Always Organizing

Keep Your Houshold Clutter Under Control

2012-02-23T09:16:00.001-08:00

Struggling with keeping your household clutter under control? One of the biggest reasons homes don't stay clutter-free is because it often takes too much time to put things away or there isn't a convenient place to put things. As a result, kitchen tables, countertops, and living room furniture and floors end up being dumping grounds for pretty much everything.

The Solution? Every item needs a designated place to live that is really easy to access (especially items used frequently). Observe how you and your family use your things and create homes where things are used the most. Divide your entire living space into zones. Think of the activities that will be taking place within each zone and everything relating to those activities gets stored there (and nothing else).

Having an easy-to-get-to place for everything will make putting things away a breeze and help keep your home clutter-free! Ahhhh!

Hang a Decorative Curtain to Hide Distracting Clutter

2012-02-18T14:08:00.000-08:00

Do you have storage or clothing closets in your home without doors? Do you find the contents distracting to look at? A simple solution is to hang a decorative curtain on a tension rod. It's a great way to hide all the stuff, while still being able to access everything easily when you need it. Tension rods can be found at any hardware or home furnishing store (as well as online). They come in different diameters, colors, and lengths (with most being expandable). In addition, they're super easy to install - no hardware or tools needed, leaving your walls hole-free. The fun part is choosing a curtain panel that you absolutely love. Make sure to measure before buying for the perfect fit. Hanging a curtain is a quick and easy, affordable way to spruce up any room!

Keep Your Vehicle Service Records Organized

2012-02-10T14:26:00.000-08:00

Would you like a quick way to know what type of maintenance and repairs have been performed on your car and when? Keep an Auto Service Record Log. Simply record everything that's been done to your car in a notebook. Keeping this information all in one convenient place and up-to-date will save you a lot of time later and will eliminate the guess work. Proper maintenance of your car will keep it performing great and make it last a long, long time. Organized records are also helpful when selling your car. You'll know exactly what to tell the buyer about your car's history and may even increase its value.

Organize Your Refrigerator

2012-02-02T15:31:00.000-08:00

Save yourself time and money in the kitchen by having a well organized refrigerator. Group similar items together and find a place in your fridge where they will fit, either in a clear bin or drawer. Do you make a lot of sandwiches? Designate a bin for storing all of your sandwich makings. Instead of having to grab five things, you'll only need to grab just one. Store leftovers in the front in clear containers to remind yourself to eat them. Using a black sharpie, label things like eggs, yogurt, and milk with the date of purchase. This will help you know how long they've been in your fridge. Always store meat on the lowest shelf or bottom drawer and make sure to give your fridge a good wipe down now and then to keep things sanitary and sparkling clean.

Find Your Motivation to Get Organized

2012-01-26T17:17:00.000-08:00

Are you lacking motivation to get organized? Often times, just getting started is half the battle. Try tackling a small space first, such as your makeup drawer, your sock drawer, or your junk drawer in the kitchen. Work on this one area until it's finished. You'll feel so good and you'll benefit from your newly organized space right away that you just may find that you actually want to do more (organizing is contagious!). Small successes help to create the confidence and motivation to keep on going. Before you know it, you'll be organizing larger spaces like the garage!

Some other things to try...
Enlist a good friend or family member to help, have an accountability buddy, play your favorite music to get and keep you in the mood, remind yourself why you want to get organized, visualize the end result, and reward yourself when you're finished for a job well done.

Keep Your Landline for Emergencies

2011-07-06T08:56:00.000-07:00

With so many people using cell phones these days more and more households are getting rid of their landline phones altogether. However, it's still a good idea to keep one around for emergencies and power outages. Choose a phone with a good old fashioned cord (cordless phones are useless during power outages). Prefer cordless? Stash a corded phone somewhere in your home so you at least have one handy if you need it. It's better to be prepared then to be without.

Save Space... Purchase Wisely!

2011-06-30T11:03:00.000-07:00

Do you live in a small home with not a lot of storage? Make the most of your space by using furniture that serves as more than one function. For example, check out this multi-functional ottoman found at SeventhAvenue.com. This ottoman has great hidden storage for 12 pairs of shoes and can also be used as a place to rest your tired feet at the end of a long day. How cool is that? Save space... purchase wisely!

A Simple Way to Backup Your Computer

2011-06-23T14:54:00.001-07:00

In need of a really simple way to backup your computer? Use a large capacity USB flash drive (4 GB, 8 GB, or 16 GB). It's so easy anyone can do it! Need even more storage? Buy 2 or 3 and use one for data files, one for music files, and one for your digital photos. You'll never have to worry about losing valuable information again. Backup your computer files regularly (once a day, once a week, and every time you work on a big project) and designate a safe place to store it after each use. It's portable, very affordable, takes up very little space and it's a good idea to keep a second one in a location outside of your home in the event of a fire, flood, earthquake, or even theft. Peace of mind is priceless!

Organizing Tips for Visual Learners

2011-06-09T15:01:00.000-07:00

Are you a visual learner? Are you afraid that if something is stored out-of-sight you will forget about it because you can't see it? Rather than keeping your stuff out where it can easily get lost in the clutter, consider setting up organizing systems to suit your visual learning style.

Here are some great suggestions for you:

Install glass doors on your kitchen cupboards and/or pantry.
Use clear glass jars and containers so you can easily see what's inside.
Remove the doors on your closet and install a functional, attractive curtain that can either hide your stuff or be easily pushed to the side to expose it all.
Install hooks and racks for storing everyday supplies (i.e. knives, cooking utensils, pots & pans) in your kitchen.
Hang a valet hook near (or in) your closet to display your outfit for the next day.
Use open shelving in your garage (or other storage space) so you can easily see what supplies you have on hand.
Hang a cute rack system on the wall in your home office for corralling everyday office supplies. This gets them up off your desk where you can still see them.
Create a vertical desktop paper flow system for storing daily important papers you can't afford to lose.
Use a paper-based planner (rather than electronic) for recording your appointments, to-do's, and upcoming events.
Install open shelving in your living room for storing media (i.e. DVD's, CD's, video games, books & magazines).
Hang a large wall calendar in your kitchen for keeping track of family schedules (color-code it by using a different color for each family member).

Make your systems open, visually appealing, and functional all at the same time!

Hair Dryer Storage Solutions

2011-06-03T11:58:00.000-07:00

In need of a great solution for storing your hair dryer? They're big, bulky, and hot (after using) which can make storing them often a challenge. One option is to store your hair dryer (and hair products) in a large, attractive basket in a bathroom cabinet or closet (if you're lucky enough to have one of these inside your bathroom- like I do!). The basket can easily be moved to the bathroom counter when needed. If you don't have a counter, setting the basket on the toilet (as you're getting ready for your day) will work, too. When putting the hair dryer back in the basket make sure to put the hot end up to cool. Also, hair dryers with retractable cords are best. Don't have one? Roll up the cord and secure it with a large twist-tie. This will help keep that pesky cord out of the way.

Limited on space and don't have room for a basket? Try mounting your hair dryer to the wall or inside a cabinet door. There are many on the market to choose from. One of my favorites is the Satin Nickel Wall Mount Holder. This works great for keeping clutter off the counter. Don't mind having your hair dryer on the counter, but still want it contained? Check out the Capelli Countertop Organizer by Umbra. It has compartments for storing other hair accessories, too (a nice bonus!).

Disassemble in an Organized Way

2011-05-19T10:23:00.000-07:00

Have you ever disassembled something only to discover later you're missing essential parts when putting it back together? Argh... frustrating! A great way to prevent this from ever happening again is to keep the parts (screws, nuts, bolts, etc.) together with the item that has been disassembled or uninstalled. Put all parts in a Ziploc bag, label the bag, and use packing tape to attach the bag directly to the item. When it's time to reassemble it's all there!

Binder Clips in the Kitchen

2011-05-11T11:03:00.000-07:00

Need a quick and easy way to keep food organized and tidy in the kitchen? Keep a few of these binder clips handy. They're great for closing up bags of chips, rice, flour, and bulk food items like almonds. Food stays fresher, longer and stays put rather than spilling all over your countertops or in your cupboards. I store them right in my utensil drawer where I can easily take them in and out as needed. Binder clips are not just for the office any more.

Five Top Moving Tips

2011-05-04T08:30:00.000-07:00

May is National Moving Month. According to Bekins MyMovingNews, "almost 44 million people pack everything up and move to a new town or neighborhood each year in the United States." May kicks off the busy moving season that typically lasts through September. If you happen to be one of those 44 million people relocating this year, here are five top moving tips that are sure to make your move go a little smoother.

