Organized Artistry

Organizing on the Cheap: Target Dollar Spot

2012-02-02T21:55:00.001-05:00

I love Target. I find it to be a very enjoyable place to shop. Stores are always brightly lit and clean. Staff in red shirts are ready to help and price scanners are plentiful.

Last week I stopped by my local Target for some random items--cleaning supplies, picture hangers, strawberries--a typical day of one-stop shopping. The first thing I did when I walked in the store was check out the weekly sale circular on the wall. Then, I headed straight to the Dollar Spot.

According to the Target website, The Dollar Spot was launched in 2004. If you haven't stumbled upon it, it's usually the first shopping area you see when you walk in the store. All of the items in the Dollar Spot cost $1 with a few costing $2.50. It's a great place to pick up items for holidays, kids, pets and organizing.

Really? Organizing products for $1?

Yes--you're not going to find elfa shelves here but you if you check the bins from time to time, you will find a few organizing products mixed in with the socks, books, and Hello Kitty paraphernalia.

Here's are some organizing products I found at the Target Dollar Spot last week:

Magazine Files - for storing papers, folders and of course, magazines.

Decorative File Folders - Although it's only a 2-pack, it's an inexpensive way to brighten up your desk or file cabinet.

Large coupon file - use for Bed, Bath and Beyond coupons, receipts, anything on large slips of paper.

Small coupon/receipts file - good too, for storing gift cards and photographs.

Weekly Menu/Shopping List To-Do Pads - useful for getting thoughts out of your head and onto paper.

I bought the above bin for my pantry--I'll show you how I'm using it to organize food and save time in a future blog post.

Next time you go to Target for hairspray, light bulbs, or a garden hose, be sure to wander over to the Dollar Spot. Be on the lookout for products to help you get and stay organized. You never know what you'll find!

Sort, Purge and Thank the Garbage Man

2012-01-27T11:55:00.010-05:00

As a Professional Organizer, I help people de-clutter their homes and get rid of things they no longer need, want or use. Sometimes the items are donated, sometimes they're given to friends and relatives. But, most often, they're bagged up and left at the curb.

Professional Organizers (and their clients) make LOTS of garbage. On 'Garbage Day' our clients put it all the trash bags we've made out to the curb (some tell me they wait for nightfall when the neighbors can't see) and say goodbye to them forever. We are the hero. Our clients are relieved of a weighty burden. But, who is the real hero here with the most weighty burden?

Trash Collectors, Garbage Men, Sanitation Personnel--the people who haul away trash.

Professional Organizers partner with Home Stagers, Psychologists, Real Estate Agents and other professions to help clients reach their organizing goals. Trash Collectors are the silent member of a Professional Organizer's team.

I recently read a blog post, written by Kindness Girl (also known as Patience Salgado) that piqued my interest. Patience took a poll to find out what the most thankless job in America was. Turns out the answer was--garbage collectors. Knowing what an important role they play in our society, she created a 'kindness project' for them. She says in her post,

"What could be a more lovely and simple message of respect than saying, "I see you, I value your contribution to my community and I thank you."

Patience enlisted the help of her daughter's kindergarten class to make thank you cards for the trash collectors. Word spread and more schools joined in on her kindness project.

How great is that? Just when you think one person can't make a difference--think again.

So if you get a moment, stick a 'Thank You' sign on your garbage can once in a while--especially days you put out an inordinate amount of trash.

As for me, I'm going to look into making some 'Thank You' stickers to place on the trash bags I create in my own home and those of my clients. It's never too late to show appreciation through random acts of kindness.

Uncle Sam Wants YOU--To Be Organized for Tax Season

2012-01-19T23:14:00.002-05:00

It's the beginning of the new year--a time when people make resolutions to lose weight, spend more time with family and make other such improvements to their life. Many set goals to get organized in the New Year.

If that is one of your goals, that's wonderful! I commend you for setting a goal to improve the quality of your life. I have the perfect organizing project for you. When you've finished it, you'll be less stressed and have more time to enjoy the beginning of Spring.

I don't want you to sort your sock drawer. No, I'm not sending you to organize your garage in the middle of winter.

Your first organizing project of the new year is to: Get Organized for Tax Season.

We've all heard about the person who walks into an accountant's office with a shoebox full of receipts. It's a stereotype, but if I polled a bunch of accountants, they'd probably tell me that the stereotype is more of a truth than an exaggeration.

If the thought of getting organized for tax season makes you start to twitch, not to worry. I'm going to use a few basic organizing principles to guide you through the process and put a smile on your face and your accountant's.

Break a Large Task into Smaller Tasks
Prepping for your tax appointment can seem overwhelming. I'll tell you that a task becomes less overwhelming once it is broken down into many smaller tasks. Do a brain dump of all the things you need to do to prepare for a tax appointment. Then put those tasks into priority order and create a check-off list for you to follow until the last step has been completed.

Create a Home
In the next few weeks, your mailbox will be stuffed with W-2's, 1099's, statements from financial institutions and other papers necessary for filing your taxes. In order to keep track of them, you'll need to create a place for all of these papers to 'live' before they visit the accountant. Normally, I advise people to use shoeboxes an an inexpensive organizing tool but in this case, I'd prefer not to feed the shoebox stereotype. Take a large poly envelope, preferably see through, and place all tax-related documents in there. Have a file drawer or cabinet? Create a hanging file with a tab that says 'TAXES.' As they come in the mail, place the tax papers in the file.

Make an Appointment with Yourself or Delegate

If you're doing your own taxes, make an appointment with yourself to get them done. Pick a day and time when there are few distractions and when you are most coherent. Write that date on your calendar and stick to it. Are you having an accountant file your taxes? Great--you're delegating! Call their office in late January or early February to make an appointment. Put it on your calendar.

Sort it Out/Group 'Like with 'Like'
It's a week before your appointment. Take out that poly envelope or tax file and look at all your papers. If you have a stack of them you'll need to sort them by grouping 'like with like'--all interest statements from banks go together, all receipts for gas and tolls should be clipped together, etc. This will enable you and your accountant to process your tax return quickly and with less stress (and coffee).

A few tax season Do's and Don'ts:

Don't: procrastinate. This is one of the worst things you can do at tax time except for showing up with that shoebox (see above). If you're doing your own taxes, it won't be much fun if your version of Turbo Tax unexpectedly quits at 10:30pm on April 15th. You'll never get your accountant's full attention if you procrastinate--in fact you might be put on extension. And by then, you'll be talking to the secretary if she hasn't fallen over from working overtime for the past three months.

Don't: arrive at your accountant's office with your statements in their sealed envelopes unless you want to see his/her head pop off. If your accountant's head does not pop off, it's because they have already decided that they will charge you for having to open all of your envelopes.

Do: take the Social Security numbers of all family members you are filing taxes for. If you or a member of your family owns a business, bring the tax ID number with you as well. Your accountant will thank you a hundred times for being prepared with that vital information.

Do: collect all proof of donation papers (thrift stores, schools, great causes, etc.) throughout the year and keep them in the poly envelope or tax file discussed above. You'll need them to get that tax deduction!

Tax season does not have to be a painful time of year. With some preparation and organization, you'll be on your way to a less stressful and more relaxed way to pay Uncle Sam.

Organizing on a Budget

2012-01-12T12:51:00.002-05:00

It's 2012. You've made a resolution to get organized in the new year. That's great!

But, I'm getting the feeling there's something bothering you...

What's wrong? Low on cash after the holidays? Got a pink slip for Christmas?

OK--I get it. You don't have a lot of money to put into the organizing project (or projects) you'd like to tackle this year.

Not a problem. Organizing doesn't have to cost you a lot. In fact, getting organized SAVES you money long-term. Getting there doesn't require a whole wad of cash.

You need time, elbow grease and some free and low-cost products to help you achieve your organizing goals. There's no need to max out the credit cards when you're organizing on a budget.

For inexpensive (or FREE) ideas on how to declutter your space or create places of order in your home and life, read my article, Organizing on a Budget. In the article, I talk about products and resources for getting organized on a budget. Here's an example...

Some of the best organizing products are FREE!

Boxes

Boxes from the liquor store, shoe store, jewelry store or from your bank shouldn’t cost you anything and most of the time, they’re happy to hand them over to you. So when you buy jewelry, ask for a box and when your checks come in the mail, don’t throw out the box they came in. **It is best to not use boxes that might have had contact with any type of food product.

• Use boxes from liquor store as temporary file holders and for storage of infrequently used items.

• Use shoe boxes as deep drawer dividers (Ex. to separate different colored socks, scarves, etc.) or to hold shoes.

• Use check boxes (from your bank) or jewelry boxes from a department store as drawer dividers in anything from a desk drawer to a junk drawer.

For more ideas and ways to keep costs down while getting organized, take a look at Organizing on a Budget. Even if you use just one of my tips, it will bring you one step closer to your organizing goal and keep your financial status 'in the black.'

Organizing Inspiration from Curious George

2012-01-04T23:18:00.001-05:00

A few months ago, I was watching an episode of Curious George with my five year old. The episode was called 'Trader George' which made me laugh for a moment because it sounded so much like 'Trader Joe's' which is a food store I love to shop in and eat from.

Hey, it was really early in the morning and I was hungry. OK--back to how this connects with organizing...

So, in the episode George does some trading of items with people in order to get what he thinks he wants. The back story involves The Man With the Yellow Hat. While George is out trading his stuff to get other stuff, The Man With the Yellow Hat is at his county house going through the closet looking for items to put out at a local swap meet (where George is doing all this trading).

I'm getting to the organizing part...

Mr. Yellow, as I'll call him for brevity sake, ends up spending much of the episode sitting in front of his closet pulling stuff out and reminiscing about it. My son is enjoying the show while I'm yelling at the TV in my head, "Don't do that!'

You see, Mr. Yellow was breaking one of the cardinal rules of organizing.

Do not reminisce while organizing.

Why is this a bad idea?

It's distracting. You're supposed to be sorting and purging and getting rid of the old to make for the new and instead you're looking at pictures or dreaming about the last time you fit into that cocktail dress and now you've stopped organizing to look for the matching shoes and handbag you wore with it ten years ago.

It's a time waster. Not many people have all day to organize. Time is precious and it's important to focus on organizing during the time you've alloted for it before you get tired or have to move on to the next activity of the day.

There's nothing wrong with taking a few moments to think about the past. But those moments should not take you away from the task at hand. Pick a time later in the day or week to go through all the bridesmaids dresses you uncovered or all the never-before-seen pictures you found from your parent's first Thanksgiving together.

Next time you're organizing a spot in your home and you come across some cool stuff you want to dwell upon for more than thirty seconds, think about The Man With the Yellow Hat. Make time later to reminisce--or you may miss out on a lot more than just a swap meet...

Manage Your Time with the Word 'No'

2011-12-30T22:41:00.002-05:00

Whether you have very little or a whole lot--time is precious. We don't want to waste it on doing things that don't make us happy or enhance our life.

On my Facebook Page this month, I've been talking about Time Management. For my last Facebook December/Time Management tip, I wrote about a little word that takes one second to say but can save you hours/days/weeks of time.

That word is 'No.'

In doing a bit of research, I came across a great article that summed up the importance of using the word, 'No.' It's called:

The Gentle Art of Saying No by Leo Babauta

In the article, Mr. Babauta discusses his top ten tips for learning the 'Gentle Art of Saying No.' It was so comprehensive that I felt the need to share. Read it to learn how to value your time, know and acknowledge your priorities and practice saying the word 'No.'

So, if you find yourself constantly telling people 'Yes' when you really want to say, 'No,' read The 'Gentle Art of Saying No.' It will add precious hours back into your already busy life.

Eyeliner as Time Management Tool?

2011-12-21T11:08:00.002-05:00

If you've been reading my posts for the past few months, you already know that every Friday I post an organizing tip to my Organized Artistry Facebook Page. Each month has it's own theme--December's theme is Time Management.

While creating content for this theme, I came up with a bunch of products that help manage or save a person's time. Typical products like calendars and kitchen timers came to mind but as the night wore on, I got punchy and came up with a few 'unorthodox' time management products. The one I'll be talking about today is one I use at least 5x a week. Gentlemen--you may want to get up for a few minutes and have your wife/mother/girlfriend/friend read on 'cause we'll be talkin' about makeup.

Makeup? Yes, the stuff ladies wear on their faces.

Makeup as a time management tool? Yes--I'll make you a believer by the end of this post...

I promised myself (and my husband) that when we had kids, I would make the time to, as my mother likes to say, 'put on a face' in the morning. We now have two small children so my makeup routine has to be quick and simple.

I have this eyeliner I love--the color, the texture, but it seemed as if I had to sharpen it every 2-3 days. That's fine if you have the time in the morning but lately, I just don't.

I stopped into my local Sephora to see if they had another eyeliner in that color that I wouldn't have to sharpen so often. They did!

Today's Cool Product/Time Management Tool is the...

Sephora Retractable Waterproof Eyeliner

The Sephora consultant showed me how I didn't need a sharpener at all with this eyeliner. All I had to do was give it a twist and more eyeliner would reappear. Now it takes me about 1-2 seconds to get my eyeliner ready for use as opposed to the few minutes it took with the other pencil. Perfect for the mom on the go!

They come in a multitude of colors--I use Brown #08 for everyday usage.

The only 'con' about this eyeliner is that you don't know you're at the end of the eyeliner until you try to turn the base and it stops turning. I live near a Sephora but I can't always get there so I use another time-management strategy--I buy multiple products--usually 2-3 at a time. This saves me from having to make a last minute trip to the mall which I rarely have time to do.

