 20% of our stuff 80% of the time. In other words, a lot of stuff is simply hanging out, taking up room, demanding your space, time, and energy. Just last night, I pulled about 20 books from my shelves that simply were no longer relevant in my life. I enjoyed the satisfaction of being able to acknowledge that while these books had served a purpose in my life, I wasn’t obligated to keep them forever! I’m glad to pass them along for someone else to use. As a bonus, I changed up the arrangement of the remaining books and enjoyed the extra space. I changed a corner of my world!

I once helped a client change the arrangement of almost everything in her laundry room. We emptied every shelf and drawer, tossed the items she no longer used, and rearranged the remaining items into zones according to their use. It was refreshing to see how these changes made the room easier to use!

It became easier to sort and fold the laundry. It became easier to find particular items. It became easier to know exactly what she needed to purchase at the store. She changed a corner of her world!

I helped another client change an extra bedroom that had essentially become a storage area. We worked through each pile making decisions about keeping, donating, selling, or trashing the items.

We put the remaining items together in labeled bins. The exciting part was when we saw that the lovely daybed was clear and empty and ready to be used for overnight guests. She changed a corner of her world!

Each one of these success stories creates momentum for more change. Once you realize that you are pleasantly surprised by the change, you have the courage to step into another area of your home and make another change. Once you get started, it is easier to keep moving!

That Pareto principle applies to your clothing, too. You tend to wear 20% of your clothes 80% of the time. Deciding to have less clothes will immediately bring very pleasant results into your life. You will spend less time doing laundry, you will spend less mental energy deciding what to wear every morning, and it will be easier to put clean clothes away. It might be interesting to put together your favorite 5 work outfits, 5 dress-up outfits, 5 jeans, 5 casual tops, and 5 sweaters—or whatever amounts and categories make sense for your life. Box up the extra and set in the garage for a month. Less clothes just might mean less stress, less chaos, and less work. What a lovely way to change your corner of the world!

When you intentionally change your corner of the world, you create more time for enjoying your family and friends and for doing what matters most to you. You are being an influence for good for you!

“You can’t go back and change the beginning,

But you can start where you are and change the ending.” C. S. Lewis

Confessions of a Storage Unit

Mon, 30 Sep 2019 18:33:30 GMT

What is one of the fastest growing segments of the US commercial real estate market?

a. Luxury Homes

b. Smart Homes

c. Tiny Homes

d. Self-Storage Facilities

The surprising answer is “self-storage facilities!”

And www.selfstorage.org reports the annual revenue at $36,000,000,000 — 36 billion dollars!

That happens to be more than the revenue of the NFL & MLB combined — yikes!

There are approximately 48,500 storage units in the US — more than all the McDonalds & Starbucks!

All of this is absolutely C-R-A-Z-Y!

Which leads me to the following observations:

CONFESSIONS OF AN ORDINARY SELF-STORAGE UNIT:

I am not your friend.
I take your peace of mind.
I cannot make your stuff more valuable.
I cannot prevent your stuff from deteriorating.
I cannot guarantee that your stuff won’t be stolen.
I cannot protect your stuff from critters and rodents.
I cannot protect your stuff from extreme weather conditions.
I cannot guarantee that you will eventually still want your stuff.
I do not solve clutter problems.
I actually create more problems for you.

There may be temporary situations where renting a self-storage unit for your personal items is the only option. However, in many situations, another option would be first to eliminate the excess by selling it, donating to a local charity, sharing with a friend, or even setting it at your curb for free pick-up.

You will feel a tremendous sense of relief when you finally close the door on an empty storage unit.

Delaying making a decision doesn’t really serve your best interest.

Living with less and living with limits can be a very good thing!

Time Management & Horn Tooting!

Thu, 29 Aug 2019 17:21:59 GMT

As I shared in an earlier newsletter, this was a BUSY spring and summer! First, my daughter and motivation behind Organization Solutions, graduated high school and soon begins college. As if that wasn’t enough, I have also been working on a national project. Let me explain that one a little more…

The National Association of Productivity & Organizing Professionals (NAPO) is our industry’s leading professional association. They promote our industry as well as provide education to new and veteran professionals like me. In addition to offering an industry certification, they offer several "Specialist Certificate" tracks. I was honored to be asked to develop and deliver course #2 in their "Team Productivity Specialist Certificate" track. NAPO members around the world will be viewing "Time Planning to Enhance Team Productivity" as they seek to grow their skills and help their clients. (Horn officially tooted) Fortunately, the development process includes a review team so there were great minds contributing to the session.

For the majority of you who are not a Productivity & Organizing Professional, let me share just a quick analogy from the session that I also share in my workshop, A Better Way to Manage Your Workday:

Time management is a lot like money management. With money, when you find yourself struggling to make ends meet, you essentially have 3 choices:

   1.     Make more
   2.     Manage it better
   3.     Spend less

Unfortunately, with time, none of us can actually make more. There are a finite number of minutes in every day. However, we can get the same result by learning how to manage it better or figure out how to do things more efficiently, thus spending less. Here are three of my favorite tips that you can implement immediately to help you manage your time better or spend it less:

1.)Have a plan: Budget your time the way you budget your money. Go into each month with a plan of how you want to spend your days. It’s a lot easier to make progress when you plan it ahead of time rather than squeezing it in between appointments.

2.) Spend less time dealing with interruptions: Especially in regard to notifications, turn them off! Email, social media, text alerts, etc. They will all still be there when you choose to view them. For those that you can keep off permanently, do. For others, consider turning them off for a brief period of time to help you focus. (A-ha! Tip: Windows 10 has a "Focus Assist" feature in their tool set to help you do just that!)

3.) Don’t schedule more than ½ your day (or week): Yes, I share this tip often. It really is important enough to share again. You can’t be organized or productive if you’re never in your office, working.

Do those three things and you will be tooting your own horn as well with all of your accomplishments!!

May you have blessings and balance,

Janet Jackson

www.ABetterWayTo.co

www.OrganizationSolutionsllc.com

Gather Your Memories & Preserve Your Treasures

Fri, 19 Jul 2019 23:37:05 GMT

Have you ever wondered what treasured possessions you would gather up if you suddenly were in an emergency situation? On a less drastic note, what if you simply moved to a smaller house? Or what about the likely possibility of someday living in a one bedroom apartment?

We like to surround ourselves with physical reminders of past experiences. Sometimes those things are truly beautiful and lovely. They make you smile. It delights your heart to share those memories with others. But, it is oh-so-easy to keep too much and to keep it all out on display. Then it gets dusty and in the way, or it blends into the random assortment of other mementos and doesn’t end up being special at all. You just keep adding more to the shelf because you feel guilty about throwing away or putting away a memory.

Allow me to offer a fresh perspective!

The best memories live forever in your heart.

– Olive Wagar

When you try to keep it all, you diminish the value of every single item. How much better it is to choose the very best—the ones that truly touch your heart without any guilt or pressure. You are keeping a few special things because they capture the essence of an experience or relationship. You keep them because they are meaningful to you.

It really doesn’t work when you say to another family member, “You need to keep this vase because it belonged to Aunt Martha.” Those are the kind of things professional organizers find in old cardboard boxes in the dark corners of a garage or basement. You can’t force something to be meaningful. Either it is or it isn’t.

How much better it is when a family member says, “I love thinking of special times with Grandma when I see this pitcher. Would it be ok if I take it home with me?” That will be a treasure not a burden.

During a particularly intense storm a few months ago, I gathered up my pillows, blankets, phone and charger and retreated to a safe room of my home. Then I quickly gathered up 2 framed photos, my box of travel patches, and a box of sentimental cards. It all fit nicely into one bag. I was glad that I knew exactly what I wanted to keep and that I knew exactly where to find them.

When you take a fresh look at things around your house, you might be surprised to realize that many of the things are very common. They hold no special meaning. They are just there, taking up space. If they were destroyed or ruined, you would not even bother to replace them. By carefully selecting what you really want to keep because it is particularly meaningful to you, you make it so much easier to box up and donate all of the other excess.

Regarding that box of travel patches—it is my absolute favorite collection of memories with my children. As I hold each patch, I can relive those happy experiences. Sometimes I can even remember what clothes we were wearing or what the weather was like on that day! They fit very nicely into a decorated box that I keep handy on my bookshelf. Those patches delight my heart. They are true treasures.

Please don’t attempt to keep everything from past experiences! You will eventually resent having so much. They will become a burden not a blessing. Trust yourself to keep what truly matters.

Know that your heart has a greater

capacity than your house!

– Olive Wagar

It is OK to ask for help when you are sorting through your sentimental possessions. Organized by Olive welcomes the opportunity to work beside you, to support you, and to guide you as you discover the less cluttered side of life. It is worth the effort when you have less mess and more space, less chaos and more calm. You will discover peace of mind. And the best part is that you will have room in your life for new adventures and new memories!

What is your favorite treasure?

Organize Your Life with a Vision Board

Fri, 28 Jun 2019 19:45:58 GMT

Do you find it frustrating to set goals? Do you have outrageous expectations that only leave you feeling discouraged? Do you even remember the resolutions you made last January?

The good news is that you can set new goals and achieve personal success any day of the year! You can determine what is most important to you and then choose what tiny steps will get you to that goal. There are 6 months left in the year. Decide now what you will celebrate on Dec 31, 2019!!

The program for the July 8 meeting of NAPO-Ohio will be "How to Organize Your Life with a Vision Board." You will have the opportunity to create a unique vision board that will inspire & encourage you toward personal success. You don't have to be artistic or crafty--you just need to give yourself permission to have awesome dreams.

When you organize your thoughts, clarify your goals, and display your dreams, you increase the possibility that you will actually achieve personal and professional success. Plan now to be at the July 8 meeting!

P.S. Please register before July 4th!

15 Reasons to Join NAPO-Ohio!

Wed, 29 May 2019 15:10:14 GMT

CELEBRATING 15 YEARS OF NAPO-OHIO

15 REASONS TO JOIN NAPO-OHIO!!

1. Enjoy the camaraderie of friendships with organizing and productivity professionals.
2. Network with business partners in a supportive and friendly environment.
3. Engage in professionally relevant round table discussions.
4. Earn CEU credits from high quality meeting programs featuring professional experts.
5. Participate in “GO-GET-ORGANIZED” collections for non-profit charities around Ohio.
6. Gain valuable perspective from experienced Certified Professional Organizers.
7. Gain access to NAPO’s extensive library of excellent conference recordings.
8. Take advantage of leadership & volunteer opportunities.
9. Contribute to NAPO-Ohio’s Blog, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram posts.
10. Be included in NAPO-Ohio’s exclusive service directory.
11. Be encouraged while working through the difficult seasons of being an entrepreneur.
12. Enjoy 6 delicious buffet lunches with yummy desserts at no additional cost.
13. Support & promote the growth of the organizing & productivity profession.
14. Reinforce the truth that there is room in the market place for each one of us.
15. Celebrate that together we are better!

Making The Clothing Seasonal Switch

Julie Riber, CPO® — Wed, 03 Apr 2019 11:38:32 GMT

At least twice a year, everyone takes a look at their closet and changes out their seasonal clothing. If you are like most, you dread the job because you have to look at all your clothes and decide whether they are going to fit still, if the color is good, and if they can make it through another season.

Maybe you have a separate closet for your out- of -season clothes, or you use bins to store some of your clothes. It is time to put away your fall and winter clothes and get ready to start wearing those spring colors and then shorts. As you are putting away those clothes, look at each piece and decide if the color, size and style still works for you and your wardrobe. Ask yourself the following questions: Does it make you look your best? If you did not even wear it this season, what changes would have to happen that would make you wear it next year? If you are looking at weight loss as a motivator, that is great, but only keep the really great pieces. You will want to buy new items as you lose the weight.

Doing this in steps will make it easier and more manageable. You will probably not be wearing sleeveless shirts right away, but also no longer need turtlenecks. Ease the ¾ length sleeve items in first while taking out the turtlenecks and then maybe bring in those capris before bringing in shorts. Hanging can be done all at once since much of that is more based on color and fabric. As the summer heats up, bring in shorts and then sleeveless. Remember to repair anything before you store it for the season.

Do not store your clothing in dry cleaning bags as they have chemicals on them and can harm your clothes after a long period of time. There are totes by Ziploc with holes near the top to allow the clothes to breathe and keep the bugs and dust out. They come in 2 different sizes and can fit in small areas. Look at storing anything with wool in a breathable storage bag or tote. Anyone can get moths and they will ruin your wool. If you are lucky to have extra closets, make it simple and switch out the closet and maybe a guest bedroom dresser.

Statistics show that you really only wear 20% of what you have on regular basis. 80% of your wardrobe is worn rarely if ever. Another good rule to live by is, when you buy something new, get rid of an old one in your closet to make room.

For your kids, try items on by type such as shirts, pants and shorts. Make a list of items you will need for this season and remember to donate or sell the items they have outgrown.

Single Best Tip for Increasing Productivity

Tue, 29 Jan 2019 15:30:21 GMT

If you want to be more organized and productive, keep reading for the single best piece of advice that I can share with you:

Don’t schedule more than ½ your week.

I did a workshop once with a large organization. They hired me because they felt their employees needed to be more organized and productive in how they worked. Within the first few minutes of the workshop, I realized the problem. The attendees shared with me how they were in back-to-back meetings nearly every day. As a result, they were regularly staying late, taking work home, or just not getting stuff done. Ever since, I make sure to share in my workshops that no tool, no app, no system, is a magic wand. They can help; but, nothing can replace you spending time in your office, getting work done.

The solution to that problem with that organization seems obvious, right? Stop being in back-to-back meetings. Yet, I wonder how many readers do the same thing without even realizing it. Are you, intentionally, scheduling time to get work done? Or do you flit from one appointment to the next without realizing how much time they are taking you away from your desk each week?

When you get an invitation to attend something,
do you simply look to see if you have a conflict on your calendar?
Or are you intentional about considering the whole week and
how much time you are giving away?

Yes, I hear some of you saying, "But I have no control over my time." If that’s you, I encourage you to really think about that. You may not have complete control but I’m quite certain you have some control. Stop and think about what you can change about your schedule instead of what you can’t. And if you’re in management, pause and consider what the meetings you schedule are doing to your employee’s productivity!

This concept is 100% true for me personally. When things get a little out of control for me, I can always point it back to violating this principle: I am out of my office more than I am in it. Certainly, there will be seasons for all of us when we just can’t help it. The success comes when it is not our default mode of operation.

So, I encourage you to take the ½ week challenge! You may have to plan ahead a few weeks because of previously made commitments but do try it. For four weeks straight, try not scheduling more than ½ your week and evaluate if/how your organization and productivity has increased.

May you have blessings and balance.

Janet Jackson

www.ABetterWayTo.co

www.OrganizationSolutionsllc.com

Eliminate & Evict the Extras!

Mon, 21 Jan 2019 19:05:33 GMT

Extra stuff is not your friend.

Extra stuff does not serve you well.

Extra stuff will take over your home.

Most people tolerate having extra stuff. They passively allow mail, papers, receipts, books, magazines, newspapers, shoes, clothes, toys, craft supplies, and the like to accumulate and multiply on any available surface. The stacks and piles become an expected part of the décor.

But you don’t have to be like most people!

You can decide to eliminate and evict the extras!

Open any drawer, closet, or cupboard in your home. I expect that you will see extra stuff that you do not use, do not like, or do not want. Perhaps you will even see things you don’t even remember owning!

I spent the better part of New Year’s Day eliminating & evicting several small areas of my home. It was my way of welcoming the New Year with a fresh start. There was no pressure to radically make over my entire house—just to focus on the small spots that often get overlooked. I had delightful music playing in the background and an appetizing assortment of snacks and treats to reward my progress along the way! It was not a burdensome task—it was actually fun.

With each area, I followed the same procedure:

1. REMOVE all the items from a particular space.
2. REDUCE by sorting and choosing to keep only the best.
3. RECYCLE as much as possible and trash what is unusable.
4. REPURPOSE by donating, sharing, or relocating.
5. REARRANGE what you kept in the particular space.
6. REJOICE that you can easily find & easily put away things.
7. REWARD yourself for making these decisions!
8. REPEAT in the next area. J

What areas received this special touch?

1. Kitchen Island drawers
2. Desk drawers
3. Bathroom cabinet
4. Pantry shelves
5. Garage book bins
6. Garage holiday bins

I was especially pleased with the bathroom cabinet—adjusting the shelf & rearranging made quite a difference! It holds exactly what I use each day and everything is easy to find and easy to put away.

Regarding the holiday decorations, I realized that I tend to use fewer decorations each year. Just because I had various items didn’t automatically mean they had great sentimental value to me or my family. I kept the favorite ones, but gave myself permission to pass along the extras. Then I put things away in a manner that will make it easier to get the decorations out next year. You can do that too!

It wasn’t a dramatic change--but making those small changes in areas that are used every day amplified the effect. The extra space, the empty bins, and the donation boxes are evidence that my progress was well worth the effort.

Most of us don’t live in remote places like Antarctica! We really don’t need all the extra stuff for “just in case.” Try living on the wild side by living with less. It will help you to thrive! I guarantee you will be pleasantly surprised!!

Managing Your Home Office - Like a Boss!

Mon, 10 Sep 2018 01:46:06 GMT

A common problem area in this home is the home office. It is problematic because it is a hub for kept papers, it is usually behind closed doors which allows for deferred maintenance, and it often becomes a catch all for other hard-to store items (like, the fold out play houses or set of drums). One of my clients even air dries all of her laundry in this space. You get the idea, even if it isn't used as an office all the time, there is plenty of activity happening here.
So, we have pulled together some of our best tips and products to keep this multi-task area in check.

The key for a functional office space is low paper volume. You need a strategy for long-term storage of paper and for the quick and safe removal of unneeded paper. The first step is receiving and storing papers and files. We like the ScanSnap scanner, which makes beautiful, two-sided scans. The feed can handle small to medium volumes. It is great for receipts, forms and important documents.

Scan snap is also compatible with digital document software like Evernote. This allows for double duty of all your traditionally written notes and document storage. With both tools, you should be able to cut your stored paper volume by nearly half. The other paper-busting tool is a good quality shredder. We recommend investing in a good medium-level shredder that won't clog or overheat easily. Keep the shredder near your desk, (closer to you than the trash can, hint-hint). And make shredding a common ritual for paper clearing.

Sometimes, you need to see all of your tasks or family activities all in one space. We recommend a wall organizer with a renewable writing surface like this glass-faced erase board that also holds magnets (from container store):

Say goodbye to sticky notes and tablet calendars. This wall planner plays double duty.

And when it comes to a desk, don't forget the needed storage. Today's desks are very minimalist with large writing surfaces. But there is no space for basic supplies like pens and envelopes and paperclips. We recommend at least one medium drawer and one deep drawer. And for desk-top and drawer organization these simple products from Poppin are stackable and low profile to get more storage using less space.

If your desk takes up a lot of space in your home office, remember the excellent storage space that you have along your walls. Elfa makes adjustable, wall-mounted shelves that are adaptable. Many options are available for specific-use items like tape and ribbon storage, etc:

And last but not least, good multi-use containers are in order for a multi-use space. An office may have anything from batteries, extra cords, printer ink and printer paper, labels and specialty inserts, etc. We like containers that are easy to reach for and to reach into, easy to label, and easy to tell the contents on the inside such as with these multi-purpose carriers (available at the Container Store):

For enterprises large and small, your home office can run smoothly, efficiently, and smartly, by adopting a few smart tools that fit your space and your life style. Get your work space won and tame your paper place! For more tips throughout the home, visit www.getorganizedcolumbus.com.

The Contemporary Closet: A slimdown ritual for the overstuffed wardrobe

Sat, 23 Jun 2018 22:05:00 GMT

We 've all had those mornings where pulling together a fresh outfit that helps us feel good about the day results in a ho-hum, not-what-I- was-going-for look. But how can that be, when we have closets full of clothes?

Usually when clients tell me they "have no clothes," the reality is one of several instances:

they have closets that have not been purged of things not worn in several seasons
they are holding on to clothing that no longer fits or suits their tastes
they have not reviewed their clothes to find pairings that are versatile
they have lost track of what they own

The result, is jammed packed rods of clothes that are skipped over each day, which makes us feel frustrated and lethargic. Why can't we find anything to wear? It is because we can't see the outfit through the textile piles.

Here are a few strategies for finding those fresh looks that are within reach.

First, we suggest removing the contents of your closet. It may seem overwhelming, but it is important to get to the clothes that have been lingering in the back and out of range for a while. When doing this, separate shirts from pants-from jeans- from skirts-from dresses.

Now, make a fit check. Most of us have clothes that either don't fit or that don't fit in a flattering way. Some times the cut just isn't right or maybe a few too many washes has changed the shape. If you are hoping to fit into a size again, consider that most people won't lose or gain a size without significant efforts. If you are not actively dieting or exercising, then don't keep clothes that don't match your current needs.

The next step is to take a closer look at items that you haven't worn in several seasons, and then ask, why might that be? So many times we buy separates without thinking about what they might match. This is especially true of sale items. When re-evaluating these items, a good rule of thumb is to be able to wear the separate with three outfits. If you feel it does not coordinate well, then it is okay to admit it may not have been a good purchase.

Clothes that no longer fit or that don't work with other clothes are great candidates for donation. On the other end of the spectrum are those clothes which have seen better days. We all have them. The blouse that just needs a button, a pair of pants that needs hemmed, or a frayed edge on a favorite sweatshirt. When we aren't wearing things because we might one day be able to improve condition, it is not likely that we are going to restore them to their original glory. Unless you can sew, or you have a good tailor on speed dial, it is okay to admit these items are the end of their life cycle.

Now that you have performed a closet edit, you can begin to look at your clothes with a fresh eye. With the remaining items, take time to coordinate and plan outfits. The most versatile items should help you build 2 or 3 outfits. Hang up clothes by category and by color - from light to dark. This will help you see if you have too much or too little of one color. And just like that you will be rewarded with knowing what to wear next week, knowing where to find it, and having a closet that fits YOU!

School is out--Preparing for the summer home invasion

Fri, 25 May 2018 01:29:45 GMT

Graduation season is upon us. And for parents with younger children, school doors are about to burst open with kids who are jubilant to be home and free of the confines of lockers, lunches and lessons. Without the structure of school regimens guiding their time, we need to prepare at home for daily routine changes that will happen for both kids and adults alike. We like to help parents find ways to make routines that are easy so kids can enjoy their freedom, have access to things that will keep them engaged, and keep everyone's day running smoothly.

One of the first things we can do once the kids are home is to remove daily school clutter. We suggest reviewing any saved school papers, homework, notebooks and school art that has collected throughout the year. Keep the items that might be for keepsake and recycle the rest. This also includes letting go of school calendars, lunch menus, workbooks and text books that aren't needed. Start by reviewing book bags and homework areas, and work through any desks, closets or drawers that might be holding unnecessary papers.

We can also look at closets and drawers to make sure summer clothes and play clothes are accessible. Move any better school clothing or school uniforms to the back of the closet or into a seasonal bin. Perhaps you want to preserve a pair of better tennis shoes so they don't get ruined during heavy outdoor play or put out the flip flops and swim shoes so you won't have to rummage for them all summer long.

Speaking of flip-flops, do you have pool passes or summer sports lined up this summer? Now is a great time, to wash up towels and bathing suits, get out gear bags and stage supplies so that kids, parents and caretakers alike know where everything is located. These sundries may include a full range of items like water bottles, sunscreen, eye goggles and sun glasses, pool toys, sports uniforms and duffle bags filled with all the required game-day garb.

But this summer ritual isn't just about deconstructing the school day, it is also about changing gears at home too, and finding way to keep kids engaged and involved in learning. Reading is one of the best things kids can do to help keep little minds active. I like to collect all the books from around the home and make sure they are placed on a shelf or in an area that makes reading enjoyable. Along with your child, you can set up a summer reading list. Perhaps an extra treat can be included for each book or series that is completed in the summer series.

With more time for the outdoors, comes more space needed for outdoor toys. We suggest designating an area in a garage, mudroom or outdoor area where kids can get toys that are meant for the outdoors. (By the way, do they even make yard darts anymore? I used to love those!) Anyways, sports balls and kites, and sand toys, and outdoor chalk and bubble makers, and bug collector kits all can be conveniently located in one area. And your kids can help select where to put them and gather these things to be kept in their summer home! It is also good to take a look at bike helmets and protective pads to make sure they are in good shape and fit their owners.