Start Early. Eliminate much of the stress of moving by getting a head start. People often underestimate how long packing will take. They think they have less stuff than they actually do. Gather boxes and supplies, create a plan, and start packing at least one month before your actual move date.
Purge, Purge, & Purge again. Only take to your new home the things you use, need, and love. Why waste time and money on moving the things you don't? Moving is a perfect time to do a thorough clean sweep of your belongings and donate items that no longer serve you.
Create 'Open-Me-First Boxes'. You'll need one for the kitchen, the main bathroom, and for tools needed (i.e. hammer, screwdriver, tape measure) to help you get set up in your new home. It's also a good idea for each family member to pack a suitcase as if they're going on a 3-day vacation. Include clothing, shoes, medications, and any other essential items needed.
Pack Like with Like. It will be much easier to unpack when similar items are packed together. Start in one room first, before moving onto the next room. This will help you stay focused and organized.
Label. Label each box with the room it came from and the major contents inside. Use a big black sharpie (for easy readability) and label on 2 opposite sides.

Organize Your Daily Vitamin Routine

2011-04-28T09:41:00.001-07:00

Need a great way to remember to take your vitamins every day? Whether you are on the go or spending the day at home, slip one of these cute little pill boxes into your pocket as a helpful reminder that it's time to take your vitamins. Get into the habit of transferring your daily dose of vitamins into a pill box every morning as you're getting ready for your day (or better yet, do it the night before!). Simplify this task by keeping all of your vitamin bottles together in a container stored in an easily accessible location in your kitchen. Do this enough times and taking your vitamins will automatically become part of your daily routine.

How do you remember to take your vitamins?

Take Charge of Desk Clutter

2011-03-08T12:12:00.000-08:00

Are you tired of starting each day with a cluttered desk? A desk with piles of clutter is a huge distraction making it very difficult to get things done. It's time to take charge and to do something about it. Sweep everything into a box, do a quick sort, and only put back the essentials. Create homes for pens, important papers, To Do or Action items, office supplies, etc... everything needed to get you through the day. Make sure things you use frequently are within arms reach and all flat surfaces are clear with the exception of computer equipment and just a few other essential items. What to do with everything else? Get rid of it (recycle, shred, trash or donate) relocate it to another room if not office related, or (if office related) store it in your office further away from your desk (out of arms reach). Enjoy starting each day with a clear desk and a clear mind! How to keep it this way? Get in the habit of taking a few minutes at the end of each day to put things away.

A Natural Alternative to Your Every Day Kitchen Sponge

2011-02-23T10:06:00.000-08:00

To stay organized in the kitchen requires a lot of cleaning (before things can be put back in their place). Did you know the typical yellow and blue sponges found in grocery stores are often loaded with chemicals for fighting bacteria? Yuck! Try a chemical-free natural alternative: the Loofah Sponge by Twist. It's made from all natural products with a tan scrubby loofah on one side and an unbleached, undyed white cellulose on the other. It's great for washing freshly used dishes as well as dishes with dried stuck-on grime. It lasts much longer than your typical sponge and it's100% biodegradable and can be composted rather than end up in a landfill!

Did you know that the kitchen sponge is the #1 source of germs and bacteria in the entire kitchen? Gross! Therefore, regular sponge sanitizing is definitely in order (no matter what kind of sponge you use). What's the best way to sanitize a sponge? Throw it in the dishwasher at the end of the day. In the morning, toss it in the microwave for 1 minute and it's good to go. Don't have a microwave or dishwasher? Boiling it on the stove will work, too.

Organizing Large Storage Spaces

2011-02-15T14:42:00.000-08:00

Do you have a large storage space like a garage, attic, basement, or even an off-site storage unit full of items still stored in cardboard boxes? It's time to reorganize and use clear plastic storage bins in place of cardboard. They are ideal for protecting your cherished treasures by keeping out dirt, bugs, and moisture. They are clear so you can easily see what's in them and they are durable enough to stack for maximizing space to the fullest. Start with one box at a time and take everything out. Group similar items together and begin putting things into bins by categories. Once a bin is full (and still light enough to lift), close it with the lid, add a white self-stick label with the name of the category written in black, and line the bin up against a wall where it's ready for stacking.

Stay Organized when Traveling with Ziplocs

2011-01-06T09:17:00.000-08:00

Traveling soon and need a way to pack your things in an organized way? Try using Ziploc bags. They're durable, they close securely, they're resealable, and they're clear so you can easily see what's inside the bag to find what you need fast (no more digging!). They're perfect for consolidating things like socks and under garments, makeup, belts, medications, and all of your toiletries and hair products. What I love most about using Ziplocs is the protection they provide if there happens to be a liquid explosion or leak. They're also great for corralling cords and accessories for your electronic devices. Gallon-size baggies work best for most items. Quart-size work well for smaller items like hair clips, jewelry, Q-tips and cotton balls. At the end of your trip, simply wash them out and store them in your travel bag to be used again the next time you travel.

How do you use Ziplocs to stay organized when traveling?

Recycle Christmas Light Strands

2010-12-28T10:54:00.000-08:00

Do you have strands of Christmas lights that are old and faded, broken, burnt out, or you just don't want them anymore? Before throwing them in the trash only to end up in landfills, why not consider recycling them? Christmas lights are 100% recyclable!

How are they recycled? According to an article from BrightHub.com, "When your lights are received in a recycling center, they are sorted. The loose bulbs and other unrecylcable materials are discarded. The sorted light strings are then sent through a shredder which chops the lights, wires and plastic into very small pieces. They are then separated by the various elements that make up the lights, such as copper, glass and plastic. These materials are then shipped out for further processing and turned into new items."

There are many mail-in programs that will recycle your lights for you. Most provide a 10% or 25% discount on the purchase of new lights and some give the recycling proceeds to Toys for Tots or other charities.

Here are some of my favorites:

5 Star Holiday Decor Light Recycling Program (www.fivestarholidaydecor.com)
Christmas Light Source Recycling Program (www.christmas-light-source.com)
Holiday LEDs.com Christmas Light Recycling Program (www.holidayleds.com)

How do you recycle your Christmas lights?

Organizing Your Pet Supplies

2010-11-03T16:40:00.000-07:00

Do you have pets? Then you probably know that pets have stuff, too! Looking for ways to keep all their stuff organized? Here are a few things you can do.

Hang leashes, harnesses, and collars on hooks near the door. Tie a plastic bag to each leash to always have one handy when you need it.

Make room in your entryway closet for a pet box for storing things that are used less often (i.e. doggie sweaters, extra plastic bags, extra leashes and collars).

Store dry food in an air-tight plastic container with a lid. Keep a measuring cup or scooper nearby for easy distribution. If you like to purchase huge bags of food to save money, store those bags in a large heavy-duty container and consider using a smaller container for daily use (they're much easier to manage). Keep the daily food container close to the food dishes.

Treats can be kept in an easy to reach cabinet in the kitchen or in a glass container on the counter. Empty food jars work great for storing treats. Label the jars with your pet's name for a nice touch.

Store toys in a basket or bin in a convenient place in your home. Medications can be stored in a container in the kitchen cabinet (kept up high from little ones). Grooming supplies can be stored in the garage, under a sink, or in a cabinet. Wherever works best for you.

How do you keep your pet supplies organized?

10-Minute Organizing Tasks

2010-10-27T11:00:00.000-07:00

Don't have time to organize? Can't commit to a half or full day? Great news! There are many small areas or items in your home that can be organized in just 10 minutes (or less). Surely you can find 10 minutes in your day to take on one of the tasks listed below.

Purse/Handbag - Take everything out that you don't need in there anymore (including trash) and put it all away.
Behind Doors - Find new places to store what's behind doors (especially the main entrance). It's best to keep the area behind your doors clutter-free for proper opening and good energy flow.
Sock Drawer - Find matches and toss any with holes or those who don't have mates.
Bedside Table - Keep only essential items here (i.e. hand lotion, alarm clock, kleenex, journal, current book) and relocate the rest.
Magazines - Tear out interesting articles or recipes from old magazines and recycle the rest or set aside for a friend.
File Folders - Weed through as many as you can in the short amount of time that you have.
CDs/DVDs - Put back in their cases and organize alphabetically or by genre.
Medicine Cabinet - Properly dispose of expired medications and anything else you don't need anymore.
Mail - Open and process the pile of mail on your countertop or desk.
Junk Drawer - Toss all trash, sort like with like, and install a drawer organizer to find what you need fast.

What else can you organize in 10 minutes or less?

Storing Summer Clothes

2010-10-20T11:10:00.000-07:00

With the changing of the seasons, now is the perfect time to relocate your summer clothes to maximize storage space in your closet for fall and winter clothes. Decide what you're not going to need for awhile and remove those items from your closet (i.e. bathing suits, shorts, summer shirts, flip flops, etc.). It's important to store your clothes properly to keep them safe and in an organized way so that you can easily find them again when the time comes. I recommend storing your clothes in clear plastic bins (one or two for each family member). They are perfect for keeping the bugs out and since they're clear, it's easy to see what 's inside.