Bye-bye eyeliner sharpener! Hello, retractable (and time-saving) eyeliner!

LEGO Storage

2011-12-13T14:28:00.000-05:00

If you have a kid who likes playing with LEGO but can't seem to keep it off the floor and other horizontal surfaces--help is here!

Chloe at Get, Set Organize has written a most amazing blog post on storage options for LEGO. Carve a good 15 minutes out of your day to digest it all. There's A LOT of information jam-packed into that post.

26 Ideas for LEGO Storage Containers

Not only does she offer 26 storage ideas both store bought and DIY, she also gives tips on how to organize a LEGO collection.

Kids learn through play. So, why not teach them to be organized through play? They'll be home for Christmas/Holiday break soon. A LEGO organizing project is a great way to keep your floors free of LEGO and teach your kids sorting skills, responsibility, and an appreciation for living an organized life.

Marry a Professional Organizer? The Pros and Cons...

2011-12-05T11:19:00.000-05:00

I like to infuse my blog with humor. So, when I looked around for some funny stuff about organizing, I came across two blog posts that really made me laugh.

I've read articles about people's experiences working as a Professional Organizer.

I've read articles about people working with Professional Organizers.

But this I had never read before...

Top 5 Reasons You Should Marry a Professional Organizer

and

Top 5 Cons of Marrying a Professional Organizer (includes a 'Marriage-Saving Disclaimer')

When I told my husband about these blog posts, he had a good chuckle, too. He hasn't read them yet, but I'm sure he'd be in agreement with what most of what the author says.

So if you live with a Professional Organizer or someone who acts like one, please know you are not alone!

What do you think--marrying a Professional Organizer--Pro or Con?

NAPO-NNJ Soles4Souls Shoe Drive

2011-11-30T21:59:00.002-05:00

Let go of those lace-ups. Say 'so-long' to those slippers. People need them.

The National Association of Professional Organizers has partnered with Soles4Souls to collect new and gently used footwear for those in need.

According to their website, Soles4Souls, "collects new shoes to give relief to the victims of abject suffering and collects used shoes to support micro-business efforts to eradicate poverty."

On Sunday, December 4, 2011 donate your new or gently worn shoes to Soles4Souls at Sports Authority of East Hanover or Clifton, NJ between the hours of 11am and 3pm.

Sports Authority
Location #1: 142 Rt. 10, East Hanover
Location #2: 415 Rt. 3 East, Clifton

Besides knowing that you've helped someone in need, what else do you get from donating your shoes on December 4th?

• Receive 20% off your entire purchase at either Sports Authority store that day.
• Receive a $10 off coupon from 1-800-GOT-JUNK?.

You can't go wrong--especially if you have some shoes in your closet you don't want anymore. Get 20% of a new pair of sneakers and consider using that $10 off coupon to haul away other items in your home you no longer need. It's a win-win if I ever heard one...

Wedding Thank You Note Book Sale

2011-11-25T11:56:00.002-05:00

Got a bride-to-be on your holiday shopping list? I am hosting a 25% off sale Black Friday through Cyber Monday on Payvment--the Shopping Mall on Facebook.

My book, 7 Steps to an Organized Wedding Thank You Note is usually listed for $8.95 but with a 25% discount it comes to $6.71--and there's FREE SHIPPING, too!

It makes a great stocking stuffer and is very lightweight if your bride friend/relative lives halfway across the country!

7 Steps to an Organized Wedding Thank You Note--don't let a bride walk down the aisle without it!

Helpful Organizing Tip - Prevent Parking Lot Panic

2011-11-21T10:47:00.000-05:00

For the past few months, I have been posting organizing tips on my Facebook page based on a theme. November's theme is 'Holiday Organizing' and a recent tip was geared towards holiday shopping. It didn't have to do with making lists. It didn't have to do with organizing receipts. It was all about you, your car, and the mall parking lot.

Holidays or not, going to the mall can make you dizzy! Add in holiday decorations, tons of people, blaring holiday music--all that can make a brain very tired. So when it's time to go home and you exit hopefully through the same door you used to enter the mall, it may take you a moment to think about where you parked your car.

Not any more! Because my holiday tip is:

Use the camera on your cell phone to take a picture of where you parked your car. No more wandering around the parking lot in a panic. (Whew!)

I do this even when it's NOT holiday time. To the left is a picture of my car at the Paramus Park Mall. I only had to run in and out of one store but I snapped the photo just in case.

When you take the photo make sure to have a 'landmark' in the background such as a store or a parking lot sign. If you look at the picture look closely, you'll notice that I'm in Section 26 parked near the Sears Auto Center.

Now you have one less thing to worry about this holiday season! Less stress for you and more time for the joy of the season. Who can't appreciate that?

Organizing Up and Down - a Vertical Makeover

2011-11-15T13:25:00.006-05:00

If you've read the 'About Me' section on the right hand side of my blog, you know I grew up in a tight space. My bedroom was 5'x12' and I had to keep most of what I owned in that room. Because of space constraints I could not spread out much. But I quickly learned that horizontal space was not the only space I had in my room--I also had VERTICAL space.

I have worked with clients in spaces as small as a studio apartment and as large as a mini-mansion. Regardless of the size of the home, I have found that people use horizontal space more often than their vertical space. It is at that point that I remind them of a very basic organizing principle:

If You Can't Go Outward, Go Upward!

Translation: If you've run out of room in your room, buy some products to help you utilize the wall space you didn't know you had.

Here are a few products that will help you to use your vertical space efficiently:

Bookcases
They're not just for books--bookcases are perfect for anything you want to store or display. Measure your space from floor to ceiling. Then buy the tallest bookcase you can afford. For ideas, Google, "how to use a bookshelf for storage." You won't believe what people are getting off the floor and tabletops and putting on to bookcases... Try IKEA for inexpensive options.

Shelves
These shelves are ones you mount to the wall. Great for displaying collections, photos, and knick-knacks.

Freestanding Closets
Need extra closet space? Purchase a freestanding closet. Again, buy the tallest one you can fit in your home and make sure it has at least one shelf at the top for extra storage.

Cabinets
If you have low cabinets or don't have enough, consider cabinets that go to the ceiling. Take advantage of high-up space for things used only once in a while like holiday dinnerware or guest towels.

File Cabinets
Need lots of paper storage? You can buy a file cabinet that is five drawers high instead of two or more that are two drawers high to save on your horizontal space.

Step stool/Stepladder
Unless you're 7' tall, you're going to need a step stool or stepladder to reach your vertical storage places. I recommend having at least one of each depending upon your needs. To reach my high up storage spots, I use a Rubbermaid step stool and a 3-step ladder I got at The Container Store.

When you've finished reading this post, take a look through the rooms in you home. Could you use a vertical makeover?

Post-Baby Clothing Purge

2011-11-08T13:23:00.001-05:00

It's rare to find a Professional Organizer that doesn't follow their own advice...

I'm always saying to clients: "When it comes to your closets, get rid of/donate the old to make room for the new." I help people (mostly women) clear out torn and stained clothes, too-small clothes, clothes with bad memories attached to them to make room for clothes that make them look and feel fabulous.

But, yet another saying comes to mind: "The shoemaker's son has no shoes."

You see, although I dispense this advice, lately I have been the shoemaker--too busy to tackle my own closet. My closet has been a hodge-podge of what I wore before I got pregnant six years ago, what I wore between my first and second pregnancies, what 'kinda' fits me now and what I've bought even though I'm hoping to drop another five pounds. This closet even has some clothes that pre-date my wedding day eleven years ago!

A few weeks ago while the rest of my family was out, I took an hour to sort through and purge my closet. What did I do?

• I took out anything I hadn't worn in years and yes--literally dusted the items off.
• I made four piles: donate, throw out, keep, laundry.
• I tried on items that I thought might not fit me anymore.
• Anything that I was keeping (that had pre-pregnancy dust on it) I threw in my laundry basket.
• I counted all the empty hangers and made an appointment with myself for a little shopping...
• I donated items that were tight, that I no longer liked or suited my lifestyle.
• I wrote down what items needed replacing (white blouse, green sweater set).
• I created a drawer I call 'Another Five Pounds' which means, try these on again in a few months to see if they fit (mostly pants).

I bagged up all purged items and took them to Goodwill.

And I'm not done. I need another hour when the kiddies aren't home to keep purging. Those winter clothes that didn't fit me last year will be tried on in the next few weeks and ruthless decisions will be made. I took a quick look in that closet last week. I have a feeling I'm going to have more empty hangers...

Helpful Organizing Tip - Post-its on Coupons

2011-11-02T11:49:00.004-04:00

Do you clip coupons? In today's economy, it's especially wise to do so. Who can't use a few extra dollars in their wallets?

Clipping coupons for the supermarket is easy. There's a picture of the item--you know immediately what you'll be using the coupon for. Then there are those coupons that are vague. They offer deals like free shipping, 25% off your total order, or $5 off of a $50 purchase. These are great--I use them all the time. But it's very easy to put them in a pile and forget about why you cut them out in the first place.

To remind you to use them and to remind you what you need to buy, my helpful organizing tip is:

Attach a post-it to the coupon. On the post-it, write down what you need to buy from this particular store or website.

Here are some examples...

The above coupon is for the Carter's store. With two little kids, I'm there a lot. I was very excited when this came in the mail. I clipped it, stuck a post-it on it and wrote down what clothing my children needed. Using this method, I don't have to gaze at the coupon while at the store and ask myself, "Why am I here? What did I need?" Big time saver.

I'm also in need of some picture frames and a new photo album. I saw this coupon last week, cut it out, stuck a post-it to it and went around my house with it looking for frames that needed to be replaced. I still have to go through an envelope of recently printed pictures to see which need frames but I'll add that info to my post-it (or use a bigger one) when I'm done. Now, when I get to the store, I won't have to stand there staring at the frames wondering what sizes and colors I need. Like I said, big time saver.

So, next time you're clipping coupons, grab a post-it pad and a pen along with those scissors. By using this helpful tip, you'll be saving yourself a little time here and there during your day. But, make no mistake--those minutes add up!

Top-Ten Feng Shui Kitchen Makeover Tips

2011-10-27T09:44:00.005-04:00

Take a look at your kitchen. Are the cabinets overflowing? Can you see your countertops? Can you find what you need when you need it? If not, you're in luck. Our guest blogger and Feng Shui Consultant and Expert, Ann Bingley Gallops of Open Spaces Feng Shui is here today to offer us the steps to take to create a kitchen that nourishes us in more ways than one.

Did you know the kitchen is considered the heart of your home, symbolizing health, wealth and abundance from a Feng Shui perspective?

The food from this room not only sustains you, but also fosters prosperity in your life. Creating meals and cleaning up afterward are important to show how much you care for yourself and your loved ones.

Your kitchen must be an appetizing place, which is why keeping it clean and clutter-free is so important. Sending this message of wealth and abundance will make your life easier and happier, besides!

Here are my Top-Ten Feng Shui Tips for making your kitchen into the “healthy heart” of your home:

1. Clean everything inside & out. And I mean EVERYTHING: drawers and cabinets, appliances, walls and counters. Shelves should be lined with fresh liner paper, and the floor will need a good scrub. This requires you to take everything out of the cabinets, leading naturally to step 2.

2. Assess what you really use. What do you use, need and love in your kitchen? As you remove things from cabinets and drawers, ask yourself, “When did I last use this? What’s what the likelihood I’ll use it in the future?” If you must keep an item you seldom use, put it on a higher shelf or into deep storage.

3. Clear the counters. Small appliances can take over your counter space, preventing you from having adequate space to work comfortably. So remove everything, wipe down all surfaces and replace only the things you use on a daily basis.

4. Put like with like. While sorting through your cabinets, make life easier by putting similar things together. For example, separate sweet baking spices from savory ones, and store coffee filters near your coffee mugs.

5. Adjust shelves to maximize storage space. As you put things back into the cabinets, separate tall items from shorter ones and adjust your cabinets’ shelf-height appropriately.

6. Use “shelf helpers” for convenience and efficiency. Anything from tray racks to lazy susans can make your kitchen easier to navigate and, quite frankly, change your life. Don’t forget to measure your cabinets and drawers before heading to the store!

7. Get good Chi energy flowing by making sure everything works. Broken things must be fixed and doors should swing freely. If you have chipped bowls or glasses, replace them. Be sure to sharpen your knives.

This is a crucial step in Feng Shui — things that are well cared for signify your intention to take the very best care of yourself, too!

8. Recognize the importance of your stove. The stove symbolizes Wealth and Abundance in your life. In Feng Shui, the stove is the centerpiece for the “Heart of Your Home.” It must be treated with particular respect. Keep it clean and use all the burners regularly to draw more positive Chi into your life.

9. Use mirrors to create more wealth. Since the stove burners symbolize Wealth, you can symbolically multiply it by placing a mirror behind the stove. This mirror will also reflect activity behind you, so you can relax and focus on your cooking.

10. Balance the elements. Four of Feng Shui’s Five Elements already exist your kitchen: Fire, Water, Metal and Earth. If Wood is missing, simply bring in a small plant, bowl of fruit or a picture of these. With balanced elements, your space will feel great.

Ann Bingley Gallops is a Feng Shui expert and the owner of Open Spaces Feng Shui in New York City. She offers private Feng Shui consultations for homes, offices and business, helping clients achieve their personal and professional goals by balancing the elements in their spaces.