Also if you want to help kids keep a sense of schedule, you can work on a Summer roster that helps plan for fun and for responsibilities. Maybe you want to limit screen time, or make sure that there is time set aside for practicing instruments or for summer chores. Now is the time to help map that out together so that kids know what to expect for the next 70+ days.

And just one more thing to be completely summer ready. You may want to plan ahead for more snacks or food and chilled beverages while kids are at home. Summer activities will surely keep them heading for the fridge more often.

Well that should be a good start to get ahead of the dog days! Bring on Summer! And let us know some of your organizing tips for the summer months!

6 Surprising Questions that will bring Amazing Results!

Sat, 05 May 2018 01:15:38 GMT

Have you noticed how questions make you stop and think? You take the time to consider your situation and your perspective, and then you answer. Even if you only say the answer in your mind, you are taking a stand.

Questions can help you analyze situations and get past roadblocks. It is easy to rationalize inactivity with excuses, but honestly answering questions can be just the nudge you need to get back on track. No deep philosophical discussions—just surprisingly simple questions that bring amazing results!

As you look around your home, ask these organizing questions:

1. IS THIS ITEM BEAUTIFUL?
Life is really too short for ugly things! Or things that are stained, ripped, or broken beyond repair. Tattered towels and blankets can be donated to the animal shelter. Ugly clothes can donated and recycled as rags. William Morris said it best in 1880—“Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.”

2. DOES THIS SERVE A PURPOSE IN MY CURRENT SEASON OF LIFE? We all have seasons of our life where we accumulate specific items for a particular need—kitchen items, baby items, sports equipment, to name a few. But our circumstances change as time passes and the reality is we keep stuff we don’t use or need. It is difficult to embrace new opportunities and adventures if we are using all of our time and energy constantly taking care of things from the past. Accept your current season with a measure of grace. Look at what you have with a fresh perspective.

3. WHO NEEDS THIS ITEM MORE THAN I DO?
Once you realize you don’t need an item, you give yourself permission to pass it along to someone who does. And it doesn’t need to be someone in your family! Many local charities desperately need your extra household goods to help families in need right now, not 10 years down the road. Some charities, like Vietnam Vets and Habitat for Humanity will even come right to your door.

4. ARE THESE ITEMS KEEPING ME TRAPPED IN THE PAST? Most homes have many sentimental items—things that belonged to our children, things we received as gifts, or things we inherited from loved ones. Memories can be good and comforting, until they overwhelm our living spaces and drain our emotional energy. The reality is that you just can’t keep it all! You will do yourself a big favor by keeping only the best, the items that truly capture the essence of a treasured experience with a loved one. You will have room to use, display, and enjoy these special keepsakes rather than stuffing them in a box in the garage or attic. And by keeping less, you will automatically elevate the value of each item.

5. AM I SAVING TOO MANY THINGS FOR SOMEDAY?
Are you burdened with smaller size clothes or unfinished craft projects? I suppose we might use these things some magical day in the future, but it is more likely that we won’t! Our preferences and desires change and that is OK. I can recall craft supplies that I found just the right containers for and even moved them 4 or 5 times, but never actually used—how crazy it that? Let’s remember that we don’t live in Antarctica; if I decide one day that I do want to use craft supplies, I can easily find them at my local stores. In the meantime, I want to spend less time saving things for that elusive someday and more time living and enjoying today.

6. DOES MY HOME REFLECT THE LIFE I REALLY WANT TO LIVE? Have you always wanted to host a book club or a family celebration? Have you wished for a dedicated craft room or home office? Do you want to enjoy calm and peaceful evenings at home? Most times it is an accumulation of clutter that keeps those wishes from coming true. Maybe it is finally time to honor those desires.

One of my favorite sayings is, “All the flowers of tomorrow are in the seeds of today.” What you do today matters. All those tiny steps and small actions make a difference. Take time to decide what you really want. Then list the steps you will take to get there. You will be pleasantly surprised as you gradually transform your ordinary house into a delightful home!

What amazing results have surprised you lately?

This blog post first appeared on
www.organizedbyolive.com on Wednesday, April 25, 2018.

Basement Confidential

Mon, 30 Apr 2018 01:39:45 GMT

This time of year we are helping a lot of people move. And inevitably the first place most people ask for assistance is in the basement. Basement clean-outs are always requested with a certain sigh in the voice. Most of us know we store too much here, but have a lingering feeling that there are things we need to review and come to terms with.

Mentally the basement is more taxing than say, an extra bedroom, because we have put things down there which we "thought we might one day need" but don't care to see any time soon. We term this type of keeping as "Hypothetical Keeping," which includes all those thing we have held onto for "maybe one day" or for "just in case" scenarios.

Amongst all of the "possibilities" that exist in the basement, there are also some things we are keeping long-term such as memorabilia and seasonal items. These items of personal value are the "glue" which holds the rest of our items in basement limbo. Some things are personally important, most things are not, and many things have a question mark hanging over them.

And the basic anatomy--or storage pattern--of the basement, generally goes like this: things on the shelves, things stacked in boxes or in tubs, and items randomly held on a table top or workbench.

Here are the top 10 things we commonly see in the basement that can generally immediately go:
1. Generic Vases
2. Baskets
3. Empty Boxes. Sometimes they are for products in use, but more often than not they are just empty boxes!
4. Old Luggage, Laptops and Duffle Bags
5. Unused wall art/posters
6. Parts that belong to "something"
7. Books. Give yourself a double low score if you are storing outdated textbooks here!
8. Paint, chemicals, building materials--for that one project just in case.
9. Tcotchskis
10. Saved gift wrap--that didn't save very well.

Does any of this sound familiar? Well there is surely a local charity who would like to meet you:)

Clothing is another item commonly kept in the basement. Seasonal clothing that is rotated in and out of this area is generally okay. But basements are no place for long-term storage of clothing or any material-based items. This also includes stuffed animals and linens. Condition matters! If you are keeping baby clothes or the clothes of your grown children, remember that material doesn't do well over long periods of time, especially in a basement.

Paper is another item that does not live well in a basement. Yet, we often find decades worth of schoolwork and child art as well as personal records in boxes and bins. For some, these papers are worth review. But in reality most people realize that papers really don't hold condition, value or interest in the way they had imagined. Be ready for a removal plan for old paper: paper to purge/recycle, paper to shred, and paper that if it is truly worth keeping (such as memorabilia)--should be enjoyed in another way than at the bottom of a box.

But beyond the unnecessary things and items that don't store well here--you might be wondering, what is the basement good for? Well, with the proper storage shelving and protection, we have a few recommendations for what lives well here. The key is easy visibility, easy access, and LOW QUANTITIES:
1. Extra Large kitchen utilities such as roasting pans and stock pots
2. Seasonal sporting goods like skis or bikes
3. Holiday décor
4. Tools

Notice the absence of anything with material or fibers. Condition matters. No one really wants anything old, dusty, stained, or that needs mending. And for an item to be worth YOUR storage real estate and effort, it should be worth taking care of properly. Hopefully this narrowly defined basement criteria will help keep future storage quantities low.

And remember if you need help digging out, we are just a phone call away. Happy clearing!

Track Meets, Proms, Graduations – Oh my! – Tips on Delegating during this busy season

Tue, 10 Apr 2018 16:18:02 GMT

Though I love snow, I also look forward to spring after a long string of gray, gloomy days. Yet, it seems to me that spring season is one of the busiest. Along with spring sports and school activities there is Easter, spring break trips, and, likely, a desire to be outside again. With so much that needs done and so much you want to do, I thought now might be a good time to suggest that you

Think outside yourself

In my workshop, A Better Way to Manage Your Workday, we spend some time talking about the art of delegating. A common response is that they don’t have someone to whom they can delegate. In the workshop, we spend some time exploring alternative ways we can all get a little help. I’d like to share some of those thoughts with you…

Work Stuff

Interns: Contact your local high school career center or community college where you can find some great, inexpensive help with all kinds of projects!

Non-profits and County Agencies: Your community likely has an organization that serves those with disabilities. These organizations often have a work program in which their clients can help you get things done effectively and economically (and even more, you’ll feel great about working with them!)

Volunteers/Seniors: Don’t dismiss this group. There are plenty of individuals who don’t necessarily want to work full-time – or even part-time – but would love to help you out on an as-needed basis, stuffing envelopes, shredding, etc.

Other Professional Services: Think Accountants, Marketing Agencies, or Staffing Agencies to help fill a short term need.

Virtual Assistant (VA): A VA is a subcontractor who works remotely and can help you with anything from data entry to social media to managing big projects. I used a VA to make my eLearning site become a reality. She lives in San Diego. We worked together for two years before ever meeting in person. I know several VAs so if you’re interested and need help finding one, let me know!

Life Stuff

Often, we can accomplish more at work when we can worry less about all that needs done at home.

Kroger ClickList: This service changed my life! I put it right alongside the invention of the washing machine and dishwasher in terms of making life easier at home! Do your shopping online, from the comfort of your home. Then drive to the store and have them load it into your car. Saves me hours each month! Other stores have established this service as well so check what might be available in your area.

Family members: Kids can help, even at an early age! I think I had Ellie emptying the dishwasher (helping me) before she even started kindergarten. Caution: you may have to lower your expectations a bit and be happy that it just got done (even if it’s not how you’d have done it.)

Products that make tasks easier: Think robot vacuum cleaners, housecleaning shortcut tools, etc.

Services that make tasks easier: Housecleaning, lawn care, and laundry services are just a few examples. One of my favorite services is our local Dry Cleaners. They wash AND press 5 shirts for less than $10. (And if you knew how much I hate to iron, you’d know how happy I am to pay that!) Keep in mind; these services don’t have to be expensive. In fact, they might be happily done by a high school kid you know who’s looking for some spending money.

Personal assistant/ errand runner: I know a couple personal assistants who will do whatever you need done to make your life a little easier. If you’re interested in contact information for the ones that I know, let me know! Or, again, you might find a teenage driver who has a little time after school to walk your dog or help you with errands in return for a little cash.

So, get creative this spring! Pick one task that you don’t enjoy or just don’t have time to do and think about how you could get some help with it. (And be sure to let me know what you come up with! I’d love to hear it. I can use all the help I can get too!)

The Not-So-Taxing Tax Season

Wed, 28 Mar 2018 16:49:31 GMT

No one enjoys the process of filing taxes. But for many, this time of year can be especially daunting if paper keeping is an issue in your home. Finding documents, gathering forms, and keeping records can be a terrible triple-whammy for the paper challenged.

This is also true for digital records. Information, whether in paper or digital form, can be easily misplaced or saved in haphazard ways that create useless digital piles.

Well, we see this time of year as a great way to get focused on the paper that is important, remove what isn’t, and create a simple system that will keep you on track throughout the year.

We start with a simple file very humbly named “Current Tax Year.” This file will be the gathering place for tax-related documents collected throughout the year, and can take digital or file folder form. Think of it as a simple drop system that you barely have to think about until the items need to be called upon.

By the way, digital files will always be the recommended end home for your paper files. But throughout the year, there is nothing wrong with having a collection place for those hard copies.

If you do not itemize, this is almost all you need. But for itemization, we take a few more steps to separate these basic tax categories:

We like keeping receipts in envelopes separated by month to capture the everyday non-specific purchases.
We create a file for each area of itemization. For example: auto expenses related to business, liability and other business insurances, legal fees for business, marketing expenses, phone records, etc
For those whose healthcare expenses factor into filing, we separate these as well
For those who use accountants or CPAs throughout the year, we create a Tax Preparation file
Investment files are necessary if you have retirement accounts and other assets with dividends
It is also a good idea to keep a Banking and Credit Card file for those summaries that help show proof of itemized transactions

There may be other categories, but these are the basics for most.

This system is easy to implement for the new year, but if you are in the middle of paper stacks of every type, you need a clean-up plan too. We approach clean-up with a sorting strategy. First, have a receptacle for Recycling, have a plan for Shredding (either a receptacle or a shredder that is ready on site), and have a bag for Discards. You will find that most of your paper will fall into these categories. For the 10% or so that needs to be kept, you can make your own categories based on what remains. Then decide if you want to store your paper in digital or hardcopy form.

There are so many great digital document systems, we hope that you might take a serious look at some of the products available. We have used Neat, ScanSnap and Evernote. And for cost tracking, there are any number apps and software for tracking spending and mileage that can keep your purchase records categorized paperlessly throughout the year—a real plus!

So like the commercial says, don't just get your taxes done, get your paper work won! We are here to help make this year your best paper year yet.

Before the College Packing Begins

Ellen Limes, CPO® — Fri, 02 Mar 2018 01:43:10 GMT

By now, many high school seniors have decided where they will attend college. If they haven’t, it will be decided soon. But before you start gathering the goods for the dorms, their family bedroom is something that should be processed. Countless clients have tried to downsize and move to only have their children not available or not have the time to clean out their bedroom. They may have graduated from college, moved into their own apartment and working full time. The last thing they want to do is process those things of youth.

Before high school finals finalize and graduation passes by, mention to your child that this project is something that needs to be done. 30 minute spurts of time can accomplish quite a bit. You may consider working with them in order to keep them focused. Setting a timer helps with the focus and offers an end to what can be a stressful project. The typical piles of KEEP, TOSS and DONATE need to be established. Do they really want the trophies from their 3rd grade sporting events? Are the paperback books as important anymore and what about the beading kits from the birthdays past? All these things have been found in clients’ children’s rooms.

If there are special mementos they want to keep, by all means, let them keep them. The guideline is that by time they are thirty, they need to take it with them. At that point, they should have completed their education, be established in their career and maybe even have a home of their own. There are of course underlying circumstances that would prevent this, but use it as a guideline.

The items that they want to keep should be boxed up in a box or tub that closes so the boxes can easily be stacked. If you are using plastic tubs, a 55qt. size is about the biggest you want to use. Anything larger gets too heavy and difficult to manage. Mark the box with their name and general items enclosed. This gives them a gauge on the amount of stuff they are keeping. They will thank you later when you move into your retirement condo and their things have already been presorted.

Getting Off The Fast Moving Train To Get Organized

Julie Riber, CPO® — Fri, 02 Feb 2018 01:24:28 GMT

Are you often so busy that you feel as if you are on a train and the landscape and attractions are going by so fast that you can't get off? You have so much to do that tasks keep coming in and there is no break.

The feeling is described by many as overwhelmed, stressed, or defeated. These descriptions are also used by my clients when it comes to organizing. They feel so overwhelmed that they cannot get started and the train keeps putting the clutter into their space with no end in sight.

So how do you get off the train or make it stop? As you can imagine it does take some changing of behaviors and habits. Learning to say no to additional tasks will help keep you on track to complete current tasks. Many of my overwhelmed clients have a very hard time saying no to a new task or project. They feel guilty if they say no, so the projects just pile up and none of them get completed.

Asking for help is another habit to change as we feel weak if we need to ask for help for a task that seems like anyone can do it, such as organizing. As I tell my clients, we are gifted with a talent and organizing just happens to be mine, but art and singing are not talents I was gifted.

When it comes to organizing, being overwhelmed is preventing you from moving forward so it continues to pile up. To get off that fast moving train you must say no to new tasks, give yourself permission to ask for help, and remember that getting organized is a process not an event. The train did not just start going fast, so it will take some time for it to stop.

Becoming Un-binned: Deconstructing our Keeping Habits

Mon, 29 Jan 2018 22:04:16 GMT

We have all done it: we have something we like from our past or in our present that we don't necessarily need or know how we might use, but we don't feel right parting with it. So we put it in a box or storage bin for safe keeping or later decision making, and banish it to that storage area (usually a basement or attic) that we hardly ever visit. And that is it: we have kept something indefinitely--for better or for worse--and we feel comforted that we have done so.

But why is this? What is it about having something in a box-that isn't easy to access and that likely will not be used-that makes us feel better? The truth is, no one enjoys the ritual of going to the basement to rifle through things. Most people find basement storage to be uncomfortable and frustrating. And yet there in the basement (or garage, or extra bedroom, etc) we create clutter stacks upon stacks which requires us to hover and sift and peruse our belongings, often without even finding the thing we are looking for.

We see this especially with memorabilia keeping. A client of mine had found some wallpaper samples in a drawer that were from her childhood home. She loved seeing the colors and patterns and decided that she would put them in her memorabilia bin, which was labeled just that in the basement. This bin was on the bottom of a bin stack in a dark basement which was warm but older and rather dusty. So I asked her, "how often do you think you will want to visit this bin to see and enjoy those samples?" And she replied that she tries to limit her trips to the basement as much as possible, and she noted that the bin wasn't easy to get to.

So the obvious question becomes, "why keep things in a box?" What value does the box bring to our things--real or perceived?

I believe that putting something in a box accomplishes two things for the keeper: 1) it defers decision making to later and 2) reinforces the belief that safe keeping is good keeping. But I would like to challenge the notion of good keeping--in a box. Because when you limit access to things, you limit how useful or enjoyable something can be in your daily life, AND you've created a pile that diminishes in personal value over time. Hence the clutter stacks in our homes!

So for example, in the case of the wall paper pattern, instead of asking if you want to keep it, I would ask how might you like to preserve the wall paper so it can be used or enjoyed? A number of simple ideas come to mind. The samples can be made into laminated book marks, or perhaps they can be put into a small framed collage for your desk, or maybe placed in a scrapbook, or you can snap a photo of the pattern and make it a screen saver...just to name a few ideas. The value of this paper suddenly seems to increase by volumes--outside of the box. This demonstrates keeping with a purpose.

So the next time you find yourself thinking that you would like to store something long-term, make sure you aren't just keeping for keeping sake. In other words, don't just think "I want to hold on to that." Keep with a plan; a plan to use or enjoy the article in some fashion at some point in time. Identifying your intention should in theory make the storage needs temporary rather than indefinite and help reduce the overall amount of kept things.

We hope this will help you look at your clutter stacks a little differently and assign better intentions to all those things that haven't seen the light of day. Good luck!

Celebrate Every Tiny Victory!

Sun, 31 Dec 2017 21:37:24 GMT

Celebrate every tiny victory!

We live in a very competitive culture. We are surrounded by people who will do anything to be the best, to be the one on the top of the victory stand, to get the blue ribbon or the gold medal. Sometimes it seems that the message is that if you don’t finish on top, you really haven’t accomplished anything worthwhile.

I am here to encourage you to celebrate every personal victory along the way to your personal goal. It really doesn’t matter about how your progress matches up to anyone else. When you are in the arena, “daring greatly” as Teddy Roosevelt would say, you are one step closer to your personal victory. And that is reason enough to celebrate.

When we say goodbye to perfectionism,

we open up the door to personal victory!

When we give ourselves permission to be less than perfect, we take a big load off of our shoulders and an even bigger load of stress out of our lives. It enables us to see that the mistakes we make can still be stepping stones to personal success. And you get to define your definition of success.

I happen to like a colorful checkmark or cheerful happy face to acknowledge a job well done. J I also like to celebrate with a delicious treat. Sitting down with a cup of tea to savor the memory of a tiny victory works too.

After an introduction at a recent speaking engagement, the host said, “Let’s

welcome Olive with some applause!” And to my surprise, I said, “Yes, everyone likes a bit of applause—it makes everyone smile!” as I applauded for the attendees in the audience.

A distinctive part of every Toastmaster meeting is enthusiastically applauding every member for their contributions to the meeting. The applause acknowledges a willingness to be more than a spectator. It helps to cultivate an awareness of small steps of achievement. Celebrating those tiny victories creates momentum for taking another small step.

So here we are at the start of a new year.

Set a goal to accomplish something that is meaningful to you.

Then figure out your own way to celebrate your personal accomplishments.

Savor the victory with joy and excitement.

Then take one more step each day toward your goal.

2018 is a fresh start, a blank canvas. What masterpiece will you create?

When life is sweet, say thank you & celebrate.

When life is bitter, say thank you & grow.

Olive Wagar is owner of Organized by Olive LLC. She helps overwhelmed people discover the less cluttered side of life. She offers residential organizing and unpacking services. She lives in Troy and serves clients in Miami County, Shelby County, Darke County, and Montgomery County. She is Secretary for NAPO-Ohio and Toastmasters Area 5 Director. She is a Star Blogger for Professional Organizers Blog Carnival. She enjoys offering workshops and speaking presentations. She recently was a featured speaker at TEDx-Dayton 2017. She loves being Grammy to 2 sweetie pies in Tennessee.

Magic & Sanity: Is it Possible to Have Both During the Holidays?

Mon, 11 Dec 2017 12:15:19 GMT

It isn’t a new notion that the holidays are stressful. And the recent rise of social media has added to our holiday strain by creating a perception of Pinterest perfection and pitting mom against mom (whether intentionally or not) to one up each other to make their families’ holiday the happiest and most magical.

Now don’t get me wrong, I love me some holiday magic…but at what point does it become more about me, my expectations, my stress, my disappointment and less about enjoying the time with my family and creating lasting memories. How can I channel my excitement and passion for the holidays into a few carefully curated activities and gifts that will create lasting memories without those memories including me crying or screaming?

By having a clear focus for your holiday energy, you are more likely to make those experiences truly special…because when we do everything all the time, it is no longer special. It is now our normal. So let’s make the holidays special again!

Priorities

What are your holiday must-dos? One way to help curb the stress of meeting those holiday expectations is to have a clear view of what is important to you and your family. Is it spending time with extended family and friends? Seeing as many Santas as possible? Having a beautifully decorated home? Making exquisitely wrapped handmade gifts? There is no wrong answer for what your holiday priorities SHOULD be. The issue comes when all activities are given equal weight and importance. Then, as the month goes by and tasks are not completed, the stress and anxiety sets in.

Expectations versus Realities

It is easy to say “lower your expectations”, but how? I mean, once that holiday rat race starts, it plows forward, full speed ahead through New Year’s with few stops along the way. One way is to choose a few specific holiday activities and tasks that are really a priority for your and your family. Focus on doing those things that really matter well rather than “all the things” just ok.

Delegate

You may be thinking “yeah, right? Limit my holiday activities. Not a chance!” Ok. What about paring back the scope of your activity or asking/hiring someone to do it for you? Chances are there is someone in your community who would love to help you with these tasks. And delegating doesn’t have to mean hiring someone to do all your work…it could mean spreading the work around. One of my favorite holiday traditions is my Cookie Exchange. Baking and seeing my friends are 2 of my holiday priorities. By hosting this one event, I can fellowship with friends and get a ton of yummy treats for my family and neighbors.

Let’s take back the holidays and refocus our energy into the activities that bring us the most joy, let’s emphasize quality experiences over quantity. Because it truly is possible to have an amazing holiday season without needing to have it all.

Christy Lingo is a mother of 2 boys, Professional Organizer and owner of Simple Solutions Organizing serving Columbus, Ohio and the surrounding Central Ohio area. She is the oldest of five children whose ages span 14 years with a mother whose motto was "Be organized or be lost." Upon leaving home, she spent 14 years honing her organizing skills by moving more than 15 times and living in an average of 700 sq. foot, most times with minimal closet space and limited storage. You can find Christy on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and her webpage.

Prepping the Holiday Kitchen

Mon, 27 Nov 2017 01:32:14 GMT

The Set-Up for Success

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For even the most novice cooks, between now and the end of the year, many kitchens are about to get a workout. We may be hosting parties, holiday meals, trying a new recipe or two, participating in pot lucks, or baking with friends and family. Wouldn't it be great if everything we need is at our fingertips--clean and functional for when we need it?

So often the tools and items we rely on at this time of year are somewhere in the back of cupboards, sideboards, or stored on basement shelving. I recommend gathering, cleaning, and staging the items you know will be needed in the coming weeks. In last week's post ( https://www.getorganizedcolumbus.com/the-ready-made-pantry ) we talked about a well-stocked pantry for the holiday season; for now, let's focus on the items we will likely need in the kitchen and dining areas.

Let's Talk Tools

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It is not just about having the tools, it is about cleaning them and testing them to make sure they are functional with no surprises. It is worth noting that many of these items are occasional-use items and can be removed from your immediate cooking area once the holidays are over to save space.