Make sure your clothes are clean and dry before storing and throw in a few sachets of lavender or potpourri to keep them smelling fresh. Clearly label the bins and find a good place in your home to store them like under the bed, in a spare closet, under the staircase (if you have one), or put them up high on the upper shelf of your main closet. The cooler, darker, and dryer the place, the better.

How do you store your summer clothes?

Super Shredding Tips

2010-10-13T23:31:00.000-07:00

To prevent identity theft, I highly recommend a shredder for every household and small business. What to shred? Credit card applications, canceled and voided checks, medical and legal papers (if no longer needed), expired charge cards, anything with an account or credit card number on it, and certainly anything containing your signature or social security number. You don't want any of your pertinent information landing in the wrong hands. So shred, shred, shred! Not sure whether or not to shred? Shred anyway... it's always better to be safe than sorry. (Exception to the rule: Birth/Marriage/Divorce/Death Certificates)

For a complete list of what to shred visit www.fightidentitytheft.com .

Want to shred, but don't want to have to store a big and bulky paper shredder in your home or office? After all, they're not the prettiest things to look at. Have you seen the smaller versions, yet? They now make them small enough to sit right on top of your desk, if you want. This M5 Mailmate Shredder by Staples is only 11" x 12" x 9" and has a 1.62 gallon bin for holding shredded paper, credit cards, and even CDs & DVDs. What I like best about this is that, due to it's small size, it can easily be stored anywhere that's convenient for shredding. "Convenient" is the keyword here! (you'll be more likely to do it).

Are you a shredder?

Organizing Cords and Cables

2010-10-06T13:00:00.000-07:00

Are your cords and cables behind your desk in a tangled mess? There are all kinds of products on the market for organizing cords these days. However, if you're not up for going that route, try organizing your cords with simple twist ties (found in most boxes of trash bags that you get at the grocery store). Don't have any? Small black zip ties will work, too.

Start by turning off your computer, printer, fax machine, scanner, and anything else that's plugged in. Pull your desk away from the wall and unplug and dust off everything. Untangle all the cords and figure out what goes to what. Label the cords using post-its cut into small strips (folded over like flags) positioning them down near the plugs.To make the labels a little more durable, laminate them with tape and cut off the excess. Plug the cords back in to their power strip and bundle up the really long ones with twist or zip ties, cutting off the excess. Make sure to leave enough slack for things like your mouse that move a lot. Finishing touch, wrap all the cords together with twist or zip ties secured at several places along their length.

This method will keep your cords contained and out of the way and your desk/work area will look a lot neater. Plus, you'll easily be able to tell with a quick glance which cord goes with what device. A simple thing that makes a big difference!

Do you have a favorite way to organize your cords and cables? If so, I'd love to know!

Get Organized. Save Money!

2010-09-29T20:09:00.000-07:00

In this tough economy, it's now more important than ever to get organized. Whether you realize it or not, being disorganized leads to unnecessary spending. It's time to buckle down and create new habits and systems that will make your hard earned money go further so you can continue to live the life you want to live. Following is a list of things you can do to get organized and start saving money.

Develop a bill paying system so you're never late on paying your bills, to avoid those nasty late fees.

At the end of the day, place all of your loose change into a glass jar. Once it's full, take it to a Coinstar machine. Cash in your change for dollars, putting money back into your pocket.

Clear the clutter and get rid of expensive storage units! Ask yourself if the stuff in there is really worth the cost of storing it? Think of self storage units as temporary storage only.

Create a home for all of your belongings. You'll always know what you have and what you need to get, helping you to avoid purchasing duplicate items.

Have a designated place to keep uncashed checks until you can get to the bank (i.e. an envelope in your purse). The same goes for gift cards and gift certificates. This will help you spend what you've already been given.

Organize your cupboards, pantry, and fridge. Make your food items easily accessible and easy to view. You'll be more likely to use food before it goes bad or stale, saving you money.

Keep receipts for big ticket items organized. Always know where to find them in case you need to return something or mail in a rebate.

How else can getting organized save you money?

A Simple Way to Backup Your Cell Phone

2010-09-22T23:40:00.000-07:00

Have you ever received an email like this?

"Sorry I haven't called you back! I dropped my phone in the toilet yesterday and it's still in the drying out phase. I'm hoping it comes back to life because I feel lost without it!!! All of my numbers are in there, my entire network basically. So, I am resorting to writing you an email."

Oh... the horror! To make sure this never happens to you, it's a good idea to regularly backup your cell phone. A handy gadget to help you with this is the Backup Pal. With just a simple push of a button it creates a copy of all of your contacts for safekeeping. Switching phones? This gadget will also transfer your contacts right into your new phone. No computer or technical skills are required. Anyone can use this! (and it's compatible with over 500 cell phones).

For more information, visit www.Backup-pal.com.

How do you back up your cell phone?

Top Ten Storage Uses for a 5.4 Qt. Clear Container

2010-09-15T11:04:00.001-07:00

One of my favorite storage containers is this 5.4 Qt. clear plastic storage box by Iris. I love that it's stackable and portable and that you can easily see what's inside. It's originally designed for storing shoes, however, I've discovered it's great for storing a variety of other things, too.

Here's my Top Ten List:
1. Nail Polish & Manicure Accessories
2. Small Lotions
3. Makeup (& other beauty essentials)
4. Art Supplies
5. Small Toys
6. Travel Size Plastic Bottles
7. Office Supplies
8. Small Candles (i.e. Tea Lights)
9. Hair Accessories
10. Sewing Items

What else can be stored in this very useful container?

Organizing Cords & Electronic Gadgets while Traveling

2010-09-07T12:24:00.000-07:00

Need a way to organize all your cords and small electronic gadgets and accessories while traveling? Check out the Skooba Design Cable Stable DLX. It has lots of elastic spaces and compartments for holding a variety of things. No more having to deal with a coiled mess of cords at the bottom of your purse or bag. This keeps everything organized, all in one place, and easily accessible. It's compact, zips closed, and has a convenient carrying handle. What I love most about it is that it's so versatile. When not full of cords and accessories, it can also be used as a protective case for your laptop, travel toiletries and personal grooming items, photography equipment, tools and hardware, and even a portable carrying case for school supplies.

What else can you use the Skooba Design Cable Stable DLX for?

September is National Preparedness Month

2010-09-01T13:15:00.000-07:00

September is National Preparedness Month. Are you ready if a natural or man-made disaster were to strike? It's time to get prepared and organized to keep you and your family safe in the event of an emergency. Having an Emergency Supply Kit for your household is a must! There's no telling how long you'll have to survive completely on your own before help arrives. You're also going to need a Family Emergency Plan (FEP). Who to call? What to do? Where to meet? Ready.gov offers some great tools to help you get prepared:
Emergency Supply Kit
(A recommended 3-day supply of what to have in your kit)
Family Emergency Plan
(A form for contact information and meeting locations, complete with cut-out cards to be carried with each family member)

For more great tools and information visit Ready.gov.

Best Buy Recycles Electronics

2010-08-25T14:56:00.000-07:00

Did you know Best Buy recycles old electronic equipment? Yes, it's true! It doesn't matter where you bought it, they'll recycle it. How cool is that? They recycle TVs, DVD and MP3 players, cell phones, CDs, audio and video cables, computers, monitors, home stereos, car audio, fans, vacuum cleaners, and more. It's absolutely FREE in most states (with a few restrictions) and they allow you to drop off 3 items per household, per day.

Restrictions:

They do not recycle hard drives. So if you're recycling a desktop or laptop computer, you must first remove the hard drive. You can do it yourself or they'll do it for you for a small fee of $9.99.
Some states charge a $10.00 fee for TVs and monitors, but they'll give you a $10.00 Best Buy gift card in exchange.
No microwaves or any items containing Freon (i.e. air conditioners, mini refrigerators)

So get out there and dispose of your electronics properly. Best Buy makes it easier than ever!

Do you know of any other places that recycle old electronics?

Managing 'To Do' Lists - An Alternative System for Getting Things Done

2010-08-18T12:46:00.000-07:00

Are you an avid list maker, but still nothing ever seems to get done? In need of a new system for managing your To Dos? Sometimes creating lists on paper just isn't enough, especially if you're a visual and kinesthetic learner and struggling with managing your time. Check out this Panel System I recently created for a client. It's simple to use and easy to set up.

