So Squared Away

3 Tips for Downsizing Your Space

2013-05-09T10:49:00.000-04:00

There's nothing quite like downsizing to make you realize how much stuff you actually have, and how much stuff you don't really want. People often equate downsizing with an empty nest or retirement, and while that is often true, the decision to move into a smaller place can happen at any time in your life. Downsizing doesn't always mean moving to a smaller home. Moving in with a significant other after living alone also means downsizing - for both of you - as your space effectively gets smaller and the other person's space is shared with you. Of course, the longer you've lived in your home, the more possessions you've probably accumulated, as well as those of your children, your parents, and other family members.

So, you've decided to downsize. Let's assume you already have the new space identified. Where do you start in your current home? How do you actually fit into that smaller space?

1. Choose a system - Having a system to sort and label EVERYTHING is key to keeping the chaos under control. The system can be labels, colored dots for each category, or even physical relocation of items to spaces associated with each category (e.g., all the items moved into garage will go to storage) Categories to consider are "Going to the new place", "Give to someone else (adult children, friends, neighbor, etc.)", "Move to storage", "Donate", "Sell", and "Trash". I often suggest clients add another category for "Think about it." Depending on the circumstances of downsizing, it can be a difficult time. If you find that you're overwhelmed or feel like you're getting rid of too many things, and you come across something you're just not sure about, put it in the "Think about it" category and wait until the entire process is essentially complete. By then, you'll have a better idea of what you're keeping and whether you can/should keep the item in question. Be kind to yourself. If something makes you feel more comfortable, keep it for awhile. You can always revisit that decision when you get to the new place. Sure, it's not the most efficient method, but it can ease the transition and lessen the feeling of losing all of your "stuff."

2. Assess the situation- Using the system you identified in the first step, you can now assess the situation by determining the dimensions of the new space. While it's important to measure each room itself, it's just as important to measure the length of each wall, even the narrow ones. It's also helpful to measure the furniture you have. Write down the dimensions of each piece of furniture. Then, take a good, long look at your furniture to figure out what you want to bring with you. Start by determining where you're going to put it in the new place. Keep only the items for which you actually have a place. Be realistic. You may love all of the chairs in your house, but if you can't fit them all in the new space, something's gotta go. When determining what to keep, view your possessions with a fresh perspective. Try to think of multiple purposes for the same item. Smaller spaces require items to do double duty. For example, can you replace an old dining room hutch and a hall table that you don't really love with an antique dresser that you really want to keep, giving you a place to keep your keys and store entertaining items?

3. Sort and label - This is the exhausting step. Sort everything you own. Pictures, wall hangings, tchotchkes, mementos, holiday decorations and other decor items on display will not all have a home in the new place. Ask yourself, "Do I love this? Do I need this?" If you answer yes, these items will find a spot in the new home. If no, it's time to donate or sell it. If there are items that you love and can't part with, but don't need everyday, put these aside for storage/archives. A similar process takes place in the kitchen. If you are no longer throwing large dinner parties, perhaps your collection of serving platters is no longer needed. Not cooking for a crowd? Maybe it's time to donate the extra sets of plates. Finally, go through your clothing. Now is the time to be brutally honest with yourself. If you don't love it, don't keep it. If you're not going to wear it, donate it. When you can afford the extra closet to store old prom gowns and jackets with huge shoulder pads, that's fine, but are they really going to occupy prime closet space in the new home? Probably not.

Of course, continuing this process is the key to keeping your downsized space organized. Before you bring a new item into your home, determine if you love it, if you need it, and where you can keep it. Yes, downsizing can be stressful, but once you get to the point that you have just enough of the things that you want and need and everything has its place, it can actually be quite a relief!

Figuring Out Where to Start

2013-03-28T14:41:00.001-04:00

There's a common phenomenon that takes place in our homes. We stop seeing our surroundings. Much like I lived with an unpainted door for more than a year without actually noticing the unpainted door, people live with all kinds of unfinished projects. They simply become part of the surroundings and disappear. So, too, does the pile in the corner, the clutter on the desk, the collection of coats hanging from every possible hook, "stuff" that you don't see on a daily basis. It magically disappears. Unfortunately, it's only invisible to us, the owners of the stuff, and it's often the first thing that visitors will see. When I work with clients they often seem surprised when I want to tackle the piles in the corners (Where did that come from?!) ... and almost everyone has piles in the corners. If you don't, chances are good you're not looking for advice here.

It can feel overwhelming to know where to start organizing and improving your space. You know you need to start small, but how do you figure out where to start? The good news is that it doesn't take a professional to figure out what needs to be tackled first. Take a picture of your space right now. Take a quick look at that picture, preferably on the computer screen, where it's bigger. What's the first thing that grabs your attention? That should be the first thing you tackle. If your eye is drawn to something in the room, others will be drawn to the same thing. Then take a good long look at that picture. Does the room look balanced? Does it look like there is too much of something? Or not enough? Try to look at your space objectively and think about what would make you like it more. Then take action. It's that easy. Maybe it will lead to asking for help from a professional organizer, handyman, or decorator, but not necessarily. Many projects are much simpler than that.

Taking a picture of an area gives you a better perspective on what needs to be addressed. It allows you to "see" your room more clearly. Just like a candid photo can sometimes shock you into action (I can't possibly look like that! That's it...back to the gym!), your room's candid photo may also inspire you to take on mini-improvement projects. It often goes beyond organizing and into decorating, but it's really all about improving your space. Just take it one step at a time.

The best part? Taking your own "after" picture and giving yourself a pat on the back. Success!