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Meat thermometer
Turkey Baster
Full set of measuring cups and spoons
Food Processor and all needed extension parts
Emersion Blender and/or mixer
Counter top roaster or sous vide
Mixing Bowls
Sharpened Knives
Electric carving knife
Peelers and Garlic Press
Zester and juicer
Baking pans
Dough roller
Those pesky holiday cookie cutters
Baking racks

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And don't forget the specialty cookware like Belgian waffle makers and panini presses, which may finally get the chance to earn their shelf space when hosting guests.

Kitchen Staples

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Aluminum Foil
Wax Paper
For extra convenience--oven liners can come in handy this time of year
Twine
Roasting Bags and plastic wrap
Sil Pats/Baking Liners
Toothpicks
Food saver containers--especially those which guests can take with them
Cherished recipes--I suggest locating and scanning them to have available digitally. I really like that you can have on record which recipes were used by year; it's fun to look back on and review.

Let's Set the Holiday Table

So many times we store away pretty dishes and service items, and holiday plates and mugs, only to forget them when guests appear. We can avoid forgetting our cherished holiday keepsakes by reviewing and cleaning inventory to have ready for guests. This is also a good time to remove any items that you are no longer interested in using.

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Dishes, chargers, and paper plates--We can finally use the holiday pattern!
Silverware and extra cutlery--Hate to say it, but if you use real silver, now is the time to polish
Stemware
Service Ware
Platters and gravy boats
Hors D'oeuvre plates or extra small plates
Napkins--cloth ones may need washed and pressed
Tablecloths and Placemats--may also need laundered
Centerpieces--you may not have these stored, but it is still a good time to plan for them
Candles and candle holders
Punch Bowls
Cheese cutters and condiment knives
Pitchers
Extra salt and pepper shakers
Trivets

For Good Measure:

This may be the time to clean the oven and microwave
Make sure your large cutting boards are sanitized

And don't forget, the most important thing to have in your kitchen might be an extra ounce of patience and presence of mind to enjoy being in the moment with family and friends. Now that you have a list, don't be afraid to get everyone involved and delegate tasks. The more we are engaged in the process, the more invested we are in the joy.

Cheers to you and yours!

The Case for a Better Black Friday

Tue, 14 Nov 2017 21:51:57 GMT

They've already begun... Black Friday ads, urging us to bust out of our turkey comas during the wee hours the Friday after Thanksgiving (or even Thursday night, before the pumpkin pie has settled in), open our wallets, and buy... lots of stuff.

The problem is, most of us don't need anything that's for sale on Black Friday (or Cyber Monday, it's more comfortable, order-from-your-couch cousin). Buying things just because they are "on sale" is a recipe for bringing anxiety-inducing clutter into our homes, going into debt, and eventually harming our environment as landfill waste.

(My only caveat to the anti-Black Friday movement: If you actually need to buy something that's on sale on Black Friday, by all means, go for it! Two years ago I bought my son Reese an electric scooter--his #1 Christmas present request--on Black Friday. I couldn't have justified the cost of this item if it hadn't been on sale. So there, I've shopped on Black Friday and I liked it! Perhaps I should stop writing this post right now...)

But I would argue that there is a difference between shopping for a specific item and shopping to shop. I urge you: ignore the latter.

For some people, Black Friday shopping is akin to family bonding. I get it. I've been there. If you have a family shopping tradition, consider a different type of bonding activity this year. Some ideas:

have a board game marathon
binge-watch a favorite TV series
hike a local nature trail
bake cookies
visit an art museum
put up holiday decorations
make a craft
create an obstacle course in the backyard
volunteer to clean up an elderly neighbor's yard
lend a collective hand at your local homeless shelter or other charity

There are truly limitless ways to bond with the fam that don't involve running up credit card debt and adding clutter to your home!

Another idea: if you want to shop, buy toiletries, socks, underwear, towels, linens, hats, gloves, and winter coats to donate to a local homeless shelter. These are high-need items at all shelters, and this type of shopping adds untold goodness to the world.

One last type of Thanksgiving weekend shopping that's Rose-approved: Small Business Saturday. Money spent at local mom-and-pop shops stays in local economies, which is good for all of us. It's hard to overspend at these types of shops, as the items are usually more expensive (AKA not made in sweatshops). Plus, you'll find truly unique gifts.

So, I urge you: let's make Black Friday a little better this year. Find a way to bond with your family that doesn't involve trawling the mall, and if you do shop, shop smart by using your dollars to provide relief to our neediest citizens or to support local businesses.

If you'd like more tips on how minimalism can add more "thanks" and "giving" into Thanksgiving, watch my recent news segment for Good Day Columbus.

I wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving with your loved ones!

Rose Lounsbury is a minimalism coach, speaker, and author of the Amazon bestseller “Less: Minimalism for Real.” After blogging about her own journey toward a minimalist lifestyle, Rose was inspired to start Less, a minimalism coaching company. Rose spends her days writing, helping clients clear their clutter, and soaking up the moments with her husband and their wild triplets. Rose is a member of the National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals and has been featured on Fox News Good Day Columbus and WDTN Living Dayton. She calls lovely Dayton, Ohio home. If you’d like to contact Rose for a speaking engagement or help with a minimizing project, you can email her at Rose@RoseLounsbury.com or visit her online at RoseLounsbury.com.

An observation on processing

Tue, 03 Oct 2017 16:50:17 GMT

Does anyone remember the Seinfeld episode when Jerry talks about a rental car company “taking reservations” but not “holding reservations”? That scene is playing in my head as I write this article.

We all attend meetings. We show up with paper and pen (or tablet and stylus). We listen. We contribute. We even take notes. But then what? What I see so often is that when the meeting ends, so do the thoughts and even worse, any action. Things get written down but may or may not get done. It seems that we “take” notes but we don’t “hold” (or process) our notes. Let me share this profound notion:

If you take notes and don’t process your notes, there was likely no point in taking them.

When you return from a meeting, instead of setting those meeting notes aside, take a few minutes to process them. Move any key information or decisions into the best location for recall. Do any quick tasks that might be required of you. Move any action items that require more effort (or your delegated items) to your To Do System. This will ensure you (or your assignee) stays mindful of the assigned items and Things. Get. Done.

May you have blessings and balance,

Janet Jackson

PS If the concept of a single To Do System is foreign to you, send me an email. We need to talk. J

Are you still headed in the right direction?

Wed, 09 Aug 2017 17:10:44 GMT

Things have been a little crazy around here, thus the delay in sending this newsletter. In the last few months, we’ve overhauled my general business site (check it out! www.OrganizationSolutionsLLC.com), continued our monthly Express Trainings, recorded many eLearning sessions, and migrated to this newsletter tool, while also continuing to serve clients and businesses via consulting, training, and speaking.

And on Thursday, I ran out of gas.

So, Friday morning, I took some time to pause and reflect: Was I/Organization Solutions, LLC still even heading in the right direction? It is way too easy to get sucked into the demands of it all and keep driving (fast) without looking at the map, watching for the right exit. (That sentence literally occurred to me during my morning of reflection. I knew right then it was going to be my next newsletter.)

So my question for you: When is the last time you made a pit stop, personally or professionally? When is the last time you paused to reflect if all that you were doing was even what you wanted to be doing? Was all the driving taking you to your desired destination? Or further away from it? For that matter, do you even know your destination? If it’s been awhile, I encourage you to carve out an hour or two and have that internal conversation. (I recommend a journal…you’ll look less crazy.) It might take longer than just one morning; so, do be patient with the process.

For me, it turns out that I am still headed in the right direction. I just needed to refuel. Whew!

May you have blessings and balance,

Janet Jackson

www.ABetterWayTo.co

www.OrganizationSolutionsllc.com

Debunking the Miscellaneous Label in Your File Drawer

Mon, 17 Jul 2017 02:44:20 GMT

If you look at what constitutes most piles of stuff or paper, you will likely find 90% of it is unnecessary or no longer useful and one or two things may be something of value. The lonely thing of value tends to be the glue that holds the rest of the useless items together–and useless items tend to proliferate. This is actually how most piles originate and grow. The pile then becomes a source of aggravation rather than a good place to return to find things.

Furthermore, if you tried to label this pile for longer-term keeping, it could not be described in one category or word. It would likely be called “Miscellaneous.” We seek to eliminate the Miscellaneous Label with clients as they generally represent a mishmash of things that aren’t valuable enough to be categorized. What might seem like a simple fix to store a few unrelated things temporarily becomes just another pile of unfound and unused items.

As an example, f you were to look inside your miscellaneous paper file, you might find things like a couple kept business cards, loose papers about upcoming events that have passed, an old list of things to do, some receipts, an advertisement with a coupon to your favorite store, a recipe, and the vaccination card for your child’s school records. They have been in a MISC file for months now, and you had to review them again to remember what was placed in this catch-all file. There is one item of value–the vaccination card--that should be filed away in a specific place such as Vital Records for that person. The other items can be managed in other ways or discarded/recycled: the business cards can be entered in your Contacts list and tossed; the recipe can be found online or can be photographed and kept in your favorite digital program i.e.; Evernote; the coupon is likely expired; the to-do list is no longer relevant; and the receipts should be reviewed to see whether any impact taxes or need to be kept for proof of ownership. Most likely the receipts will be eliminated too.

From this example, you can also create real file categories that might be needed, instead of the MISC label: Contacts, Recipes, Coupons, Receipts, Vital Records, etc. If something is important enough to keep, then it really should be important enough to have a category that won’t create a bottomless, mismatched pile.

So give it a try–attack one of your miscellaneous stacks and see what you come up with! Start by eliminating what isn’t needed/expired. Then apply categories to the items that remain and assign a better labeled home. Let us know how it went!

Pixels with a Soul...Meet Associate Member Pixelwinx

Sat, 24 Jun 2017 00:23:52 GMT

One of the main services offered at Pixelwinx is custom photo albums and slideshows. We love putting our creative mojo to work for our clients. We also get to ‘travel’ along on special trips, celebrations, new babies, and love captured in their photos.

That being said, it may surprise you to know that most of the time, Pixelwinx picks out the photos used in creating the albums and slideshows. This fact is usually met with skepticism by our clients and leads to the #1 question we hear at Pixelwinx. “How do you know what pictures to include?”

Usually, the conversation goes like this:

Client - “How do you know what photos to choose for albums and/or slideshows?”

Pixelwinx - We know & we’ve been doing this a while.

Client - “Really? I don’t have to pick out the pictures?”

Pixelwinx - Nope.

Client - “But how do you KNOW?”

Pixelwinx - We know.

Client - “Really?? How could you possibly know what pictures I love?”

By this point we are getting ’that’ look - you know the one where you are trying to be polite but don’t really believe what the other person is saying. Now when we choose photos for our client’s project it doesn’t mean they are not involved in the process. We have an initial ‘get to know you meet up’, then prepare a few layouts to make sure we are on the right path, use our client’s feedback & make revisions. But we really do choose most of the photos used in the layouts.

Kim, ‘Designer Maven Extraordinaire’ & I talk about this topic often so I decided to interview her about it and share her answers.

Tamara - When choosing photos what do you look for when working with client photos?

Kim - A good photo creates an emotional response. It’s so true.

Tamara - What do you look for from a design perspective:

Kim - I see lots of photos of the same subject and lots of care in the photo taking angle. People in the photo are looking at you while taking the picture. I also see lots of different angles of the same subject - horizontal/vertical shots. The quantity of photos taken is also more than other subjects.

T - What do you consider when creating a custom design for a client?

Kim - I love designs/spreads with the same color palette. If I don’t have enough of one color, I make sure the second spread is in a complimentary palette. Sometimes photos that are not great palettes can be significantly improved by changing to black and white.

T - How do you handle the huge quantity of photos?

Kim - I would rather put in one great photo that tells the story than multiple good photos of the same shot. I’m looking for the photo that tells a story. The subject is front and center in photo, not a stuck in a corner like a postage stamp.

T - what do you discover about your clients in their photos?

K - After we work with a client for a while - we discover their special places, routines, events, vacations - always using the same birthday hat or going to the same beach or lake for year after year. The photos will include a location where photos are always taken or in front of the same fireplace.

It’s also fun to see what different families take pictures of - food, swimming in the pool, playing cards with Grandma, or doing puzzles. Families have favorite traditions, vacation spots, love Grandma’s apple pie, sunset or fishing off the dock.

T - Do people take good photographs?

K - Many people have a good eye for taking photos - whether technically trained or not. Other people - not so much . It’s all relative. Just because a photo might not be National Geographic material doesn’t mean they are not special, meaningful and beautiful to that family. Everyone takes photos for a different reason - some people take photos of silly things - like a pineapple or shoe or a tiny fish in the water. You can’t really see the fish but it represents the moment they are trying to capture. I always look for the items each family takes photos of consistently. Remember the favorite Uncle who never smiles ON PURPOSE?

T - Do clients have different photographic ’styles’?

K - Some clients take lots of posed photos - very formal, proper, dignified, showing the moment. Other clients are more about movement, running, action, capturing the story, thru their creative side.

T - Is it different selecting photos for client’s books than your own personal albums?

K - While we love to see your photos and often get emotional viewing them, we are not emotionally attached to the people or places in the photos. That helps us more easily select photos while still experiencing your people as our people & get a glimpse of special moments of love, family & traditions. If I limit the photos to the good ones, I’m more likely to remember the details - because you are putting your camera away and actually participating & investing in the memory vs capturing it or the photo. Most of our parents were learning how to use a snap & shoot camera & the photos show that but they still capture life. Unless you were a photographer with a darkroom, photography was sort of a crap shoot. You got what you got when you picked them up at the Drug Store. You learned as you went & no matter what some folks always had a finger showing up in the picture;).

We’ve learned how to take MANY photographs but still not necessarily good ones. The photos we take now are about documenting EVERY SINGLE MOMENT. There is less care in picture taking because we can delete the bad photos, except we rarely do. Many of us never even print the photos. Our kids know how to take pictures & document every single second but have no interest in saving the photos or printing them.

Several of our clients have kids who have begun to ask for books about their lives - like an antique - because they are not familiar with the printed page or photo albums to look through. YIKES! Kids want to see themselves at different ages, hold the book in their hand, talk about the stories. Books capture their stories, growing up & don’t need any special technology.

I’ve been trying to put this into words for a long time and one day I was listening to an audio book by Brené Brown. She was discussing her research & used the phrase “data with a soul”. AH HA! That finally captured how special photos are to us. Pictures are ‘pixels with a soul’. They mean more than just the people, paper, or places in them. They have a soul. Now if we can start to take back control over the quantity, filter out the good ones to share, talk about the memories, we can create & preserve our "data with a soul” forever

Travel Lists for a Bon Voyage

Fri, 26 May 2017 01:47:22 GMT

Travel is supposed to be fun and relaxing, but getting ready to take a trip can be stressful! Being organized with travel lists can take the stress out of your preparation.

These three types of travel lists should be comprehensive enough to encompass all things travel: Pre-Travel Tasks, Packing List, and Vacation Activities. We always recommend using an electronic device to create and store lists (instead of paper). And we give double points to those who sync the action items from the list to their digital calendars!

Pre-Travel tasks that can be accomplished well in advance of your trip include:

making pet arrangements
booking transport to and from the airport
stopping mail (most zip codes can do this online)
pausing any home services
arranging childcare if necessary
paying bills that will be due while away
filling necessary prescription
gathering passports and travel documents. If you print boarding passes and the like, you can do this well in advance as well

For packing, we find that separate lists for clothing and for toiletries is most helpful. Pack away the items that you can early, leaving only the outfit and toiletries that you need up to departure day. For toiletries, remember there are limitations to liquids and other personal care items. Think travel size! Consider also the potential for shipping clothing and necessities to your destination. This can be a safe alternative to checking bags and can reduce hassles at the airport.

Now, while you are on vacation, is there a once in a lifetime experience awaiting you? Make sure it is not sold out by doing some research and planning before leaving home. Booking excursions and making reservations ahead of time ensures your good time, helps you manage your vacation calendar, and keeps you from “working” to have a good time while you are away.

A word to the wise, travel experts recommend that you not post your travel information or destination locations on social media until you are home. This could help prevent any potential crimes here or there.

Happy travel preparations!

Thrifty Organizing Solutions

Sat, 01 Apr 2017 16:12:14 GMT

Thrifty Organizing Solutions

It doesn’t have to be expensive to be organized! I enjoy looking through books and magazines for clever and practical organizing ideas. However, I hardly ever go with the most expensive option. Seeing those pictures helps me to visualize new possibilities. Then I challenge myself to create a similar effect with a thrifty alternative.

My all-time favorite book of ideas is Country Living’s The Little Book of Big Decorating Ideas: 287 Clever Tips, Tricks, and Solutions. Each page is a full color photo of simple ideas that make a big difference! I even managed to find a used copy of the book after I had checked it out of the library multiple times.

Some of their great ideas include:

#16—skateboards used as wall shelves

#33—old ladder used as a towel rack

#47—metal tray used as a message board

#51—stepstool used as a side table

#62—stack of vintage suitcases used for storage

#85—fruit crates used as wall shelves

#264—shadowbox filled with prize ribbons

Sometimes I simply notice what items are available at less expensive stores. It gives me the opportunity to try out an organizing solution without making a major investment. Sometimes I upgrade to a better version, but often the cheaper item solves the problem.

Here are just a few of the useful items I have discovered:

DOLLAR TREE—

drawer dividers; plastic dish pans; cubical bins

DOLLAR GENERAL—

clear shoe, sweater, or file boxes; decorated storage boxes

ALDI—

wreath storage box; wire baskets; 10 drawer file cart

WAL-MART—

12 pocket vertical organizer; 24 pocket door shoe organizer;

cubical shelves; free standing clothing racks

I do enjoy browsing at The Container Store! It would be quite easy to spend a lot here. However, I can say without hesitation that my favorite lower priced item is their crystal clear drawer dividers made by Inter-Design. They instantly upgrade any drawer to fabulous and add a simple touch of luxury. I have used them in my kitchen for utensils and in my vanity for jewelry.

I was helping my brother organize a small bedroom closet a few weeks ago. The closet rod was simply too high and rather awkward to use. We found a free standing clothing rack at Wal-Mart that was perfect. It even included 4 shelves on the side and a shelf across the top. The bonus was the note on the box that mentioned no tools required for assembly! And less than $40! It actually transformed his closet. He can enjoy this simple solution every single day. As he put it, “I actually like using this!”

Don’t rush out to get the most expensive “must have” organizing item. Take time to reuse or recycle items you already have. Be willing to try a different solution. Enjoy the challenge of thrifty organizing!

Olive Wagar

The Compassionate Organizer

www.organizedbyolive.com

A-ha! Tips That Really Save Time

Thu, 16 Mar 2017 20:07:50 GMT

Since Daylight Savings doesn’t really save any daylight, here are some tips that really will help you save some time every day…

· Do just one thing at a time. There’s a lot of time - and energy - wasted by going back and forth between tasks.
· Set a timer and focus. Focus on that one thing while the timer is running. When the time is up, get up and take a quick walk even if it’s just around your desk. You’ll feel like you made some progress and will be refreshed to continue or start on the next task.
· Check email on your terms. Instead of letting emails constantly interrupt you, turn off the automatic notification alert and choose when you will check and process emails.

How:

In Outlook versions 2010 and later,

1.       Click on the File Tab and select Options
2.       On the Mail tab, go to the Message Arrival section and remove all check marks
3.       Click OK

May you have blessings & balance,

Janet Jackson

www.ABetterWayTo.co

www.OrganizationSolutionsllc.com

Let's Get Organized in 2017!

Cathy Van Volkenburg CPO® — Mon, 30 Jan 2017 19:39:45 GMT

2017 – Let’s Get Organized!

Certified Professional Organizer

Cathy Van Volkenburg CPO®

With 2017 in full swing, many people put “Getting Organized” at the top of their list. It is exciting to find inspiration on Pinterest , houzz and other fun websites. As a Certified Professional Organizer and Design Consultant for The Container Store, let me give you one big piece of advice as you begin your project. Don’t go to the stores and buy containers and bins first! Many people are tempted to buy pretty storage containers and all kinds of cool looking products before they begin the process of organizing. Save purchasing until the very end of the process for the best results.

Steps to Maximize Efficiency in Any Space:

What is the end goal? Less stuff? Quicker Identification?
Gather Like Items together
Sort and Purge: Duplicates? Unloved items? Broken items, ill-fitting clothing? Donate, trash or sell!
Create Zones for Remaining Items: Every day items get front and center stage, less used go high or low
Containerize – bins for out of season, bins for loose items like socks, shoe boxes for less frequently worn items. Buckets for toys…
Evaluate and maintain

Only after you have gathered like items together can you possibly make decisions on what you have. When your 35 silk blouses are together in a category, and you notice that 12 of them are black, you may want to donate 6 of them that you never wear! Suddenly you only need space for 23 blouses instead of 35. Now you are on the right track for maximizing efficiency based on what items are serving your lifestyle right now. Good job! Now treat yourself to some pretty products that will make your space attractive and easier to maintain.

This process applies to pantries, kid’s toy areas, garages and more! AFTER you have gone through the above process, you will be able to purchase containers that make sense for the quantities that will be stored.

Final tip for maintaining the system you have worked hard to organize: Use clear containers so you can see what is inside OR use LABELS so you can find what you need in a snap!

My favorite labels: Smead Poly Pockets

http://www.staples.com/Smead-Self-Stick-Poly-Pockets/product_SS1020860

Use blank business cards for labels that can be changed easily and seen from a distance! Comes in many sizes! Stick ‘em on and go! Find what you need quickly- save time!

Cathy Van Volkenburg CPO®

Accent on Organizing

Three Quick Steps....

Tamara Wawrosch Kim Rankin — Thu, 15 Dec 2016 13:16:44 GMT

The holidays are busy time no matter what holiday you celebrate. How do we want to remember these times? With photos of course! Click to continue....

Digitization of Memories, 101

Tue, 13 Dec 2016 16:55:21 GMT

What do I keep? How do I sort?

There will come a time when you have to decide what of your memories, or your parents memories, to digitize or dispose of. As a general rule, my attitude is to digitize as much as you can. There are several reasons for this. First and foremost is that you need to keep the “long view.” Recognize that you can’t predict what will be interesting, important or meaningful to someone in your family one hundred, or two hundred years from now. But, it you make the effort to have your memories digitized, it is almost certain that someone in the future will, at least in their own mind, thank you for doing so,and implicitily or explicitly remember you. However, if you cannot resist the urge to purge, then follow two rules: 1: Eliminate duplicate or similar images. If you have three photos of Baby Jane in her high chair, taken at the same time with the same degree of cuteness, get rid of two. 2: Get rid of photos without people. All those photos of Mount Rushmore? Unless there is something significant about it, it can be pitched. You can find better photos of Mt. Rushmore on the Internet.

Should I still have my stuff put onto DVD?

More often these days, people want to know if they should put their stuff onto DVD, or some other form of digital media. There are two good reasons for still doing so. First, a DVD is still the cheapest and most permanent form on which to store your family memories. You can’t accidentally delete things off of a DVD. And with good labeling, no one will mistakenly throw your DVDs in the trash. DVD players will still be around for more than a few years, and even though your laptop may not have a DVD tray anymore, you can buy a good one for dirt cheap at most electronics stores. Second, for videos, the DVD format is still the easiest and most enjoyable form of a group experience. You can pop it in, watch it on your TV abd use a menu to navigate to the parts you want to enjoy. You can still do this with other media, but it is a bit more challenging, and no one wqnts to crowd around a computer screen. Other media–particularly external hard drives- are also recommended as storage devices. They serve other purposes better– mainly that you can easily copy files from it, and you can edit those files to make your own creations. But beware– external drive can break more easily, and if you are not careful, you can accidently delete a file that you only meant to copy. Solid state hard drive are coming down in price , and would eliminate most of the fear of drive failure. Still, for the tech savvy person, having your memories on an external hard drive is an absolute necessity. I recommend that you stay away from jump (for “flash”) drives, for one good reason– you can lose them easily.

Why should I digitize my family’s memories?

The answer is not always obvious to people. The simple answer is that once your memories are digitized, they can be shared more broadly. So if you have four brothers and sisters, you dont have to fight over who gets what. And neither do your children or your grandchildren. There is, however, a deeper reason. In this day and age when its hard to trust what you seen in the media or history books, isn;t it important to pass on to your progeny something that gives them an independent point of view? Something that shows them where they came from and what the journey of theiir family was like. This reason is more than mere entertainment. It is valuable, and it is necessary.