Directions

Divide the inside of a manila folder into two columns "Now" and "Very Soon".
Transfer all of the items on your To Do list(s) onto sticky notes (one per note).
Place the sticky in the "Now" column if it needs to be done right away or place it in the "Very Soon" column if it can wait a couple days. Optional: A third column can be added for things that need to get done "Later".
As you complete a task in the "Now" column, take the sticky off. Then move an item from the "Very Soon" column to the "Now" column.
Display the Panel System on the wall or tack it to a bulletin board.

What's really great about this system is that it's visual and tactile, tasks can be placed in order of importance (for easy prioritizing), items can easily be moved from one column to the next, and the number of items is limited by the size of the panel (making tasks more achievable and less overwhelming). Also, this is great for those who can't seem to get away from using sticky notes (like myself!)

Before adding new items always ask yourself

Is there enough time to do this, or is it already too late?
Do I really want/need to do this?
What would happen if I didn't do it?

To keep on top of your To Dos, only add a new task if it's something that's really important to you and, therefore,
worth doing.

How do you manage your To Dos? (I would love to know!)

Organizing Your Child's Papers & Keepsakes

2010-08-13T13:28:00.000-07:00

Wondering what to do with your child's papers and special keepsakes? Check out the 1 Stop Box. A great solution for busy moms drowning in papers. It's a 4 piece set that comes with (1) a removable file case (2) 9 expandable file folders, (3) a photo album, and (4) a keepsake box. It's designed to store papers and keepsakes from birth through high school.

What I love about this is that it stores everything all in one place and it limits the amount of papers you can keep forcing you (and your child) to learn to let things go and only keep the best of the best. This is also a great way to develop good habits of putting things in their place as well as a wonderful way to teach your child valuable organizing skills that can be used for a life time. For more information visit 1StopBox.com

* There's a blue one for boys, too!

10 Tips for Storing Spices

2010-08-03T11:18:00.000-07:00

1. Store spices in a cool, dark place away from sunlight (light will fade spices with naturally bright colors, such as paprika, chili powder, and red pepper).
2. Store in airtight containers. I recommend purchasing a set of these glass jars from Amazon.com and transferring your spices into them.
3. Label the jars using a label maker or printed labels from your computer for a nice clean look.
4. Date all spices with the date of purchase using a black sharpie. If using glass jars, place a small sticker on the bottom for dating.
5. Toss spices after one or two years (typically this is when they're at their best)
6. Store spices somewhere near the cooking area (in a cupboard or drawer), but not right next to or above the stove (heat will rapidly cause your spices to lose their freshness and potency).
7. Consider using a 3-tier shelf in the cupboard or a spice drawer insert in a drawer for your spice storage needs.
8. Alphabetize your spices to make it easy to find what you need.
9. Have a lot of spices? Consider having two storage locations - one for the spices you use most often and the other for the spices you use only sometimes.
10. If you do choose to purchase a spice storage rack (there are many on the market), give it some thought first to make sure it will suit your needs and fit in the space you have.

5 Steps to Organizing a Desk Drawer

2010-07-30T09:26:00.000-07:00

1. Take everything out of the drawer and sort by grouping similar items together (i.e. post-its, binder clips, rubber bands, etc.). Toss all trash and put things that go in other rooms aside for now.

2. Decide which items will be going back into the drawer. I recommend keeping only items in the drawer that you use most often and relocate the rest.

3. Measure the drawer (Length, Width, Height).

4. Purchase drawer organizers (if you don't have some already). I recommend Good Grips Interlocking Bins by OXO. They're clear, lock together, and come in a variety of sizes for a custom fit.

5. Install the drawer organizers and put items back into the drawer. The drawer organizers will keep everything in its place. Aaaah...Much better!

Stop Unwanted Mail - Fantastic Resource!

2010-07-26T15:59:00.000-07:00

Does your mailbox look like this? According to CatalogChoice.org, "on average, we get 900 pieces of unsolicited mail per yer." Unbelievable! Interested in reducing that amount? Think of all the time and trees you'll save! I'm happy to announce that CatalogChoice.org is not just for catalogs anymore. They're now a resource for stopping all kinds of junkmail, such as credit card offers, coupons, letter size direct mail, other unsolicited marketing offers, and even phonebooks. How cool is that? To get started go to www.CatalogChoice.org and set up an account. It's fast, simple to use, and it's free!

Organize Your Spare Keys

2010-07-21T09:15:00.000-07:00

Do you have a lot of spare keys laying around? Need a place to store them? Glass jars work great for storing keys (an alternative to hanging them on wall-mounted hooks). They're heavy, durable, clear, and come with lids. Take the extra step and label each key with metal rim key tags (found at any office supply store) before putting them in the jar. Add a "KEYS" label to the jar, as well, and store it in an easy-to-access location in your home.

Organizing Recipes Clipped from Magazines

2010-06-26T13:23:00.001-07:00

What to do with all of those great recipes you've collected from magazines? It's difficult to actually use them when they're accumulating in piles or in files. The solution? Create a Recipe Binder! It's simple and fast. You'll need a 3-ring binder, sheet protectors, and file tabs (I recommend Durable Filing Tabs by Post-it). Create categories customized to suit your needs and use a label maker or black pen to make labels. (Sample Categories: Appetizers, Main Entrees, Sides, and Desserts or Beef, Chicken, Salmon, Shrimp, Rice, Pasta, Salads, and Soups). It's helpful to have a section for "Notes", too. Slip each recipe into a sheet protector and place in the appropriate binder category.

When cooking, take the recipe out of the sheet protector and tape to a cupboard door near your food prep area for quick viewing. Return the recipe to the binder when finished. This works great for recipes printed off of the Internet, too. Have new recipes you'd like to try, but haven't gotten around to it yet? Store them in the binder's inside front pocket until you're ready to use them. If they're a big hit... add them to the binder. Happy Cooking!

Organizing Kid's Art Supplies

2010-06-19T11:33:00.000-07:00

Are your kid's art supplies in disarray and taking over the entire house (so it seems)? Need a great solution? Turn a spare drawer into an art supply storage center. The drawer can be a dresser drawer, a cabinet drawer, or even a deep kitchen drawer. Find or purchase some small clear plastic containers (with lids) that will fit inside the drawers (measure first!) and then sort items into containers by kind (i.e. paints together, crayons together, etc...). What I love about this is that the containers are hidden, easily accessible, and portable! Also, it's a great way to teach your kids valuable organizing skills (it's never too soon to start!). Have them help you put the supplies back into their designated containers when finished using them. Make sure to label the containers to make it really easy for them.

Bed, Bath, and Beyond - Great Resource!

2010-06-09T10:49:00.000-07:00

In need of a great place to shop for organizing products for your home? Visit your local Bed, Bath, & Beyond store (if you haven't already). It's one of my favorite places to shop for myself as well as for my clients.They have a fantastic selection of organizing products for the home, especially for the kitchen and closets. And the best part... they honor all original Bed, Bath, & Beyond coupons (expired or not) and you can use more than one coupon per visit! How cool is that?

Storing Bath Towels

2010-06-04T15:18:00.000-07:00

Looking for a new way to store your bath towels? Limited on storage space in your linen closet? Instead of folding your bath towels, try rolling them. Rolled towels will store nicely in a large basket next to your bathtub or on a shelf stacked in a pyramid shape. Displaying neatly rolled bath towels will give a nice relaxing spa feel to your bathroom. Ahhh!! Prefer to keep your towels hidden? Rolling your towels (as opposed to folding) will save space no matter where you choose to store them.

Organizing Dry Food

2010-05-31T09:53:00.000-07:00

Having trouble keeping your dry food fresh? Need a way to contain your dry food to maximize space? Try using glass jars with airtight lids or better yet, find some clear airtight containers (preferably BPA free) for storing and organizing your food. They often come in various sizes to suit all your needs and can be stacked on top of one another to free up space in your cupboards, pantry, and countertops. They'll save you time by allowing you to quickly see what food you have (and how much) and they'll save you money by keeping your food fresher longer. Give it a try. This little investment can last a lifetime!

Organizing Shopping/ATM Receipts

2010-05-24T15:51:00.000-07:00

Looking for a fast and easy way to organize shopping and ATM receipts while on the go? Take a standard white envelope and cut off the flap. Place the envelope in your purse. After making a purchase always ask to be handed the receipt (never leave it in the bag!). Immediately slip the receipt into the envelope in your purse (writing notes on the receipt as needed). If feeling rushed at the check out counter, take the receipt in hand and slip it in the envelope first chance you get (even if it's in your car). Use the envelope for ATM receipts, as well.

Get in the habit of doing this and it'll make your life so much easier... no more frantically looking for a receipt you need. You'll know right where to look. Regularly reconcile your receipts with your bank and credit card statements. Toss all receipts with the exception of those needed for tax purposes, big purchase items, and items you may return at a later date. If you prefer something a little sturdier and nicer to look at, try using a small (one-pocket) wallet like the one shown in the photo above.