Her services include long-distance consultations, space-clearing and blessing ceremonies, and Feng Shui design with a modern, practical approach. Ann also works with interior designers, architects and home stagers to maximize the beauty and value of any space.

Ann practices Feng Shui with an MBA from Columbia University, a Practitioner’s Certificate from the Western School of Feng Shui, and Red Ribbon Professional membership in the International Feng Shui Guild.

Check out Ann’s blog, Feng Shui Tips & Insights, and subscribe to her popular Feng Shui newsletter! Follow Ann on Facebook, Twitter, and Linkedin.

Cool Product - Getting Organized Magazine

2011-10-25T11:46:00.004-04:00

Since I started organizing in 2002, there have been a few magazines dedicated to organizing and it's profession. The first one was called Balance. The second one was called Organize--lucky me had the privilege of being involved with it at its inception as the author of the 'Organizing on a Shoestring' column.

Now, a new magazine has been created for Professional Organizers and anyone interested in getting and staying organized. It's called:

Getting Organized Magazine

Getting Organized Magazine is the brain-child of Stacey Anderson, a Professional Organizer in the State of Washington. According to her blog, Stacey says, "This is a magazine that will cover everything organizing: home, work, technology, paper, time management, ADD/ADHD, book reviews and much more."

Go check out the website! It features articles, tips, videos, experts, events, and resources.

For a sneak peek of the first issue coming out in January 2012, click here.

If you'd like to follow the magazine on Facebook, click here.

There are two ways to subscribe--by print (arriving in your mailbox) or by electronic/digital file (arriving in your inbox). I'm not sure which I'll choose but as soon as I decide, I'll be signing up for my subscription to Getting Organized Magazine...

Wire Pull-Outs for Kitchen Organization

2011-10-19T21:38:00.001-04:00

October is Kitchen Organizing month at Organized Artistry's Facebook Page. Every Friday I post a tip based on the monthly theme. My first tip was...

"Got deep cabinets? Make your kitchen items easier to see, access, and organize by installing pull-out drawers. No more surprises in the back of your cabinets! (This comes from personal experience--I love my wire pull-outs!)"

I really believe that up there with the label maker, pull-out drawers for cabinets are one of the greatest inventions designed for getting and staying organized.

Here's how I came to love my pull-out drawers...

Our kitchen was built in the 1950's. It's about 10'x10' and didn't have much cabinets and countertop area. Hubby and I had a piece designed by Home Depot that doubled our counter and cabinet space--hooray! In configuring the cabinets to hold our kitchen items, I realized that the bottom shelves of these cabinet were going to be a challenge to access. I didn't want to waste that valuable new space. But how was I going to make the most of it?

I decided to look in my local Home Depot and there they were--wire pull out drawers. I knew they would do the job--and they were the perfect size, too! I brought them home and installed them myself in a few hours with the help of a pencil and an electric screwdriver.

I use one pull-out drawer for frying pans...

And one for storage containers...

Why are pull out drawers so great?

• They increase your storage space
• No getting on your hands and knees to look for what you need
• Never lose items in the back of your cabinets again

Hubby and I have talked about redoing our kitchen one day. Mark my word--if that ever happens, there's going to be a large amount of money in the budget for pull-out drawers!

Professional Organizer Humor

2011-10-15T21:26:00.003-04:00

Thought I'd share some Professional Organizer humor with you...

Bumper sticker seen:

"Professional Organizers do it on Schedule"

Look out for it on a highway near you...

Anniversary Post

2011-10-10T10:42:00.001-04:00

Today I celebrate the 2nd anniversary of the Organized Artistry blog. Woo-hoo!

In my first year of blogging, I was getting used to writing weekly while juggling a pregnancy and new baby. This past year, I've learned a lot about blogging and although still sleep deprived, wrote and posted more often--one of the many goals I had set out to accomplish.

Some of my other goals were:

• Post more pictures with blog posts. Check! I think it livens up the page a bit more, don't you?
• Post 3x a month or more. Check! Who knew that there was so much to write about on the topic of organizing?
• Post more entries on unique organizing products. Check! I'm always on the lookout for cool products. Stay tuned for a review of a product I just bought for myself...

Some goals I didn't meet:
• Talking about my book, 7 Steps to an Organized Wedding Thank You Note
• Discussing the process of writing a full length manuscript on the above topic (while juggling family and lack of time and sleep)
• Offering more organizing tips to brides and grooms

Although I will still create posts on this topic, I am considering creating a separate Facebook Page for my current and future book in 2012. I'm working on my manuscript in small chunks--just like I would advise an organizing client to do with a large task--break it down so it's more managable. Will keep you posted my progress....

What I've added to my blog:
• Guest bloggers! I've been doing some guest blogging lately, and I thought, 'Why not invite some bloggers to post at Organized Artistry?' I think it's been a fun way to bring new ideas and writing styles to my blog, I hope you've enjoyed reading the posts.
• New Categories! Such as 'Guest Blogger,' 'What's in my Workbag?' and 'Kitchen'
• A connection to my Organized Artistry Facebook Page
• The ability to subscribe to my blog via email (top right of page)

My goals for this year are:
• Post more often
• Post helpful content
• Offer more guest blog posts
• Give you the answers to your burning organizing questions
• Build a growing readership

I have a blast writing this blog--I hope you enjoy reading it and learning from it. Let me know what you've learned or would like to learn about organizing this year. Your questions and need for answers are my future blog posts!

Related Posts:
Anniversary Post October 20, 2010
Blogging Beginner October 10, 2009

Facebook Tip of the Week - Kitchen Organizing

2011-10-07T10:32:00.001-04:00

I mentioned last week that I would be revealing October's topic for my Facebook Tip-of-the-Week. Here it is: It's all about the kitchen in the month of October!

Why the kitchen? Well, I thought it would be a good idea to offer kitchen organizing tips this month because the holidays are coming. And what do holidays revolve around? Food! And where do we prepare food? In the kitchen. And what room do many of our guests gravitate to when they come to visit? The kitchen.

My first Facebook Tip-of-the-Week for the month of October has to do with cabinets. Read about it and check back for a blog post on my own experiences with this week's tip.

Have any kitchen organizing tips that have worked for you? I'd love to hear them!

One of These Things is Not Like the Other

2011-10-02T22:51:00.001-04:00

Today, I’m pleased to welcome guest blogger Cena Block of Sane Spaces. Besides being a Professional Organizer and Mom-Preneur Clarity Catalyst, she is also the President of the Northern New Jersey chapter of the National Association of Professional Organizers. Cena’s talking about a key organizing philosophy—grouping ‘like’ with ‘like.’ Read on to learn more about what she calls, ‘one of the oldest organizing tricks in the book…’

Pattern Recognition is the one differentiating skill set that organized people have - we see and recognize patterns where there aren't any! It's why an organizer can walk into a chaotic situation and be successful - we immediately see "like with like" and patterns that work!

What I've found with clients in their homes and offices is that for you to be successful, you need to begin to recognize how you create patterns in your environment naturally, in order to create organizing solutions that stick.

One of the oldest organizing tricks in the book is to group ‘like’ things together. Organizers call this: putting "like with like" - or grouping all items that seem to go together, together. The interesting thing about this process is that each of us does this step a little differently.

As part of my community service, I offer a class to area elementary schools called NAPO In The Schools. This class is designed to teach 2nd - 5th graders basic organizing principles. There is an informational segment where the kids are introduced to "Disorganized Drake" who can't seem to get it together. He frequently loses homework, can't find supplies, and generally has a really rough time as a typical 4th grader! I ask the students to help Drake by applying simple organizing strategies to his books, his room, his desk and his backpack.

The class ends with an exercise where students are given a bag of school supplies and asked to group them "like with like". It always fascinates me that some will group them by function (all things you can write with together), by color (all blues go together), by category (all pens, all crayons, all toys), or by some other construct that makes sense to them alone.

What patterns do you recognize? What makes you comfortable? Do you prefer to sort by color, by use, by function, by location? Whatever works for you, is the right answer. Determining which "one of these things is not like the other" is really up to you and the better you get at recognizing your own abilities for pattern recognition - and accept them as so, the quicker you'll be able to move forward with organizing your items!

Copyright 2011: Cena Block

Need help at home? Download my Products:

Time To Toss It E-Book - http://sanespaces.com/products/organizing/
This is a full color guide that gives guidelines on how long to keep items and when to get rid of them. (There is a whole entire section on how long to keep paper and files.)
Dimensions Workbook - http://sanespaces.com/products/organizing/
This is a self-driven workbook that offers you the support of working with your very own Professional Organizer without the hourly fees.
Get Organized To Keep Your Family Sane Ebook/Audio Tips - http://sanespaces.com/products/organizing/
This e-book and the accompanying weekly audio tips provide nearly 6 months of weekly organizing ideas to implement for your home and family. Whether you have a slew of children, or are kid-free, these tips are modeled after “best practices” that work with real families.

Cena Block is the Owner of Sane Spaces and a Mom-Preneur Clarity Catalyst. She helps people find sanity through clearing their spaces, creating systems, understanding themselves, and getting the support they need for success. Her Slice of Sanity eZine gives subscribers ideas and inspiration to get clear and out from under whatever is stopping them. If you are ready to get sane, you can click here to sign up for a F.R.E.E. e-zine subscription to Slice of Sanity. Learn more from Cena at her Facebook page, on her blog, and on Twitter.

Related post: Group It! April 25, 2010

Facebook Tip of the Week

2011-09-27T22:42:00.003-04:00

For the past three months, I have chosen Fridays to be 'Facebook Tip-of-the-Week Day.' I've picked a theme for the month and every Friday, offered up a related tip to my Facebook Fans.

In July, I gave tips on Getting Organized for Travel. During the month of August it was all about Back-to-School. September's tips had everything to do with Decluttering.

Now, it's time to select the theme for October...

You have my word--it will not have anything to do with ghosts and goblins or falling leaves. This Friday I'll be posting my last tip on decluttering. After that, stay tuned for some subtle (and maybe not-so-subtle) 'what-could-the-next-theme-be?' hints. Here's the first one--

I'll be talking about a particular room in the home...

Keep checking my Facebook Page for more hints or drop by Friday, October 7th when I reveal the first tip of the new month. Looking forward to reading your comments!

The Organized Bride

2011-09-20T14:32:00.002-04:00

Brides, I apologize.

I haven't written a post about organizing a wedding since before the summer. I know many of you have returned from your honeymoon and are settling into married life (and writing all your thank you notes). I promise, I won't let you down again.

I have found a website for you to check out and for those of you who live near Frederick, Maryland--you can hop right over to...

The Organized Bride (I love the name!)

According to their website,

"The Organized Bride is a one-stop shop for invitations for all occasions, favors, attendant gifts and ceremony and reception essentials."

Looks like they have a beautiful store!

But if you don't live near the brick and mortar store, they have an online shop where you can purchase a myriad of products for your ceremony and reception.

I've discussed in the past how important it is to be an organized bride. Apparently, I'm not the only one who thinks so...

What's in My Work Bag? The Tape Measure

2011-09-13T15:02:00.004-04:00

Do you remember Felix the Cat? If not, here's a little background: Felix the Cat was a cartoon character. Felix had a 'bag of tricks' also known as the 'magic bag.' He always had what he needed when he needed it--and it was all in that bag.

When I go to a client's home, I bring a tote bag of basic organizing supplies. Some of my clients have called it my 'magic bag of tricks' because the contents of that bag seem to 'magically' help them get organized.

What's in my 'magic bag of tricks?' I'll be sharing the contents with you in blog posts called 'What's in My Work Bag?' Today's first nosedive into my workbag brings up...

The Tape Measure

If tape measures were not such an important tool, there would be no such thing as the saying, " Cut once, but measure twice."

Using a tape measure is critical to organizing any space in your home--especially when incorporating organizing products into that space. 'Measure twice and buy organizing products once' is my motto!

I don't just carry one tape measure. I carry TWO. One is 15 feet long and the other is 5 feet long and attaches to a clip in my bag. Why two? Each organizing job is different. I could be organizing a large house one day and a studio apartment the next. I could be measuring a double closet in the morning and measuring kitchen drawers in the afternoon. No need to use the 15 footer if I'm checking out the size of a medicine cabinet. On the flip side, it would be tedious to attempt to measure and organize a garage with a five foot long tape measure.

Tape measures are equally as important to me at work and at home--I keep one in the kitchen. I even carry a teeny tiny 3 foot measuring tape in my purse! This comes in handy when I'm in a store and I need to measure an item for my home or believe it or not, the waistband of pants for my 5 year old who is super-skinny.

Tape measures aren't just for Professional Organizers. Everyone should own at least one for their home.You never know when you'll need to measure the size of your room, the length of your curtains, or a space that needs an organizing product. For a great selection try your local hardware store or big box store such as Home Depot or Lowe's.

And always remember, 'Measure twice and buy organizing products once!'

Declutter, Donate, and Do Good

2011-09-08T23:01:00.002-04:00

Every Friday on my Facebook Fan Page I offer my fans an organizing tip based on a monthly theme. September's theme is Decluttering.

Decluttering is about sorting and purging your belongings, creating a logical home for them and letting go of the items that you no longer want. Sometimes those items will go in the trash. Sometimes they'll end up in the loving arms of a friend or family member.

Sometimes, they'll end up in the loving arms of a stranger. A stranger who has been looking for that item you are giving away. A stranger who cannot otherwise afford to buy that item new.

As the saying goes, "One person's trash is another person's treasure."