Visit www.MyFamilyography.com for more information.

Home Check List for Fall

Tue, 08 Nov 2016 14:56:56 GMT

As we move further into Fall, here is a general checklist to help make your home and wardrobe Fall ready!

Fit List for Fall:

Get Filters for your furnace and schedule your annual maintenance, if you haven’t already
Review coats for condition and fit. Send out for any mending and/or dry cleaning. Now is a great time to donate any coats that don’t fit.
Do you change bedding for the seasons? Now is the time to launder or dry clean summer covers and trade them in for warmer comforters.
Cozy throw blankets will be in heavy rotation soon. Launder or dry clean so they are fresh and ready for the task.
They say our shoes should be waterproofed once a year. Check leather and suede shoes for dry brushing and apply waterproof spray.
While the weather is still mild, it is a great time to wash window screens and put away. And a clean winter window will allow the warmth of the sun to come through. Good to prep and wash storm windows and doors.
Make sure you have umbrellas that are functional and handy.
Recycle all spring and summer magazines and catalogs.
Gloves, hats, scarves, etc. will need a home or homes that are convenient. Consider creating a designated space near the coat closet or mudroom for each family member’s gear.
We want this to be a no scraping season! Let’s plan on getting the car into the garage. Move summer yard tools to the back or to a shed. Regroup tools and supplies, and put bikes away.

Happy Fall Transitions!

7 Deadly Sins of a Walk in Closet Design

Fri, 28 Oct 2016 13:09:32 GMT

So you’re sick and tired of the mess that is your walk in closet. Whether you’re looking for clothes for work – or worse yet – that formal event where you’re trying valiantly to find those seldom used jewelry and accessories, getting ready to go in a disorganized closet can be a pain.

The challenge is who do you call to rid yourself of this closet disaster. Who will not only “feel your pain” but is qualified to evaluate your storage needs and make recommendations to make your space work (and not make any “deadly” design mistakes you can’t fix later)? Since you can’t call “Ghost Busters” here’s 4 types of people who might be able to help:

The local “handyman” – You could stop at your neighbor’s house who is using a local handyman (who hopefully hasn’t turned into “Eldon the Painter” from Murphy Brown fame). Maybe he can do the job….. but what does he really know about closets?
Put the project on your spouses “honey do list” – OK – the list is a mile long already…but maybe they’ll get to this one pretty soon….but what kind of product will they buy? Will the local home center have options which work effectively and efficiently in your space? Will there be a human being at the store that has any concept about closets to help pick out the right things?
A finished carpenter- There are finished carpenters who do beautiful woodwork. The challenge might be can you afford them? Are they really experts on how to design and plan a closet? Would a wood closet system be the best way to go?
A closet designer - They have the specific expertise in closet design – but will they have a system(s) to fit your budget?

While you can call any of the 4 types above will they know how to design the space to not make mistakes (or deadly sins) which you can’t work around (or if you have to they will cost you money you shouldn’t have to spend if the design was correct in the first place)? The most likely type to get it right would be the closet designer since they focus on this product specifically.

Knowing the 7 deadly sins can help you save money, improve functionality and increase enjoyment of using your closet. Let’s take a look at these 7 deadly sins.

Deadly Sin #1 – I can’t open these closet drawers fully

Adding pull out drawers and baskets to a custom closet design will dress up the space (and provide cool ways to compartmentalize your jewelry, socks, watches and clothing). Custom closets are the luxury features owners in Dublin, Worthington, Upper Arlington or any nice neighborhood in Columbus would love to have. With that being said if you put drawers in the wrong place it can be disastrous. According to custom closet designer Denise Butchko (a design expert with Butchko and Company in Chicago IL) it’s best to place your drawer’s front and center in the design. Center them on the door opening and design other hanging spaces or shelves around them. Whatever you do, don’t put them behind the closet door so the drawers and door bang into one another.

Deadly Sin #2 – Not “accounting” for shoe location

In many existing closets there is a rod along the top with a shelf above and shoes laying on the floor in a disorganized mess. Why do your shoes need to be buried on the “down low” – other than you don’t have a good system today to get them off the ground? Moving shoes up is ergonomically better and then you can visually see them. So don’t commit the deadly sins of burying your shoes. Consider using closet accessories like a shoe shelf or shoe cubby to keep everything available and visible.

Here’s a bonus design tip accounting people might like. In accounting you talk about FIFO (first goods in, first good out). With shoe location use the same “accounting principle.” Place the shoe storage as the first area inside your closet - since you put on and take off your shoes as you enter your walk in closet (first shoes in, first shoes off).

Deadly sin #3 – Failure to “space out” your dimensions – You’re not designing a hotel closet which is there for the use of many random people and is seldom used. Your closet is all about you (and your significant other) and the multitude of stuff you have. Think through how many shirts and blouses you want to hang. How many sweaters do you need to fit on these shelves? Allow about 1” for the shirts/blouses and 10 – 14” wide for the folded sweaters (depending on size). Taking the time to inventory what you need to store can guide the decision making process of how wide dimensionally you need to space apart the vertical sections of your closet to effectively utilize space.

Deadly Sin #4 – The “standard” closet system is in the middle of the air vent or access panel

So your husband went out and bought one of those low-priced standardized closets from your local big box store (so far, so good). He started installing and figured out the supports go right through the middle of your access panel for your plumbing in the adjoining room. What do you do now? Effective closet design starts with a thoughtful game plan (and possibly different sized sections between shelves and the vertical panel supports). Don’t commit this closet design sin. Know where the obstructions are before you buy a system, or get a closet designer who will design around these hidden landmines.

Deadly Sin #5 – Cutting corners in closet structure and design

In design and in structure cutting corners (while cheaper for the contractor or homeowner in the short run) can cost you the ability to have useable space or result in a system which wants to pull away from the wall. From a structure standpoint make sure if you use a wall hung system it is properly tied into the studs with the right anchors. For floor mounted cabinetry use cleats to tie in the vertical shelf support to the walls. From a design perspective if you have a “U shaped” design with shelving around the corners make sure they are 24” to 30” deep – otherwise it will be difficult to use this space for hanging or folded clothes in the corner.

Deadly Sin #6 – Don’t plan as if you’re Gumby and can reach anywhere

If you’re old enough do you remember the green rubbery toy (which had its own show in the late 1950’s and 1960’s) which could stretch and reach anywhere? Well – while I wish I had the flexibility of Gumby (maybe I could get closer to this if I just attended those Yoga classes my wife has been trying to get me to go to), I don’t have a stretchable arm that can reach anywhere (and my guess you don’t either). Given this fact we need to design closets to be thoughtful about reaching the top shelf or top rod and storing the right items up there. For the top shelf it’s usually best to keep lighter things you don’t need to access often. If you’re vertically challenged (or need the assistance of a wheelchair) consider adding a pull down rod to bring clothes on upper rods down to meet you.

Deadly Sin #7 – Trying to fit 5 lbs. of S*** into a 10 lb. bag. The overdone closet design

When I was growing up my Dad used to say don’t try to fit 10 lbs. of S*** (fill in the expletive here) into a 5 lb. bag. Basically it’s possible to become so enamored with all the fun “bells and whistles” of a new closet design (adding doors, drawers, valet rods, jewelry boxes…the list can go on and on) you overdesign the space. A clean, organized and effective life is often simplicity in design (think about the IPhone and how easy it is to learn this unit “on the fly” is an example of design simplicity).

To ensure a cleaner, minimalist design first take an inventory of all the items you have in your closet and determine what you’re not really using and can give away. If you’re in Columbus Dress for Success is a great organization that helps women who need clothing for work you could donate your seldom used things to. Pair down first, then think what storage components you need to keep things nice and tidy for your new custom closet design (note a Professional Organizer can also help you with this). After you’ve streamlined the closet (and thought of items you might like to add to the closet like jewelry or home office storage that’s in other rooms) then you’re ready to do your design (and not overdesign) your space.

Conclusion

While these 7 deadly sins of closet design might be scary, it’s nice knowing you haven’t started your project yet.

If you have questions, comments or need help with a Columbus custom closet call the numbers below or add your thoughts to this post.

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For help with a Columbus home organization project call Innovate Home Org in Columbus at 614-545-6888 or in Cleveland call 216-658-1290.

Follow the author @Mike_Foti or our companies’ @InnovateBuild and @InnovateHomeOrg on Twitter.

Start with Simple: A Fresh Approach to Organizing

Sun, 02 Oct 2016 21:16:15 GMT

START WITH SIMPLE:

A FRESH APPROACH TO ORGANIZING

When we really don’t want to do something, we tend to find a way to make it complicated. Then we have a good excuse for not doing it in the first place! We agonize over the cost of the supplies or how much time it will take. We over analyze the procedure and research way too many websites.

How about a different approach?

Start with SIMPLE!

SIMPLE DECISIONS:

Decide to make your bed every morning.
Decide to clean up the kitchen every night.
Decide to wash/dry/and put away each load of laundry.
Decide to sort your mail every day.
Decide to immediately trash/recycle junk mail.
Decide to create designated homes for items you use.
Decide to put items away, not just anywhere, when finished using them.
Decide to arrive 5 minutes early at your destinations.
Decide to go to bed at the same time each night.
Decide to get up at the same time each morning.

SIMPLE QUESTIONS:

Is this item beautiful?
Is this item useful?
Does this item make me smile?
Does this item honor a loved one?
How many do I have of this item?
When did I last use this item?
When exactly will I use this item again?
Is this item broken, ruined, or obsolete?
Would I pay to replace this item?
Does someone else need this item more than I do?

SIMPLE SOLUTIONS:

I never liked the ugly mess of internet cords on my kitchen shelf. How delighted I was to find a small crate to hide that mess and yet not interfere with my internet wireless service!
I’ve been looking for new bedroom curtains for several weeks. With 2 simple stitching lines, I can transform a pretty lace tablecloth into a pretty curtain panel!
I wanted one place to track my monthly income and expenses. I created a simple one page Word chart that is concise, handy, and easy to use. The charts for the year all fit into a small binder with room for receipts and statements.
I wanted my pantry to be useful and stocked with foods I really eat. I emptied all the shelves, sorted all the items, and only put back what I really use. I lined up the items like in a grocery store so I can quickly see what is available or needs replaced. I eliminated random specialty items for forgotten recipes! Other items were donated to a food drive.
I wanted my kitchen cabinets to be easier to use. I emptied all the shelves, sorted all the items, and only kept what I really need and use for this season of my life. It is easier to find a particular dish and easier to put clean dishes away. And I even had room on the top shelf for some pretty “special occasion” dishes that I can now easily use every day!
I wanted to expand the size of my flower beds. I bought one specially designed garden tool, “the garden weasel”, and managed to do the job myself on all 4 sides of my house!
I like having a clean and tidy car. Every time I get out of the car, I collect up trash, papers, coupons, and cups. I keep a package of wet cleaning wipes under the front seat and quickly wipe up any spills. I store first aid supplies, personal supplies, treats, maps, and coupons in zippered pouches in the glove compartment or door pockets. I go to the $5 car wash every month.
This simple clip for my keys is actually quite useful and has saved me tons of time (slight exaggeration)! It easily slips on my purse handle, belt loop, or wall hook. Quite a deal for $1 or sometimes free at trade shows!

Start with Simple: Simple decisions. Simple questions. Simple solutions.

What is your favorite way to start with simple?

Please read my weekly blog at www.organizedbyolive.com!

Professional Organizers Improve Your Life by Lori Firsdon

Mon, 15 Aug 2016 23:35:48 GMT

There is often fear and uncertainly that goes with the decision to hire a professional organizer. In the years I’ve been helping people get organized, I’ve heard many reasons why it takes someone so long to pick up the phone and call for help.

Embarrassment. You don’t want anyone to see all your clutter.

Organizers are professionals that are there to solve a problem, not pass judgment. They are compassionate and understand how someone can fall into the traps of disorganization. In fact, it’s very important you don’t clean up before your organizer arrives so they can see exactly where your trouble spots are. I often tell people, “I’m not coming as your guest, so don’t rush around and hide things to make your home look neat.”

Shame. You feel badly because you should know how to organize on your own.

When clients bring this one up I tell them, “Organizing is not taught in school. Unless you had a very good role model along the way, it can be hard to know how to organize.” This is especially true if you are more of a right-brain, creative type personality or have ADHD. It often doesn’t come naturally for you to categorize, which is an important skill when organizing. The good news is organizing is a learned skill. An organizer can help you create systems, making it easy for you to find things.

Fear. You’re afraid an organizer is going to make you throw everything away.

Organizers do help you make tough decisions, but they can’t make you do anything. As an organizer, I like to find out three things about my client so I can better serve them. I ask, “Who do you want to spend time with, what’s on your bucket list and what makes you happy?” Once I know this, it’s my job to help you decide which items will help you reach your goals. Everything else you own will keep you from living the life you planned.

Confidentiality. You’re worried because an organizer will know your personal matters.

Organizing is about relationships. Just as therapists wouldn’t have a good business if they gossiped about their clientele, neither would an organizer. Don’t know where to start. Just as you would rely on your surgeon to know how to carry out your operation, organizers know the process of getting organized. Once we find out your goals and tour your home or office, we’ll know where to start and will guide you through the process.

Too expensive to hire someone. What is disorganization costing you, physically, emotionally and financially?

Hiring an organizer is an investment. Organizers will teach you life-long skills so you can continue to organize long after they have gone. Most organizers offer a free phone consultation. If you’re feeling overwhelmed in your home or office, call an organizer, share your fears and be ready to roll up your sleeves and get started.

Lori Firsdon owns Forte Organizers in Centerville. She does onsite organizing and speaking engagements. For more organizing tips, visit www.ForteOrganizers.com.

ORGANIZING CLASS

Lori Firsdon will teach an organizing class Saturday, January 23, from 10:30-Noon at the Jamestown Library, 86 Seaman Dr. Jamestown 45335. It’s titled “Super Systems: Organizing for a Stress-Free Life.” For information, call 937-352- 4005.

Don't Start - FINISH!

Aubrei Krummert, CPO, CPO-CD, CVOP — Fri, 01 Jul 2016 18:12:20 GMT

Overwhelm – it’s the number one reason for why my phone rings. Potential and current clients call, telling me that they don't know where to start. They have so much going on in their lives and all of the gear that goes with it. My answer? Don’t start – finish! Let me explain…

Two of my clients, Jane and Angela, have daughters who are in the elementary and high school plays, both of which occur in the spring. The moms, artistic and theatrical by nature, volunteer to help each and every year. They have craft rooms in their homes and love the creative process.

The elementary school play goes first, so the ladies and their children get wrapped up with costume and set design, learning lines, and, keeping up with the usual onslaught of homework, other children’s activities, their own jobs, and life as they know it. It’s crazy in the beginning, but doable. By the time the elementary play is over, though, both women and their families are well under-way with the high school play, going through the same preparations. There is no visible breathing room between the plays, so once they’re in the thick of it, time is mostly spent putting out fires and getting immediate needs, costumes, sets, and activities taken care of. It’s at this point that they start to yearn for the final curtain call.

With the last bows finally taken, my clients, their children, and the rest of the family are resting peacefully with the satisfaction of an excellent job done, right? Nope - by the time the high school play is over, each of their craft rooms look like a Michael’s store exploded! There are sewing machines, fabric scraps, thread, paint, cardboard cutouts, beads, sequins, paper, glue, and any other crafting supply you can imagine on the floors, surfaces and walls, much of it spilling out into the dining room and any other surface that happened to be empty at the time.

Months later, around October, is when I get the first call. “Ugh - the plays were finished months ago and my craft room looks like they haven’t even started!” says Jane. Upon visiting, I see that she is, indeed, right. There are supplies everywhere from both plays, along with other creative whims from the past decade or so. We sit down, discuss how it got to this point, and determine – light bulb moment - they have so much crammed into each day and they don’t take the time to actually finish one thing before moving onto another.

What I suggest to each of these ladies is to schedule a half hour within a day or two of the end of the elementary school play to clean up everything related to that specific play. Ideally, they’ll involve the kids as a way of showing them the commitment they’ve signed up for and to teach them first-hand what an entire project looks like from true start to true finish. Once every scrap is put away and dealt with, they can officially call the first play over. The room and all of their efforts are now officially dedicated to the second play. Once the high school play is over, they need to schedule another half hour segment with the child involved, give that play the ‘done’ stamp, and the craft room can be used for new projects.

The key in doing all of this is to define what ‘finished’ looks like to each of us. If you’re a visual person, then close your eyes and get a good image going. If you’re more of a tactile person, then draw it out. If you’re a verbal learner, then describe it out loud to yourself and/or those involved. Whichever style works best for you, remember it and strive for it.

My kids, for example, know that we cannot eat dinner until they’ve ‘finished’ their homework, which means that books, pencils, and backpacks must be put away and the kitchen table cleared off. Otherwise, we’re looking at double work - tossing things out of the way so we can eat and then going through it all again in the precious hour or so between dinner and bedtime.

Because overwhelm is universal, this shift in thinking can be used in any situation, big or small. Write out your grocery list – put the pen away! Get a bill in the mail – write the check and put it in the mailbox! Finish writing a blog – put the laptop away! One of my favorite bloggers, Glennon Doyle Melton, says that when you’re not sure what to do, ‘just do the next right thing.’ When you’re done with that ‘next right thing,’ then remind yourself that you just finished one WHOLE to-do – congratulate yourself! This feeling of accomplishment will catapult you to the next right thing and the next and the next…

Happy organizing everyone!

What Came Home From School on the Last Day…

Tue, 24 May 2016 23:10:27 GMT

It came home in backpacks, tote bags, and grocery bags the last week of school. No need to let it marinade all summer in the back hall.

Let’s sort it and the children and teens can help. Set all the paper aside for the minute, and let’s get the low hanging fruit. Let’s pull out what can be salvaged for next year’s back to school--the scissors, the glue, pens, protractors, calculators and bag them up for August. The worn crayons and pencils can be poured into the house stock for homework next year or bagged for summer trips. Ready to deal with the papers? Recycle any worksheets like fill-in-the-blank and multiplication tables right away. Consider artwork, handprints, and essays for archiving. Finally, note any dates or events from school newsletters and recycle. Feels good right? Enjoy the summer!

Quick Tips for Transitioning in May

Cathy Van Volkenburg CPO® — Tue, 03 May 2016 18:03:16 GMT

Quick Tips for Transitioning in May

By Cathy Van Volkenburg CPO®

Certified Professional Organizer

Owner of Accent on Organizing

May is one of the busiest months of the year second only to December and the holiday rush. School ends and vacations begin. Graduations, showers and weddings are on everyone’s calendar. Ready for some quick tips to survive this month of spring flowers and major transitions?

End of School:

• Box up clothing and uniforms that can be worn next season – LABEL and MOVE to a basement or other storage area to free up space for summer items

• Donate clothing that no longer fits

• Box up school supplies that can be used in the fall – LABEL and MOVE out of the main area of the house

• Review all of those art projects that have accumulated all year. KEEP 1 or 2 favorites. Let the rest go after you have taken a picture and put them in a digital file with the child’s name and grade

Invitation Overload

• Immediately RSVP to the event! Enter the pertinent information on your calendar.

• Go online and order a registry gift now – before the inventory is depleted and nothing is left to buy! Save time and have the store wrap and ship the gift.

• Come up with a signature gift. For baby showers, I always give the parents-to-be a combination of storage supplies to keep the many sizes of clothing in order. Get creative and include baby hangers, clothing rod size tags and pretty labels for the bins holding clothing the baby won’t fit into for months.

Use my tips to save time, reduce stress and enjoy the spring!

Happy Organized May!

"Honey, Let's Move!"

Ellen Limes, CPO® — Fri, 01 Apr 2016 02:21:38 GMT

The kids are grown, the cavernous rooms echo, the toys in the basement haven’t been touched in years, so you think you should probably downsize and move. Wait! What about the 45 years of accumulation of stuff??

Fear not! It didn’t accumulate overnight, so it’s not going to be emptied overnight. But you can move with a plan in mind. Before you have your realtor walk through, do some counter and cabinet clearing. You are in your kitchen for hours each day. You know the things you use. Look closely at the things you don’t use daily. Are you really going to use those things? And there is a good chance the kids don’t want them either. You can ask, but don’t be offended when they say no. Pull those items out and put them in a box to donate. But leave room in the box so you can close it. It’s much easier to haul boxes and stack them in your car when they are closed and stackable. You have to organize your discards as well!

Every nook and cranny and drawer and cabinet needs to be addressed. Whether you pack yourself or hire someone to pack, it is a lot easier if the junk of the junk drawers is sorted with like things. It also is incredibly smoother on the other end when it comes time to unpack. I have unpacked garbage cans and junk drawers that were just dumped onto packing paper and wrapped. I don’t think you want to open a box with a mess in it and have to think about sorting it before you can find a home for it in your new home.

You know there are certain areas of your home that you have been avoiding because you don’t know where to begin processing the things of yesteryear. For those areas, I’d say get some help. A Professional Organizer can help you make decisions and process the years of accumulation amazingly fast. While you stare at the pile in dismay, they will help you work through the pile and move it on to another home or concur with your decision to purge the pile.

An unbiased third party can help you process the things of life a lot quicker than you. Consider the value of hiring a Professional Organizer before you move to save your sanity and expedite your move.

Purge Now, Don't Wait, by Aubrie Krummert of Real World Organizing

Julie Riber, CPO® — Tue, 01 Mar 2016 21:47:42 GMT

Recently, I worked with an elderly couple who had decades of things to clean out of their large home so they could move into a small apartment in a retirement village. The couple had been married for 40+ years and had lived in several houses with their children and random pets. Years ago they had retired and focused on enjoying their lives, traveling and nurturing relationships with friends and family. They kept accumulating things without thinking much about how they were going to deal with it when the time came to downsize. The wife, Mary, in an attempt to purge, had a few yard sales here and there but she mostly left her husband’s things out of it.

I received the call two short months before they were to move - a snug time frame by anyone’s standards, but even more so when dealing with a lifetime of things to go through, a major change in the size of their home, and more than their share of physical ailments. Ed had a couple hard falls recently, as had Mary. In addition, they suffered from other ‘normal’ ailments due to plain-old aging, including arthritis, memory loss, poor eyesight, and hearing difficulties. The process was by nature going to be slow and difficult and it was my job to make it quick and easy.

In addition to time and physical restraints, I needed to assist the couple with uncovering what they wanted to take with them to their new home. Ed was a book and records lover and Mary had memoirs, heirlooms and keepsakes that needed gone through. The closest family member was amazing throughout the process, but she was an hour and a half away and could only come about once a month. Their other two sons, many miles away with full lives of their own, were not able to be of much assistance, nor did they want to absorb many of their parents’ treasures.

In the end, I’m proud to say that the job got done, but not without some major consequences. Most of the items in the house had to be donated, a small percentage of the items were sold, and the garbage, recycling, and shredding bins filled up over and over and over again. Ed was heartbroken through the process because of not being able to physically help more and because of having to donate most of his treasured books, records, and other items that he thought would be worth something when the time came. Additionally, shortly after the move, they both ended up hospitalized. This was not what either of them wanted in terms of the ending to so many happy years in their old house, or the beginning of a new life in their lovely new retirement village.

As much as I loved working with this couple, I was struck daily with the lesson - DO IT WHEN YOU CAN!

Now, that’s easy to say and yes, easy for me to do, but I get that it might not be for others. The point is that the physical and emotional strain is much less if you do it bit by bit. The whole ‘ripping a Band-Aid off quickly’ thing doesn’t work as well with organizing. The important thing to always keep in mind, then, is that you can break it down into small, non-conventional chunks in whatever way suits you.

Here are some suggestions of the tiniest things that mostly anyone can do in less than 5 minutes:

One drawer (desk, kitchen, garage, dresser, etc.)
One file folder in a filing cabinet
One shelf (kitchen, bookshelf, etc.)
Fill one bag of stuff from your car and make a decision on those items
Choose three pair of shoes and decide if you want them, where to put them, etc.
One foot of clothing hanging in your closet (get out your measuring tape - why not?)
Set a timer for four minutes and see what you can get done. When the timer goes off, stop and treat yourself.

