If you’re hosting the holiday, use that as motivation to get organized now. Planning and preparing to host guests will inspire you to get projects done around the house. If it’s getting clutter out of corners and closets, now is the time to get it done with the end goal of Easter in mind.

It’s not too late to come up with a plan to tackle some of those nagging organizing projects. Here are a few tips:

Carve out time:

You may think several free days are needed to tackle a big organizing project, but the truth is, you just need a starting point. If your schedule only allows 30 minutes, take it! Carve out snippets of time because it’s better to get started than to never begin.

Have a plan:

Decide how you want to use the space, what’s going to happen with the stuff you’re keeping and what to do with the things you no longer want. Having clear direction will allow greater productivity.

Don’t look at the big picture:

When it comes to organizing a large project, or an overwhelming space, looking at the big picture will only sabatoge progress. When our expert organizers come to work, we like to start in the toughest spot to help you push through the grit. If you’re working on your own, start in a place that feels comfortable so you can just dig in and make progress quickly.

Deal with one item at a time: 

Trying to multitask will slow you down. We can only make one decision at a time. When sorting through a big project, look and make quick decision about one item at a time.

Keep at it:

The hardest part is sticking with it to completion.  With Easter as your finish goal, there’s good motivation to get it done quickly!

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Organizing hanging clothes is an important part of not only having an organized closet, but also being able to find things quickly and efficiently. Recently a client asked how we determine the color order of the clothes hanging in the closet. Like any of the organizing we do at Chaos To Order, the way we organize is unique to each and every client’s needs. However, there are some basic principles, like arranging clothes light to dark, but it also depends on frequency of use. For example, if black is your go-to color, you would want the black items closer within reach. Your closet may have black first then white and light to dark.

Here is an example from my own closet. I keep white to the front because I often use white and black shirts to layer with. Then I go to grey and browns, then to blues and reds. I organize them so the color hues blend and work together. When our organizers go into a closet and start putting clothes in color order, it’s based more on an eye for what they have and how they fit together than on a ROY G BIV color wheel. Of course if you have a plethora of bright colors, then the rainbow order may work! You may have to add the white, black, grey and browns to that. Where you add them depends not only on how much you have, but how often you reach for them.

The bottom line is, organize according to type of clothing then by color. When it comes to colors, you have to decide individually what works best for you based on the season, how you wear them and how accessible you need them.

If it’s time for a seasonal update in your closet, schedule an appointment today!

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How is your New Year resolution to get organized working? By the end of January, many resolutions have already fallen by the wayside. Don’t let a small stumble get you off course. Here’s an article with some terrific tips from expert organizers for inspiration: Tips for Starting 2022 Clutter-Free: The Experts Advice

The tip that I was quoted in is a common stumbling block, so here are the details:

How do you declutter when you want to keep everything?

When we work with clients to do a thorough purge, they can more clearly realize the excess. When coaching through the process, we ask questions like, “when was the last time you used this?” to help them grapple with these sometimes difficult decisions. It also helps to pull things out of drawers and cabinets. So much can hide in spaces we don’t see. It’s important to be very sensitive to the needs of people who are holding on to things. There is a great deal of sentimental attachment, so a non-judgmental, empathic coach will help push through some of those hard places. We encourage our clients to take pictures of larger objects and write stories about what they mean so that future generations can appreciate them. Younger people don’t have the same sentimental attachments, but a written family story can carry on for generations, and it doesn’t take up storage space when it can be digital.

When space is limited, hanging on to things can become a real problem. Making use of every inch of storage space is critical. Using dividers, drawer organizers, adjustable shelving, proper containers, and labels can bring plenty of chaos to order.

-Monica Friel from Chaos to Order

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1.  When taking down the tree and miscellaneous decorations, think about what you can pare down. We tend to accumulate excess in the storage boxes–only save what you know will be displayed again next year. Donate the overflow.

2.  Weed out to make room for the incoming. You can’t fit 10lbs. of potatoes in a 5lb. bag, so don’t try to do it in closets and cabinets. Less really is more when it comes to efficiency and access to what you have.

3.  Like how your decorations looked this year? Before dismantling, take a photo to remember the setup. Print a pic and add it to the storage box. If you are motivated to get things organized when putting away, you’ll reap the reward when it’s time to bring them out again!

We are happy to help–

Chaos To Order is your source for all things organized. From taking down the tree to clearing space and setting up organized systems for 2022–we’ve got you covered!

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There is no better time than the present to set some goals and plans for the New Year. Getting organized is a popular resolution, take some time to think about how tidying up can improve your life. Here are some tips to help 2022 be your most organized yet!

Systematize

If you want to feel orderly and efficient, think about the way you do things. Create systems to accompany your daily routine, this is where either a good foundation is laid, or chaos can ensue. Make use of digital calendars, notifications and apps for motivation to make the most out of each day.

Clear the Clutter

After the holidays, clutter can become overwhelming. Seize the moment and grab two bags, one for trash and one for donation. Resolve to remove what you’re not using. Pay attention to your surroundings and make them beautiful and efficient.

Live It

You can’t decide to tidy up and just hope for the best. Creating and maintaining good put-away habits is your key to success. Organization is not a destination, it’s a way of living–fully finishing and putting away all of those little things as you go.

Enlist Help

Of course, the expert organizers of Chaos To Order are always here to help every step of the way. Call the office at 847-825-8400 or Schedule an Appointment online today!

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Another solution to getting shoes optimally organized is maximizing storage space. Fully adjustable shoe shelving makes a huge difference in the amount of shoes you can store in a space. The photos show how wide-spread shelving is great for taller boots and closer spaced shelves are great for low heels and sneakers.

If you need help getting shoes in order, of course our expert organizers at Chaos To Order can help with all the details!

Need more shoe storage solutions? Read this post

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