Before you begin the decluttering process in your home, think about where you would like to take your donations to. This prevents the donated items from lingering in your home too long. Either...

Bag 'em up. Put them in your trunk. Drive to a donation center.

or

Bag 'em up. Call for a pickup. Place bags in front of your door.

Below is a short list of organizations that accept donations. Some have freestanding stores and some will pick up at your home. All will give you a tax deduction form for your records.

Vietnam Veterans
Goodwill
Lupus
The Salvation Army

These are the biggies, but don't forget your local thrift shops and donation centers, too!

Where do you usually donate your unwanted items?

Is Your Outlook Email Overflowing?

2011-09-03T22:52:00.001-04:00

The first steps to getting ANYTHING organized is sorting and purging. That goes for emails, too. Today’s guest blogger is Susana Fonticoba of Home and Office Computer Training. If you use Outlook, you’re in luck. Read to find out how to make your inbox go from overflowing to oh, so empty…

For some people, it is a traumatic prospect to clean out their inbox. “But, I NEED those 2,000 emails,” we’ll hear you say. Not to worry. Let’s take baby steps…

First, in Outlook, sort your emails by whether or not the message contains an attachment (Arrange By | Attachment). Now skim through the attached files and right click the file name, choose Save As, and file it in the appropriate My Documents Folder.

Once the attached files are safely stored in your documents library, check to make sure the body of the email contains no earth shattering information. No? Now delete it. Didn’t that feel good? Do it again – until you get through the all the messages that contain attached files.

Now let’s head over to the Sent Items bucket and this time we’ll change the sort to File Size and choose ‘Smallest’ first. Most likely, these will be comprised of such rip roaring reading material as, “ok, thanks”; or “yes, I’ll be there”; or the ever popular “that’s great!” Even the worst email hoarder has to admit those one-liners can be let loose into email heaven.

After this is done, note how many you’ve deleted by moving over to the Deleted Items folder. Jumpin jiminy! You’ve deleted 1357 emails! Are you brave enough now to empty your deleted items folder? C’mon, I have faith in you!

You’ve done it! Time for a reward and a pat on the back. See--it wasn’t as difficult as you thought. Now, I’m sure you’re pumped to toss some more.

Sort your mail by “From” and see if you can file a bunch of emails from that one client into the folder you made for him/her. Sort your mail by “Subject” and perhaps those 50 emails around the subject of “Christmas Party 2009” can finally be sent off into the light.

Once you’ve gotten the hang of determining that you don’t REALLY need all of those emails, a once a week cleanup will be as easy as hitting ‘Delete.’

Susana Fonticoba is the Founder and Principle of Home and Office Computer Training in Hanover, NJ. She specializes in empowering small business owners with the computer skills and confidence they need to succeed. Follow Susana on Facebook and and Twitter @njpctraining and learn more about computers, social media and technology at her blog, RightClickAdvantage.

Jerry Seinfeld on Organizing...

2011-08-29T23:11:00.003-04:00

"Your home is a garbage processing center where new things are purchased and slowly demoted through various stages of trashification until you're done."

--Comedian Jerry Seinfeld

NAPO-NY at IKEA Brooklyn

2011-08-24T22:29:00.001-04:00

Live near Brooklyn, New York? Need some post-summer organizing tips?

If you answered 'Yes,' grab a notepad and head on over to the free 'Get Organized for Fall' event at IKEA-Brooklyn on Saturday, August 27th. Professional Organizers from NAPO-NY will be available from 1pm-2:30pm to answer your questions on clutter, organizing challenges, and maximizing your space.

Here's the schedule:

1:00-1:30         Office & Home Office Organizing Tips
1:30-2:00         Back to School Organizing Tips
2:00-2:30         Home Organizing Tips

You can get there by subway, car, water taxi or bus--here are directions.

Why not make a day of it? Have lunch at the IKEA cafeteria and then be on the lookout for a NAPO-NY professional organizer. Bring your questions, ideas, photos--they're a knowledgeable bunch!

I'm a Guest Blogger!

2011-08-21T14:25:00.001-04:00

Babies are so little.

Babies are so cute.

Babies are so disorganized!

OK--so they don't have the upper body strength to sort and purge and they certainly can't address their own birth announcement envelopes. But, their parents can...

Know anyone having a baby soon? Good--I'm guest blogging at DepositaGift.com this week with a helpful post called Get Organized For Your New Baby!. Feel free to share my post with those who have a bundle of joy on the way. I have two little ones and take it from me--being organized enabled me to find what I needed when I needed it on very little sleep...

Back-to-School Organizing Tips

2011-08-20T22:04:00.001-04:00

During the month of August I've been posting weekly organizing tips to my Organized Artistry Facebook page. The topic: back-to-school organizing.

This past week I talked about how to avoid the age old question, 'What should I make my kids for lunch?' But, lunch is not the only thing that can go in a lunch box. How about including a note or surprise in that lunchbox that shows your kid that you're thinking of them during the day? Need some good note/surprise ideas? How about 51 of them? Read...

51 Smile-Inducing Lunch Box Notes and Surprises

Keep it organized by determining when you'll include a note or surprise with your child's lunch--every Monday, the day of a big test, or when you want to give them a little extra lovin' are a few good ideas. Mark it on your calendar as an extra reminder.

My son starts kindergarten this Fall--I've bookmarked the site so I can refer to it during the year. He's going to love some of these notes and surprises. I like #19 and #25 best.

Which one will your child like?

Helpful Organizing Tip - Master Shopping List

2011-08-14T11:33:00.002-04:00

Between raising a family and being a business owner, there's a lot going on in my brain. If I need to remember something, I have to write it down or else it's as good as gone. I'm a visual person so I like post-its and pads of paper for quickly jotting down ideas, to-do's and lists.

With four people in our household, we go through a lot of food. When we would run out of something, I'd add it to my shopping list (my main supermarket is ShopRite). But, I shop in four or five different markets depending where I'm driving past that day and what food item I've run out of. I needed a central place to keep track of all our food needs. That's when I came up with the Master Shopping List.

My Master Shopping List

I went to Michaels and purchaed a magnetic pad with lines and stuck it on the side of my fridge. I wrote in the names of stores I shop in often--ShopRite, Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, Fairway, and Costco and left room underneath to write what I've run out of. When I buy the item, I cross it off my list. Sometimes I'll circle an item if I need to purchase it later or at another store.

Keeping this list close to the fridge or pantry makes jotting down items a quick and easy task. If you don't like to or can't hang items on your fridge, store your Master Shopping List near your refrigerator. Don't like the note pad? Create something similar to this on your computer.

The master list is not just for food. Use it for drugstores, big box stores--wherever you shop often.

This master list has made my life much easier. If I notice we are running low on an item from a particular store, I grab my pen and write it under the appropriate store name. If I know I'll be passing by a certain store after working with a client, I'll jot down from the master list (onto a separate piece of paper) the things I need and cross items off them off the list when I return home.

I guarantee--creating a Master Shopping List for your family will work as well for you as it has worked for me. Give it a try. It's all about making our lives easier and having what we need when we need it.

Get Organized for Dorm Life

2011-08-08T22:28:00.006-04:00

Going away to college? These tips are for you!

It’s no secret--dorm rooms are notoriously small. In order to embrace your itty-bitty home-away-from-home, it’s important to arrive organized and create an organized space for yourself.

Here are some organizing tips for the college-bound student:

De-clutter Before Leaving Home
Mom and Dad are having a tough time watching you ‘leave the nest.’ It won’t help matters if you leave that nest a mess before you leave. Sort through your belongings and decide what you’d like to take with you to college and what you’d like to leave at home. Purge out unwanted items and create a neat and organized space for yourself. You’ll want to come back to an uncluttered room at vacation time.

Ask for Information - Call Residential Life
Give the Residential Life office a call to ask about furniture, size of room and storage options so you’ll know what to bring and what to keep at home. Another good question to ask is what’s NOT allowed in a dorm room. Many colleges and universities prohibit microwave ovens, coffee makers, hot pots. and candles.

Make Decisions - Call Prospective Roommate(s)
Once you find out who you’re roommate is, contact them—not only to introduce you’re self but more importantly to discuss who will bring what! You don’t want to stuff two DVD players, two TV’s and two fridges in your small, shared space. You need all the square footage you can get!

Shop at Home
Don’t wait to get all of your stuff at a store down the road from campus. Everyone else had the same idea and already bought out the coolest looking comforter sets and memo boards. Now that you’ve spoken to Residential Life and your roomie-to-be, start looking online and in brick & mortar stores for dorm room organizers and other needed items. Involve Mom and Dad in the process and let them help out. They want to know you’ll be OK (and organized) when you’re away...

How will you know which products you’ll need to set up an organized dorm room? Start by asking older friends and relatives what they used to maximize space in their dorm rooms. Refer to college checklists offered by many stores. Before you start shopping, here’s a list of some popular and functional storage products to turn your dorm room into an organized oasis:

Bed Risers  Bed Risers elevate a bed to provide more storage space underneath. It’s a great place for storing off-season clothes and rarely used items.

Under Bed Boxes w/Wheels  This is the perfect container for storing those off-season clothes and rarely used items discussed above. Wheels make it easier to pull out from under the bed.

Bed Organizer  A Bed Organizer or ‘bed pocket’ tucks under a mattress, hangs over the side, and contains multiple pockets that organize the little things that can create clutter in a small space. Perfect for holding whatever a college student needs by their bedside.

Hanging Hamper  No room for a laundry basket? Use a Hanging Hamper! This type of hamper is equipped with a hanger at the top--hang it from a doorknob or closet rod. Some models have a carry strap—great if the laundry room isn’t close to your own room.

Closet Organizers  Consider using a Canvas Hanging Sweater Organizer and/or Shoe Organizer. These items have mini shelves that are designed to store sweaters, shoes and much more.

Folding Bookcase  A folding bookcase is the perfect solution to a shelf-less dorm room. It can be used as a freestanding bookshelf or as a hutch on a desk. Often, there is no assembly required and it folds for easy moving and storage during vacation time.

With a few phone calls, some shopping, and a bunch of cool products, you’re on your way to getting an A+ in Organized Dorm Living 101!

Back-to-School Time!

2011-08-05T11:17:00.000-04:00

If it's August, it must be Back-to-School shopping time!

In honor of the tradition, I'll be posting weekly organizing tips on Organized Artistry's Facebook Fan Page on the topic of Back-to-School organizing. Check back every week in August for a new way to get your kids (and yourself) organized for the upcoming school year.

Until then, I leave you with one of my favorite commercials...

I'd better practice my singing--my five year old starts kindergarten this year and he needs supplies!

Organized Artistry's 9th Anniversary - 9 Organizing Tips for You

2011-07-26T22:22:00.004-04:00

July 27, 2011 is the 9th anniversary of my first client. Thank you Mrs. Z for trusting me with your papers and your closet. Hopefully, you had no idea I was a 'newbie' when I walked through your door...

Since that time, I've worked with more than 50+ clients--all of them like snowflakes--no two were alike. But, the one trait they all shared was their desire to get organized. Over the years, my clients have asked for some key tips on how to become and stay organized. In honor of Organized Artistry's 9th anniversary, I am going to share 9 organizing tips to help you reach your goals and lead a less stressful life.

Use one, use some, or use them all...

1. Just Do It. Stop complaining/thinking/worrying about your clutter and instead draw out a written plan to tackle it.

2. Start small. Rooms full of clutter overwhelm most people. Start by sorting items one shelf, one drawer, or one corner of a room at a time. Feeling ambitious? Try one more and get back to sorting the next day.

3. Know Thyself. When do you work best? Mornings? Evenings? Organize when you are at your most energetic.

4. Give 'em a Good Home. Invest in a high-quality file cabinet for your papers. My father's file cabinet is almost as old as I am and still functions well. My favorite brand of file cabinet (and my dad's, too) is HON.

5. Save Money Where You Can. Don't spend a ton of money on organizing products until you know exactly what you need. Until then, use shoeboxes, Ziploc bags and other free or inexpensive organizers.

6. Wear Sturdy Footwear. You never know what might fall off a high (or low) shelf. You never know what you might step on. Protect your feet while organizing--no flip flops or bare feet!

7. One-In-One-Out. If you bring something into your home, something must go. Bought some new towels? Purge some old ones. Got a new pair of black shoes? Send another pair walking. One-in-one-out keeps the amount of 'stuff' in your home at an even level. To really de-clutter, live by the One-in-three-out rule.

8. Take Before and After Pictures. You don't have to show them to anybody. Just take the pictures and keep them for yourself. My prediction is that you'll make sure your home never reaches 'Before' status again!

9. Reward your Accomplishments. Whether you organized a large clothes closet or a small drawer of office supplies, note the accomplishment and reward yourself accordingly. Manicure? Double-chocolate cookie? An evening on the couch with a good book/funny movie/loving spouse? You've worked hard at reaching your organizing goals--you deserve it!

Nine years in business is quite a milestone. Thanks so much to my clients, colleagues, family, and friends for helping me to get to this day.

Got Post Its?

2011-07-24T22:54:00.000-04:00

I don't know anyone who doesn't love Post-Its. Those somewhat sticky pieces of colored paper have become an everyday part of our lives. I have two or three packages of them on my desk and a ziploc baggie full of different sizes and colors in my work bag. I love Post Its so much, I even use the Classic Stickies program on my Mac--I'd be lost with out it.

We use them for reminders, to dos, shopping lists and a myriad of other uses. But I thought I'd share some great tips in the following article:

Creative Uses for 3M Post It Notes

I already use a few of the ideas offered by the experts but I plan on utilizing #18 next time my five year old is bored...