Come up with your own parameters and encourage those sharing your space to do the same - whatever you need to do to keep moving forward. I’m currently working with another elderly woman and after our first session, her homework from me was to go through TWO pieces of paper daily. That’s it - TWO. She did it and was proud of her progress.

Think outside of the box and allow yourself to do whatever you are capable of. Rome was not built in a day, and Caesar did not clean out his throne room in a day, either.

Your Heart Wants; But Do You Need It? by Christy Lingo

Julie Riber, CPO® — Mon, 01 Feb 2016 21:23:16 GMT

When helping clients sort and purge, organizers often come across a number of items clients have that they do not know they have such as shopping bags and delivery boxes stuffed with purchases the client may not remember acquiring. Sometimes clients have items they intended to return but have not yet found the time to do so. Many clients have gifts they purchased with someone particular in mind for a birthday or a holiday and that gift is hidden under the piles. Organizing is often as much about learning to control the obtaining as well as parting with items.

Many times the acquisition of things is more of a thrill than the item itself for people that struggle with disorganization. People are drawn to an item priced at clearance 80% off, or the most clever hand mixer they have ever seen (even though they already own a hand, stand and stick mixer). Many decide to shop for new clothes for a night out even though they already have a closet full. Many clients see shopping as a stress relief or leisure activity, which is perfectly okay until they feel it is interfering with the life they want to lead or their vision of an organized home.

Imposing a designated waiting period like 24 or 48 hours before making purchases large or small can help dilute the desire to acquire and that instant gratification they need. People with acquisition issues often find when they walk away from an item for a period of time, the want of that item diminishes. That time away from the item can help the person evaluate their need versus their want.

Others struggle with impulse control as part of their executive function in the brain. In these cases, professional organizers work in tangent with counselors to develop an action plan to address the client’s issues with shopping and/or acquisition. The plan may include various therapy exercises and in some cases medication which helps the client with impulse control.

Regardless of how or why people have developed issues with purchasing or acquiring items, there are many professionals such as professional organizers and therapists who can help re-train those habits and rituals. The professionals with National Association of Professional Organizers are a great jumping off point for those looking to work on their shopping habits and bring order to items in their home.

Christy Lingo, Professional Organizer, Simple Solutions Design

Resolve to Organize Your Life By Olive Wagar

Julie Riber, CPO® — Tue, 05 Jan 2016 20:26:42 GMT

Welcome to a new year, a fresh page, a new start! Do you anticipate with excitement the adventures of a new year…or do you dread a rerun of past failures and disappointments? Take advantage of this new year by resolving to organize your life.

What does it mean to resolve? According to Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary, it means:

· “to deal with successfully”

· “to reach a firm decision about”

I like the optimistic spirit of those definitions! When I resolve, I make a conscious choice. I do not just wait to see what will happen in my life. I do not let my emotions distract me from the important goals of my life. I choose to decide what I want my life to look like. For example,

· If I resolve to have a clean kitchen, I wash the dishes every night.

· If I resolve to pay my bills on time, I schedule a bill paying time every Monday.

· If I resolve to have less clutter, I put the newspaper in the recycle bin each night.

· If I resolve to get up earlier, I go to bed at a consistent time each night.

· If I resolve to get out of debt, I only use cash when I am shopping.

· If I resolve to have a clean house, I do one household chore every day.

· If I resolve to have a tidy closet, I donate clothes I don’t like or don’t wear.

Resolutions without specific actions are useless. Resolutions with actions are powerful!

It is possible to make too many resolutions! It is much better to focus on just one thing at a time. Give yourself 4 to 6 weeks to consistently practice that one thing. When you focus, you finish! Gretchen Rubin, author of The Happiness Project, says it this way:

“What you do every day matters more than what you do once in a while.”

Change just one habit. Do it today. Then do it tomorrow. Keep repeating until it becomes a new part of your daily routine. If you mess up one day, just start again the next day. In a recent newsletter, NAPO member Donna Smallin shared this appropriate quote from John Maxwell:

“You will never change your life until you change something you do daily.

The secret to success is found in your daily routine.”

So start small, but dream big! Envision your success, one day at a time.

Resolve to have an organized 2016!

Check out the NAPO-OH directory to find a professional organizer near you.

Purging Can Be a Gift! By Beth Johnson

Julie Riber, CPO® — Wed, 02 Dec 2015 21:03:34 GMT

Anyone who has ever faced a closet full of out-of-season or too-small clothes, a playroom full of unused kids’ toys, or a basement full of unwanted belongings knows that purging can be a frustrating and exhausting job. It’s overwhelming to make decisions about so much stuff!

What happens when we re-think the job at hand? Instead of seeing your clean-up efforts as an irritating and time consuming job, think of those clothes, toys and random belongings as gifts or work opportunities for others who are less fortunate.

Consider these options:

Professional clothing, shoes and work appropriate accessories (such as briefcases, planners, jewelry, etc.) can help build confidence and encourage individuals seek to reenter the workforce.

Toys that are gently used, cleaned, and include all their parts can help a struggling family enjoy a bountiful holiday season.

Your donated electronic equipment (working or not) can provide employment for disabled workers at Goodwill Industries facilities across the country.

The home décor items that you are tired of, may be the perfect low-priced gift for someone’s dear friend, co-worker or relative.

What do you need to get rid of? Who can benefit from these items?

One year, our family rounded up many years’ worth of leftover craft supplies … really, just a bit of this and that! With cute recycled baskets and containers, cello wrap and ribbon, we created 10 “Craft Buckets” and donated them to a toy drive that benefits struggling families in our community. Because I have 4 daughters who loved to craft when they were younger, I know that 10 little girls were very happy and creative that Christmas! It made me happy, too … knowing that all those odds-and-ends would be put to good use!

During this season of giving, consider your unwanted clothing, electronics, toys and décor … how can your purged items be a gift to someone in your community?

Stress Free Planning for Turkey and Tree by Birdie Brennan, CPO ®

Julie Riber, CPO® — Sun, 01 Nov 2015 23:08:46 GMT

As we are approaching the season of holidays and the weather is still relatively warm, it is easy to think we have more time than we actually do between now and the end of the year.

It is a great time to look at the calendar and consider all the cherished and necessary activities we would like to accomplish to get the most out of the holidays. By the time this article is published, there will be barely 8 weeks remaining until the end of the year. Are you hosting a holiday party? Travelling out of town? Baking holiday cookies? Running in the annual Turkey Trot? Volunteering at a local food pantry? Plotting these activities on a calendar now will provide a realistic overview of your holiday timeline, so that you can accomplish your seasonal goals in a paced and enjoyable way. This type of planning is key to managing tasks and devoting your time to the people and traditions who help make the season meaningful.

Here are 8 holiday helps---one for each week—from now until the end of the year to help keep your holiday household fluid and festive:

1. Stage your holidays. Find and sort through your holiday décor. Set aside the items that you want to use in one convenient place so they are available when ready to use or display. Donate any unwanted items.

2. Plan your giving. Set your budget, make your holiday list, plan a shopping/donation schedule.

3. Stock your pantry. If cooking and/or baking is a big part of your holidays, have the recipes needed handy. Look through your pantry; do you have what you need?

4. Retire any tired traditions. Which activities bring you and your family the most joy? Give those your full attention…and retire the rest! It may even require saying “no” to conflicting activities.

5. Update your list of contacts. Do you send gifts or holiday cards in the mail or via email? Review and update addresses in your favorite contact portfolio.

6. Book your travel. Whether you are ringing in the New Year in the big city, going to Grandma’s, or heading back home, the time is now to reserve flights, hotels, and rental cars! Don’t forget to review your perks programs to see how many points you can take advantage of this year.

7. Be ready for the weather. This may include preparing our vehicles for cold-weather care, packing some supplies in our travel vehicle, and reviewing coats/gloves/hats for condition. In addition, we may have fireplaces and furnaces that require maintenance.

8. Find an app or paperless note taking program on your favorite device where you can keep your holiday lists. Be sure to purge these when the season is over.

Enjoying the holidays really is about being available to enjoy the everyday moments with cherished family and friends. The small things you do today will help you stay mindful and in the moment when it really matters. Happy Planning!

The Haunting Effects of Clutter by Karen Kruzan, LISW-S, CPO-CD®

Julie Riber, CPO® — Thu, 01 Oct 2015 16:49:45 GMT

Cooler temperatures arrived and Halloween is on the horizon. If you have ever been to a haunted house you know the adrenalin rush that comes from fear and excitement. As you walk through, your brain tries to sort out what it sees in order to protect you from danger. The darkness and fog make it difficult to make out details as you struggle to find what you are looking for – the exit. Whether or not you enjoy haunted houses, your brain perceives them as stressful, no different than the feelings you get when surrounded by clutter. In addition to stress, effects of clutter include wasted time trying to locate things, wasted money from late fees or buying duplicates, and even missed opportunities. When you are dealing with significant stress, such as being in a haunted house or cluttered environment, your brain goes into fight, flight, or freeze mode. It is as if your brain is telling you “Danger! Get ready to fight for survival, run for your life, or stay still – maybe the danger will pass you by.” When you are in this mode your ability to think clearly is compromised, so that finding things, making decisions, planning, and prioritizing are nearly impossible. Unfortunately, these are the same skills you need to get out of the haunted house or change your cluttered environment.

Fortunately, now that you know what is going on with your brain, you can do things that will make a difference. The most important thing is to be aware that you are in fight, flight, or freeze mode and get out of it. Deep breathing, exercise, picturing a relaxing scene, or listening to soothing music all help. If you are having trouble getting out of fight, flight, or freeze mode or getting the clutter to stop haunting your home, consider asking for help from family, friends, a therapist, or a professional organizer affiliated with NAPO or ICD.

NAPO Ohio Chapter Helps Amethyst With Clothes Closet

Julie Riber, CPO® — Wed, 02 Sep 2015 01:10:51 GMT

NAPO Ohio teamed up to organize and de clutter the room the women of Amethyst call the clothes closet on Saturday, August 15, 2015.

5 members of the Ohio Chapter of National Association of Professional Organizers spent 6 hours with women in the Amethyst program helping to sort and purge clothes for the clothes closet. Clothes kept in the closet are for the women every day and for business. The closet also has clothes for the children of the women. The closet was just not set up to maximize the space. The first step was to have Bob Tennant of Spectrum Handyman come and move a few shelving units all to one side of the space allowing more room for the clothes racks. The next step of purging was needed so the women can view all the clothes available to them and their children. There were so many that it was difficult to find the right size. “The opportunity to help these women gain control of the area and understand how consistent purging will help maintain order was our goal,” said Julie Riber, member of NAPO Ohio Chapter. Natalie Zimmerman with Amethyst said, “This was a learning moment where the women learn the value of organization and take ownership of the clothes closet.”

Amethyst, Inc. is one of the only providers in the state to accept women and their children into long-term drug and alcohol treatment, and one of the few to provide intensive services for as long as the client needs them

Clothes Closet Before

Clothes Closet After

Back To School- Keeping You, The Paperwork, and Your Student Organized by Julie Riber, CPO

Julie Riber, CPO® — Sun, 02 Aug 2015 18:24:33 GMT

Do you feel like you are swimming in papers when your kids go back to school? You have school schedules with late day starts, early releases, teacher conferences, days off, sport schedules with practices and games. All this can be overwhelming.

You can keep it organized and neat looking at the same time. Whether you work full time outside the home or have the hardest job as stay at home mom, after school activities take up a good portion of your life.

Those first 2 weeks of school are critical with paperwork. Teaching your children early that all the papers are to be taken out of their book bags as soon as they get home will help you avoid missing anything.

Gather all the items that need to be filled out each day and do it every evening after the kids are in bed. If you fill them out as they come in you will be less likely to fall behind. During the first couple weeks, most papers have a due date so make sure you do those that have more urgency first.

Have a specific spot where all papers from school are to go from your child. Make sure the first few weeks of school you ask them about those papers so it will become a habit for them and you. Developing those routines early will help them become better students and keep you organized and up to date with their activities.

Independence: When Less Equals More By Cathy Van Volkenburg CPO®

Julie Riber, CPO® — Wed, 01 Jul 2015 16:01:35 GMT

Happy 4^th of July! As we celebrate this mid-summer holiday, we reflect on the many freedoms we enjoy as Americans. Independence takes on many different meanings depending on whom you talk with. As a professional organizer, I would like to share one meaning of the word independence through the lens of my business.

Often my clients reach out to me out of sheer frustration with their spaces. It can be a home office, a kitchen or a basement. Where the space is located doesn’t matter. The frustration stems from an overwhelming amount of “stuff” that they have accumulated. All of the emotions associated with this “stuff” can block one’s ability to take action and make decisions about the items.

Our belongings serve us in many ways. Some items are purely functional. Other items nurture us by bringing beauty to our homes or inspiring us every day. There often comes a tipping point when we have items in our homes or offices that do not serve us but rather they engulf us! If you have had that sinking feeling when an item no longer brings you joy yet you feel compelled to keep it. Don’t despair.

Get a new perspective on your belongings by slipping on a new set of glasses in which to objectively view your “stuff”. If items are sitting in boxes unused, unloved and not needed…set them free. That’s right, give them independence and a new purpose in life by donating or selling them so someone else may use and enjoy them. View your belongings as objects that either add to your life or detract from your life. I can guarantee that if you no longer want or use an item, there is someone out there who would be thrilled to liberate it from the back of your closet. Many communities have freecycle sites that allow you to find a home for an item that no longer serves you. Set it free. By setting your items free, you are gaining more space. With less items to store and clean and take care of, you are gaining more free time. When viewing your items through an objective lens, you can empower yourself to make the decision to free an item. Cheers to your independence from “stuff” that does not serve you well.

What Do I Do With All My Books? by Rodger Williams, owner of Crestview Books

Julie Riber, CPO® — Mon, 01 Jun 2015 17:07:33 GMT

You have a mountain of books so what do you do with them? There are many options and these are a few.

Discard: Any books that have mold or mildew should be discarded. Old textbooks, old dictionaries, encyclopedias and most magazines should be recycled if possible. It is o.k. to discard them if the recycler will not accept them. Any books with missing pages should also be discarded.

Donate or Giveaway: Many charities and thrift stores accept book donations. This includes Goodwill, Volunteers of America, The Salvation Army, Library Thrift Stores (also known as Friends of the Library), and churches. These organizations will sell the books, usually for 25-cents to $2 each to raise money for their organization. If you want to receive a tax deduction for your donation, be sure you comply with the IRS rules for documenting charitable contributions. You may not deduct more than the Fair Market Value (FMV) of the books. Determining this value can be confusing and it is difficult to provide rock-solid evidence of their value.

To avoid falling afoul of IRS regulations, I suggest a more creative approach. Sell as many of your books as you can to a book dealer and give the money you receive to the charity of your choice. This will allow you to raise money for ANY qualified charity, not just those that resell books. Furthermore, by giving a cash donation, you have a non-disputable record of your donation and you can fill out your tax forms with peace of mind.

Most brick-and-mortar bookstores will require you to bring your books to their store in order for them to evaluate and purchase your collection. Most online booksellers such as Crestview Books (www.CrestviewBooks.com) will come to your home so that you don't have to load and tote heavy boxes of books. The offer from a reputable online dealer should be at least as much as that offered by a brick-and-mortar store. If you do not know the dealer, or if they are not recommended by a trusted friend or professional organizer, do not let them into your home unless you have someone with you.

Using this sell-and-donate strategy is a win-win-win! You win because you have evidence of your donation. Your charity wins because they get money they can use right away without having to use valuable time cleaning, storing and sorting them for sale. The small business book dealer wins by obtaining needed inventory to keep the business running.

Sell: Sell them yourself at a garage sale or online at a website such as eBay. For your garage sale you should price your books at or below what they would bring at a thrift store. Selling your books online will probably give you the largest amount of money but it is not quick and easy.

If you have a book that you believe may be of significant value, contact an established dealer or auction house for an opinion before you let go of a real treasure!

Spring in the Gardening World and Its Connections to Organizing by Guest Blogger Bob Van Volkenburg -Avid Gardner and spouse of Professional Organizer Cathy Van Volkenburg CPO®

Julie Riber, CPO® — Sun, 03 May 2015 13:47:49 GMT

Spring is a long-awaited season for gardeners. Watching life return after the long winter brings joy and lots of work! There are certain fundamental spring tasks for both gardeners and organizers - here are a few worth mentioning:

1. Weeding – although weeding is often a season-long task for the gardener, an early assault on weeds right now as they are emerging can pay dividends later. If your garden contains perennials, you are noticing that they are making their appearance after months of dormancy – now is the time to weed around them, to clear our these undesirable invaders while your perennials are still small and you can work in close quarters with them. Later on, as they are larger and in various stages of bloom, the weeds are more well-established and more difficult to eradicate, and at the same time, it can be more difficult to see into all the places within your perennial plant. In the organizing landscape, the same principle applies – it is never too early to weed your own collections; clearing away those items that are undesirable while a space is not overloaded can prevent bigger problems down the road. This is also a year- long task.

2. Pruning – Certain plants/shrubs and especially roses benefit from an annual pruning process. This is more than just cutting away dead wood from the previous growing season; this is about shaping your plants now, at the beginning of the growing season, to promote the plant’s healthy development and to provide maximum flowers. I’ll focus on roses for the moment – by this time in the year they will be starting to leaf out – always a welcome sign that fragrant blooms are only a month or so away. But new shoots will develop all around the rose canes, and if left untended will lead to the new canes growing in a haphazard fashion. Could this also happen in your closet? Multiple canes might look great now when you are happy for any signs of new life, but proper pruning of these canes to promote healthy growth to the outside, away from the center of the bush is the pathway to long-term plant health and great blooms. In the same spirit, prune your possessions now to promote future growth – get rid of items that don’t function anymore, or are outdated and unlikely to be worn or used again. Clothes may be in fine shape, but if you haven’t worn them in a year, move them on through donation or discard to make room for new growth. Have you held on to old toys and hobbies? Phases of interest that didn’t catch your attention for very long? Prune them out of your life now and plan for new directions. Buy something new and then donate or toss something old. Prune your belongings for quality.

3. Improve your soil – Many gardeners pass the long winter months reviewing spring catalogs, filled with wonderful pictures of new plants as well as old trusted favorites, all bringing hopes of a successful coming growing season. When planting those new plants, make sure to take a few minutes to improve your soil in the area where you are planting. Just digging a hole and plopping a new plant in the ground may work in the short run, but improving the soil with peat moss and new topsoil will pay dividends for years to come. In your own home, as you break out your spring and summer clothes, add a few new accessories to add life and longevity to your wardrobe. Perhaps just a refresh is needed instead of a buying spree. You’ll find having a few quality pieces rather than overwhelming quantity can often bring crispness to your look – as well as providing flexibility for next year’s new catalog offerings.

Happy Gardening! Happy Organizing

April Showers Bring Spring Cleaning By: Lynne Poulton of Wholly Organized!® LLC and Christy Lingo of Simple Solutions Design

Julie Riber, CPO® — Tue, 07 Apr 2015 10:27:31 GMT

1. Find ways to declutter "responsibly" -- Look for shred days and e-recycling events so the items you are getting rid of can be either recycled or disposed of properly.

2. Look for cleaning products and/or items that can multi-task -- Rather than a different cleaner for each different task, look for multi-tasking items. Simplify the clutter under your sink. Machines like this steamer (http://www.amazon.com/Shark-Deluxe-Portable-Pocket-SC650/dp/B00HZCY26O/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1426884091&sr=8-1&keywords=portable+shark+steam+cleaner) can do a variety of household cleaning and only use steam. Or these Norwex cloths can (http://www.norwex.biz/pws/home2999999/tabs/shop-online---top-10-products.aspx#) can be used wet or dry for dusting, cleaning and array of cleaning only using water.

3. Save time by scheduling a donation pick up -- Don't tote your donations all over town, see if there is a Goodwill, VOA, Kidney Foundation that have regular pick ups in your neighborhood or that can schedule a pick up for your items. This also gives you a deadline and will hopefully motivate you to get stuff together before they come.

4. Remember the less you have, the less you have to clean -- Rather than storing away a bunch of winter clothes you didn't wear, or cleaning off bookshelves full of books you'll never read again, why not donate them now so you don't have to clean them next year.

5. Make lists to track your progress – spring-cleaning the entire house can be overwhelming, so use lists to manage things. Have a list of all the rooms you want to organize, and then specific lists of what you want to do in each room. Here is an example of a kitchen list: pare down the pantry, clean out fridge and freezer, sort and organize all cabinets and drawers, wipe appliances and surfaces.

6. Set up a time line: Decide what order your going to clean in, and set up a calendar with goals. Setting a deadline for yourself of when you’ll have each task done with help you stay on track and keep momentum. For example, have a chart with your list of tasks and a column for “estimated time” and “date/week” to schedule when you’ll do it.

7. Create a system to maintain – spring-cleaning is very satisfying, but only if the changes you make stay that way! Make sure your hard work doesn’t go to waste: establish a home for all things, use clear bins and labels, and commit to a daily clutter clean sweep. This way you won’t have to repeat spring-cleaning every season!

8. Just get started! – This may be the best advice of all: just get going! Spring-cleaning may seem like a daunting, too-big-for-you task, but if you follow these steps and pace yourself it is absolutely doable. You can start small, just start somewhere and get organized.

A Pot of Gold is at the End of Your Clutter Rainbow by Christy Lingo

Julie Riber, CPO® — Sun, 01 Mar 2015 23:02:37 GMT

The clutter in your home or office affects more than just your belongings. It robs you of your time, your mental health and your money. But never fear, there are bright, shiny rewards in store for all your organizing hard work.

Less Time Spent Looking for Items

Have you ever actually timed how long it takes you to find your keys or cell phone on your way out the door? Or your remote when you want to relax and watch TV? Getting organized is more than matching boxes with labels. It starts by giving items a home and returning those items to their homes when you’re finished using them. In his book, When the Game is Over, It All Goes Back in the Box, John Ortberg states that American’s spend 16 minutes a day looking for lost things. That equals nearly one year of your life! It’s time to dedicate those 16 minutes to something you want to do like a hobby or spending time with your loved ones.

Less Stress

Are the piles on your kitchen counter or dining room table impacting more than just the space they take up? Experts agree that clutter has a significant impact on your mental health. A 2012 article by psychologist Sherrie Bourg Carter in Psychology Todaydiscusses the mental cost of clutter. Dr. Carter states stress occurs because the excess stimulus (clutter) causes your senses to work overtime. Additionally, you may experience feelings of guilt or embarrassment when friends or family members are in your home, frustration finding items that you know you’ve purchased and general anxiety from piles or bins that indicate work to do or work that’s been avoided. The good news is you can change this and you will feel a marked improvement in your mental health when you start the process of clearing the clutter and arranging your life.

Less Money Spent on Replacements or Late Fees

How much is your clutter costing you financially? Whether it’s clutter on your schedule or physical items in your home, disorganization can take a toll on your bank account. There’s the cost of late fees for missed payments, storage facilities to store things you don’t have room for or replacing items you know you own but cannot find. Clutter can also cost you if you consistently run late for work or missing appointments because you cannot find things or need to work on managing your time. Little by little, the more you can address your clutter and take back control of your house and finances, the less your disorganized lifestyle will cost you.

You may think you don’t have the time or money to get organized but do you really have the time or money not to? Reward yourself today with less stress and more down time by sliding down your clutter rainbow into a pot of organizing gold. If it’s too overwhelming to do yourself, check out the fantastic organizing leprechauns of NAPO Ohio who can help you on your way.

Your Heart Will Benefit From Time Management by Julie Riber, CPO

Julie Riber, CPO® — Mon, 02 Feb 2015 00:27:48 GMT

Everyone experiences and deals with stress in different ways. If you are stressed all the time because you consistently feel like you are running and getting nowhere and you still have a hundred things to do at the end of the day, then you need some time management. Stress may affect behaviors and factors that increase heart disease risk: high blood pressure and cholesterol levels, smoking, physical inactivity and overeating according to Ernesto L. Schiffrin, M.D., Ph.D., physician-in-chief at Sir Mortimer B. Davis-Jewish General Hospital, and professor and vice chair of research for the Department of Medicine at McGill University in Montreal. Time management can reduce stress and in return your heart will thank you.