Spare Change

2010-05-12T12:47:00.000-07:00

Wondering what to do with all of your annoying spare change? Place a glass jar (preferably without a lid) in an easily accessible location somewhere in your home. Each night make it a habit to put all your spare change collected throughout the day into the glass jar. When it's full take it to your nearest Coinstar machine and cash it in for dollars for a small coin counting fee. Don't want to pay the fee? Turn your coins into a gift card, instead. Either way it's worth it... you'll be amazed at how all that spare change really adds up!

Shoe Storage Drawers

2010-04-07T13:39:00.000-07:00

These clear shoe storage drawers are simply the best for organizing shoes in your closet. They're clear for easy visibility, they stack, and best of all, instead of lids they have handy pull out drawers so there's no need to unstack to access the shoes you want to wear. They can also be used for organizing other accessories like scarves, socks, and lingerie. Need extra storage space for supplies in the office? They're even great for that, too!

Self-Adhesive Storage Bin Labels

2010-03-29T12:04:00.001-07:00

Looking for a nice, stylish way to label your bins? These self-adhesive storage bin labels sold by Simplify101 are the way to go. They are sold in sets of 5 and each set includes self-adhesive vinyl pockets and label inserts. You can use your printer for the labels or hand write them yourself (A Microsoft Word template is provided). They come in a couple different sizes (3" x 5" and 1 1/2" x 3 1/2") to suit your needs.

How Long to Keep Financial Documents?

2010-03-22T13:50:00.000-07:00

Are you wondering how long you need to keep financial documents? Check out these helpful guidelines provided by Suze Orman (America's expert on personal finance), "Financial Clutter, What to Keep and What to Get Rid of." Keep in mind, you can be audited by the IRS for no reason at all up to three years after you filed a tax return or two years from the date the tax was paid - whichever is later. If you omit 25% of your gross income you can be audited up to six years. Therefore, to be on the safe side, it's recommended to keep all financial documents relating to taxes for at least seven years. For more information visit www.irs.gov.

Organizing Gift Cards

2010-03-05T16:13:00.000-08:00

Looking for a way to organize your gift cards so you know where to find them when you're ready to finally use them? Take a look at this nifty product called Card Cubby. Card Cubby is a stylish new way to keep your cards organized. It's an alphabetized mini-card file that fits nicely in your purse, car console, baby bag, or brief case. Not only is it great for organizing gift cards, but it's also great for organizing frequent buyer cards (i.e. coffee or ice cream shops), discount cards (i.e. Safeway, CVS), rewards cards (i.e. Staples), business cards, and more.

4 Ways to Get Rid of Unwanted CDs

2010-02-26T10:25:00.000-08:00

With music going digital these days, what do you do with all of your unwanted CDs? There's really no need for them to take up valuable space in your home anymore. If you're ready to let them go for good, below are some great ideas for what to do
with them.

1. Recycle
Check with your local computer recycling center (if your city has one). Chances are they'll gladly take your CDs off your hands for you. All Best Buy stores nationwide recycle CDs. Drop them off at the free kiosk just inside the door. For more information and to find a Best Buy store near you visit www.bestbuy.com/recycling. Another option is the CD Recycling Center of America www.cdrecyclingcenter.org. They'll recycle your CDs for free, however, they charge a small fee for the packaging (i.e. jewel cases, sleeves, and slim cases).

2. Sell Online
The following online companies will give you money for CDs in good condition with original covers.
www.SecondSpin.com
www.CashForCDs.com

3. Donate
Give them away to a friend or family member with the same musical tastes as you, who'll really appreciate them. Donate them to local charities like the Goodwill or the Salvation Army. Local libraries often accept CDs, as well. Call ahead before dropping them off.

4. Sell/Trade Them at Your Local Music Store
Do a Google search online to find stores near you or look in your local Yellow Pages directory. There are still stores out there who do this kind of thing. If you live in the Santa Rosa, CA area try The Last Record Store or Incredible Records & CDs. Call ahead first, to make sure they want what you have. If they're too outdated, they may not want them, but it's certainly worth a try.

Always Organizing in the Press Democrat

2010-01-19T15:59:00.000-08:00

Always Organizing is finally starting to get a little media attention. Exciting! Last month a writer for the Press Democrat, Meg McConahey, contacted me out of the blue. She was writing an article on Boxing Day and wanted to ask me a few questions about organizing. For those of you who don't know... Boxing Day is a holiday in the U.K., Australia, and Canada (to name a few) and is celebrated on December 26th (the day after Christmas). Traditionally it's a day when privileged people boxed up food and fruit and gave the boxes away to people who were less fortunate. Now, it's basically turned into another day for shopping where retail stores offer great deals on stuff and people return or exchange gifts received from Christmas.

The article talks about instead of shopping on Boxing Day, how about going through your home and boxing up whatever you don't use or need anymore (that's still in good condition) and donating it all to those in need. If you'd like to read more click on the following link: Press Democrat. Always Organizing is mentioned on Page 3, 2nd paragraph. Check it out!

PS: The man in the above photo is Richard Cole at Sacks on the Square in Santa Rosa, CA (taken by Mark Aronoff, Press Democrat).

January is National Get Organized Month (GO)

2010-01-15T14:10:00.000-08:00

Now is the perfect time to start getting organized. It's no accident that Get Organized Month falls in January - the start of a new year and new beginnings. If getting organized sounds overwhelming to you... take a deep breath and tell yourself that "you can do it!".

One small thing you can do right now that will have a HUGE impact on your life is to go out and purchase a brand new time management system for the year 2010 (if you haven't already). It can be either paper or electronic, whichever suits you best. The most important thing is that you use only ONE.

Plug (or write) in all of your important dates into your new time management system. i.e. Birthdays, Anniversaries, Vacation Days, Car Maintenance Days, Medical & Dental Checkups, etc. Once finished, you can instantly feel better knowing:

Your mind is now free for other things
You won't miss a single birthday or anniversary this year
You already have important dates scheduled and everything else can fall in around those dates

Make it a habit to start writing your 'to-do's in your planner on the day you plan to do them (no more sticky notes posted everywhere and no more overwhelmingly long 'to-do' lists). As you accomplish each task check them off so you know they're done. Take 10 minutes to review your planner at the end of each day... whatever you didn't get done, move to the next day. Simple as that!

Customize your planner to suit your own needs and make it an extension of YOU. Keep it near you at all times and refer to it often.

For online help to find a paper planner that's right for you visit www.AtAGlance.com

Holiday Organizing Tips (Part 2)

2009-12-01T09:00:00.000-08:00

Create a Gift Wrapping Station

Designate a gift wrapping area in your home for the holidays. It could be in a spare bedroom, at the kitchen table, or set up a small table in your home office. Have all of your supplies (scissors, tape, ribbon, bows, etc.) nearby and easily accessible in baskets or clear containers. Consider purchasing a portable gift wrapping organizer (there are many on the market) or store tubes of wrapping paper in a 5-gallon bucket or in an umbrella stand. Wrap as you shop. Make wrapping more enjoyable by listening to your favorite music, lighting some incense or candles, and sipping on some chamomile tea. After the holidays, continue to store your supplies in an easily accessible place to be used throughout the year.

Prepare for Overnight Guests
Minimize clutter in the guest bedroom. Clear space in the closet and provide a few empty hangers. Create a small toiletry basket full of all the essentials. Provide a bedside table, reading light, small alarm clock, and a stack of clean towels. These simple tasks are sure to make your guests feel welcome.

Schedule Time for Yourself
Take a break once in awhile from the hustle and bustle of the holiday season and do something nice for yourself. Read a book you've been dying to get to, paint your toe nails, take a nap, play your guitar, go for a run or take a yoga class. Schedule it into your planner and keep the appointment with yourself. It's essential for maintaining a positive outlook, feeling refreshed, and for keeping your energy levels high to get you through the season.

Minimize Clutter before Decorating
Temporarily pack away some of the non-holiday things in your home that are on your coffee table, fireplace mantel, or end tables before decorating your home. Use the same boxes or containers your decorations are stored in (swap one thing out for another). This will make more room for you to enjoy your holiday decorations without feeling like you have too many things in your home.

Encourage the Spirit of Giving
Have your children go through their games and toys and give away what they no longer play with. Have a chat with them about the importance of giving to others. Find a charity to donate to that accepts childrens toys. Have your child drop off the toys with you. This will instill the spirit of giving as well as make more room for the new things they'll be receiving.

Holiday Organizing Tips (Part 1)

2009-11-30T11:48:00.000-08:00

The holiday season is a very busy time of year. Gifts to buy, dinners to cook, guests to prepare for, travel plans to make, holiday cards to send out, etc. Here are some great organizing tips that will help you get everything done, while still having time and energy left over for fun with friends and family.