Get creative and have fun with your Post Its!

Cool Product - Jewelry Organizer

2011-07-19T22:56:00.001-04:00

I just received The Container Store's Happy Organized Home Sale catalog. Lotsa great organizing products--and at affordable prices, too.

But, I HAD to share what I think is one of the most creative transformations of an already existing product...

Have you seen those jewelry organizers you hang in your closet? Some of them look like this:

Jewelry organizers like this one are functional and utilitarian. But look what else you could have hanging in your closet to organize your beads and baubles:

I took one look at this and thought, 'COOL!' Besides the fact that it holds a boat-load of jewelry, it looks like a dress in your closet! Made by Umbra exclusively for The Container Store, the 'Little Black Dress Hanging Jewelry Organizer' is made from cotton canvas and features 39 pockets and 24 hook and loop closures.

So if you need a new way to organize your jewels and have some room in your closet, check out The Little Black Dress. Umbra definitely knows style...

Organizing for Travel Tips on Facebook

2011-07-15T10:28:00.000-04:00

I just posted the second of my four travel/organizing tips at my Organized Artistry Facebook page.

If you're going away for more than a night, you'll appreciate this week's tip. Hint: it has to do with footwear...

Wishing you safe and organized travel!

Facebook's Payvment Shopping Mall

2011-07-08T11:39:00.003-04:00

A short while ago, I discovered an new app for Facebook--the Payvment Shopping Mall. It is a shopping cart system using 'Open Cart' technology that allow customers to shop from storefront to storefront--all without leaving Facebook.

Although I sell my book via Amazon and my website, I am always looking for other venues to list my book. When I saw the opportunity to launch a store while the app is still in public beta, I jumped at it.

What's also great about Payvment Shopping Mall is that it makes it easy for fans and shoppers to Tweet or Like a product which then enables it to appear in their various News Feeds. It spreads the word about a product with a single click!

Here's my listing for 7 Steps to an Organized Wedding Thank You Note. Why not check out the Payvment Shopping Mall? You never know what you'll find once you're done checking your friend's status...

Facebook Tip of the Week

2011-07-03T22:38:00.000-04:00

People are always asking me for organizing tips. I enjoy being able to provide helpful advice and strategies so starting this week, I'm going to be offering a 'Tip of the Week' on my Facebook Fan Page.

Every month I will cover a different topic. July's tips will be all about Getting Organized for Travel. Are you going away this summer? Be sure to check my Facebook Fan Page for tips to help you get where you want to go in an organized fashion...

It's the 2nd Annual Social Media Day

2011-06-29T22:36:00.002-04:00

According to Mashable, a popular social media and technology blog, Thursday, June 30th is Social Media Day.

From their website:

"The global event is a celebration of the technological advancements that enable everyone to connect with real-time information, communicate from miles apart and have their voices be heard. It is a way to recognize and celebrate the huge impact that social media has made on all of our lives"

Tweet and 'Like' to your heart's content. Check in on FourSquare and link up on Linkedin. After that, watch The Social Network with a bunch of your Facebook friends. Don't know much about social media? Then Thursday is the perfect day to start thinking about joining the social media revolution.

I joined Linkedin first--I have a small business. It made sense to me to join as a small business owner and wouldn't require a ton of my time. I didn't want to join Facebook at first. As a mom of a then four year old and newborn baby, I barely had time to devote to our basic needs, let alone a new pastime. But, my colleagues (and friends) advised me that it would be a smart move to have a social media presence for my business and my book. So, as soon as the baby (and I) started sleeping better, I set up my personal and business profile. Although I post as often as I can, (still working on the lack-of-sleep issue) I also enjoy reading what friends, relatives, colleagues and business owners are up to.

This week I added social media buttons to my blog posts for easy sharing of information. Tomorrow, I'm going to make sure my profiles on Linkedin and Facebook are up-to-date and research how to create a Welcome page for my Organized Artistry Facebook Fan Page.

How will YOU celebrate Social Media Day?

Social Media Buttons - Hooray!

2011-06-27T12:48:00.000-04:00

I always wondered where people got those cool looking social media buttons. I wanted them for my blog but didn't know the first thing about finding them.

So, today while my little guy was napping, I did a search. Much to my surprise, they're all over the place! They come in different colors, shapes, styles--all I really wanted was a simple set to place after each of my blog posts--nothing fancy.

In my search I cam across a very helpful article at Internet Marketing for Mommies. The directions were very easy to follow. Found my buttons at AddThis and a few minutes later--Presto! I have social media buttons after each of my posts.

Now that the buttons are there, feel free to go back to some of your favorite posts and share them with those who you think might learn from them and enjoy them. Thanks!

Cool Product - Fridge Binz

2011-06-21T22:26:00.003-04:00

I'm lucky to live so close to The Container Store! Even if I don't need anything specific, I'll drop by, walk up and down the aisles and check out some new products now and then.

A short while ago, I was in the 'kitchen' aisle and came upon a product that I thought was not only cool but it could also help me with my own organization problem--my refrigerator.

Food was getting lost in my fridge. Food was going bad in my fridge. I didn't want to open my fridge!

OK--it wasn't that bad but I was having 'bread issues.' Loaves, buns, pita, wraps, and mini-bagels were getting lost and smushed in my fridge.

And then I met my new best friend--The Fridge Binz Tray. These heavy-duty plastic trays help to organize food items and create additional storage space. They come in different shapes and sizes but this one suited my needs best:

I looked at the tray in The Container Store and whispered to it, "Come home with me..."

I brought it home and it has become one of my favorite and most useful household organizing product. Here it is in my fridge:

All the bread products are in one place! When I want some, I pull it out by the handle:

Voila! Bread products slide out. Bread products slide back in. Nothing lost. Nothing smushed. Nothing wasted.

Take a look in your fridge. Could you use a Fridge Bin?

Too Chaotic for Company?

2011-06-10T22:03:00.001-04:00

Whenever I give a presentation on the topic of clutter, I like to talk about CHAOS--a word that describes a home (or any space) filled with clutter. I write it on my easel pad like this:

and I ask people if they know what it stands for. I always get a good laugh out of my audience when I let them know it stands for...

Can't

Have

Anyone

Over

Syndrome

Do you ever feel like you suffer from CHAOS?

National Donut Day

2011-06-02T21:46:00.000-04:00

Friday, June 3rd is National Donut Day--I'd probably be hard pressed to find someone who didn't want to celebrate that day!

You may be asking yourself, 'So, what do donuts have to do with organizing?'

When I work with a client, I always end the session by reminding them to reward themselves in some way for a job well done. Can you think of a more yummy reward than sinking your teeth into an ooey-gooey, or chocolatey, or sprinkly donut? If you're planning on doing any organizing on Friday hop on over to a participating Dunkin Donuts after you've finished your task. They'll give you a free donut with the purchase of a beverage (while supplies last).

Now for a little history: According to the Entenmann's website, National Donut day was created to honor Salvation Army volunteers who served donuts to troops in World War I. For more information, read this. The Salvation Army takes donations from thousands of people a day who are purging through their belongings during the organizing process.

See? Organizing and donuts--it all leads to The Salvation Army.

Get Organized for Summertime--Do the Winter/Summer Switch

2011-05-27T21:52:00.001-04:00

The Memorial Day weekend is finally upon us--Yipeee!

Are you ready?

Do you still have heavy sweaters in your drawers? Is your snow shoveling gear easier to get to than your kids' floaties? Are your boots blocking your collection of flip-flops?

If you answered 'Yes.' then it's time to do what I call 'The Winter/Summer Switch.'

Doing the 'Winter/Summer Switch' started when I was a kid. With three kids, a small apartment, and very little closet/drawer space we had no choice but to store out-of-season clothing in a place other than our closets. My parents were very creative. They had luggage that they rarely used so our off-season clothing would be stored there. At the end of the Winter and then again at the end of the Summer, my father would take the suitcases down from the top of the closet. We'd try on the clothes and make piles of what to keep for the upcoming season, what to store as hand-me-downs and what to pass on to younger cousins.

That's just one example. Here are some ideas for jumpstarting your own personal 'Winter Summer Switch:'

1. Identify the areas of your home that are in need of 'The Switch.' These might be the garage, clothing closets, outdoor storage area, linen closets, etc.

2. Make an appointment with yourself to choose ONE area to focus on at a time. Please don't spend the entire holiday weekend switching your stuff around. Even most Professional Organizers wouldn't do that...

3. Gather supplies such as garbage bags, labels, markers (or a label maker), and a pen and paper for jotting down any thing you discover you need or want for the upcoming season.

4. Sort through your items, purge what you don't need and determine the best way to store what you are keeping.

5. Repeat Steps 2-4 as necessary until you are ready for the Summer. You're one step closer to being ready for the new season...

Organization with a Sprinkling of Chaos

2011-05-15T21:54:00.005-04:00

Today, I am honored to host our first guest blogger--my organizing colleague, Linda Samuels of Oh, So Organized!. Linda has been a Professional Organizer since 1993 and has recently authored, The Other Side of Organized, a book dedicated to helping readers find a level of order, balance, and organization in their lives. Ever feel like you’re never organized ‘enough?’ Read on…

Organization provides a base to let spontaneity thrive alongside a sprinkling of chaos. Organization is a valuable layer in life, but not an end to itself. Recently, a friend mailed me a Woman’s Day (1996) article I was featured in from 15 years ago. Our daughters were four and six. One of the photos was taken in front of their closet. Aside from noticing their sweet faces, I also saw the organization of their clothes and toys behind them. It was amazing how that one image instantly brought me back to this other time of stuffed animals, building blocks and Candyland.

It made me reflect about the role organization played in our lives. Our girls grew up with a certain level of order. The idea wasn’t to stifle them with it, but merely to be there as a support. Toys were easily accessible. They could reach them and put them away without any difficulties. Art supplies were readily available. Clothes were easy to reach. The order helped to grease the wheels of the day. Having things placed in homes enabled the girls to be spontaneous or deliberate with their play, their schoolwork or whatever they were doing. They had less stress and so did we.

To accommodate their growing interests or needs, we adjusted the organizational systems. Tub toy baskets left and make-up organizers appeared. The dress-up box always existed and still does. After all, you never know when you might need to wear a costume! The layer of organization provided the structure to reduce the stress of life’s details so that we could just fully engage and enjoy ourselves. Less time hunting for things meant more time playing games or painting pictures or dancing around the living room.

Before, I mentioned that the Woman’s Day article made me think about an earlier time. In that same way, my library of photos that cycle as a screensaver on my computer, make me reflect about the moments of our lives. These snapshots are my treasures. In the pictures, I see a lot of laughing, snuggling, celebrating, picnicking, vacationing, hosting of puppies, walking in the woods and gatherings with friends and family. All of these moments and events involved organizing in some way. Our lives were full and busy. Time was precious and still is. So, when we set aside or found the time for fun and for being together, having a level of organization in place enabled us to just go and do that without the stress of hunting for the picnic cooler or the pans to make the birthday muffins.

There was just enough order so we could enjoy ourselves, be spontaneous, let chaos reign briefly and engage completely in the precious moments. Sometimes when people like to tease me by saying, “Oh, Linda. You’re SO organized,” I just smile and think, “I’m just organized enough.”

My wish for you is that you find a level of order that’s right for you so that you can celebrate all of your wonderful moments with as little stress and as much enjoyment as possible.

Linda Samuels, CPO-CD^® is a compassionate, enthusiastic professional organizer and founder of Oh, So Organized!, author of The Other Side of Organized and blogger on organizing & life balance at www.theothersideoforganized.com. Follow her on Twitter @LindaSamuels and Facebook at Oh, So Organized!

Purge Your Panty for a Good Cause

2011-05-13T22:55:00.003-04:00

Saturday, May 14th is the National Association of Letter Carrier's 'Stamp Out Hunger' Food Drive--a perfect reason to purge your pantry.

Wake up early. Have a protein-packed breakfast. Take a bag to the spot in the house you keep food. Be ruthless. You bought 10 boxes of Kraft Macaroni and Cheese on sale. Can you donate one or two? Thought you were going to make that cake but didn't? Donate the mix. On a diet? Donate the foods you're now avoiding.

PURGING is a WIN-WIN situation. You get rid of things that are cluttering your home and others get things they truly need. In this case--food.

My bag is filled and we'll be putting it on our doorstep a few hours before the mail carrier arrives. My bag has pasta, canned vegetables, and baby food in it. What will you put in YOUR bag?

Be an Organized Bride--It's in the Details...

2011-05-10T11:07:00.001-04:00

Have you ever had a dream that you forgot your veil at home on your wedding day? Or that you put all of your invitations in the mailbox without stamping them first?

Then you must be a bride-to-be.

No need to wake up in a cold sweat anymore. I have an amazing list for you...

A bride-to-be in North Carolina, has compiled a list of 20 wedding details you don't want to forget. I thought it was a pretty impressive list considering she's not even married yet. My personal favorite is:

#15 Photographer's guidelines - It helps a photographer to have a list of photos that are high priority.

I couldn't agree more. You don't want to get your proofs back and see that your photographer has taken a bunch of pictures of your boss and her husband while your grandmother is only in two shots.

Read her list and breathe a sigh of relief. She's done all the work for ya. And I'm more than happy to pass on the information and help make your wedding planning more organized and less stressful.