Taming the Paper Piles

2013-03-07T15:27:00.002-05:00

image credit: jenica26

Sorting through the mountain of paper that builds in our lives can be intimidating. When there is no filter on what goes into the pile, it easily gets out of hand. Important papers get mixed in with junk, and the pile grows. When you know there is one important paper in a pile, even if you can't quite tell what's in the rest of the pile, the entire pile is labeled "important" in your mind. That makes sense, until all the piles are important and you can't see the surface of your desk. How do you tell if you should keep a piece of paper? This is where many of us get stuck. Let's work on applying a filter so that the piles stay in control.

Whether you are working your way through your office or starting on the mail pile on the counter, ask yourself the following questions:

Do I need to keep it? Other than tax documentation, the answer to this question is often, "No." Once receipts have been checked against your account, there is no need to keep them. In today's digital age, there is very little paper you need to keep. This question alone will place a good portion of the pile in either trash, recycling or shredding.

Do I need to take action on it? Bills to be paid fall into this category. Do you need to sign it? Return it? Give it to someone else? Put it in an "action" pile. If not, shred it if it contains personal information. Recycle everything else.
Do I need it for taxes? If it's paperwork you'll need for taxes, file it with other tax papers and make tax preparation time a breeze.

Do I want to keep it? This is tricky. You put the paper in the pile in the first place because you thought you wanted to keep it, right? What's interesting is that what you thought you wanted to keep a month ago, or a year or more ago, sometimes doesn't make sense today. There are some follow up questions that go with this.

Is it still relevant? Instructions for items you no longer own, sign up sheets for last year's summer camp, and expired coupons are perfect examples. Straight to recycling.
Can I find this easily elsewhere? Keeping papers for reference does makes sense in some cases. If it's the only copy you have of something or it's not easily found elsewhere, keep it, either in your files or in your Command Center. If you can easily look up directions, recipes, or instructions online, you don't need to keep the printout. Straight to recycling.
Is it a memento? Papers that you're keeping for sentimental reasons are perfectly fine, but not in your files. They are better kept with your mementos, and you have a place for mementos, right? Straight to storage.

If you answer these questions and you still want to keep the paper, that's fine. It's time to file. If you're not much of a filer, your file categories should be as general as possible. Get related papers into a file folder. The "relation" can be whatever makes sense to you. Maybe it's everything having to do with your health, or school, or each of your children. It doesn't have to be terribly specific at first. It gets the pile off the desk and into the drawer. From an access point of view, yes, you may need to spend a little more time searching, but you'll be starting from the right spot and you only need to go through one folder. If you find that you are accessing the same types of papers often, pull them out and give them their own category. If the folder is getting out of control, then work on subcategories. It's a gradual process of developing files. I recommend you don't jump right into specific subcategories if you've never had a filing system. Trust me on this one. You will end up with many, many folders that each have one or two pieces of paper in them.

Finally, if you're going through a major file clean-out, consider a shredding service. For a fee (roughly $10/box), companies will come and pick up your shredding and provide you with a certificate of destruction. If you have a shredder, and you've been holding on to shredding because the task is too overwhelming, this service could be perfect for you. Be honest...you already have a pile somewhere of things waiting to be shredded "when you have time", don't you? When you consider how long it takes to shred multiple boxes of paper, the value of this service is obvious. Not only do you save time, the boxes are immediately removed and your space is clear. No more paper piles? Priceless.

3 Steps To Conquer Pantry Mayhem

2013-02-04T16:01:00.002-05:00

Kitchen layouts vary, cabinets vary, and where people keep their food varies, but most kitchens have one thing in common: pantry mayhem. Food is notoriously hard to keep track of in the pantry. Whether it's re-buying items that you didn't realize you already had, or finding that the item you need is way past its expiration date, having a well-organized pantry will save you time, money and aggravation. Follow these easy steps to an organized space:

1. Clean - Take everything out of the cabinet. If you have more than one cabinet with food items in it, empty all of them. Wipe down the shelves. I'm always amazed at how messy the food shelves become. How did all of those crumbs get there? And what's so sticky? If you have wire shelving, you are already aware of the aggravation of bottles falling over and small items becoming unbalanced on the wire openings. It's hard to keep things neat if you can't keep them upright. Now is a good time to put something over the shelf surface to smooth it out, especially where bottle are kept. Inexpensive plastic placemats work well.

2. Inventory - Check expiration dates. I recommend you do this little project before trash day, because you will generate a lot of trash and recycling here. If items are close to their "best by"date, plan on using them right away. Make a list of meals/recipes you can create with these ingredients. As a bonus, you'll have that nagging "What's for dinner?" question handled, at least this week. This is a good time to take inventory and make a shopping list for what you need to complete the meals. Make a note of the fact that you have 12 cans of soup but no crackers. Buy crackers and hold off on the soup for a while. Simple.

3. Organize - Whenever possible, consolidate open packages. Consider keeping an open container of loose snack bars and granola bars for quick access. You can use a plastic container that is missing its lid (another mystery for another blog post), or a shoe box or basket would work as well. Group like items, such as soups, other canned goods, baking goods, cereals, snacks, etc. Place these items in the cabinets that make the most sense. Snacks and frequently used items should be at eye level if possible. Less frequently used items can go in a lower cabinet. As much as your kitchen allows, group items in a logical way in logical places. Sounds obvious, I know, but you'd be amazed how often this simple concept isn't put into practice.

One note about containers and canisters. They can be a fantastic way to have an organized pantry, but you need to be realistic. If you and your family will keep them filled, go ahead. It's a perfect way to keep items fresh. Sometimes these storage options actually create more headaches and take up more space. In my house, the three cereal containers I have are rarely emptied since the "end of the box" phenomenon is in play. For some reason once a new package is opened in my house, it's rare that the last of the old package will ever be eaten. I have no idea why this is, but you will typically find three mostly-empty cereal containers and three open cereal boxes. It's crazy, I know. Six boxes of cereal may be overkill, but the fact that they all take up so much space is what really makes me nuts. Try to find solutions you can live with and maintain.