The definition of time management is the analysis of how working or daily hours are spent and the prioritization of tasks in order to maximize personal efficiency. Take time each week to schedule your week and leave time each day for surprise changes because we know they happen frequently. If your work week is Monday-Friday, take some time on Saturday or Sunday to plan the week. Schedule the activities you complete daily such as wake time, bedtime, dinner, lunch, and work. Once you have your consistent daily activities, schedule those activities that have already been scheduled for the week. As you look at your week, note the days you have some time because those times might be what you will need for the emergencies that arise. As far as your heart, schedule time for yourself and remember exercise as this will help reduce your stress.

For more information contact julie@transformareorganizing.com

Get Organized Tips From Experienced Organizers

Julie Riber, CPO® — Thu, 01 Jan 2015 15:22:02 GMT

January is Get Organized Month according to The National Association of Professional Organizers. The first month of the year is a popular month for many to make it a priority to get organized. Some make it their New Year’s Resolution while others just want to start their year with an organized space.

The Golden Circle of NAPO is comprised of those individuals who have been in the organizing business for over 5 years. The Professional Organizers with the Golden Circle designation in the Ohio chapter of NAPO have put together a list of tips to start your journey to get and stay organized.

· Start small when you have decided to tackle organizing such as a drawer and allow your- self enough time to get it done.

· Write down your goals for organizing a space.

· Schedule time on your calendar to organize just as you would a doctor’s appointment. You are more likely to accomplish the goal.

· Store like items together in a bin close to where you use them. Make it easy to put things away. If it is hard, chances are you will not put them away

· Always give yourself plenty of room to grow in those bins.

· Only keep what your love and use. The rest is clutter.

· Use plastic bins that fit your cupboards to group medicines. Some bins even have handles and the bins will help you keep them in one space and avoid knocking over all the other bottles over as you grab what you need.

· Go through your medicine cabinet frequently to discard expired or no longer needed medications. Many area hospitals will take them and dispose of them properly. Do not flush them.

· As you are storing your holiday decorations, write an inventory on the inside lid of the box so items will fit easily and consistently year after year.

· After each holiday you decorate, donate those items you are no longer using. Give yourself permission to change and not put up as much or different decorations.

· Label your bins on the outside so you always know what is inside.

· Use an over the door clear shoe pockets for gloves and hats in the hall closet. Guests will have a place to put theirs and little ones can use lower pockets for their gloves and hats.

· Do not feel guilty for not keeping every card you have ever received from family and friends. Appreciate the sentiment and recycle the cards.

· Keep only one calendar. Paper or electronic. Too many calendars will cause you to miss or be late for appointments.

· My Medical App for Apple products and My Health Records-Health and Family app for Android products is a great place to record documents, photos, family history and doctor information.

· Pocket Pharmacist app for Apple products allows you to make sure the medications you or a loved one is taking will not adversely affect each other.

· Know Your Stuff App for Apple products and III Insurance App for Android products is a great place to store pictures of important belongings in your home for insurance purposes. You may also add costs and receipts.

· January is tax preparation month and if you don’t have a filing system set up, simple white envelopes work great, categorizing by each tax deductible expense, such as business expenses, daycare expenses, mileage or car expenses, charitable donations, medical expenses, etc.

· Once everybody has left from the holidays and the decorations are down, take a walking tour of your home and write down areas needing attention or a project you'd like to see done. Set them by priority and make appointments with yourself during the winter weekends to start tackling them one at a time.

· When sorting through things determine what you use, what can be donated, and what just needs thrown away. Establish handy places for the things you use the most!

· Hire a Professional Organizer as they are experts in completing projects, keeping you focused and selecting the right products. They also have numerous resources for donating unwanted items.

Tis Better to Donate than Store by Ellen Limes, CPO OrganizedbyL

Julie Riber, CPO® — Mon, 01 Dec 2014 12:51:28 GMT

Tis the season you should donate,

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How much stuff did you accumulate?

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Mental clutter does not serve you,

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Clear your stuff and clear your brain too,

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When did you last wear that sweater?

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Do the shoes make you feel better?

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Socks that don’t match, slacks you don’t wear,

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Donate things of which you don’t care

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Do you read the books on your shelves?

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Figurines aren’t cleaned by themselves

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As we age, we find we need less

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Clear your shelves to relieve your stress

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Basements filled with stuff you don’t use

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Can repair men move where they choose?

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What’s the meaning of the stuff there?

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Give to others to show that you care

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Evaluate Your Belongings by Debra Heimann, CPO

Julie Riber, CPO® — Tue, 28 Oct 2014 10:58:40 GMT

Is your house getting fat? It happens far too easily and in the simplest of ways such as stopping by the store to pick up one thing and leaving with a cart full. Maybe your parents or a close relative are downsizing and you go to help and leave with a car full of stuff including furniture in a rented truck. Then there is the community or church garage sale where you buy more than you sell. Now you have too much stuff. When you do decide that you have too much, how do you decide what goes and where does it go?

First, congratulations on making the decision because "nothing happens without a decision" and next, you need a plan for moving those items onto their next life. How much time are you willing to spend on this project and where will you start? What resources are available for donations, will you need a dumpster; can you get your family to help? What will the end result look like?

Make the decision process easier by creating some rules to guide you.

· RULE: I will keep no newspapers older than one week and magazines no older than 2 months.

· RULE: Anything in my food closet older than a year will be donated to a food pantry or shelter.

· RULE: When I clean out my linen closet, I will keep two sheet sets for each bed & 3 towel sets for each person.

· RULE: I will clean out my clothes closet and keep only items I love and can wear.

Some general rules will also come in handy.

· RULE: If it's worn, torn, stained or broken, out it goes.

· RULE: If it smells, bulges, or oozes it goes bye-bye.

The key here is to decide before you start so that you will be less likely to get hung up on "they’re pretty, I like it, it was a present, they were moms, or I paid good money for that". Each decision moves you closer to your goal or farther away. Which way are you going?

Back to School Organizing is as Easy as 1-2-3 by Robyn Howard

Julie Riber, CPO® — Mon, 01 Sep 2014 15:19:05 GMT

The new school year is a wide open canvas-take advantage of this opportunity to put new systems in place for the school year as well as revisit the tried and true ones that worked last year. All you need is a plan and the commitment to follow through on the new ideas.

Establish new routines

Reduce morning chaos by taking care of some key tasks the night before. Just a few minutes spent before heading off to bed can save everyone in your household time and frustration in the morning:

· Lay out clothes for the next day

· Pack lunches/lunch money

· Put backpacks with all homework and signed papers by the front door along with keys, shoes, and coats

A helpful after school routine can provide the same stress-free results

· Use hooks for hanging up back packs and coats-make sure they are at kids' eye level

· Assign a place to put all papers that need a signature or require effort by the parent

· Teach the kids to unload their backpacks every day-throw away trash, recycle paper, replenish supplies and remove all important papers

Create a homework caddy

A homework caddy is a container that holds all the supplies your child needs to complete homework assignments. Items such as pencils, erasers, rulers, and scissors could be included in the caddy. By having these supplies readily available, your child will be more independent, have better focus, and you will also save money. Children will experience independence by completing homework assignments without having to ask you for supplies. Having supplies handy will allow for greater concentration and more time on task. Lastly, you will save money by knowing what supplies are on hand which prevents the purchase of duplicate items.

Develop a system to handle school papers

You will need to decide what to do with every paper that comes home from school. Other than trash or shredding, here are three options to keep papers organized-take action, reference or memorabilia.

· Action items should be handled right away. These consist of field trip forms, teacher letters, invitations, and anything that requires your signature. Put them in a colored folder or on a special spot on your desk to remind you to do them.

· Reference items can be filed in a family binder that holds all your important school information such as teacher contact information, class lists, and schedules.

· Memorabilia can be tossed into a special box or bin and then sorted through periodically. If your child makes a large item that will not fit into a box, take a picture of your child with the item and then pick a time limit to keep the item on display.

Back to school routines and habits are essential to organizational success for you and your children. The habits that you develop at home will carry over to your children's lives now and in the future. Good luck with the new school year!

Organize Your Most Successful Yard Sale Ever by Christy Lingo

Julie Riber, CPO® — Sun, 03 Aug 2014 12:30:03 GMT

Organize Your Most Successful Yard Sale Ever

Do you ever look around your home and think “I don’t really need this stuff anymore…I know, I should have a garage sale.” Then the thought of all that collecting and pricing and setting up and haggling for $50 bucks makes you think twice. With a bit of planning (and organizing, of course) you can host a successful sale without stressing you or your family out.

What to Sell?

The easy answer is anything and everything that you aren’t using, have in duplicate and think is worth something. If you’re trying to decide between a sale and just donating for a tax write off, consider what you have to sell. Garage sale attendees snap up tools, baby/toddler toys and clothes, reasonably priced furniture and gently used kitchen items. Items like books, adult clothing, overused kitchen items, and outdated publications rarely if ever bring in large sales. Consider if what you have to sell is worth the effort when you account for the hours to set up and run the sale. If you only have a few pieces of furniture or clothing that you feel may be of value, consider consigning those items and donating the rest rather than using up your summer weekend. To make the set up of your sale easier, consider buying pre-printed price tags like these that you can slap on items as you collect them from around the house.

What to Price Items?

Once you decide to host a sale, make sure to apply for any permits required by your municipality and collect the items that you want to sell, you need to decide how much to price your goods. Remember, the idea of having a sale is to make money so your effort is worthwhile. If you price items too high, you will spend time pricing and running a sale only to end up donating the items in the end. Don’t price items with what you paid in mind. On items that are gently used but in good shape, ask 50-70% of original price paid and be prepared for someone to offer you less. On items like clothing, books or toys don’t expect to get much more than about 10% of the current value. Remember, if someone can get a T-shirt you’ve price $1 for $.25 at the thrift store, they will. Click here for a handy garage sale pricing guide. For larger or unique items, check E-bay or Craig’s List to see what similar items are priced.

What to Do with What’s Left?

Alas, your sale is complete and you deem it a great success. Now what to do with the remaining items. After all, you already made the decision to get them out of your house. The longer the “unsolds” stick around in your garage, the greater the chance that they’ll sneak back into your home. Plan to load up unsold items and take them to your local thrift store immediately at the close of your sale or, even better, schedule a pick up by a local charity at the end or the following day. If you believe what you are donating is worth more than $300 and plan on taking a tax deduction, be sure to make an inventory of what is left and its value for your tax records. Click here for a guide to the value of donated goods.

Best of luck and happy selling in your garage sale. Remember, if you start to feel overwhelmed in organizing your sale, return to NAPO-Ohio.com and check out a professional organizer in your area that can help you have your best sale ever.

Christy Lingo is a NAPO-Ohio member, professional organizer and owner of Simple Solutions Design serving Columbus, Ohio and the surrounding area.

Freedom From Clutter by Cathy VanVolkenburg

Julie Riber, CPO® — Mon, 07 Jul 2014 00:07:17 GMT

Freedom from Clutter

As a professional organizer, I hear the word Freedom mentioned quite often. Clients from all walks of life have a common goal when it comes to their "stuff.” They want to be free from the clutter that has taken over their basements, closets, garages and offices. How did it get this way? Why do we have so much? Eventually we reach a point where we simply can't look at the piles any longer. Our stuff owns us!

We are burdened by the visual noise that all of this stuff screams at us day after day. It steals our time as we look for items we need. Sometimes we buy a new item only to find the original item several days later in the PILE. If you are feeling controlled by your clutter, fear not. It is time to dig deep and discover why you have the clutter. Once you understand the issues behind the accumulation of clutter, you can take steps to reverse this problem. Below are some tough questions to ask yourself when you feel ready to start the process of change.

Do I keep things that no longer serve me because I paid "good money" for them?

Is my closet full of clothes that may fit me some day?

Am I keeping items I don't like because they were a gift?

Do I purchase new items to fill a void in another part of my life?

Is there so much stuff that I have no idea what is in the bottom of the pile?

Do I love this item enough to care for it and store it properly?

What opportunities am I sacrificing by storing this item?

Is my calendar packed full because I don’t know how to relax and enjoy time with myself?

By being honest with yourself about the clutter, you have taken the first step towards living with less. Knowing why you have clutter and making a choice to change will bring you benefits you never thought possible. More time. More money. Less stress! What is better than this? If you have answered some tough questions, you may have a good idea of how to stop the piles from continuing to control you. NAPO Ohio organizers are here to help you through your journey toward a life free from clutter.

Cheers to your freedom!

Making A Move Less Stressful by Julie Riber, CPO®

Julie Riber, CPO® — Tue, 10 Jun 2014 16:08:01 GMT

Making a Move Less Stressful

Many families move during the summer months and with moving comes stress. Having an organized move will make the experience a much less stressful event.

First, whether you are moving around the corner or across the country, moving costs money. You either pay for the hours and number of movers needed or for the amount on the truck and miles. You can reduce this cost by eliminating some of the items you are moving. Some families have months to plan their move, while others have only weeks. You can have an organized move in both instances. One will just require a little more work in a short period of time.

If you are in charge of arranging the movers, make sure you ask some neighbors, friends, or relatives for their recommendations. It can make a big difference going with a mover others have used versus going with the mover with the cheapest price.

If you are lucky enough to have time before your move, go through closets and boxes to make sure you want to pay to have those items moved. Are you willing to pay to have boxes of magazines, or stuffed animals moved? Make decisions on decorations around the house too. Maybe the style and colors of your new home will be different. If the items are small or replaceable, maybe you are better off leaving them behind.

If you have not opened a box or needed any items in that box for over a year, do not pay to move it. That box will just sit in the same spot in your new residence. Take into consideration the amount of space you will have for storage especially if you are moving into a smaller residence.

To make your move less stressful, make sure you have a checklist of events that must occur before your move. Once you have set up the movers, began the sorting in your home, start calling about stopping and starting utilities, change of address, and cleaning of the residence you are leaving.

The day before the move, call to check on the mover and the time of arrival. Pack clothes for the evening and the next day or two. If you are moving across the country, make sure you pack for the number of days needed.

The day of the move, make sure you have food available for your family and drinks for the movers. They appreciate if you think of them and they will handle your furniture and boxes more carefully. If you are not paying someone to unpack, start the unpacking as soon as they deliver them in the new residence. Try to get the kitchen and bathrooms done first so you can make small meals and get a shower and dress as soon as possible. Those 2 rooms in order immediately will make your move much less stressful.

If you have small children, have small projects for them to do out of the way or have a family member entertain them for the day. Moves can be hard on children so keeping them entertained will keep stress level down for everyone involved.

When the furniture is all in and the movers are gone, let them help in the arrangement of their room. Being a part of the move and their room will help them in the transition.

Household Landing Zone by Debra Heimann, CPO

Julie Riber, CPO® — Fri, 02 May 2014 18:46:54 GMT

Household Landing Zone

Has your dining room table or kitchen counter become the dumping ground for keys, purse, mail, chargers, backpacks, school work that needs a signature and the food section from last weekends Sunday paper? Ask yourself why is this stuff here and why does this always happen.? It’s there because you do not have a landing zone and people coming in and out of the house are going to drop whatever on the nearest flat surface. This is an easy fix but will take a bit of effort re-training your family. Look at the door you use most often, does it have wall space to work with? Think hooks for backpacks and purses and a small shelf with a bowl for keys. Is there an electrical outlet? Ikea has a great little shelf with 2 drawers that could hold chargers for your cell phones and maybe a flashlight. Add a couple of decorative wall file holders to corral school papers and the recipes you want to take with you shopping. Now add a mirror for that last personal check before you go out to meet the world. Is the hallway wide enough for a bench? An open bench creates a natural place to stop and unload whatever you are carrying and take your shoes off. Add a large open basket that house-shoes are kept in and your home will be cleaner. Stuff comes in stuff goes out, and everyone needs to be taught this is a landing zone and that nothing lives here permanently.

Organizing a Playroom by Christy Lingo

Julie Riber, CPO® — Wed, 02 Apr 2014 15:11:49 GMT

Organizing a Playroom

It’s a well-known fact that toys like to multiply in homes. Take a birthday party and add in a dash of holiday gifts and a few visits from grandparents and BAM! there are a lot more toys than space to store them. Below are a couple of tips for keeping toy clutter organized and under control:

1.      DECIDE: Look around the room and decide how much space to devote to storing toys. Pick an appropriately sized storage unit to hold the bins, baskets or containers in the chosen area. If possible it is best to choose a storage unit or furniture after evaluating what and how much you will store on it. That way you can make sure there is enough space for everything. Work to limit the amount of toys in the space to the chosen shelving unit or cabinet.
2.      EDIT: Choose regular interval to go through toys and purge based on age appropriateness, use and/or damage. The change of seasons always is a great reminder to check and pare down toys. Get in the habit of practicing the 1-in, 1-out rule when a birthday party or the holidays are right around the corner.
3.      LABEL: Picture labels are a great way to teach younger kids where to put toys away. If you have a reader in the house, consider putting both a picture and word on the label. Self-adhesive pockets like these are perfect because they hold 4 x 6 photos or index cards and can change as the contents inside the bin or container change.
4.      EXPERIENCE: OK, this doesn’t really apply directly to organizing toys, but it can help keep the influx of toys under control. Rather than gifts constantly adding to the toy stash, consider asking relatives and friends to contribute to experience gifts. Ballet classes, music lessons, zoo memberships and trips to the amusement park can get expensive but will contribute richly to a child’s development. Family members get the added bonus of watching how their gift is used at games, recitals or a family day out.

Keeping a playroom in order requires daily maintenance. By devoting appropriate sized storage, storing only toys that are used, labeling what is stored for easier clean up and slowing the flow of what comes in it becomes easier to maintain the order without needing to threaten to take all the toys away.

Christy Lingo is a professional organizer and owner of Simple Solutions Design in Columbus. She is also the mother of two young boys and works daily (some days better than others) to practice what she preaches about organization with them.

Organize for an Outstanding Spring Break by Cathy VanVolkenburg

Julie Riber, CPO® — Fri, 07 Mar 2014 15:02:04 GMT

Kurhan/123RF

Organize for an Outstanding Spring Break

It doesn’t matter if you are going to Orlando, Ontario or your local amusement park for the day – the preparation is what will set you up for a fun filled event! These tips will set you up for success every time you travel!

Start one week ahead of your departure and confirm all pertinent information such as reservations, required documentation and hours of operation.

Create a place in your home that will be the gathering location for EVERYTHING you will need for the trip. Having these items together in one place will help insure that nothing is forgotten at the last minute.

Call your bank to tell them you will be out of the area using your credit or debit card. This will alert the bank and you will not be denied any purchases.

Let family or friends know of your plans along with departure and arrival dates.

Make a copy of any credit cards and documentation you will be traveling with. Keep this information with you at all times in case of lost or stolen purses/wallets. You will be able to act quickly and follow up with banks and lenders quickly!

If you will travel by car, why not start by cleaning your car and making sure everything is in good working order. Pack some healthy snacks and bottled water. Traveling by plane? Pack any daily medicines and a good book with your carry on luggage in case of delays.

As you begin to pack, know the weather in your destination city. Only pack for the activities you will be participating in. Avoid over packing! All hotels offer laundry services so why drag around a heavy bag?

As you depart on your journey don’t worry about all the “what if ”scenarios. You are organized and prepared. Now it is time to RELAX, REFUVENATE and RESTORE!

Bon voyage!

If you want ideas for specific packing lists try visiting www.realsimple.com

Bulging Basement Needs A Purge by Lori Firsdon

Julie Riber, CPO® — Wed, 05 Feb 2014 12:19:20 GMT

How many times have you said, “Just put it down in the basement?” It’s so easy to put things into the basement and forget about them. But sooner or later even the basement gets filled up and must be dealt with.

So what are you storing down there? In my work as a professional organizer some of the most common things I find are:

Home décor from previous homes. Often times you are holding on to these items because they were expensive. Except that your tastes has changed and donate or sell these items.

Items from your children who have their own homes now. It’s time you get to enjoy your home the way you want it. Give these children a deadline to pick up their items. Many times when you make these belongings their responsibility they no longer want them.

Out-dated electronics. The likelihood of you ever going back and using these is very slim. Start donating electronics the minute you upgrade to the latest technology.

Exercise equipment. If it’s collecting dust in the basement chances are you’re choosing other ways to stay fit that doesn’t require this type of equipment.

Holidaydecorations no longer used. The next time you decorate for a holiday, take a look at the items you did not use this time around. You probably no longer like them or have the time for them so donate them.

Toys your kids have outgrown. If you must keep some, narrow them down to the few that have the most sentimental value and donate the others to a child who will enjoy them.

Equipment from past hobbies and sports. Your life changes and so does your interests. If you no longer use this equipment part with these items while they can still be used by others. I know it can be hard to let go of the past. To help you part with them, ask yourself, “Did this item serve its purpose?”

School papers and textbooks. How many times have you revisited these boxes?

Past greeting cards. I have organized many homes and with very few exceptions does anyone ever go back and reread these cards. Enjoy them for awhile after you receive them and then part with them before you’re tempted to box them up.

Books. Books take up a lot of space and are heavy to move. Boxed up books rarely get looked at again. Books that are important to you are displayed on a bookcase and taken care of. If they are boxed and thrown in the basement they probably were important, but no longer are.

The list goes on; clothes that no longer fit, instruments long forgotten, flower vases overflowing shelves, past collections, VHS tapes, outdated luggage collecting dust, trophies piled up in boxes.

If you’re tired of spending time organizing the basement, figure out whom you are today and then take a look at what you are storing. Unused items cost you space, time, money, and keep you from using the space more efficiently. Let them go. You will help yourself and someone else who may need these items.

January is GO Month By NAPO Ohio Golden Circle Group

Julie Riber, CPO® — Sat, 04 Jan 2014 13:32:24 GMT

· Start small when you have decided to tackle organizing such as a drawer and allow your- self enough time to get it done.

· Write down your goals for organizing a space.

· Schedule time on your calendar to organize just as you would a doctor’s appointment. You are more likely to accomplish the goal.

· Store like items together in a bin close to where you use them. Make it easy to put things away. If it is hard, chances are you will not put them away

· Always give yourself plenty of room to grow in those bins.

· Only keep what your love and use. The rest is clutter.

· Use plastic bins that fit your cupboards to group medicines. Some bins even have handles and the bins will help you keep them in one space and avoid knocking over all the other bottles over as you grab what you need.

· Go through your medicine cabinet frequently to discard expired or no longer needed medications. Many area hospitals will take them and dispose of them properly. Do not flush them.

· As you are storing your holiday decorations, write an inventory on the inside lid of the box so items will fit easily and consistently year after year.

· After each holiday you decorate, donate those items you are no longer using. Give yourself permission to change and not put up as much or different decorations.

· Label your bins on the outside so you always know what is inside.

· Use an over the door clear shoe pockets for gloves and hats in the hall closet. Guests will have a place to put theirs and little ones can use lower pockets for their gloves and hats.

· Do not feel guilty for not keeping every card you have ever received from family and friends. Appreciate the sentiment and recycle the cards.

· Keep only one calendar. Paper or electronic. Too many calendars will cause you to miss or be late for appointments.

· My Medical App for Apple products and My Health Records-Health and Family app for Android products is a great place to record documents, photos, family history and doctor information.

· Pocket Pharmacist app for Apple products allows you to make sure the medications you or a loved one is taking will not adversely affect each other.

· Know Your Stuff App for Apple products and III Insurance App for Android products is a great place to store pictures of important belongings in your home for insurance purposes. You may also add costs and receipts.

· January is tax preparation month and if you don’t have a filing system set up, simple white envelopes work great, categorizing by each tax deductible expense, such as business expenses, daycare expenses, mileage or car expenses, charitable donations, medical expenses, etc

· Once everybody has left from the holidays and the decorations are down, take a walking tour of your home and write down areas needing attention or a project you'd like to see done. Set them by priority and make appointments with yourself during the winter weekends to start tackling them one at a time.

· When sorting through things determine what you use , what can be donated, and what just needs thrown away. Establish handy places for the things you use the most!

· Hire a Professional Organizer as they are experts in completing projects, keeping you focused and selecting the right products. They also have numerous resources for donating unwanted items.

How to Reduce the Stress of the Holidays

Julie Riber, CPO® — Thu, 05 Dec 2013 19:25:42 GMT

Body *

Twenty-some days left to shop for Christmas. That sounds pretty stressful for many. On top of that, because Thanksgiving fell later this year, we lost a week of preparing for the Christmas season.