Plan Early
The earlier you start planning and preparing, the more time you'll have to get things done, and the less stress you'll feel in the long run. The less stress you feel, the more enjoyable the holiday season will be.

Decide On & Schedule Priorities
Choose which holiday activities you'd like to take part in this year. Have a family meeting and take a vote. Write them in your planner on the days you plan to do them. All of the other not-so-important things can be scheduled around your priorities. It's perfectly okay not to get to everything. Focus on doing only what will bring the most joy and meaning to your lives during the holiday season.

Gift Buying
Create a list of people you'd like to give gifts to. Write down a few ideas for each person. Decide on your gift-giving budget and challenge yourself to stick to it! Consider giving clutter-free gifts like edibles (i.e. chocolates or gourmet coffee), I owe you's (i.e. "I owe you a dinner night at my home"), or gift certificates to a favorite restaurant, theater production, day spa, or a manicure or pedicure. Get creative and put together a small care package gift basket or type up your favorite work out tunes to give to those who like to work out. Focus on giving meaningful, thoughtful gifts rather than just another trinket to put on top of the fireplace mantel.

Create a Holiday Baking Binder
Gather your favorite holiday baking recipes. The Internet is a great source for finding recipes, for those you don't have. Insert them into sheet protectors and place in a small three-ring binder. Take inventory of baking ingredients and supplies already in your cupboards. Create a list of everything you need to purchase. Take the list with you when shopping for easy reference.

Bonus Tip: At the end of the holiday season, pack your holiday baking binder away with your holiday decorations. You'll be instantly ready for next year.

Holiday Cards
Turn a daunting task into an enjoyable one. Write out a few cards each day rather than all at once. Keep everything you need for the task in a small portable basket. Such as, stamps, glue sticks, pens, return address labels, and address book. Take the basket to your card writing place and you're instantly ready to go.

Get Organized for Back-to-School

2009-08-20T14:26:00.000-07:00

6 Simple Must Do Strategies

The key to the best school year ever is to get organized! Getting organized for the school year will help everything run more smoothly. You, as well as your children, will feel much calmer and more confident. Plus, everyone will have a lot less stress and a lot more fun! Following are a list of things you can do to start the school year off right.

Shop for School Clothes & Supplies Early
Have each child try on their school clothes and shoes from last year. Get rid of what no longer fits or pass on to another child in the same household. Make a list of what each child needs for the new school year. Very important: when shopping, stick to the list! Look for bargains and sales in the local newspaper to decide where to shop. Before you shop, discuss the 'needs list' and the family budget with your children to avoid the in-the-store-tantrums.

Get the necessary school supplies list from the school. First, look to see what you already have at home. Then, buy what you still need. Most importantly, make sure each child has a functional, sturdy backpack that will last a long time.

Designate a Launching Pad
One of the single most important things you can do to get organized is to set up a launching pad. A launching pad is a place where you put everything you need for the next day. Backpacks, coats, water bottles, homework assignments, signed permission slips, and library books are some of the things you might put there. The launching pad should be located somewhere near the front door and each child should have their own. It can be a small table, a few hooks on the wall, a cubby, or even a large basket. Use whatever works best for you and the space you have. The idea is that everything is in one place so you can grab and go as you're walking out the door.

Create a Lunch Packing Center
Preparing for lunches each day will be much quicker (& less painful) if you have a lunch packing center set up in your kitchen. Designate a cupboard or shelf (low enough for all to reach) where everything needed for preparing lunches can be stored. Some things you might store there are: juice drinks, pre-packaged snacks, bread, ziplocks, cling wrap, disposable utensils, napkins, and paper bags or lunch boxes. Also designate a medium size clear plastic container in your regrigerator for all sandwich makings. Having everything in one location will make lunch prep easy and fast. have children prepare lunches the night before so there's one less thing to do in the morning.

Set up a Homework Station
This can be a desk or the kitchen table. It should be quiet and free of distractions. Save time by keeping all needed supplies handy either in a shoe box, portable bin, or even a basket. Have one for each child to avoid unnecessary arguments. Decide on a daily homework routine and stick to it!

Create Calendar Central
Every household needs a centralized site for all family calendars and schedules. I recommend using a large dry-erase wall mounted calendar or a large paper desk calendar located in a place that's easily viewable by all. Fill in all activities (sport practice, music lessons, birthday parties, etc.) using a different color for each family member. Color-coding entries helps keep busy lives straight. Put specialized schedules and calendars in a small binder nearby to refer to when filling in each month's family calendar. The key is to use only ONE large calendar for the entire family.

Establish Routines
Children need structure in their lives. Creating structure means establishing routines. Take the time to set up after school routines, evening routines, and morning routines. Evening routines might consist of dinner, clean up, and next day prep by picking out clothing, making lunches, and placing items in the launching pad area. Morning routines might consist of dressing, eating breakfast, brushing teeth and hair, and grabbing items from the launching pad while heading out the door. Discuss routines with children ahead of time by making sure they know what's expected of them so they can have a happy, successful day!

In addition, a week or two before school starts, re-establish earlier bed times and start the early wake-up routine. By doing this, it'll be a lot easier for them to wake up and get moving the first week of school... making mornings a much calmer, happier time for all!

Garage Organizing 101

2009-07-27T15:22:00.000-07:00

Get Your Garage Organized in 6 Easy Steps

Garages tend to accumulate a lot of stuff. They easily end up being dumping grounds for broken furniture you intend to fix, old boxes of textbooks you can't bare to part with, and recycled car parts you might need someday. Sound familiar? It's time to organize your garage if you're constantly stepping over things, your camping gear is scattered everywhere, your croquet set seems to be missing, and if your expensive car is being parked in the driveway, or worse yet, on the street.

Before you can dive right into organizing your garage, however, you must first come up with a plan. Tackling your garage is a big project and it's best to plan it out before you get started in order to make the experience a good one.

Step One
First, think about the function you want your garage to serve. What exactly do you want to use your garage space for? Some ideas might be:

To park your car(s)
To use as a work area
To use for storage (what kind?)
For doing laundry (if your washer & dryer hookups are there)
To use as a work out room
Or maybe even to use as an extra hang out area for the kids

Step Two
Once you know what you'd like to use your garage for, the next step is to plan out zones. Think about where you'd like to store you sports equipment and bicycles or where you'd like to put your work bench. Be sure to create a zone for each function. Take the time to really visualize what you'd like your garage to look like when you're finished. Draw it out on graph paper, if that helps. Then make it happen!

Step Three
However, before you start to actually make it happen, the next step is to come up with a plan of attack. How will you go about it? Will you tackle the entire garage over a long weekend or will you do a little at a time? Before you make your final decision, here are some things to consider:

What's the current condition of the garage?
Will you be needing a dumpster? Or a truck to haul things away?
Will you be working alone or with family and/or friends?
The weather (important if you're sorting outside)
Do you need to purchase items for storage?
Will you need help installing shelving or wall mounted cabinets?

I recommend organizing the entire garage over a long weekend so you can take everything out at once and rent a dumpster or truck if needed. If this sounds too overwhelming, consider recruiting people to help or even hire a professional organizer if your budget allows.

Step Four
Now it's time to put your plan into action. This is the sort and purge phase. Sort items into categories (like with like). If you absolutely have to (due to rainy weather or you're working alone in short increments of time), sort inside the garage (if there's room). Otherwise, use the driveway or yard and lay out blue tarps to put things on. All garbage goes immediately into the back of a pick up truck, trash can, or dumpster. Work in one section of the garage at a time. Try not to jump around. Be ruthless! Keep only what you absolutely need, use, and love. Toss out anything that is broken, dirty beyond cleaning, or damaged. Donate anything that is in good shape that you no longer use.
Remember: Less is more!

Ask yourself:

Do I really need 3 lawnmowers that don't work, 56 flower pots, and a gazillion empty cardboard boxes?
What good is it to hold onto things that I might need someday? Will someday ever really come? (be honest!)
Will I ever really fix all the kitchen table chairs that need new legs or the old washing machine that's been sitting in the garage for 4 years?

Step Five
Once you know what you intend to keep and how much you have of each category, it's time to put everything back in, keeping in mind the zones you visualized in the planning phase. Remember to stay true to how you want your garage to function. For example, if you want your garage to be a place where you do laundry, everything related to that activity will be stored together in the 'laundry zone'. If you want your garage to be a place to do woodworking projects, all of your tools will be stored near the work bench in the 'work zone'. If shelving, peg board, or wall mounted storage units are needed, now is the time to install them. If you have a lot of installing to do, be realistic about how long you think it'll take and plan accordingly.