That's all there is to it. If you repeat these steps every few months, it will take no time at all to conquer the mayhem and keep your food cabinets under control.

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Another Opportunity For a New Year's Resolution

2012-12-27T13:55:00.002-05:00

Another new year, another opportunity for a New Year's resolution.

Getting organized is on the "top ten" lists of New Year's resolutions every year for a very good reason. Many of us aren't as organized as we wish we were. 2013 can be the year that changes. If getting organized is on your list of resolutions, here's how to make sure you're successful.

1. Make a plan - It's overwhelming to try to tackle everything at once. Make a list of what areas of your home you'd like to organize so you can see the entire big picture. You may find that there are areas that you're actually satisfied with. Perhaps your closets are fine, but your garage needs work. Do you want to organize your paperwork this year? Do you want your closets in order? Keep in mind that, like getting in shape, getting organized is a lifestyle change. New habits need to be formed. For each of the areas on your plan, take "before" pictures, no matter how small the project is. That means even if you're working on a junk drawer, take a picture before you start. You don't need to show anyone the picture, but it serves as a reminder of all of your progress. Once we get going on an organizing project, we often forget what it looked like before. You'll have to trust me on this one.

2. Create mini-goals - Instead of getting your entire life in order, set smaller goals to start. Don't worry about getting the entire office under control, just start with a desk drawer. If you tackle a desk drawer every week, you'll have an organized desk in less than a month. Yes, that may seem like a long time to clean a desk, but it's manageable to work in small chunks, and in the end, it's a clean desk! If you're working on a closet, start by just going through your sweaters one day, shoes the next, etc. If it's paperwork you're going after, start with just one file folder. Baby steps... and every step counts. The key here is to complete the entire step. Don't place items somewhere "for now", do it for good! Unsure what to keep and what to toss? This article may be helpful: http://www.kiplinger.com/magazine/archives/paper-records-what-to-toss-what-to-keep.html

3. Set limits - If organizing projects stress you out, set a timer and limit how much you work on organizing projects.You have an entire year to work it out. It doesn't have to be done in a day. If the timer goes off and you're in the zone, by all means keep going, but give yourself permission to stop when it rings. It's far less intimidating when you consider that you can probably easily sort clutter for 30 minutes, or 15, or even 5. Any amount of effort gets you closer to your goal.

Of course, in the end, don't forget to take "after" pictures and give yourself a pat on the back. This is going to be the Year of Organization!

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Reclaim Your Kitchen Counter With a Command Center

2012-08-25T12:14:00.000-04:00

Do you have a pile of clutter somewhere on your kitchen counter? Of course you do. Take-out menus, papers from school that may have to be referenced again, classroom phone lists, gift certificates, postcards from that service company you might want to call someday, a bit of writing, such as a poem or joke, that you found that you want to keep and share... the list of things in our kitchen counter clutter piles goes on and on. Do you have a place for things that aren't files but that you want to make sure you don't lose? These items can all neatly be collected in what I call the Command Center .
A quick trip to the office supply store is all that's needed to get your Command Center in order. Start with a sturdy 3-ring binder. Depending on the size of the pile you're organizing, a 1.5 inch binder is probably a good starting point. Don't be afraid to buy a fun print or wild color...have a little fun with it! Tabbed dividers, clear sheet protectors, and slash-cut pockets round out the supply list. If the binder has inside pockets, stash your checkbook, stamps and return address labels there, then set up tabs for each category.

Here is a suggested list of tabs to start your Command Center (in no particular order):

To Do: Forms that need to be completed, order forms, sign-up sheets... you know the pesky pieces of paper that need action, but not this second. Keep them up front and you'll always know what has to get done next and where to find that form on a moment's notice.
Take-out Menus: Maybe it's just me, but this is a "go-to" pile in my house. We keep it handy for times when I'm not cooking. Yeah, it's a well-worn pile. Pocket tabs work well for this.
Contacts: If you have children that are in school, you know that every fall, the stack of classroom directories, phone lists, teacher/school contact information, club and sports team rosters will grow. Every year, toss the previous year's lists and start fresh. Clear sheet protectors are perfect for these lists.
Gift Cards/Gift Certificates: If you keep them in a central location, you'll know just the spot to check when you're making plans for a night out or heading out to shop. How many of us haven't used gift cards because we misplaced them? Or kept forgotten gift certificates for so long the places are no longer in business? One pocket is all it takes to keep them accessible.
Tips/Notes: What do you do with all of those handy tips you cut out of magazines in hopes of trying them out? Keep them in this one spot and you'll always know where to find that perfect cleaning solution recipe or project instructions (origami, anyone?). Again, put each tip in a clear sheet protector so it's easy to flip through when you're looking for something.
House/Car: This is the place to keep those postcards or coupons you get in the mail for home/lawn/car services that you don't need right now, but want to keep for future reference. When it's time for that chimney cleaning, firewood order, or brake job, you'll be ready to call.
Receipts: Maybe you already have a system in place for how you keep track of receipts. If you do, I recommend keeping it. I use this tab for "temporary" receipts of purchase - records you need to keep only until you receive your order for things such as Girl Scout cookies, school picture order forms, subscriptions, and online order confirmations, to name a few.

Once you've put items into the Command Center, see what's left in the pile and create additional custom tabs for yourself. Some words of caution: avoid the use of "Miscellaneous" when you're making your tabs. This tab will balloon out of control because it's easy to categorize every little thing as miscellaneous. Putting a little effort into figuring out into which tab it belongs will ultimately improve your organization skills. Trust me on this one.