Start your Christmas cards as soon as possible and have the older kids help with the stamps and return labels

Now is the best time to have your children go through all their toys and get rid of broken toys, donate or sell those toys they feel they are too old for. Encourage them to really think about donating at this time of the year. Teaching them early to go through their toys once or twice a year keeps them organized and eliminates the clutter from your home.

You can still make shopping fun with friends and family. Plan a day out and take your list with you. If you do have to mail any gifts, get those done first. Arrange your list by importance and work down.

If you decorate, bake, shop and entertain all in the month of December, you will need a plan. Making a day to day plan is the best way to relieve some stress. Plan your days of shopping first. Even those that work outside the home should plan their shopping and baking days. If you bake cookies, bake those you can freeze first. This allows you to keep them fresh, but do many in advance. Wrap presents as you purchase them rather than waiting until the day before Christmas to do all the wrapping.

Decorating can also be broken down into steps. Try decorating outside first, and the inside your home. For outside, put the lights up first, then add the wreaths, bows, and other accessories. Make sure you test all lights prior to putting them up outside and inside.

Break the inside down into floors, decorations and fresh greenery. Even the tree can be done in steps such as lights and ornaments. Start now to make those plans and have a stress free holiday season.

Kitchen Cabinets and Pantry Organization: Prepare for the Holidays by Cathy Vanvolkenburg

Julie Riber, CPO® — Sun, 03 Nov 2013 20:06:06 GMT

This is the time of year when baking, holiday meals and party preparations increase our time in the kitchen. We typically have more ingredients in our pantry and larger quantities of ingredients that we normally stock. Holiday dishes join our regular dishes and suddenly we are out of space! With just a few quick steps, you can streamline your cabinets and pantry to get ready for the holiday rush.

Step 1: Quick Analysis - Do I use it? Do I love it?

If your cabinets are already packed full of dishes, take a few minutes to quickly weed out items you rarely use. This is a good time to consider donating miscellaneous plates or glasses that don't match. Ask yourself if you really love and use a particular item. Now is the time to make space for extra holiday dishes and mugs.

Next, take a quick overview of your pantry. If you have multiple containers of the same item, can you consolidate? Quickly toss expired food. Remove items that do not belong in the pantry.

Step 2: Subdivide for Double the Storage

Many stores carry wire shelves that sit inside your cabinets and create another level of storage for each shelf. These shelves make it so much easier to access dishes. These shelves come in corner units, cup holders, and different heights to fit your particular space. Measure your shelf depth and height before heading out to the store.

Step 3: Make it Visible

If you can't see an item, you won't use it. This applies to both dishes and food. After you subdivide for more storage, be sure everything is visible. Three tiered cabinet shelves will elevate canned goods so nothing is lost at the back of the shelf. Turntables will also make items visible. Stacking bins and under shelf baskets also make items visible.

Does your pantry have a door? Consider using a wall and door rack on the door to add enormous amounts of storage to your pantry. The backs of doors are often overlooked as great storage places. The average interior door can hold almost 150 lbs!

My favorite tip for the pantry is to put food in clear containers. When you can see the food, making your grocery list is a snap because you know when you are running low on an item! Set yourself up for success with just these few steps.

Happy organized holiday baking!

For all of the products mentioned above visit Target or The Container Store websites.

Making Lists Work For You by Birdie Brennan

Julie Riber, CPO® — Wed, 02 Oct 2013 19:52:05 GMT

So much to do, but how do you keep track of it all? Lists! Here are some great ways to make lists work for you. I suggest having two lists; one for all of your current tasks and one for those items you would love to get around to someday. It is too hard to remember everything and the older I get the less I want to keep in my head. I use technology for my two lists but good old paper works just fine. Pick the one that feels right to you. The good thing about using technology is that most of us carry it with us. So, when you get a great idea you can immediately capture it. With paper, on the other hand, you can easily write down your idea, just make sure to get it to the proper list so that it is not lost. You need to create a home for that “if I ever get free time” list but you don’t have to carry it with you and it doesn’t have to be pretty; just a list or a file that can hold those “sometime tasks”. Now, the current tasks need to be with you. Keep that list realistic and when you are planning your week take some of those items off your “to do” list and put them on your calendar. Remember, if you don’t schedule them they won’t get done.

Cleaning Your Desk by Julie Riber

Julie Riber, CPO® — Thu, 05 Sep 2013 11:59:11 GMT

It is time to clean off your desk because you can no longer find what you need. Remove all items except computer and printer if you have a large enough desk to accommodate it. If your computer is a laptop, put it in position so you can easily use it. If it is the keyboard and monitor, place the keyboard on the keyboard drawer (if one exists) and the monitor in a location you can easily see and you are not straining your eyes or neck.

Next, put back the items you use frequently such as your stapler, tape, writing utensil holder, in/out basket, or any item used to hold folders. Once those items are on your desk it is time to start with the paper, which can be overwhelming. Toss all the papers that have been dealt with and you no longer need. Also toss old ads, coupons you forgot to use, invitations and thank you notes no longer relevant and scraps with old numbers and notes. If the paper has been on your desk for weeks or months and you still have not done anything with it, maybe tossing the paper is your best option. Many times clutter is just delayed decision making. File those papers you really need to keep. Or if you are reducing your paper, considering scanning them but remember to back up those files.

Once you have dealt with the paper, look at what is left and make the decision whether they are really needed on your desk or needed at all. Remember schedule filing and cleaning your desk on a regular basis so your desk stays clear.

Organizing Your Refrigerator by Ellen Limes

Julie Riber, CPO® — Sun, 04 Aug 2013 22:29:22 GMT

Yes you need to organize your refrigerator. You shouldn’t have to wear a respirator mask when you open your refrigerator. If you get that smelly waft of air when you open your fridge, something needs to be addressed in there.
Start with a bucket of soapy water and paper towels. One shelf at a time, empty the contents and toss any “fuzzy” food. Wipe off the shelf and the sides near that shelf. You can also take the whole shelf and wash it in the sink if it really needs more of a scrubbing.
Before you put the contents back on that shelf, wipe off the bottoms of each item. Glance at the expiration dates. Most condiments will last beyond their expiration date for a short time, but when we’re talking YEARS, you might want to consider replacing those items.
Don’t forget the drawers. Science experiments are usually growing in there. There are many drawer liners designed for refrigerator drawers. Consider using one of these after the drawer is clean. It helps let some air circulate under the produce in the drawers. Door shelves can quickly get particularly nasty.
When you return the items to the fridge, think of like things together. Most condiments would go in the door. But even those can be organized. Put dressings on one shelf; sauces, condiments, etc. on another. Put pickles and jarred items together. On the shelves, put your dips and the like together. Mini turntables that are used in cabinets can also be used in the fridge.
While you are at it, the freezer probably needs attention. Shelf by shelf, identify what you are pulling out. If you can’t identify it or know what it is, it is probably time to go. To keep things in check, consider dating items as you store leftovers. If you use freezer bags, write on them as well
Now that you are done cleaning out the fridge, close the door, now open it and take in a deep breath. Isn’t that refreshing!

Lists and Kids by Julie Riber

Julie Riber, CPO® — Mon, 01 Jul 2013 19:54:24 GMT

Your kids are old enough to stay home now during the summer but not old enough to work. So how do you keep them busy and get chores done? If you rattle off the chores you want them to finish before you leave or the night before, they will not remember more than possibly the first one. Preparing a list for kids this age is great because it teaches them to organize their time and gets those chores done. Holding them responsible for the pets and even part of the dinner will build their confidence and teach time organization too. Remember to put down specific times if that is important, so they know things need to be done in a timely manner. The list will also help them during school to write down assignments and plan their time wisely.

Spices: How Long do They Last? By Debra Heimann

Julie Riber, CPO® — Sun, 02 Jun 2013 19:57:49 GMT

Do your favorite dishes seem to lack their original pizazz? Are you missing those compliments you’re accustomed to getting? It could be your spices and herbs. All too often we neglect these important ingredients in our kitchen and treat them badly. If you want your cooking to have its old zip, take a look behind your cupboard door.

Spices and herbs have a shelf life of 2 to 5 years depending on its form. Whole spices last the longest (peppercorns, cinnamon sticks, whole nutmeg). Ground spices have the shortest. Spices that are still potent should have their original color with a vibrant smell and fresh taste. So get into the habit: look, sniff, taste before adding to your dish. If your spices are fairly new they will have a “best if used by date” ;separate these from the spices that don’t. Next see if they pass the look, sniff, taste test. If your still in doubt consult the manufacturer’s website to decipher the printed code on the bottle. This information is usually found under the FAQ section.

Store your spices away from heat and light which can reduce their shelf life dramatically. Buy in a quantity appropriate to its use. Date the bottle after purchase with a marker and you will alway’s know how old it is.

Happy Cooking

Hot New Organizing Products by Cathy Van Volkenburg

Julie Riber, CPO® — Fri, 03 May 2013 19:30:09 GMT

Last week many of our NAPO Ohio organizers attended the NAPO National Conference in New Orleans. Not only did we learn how to better serve our clients but we got a peak at all the great new products on the market. Digital apps are everywhere offering to help us stay on top of our many lists, projects and paper work. The EXPO hall had lots of resources and here are just a few ideas to help make your days less stressful…

•· Staples BETTER binders These binders with removable file rings let you easily move documents from your desk to your file cabinet and then into a binder. The rings detach allowing you to hang them in any standard size file system. Staples.com/better
•· Rubbermaid now offers a track system that allows you to add components on to existing sections of shelving or rods. Adjust the heights with ease. www.rubbermaid.com
•· AboutOne is a free digital app that is basically a file drawer for your mobile phone. Store information such as health histories, babysitter information, receipts and to-do lists wwwAboutOne.com
•· HomeZada is another digital online and mobile home organization app. This app features home improvement checklists, maintenance checklists, track your spending and other fun and helpful lists for DIY home improvement projects. www.HomeZada.com
•· Organizables is a great solution for busy parents trying to get out the door on time in the morning. These blue and pink garment bags help organize the children’s clothes for each day of the week. Start your day off on time! www.Organizables.com
•· What’s That Paint?,LLC has taken the guess work out of searching your basement for the correct touc up paint for the upstairs hallway. These ingenious labels are easy to use and make touch up a breeze! Buy labels at www.whatsthatpaint.com
•· Purse Perfector is an award-winning American-made purse organizer to fit all size bags. This multi-pocket bag has 13 tailored pockets connected by a zipper. Find what you need quickly! www.purseperfector.com
•· ShelfGenie will design, build and install custom glide-out shelving solutions. Get better access and organization for your cabinets. www.ShelfGenie.com

Still feeling stuck? Call the professionals at NAPO Ohio for help with any project big or small!

Linen Closet Makeover by Cathy Van Volkenburg

Julie Riber, CPO® — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 14:47:44 GMT

Linen Closet Makeover

With spring in the air, why not tackle that messy linen closet and get it looking lovely in no time at all. This task is not an impossible dream…let’s get started! Why not snap a photo or two of your space BEFORE you start….Be sure to have some plastic garbage bags on hand.

•· Take everything out of the closet and place like items together. Towels in one pile, sheets in another etc. If you come across items that belong in another part of the house simply put them in a separate pile and keep working on the closet!
•· When everything is out of the closet, sort the items into one of three categories

KEEP TOSS DONATE

Carefully examine each item and decide which pile to place it in. Remember the old adage…”One person’s trash is another person’s treasure.” If you no longer need something and it is in good condition, place it in the DONATE pile. If you have been saving the purple sheets from when your children were young and they have left home, consider putting them in the DONATE pile. If your stripped quilt has been washed one too many times and is being held together by safety pins, it is time to TOSS it! Now everything should be in one of the three categories.

•· Now it is time to clean the closet thoroughly. Depending on your time and energy you may want to paint the walls, line the shelves with scented shelf paper or even reconfigure the shelving completely! If your shelves are pulling out from the wall or not able to be adjusted, you can look at Lowes, The Container Store or California Closets for ideas on what can be done to maximize your space.
•· Now that your space is clean and fresh, it is time to tackle the KEEP pile. Start putting like items together. Put matching sheets together in a set. Towels can be grouped by color. Put twin sheet sets together etc. You can organize the sheets by size and by room. Take a look at what items you have left and now decide where to put these items in the closet. It is best to put the most frequently used items at chest – eye height. Least often used items can be place on the upper shelves. If you have lots of toiletries you can put them in clear plastic bins with labels.
•· Place the items on the shelves in your categories and label that shelf. This way when you are putting clean laundry away, you can keep your system in great order while you learn this new routine.
•· Take the DONATE and TOSS pile immediately out to your car! Many, many organizations are eager to take your treasures – Goodwill, Volunteers of America or the Faith Mission are only a few of the options.

Take a step back….WOW! Take a look at your BEFORE photo….nice job! Maybe now you are inspired to tackle another small project in your home following the same sequence of steps.

Tips & Resources:

-For a great wall and door rack check out The Container Store

-For a great selection of scented shelf liners visit Bed, Bath & Beyond or Crabtree and Evelyn

-Many office supply stores carry labels but why not purchase a small label maker and have it on hand for many other uses.

Transform Your Junk Drawer by Melanie Dennis

Julie Riber, CPO® — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 19:15:37 GMT

If you call it a junk drawer that's exactly what you will put in it. We’ve looked into plenty of junk drawers. Much of the contents will be junk like expired coupons, unidentifiable keys and assorted key chains, dried up pens, twisty ties, Taco Bell sauces, Chinese takeout chopsticks, paper clips, and bread crumbs in the corners.

If you want to be more organized, toss most of that stuff and change the name. The name I favor is "Utility drawer" so you will put USEFUL items in it. The trick is not toss things into this drawer that you don’t want to decide about now. We call those “delayed decisions”. Decide now and set limits to the quantities of the items you choose to keep.

-Grab the trashcan and begin sorting. Empty the drawer purging as you go.

-Be ruthless with those chopsticks, and fast food condiments.

-Vacuum out those crumbs and dust bunnies.

-Add a few drawer dividers or reuse old check boxes and this becomes the place for screwdrivers, glue, tape, paper clips, rubber bands, and scissors.

-Quantity control- A handful of working pens and pencils is enough for quick usage. Bag the rest and store with household office supplies.

-Use a two pocket folder for the take out coupons and menus and store this near the phone books (if you still have them).

-Use snack size Ziploc bags to corral small hardware and take it to your toolbox.

Utility drawers are a nice small area to dust off your organizing skills, and it’s a great area to teach organizing to children. Kids are great at grouping by category, matching, counting and pen testing.

Begin making changes by changing the name. If you have a junk food cupboard...

You Can't Take It With You!

Fri, 25 Jan 2013 16:34:52 GMT

As one of the Baby Boomer generation, I am aware of the fact that in the next twenty years it may be necessary for me to downsize my living style. The four bedroom/ three bath home we live in on our half acre lot may be more than we need or want to care for. My husband and I may not continue to enjoy our excellent health and physical lives. But we know that eventually the saying will be proved true- "You can't take it with you"!

So, I have a choice. I can live each day continuing to be a consumer and pack rat or I can choose to be proactive. Spending less money and taking as little as three hours a week to evaluate our home. Just looking at an area while following the simple organizing steps: sort, purge, establish a zone and containerize will result in cleaning up the clutter, organizing and reducing the unnecessary bulk.

As I put away our Christmas decorations I followed these steps. Some decorations definitely needed to advance on to a landfill. But, I confess that I did take pictures of a few of the items my children had made that had become too bulky to save! Another set of items I gave to our daughter. A small 6 x 6 x 6” boxful was saved for the grandchildren we look forward to having someday. The rest of the items were placed in clearly marked containers. The beautiful, rarely used, Christmas glassware was marked for holiday giving next Christmas. A plate of cookies or Polish pastries given on these plates will be an elegant present! I will have made good use of these former gifts.

God forbid that I am hit by a Mac truck this year…but if I am, I am confident that my children can easily navigate through our Christmas items. While I was at it I looked at the other seasonal decorations we have accumulated over the years. Yes, our Easter, Thanksgiving, Saint Patrick’s Day and summer decorations were looked at and similarly encased in clearly marked plastic totes, too!

The next areas my husband and I both attacked were our closets. As we ruthlessly went through shoes, belts, clothing (and for me other accessories) we found we didn’t need any more space in our closets. We just needed less. A suit and two suit coats, a size too small, no longer needed saved. Shoes that I was convinced would be comfortable, and proved not to be, were passed on. Out of date clothing saved in case the style returned were parted with. In the end, we agreed that a “clothing fast” was in order. No more buying clothing unless both of us agreed it was needed…..not merely wanted. To celebrate we quickly drove our castoffs to the Goodwill drop off and didn’t look back. The next day while dressing for church I confess that I did lament not having a specific white undergarment. Then I realized the reason it was donated was because it was the wrong size and type. So, later that week an appropriate replacement was found and all is well.

Our bathroom seems next on the list. I think I’ll attack it this next week. I know I’ve been saving some cosmetics that will never be used! I believe I will find many other items that could easily be trashed. Think of the space I will save! Yes, a few more containers will be needed to establish order.

By moving from one area of the house to another, spending only three hours a week, I will continually address the accumulation of our possessions and get rid of the items just taking up space. My home is not cluttered but the excess is there! Also, by addressing the issue of our many possessions I find that my recent purchases are more thoughtfully made. This is especially helpful as we approach these years of retirement.

We may remain in our large home throughout our lives. However, if we need to downsize or our children need to clean out our house, I will know that I have left things in a manageable state. By being proactive I am in charge of the decisions and not just waiting for the day that family members will take charge.

Get Organized Month by The Golden Circle Group

Julie Riber, CPO® — Sat, 05 Jan 2013 03:51:47 GMT

Start small when you have decided to tackle organizing such as a drawer and allow your- self enough time to get it done.
Write down your goals for organizing a space.
Schedule time on your calendar to organize just as you would a doctor’s appointment. You are more likely to accomplish the goal.
Store like items together in a bin close to where you use them. Make it easy to put things away. If it is hard, chances are you will not put them away
Always give yourself plenty of room to grow in those bins.
Only keep what your love and use. The rest is clutter.
Use plastic bins that fit your cupboards to group medicines. Some bins even have handles and the bins will help you keep them in one space and avoid knocking over all the other bottles over as you grab what you need.
Go through your medicine cabinet frequently to discard expired or no longer needed medications. Many area hospitals will take them and dispose of them properly. Do not flush them.
As you are storing your holiday decorations, write an inventory on the inside lid of the box so items will fit easily and consistently year after year.
After each holiday you decorate, donate those items you are no longer using. Give yourself permission to change and not put up as much or different decorations.
Label your bins on the outside so you always know what is inside.
Use an over the door clear shoe pockets for gloves and hats in the hall closet. Guests will have a place to put theirs and little ones can use lower pockets for their gloves and hats.
Do not feel guilty for not keeping every card you have ever received from family and friends. Appreciate the sentiment and recycle the cards.
Keep only one calendar. Paper or electronic. Too many calendars will cause you to miss or be late for appointments.
My Medical App for Apple products and My Health Records-Health and Family app for Android products is a great place to record documents, photos, family history and doctor information.
Pocket Pharmacist app for Apple products allows you to make sure the medications you or a loved one is taking will not adversely affect each other.
Know Your Stuff App for Apple products and III Insurance App for Android products is a great place to store pictures of important belongings in your home for insurance purposes. You may also add costs and receipts.
Hire a Professional Organizer as they are experts in completing projects, keeping you focused and selecting the right products. They also have numerous resources for donating unwanted items.

Snappy Solutions Sure To Bring A Sensational Holiday By Miriam Bogard

Julie Riber, CPO® — Sun, 02 Dec 2012 23:15:47 GMT

We all could use simple solutions to keep the spirit of the season alive that doesn’t deplete our time banks. I
don’t know about you, but I’m at the point in my life, where “quality of time” with loved ones mean more than
Martha Stewart’s “fluff” on seasonal decorating. Sometimes reflecting on what we actually want “out” of our
holiday celebrations, and enlist a fewr snappy simple solutions can help bring about a more memorable
celebration. Here’s my top 5 sensational, snappy, solutions to the holiday’s most stressful activities.

Simply Decorate. Less is more in some cases. A simple table arrangement of antique ornament balls in a dish
is perfect. Use natural materials, such as branches, fruits, peppermints, and pinecones to accent.

Simplify Traditions-If holiday baking, newsletters, and dinner parties are iron-clad traditions, then, change
things up and keep it simple. Partner with friends for a cookie exchange; shop online card sites for multiple
photo card options telling this year’s story, OR create a themed dinner party event where everyone brings their
favorite appetizer, baked potato topping, pizza, or dessert. By simplify traditions you can still enjoy holiday
traditions of the past, with less effort and stress.

Sophisticated yet Savvy Attire: Select a few clothing items that can be worn for a multitude of occasions.
Accessories can add glitz and glamour when needed. Keep clothing dry cleaned and hung separately in the
closet ready to go. Pack a small bag for your trunk that includes heels, makeup, and holiday top just in case you
need to change. One of my favorite items I’ve discovered are “Fits in Clouds”, portable ballet flats that fold and
fit in your purse! How cool is that for dressed up tired feet at your fingertips!

Snappy Shopping Strategies: Create lots of lists! Keep food lists handy on the refrigerator. Keep gift ideas for
loved ones in your purse or on your personal electronic devise. Create guest lists for dinner parties, food
creations, and last minute details. ListPlanIt, helps keep me organized for the holidays, and below are a few of
my favorite. If you like these, visit their website, www.listplanit.com for further information.

Holiday Party Planner

Holiday Meal Planner

Day of the Event Timeline

Stunning Home Storage Solutions: We never know when people pop over. Take a few minutes each evening
to pick up and rid up. It’s essential to have the right solutions to help keep this process manageable. Decorative
baskets throughout the home are perfect for scarves/gloves/ hats by the door, toys and trinkets from the kids,
extra blankets and reading material. A simple flat tray filled with decorative pebbles or rock is perfect for
winter boots in the entryway. Create a family communication center to house party invites, calendar, coupons,
and holiday cards. Natural cleaning supplies like white vinegar, cinnamon, and citrus peels are perfect for
multi-purpose cleaning and aroma fresheners into the air. Lastly, create a guest room complete with reading
materials, bottled waters, toiletries, and towels ahead of time, just in case you have that last minute guest.

Effort ahead of time, allow us to enjoy and create perfect experiences. We wish you and your family a joyous
holiday season.

Organizing Toys and Children by Ellen Limes

Julie Riber, CPO® — Thu, 01 Nov 2012 15:26:25 GMT

As the holidays approach, it is time to evaluate the current inventory of your children’s toys and “stuff”. Children grow up fast and outgrow toys quickly. If there is a younger sibling to consider, that is another issue. Try to find a small pocket of time that you can sit with them and sort the toys into, 1-toys to donate, 2 – toys to keep, 3 – toys/things they don’t really play with, but want to keep as memorabilia.

Another option is for you to do the sorting. Then have them look at the piles you have created using the same guidelines as above. Be sure to emphasize that “we can’t keep everything Honey.” OR “Can we put that in a special box that you can still keep, but it isn’t with the everyday toys”?

Once the inventory is sorted, sort them using tried and true organizing principles. Put like things together. Stack the board games separate from puzzles. But don’t stack them too high. If they want the bottom game, they aren’t going to have success pulling it out from a 20” stack. Your stack should be 12-15” at the most. It is difficult to shelve odd shaped toys or possibly their K’nex or Lego creations, but find a special place for those to prevent crushing them.

The cube storage system, found at many stores, helps to store and sort toys more easily. They allow for a small collection of items. Children tend to have a lot of small things so this keeps them together. Labeling is important for clean-up time. Label with words and pictures. These cubes can also be used without bins. You can put books in the cube as well. A small collection of books in several cubes may be easier to maintain than a long collection on a couple of shelves. The cubes can also be used to house one toy that is a little bulky.

Toy boxes are nice to corral toys, but they tend to overflow quickly and small things tend to get lost in the bottom. You can restrict the toy box to bigger toys, but it’s difficult for children to determine what goes where, unless it is labeled.

Many adults claim they were not brought up in an organized environment so they never learned the skills involved. Not everyone is wired that way so it may take a little more work for some. But teaching your children some of these skills will help them through life when they are dealing with everyday life and not just their toys. They need to have a certain amount of responsibility for putting things away. But they will not succeed if the “homes” for things are not outlined for them. They also need to clean up their messes. Yes, it is easier to do it yourself sometimes, but they at least need to make the effort and you can tweak when they aren’t around. Set a timer when it is clean up time. That way the timer is the “meanie” not the parent. Some timers show a visual reduction in time which is good for children and people with ADD.