When organizing your garage a rule to keep in mind is: if it's on the floor, it's time to store. Free up all floor space as much as possible. Also, organize to visualize. If you can see it, you can find it. Use clear containers and bins and label everything. Be sure to use wall and ceiling space, too. Store things you use frequently down low for easy access and store things you use only occasionally up high and out of the way (i.e. holiday decorations). Organizing is very much like a puzzle in that you need to find the best way for everything to fit in just the space you have. A wonderful challenge!

Step Six
Last, but probably the most important of all... maintain your organized garage! Always, always, always put things back where you found them! Taking just a few extra minutes to do this each and every time will keep your newly organized garage... organized!!

Summer Organizing Tips

2009-07-10T14:50:00.000-07:00

Summer is the season to have fun in the sun - barbecues on the back patio, swimming at the beach, and cooling off with a refreshing drink on the front porch. Awww... life is good!

Summer is also the season to take care of those necessary outdoor chores - mowing the lawn, washing the car, weeding the garden, and washing outside windows. Getting organized will help you have more time to enjoy the fun stuff, while still getting the chores done, too.

Chores
Start by making a list of all outdoor chores. Then enlist your family to help. Create a schedule by assigning each family member to a task. Post the schedule on the kitchen refrigerator. Follow up to make sure it gets done. No children at home? Make a schedule for yourself and stick to it. Hire people to help, if necessary.

To make chores run smoothly, gather all supplies and put them in one location. Use a large bucket to store car washing supplies - soap, sponges, soft clothes for drying, a squeegee for the windows, and spare plastic grocery bags for putting wet clothes/sponges afterwards. Do the same with gardening tools.

Barbecues
To prepare for barbecues make sure to give your outdoor furniture a good wipe down (if you haven't already) and do some general outdoor de-cluttering (if needed). The goal is to create a relaxing outdoor oasis for you to enjoy.

Does your grill need cleaning? Cream of tartar mixed with hydrogen peroxide or water will do wonders. Word has it coca cola (yes, coca cola!) will do the job, too.

Keep a large cooler in your barbecue zone that can easily be stocked with drinks and ice at a moments notice. No cooler? Use a small kiddie/wading pool to store your cold drinks for large parties. Keep all your barbecue utensils and accessories (apron & hot pads) handy, too. For quick clean up always have a trash can and tub of soapy water nearby.

Check your condiment supply, cups, napkins, and disposable eating utensils. Stock up on necessary items to get you through the season. A condiment refrigerator tote keeps everything organized and easy to retrieve. Use a basket or tray to carry napkins, cups, and utensils from indoors to outdoors, saving time from running back and forth.

Beach Outings
Get organized for beach outings. Pack a bag specifically used for going to the beach. Fill it with things like: sunscreen, reading material, beach towel(s), sunglasses, and toys for the kids. Store the bag in a designated location all season long for quick grab & go.

Picnics
If picnicking is your passion, find your picnic basket and dust off the cobwebs. Make sure it's stocked with non-food essentials and ready to go for last minute picnic plans.

Kid's Toys
To control kid chaos in the backyard, use a large lidded bin to store outdoor toys. Insisting on a daily clean-up effort at the beginning of the season will get everyone off to a good start.

Take it Outside!
Use your back patio as an extension of your home. There are a ton of things you can do out there. Pay your bills, read your mail, make phone calls, write a letter, polish the silverware, peel potatoes, balance your checkbook, the list is endless.

Proper Disposal of Medications

2009-06-26T12:01:00.000-07:00

As an organizer, my clients ask me all the time what to do with unused or outdated prescriptions or over-the-counter medications. This is a great question since options are slim.

If you flush medication down the toilet, they can enter the soil, surface water and groundwater, causing harm to fish and wildlife (modern wastewater treatment facilities are not designed to remove synthetic pollutants like pharmaceuticals).

If you throw medication in the trash, children or pets could possibly find them. If swallowed, they could be poisoned.

If you continue to store them in your home, it creates an opportunity for illicit use. One in five teens report intentionally misusing someone else's prescription drugs to get high.

So what's the answer?

Call your local drugstore or pharmacy for options in your area. Pharmacies are not required to take back your medications, however, sometimes they sponsor "clean out your medicine cabinet" drives where customers can return unused medications, supplements, and other over-the-counter products.
Check with your police department to see if they have a drug collection program.
Check to see if your community household hazardous waste program collects medications.

For those of you who live in Sonoma County, great news! There's now a Safe Medicine Disposal Program. You can take your unused medication to a participating pharmacy and they'll collect them FREE of charge and place them in a secure bin to dispose of them properly. For a list of participating pharmacies click here.

As a last resort, if no collection options exist, follow these steps: (1) Remove all labels containing personal information from prescription bottles (2) Mix all unused drugs with coffee grounds, kitty litter, or another undesirable substance, and/or (3) place this mixture in a sealed container before disposing in the trash.

Organizing Your Books

2009-06-15T18:47:00.000-07:00

Book collections are a challenge to downsize. If you're like me, ALL books are important. I've been an avid reader all of my life. As a kid, it was not uncommon for me to be reading 5 different books at once. And I always participated in my yearly school fundraiser for Multiple Sclerosis. The more books I read, the more money I'd make to give to the great cause.

With that said... how do you scale down your book collection to make more room in your home? The best place to start is to get rid of the books that you no longer have any attachment to. Books that you've never read and probably never will; books that you've read but probably will never read again; books that you've read but weren't any good; and books that you could easily check out from the library if the desire were to surface.

Ok, with that done, now go back through your collection and get rid of any books that have lost their value because they're out of date (i.e. old encyclopedias). Then, lastly, pick out any books that no longer interest you that you'd enjoy giving to friends or family (i.e. travel or golf).

Remember, be tough on yourself and be realistic. Are you really going to go back and read your old college text books?

You should only have left the books that are most important to you. The books that you'd take with you to a deserted island. As long as you have enough space to store them, you're good to go. If not, go through the process again.

On your bookshelves, organize your important books by categories and then by size. Categories may include: Fiction, Gardening, Baseball, Music Legends, etc. Fiction can be organized by author for easy retrieval.

It's okay to lay large books flat on your bookshelves and intermingle family photographs and art statues for visual appeal.

Getting Organized Can Save You Money

2009-06-10T16:09:00.000-07:00

Get your paperwork in order. Create a filing system to store your important financial documents so you'll know exactly where to find what you need should a financial question arise.

Develop a bill paying system so you're never late on paying your bills, to avoid those nasty late fees. If you pay your bills online, organize your 'inbox' and make sure all of your information is correct (i.e. your bank account number). One late bill can cost you $30 or more in unnecessary fees.

Know your finances! Keep track of your spending on a weekly basis. Know exactly where your money goes. this will help you plan a budget and avoid overspending. Be aware of high interest rates and memberships you don't use. Start paying attention to bank statements and take note of recurring unrecognizable or even unwanted charges.

At the end of the day, place all of your loose change into a glass jar. Once it's full, take it to a Coinstar machine. Cash in your change for dollars, putting money back into your pocket. To locate a Coinstar machine near your visit www.coinstar.com.

Get rid of clutter! Not only does clutter cause stress and rob you of your precious time and energy, it takes up space in your home, costing you money.

Get rid of expensive storage units. Once you clear up space in your home, move the contents of your storage unit into your home. Make sure you move only items you want to keep. The others can go. No more monthly bills!

Create a 'home' for all of your belongings. You'll always know what you have and what you still need to get, helping you to avoid purchasing duplicate items.

Have a designated place to keep uncashed checks until you can get to the bank (i.e. an envelope in your purse). The same goes for gift cards and gift certificates. This will help you spend what you've already been given.

Keep receipts for big ticket items organized. Always know where to find them in case you need to return something or mail in a rebate.

Simple Meal Planning

2009-05-09T12:04:00.000-07:00

I'm reading a great book right now called 'ADD-Friendly Ways to Organize Your Life' by Judith Kolberg & Kathleen Nadeau, PH.D. This is a really good book for helping anyone organize their life (even if you don't have ADD).

Anyways, there's a wonderful idea in here for simplifying meal planning that I'd like to share with you. I think we could ALL use help with this!

It suggests creating a weekday meal rotation (Monday through Thursday). With input from your children and/or spouse, make a list of eight simple meals (with no more than 3 ingredients).

Sample Menus

Week One
Spaghetti
Grilled cheese sandwiches and soup
Chicken and Broccoli
Turkey hot dogs with beans

Week Two
Hamburgers
Tuna sandwiches and soup
Chicken stir fry and rice
Macaroni and cheese

With each meal, serve a simple salad (prepackaged is fine) or veggies (frozen is fine). Fridays are pizza or burrito nights. Saturdays and Sundays can be take-out, cooking on the grill, eating out, leftovers, or a more elaborate sit-down dinner
when possible.