Keep the Command Center in an easily accessible place so that you can put items there BEFORE they become a clutter pile (some suggestions: kitchen cabinet, desk drawer, living room bookcase... be creative). Every so often, flip through the Command Center to toss old, obsolete, and expired items. That's all there is to it. Get ready to take command of that clutter pile and reclaim your kitchen counter!

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Two Words That Might Be Keeping You From Getting Organized

2012-07-31T10:57:00.003-04:00

I have found that there is one particular phrase that can keep you from getting organized. It's a phrase I hear repeated over and over again in my clients' homes. It stops organization projects in their tracks. What is this powerful phrase? "For now." Yup, that's it. Just two words. Is it even possible that two little words can have such an effect? Definitely. There are plenty of times when doing something "for now" is perfectly fine, such as temporary solutions until a final one is put in place. For example, if your new furniture isn't going to be delivered for another week, you can keep your books in that box for now. That's not the situation I'm talking about.

The problem I'm talking about is all about procrastination. It's not taking the time to figure out where something should be kept, or not putting things where they belong right away. As you're going through a pile of clutter, do you shove those last few items on a shelf "for now"? Do you put the folded laundry into piles and leave them there "for now", to be put away later? What about dropping that spoon or plate into the sink when the dishwasher is empty? You could bring it all the way to the dishwasher and keep the kitchen neat, avoiding a second step later. Often just a few more steps can bring you to the final step.

One way to break yourself of the "For Now" habit is to time how long it takes to finish the job. You'll realize that it's usually just a few minutes, or seconds, even. Once the laundry is folded, putting it away is just a few more minutes, and the payoff is a tidy room. If you have files set up for bills, don't just stack the pile on the desk, go the extra "mile" and put them right into the files. It's very simple, but very effective. Some clients feel that it breaks your momentum when you are working on a project to stop and finish those little jobs, like filing. Leave some time at the end of any project to finish it up. Bring things all the way back to where they belong in the house, put them in the proper place, finish up the job. Right now.

The fact is, looking at unfinished projects is just psychologically draining. Those little piles have big consequences: they add to the feeling of being overwhelmed, create a cluttered environment, and keep you from being organized. The next time you hear yourself say you'll put something there "for now", stop and ask yourself if you can put it somewhere for good. It's a subtle change that will bring you well on your way to having an organized home... and life!

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5 Easy Steps to an Organized Garage

2012-06-19T12:12:00.001-04:00

Summertime is here…warmer temperatures means we're exposing more. More of the garage, that is, as outdoor activities take center stage and the garage door gets left open all day.

Yes, I know that the garage isn't the same as your house, but think of how many people can see inside that garage. Does the space look the way you like? Can you find everything you need? Does everyone in the family know where to put things back?

Now is the perfect time to get the garage in order. Some people recommend you take everything out of the garage as the first step to cleaning out. While this certainly allows a deep cleaning of all the nooks and crannies, it also makes the project feel a bit overwhelming and leaves you in the position of having to finish the entire garage in one pass, or leave your belongings in the driveway. I don't recommend de-cluttering a room or a basement by removing everything and putting it all back in, and I don't recommend it for a garage either. By following these simple steps you'll be all set in no time.

1) Identify: What are the types of items that will be stored in the garage? Examples of "types" are sports equipment, lawn/yard tools, hardware, paints/chemicals, trash and recycling…you get the idea. Keep in mind if there are some items that are kept elsewhere, like the basement or the shed. As always, expect there to be "donation" and "trash" piles as well.

2) Sort: Starting in one corner, pick up the first thing you see and determine if that's where it belongs. If it isn't put it in one of the designated areas you just identified. Repeat with the next item. And repeat again. At this point, you're only sorting, not worrying about how it will be stored. That comes later. Just get things in the right "neighborhood" for now. As you sort, consider whether you really need to keep the item. If you have multiples of something, consider donating a few of them. (I found 10 umbrellas last time I cleaned my garage. Go figure.) Outgrown bicycles and cleats, sports equipment, old tools, and unused materials from previous home improvement projects are all things that can be donated. Only keep what works, has all of its parts, and is in use currently. If it doesn't meet those criteria, it's probably ready for the trash.

3) Clean: As soon as a space is cleared, sweep it out, or use a shop vacuum if you have one, and don't forget those cobwebs above. Be reasonable with the level of cleanliness you're going for - it's a garage after all - but getting the leaves and dirt out will make the garage look orderly and will help keep the house clean, too.

4) Inventory: This is the step where you now figure out what you're trying to store. Now that everything is sorted into those "neighborhoods" from Step 2, you can easily see what you're dealing with and determine how each should be stored. Do you need access to the item regularly? Items like bike helmets should have a designated spot, where it's easy to grab them. Scooters and skateboards also need ready access in our garage, so they have a prime real estate spot. Are there any items that are routinely aggravating to you because they're inaccessible? In my house it was heavy duty extension cords. They were never where I could easily get to them, so I avoided any outdoor task requiring electricity, which included vacuuming out my car, trimming the hedges, and using the weedwacker. The cords are now stored on a reachable hook, right near the garage door. Lucky me...I have many more projects I can get done now.

http://www.solutions.com/1/1/240-overhead-storage-organizer.html

5) Store: For items that you need access to occasionally, consider shelving. Items such as paints, chemicals, and hardware can be stored in plastic bins on the shelves. Hooks provide quick access to things like backpacks, helmets, and extension cords. Lawn care tools are best stored on hooks designed for that purpose, found at any home improvement store. Hang items that aren't used regularly from the ceiling, in an out-of-the-way spot. Items such as ladders or bicycles that are rarely used are good candidates for this space. Finally, consider using the space over the garage doors for storage of bins. Shelving systems for this exact purpose, one of which is shown at the right, can be purchased in many locations. Holiday items, off season clothing, or items that are only used infrequently, like camping gear can fit on these shelves, freeing up precious garage floor space.