Children’s toys and things need to be constantly reevaluated. They tend to have more things come in than go out. You have to make a task of sorting more than you would like so your house doesn’t begin to look like a daycare center.

Downsizing and Organizing By Julie Riber

Julie Riber, CPO® — Tue, 02 Oct 2012 21:01:08 GMT

Statistics show over the next 20 years 76 million Americans will retire. Many will downsize.Downsizing can be a very difficult event for many seniors. If they have lived in their current home for a long period of time there are probably many possessions stored. Whether a move is already planned or a senor is just planning ahead, simple steps can be taken to make it less stressful. Many of the seniors today lived through the depression so they have kept everything. Many think they might need those items in the future, but rarely do. It is not uncommon to find bills, magazines and papers from 50 or more years ago. By dividing the downsizing project into small parts, the feeling of being overwhelmed, should be lessened. Start with the furniture. Removal of furniture that is not used or is crowding the room should be dealt with first. If there are some pieces that some relatives are fond of and are no longer being used to their fullest, giving them away will be the best solution. Look to see if any pieces of furniture are in the way of getting around. Moving some furniture out or just in a new location might allow the senior to move about more freely. Rugs are dangerous, so remove these next. If they are valuable, consider selling them or giving them to relatives who have expressed interest. Divide each bedroom into closets and stored items. As the stored items are gone through, ask how long it has been in storage unused and if a move occurred today, would the the item be needed? Antiques and valuable items can be auctioned or if enough exist, an estate sale might be a good idea.

Discuss pictures with the family to decide what pictures everyone wants or if there is one particular family member involved in the history of the pictures or genealogy. Eliminating some of the pictures in boxes will free up some needed storage space or make the area more accessible and safe.

Arrange for shredding of old papers. Eliminate the fears of identity theft and have any papers with personal information shredded. Many communities have shredding days that are free or charge a nominal fee for a charity donation. Take advantage of these. Some companies will come to your home to shred and remember to ask your tax preparer how long to keep your taxes. Most will say 7 years, but ask yours to be sure.

The kitchen should also be tackled. How many dishes are used daily and are they in a good location? Eliminate pots and pans never used and place those used in a space that is easy to reach. If getting on the hands and knees is no longer an option, move the items used to a better location and use the lower cupboard to store items used only when guests are present. Someone will be happy to get the items for you at that time. If getting on a chair or step stool is unsafe, follow the same rules as above. Make those items used daily to a place that is within easy reach.

Make life simple, downsize today while time is on your side. It only takes an hour a day or so and in no time, you are living a clutter free lifestyle.

What’s In Your Garage…Your Car or Clutter? By Lori Firsdon

Julie Riber, CPO® — Wed, 01 Aug 2012 13:39:17 GMT

There are many people who are leaving their second biggest investment, their car, in the driveway while their garage holds items they no longer use. Organizing your garage will not only allow room to protect your car from the elements, but outdoor projects become easier when you can find things faster.

A great time to organize your garage is the day before trash pick-up. Trash items can be taken right to the curb as you find them. Start organizing your garage by getting out as much trash as you can so it’s not in your way as you organize. Also, sort out any paint and hazardous chemicals you will not be using to take to your city’s solid waste department for proper disposal.

Next, look for items that could be stored in your home and take those inside. Most people are in and out of their garage everyday and their unfinished basement once in a while. Stop tripping daily over items that are used infrequently in the garage and store them in your indoor storage area and out of your way.

Another category that will immediately free up space as you organize are those items you want to donate. Put the donate items right in the trunk of your car so they make it to the donation center and not back into your garage.

Once the trash, donate, and the items that belong in your home are out of the garage you can sort the remaining items into categories. The most common categories I find while helping someone organize their garage are; tools, lawn/garden, car supplies, kids toys and bikes, sports equipment, paint/painting supplies, pet items, recreational items such as coolers and lawn chairs, and materials used for projects. Sorting into categories will help you see how many items you have, making it easier to eliminate any duplicates.

Now that you have the items sorted it’s time to find permanent homes for them. The front of the garage should be used for those items you don’t use very often while the back of the garage is used for items you take in and out of the garage regularly. It makes sense to store the snow blower at the front of the garage during the summer months while keeping the lawn mower at the back of the garage for easy access. As the seasons change so does the location of this equipment. Kid’s toys and bikes are another good thing to keep towards the back of the garage. This cuts down on the possibility of your car getting scratched as they leave the garage while making it easer for kids to get their belongings.

Also at the front of the garage should be items used frequently in your home. Extra bottled water, packages of paper towels and pet food and be kept near the service door for easy retrieval. Keeping a cubby for outdoor shoes in this area is also helpful. I also recommend a small trash can and recycle bin be kept towards the front, making it easy to dispose of trash from the car.

When thinking about the permanent location of items, those items you use infrequently should be located on higher or lower shelves saving the shelves that are at chest level for those you use on a regular basis. Paint and painting supplies could be stored on a higher or lower shelf while everyday tools are stored at chest level.

Once you have found a home for everything label shelves and bins with the category names. This makes items easy to retrieve and put away. Labeling not only helps you find it faster, but others in your household know where things belong.

When your finished organizing the garage take a step back and look at the trash/donate piles and then look at your car. Remember which one is most important to you so you stay motivated to keep your garage clutter-free.

Back To School Organizing Ideas by Christy Lingo

Julie Riber, CPO® — Wed, 01 Aug 2012 13:36:02 GMT

The school year is right around the corner and now is a perfect time to set your kids up for success. Check out these tips to help make homework go a bit smoother. First, create a workstation to keep important school supplies easily accessible. By doing so you won‘t waste twenty minutes searching for a blue pen because a teacher insists all work is done in blue pen. If a specified desk or “office” is not available for a workstation, try creating a toolbox. Stock it with the supplies your kids will need on a regular basis and place it in a common area of your home such as a kitchen cabinet or dining room buffet. Then just pull it out when they need to work and put it away in its designated home when finished. Keeping supplies at the ready will help to make sure work is completed in a timely manner and with less stress.

Next, make studying simpler by creating a subject system. It's terrible when your child sits down to do homework and realizes they have the wrong text book or notebook. To help prevent additional trips to the locker or late homework, make books, notebooks and folders easier to identify by coordinating items for each subject. Cover the algebra book with a bright red color and match it with a bright red notebook. What if your child doesn’t cover their books? Make a color copy of the cover of their biology book and slide it into a binder with a clear view pocket on the front for easy identification. Taking time to organize before school starts can help avoid headaches and arguments after school begins.

Organizing Paper by Joan Heath

Julie Riber, CPO® — Wed, 11 Jul 2012 01:48:32 GMT

Are you struggling with all the papers laying around on your desk or perhaps on your kitchen counter?

You know, those little bits of paper with notes on them with information you received that you don't want to lose, like a phone number. Here is a good solution to get them organized, gather them all together and first, look them over and decide if you still need the information, if you don't, throw them away. Second, take action and resolve anything that is on the ones that are left.

In the future, here is a great way to stop this overflow of paper clutter, try using a small notebook and or your smartphone, (note app) to keep them all in one place.
I have listed everything from products I saw and want more details on, websites I thought I would like to check out, people I need to get back to for one reason or another and e-mail address I need to add to my contact list the next time I'm on the computer. I have even listed a great wine I had and want to try later.

If you opt for the notebook, keeping one in your purse or car can also come in handy. Just remember to go through it on a regular bases and cross off anything that has been taken care of. If you are using your smartphone, another option is using your camera to record what you need. Keeping ahead of the paper clutter will gain you more time and less stress.

Joan Heath, POC, Professional Organizing Consultant

Organize it All
www.organizitall.com
937-439-0531

Coat Closet Organizing by Julie Riber

Julie Riber, CPO® — Mon, 04 Jun 2012 11:43:17 GMT

The coat closet is always crowded with many coats, hats, gloves, umbrellas and other items that seem to find a home in the coat closet. Many coat closets seem too small to hold all the coats and items end up on the floor or crammed in so tight that nothing can go in or out. Many of the closets have one rod and a shelf.

There are a few tips to make the closet hold more and be organized which will be covered in this article. The first step is to remove everything from the closet. Sort the coats into seasons and sort the gloves and hats into types such as driving and outdoor. Separate the scarves and all other items so you know what you have at hand. Go through all the items to make sure they still fit, gloves all have a match, and you are not storing a coat you will never wear.

I always recommend purchasing an over the door hanger with clear pockets. You can purchase these at many stores and they are inexpensive. In the pockets, put the children's gloves, hats and scarves. This allows the children to retrieve the items instead of calling you each time they need a hat or gloves. It will also eliminate the constant gathering of gloves and hats on the floor when they cannot reach the shelf to put them away. It takes a few times, but they do catch on. These pockets are also a great place for guests to put their hats and gloves. The pockets can hold small umbrellas, binoculars, scarves, hoods to coats, and other items you keep in your coat closet.

If your coat closet has one shelf, and a large space above, consider installing another shelf. Purchase baskets to fit on the shelf (try for at least 3 per shelf). Place your driving gloves in one, hats in another and outdoor activity gloves in another. If you have a 2nd shelf or have decided to install another one, put items in baskets that are for the other season such as ponchos, umbrellas, rain pants, and maybe even stadium cushions.

When it comes to hats, I find many of my clients collect caps at different events or have them from work, but never plan on wearing them. To eliminate the guilt, they just throw them in the closet. It is time to give them to someone who needs and wears the caps. Do not keep items you will never wear in an already crammed space. Try keeping the winter hats in one of the baskets and the caps in another location if space is short.

If you have closet that is too small to hold all your coats, try separating them by season. Put only the current season in the closet. Fall and winter coats take up the most space as they are bulky. For spring and summer jackets, since they take up much less space and usually there are fewer, leave the long coats in the closet and just store the winter jackets elsewhere. Many stores sell cloth bags you can store your off season clothes in. Do not store coats in dry cleaner bags, as they contain chemicals and could cause harm to your coat. Make sure you look at each coat to decide if you need to keep it. Have you worn it in the last 2 years? Is it in the color and style you appreciate?

If you are lucky enough to have a larger coat closet, consider making part of it a double hang. This way you can fit twice as many coats in and not have to store out of season elsewhere.

Boots can go on the floor and if you keep your vacuum in the coat closet, put it to the side to avoid damage to the coats. Go through your coats at the end of each season especially if you have children. They can out grow them quickly and someone else could be using them. You might decide the color and style you chose 15 years ago is not what you currently like and look good in. Others can use your coats.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4512069

Garage Spring Cleaning by Andrea Sharb

Julie Riber, CPO® — Wed, 02 May 2012 21:10:37 GMT

It's May here in North Eastern Ohio and it looks like after a couple of false starts with 80 degree days in March that spring is finally here to stay!

So, if you're like me you've been walking through the garage for the past couple of months with blinders on, trying not to notice the mess that has accumulated there over the winter - yes, garage messes accumulate in professional organizer's garages too!

Today we're going to use my EASY™ formula to deal with that accumulated clutter in the garage.

First, Empty the garage of everything. Yes, that means putting it all out on the driveway, so make sure the weather forecast is on your side. As you pull everything out, put all of the stuff that doesn’t belong in your garage in one area.
Next, Arrange the remaining items you’ve removed that will be staying in the garage into categories. Categories I typically use when organizing garages include: Lawn & Garden, Tools, Car Care, Sports & Recreation and Kids Stuff. After you Arrange these items into categories, next Arrange each category into the following categories: Keep, Donate, Repair, and Dispose. Pack up the donations and put them in your car immediately so you can donate them the next time you run errands. Schedule the repair of the items in your Repair pile into your calendar so the repairs actually get done. Finally, get the Dispose items into the trash right away. If you have a lot of dispose items, give JunkAway a call. You should be left with sorted piles of things you are Keeping.
Storage: Your next step is to determine how your items will be stored in the garage. I typically recommend like categories of items be stored together to make items easier to retrieve. First figure out where the large difficult to store items, such as a wheelbarrow, lawnmower, and/ or bikes will be stored. Now look at what remains in each of your categories and think about how you use these items and how you want to store them: Do you use these items once a year or on a regular basis? Will they best be stored on shelves or bins? Do they need to be placed out of reach of young children? Can shelves or hooks be added to your walls? Only once you have identified what will be stored where in the garage and how it will be stored should you buy and install any storage products.
You’re almost done – Remember that pile of things that didn't belong in your garage that you created at the beginning of the process? Now is the time to put those items away or return them to their rightful owner. Your last step is to put away everything still left on the driveway in its new home and step back to admire what you've accomplished.

Andrea Sharb
CPO-CD®, COC® & CPO®

S.O.S. ~ Sharb Organizing Solutions, LLC
Helping You Overcome Overwhelm™
440.522.2980
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Spring Cleaning Tips by Terry Cowans

Julie Riber, CPO® — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 20:18:01 GMT

The flowers are starting to bloom and the trees are budding. The weather is getting warmer and the sun is shining in. Are you looking around your home and seeing the remnants of winter? It's time to put the winter coats, hats, gloves and boots away!

Start small if you are shuddering at the thought of spring cleaning. For example, clean out the glove compartment in your car. Remember to keep your registration and proof of insurance handy.

Keep your counters clutter-free by sorting the mail into "to-do", "file", and "read" piles. Keep the "read" pile down by placing it near a comfy chair so reading is enjoyable, let yourself recycle old items. Most information is online and you do not need to keep out-of-date books or magazines.

Make mealtime more enjoyable by sorting groceries in the pantry into categories - everyday staples, baking, sauces, fruits & vegetables, etc. Once you have a place it will be easier to unload groceries and find items before mealtime.

Set a 30-minute timer and go thru a problem closet. Sort items into "keep", "toss", and "pass-on" piles. You will be pleasantly surprised how much you can clear out in 30 minutes.

Organizing is all about finding the right home for your things. For organizing help and more time saving tips, stop back at http://napo-ohio.com again!

-- Terry Cowans, Reddin' Up, Ltd.

Home office a mess? Pro can sort it all out.

Sun, 13 Feb 2011 13:00:00 GMT

By Claudia Buck (Printed in Columbus Dispatch)

McCLATCHY NEWSPAPERS Sunday February 13, 2011 6:06 AM

SACRAMENTO, Calif. undefined As home offices go, Dianna Lovelace’s work space wasn’t the messiest. But every time the Rancho Cordova, Calif., mother and pastor’s wife wanted to pay a bill, do some writing or work on a project, the clutter crowded out her ability to concentrate.

Like many of us, the energetic mom, who also runs a women’s ministry and teaches motivational workshops, could never find the time to get on top of her home-office clutter.

And in her otherwise spotless home, it showed. The desk was covered with family photos, piles of paper, bills, school notices. The wall-to-wall shelves were crammed with books, binders, old phone books, family mementoes, magazines, even a wedding bouquet.

And the floor? It was a holding station for accumulated household stuff: last year’s Christmas wreath, a bedroom comforter, the vacuum cleaner, Goodwill donations, a bag of to-be-shredded papers and 15 years’ worth of women’s conference materials.

“All I want is peace … and to be able to multitask a little easier,” said Lovelace, who admitted that she procrastinated several years before hiring Tonya Piper, a professional organizer.

That’s a typical response. “It’s overwhelming for many people. Sometimes they just need permission to get rid of their ‘stuff,’ ” said Piper, a former engineer who has been a professional organizer the past five years.

The mantra of every personal organizer: Everything in your house needs its own home, including every piece of paper you keep. And even then, we keep too much.

“People like to pile, instead of file,” said Ann Nagel, the Elk Grove, Calif., owner of Organize With Ann, who has seen clients’ homes with paper piled on windowsills, dining-room tables, bathroom floors and just about any flat surface. The most typical undefined but worst undefined place, she says, is the kitchen counter, where papers easily get wet or spilled on.

“About 95 percent of what we file, we never look at again. But it’s taking up valuable real estate in our home office,” said Nagel, who turned to professional organizing after 30 years as a legal and corporate secretary.

When tackling a home-office organization, there are two necessities: a good filing cabinet and a commitment to purge paper. And an understanding that it’s often ugliest at the start.

To begin, spread your piles on the bed or floor and sort by category: taxes, insurance, bills, owners’ manuals, etc. Put a sticky note on each pile as you go.

Once they’re sorted, create subcategories. For example, under “Insurance,” you might have separate files: “Insurance-Health,” “Insurance-Life,” “Insurance-Home.”

Ultimately, those piles should go into a permanent home inside labeled folders in a filing cabinet.

“It’s not rocket science. Everyone has the same stuff, but with their own special needs,” Nagel said.

Lovelace already had color-coded many of her women’s workshop files, but they occupied valuable space inside a desk drawer. Because they aren’t used daily or even monthly, Piper moved them to a nearby bookshelf. She turned brown accordion file folders on their sides, facing out, so Lovelace’s rainbow-hued files are easily accessible.

Another home organizing tip: Have a single place to store incoming papers. It can be a letter tray, a file folder, a basket or even a box.

“If it’s all in one spot, you stand a much better chance of dealing with it when you’re ready to take action,” Nagel said.

Ohio Professional Organizers Organize the McGhee Sextuplets

Wed, 19 Jan 2011 20:59:45 GMT

The McGhee family is scheduled to be on Oprah Show today February 21, 2011 in a show called Miracle Births, Miracle Babies so be sure to watch it! You can also visit the McGhee family on the McGhee Sextuplets Facebook Page.

Every January, members of the National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO) raise awareness in a celebration of Get Organized (GO) Month. In the past, the NAPO-Ohio chapter members have gotten together to done Messy Space contests, an organizing lecture series, and decluttered non-profit businesses like the Waste Not Center and Susan G. Komen- Race for the Cure offices. This year a request came from the McGhee family in Gahanna, Ohio who needed help in a new home. Mia and Rozonno McGhee became instant Columbus celebrities after the birth of their sextuplets in June of 2010. Friends, strangers, church members, and family have blessed the family, helping them with the never ending daily needs of six babies.

They estimate they are using around 40 diapers per day at this point. This means they need lots of supplies on hand. The initial assessment of the family’s organizing needs and budget for the project was done by Ellen Limes .

Five other organizers, Susan Sugar, Terry Cowans, Mary Donovan, Debbie McRae, and Melanie Dennis, volunteered to help on a very chilly January day to build shelves and sort baby clothes and supplies in an over the garage storage area.

Professional home organizer practices what she preaches

Sun, 10 Feb 2008 13:00:00 GMT

By By Kevin Kidder

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH Sunday February 10, 2008 8:49 AM

The No. 1 problem that Julie Riber's clients have is paper.

They have piles and piles of the stuff. The junk mail, bills, school assignments, magazines and cards just keep accumulating.

Riber, a professional organizer who owns Transformare, obviously has a handle on how to deal with the overwhelming challenge.

Her office, in the basement of her Orange Township home, is bereft of piles. The room is small but has ample space. Everything has a place.

Corkboards with family schedules line two walls; on another, a tall bookshelf holds binders of all kinds. Everything is labeled.

On the L-shaped desk are a laptop computer, a coffee mug, several pens and a small U.S. flag.

The Dispatch recently talked to Riber about her specialty.

Q: Is your personality reflected in this room?

A: I'm pretty organized -- even as a kid (I was).

I remember being in high school, and a lot of my friends, you'd walk into their rooms and it was pretty crazy -- a lot of clothes everywhere, stuff all over the place. My room was never like that, ever. . . . I've just always been fairly neat.

Q: Is being organized ingrained in a person?

A: I think it's a combination. Part of it is learned, if you have lived in that environment, and part of it is personality. Some people are more apt to be organized. But different people have different systems. You just have to find a system that works for you.

Q: You don't have any piles down here?

A: Just this (pointing to books and brochures). I'm going to Disney, and I'm planning.

Q: How do you keep this office so orderly?

A: Really it starts when you get your mail. Immediately get rid of any junk mail. You probably get three or four credit-card offers at least in a week. Just throw those in the shredder every day. And you don't need a really expensive shredder.

Q: What else do you toss?

A: I use the rolling 12-month method of filing -- in other words, as soon as I get

a bill, I take the year before out.

Some people don't like to do that, but bills -- like electric and gas and all of those other bills -- you can really get all of those online.

And the other thing is: If you ask me to find my 2006 taxes or my son's medical records, I know exactly where they are.

Q: Have you ever gotten rid of something you later regretted?

A: Not really. Well, actually, there was one wooden train set that I wondered if I should have kept.

It was a Thomas train for my son; he outgrew that. But throwing away the plastic ones, I never regret that.

Q: What do you have on the bulletin board?

A: My son's schedules. If it has an end date, I put it up there -- which, you know, school has end dates.

There is always summer; there are always schedules coming out.

Right now we have flag football out. Next it'll be lacrosse; after that it will be baseball; and after that we take a break.

Q: For an office, this is pretty small, isn't it? What is it, 10 by 15 feet?

A: When you move into college and you're in the dorm, or you move into apartments in college, all of those places are really small. I always try to keep it neat. With the smaller spaces,the neater it is, the larger it works.

Q: How often are you here?

A: I'm down here pretty much all day when I'm not helping people out with organizing.

Q: Is that toolbox in the corner an emergency organizing kit that you use with clients?

A: I do. I have my tape measure, my stud finder, regular tools and a label maker. Now that's a big deal.

Here are scissors, and then just other things like different kinds of screws, different nails and pushpins.

These are furniture movers, We use those to move the furniture if it's too heavy. That's what I take with me.

Q: So what is in the binders on the bookshelf?

A: Here we have business cards. I tell clients that these work really well and not to use a Rolodex, and to use one of these (opening up binder with plastic sleeves of cards.) You can put different cards in it and keep it up to date.

This one (pulling out a thick binder) is kids' artwork. People like to keep a lot of artwork, and I know people do, but what I try to do at the end of the year is pare it down.

You know, when they have a large project, try to take a picture of it. What are you going to do with a giant piece of cardboard that is probably going to fold up and wilt in the future?

Q: Is your computer this organized?

A: I try. I try to keep files all in different folders -- so when I get something I just put it in that folder.

If I had a bunch of Word files all over the place, I would be crying.

Professional organizers

Thu, 16 Oct 2003 19:44:10 GMT

Planning, careful planning, under way for Ohio chapter of national organization

By KEVIN PARKS This Week StaffWriter
October 16, 2003

The chronically disorganized among us sometimes become terribly frustrated, but instead they could get PO'd That's"professionally organized, - not whatever you were thinking.

Across the country and around Ohio, growing numbers of people are taking up the relatively new profession of organizer.

They offer their services, for a fee - hence the "professional" part - to individuals and businesses in order to get them on back en track, keep them on time and put them on the road to a less cluttered, less stressful existence.

Several professional organizers from central Ohio are working together to establish a statewide chapter of me NAPO, the National Association of Professional Organizers.

Based in Norcross, Ga., the NAPO was established in 1985 to "develop, lead and promote professional organizers and the organizing industry." according to its Web site.

Membership in the association recently reached the 2,000 mark, which is remarkable. in the view of NAPO president Barry Izsak, given that the 1,000-member milestone was achieved as recently as 1998.

"Our membership is growing at its fastest pace ever," Izsak wrote in a recent e-mail to members throughout the United States in which he pointed out that 500 people have joined the ranks in the past year alone.

Ohio currently has 48 NAPO members, according to one of them, Terry Trimper Jones of the Worthington area. Around 18 professional organizers have been gathering together in recent months to start a statewide chapter. The association only requires 10 or 11 members to grant chapter status to a state, Jones said. 'I have no doubt that more people will get into the profession as it gets more visibility," she added.

One of the goals of a state chapter would be to raise awareness of the burgeoning profession and correct some misconceptions, according to Jones.

"When people hear 'professional organizer,' they think you help them with their closets." she said.

That's just a small part of a host of services professional organizers can offer to clients in their personal or business lives,

"It's very rewarding," said Jennifer Studer-Miller of Dublin. "For me it's rewarding because I can work with someone.in two hours and see that a huge weights lifted off their shoulders because they cap see ... light at the end of the tunnel."

Studer-Miller read a story in The Columbus Dispatch three years ago about a Michigan woman who was a pro-