The meals repeat every two weeks. There's enough variety so you won't tire of them and they're easy and quick to prepare. Not only will this system save you time and energy, but will also make grocery shopping a breeze!

How to Clear Closet Clutter

2009-05-04T13:49:00.000-07:00

Five Simple Steps to Getting the Closet You Desire

Step 1.
Schedule a full day (or even a weekend).

Step 2.
Take everything out of your closet (yes, everything!). Make sure you have room to put things temporarily. A bed works great.

Step 3.
Pick up one article of clothing at a time and make a decision then and there. Ask yourself the following questions:

Have I worn it in the last year?
Do I love it?
Does it fit me now?
Does it make me feel good?

If you answer yes to all of the above questions... hang it back up. It's a keeper!

However, if you answer no to any of the above questions... it's time to let it go. If it's still in good condition (gently used), put it into a donation box (a bag will work, too). Give it to a friend or your favorite charity. If it's stained, has holes, or needs a zipper repaired (and you don't think you'll ever get around to fixing it), toss it.

As you're making decisions, keep in mind that your end goal is to only have clothing in your closet that suits your life now! There's no sense in keeping clothes that you might fit into some day, or clothes that you liked at one time, but not anymore, or clothes that were given to you as gifts that don't match your style. Make space in your closet for the clothes that are useful to you now!

If you absolutely cannot bear to part with it, put it in a box, date it 6 months from now, and store it out of site. The next time you encounter the box, look at the date. If the date has come and gone and you haven't missed it (be honest!), then it's safe to let it go. Do not open the box. Take the box directly to your car. The next time you're in town, drop it off at your favorite charity.

Step 4.
In your closet, group similar items together. Essentially, categorize the 'Keepers' for fast grab-n-go. Sample categories might be: blouses, slacks, skirts, dresses, casual shirts, casual pants, jackets, etc. Once they're sorted into categories, sort them again by no sleeve to long sleeve, short skirts to longs skirts, and by color. This will give you an instant visual of everything in your closet. You will always know what you have and where to find it, making getting dressed in the morning (or anytime) a breeze.

Step 5.
Clearing closet clutter is great; however, keeping it clutter free is another. Maintenance is key. Remember to always hang your clothes back up where they belong, keep a donation box nearby at all times, and once or twice a year (preferably at the change of the seasons) go through the steps again (yes, again!) You'll be glad you did and you'll feel free and fabulous!

BONUS TIPS!

For visual appeal, buy all white plastic hangers, or better yet, splurge on all wooden hangers (no more wire
hangers - they're great for dry cleaners only).
Make sure you have proper lighting.

Hang all of your clothes facing the same direction for a tidier look.

Button the second button on all shirts or jackets. This little trick will prevent hanger slip & slide.

Store seasonal clothes in a less accessible location. For example, in a clear labeled tote under the bed, in an empty suitcase, or in a clear labeled tote in the garage.
And if you're super motivated, paint the inside of your closet with a fresh coat of light-colored paint.

Reduce the Clutter in Your Mailbox

2009-04-25T18:09:00.000-07:00

Junk mail is a major problem in America. It's causing clutter in our homes, it's costing us money for disposal of what doesn't get recycled, it's wasting away our precious trees, it's taking up space in our landfills, and it's taking up our valuable time. On average, we spend 8 months opening junk mail in the course of our lives!

I've put together a list of online resources to help you reduce the clutter in your mailbox. You can either take the time to do it yourself or, for a small fee, you can seek the assistance of an online service to help you.

The Direct Marketing Association (DMA)
(The single largest provider of direct mail lists)
www.dmachoice.org
FREE to register online. $1.00 to register by mail.
Catalogs & junk mail.

Bay Area Junk Mail Reduction Campaign
www.StopJunkMail.org
Download your FREE Stop Junk Mail Kit

www.CatalogChoice.org
FREE service! Catalogs only.

www.StopJunkMailing.com
($25.00 one time fee) Catalogs & junk mail.

www.StopTheJunkMail.com
($19.95/year) Catalogs & junk mail.
* They plant 1 tree for each membership!

www.MailStopper.tonic.com
($20.00/year) Catalogs & junk mail.
* They plant 5 trees for each membership!

By using one of the above resources, you will see less junk in your mailbox very soon!

A Great Product

2009-04-14T19:09:00.000-07:00

Do you have trouble seeing food items at the back of your kitchen cabinets?
Do you wish there was a better way to organize your kitchen cabinets so you can easily access everything you need?
Does your kitchen have oddly shaped corner cabinets that you're not sure what to do with?

I have a great product for you... it's called a Lazy Susan.

You've probably heard of a Lazy Susan. You've probably even seen them on dining room tables for holding things like salt & pepper shakers, napkins, and condiments. But did you know they can also be used for organizing your kitchen cabinets, pantries, and even your countertops?

They come in all shapes & sizes such as, full circular, half moon, pie-cut, D-shape, and Kidney and can be two-tiered to five-tiered depending on your needs. They are also made out of many different materials such as, wood, polymer, stone, metal, and bamboo. They vary in price, as well.

You can find them at www.lazysusans.com. A great website!

Use Lazy Susans to combine all of your cooking oils & vinegars, to store canned items in your pantry, to hold baking supplies in your cabinet, or even use them to store condiments in your refrigerator. They have unlimited uses to make your life easier!

No more having to pull items out of your cabinets or pantries just to see what's hidden behind. A perfect organizing solution for you!

Check them out and let me know what you think.

Quick Tips For Getting And Staying Organized

2009-04-11T13:58:00.000-07:00

Seven Simple Things You Can Do Today!

1. Open Your Mail Daily
Make sure to have a recycle bin, paper shredder, and a letter opener nearby. Immediately recycle the junk mail, including unwanted catalogs. For safety, shred all credit applications, financial solicitations, and anything else with personal information on it.

Sort opened mail into one of three categories:

To Pay (Bills)
To File
Take Action
To Read (optional)

Schedule time during your week to pay your bills, to do your filing, and to take action on things that need your immediate attention. Containers used for categories can be labeled file folders placed in a desktop filing system, labeled horizontal trays placed in a convenient location, or labeled vertical trays hung on a wall. Use the system that works best for you!

2. Make Your Bed
Get in the habit of making your bed every morning. This small task will do wonders for making a room appear instantly neat and tidy. It will also bring a sense of calmness each time you walk into the room.

3. Designate A Place For Your Keys
Every time you walk through the door put your keys in their designated place. You will always know where to find them when you need them.

4. Complete The Cycle
Dirty your dishes... wash your dishes.
Change your clothes... put your clothes away.
Start a project... put the project away before starting another.
You get the idea. The key is to take action sooner rather than later!

5. One 'In' One 'Out'
Every time you purchase a new item, let go of an old item. i.e. Buy a new pair of shoes, get rid of an old pair of shoes you no longer wear. Buy a new t-shirt, get rid of an old t-shirt. Keep a donation box in your closet. When it's full, put it in your car and drop it off at your favorite local charity. Follow this rule and your possessions will never get out of control again!

6. Recycle Your Magazines
Recycle magazines that are more than 1 month old. If you haven't made time to read them yet, guess what? You never will. Before recycling, scan the table of contents. Tear out interesting articles you'd like to read and place them in a designated 'To Read' area. Single articles take up a lot less space than an entire magazine.

7. Prepare For Your Day The Night Before
Put everything you'll need for the next day near the door. i.e. Outgoing mail, purse, daily calendar, cell phone, gym bag, bottled water, take action items, etc. In addition, before going to bed at night, make your lunch, pick out your clothes for the next day, and set up the coffee maker for brewing in the morning. The more you prepare, the smoother your next day will be.

Let Me Introduce Myself

2009-04-09T14:50:00.000-07:00

Hello, my name is Amy Brueske. I'm an organizing consultant and owner of Always Organizing, a professional organizing company located in Santa Rosa, California.

I help busy people solve their organizational challenges.
I provide residential, home office, and small business organizing services.

My services include:

Paper Management
Filing Systems
Packing/Unpacking
Clutter Control
Kitchen Organizing
Closet Organizing
Garage & Storage Organizing
And more...

I help my clients sort through their belongings and find a home for everything so they know what they have and where to find what they need in 30 seconds or less. Saving them precious time, money, and energy. As a result they have less stress, greater peace of mind and they have more time to do the things that matter most!

People from all walks of life have benefited from my services:
Teachers, Independent Film Makers, Stay-at-Home Moms, Marketing Specialists, Real Estate Agents, Artists, Chiropractors, Pilates Teachers, Financial Advisers, Veterinarians, Office Managers, Massage Therapists, Musicians, and Computer Specialists just to name a few.

To learn more about what I do and how I can help you live a more organized life visit www.alwaysorganizing.com.