That's all there is to it. The key is to think about how you use your garage and keep the items used the most in the most convenient and accessible space. Items such as recycling bins are most convenient when they're kept near the door into the house. Tools will be put back more easily if you can reach their storage area. Many of us don't put thought into how to organize the areas of our garage functionally…but you'll enjoy your garage much more when you do!

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It's the Little Things

2012-06-08T17:57:00.000-04:00

Often, it's the little things that bring joy. Take, for instance, the IKEA RATIONELL VARIERA plastic bag dispenser. The fact that it costs only $1.99 is reason enough to be joyful, but it's also incredibly versatile. This small wonder attaches to the wall with either adhesive strips or screws and can be used for countless organization applications. First, the obvious: it dispenses bags, just as advertised. It holds LOTS and LOTS of bags, neatly and accessibly, but here (in no particular order) is a list of some other unexpected uses that I've found.

1. Store wrapping paper – It's the perfect size to hold wrapping paper rolls neatly. I have mine on the inside of a closet door. It works perfectly to keep the rolls in order. If you have the space, you could really go crazy and put categories of paper in each – Holiday, Birthday, All Occasion.

2. Organize toys – It's a creative way to keep tall skinny toys in order in a playroom, like the race track pieces shown in picture #2. Some other toys that fit perfectly: small plastic bats, kids' golf clubs, batons.

3. Create a light – A bedside lamp from a plastic bag dispenser? Yes! Check out "ikeahackers.com" (link below) for instructions on how to make this cool wall sconce.

4. Store craft supplies – Tame unruly balls of yarn, prevent unraveling, and create a yarn dispenser. No more tangled messes! The same principle applies to ribbons as well.

5. Hold plants – I originally saw this idea as a way to keep plants out of reach of cats, but it really does offer an imaginative way to clear pots off the flat surfaces of your home while still enjoying greenery. No cats required to enjoy this use.

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References:

1. gall-erry.blogspot.com

2. tpcraft.blogspot.com/2012/02/ikea-hack-for-hot-wheels-track.html

3. www.ikeahackers.net/2011/10/low-budget-bedside-lamp.html

4. www.ikeahackers.net/2007/07/crafty-trash-bag-holder.html

5. www.lifehacker.com.au/2011/03/protect-plants-from-cats-with-a-bag-holder/

Where Does Everything Go?

2012-05-09T20:59:00.000-04:00

Whenever someone looks at my before and after pictures the inevitable question that follows is always, "Where did everything go?" The short answer: where it belongs! Yes, that's oversimplifying so let's cover it in more detail.

1) Trash/Recycle/Shred - Although I never force anyone to throw things away during a project, I do encourage the homeowner to think about the item. Keeping an item just because you always have isn't an acceptable answer. Things that fall into this category tend to be broken items, items that are beyond cleaning, and items that are now worthless such as user manuals for items long gone, clothes that aren't good enough to donate, paperwork, phone books, magazines, files for the car you owned 15 years ago...you get the idea. Depending on the project, this is often the largest category of "stuff" during a project. Somehow it expands to be far larger than the original space.

2) Donations/Sales - For the most part, cluttered spaces often are packed with perfectly good items...that you'll never use again. But someone else can, and will, so this is where donations (and sales) come into play. By the time a person has actually reached the point of decluttering a space, having the items removed immediately is usually the preferred method. On occasion, a person is planning on a yard sale or on-line posting and these items are prepared accordingly.

3) Archives/Memorabilia - Areas that are cluttered in our living spaces often have items that are meaningful and sentimental, which is fine. However, if the plan isn't to display those items proudly, then it's time to pack them up and keep them safe. Generally cluttered areas, like desks, kitchen counters and living room tables often accumulate LOTS of archives that can be packed up and removed from the space.

4) Transfers - During the process of decluttering, areas are established for everything. Yes, everything. If it doesn't already have a designated place, we'll define one. Then, as the project continues, we put everything in its place, "transferring" it there. This is always an extremely satisfying step. This is where you realize you can be organized because you know where to put things back. You may have known where to put some things, but when you know where EVERYTHING should go, it's a great feeling of accomplishment...and the beginning of an organized space for a lifetime.

The things that are meant to stay in the space are then organized. This means utilizing the closet space, shelving, and storage containers in the space, and then arranging your items in a way that is both aesthetically pleasing and functional. That's it! Mission accomplished...an organized space!

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Thinking Outside of the Drawer

2012-04-13T19:47:00.000-04:00

There is rarely enough storage space in a bedroom, or at least it feels that way. Whether the issue is not enough drawers, not enough floor space for dressers, or a tiny closet with minimal hanging space, it's important to think outside the box, or drawer, in this case.

My daughter's room is a perfect example. She doesn't like having clothes on hangers and therefore, hangs up very few items. Dresses are the only things that were on hangers in her closet. What that resulted in was an overstuffed dresser and an empty closet. For a while I fought her on this and continued to hang things up when I helped her put away her laundry, but basically the clothes that were hung were never worn. Not only that, but because the drawers were so packed, she essentially only wore whatever was on top, so only a few items of her wardrobe ever made it into the rotation. I was convinced she would eventually want to hang more of her clothes someday, so I was reluctant to install a closet system. So how could we use the closet without a remodel? The answer was a relatively inexpensive and versatile unit, ClosetMaid Cubeicals^® 6 Cube Organizer, shown here on the right.

Since she likes to have everything visible, we set up the shelving system with folded items that were normally stuffed into drawers. This allowed everything to be stacked and accessible. Her dresser drawers were actually too large for socks and underwear to be kept separately, resulting in wasted space, but she didn't want them combined (heaven forbid!). The easy solution was to use the two canvas drawers for each. We used hooks to keep accessories, such as belts and bags handy.