Organizing on the Cheap

2011-05-06T22:13:00.000-04:00

One of the first posts I wrote a year and a half ago was called 'Organizing on the Cheap.' It focused on organizing products that cost very little money or nothing at all. Organizing products don't have to cost a fortune. In fact, many of them can be made from recycling an item already in your home.

I have two little kids and I'm always in need of a plastic bag. Most of mine live in a bag holder in my kitchen or in the garage but when you have a dirty diaper or need to bag up things before nap time is over, believe me--you need them handy.

Today's Organizing on the Cheap Award goes to: The Empty Tissue Box

It's original cost is approximately less than two dollars--that's pretty cheap. Once you're done with all the tissues, don't recycle the box. Stuff it with plastic bags that you wish to keep. Here's a picture of one from my home. The yellow bags are from ShopRite but dig deep enough and you'll find bags from Target, Marshalls, and other stores:

I realized that there were many spots in my house that needed plastic bag storage. I have one of these tucked away in both bathrooms as well as the laundry room and both of my kids' rooms. Not only have they been convenient, these plastic bag organizers only cost me what I paid for the box of tissues. Have tons of bags? Buy a larger box of tissues.

I don't wish anyone the flu, but if you happen to finish a box of tissues anytime soon, consider stuffing them with plastic bags. It's a great way to organize them, keep them tidy, and all in one place.

Royal Wedding Thank You Notes

2011-04-29T23:12:00.001-04:00

Did you watch the Royal Wedding? The bride was breathtaking, the ceremony was majestic and the whole country (and the world) celebrated.

In reading a bit about the day, I learned that there would be 650 people attending the reception. I almost fell out of my chair! How many thank you notes is this new Princess going to have to write? Did she have a bridal shower, too? (Can't you just see the Queen and Camilla playing Bridal Bingo?)

If I knew where to mail it, I'd send her a copy of my quick-reference guide: 7 Steps to an Organized Wedding Thank You Note. If anyone needs it--it's her! Then I thought--not only do I not know their address, I have no idea what their last name is. William goes by 'William Prince of Wales.' What is Kate's new last name?

Well--it seems as if the Royal family doesn't use last names. But, according to an article in the Huffington Post, in the case of marriage, William's last name is Mountbatten-Windsor and that will be Kate's, too when they are not going by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

So since I am unable to mail her a copy of my book, I'll offer some wedding thank you note organizing tips in the hopes that Kate will one day be surfing the web for thank you note writing ideas and happen upon this blog of a commoner.

OK, Kate. Read carefully...

• Create a Royal Spreadsheet for tracking gifts. Remember to include a column for writing the date your thank you note was put in the mail.

• Use Royal Scrap Paper to jot down ideas before writing your thank you note message. This will save you from making mistakes on your very expensive note cards

• Pace yourself. Write 3-5 thank you notes a day and then meet William at the pub.

• Get William involved. Send him to the post office for 'Love' stamps after work. Have him lick the envelopes at the pub. Once the media finds out, every British bride will be after their husbands to be just like yours.

I wish you the best of luck. If you need me, I'll take a break from polishing my tiara...

Earth Day Organizing Tips

2011-04-24T12:45:00.002-04:00

If Spring wasn't enough of an incentive to make change in your life, along came Earth Day.

According to earthday2011.org, United States Senator Gaylord Nelson founded the first Earth Day on April 22, 1970 in an attempt help people understand the affect they have on their planet and make positive environmental changes within communities. Now over 140 countries have their own Earth Days. Oprah would call this 'The Power of One."

Just like we make resolutions for New Year's, it's a great idea to make similar resolutions for Earth Day. Instead of pledging to exercise more, pledge to recycle more. Instead of changing the way you eat, change the way you conserve energy in your home.

My family has made some changes to better the planet. We...

• use cloth napkins instead of paper
• created a spot for recycling paper and plastics in the buffet table in our dining room
• use energy-saving lightbulbs
• keep reusable shopping bags in the trunks of our cars for trips to the supermarket
• use homemade cleaners as well as products that are made from natural ingredients
• donate unwanted items to thrift shops

We still have a ways to go. Someday I'd like to try composting and I do my best to shut off lights when I'm not in the room. No one is perfect. But, if we all try to change one habit that can help our planet, Earth will be a healthier place for future generations to live.

In honor of Earth Day, California Closets posted a blog entry about Green Tips for the Organizing Guru. Thought I'd share it with you...

What changes wil you make before Earth Day 2012?

Helpful Organizing Tips - Put It Where You Need It

2011-04-16T22:05:00.004-04:00

Today I had a conversation about dust busters with my hair stylist, of all people. Why? Well, we both have small children who make a mess under their high chairs and we were discussing the best way to make it go away. She told me she shlepps out a vacuum every time her kid makes a mess. I advised her to grab a 20% off coupon and hightail it to Bed Bath and Beyond to get herself a dust buster.

The conversation made me think back to when my older son was in a highchair. For a few years before he was born, the dust buster lived in our laundry room. The few times I would need it, I would run downstairs and get it and later return it to it's base--no problem. Then my son came along and started eating solid foods. Some missed his mouth and landed on the highchair and on the floor. So I'd run up and down a flight of stairs to grab the dust buster and then return it. After a few weeks of this. I thought to myself. "There has to be a better way. What if one of your clients presented you with this problem? What would you say to her?"

I'd give her today's Helpful Organizing Tip: Put It Where You Need It

Everything you own needs a home: the remote, your toothbrush, your car keys. Creating a home for an item helps you locate it when you need it. When you know where an item lives, you can easily return it that home which in turns enable you to find it when you wish to use it next. But, any home won't do. It needs to be a LOGICAL home. A logical home for the above examples would be remote - near TV, toothbrush - in the bathroom, car keys - near the door you enter and exit through most.

Did most of my messes occur in the laundry room? No. Did it used to be a logical place for the dust buster to live? Yes. Once my son started making daily messes was it still a logical place? No. Did I now need that dust buster to live in my dining room? Yes!

So I put it where I needed it--in a cabinet in our dining room. Now I have another child in the highchair who does the same thing. Guess who can clean that mess quickly? Me. Guess who can try 'putting it where they need it' in their own home. YOU.

Take a few minutes to think about what items in your home need a more logical place to live. While you're doing that--I'll be dustbusting a family of petrified Cheerios off my carpet...

Tax Day 2011

2011-04-13T21:33:00.000-04:00

It's that time of year again--when Uncle Sam looks to us for donations to his very large piggy bank.

It's April 13th. Hopefully you're reading this blog because you have already filed your taxes and you've got some free time on your hands. If you haven't started your taxes--have no fear. This year, the last day to file your taxes is April 18th--a Monday. You have a whole weekend to file your forms. Whew!

Why is tax day April 18th this year? Click here to find out...

Getting organized for tax day is a year-round process. For ideas on how to prepare for next year's trip to the accountant, read my article, "Uncle Sam is Ready--Are You? Getting Organized for Tax Time.'

By the way...in 2012 tax day is Tuesday, April 17th. But I know you'll be ready waaaaay before that.

Facebook Fan Page Photostrip Redux

2011-04-10T11:09:00.001-04:00

I jumped onto the Facebook bandwagon in late 2010. I was just beginning to understand the 'old' Facebook Fan Page when they announced that there would be changes. Changes? I just got used to the old way!

Well--I could fight change or go with it. I decided to go with it. In my quest to make my Fan Page as inviting as I could, I happened upon a blog called the Social Media Examiner that was talking about optimizing the new Facebook Fan Page layout. In one of their posts, they offered a great idea for the photostrip--the recent addition of five photo boxes at the top of your Fan Page.

Up until recently, I had my company logo, the NAPO logo, a photo of my book and some clip art in the photostrip. None of it fit perfectly in those squares and it wasn't looking very good. In fact, it looked disorganized! Aahhhh!

Now, you can delete those photo boxes, but why not take the opportunity to fill them with business related photos? In my business, I take a lot of photos of heaps of paper and piles of clothes--not exactly the most exciting or aesthetically pleasing pictures. I decided instead to create my own pictures--of words--words that reflected the nature of my business and the art of organizing.

Here's an example:

The photos in the photostrip are displayed randomly so I'll be adding new ones often--offering some quick organizing tips and motivational text-bytes.

Check out my Fan Page photostrip and become a Fan! You never know what you'll find at the top of my Organized Artistry Fan Page!

Spring Cleaning--How's it Goin'?

2011-04-06T22:29:00.000-04:00

OK--Spring is here and although the temperatures where I am certainly don't feel like Spring, I've started to do some Spring Cleaning around my house.

My first big project was kids clothes. I have two boys and I had to switch sizes and seasons for both of them. Besides all the sorting, purging, and categorizing--it was a lot of laundry, too! My sister gave me a ton of clothes for my youngest that her child has outgrown. Whatever wasn't seasonally appropriate went to my friend who had a baby in January. The rest went into the attic--into tubs, marked by size.

Gotta get the garage ready for summer soon. That's next on my list...

What will YOUR first Spring Cleaning project be?

Cool Product - Cable Turtle

2011-03-30T10:42:00.004-04:00

Wires, wires, wires! They can be a mess!

How do you keep from tripping over, getting tangled in and hiding all those wires you have?

Use cable turtles.

What is a cable turtle you may ask? A cable turtle is a storage solution designed to hold and hide excess wire/cord/cable. It keeps an area tidy and free from the usual tangled mess that comes with today's technology.

I just started using one and I love it--I picked it up at my local Container Store. These cable turtles come in different colors and three sizes: Mini, Small, and Large.

I am using the mini one for my iPhone wire. It keeps my desk neat and my 1 yr old can't put the wire in his mouth as easily as he used to.

Look here for more ways to tame your wires. Whether it's a wire from a lamp, hairdryer, kitchen appliance or really long extension cord, there's a wire storage solution for you. You don't have to live with the spider web of cords anymore!

Spring is on it's Way!

2011-03-17T23:24:00.000-04:00

Sunday, March 20th is the first day of Spring--yea! And it's going to hit 70 degrees on Friday--bigger yea!

Are you ready for Spring cleaning? Although the 70 degree temps aren't going to last long, it's still a good idea to start thinking about where and how you'll start your Spring cleaning. Closets? Basement? Garage?

Wherever you choose to start--just start. Pick a time when you're feeling good, throw on some motivating music and begin turning your home from winter wasteland to spring/summer spectacular!

I'm a Guest Blogger!

2011-03-11T11:06:00.001-05:00

The most popular months for weddings are coming up soon! So, by now, you're deluged with tons of engagement gifts and bridal shower presents. Don't panic! Check out my latest guest blog post at DepositAGift.com called, 'Say Thank You the Organized Way.'

I offer brides and grooms a few thank you note writing organizing tips to help keep stress levels at a minimum. These tips can be used for anyone with a ton of people to thank--new parents, new graduates, etc.

Keep it organized and you'll be keeping the task under control!

Be an Organized Blogger

2011-03-06T14:58:00.000-05:00

I started this blog a year and a half ago when my son began preschool. Since then, I've had another child and my busy days and exhausted evenings have left me little time for blogging. If a Professional Organizer doesn't have a lot of time for blogging but she really wants to blog--what should she do?

Get organized!

I knew that if I wasn't organized, weeks or months would go by without a posting. Why have a blog if you're not going to post to it?

I reviewed some basic organizing principles and applied them to blogging. Now I'm blogging at least once a week and I always know what I'm going to talk about when I sit in front of my computer.

Here's one of the many ways I stay organized while blogging:

Get rid of the clutter
Too many pictures, videos, or advertisements detract from what you’ve written. Keep the look of your blog simple and streamlined. You have to grab the reader’s attention within the first three seconds of their arrival at your blog. If they have to spend those three seconds looking for your latest blog post, they may not return out of frustration.

Find this tip and other helpful advice in my article: Be a Better Blogger: Organizing Tips for Beginner Bloggers

Whether you already have a blog or you're thinking of starting one, being organized will help you achieve your blogging goals with less stress and more time for posting.

#2 Organizing Principle for Brides:Break it Down!

2011-03-01T21:27:00.000-05:00

When was the last time you planned a party for tens or hundreds of people? Never? We'll--you're not alone. In fact, you're one of thousands of brides and grooms who are putting together their dream day without any past experience.

If you're overwhelmed with the thought of being in charge of all the planning for your wedding, then you need to utilize an important organizing principle: BREAK IT DOWN

What do I mean by BREAK IT DOWN? Any large task, such as planning a wedding has many components to it and many players--vendors, family, friends, retail stores, etc. Juggling all of the people and tasks associated with a wedding can be mind-blowing and send the most organized bride into fetal position. 'Breaking down' an overwhelming task enables the brain to 'chunk' information in small, easier to manage bits.

Don't have a breakdown! Follow these steps for 'breaking it down:'

List your tasks
Either on paper or on your computer, list all of your vendors and the tasks associated with them (phone calls, emails, face-to-face meetings, fittings, etc.)

Create a timeline/schedule
There are many bridal websites and magazines that offer wedding planning timelines. Compare them and apply the information to your own wedding needs.

Prioritize
Take your task list and your timeline and determine what tasks need to be done first and what can wait a month or two or until a few weeks before your wedding day.

Delegate (1st organizing principle)
Look at your task list. Determine which tasks you must be in charge of and which others can help you accomplish.

Cross it off
When the task is completed, cross it off your list. It's a great way to show you're one step closer to your goal and your big day.

#1 Organizing Principle for Brides: Delegate!

2011-02-21T22:53:00.001-05:00

Brides and grooms--planning and executing a wedding of any size is a challenge. Doing it by yourself--is close to impossible. Please--don't even try it.