The other side of the closet is still used for hanging items, but this side can easily be used now exactly in the way she needs it. The drawers aren't overflowing, and she's actually wearing all of her clothes! Success!

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Cutting Down on Cleaning Up

2012-03-26T20:41:00.000-04:00

As we go about our daily lives, we pick up countless items in our home and put them back down again. The only problem with this is that where we put them down is rarely where they belong. Our possessions get spread out throughout the day. Look around the room where you're currently sitting...is there anything out of place? I don't know what your room looks like, but without much effort I can make a list from my home on any given day: the cordless phone is nowhere near its base, the pens are nowhere near the desk, the shoes are nowhere near the closet, the socks are nowhere near the laundry (perhaps that's unique to my house, but socks are always where they don't belong), the glasses are nowhere near the dishwasher. That's just a quick list. Perhaps you have a similar situation. If you don't, then congratulations are truly in order. As we've discussed in previous blogs, having a place identified for everything makes bringing everything back to "base" just as easy. Once you have that worked out, there's just one key step to cutting down cleaning up: NEVER leave a room empty handed. Yes, it's simple, but very effective.

Every time you get up, bring something to the next room that belongs there. Consider how often you move from room to room and how many items you could put away in just one day. It will eventually (dare I say, quickly?) become a habit. Of course it's a never-ending cycle and things will reappear, but it is so much easier to keep your space tidy if you don't need to dedicate long stretches of time to straightening up. It's a constant process, and one you can share. Family members will love the little reminders to take something with them when they leave the room, trust me. Okay, maybe you shouldn't trust me on that one. Although they may not love it, it WILL help.

Now, if you're not passing by the home of the misplaced item on the way from the living room to the kitchen, all is not lost. A little trick is to move the item closer to its base. Although I usually go the extra mile and put the item away, I have been known to move things to the doorway of the room it belongs in if I'm really pressed for time. It gets closer to where it needs to be and is ready for when I walk into that room. Use the partial move method once you're into the routine of putting things away, since you don't want to add unnecessary piles. If it belongs on another floor of the home, get it just a little closer by putting it on, or near, the stairs. Remember safety first: don't put in where someone can trip. Once there is an item waiting for you, you'll never walk up or down the stairs empty handed, right?

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The First Step to Getting Organized: Just Start

2012-03-16T12:02:00.000-04:00

I have often thought that sometimes the hardest part of running is putting on my shoes. I really enjoy running and I love how it makes me feel, but when you're already cozy on the couch, well, it's easy to forget all that. In organizing, as in running, the first step is the challenge. There's only one way past it - just start and the rest will come.

How do you get over that feeling that the couch is the better option? A little change of perspective may help. Don't view your organizing project as a marathon. Think of it as just stretching your legs. People are often overwhelmed with the idea that everything needs to be done at once, and done right the first time. You can do the equivalent of a quick run around the block. Pick just one small area to focus on and organize that. Maybe it's even just decluttering a corner of a room. Every step counts.

Tell yourself that this is just a trial run. Don't view your results as the final answer; view this as playing with new drawer configurations, or rearranging shelves, or trying out some containers. You don't need to commit to the perfect solution. Be happy with the fact that you're moving in the right direction and making it better. Remember, every step counts. Who knows? The interim solution you create may even ultimately meet your needs.

Tempting as it may be, don't start with shopping. When I first started running, I didn't have any fancy gear. I got out there and ran a little first, then added pieces as I figured out what I needed. The same thing applies to organizing. Don't worry about having the right supplies before you even start. Try out some alternatives using what you already have in your house. If they don't work, change them up again by buying something new. If baskets don't work, try hooks. If boxes don't work, try shelves. No matter what you do, you probably will need to tweak whatever you've done in time as your needs change, and that's okay. Forward movement is the key. Just start and you'll get to the finish line. Baby steps…

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Avoid Clutter by Going Against the Norm

2012-03-08T19:53:00.001-05:00

There is a gardening quote that of course I don't remember verbatim, or even who said it, but here is the gist: "A weed is just a plant growing in the wrong place." It's very similar to how I think of clutter. Sometimes clutter is useful stuff, residing in the wrong place. There are two big reasons that happens: you don't have a place for something (yet) or it's just not the right place for you. We often have preconceived notions of where we should place things in our house. Writing utensils are kept in desks, aspirin is kept in the bathroom, trash bags are kept in the cabinet, maybe under the sink...right?

In reality, those just may not be the "right" places for you. It makes the most sense to keep things where you use them. If something seems like it's creating a lot of walking around and inefficiency it probably is, and you can do better. Your home should be adapted for how you live, not the other way around. Some examples of placing things in just the right place:

Every day I would walk to the shelf where I kept brown paper bags, put my kids' snacks in then and then walk to the desk to get a marker to write their names on the bags. Every day the marker would be left on the counter, rarely making its way back to the drawer. Now, I just keep the brown paper bags and marker all in the same drawer now. Simpler, and that marker is never left out anymore.
It seemed like every time I needed scissors on the second floor I ended up walking to the bathroom for better lighting. Yes, I could work on better lighting solutions, but instead I now keep the scissors in the bathroom upstairs. Scissors are no longer hanging around on the dresser, floor, or wherever. Neater and safer, after all.
I keep pain reliever on both levels of my house, which is not that unusual. Upstairs I keep it in the bathroom cabinet, which is also not that unusual. I keep the downstairs in the cabinet with the glasses. Having the Advil next to the water and a glass is key when you're in a rush to get rid of a headache...and aren't you always in a rush for that? Maybe that's just me, but I don't think so.
The "helpers" in my house are pretty good at taking a full trash bag out, but horrible at putting a clean bag back in the trashcan. To make the job easier, I took a trick from our former office cleaning crew and now store extra trash bags on the bottom of trashcan (under the bag, so they stay clean), readily accessible to set up a new one. Happily, my "helpers" responded well to this.

There are tons of opportunities like this to declutter your home and save time. Each item in itself doesn't make a huge difference, but lots of little differences add up. Pay attention to how you use things, the patterns of movement, and what tends to be left out regularly. See if you can find a home for that left-out item near where it's left out. Be a rebel. Go ahead and go against the norm if it makes sense for you.

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Organize by Not Putting Things Away

2012-02-29T17:09:00.001-05:00

Organizing by NOT putting things away? Yes, it's possible. Sometimes being organized isn't about putting everything out of sight. It's about being able to access something easily and still have your space look uncluttered. In each area that's cluttered, consider what the items are that are taking up space and whether they are out because you access them often. If you do, can they be stored in plain sight? There is a fine line between keeping everything within reach and cluttering your space. The key to staying on the right side of that line: make it look deliberate. It's the difference between having toiletries strewn about a cluttered bathroom counter and an uncluttered space that still allows access to items.

There are a few tips to achieving this look:

Get matching containers - Storage containers can be anything. Containers that are the same size or shape create a clean look. Similar "sets" are appealing to the eye. "Shop" around your house for inspiration: matching vases from previous flower deliveries (lucky you), mason jars you planned on using for canning (maybe some other time), a canister set that hasn't been used in a while, baskets that have been used in another room. If there's nothing in your house, you may need to shop, but it doesn't have to be expensive. When shopping, keep in mind the basic size and shape you need for your space. Look around with an open mind about what might be potentially useful. Check different places, like hardware, craft, and discount stores. Browse every department. You never know what you may find. The picture on the right shows my solution to neatening up my bathroom counter: three sugar bowls purchased at a discount store for about $2.00 each. Being organized doesn't have to be expensive, but it does require some thought and creativity.

Keep it neat - Having the containers is the first step. The next step is keeping everything in line. It sounds simple, and it is. Containers in alignment add to that deliberate, organized look and feel. If the containers don't allow you to see what's inside, label them. Again, the idea is to have the labels neat and matching. It makes a difference. In that same vein, if you're keeping containers visible, make sure you keep them clean and dust free...like they were meant to be there, not an afterthought. This should go without saying, but I'll say it anyway: if your container has a cover, keep it on. Covers lying about will just add clutter and defeat the clean look.

Make it work for you - If you're the type the doesn't replace covers, or you share a space with someone who doesn't, look for something that has a flip top. If you like to quickly grab what you're looking for, perhaps look for a container that is open on top. If you're storing something with an interesting color or texture, incorporate it into your decor by using clear containers. You can also use the opportunity to bring in accent colors with your containers. The possibilities are endless.

That's really all there is to it. Office supplies, kitchen tools, toiletries, jewelry...they can all be organized by keeping them out. Just make sure it looks like you meant to do that.

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Nothing to Lose but Clutter

2012-02-22T17:19:00.004-05:00

We've all been there: standing in front of a project, wanting to start, but somehow unable to. You know what needs to be done and you know how to do it, but there's something stopping you. There may as well be an actual mountain between you and that organized closet. Perhaps it's the feeling of being overwhelmed by the perceived size of the project. Maybe you've convinced yourself that you're just not prepared enough to start. When you've bought baskets, or bins, or boxes, you'll be ready...and someday you'll buy them. When you've made room in the attic, you'll be ready…and someday you'll clean the attic. An even more likely scenario: you have no idea why you can't get that project done. You just can't. It's an invisible obstacle. Now, you can certainly work with a therapist to discover exactly what the obstacle is and why it's there, which may be very insightful, but a simpler and easier alternative is to try one or all of the following strategies and see if you finish the project. Nothing to lose but some clutter!

Strategy #1: Enlist help. Projects are easier and more pleasant when you have help. Ask a friend to help with one of your projects and offer to help that friend in exchange. You can both tackle your closet one weekend, and next weekend you return the favor. You can sort through your files while someone else shreds. It makes quick work of that file cabinet! Having someone to talk to and laugh with makes the job fly by, and dealing with someone else's stuff isn't as overwhelming as dealing with your own. It's like having lunch with a friend but some organizing got done!

Strategy #2: Take baby steps. Don't plan on finishing it all in one day. Make a plan to work a set amount of time, say 30 minutes, and start. How much time isn't important, the "start" part is key. Set a timer and do no more than that. It's a little easier to do something when you know there's an end in sight. Tomorrow set the timer again…and start again. Repeat until the job is finished.

Strategy #3: Call a professional. Professional organizers provide an objective outside perspective. They can motivate you to start with some creative ideas, be a cheerleader when you're losing enthusiasm, and keep you focused and on task. Having someone else "own" your project with you and is a great way to get it done!

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Organizing Your Pictures in a Digital World

2012-02-16T19:08:00.003-05:00

For many of us, gone are the days of photo albums and/or boxes of photographs that capture our memories. It's good news from the perspective of saving space. The digital age has made it possible to clear our closet shelves of boxes of pictures, but at the same time, I've heard many complaints that once photos are on the computer, they're essentially gone. Out of sight, out of mind... inaccessible. The primary reason given is that it's too complicated to figure out what's where. You need to have a system to know where to look. Here are a few tips to manage your photos:

1. Keep all photos in the same place on your computer. It sounds obvious, but not everyone follows this one. Just as your paper-based photos should be kept in one location, so should your digital ones.