In order to avoid the multiple stresses of wedding planning, consider utilizing the #1 organizing principle for those heading down the aisle--DELEGATE.

Delegating tasks helps you to focus on what's most important to you. Having people assist you with tasks you don't wish to do or don't do very well frees up time for you to concentrate on the big/important components of your special day.

A few examples:

What to delegate:

Trips to the post office

Addressing invitations

Creation of welcome bags for out-of-towners

What to do yourself:

Try on and purchase gown

All contact with wedding vendors

Honeymoon planning

Family and friends are oftentimes more than happy to help with your wedding planning. Asking them to pick up stamps or put ribbons on wedding favors enables them to feel included in 'the big day' while you cross small yet time-consuming tasks off your to-do list and focus on what's most important to you. It's a win-win situation.

What wedding-related task will YOU delegate?

Love Stamps

2011-02-14T14:11:00.001-05:00

It's Valentine's Day! Love is in the air--especially for brides and grooms.

Spend time together today doing something fun and romantic. Snuggle over a chocolate fondue pot, take a romantic stroll together, but don't worry about going to the post office for your nuptial-needs. Turn to the US Postal Service website to order 'Love' stamps for your invites and response cards--a real time saver!

Scroll down to see choices such as 'Purple Pansies,' Wedding Rings,' and 'King and Queen of Hearts.'

Coming soon to Stamps.com: Wedding Roses

Thank You Note Writing Tips

2011-02-07T10:08:00.000-05:00

OK, brides and grooms--the Super Bowl is over. Now it's time for you to participate in your own Thank You Note Writing Championship. No protective gear necessary--just pens, notecards, your address/gift list and stamps.

My organizing colleague at 'There is Always Room' just posted a few note writing organizing tips that I offer to brides (and grooms). So, hop on over to the There is Always Room Blog for my top 4 ways to stay organized and stress-free when writing your wedding-related thank you notes.

Don't forget to thank Aunt Martha for that chip-n-dip set she sent you. You can use it for next year's Super Bowl party! (Tip: Mention that fact in your thank you note...)

Win a Copy of my Thank You Note Book!

2011-02-03T15:45:00.001-05:00

Exciting news! The Wedding Yentas have just reviewed my book, 7 Steps to an Organized Wedding Thank You Note and I'm giving away a copy in their Thursday Thrills Giveaway.

If you are a bride-to-be or know someone getting married, click here, leave a comment with your greatest thank you note writing trick or pet peeve and be registered to win. Giveaway ends Sunday, February 6th at 11:59pm PST.

I'm a Guest Blogger!

2011-01-31T22:52:00.000-05:00

February may be National Weddings Month but January has been Guest Blogger Month for me. To end the month, I am guest blogging about getting organized for wedding planning at TheWeddingYentas.com.

It may sound like the creators of The Wedding Yentas are a bunch of ladies who are eighty years old and live in Miami, but instead, they are two young women--one a wedding photographer, the other a Jewish bride who saw a need and created a space where tradition mixes with hip and current trends.

If you know a Jewish bride, send them to the Wedding Yentas. Tell 'em Tevya and Golda sent you...

National Weddings Month - Free Shipping!

2011-01-24T10:48:00.000-05:00

February is National Wedding Month--it's right around the corner! In honor of the occasion, I will be offering free shipping on my book, 7 Steps to an Organized Wedding Thank You Note.

To take advantage of this offer, go to the Organized Artistry website and click on 'Brides and Grooms.' Print out the order form and in the box that says, 'Add Shipping and Handling' write code: NWM2011.

FREE SHIPPING! A great way to save money on your wedding. It adds up quickly, doesn't it?

Know someone getting married? 7 Steps to an Organized Wedding Thank You Note will make the life of any bride or groom easier with it's 7-step system for writing well organized and heartfelt thank you notes (You want to get one of those in your mailbox--don't ya?).

All orders must be postmarked by February 28th.

Don't delay! February is the shortest month of the year...

Coming Soon--National Weddings Month

2011-01-18T12:57:00.000-05:00

With Valentine's Day right in the middle of the month, February is the perfect choice for National Weddings Month. Love is in the air. It's the perfect time to start hammering out a plan to make your wedding day special.

If you live in a place that's usually covered in snow at this time of year, settle in with a cup of hot cocoa and flip through those bridal magazines, do your online research and make your phone calls. When the weather warms up, you'll want to be outside with your fiancee!

For tips on organizing all the paperwork you'll gather for your wedding read my article, "Get Organized for Wedding Planning."

In honor of National Weddings Month, my February blog posts will be aimed at offering ideas, helpful hints, and organizing products to those about to walk down the aisle. So, if you know someone getting engaged or married soon, let them know that help is just a few blog posts away!

Cool Product - Are You a Bag Lady?

2011-01-15T22:47:00.001-05:00

I've worked with many female clients over the years who love bags--handbags, shopping bags, all kinds of bags. I, myself have a small collection of cool shopping bags from my past. Introducing a new kind of bag for you to love...the Tili Bag.

It's not a purse--it's a ziploc bag, as Emeril would say, "kicked up a notch.' Who wouldn't want to whip one of these out of a diaper bag, backpack, suitcase or pocketbook?

Ziploc-like bags are one of my favorite organizing products--inexpensive, readily available and now chic, too! Hooray!

To find out more go to Tili.com. Bag ladies--organize with style!

I'm a Guest Blogger!

2011-01-13T14:53:00.000-05:00

January is 'Get Organized Month' but for me personally, it has become 'Guest Blogging Month!'

Through a connection made on LinkedIn, I am guest blogging at the blog of Professional Organizer Milena Borges called 'There is Always Room.' My topic: 'Getting Organized for Wedding Planning: The Wedding Binder.'

Know anyone who just got engaged or who is in the middle of planning their wedding? Share the blog's link with them. You'll be helping some very busy brides and grooms organize one of the most important events of their lives...

NAPO-NNJ's Get Organized Project

2011-01-12T22:19:00.001-05:00

Seven years ago, The National Association of Professional Organizers declared January as Get Organized Month. NAPO chapters across the nation organize public events to inspire and educate people to better organize their lives.

This year NAPO-NNJ (Northern New Jersey) is hosting a free 'Ask the Organizer' panel at Restyle Renew, a clothing and furniture consignment shop in Denville, NJ on January 22, 2011 from 11:30am-2:30pm. NAPO-NNJ members will be on hand to teach how to de-clutter and organize a closet and address all organizing needs presented to them.

Win a 4 hour home closet organization session scheduled in April including a $500 gift certificate to California Closets.

So drop on by, get solutions to your organizing challenges, and make 2011 the year you 'Get Organized!'

Restyle Renew
27 East Main Street
Denville, NJ

Presidential Organizing Quote

2011-01-08T22:46:00.000-05:00

"I ask my staff never to hand me paper until two seconds before I'll need it because I will lose it."

-President Barack Obama
Source: Time Magazine

Enough Already!: Peter Walsh on Oprah's OWN Network

2011-01-04T14:41:00.001-05:00

Do you miss the the TV show, Clean Sweep as much as I do? Well, if your cable company offers Oprah's OWN Network, you're in luck.

Peter Walsh, Professional Organizer Extraordinaire, is continuing his quest to help people get out from under their mountains of clutter in a new show called "Enough Already!." I had the chance to watch the 'sneak peek' episode on Sunday night--it was an eye opening look at a family is crisis and the decluttering of their home.

I enjoy watching him but mostly, I listen to him with the ears of someone in the same profession, trying to pick up a tidbit or two that I could use to assist my own clients. He talks often about having a 'vision' for a room. A vision defines a space--once you know what you want for a room, you'll know exactly what items should be in it and what items do not meet the vision of the room and should not be allowed to take up space there.

The mom on the show was having a tough time letting go of items that had memories attached to them. Here's what Peter said to her. I thought this was brilliant...

"There are two main types of clutter. There is 'Memory' Clutter. That's the stuff that reminds you of an important person, an achievement or an event in the past. Then there's 'I Might Need it Someday' Clutter. That's the stuff you hold on to in anticipation of a whole lot of imagined futures."

"And the moment they take over, what happens is that the 'Memory' Clutter holds you in the past and the 'I Might Need it Someday' Clutter holds you in the future. So what it does, is it robs you of being in the present.It robs you of enjoying the only thing you have which is NOW."

If you have 'Memory Clutter,' keep the items with the most sentimental value and photograph the rest. Have 'I Might Need it Someday' Clutter? Think about what your 'vision' for the future is and only keep items in line with that vision--just like the room.

Want to watch? Enough Already! is on Mondays at 8pm on OWN. I'll be in front of my television listening and learning.

I'm a Guest Blogger!

2010-12-31T15:48:00.002-05:00

I'm very excited to announce that today, I am guest blogging at DepositaGift.com--a great way to ring in the new year for my business. Dana Ostomel, the Founder of Deposit a Gift, offers her blog's readers an interesting and informative array of posts written by her and guest bloggers. I am honored to be among them. My post is aimed at brides and grooms and it is called, "Planning Your Wedding? Get Organized!"

Deposit a Gift is a cash gift registry service created to simplify and modernize gift giving. Know any brides or grooms to-be? Share the above links with them. After the wedding, they'll thank you for much more than your generous gift...

Holiday Storage

2010-12-30T23:04:00.000-05:00

I once had a client who kept her artificial Christmas tree in a ratty cardboard box. She said to me, "Every year I take it out of the box and hope it (the box) survives another year. I just don't know how else to store it."

I also had a client who stored her tree ornaments between towels in a laundry basket.

To both of them, I recommended holiday storage solutions.

Why use holiday storage?
• It protects your holiday decorations from dirt/bugs/small creatures
• It holds the shape of holiday items such as trees and wreaths
• It helps to organize decorative items

Now is the perfect time to purchase holiday storage--before the tree and all of its trimmings get put away. Here are a few options at different price points that can assist in making next year's holidays less stressful and more joyous.

From inexpensive to high-end:

Christmas Tree Shop (or any similar discount store)
I saw an ornament organizer for less than $5 last time I was there.

The Container Store
Wing-Lid Ornament and Light Storage Boxes $14.99-19.99

Lillian Vernon
Wreath Storage Bag $14.98

Brookstone:
Tree Duffel $69.95

The Cover Store
Rolling Tree Storage Bag (up to 15') $149.99

If anyone knows of menorah storage solutions, I'd be interested in seeing those...

Wall Street Journal Covers Gift Wrap Organization

2010-12-24T21:34:00.000-05:00

Remember back in the 1980's when it was revealed that Candy Spelling, wife of the multi-millionaire Aaron Spelling had a gift-wrapping room in her home? I personally couldn't believe it but then again, I grew up in an apartment--who has room for a gift-wrapping station, let alone a room?

Growing up we had a gift-wrapping 'box.' It was a sweater box from the GAP and inside we had some wrapping paper, bows, tape, scissors and a few other decorative doo-dahs for wrapping presents. After reading about Mrs. Spelling, my mother said, "Well, it seems fitting that a large house has a gift wrapping room while an apartment has a gift wrapping box."

At a time when people are engaging in gift wrapping as a winter sport, the Wall Street Journal has run an article on Gift Wrapping Rooms and their new popularity.

Curious? Read "More Homes Making Room for Wrapping."

My gift wrap storage system is larger than a GAP box now but not quite the size of a room (it's housed in a small closet with the gas meter in my basement). Maybe someday I'll have a gift wrapping room. A Professional Organizer can dream, can't she?

Let Them Come to You

2010-12-12T10:33:00.001-05:00

How's that Winter Cleaning comin' along?

The guys at Goodwill were happy to see me and I was happy to see more of my garage.

But what if you have more Winter Cleaning donations than your vehicle can hold? What if you don't have the time during the holidays to deliver them to the thrift shop yourself?

Certain organizations will pick up donations from your doorstep--rain or shine. Many of them place postcards in your mailbox a week or two before they will be in your neighborhood. I just received a postcard from Big Brothers Big Sisters with the tag line: 'Yes. We want the shirt off your back.' I thought that was pretty clever...

Here's a short list of organizations that offer free pick up of donations at your home:

Big Brothers Big Sisters (Northern New Jersey)
877-336-8828
www.njpickup.org

Vietnam Veterans of America
www.clothingdonations.org/service.htm
(Most US states)

Lupus
1-888-44-LUPUS
www.lupuspickup.org
(Maryland, New Jersey and Virginia)

The Salvation Army
1-800-SA-TRUCK
www.satruck.org/donate-goods

Keep cleaning. Then pick up the phone and set up a time for a pick up. You'll be glad you did.

It's Outta Here...

2010-12-08T11:23:00.005-05:00

I took my own advice and met a goal I had set for my second year of blogging.

In my Anniversary post, I said that I wanted to post more pictures on my blog. Here's a picture of a bunch of misc. items.

These bags are from my own 'Winter Cleaning' as I discussed in my last post. My husband and I recently spent five hours in our basement making it a more functional space for us as a family. While doing that, we found many items we no longer wanted and decided to donate. Tomorrow I'm loading up my SUV and making a trip to the Goodwill on Rt 17 in Paramus, NJ.

What's going to come out of your 'Winter Cleaning?'

Spring Cleaning in Winter

2010-12-03T21:40:00.002-05:00

We all know about Spring Cleaning, but what about Winter Cleaning?

The Winter Cleaning I'm talking about has little to do with a dust rag and a mop. It has more to do with purging. Take a look around your home. Do you have a lot of 'stuff' you don't know what to do with?