2. As you download your digital pictures to your computer, use a standard naming convention for folders to make it easy to find pictures when you need them. Use the same system every time you put pictures on your computer. Name each folder with the year first, then the month. If there is a specific occasion being documented, include that too, such as "2011 02 Florida trip". Using numbers for the months instead of the name of the month keeps things in order. Numerical lists work better than alphabetized months here.

3. I know many people will view what I'm about to say as crazy talk, but hear me out: Delete some pictures. There, I said it. No, don't delete the great ones, or even the good ones. But the blurry ones? Delete. The crooked ones? The can't-quite-tell-what-it-is ones? The back-of-someone's-head-blocking-the-scene ones? Delete. The picture on the right is one that I found on my computer. Why on earth was I keeping this?!

You'll be amazed at how you can pare down the volume of digital photos if you just keep the ones that are actually worth keeping. If you have five versions of the same photo with no major differences, go ahead and delete a few of them. The digital world makes it possible to take unlimited pictures, but just because a picture was taken doesn't mean it needs to be kept forever. It will make your life easier. Fewer photos means less time uploading/downloading, less space taken up on your computer, and less "clutter." Try it.

4. Once everything is labeled and organized, don't forget the final step: backup your pictures by creating copies. The backup can be as a CD, external hard drive, in the "cloud"...there are plenty of other options. Choose what works best for you, but I recommend you keep the backup someplace other than at your home. Having photos backed up digitally means that they can be protected from all kinds of trouble, such as computers crashing, theft, water damage, or fire damage, but remember, the backup is subject to all of the same physical threats as your originals. Ask a friend or family member to keep your backup photos safe for you...and maybe offer them a slide show to share your newly organized memories!

What are some of the ways you keep your pictures in order?

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Organizing is a Family Affair

2012-02-09T16:15:00.002-05:00

We've all been there. Unless you live alone, you've probably experienced the frustration. You make small progress in some area of organization only to have your efforts foiled by someone else in the family. A linen closet shelf of perfectly folded sheets that all come tumbling down into a mess when there are forts to be made in the living room, craft supplies in neat baskets until the first homework project is due, utensils lined up neatly until someone "helps" by unloading the dishwasher for you. Sometimes it feels like the world, or at least your family, is working against your organizing efforts.

Some people are inherently more organized. It's just their nature. They lined up their toys by size and color as kids. On the opposite end of the spectrum, some people don't even see the pile, nevermind have an urge to sort it. In my house, there are two of us who are organized, and two who benefit from that organization. At any point in time you have pretty good odds that SOMEONE will know where to find something. Now don't get me wrong, even the organized ones let the clutter build up sometimes. The difference is we both know how to clean up quickly because we know where things go, but that's another day's blog.

I'm here to say there's hope. Little bits of organization may start seeping in, even when you think they're not paying attention. Being able to find what you're looking for is rewarding...and when you're talking about snacks, well, it's a pretty powerful motivator.

In our house, we keep our snacks in a kitchen drawer. It's an easy way to free up cabinet space from the many boxes that have only one or two pouches or bars left inside. It allows you to have a variety of choices at your fingertips. It's a little crazy in that drawer, but really, it's hidden from my view so I don't think about it (true of so many little messes, no?) Well, a couple of weeks ago my daughter insisted I come downstairs immediately. Thinking there was a crisis awaiting me there, I came downstairs with a grumble. And this is what I found:

I'm not going to lie. It practically brought a tear to my eye. It occurred to my daughter that she wasted time in the morning packing her snack because she had to look through the whole messy drawer for her favorites. So, she lined up the snack bars with the name/flavor clearly visible, sorted the pouches by type, etc. My son is maintaining her system because he likes knowing when we're out of a particular snack, he can put it on the list. He likes seeing his choices. They have even restocked the drawer with new snacks since. I could not love this more. The best part? I had nothing to do with it. She saw the need and fixed it. He's happy to use and live with the system. Why is this system working when so many have failed? Maybe because it wasn't "mom-imposed"? Maybe it's the pride of owning this project? I'm not sure, but I do know this: there's hope for us all.

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Meeting Your Organizing Goals: A Little Help Never Hurts

2012-01-31T16:43:00.003-05:00

Getting organized is on just about every top 10 New Year resolution list I've looked at. It's right up there with getting fit and losing weight. Unfortunately, it's also one that often goes by the wayside as the year progresses, but it certainly doesn't need to! I have heard people comment that hiring a professional organizer is something they wouldn't do because they know how to organize. "It's not rocket science." And that's true. It's not. That doesn't mean you can't or shouldn't use help. You can know all about HOW to clean, but that doesn't mean you have the time or the inclination to do it on your own.

To meet fitness goals, many people hire personal trainers. To lose weight, they join diet/nutrition support groups. A personal trainer provides ideas, motivation and tips to ensure every move brings you closer to your goal. They (well, the good ones) are non-judgmental with just enough butt-kicking to get you in gear. They keep you from quitting when you just feel like grabbing a snack or a nap (or both!). They help you stay focused. You may know how to exercise, but wouldn't necessarily work as hard or efficiently if you were on your own. The same is true of diet/nutrition support groups. They take what you know and add to it. They offer support and accountability. Professional organizers can provide just the right amount of help to meet that goal of an organized life. Professional organizers can often save you time and sometimes money. Save money? Yes, you might just find money in that clutter. It could literally be actual cash money, or gift cards, in the piles, but there are other ways. You will find you're not re-buying items you already own, but just couldn't find. Bills can be paid on time without late fees because you have a system. Items that need to be returned to the store can be found and refunded. You get the idea.

This can be the year you meet your organizational goals - declutter, use a space better, reinvent a space, get on top of paperwork. I can't guarantee you won't sweat...maybe you'll get fit and lose weight at the same time! Well, one thing at a time...

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