There are many people who are out of work or who are living on less this holiday season. Consider donating your unwanted items to local thrift stores or international charities. Those toys your children no longer play with make inexpensive holiday gifts when purchased from a thrift shop. The clothes that no longer fit you will keep someone warm, dressed for work, and feeling good about themselves.

So when you're finished reading this blog post, think about what you can take to your local donation center. There's no need to wait until Spring to do a thorough 'clean-out.'

Got Leftovers?

2010-11-27T16:01:00.001-05:00

How many times have you eaten turkey in the past 72 hours?

I don't cook the turkey but for the past bunch of years my cousin hands me the turkey carcass at the end of the night. I can pick a good two pounds of meat off the bones so when I'm looking to do something creative to it, I turn to the Food Network website.

If you still have some leftovers and need a new recipe, check out Food Network's Thanksgiving 2010 Leftovers page. My personal favorite use of turkey leftovers is Rachael Ray's Turkey Corn Chili recipe. Try it over brown rice for a change of pace from the usual flavors of Thanksgiving.

Let's make sure none of those leftovers are left to languish in the back of the fridge. Clear containers are best--no tin foil surprises at the end of the week.

Get ready to purge your fridge anyway...Hannukah, Christmas and Kwanzaa are just a few weeks away.

Gobble, gobble...

I'm on Facebook!

2010-11-19T22:08:00.002-05:00

OK--so it took me a while and I still need to tweak it a bit but Organized Artistry finally has a Facebook Fan Page!

Come on over and add yourself to the growing list of people who 'LIKE' it. I'll be offering holiday organizing tips through the end of the year--who can't use a few of those?

See you on Facebook...

Organizing for the Holidays

2010-11-12T11:29:00.000-05:00

Have you eaten all of your kids' Halloween candy yet? Make way for chocolate turkeys and Russell Stover Santas--it's holiday time! I know you're busy just thinking bout the holidays and for those celebrating Hannukah, it's an 'eat-turkey-then-quickly-fry-latkes' kinda year.

To help make this holiday season less stressful, run, don't walk over to my website to read, 'Tools and Tips for Keeping the Holidays Organized.'

I'd love to hear if any of the tips worked for you.

Still working on that Facebook Fan Page. I'll let you know when I'm up and running!

The Container Store's New Stocking Stuffers!

2010-11-01T14:24:00.005-04:00

It must be holiday time! I just got an email from The Container Store with their 'Top Picks' for Stocking Stuffers.

I love to see what gadgets they sell for the holidays. One year I saw a rubber duckie shower cap that looked adorable (I had really long hair at the time). No matter how many times I stopped into The Container Store near me in Paramus, I could not get one--all sold out!

I've since cut my hair and am no longer in need of a shower cap but there's lot's of other unique items for sale. Check out the list--it's 10 pages long with lots of goodies for any sized stocking regardless of what holiday you celebrate.

Facebook Fan Page?

2010-10-26T10:02:00.004-04:00

In my anniversary post, I talked about goals I had and had not met during my first year as a blogger. One goal I forgot to add to the 'still-need-to-do' list is to create a Facebook Fan Page for my business. In light of the popularity of social media, I think it's important to have a presence for my business and my book on Facebook.

So, in the next few days/weeks/months--however long it takes me--I'm going to create a Facebook Fan Page for my business, Organized Artistry and my book 7 Steps to an Organized Wedding Thank You Note. If anyone has any tips or helpful hints to offer I'd be most appreciative.

I'll keep ya posted!

Anniversary Post

2010-10-20T14:50:00.005-04:00

I can’t believe it, but this month marks the one year anniversary of my blog. I had taken a class in blogging at the NAPO Conference in Orlando in Spring 2009 and got to create it last October on a day when my then 3 year old started preschool. At the time, I was also not quite 3 months pregnant with my second child and still feeling well enough to ‘give birth’ to another extension of my business.

I had set some goals for myself—some I met and some I didn’t…

The ones I met…

• Create interesting content for my blog

• Post at least 2x a month

• Offer great ideas for readers wanting to get organized

Goals I still have to meet…

• Talk about my 7 Steps to an Organized Wedding Thank you Note Book

• Discuss process of writing a full-length manuscript on the same topic (or not getting to write because you have an infant and a preschooler at home)

• Offer organizing tips to brides and grooms

• Post more pictures with blog posts

• Post 3x a month or more

• Post more entries on unique organizing products

I tell my clients not to be too hard on themselves and I’m going to take my own advice. I’m not going to be too hard on myself for not meeting those goals. I had a tough pregnancy and I’ve been sleep deprived since last Spring. There are only so many hours in a day to accomplish what you want to when you have two kids under the age of four!

I’ve loved writing this blog and I’m looking forward to writing more and providing my readers with interesting and helpful content.

Thanks again for droppin’ by…

Helpful Organizing Tips - Back to School

2010-10-02T17:25:00.002-04:00

So, school has been is session for over a month for some students. How's everyone doing?

In case you didn't get off to the most organized start, not to worry. Here are some tips for getting an A+ in organization for the rest of the school year...

Create a home for library books

A great way to NOT get them mixed up with other 'like' books in your home

and while you're at it...

Make a note on your calendar the day the books are due back to the library. No surprises means no need to pay a library fine.

Designate a home for school papers

Doesn't it seems like schools are the reason so many trees are chopped down each year? The amount of papers sent home is staggering and when you're not looking, they multiply like bunnies on your kitchen counter or dining room table.

An easy system to adopt is to have a spot for papers parents need to see/deal with and a spot for each child. This could be a drawer or shoebox--whatever works for your space and budget. Have each child place papers from school in the parent 'spot' and when the parent is done processing the papers (trip slips/lunch money/) it is returned to the child 'spot.' The child then places the papers in their book bag.

For papers that need to be referred to often, consider placing them in a binder or folder for quick reference (holiday schedule, class lists, etc.).

Designate a home for artwork

First it's 'scribbles' on a page, then finger paints and leaf rubbings come home. Soon, the artwork becomes 3-D and it's living on your dining room table. Before it takes over your home, determine where your children's artwork will live in your home. A folder? A box? Your child's room? Make your child responsible for their creations. They may surprise you with how well they take care of their works of art.

Have supplies on hand

Take advantage of back-to-school sales to save you time, money an stress throughout the school year. I remember when I was an elementary school teacher, Staples would sell mini bottles of Elmer's Glue for .10 cents a bottle in August. I would stock up for my class because inevitable by February, everyone's bottle tips were clogged. Another example--paying .59 cents for a pack of looseleaf paper in the summer is easier on the pocket than $2.49 a pack mid-year.

Know what fits (clothes)

As the seasons change, have a try-on session with your kids. No child wants to go to school in pants that are too short or wear shirts with buttons that pop open and be laughed at by their peers. Write down their needs on a post-it and put it in your wallet for the next time you're at the mall. For my son. I take inventory of all of his shirts to determine what color bottoms he needs. Right now I'm looking for navy blue and gray pants and I have his waist size and pant length written on that same post it. (Yes, I carry a tape measure in my purse! Did you doubt it?)

Prepare the night before

This is probably the most important back-to-school tip I can give you. If there's one thing you can do to stay organized, its to get ready for the next day, the day before. Make school lunches when you're making dinner. Before bedtime, have your kids place their packed knapsacks by your home's point of exit so all they have to do in the morning is put their lunch inside (as well as a last minute item or two) and they're ready to leave. A less stressful morning often leads to a less stressful day. Who doesn't want that?

Wishing you an organized school year!

Cool Products - Back to School

2010-09-27T13:20:00.000-04:00

The beginning of the school year is a perfect time to get your children organized. I've found some 'cool products' that are sure to keep mornings calm and the kids on track...

Lillian Vernon has a few that I thought would be helpful. The first 'Cool Product' is the Days of the Week Hanging Organizer.

How many of you have fought the 'What am I Going to Wear Today?' battle...and lost? Check the weather report and the kids' schedules and fill each compartment with clothes and accessories for the week. No more morning hassles and "Where is my...?" questions.

It comes in two styles--one that hangs in the closet and one that hangs over the door--choose whichever works best for your child's space.

The second 'Cool Product' is Personalized Pencils

When I was a elementary school teacher, my students were always losing their pencils and accusing each other of taking them. With the personalized pencils, your child will always know if someone has 'borrowed' one by mistake. They'll be more likely to keep them safe from loss, too. Your child will always be prepared with a pencil!

The third Cool Back to School Product from Lillian Vernon is the Over-the-Door Library Center--a great way to organize children's books. Designate one or two spots for library books and you'll always be able to find them when it's time to return them. That's what being organized is all about: Being able to find the things you need when you need them.

To see these and more organizing products for kids, go to http://www.lillianvernon.com and click on 'Lilly's Kids.'

It's never too late to get your kids organized for the school year!

"The Most Wonderful Time of the Year..."

2010-08-19T23:12:00.003-04:00

Remember that famous Staples commercial with the dad dancing with a shopping cart in the aisles of Staples while his children followed solemnly behind him? Who could forget it? That and the sight of school supplies in every store signaled the start of the new school year.

I'll be taking the next few posts to talk about the Back to School season but to start off, here's an article to help 'get you in gear for the new school year.'

Reading, Writing and Re-Organizing: Back-to-School Organizing Tips

In the meantime, enjoy what's left of the summer!

Organizing an Event? Doodle It!

2010-08-01T17:35:00.007-04:00

I wanted to let you know about a terrific website I use for organizing events. It's called Doodle.

http://www.doodle.com/

From the 'About Us' page on their website:

The world’s leading online scheduling service, Doodle takes the pain out of finding the right date and time for a group of people to meet and makes scheduling virtually effortless. The basic service is a free online coordination tool which requires neither registration nor software installation.

I just created a Doodle Poll to schedule a block party with my neighbors. It made getting 10 families together on one day practically effortless.

I highly recommend it for scheduling events or making decisions within a large group of people. Use it--it's free and it's going to make you feel soooo organized!

Clutter Cop on Rachael Ray Show

2010-07-21T22:29:00.004-04:00

I love to watch Peter Walsh in action. If you don't know who Peter Walsh is, check out Oprah's website. He's been her favorite Professional Organizer for years. He does incredible work with people drowning in clutter.

On Thursday's Rachael Ray Show (7/22) he's at it again, helping a 'messy mom' get organized. I can't wait to watch...

Throw it Away --the 'Smart' Way

2010-07-15T10:29:00.003-04:00

One might not believe it, but I've organized many medicine cabinets for my clients. I've seen more expired medicine than some pharmacists.

Ever wonder how to dispose of it safely? Well...

A few weeks ago I had to get rid of a bottle of infant Tylenol due to a recall of the product. The recall notice led me to call the company who not only refunded me $10 for my troubles, they gave me a website for safely disposing the medication.

Check out http://www.smarxtdisposal.net.

I'll be sending my clients as well as family and friends to this website for proper disposal of old medicines. Let's help keep our homes organized and our environment clean!

Cool Product

2010-06-30T11:15:00.004-04:00

While reading my Bon Appetit magazine the other day, I came across a company that is making cool products. Not only can they help people get organized, these products are manufactured responsibly in a Fair Trade factory.

From their website: "RuMe, a Denver, Colorado based company was launched on Earth Day 2008 to meet the growing need of environmentally conscious consumers who don't want to sacrifice style and functionality."

What I saw in the magazine was their Reusable Snack Bag--a water resistant, reusable bag to hold snacks and small objects. I use ziploc-type bags to organize stuff all the time. I thought these would be a great option for anyone wanting to organize in style.

Many of their products are multi-functional, roll up to a very small size and are very affordable--all great features of must-have organizing tools. Check out what they have to offer at http://www.rumebags.com.

Know a College-Bound Kid?

2010-05-29T13:32:00.003-04:00

The Container Store is having $1,000 dorm room makeover sweepstakes!

Visit http://www. containerstore.com/collegeinvite and complete the online form to receive updates on college promotions and smart tips for organizing a college student's move. You'll be automatically registered for the dorm room makeover sweepstakes.

Good luck!

Dollars on Your Driveway

2010-05-20T17:27:00.003-04:00

I know--everyone says ebay and craigslist are replacing the traditional garage sale of yesteryear. But, whatever happened to the good 'ole fashioned throw-the-garage-door-open and sell everything on a Saturday kind of way to make some money?

If having a garage sale is something you'd like to do this Spring or Summer and are unsure how to put it together (and keep it organized), check out my article, "Three Steps to an Organized Garage Sale."

One tip you'll learn:

Start saving grocery store bags as well as heavy-duty shopping bags. Your customers will appreciate your preparedness and it will be easier for them to carry their new-found treasures.

Wishing you good garage sale weather!

Pooh was Organized?

2010-05-05T21:41:00.001-04:00

"Organizing is what you do before you do something so that when you do it, it is not all mixed up."

A.A. Milne

Group It!

2010-04-25T15:43:00.004-04:00

It's almost the end of April--I hope you've started your Spring Cleaning for 2010. Although the weather has turned cool today, you're going to want those sandals, sports equipment and other 'summer fun' items at arm's reach very soon.

So far, I've given you four basic organizing principles--here's number five--the last one you'll need for Spring Cleaning and Anytime of the Year Cleaning.

Basic Organizing Principle #5:

Group 'Like with Like.'

Grouping 'like with like' helps you to find what you need when you need it. For instance, if all of your daughter's hair clips were to be grouped together all in one place it would be easier to find the pink Hello Kitty barrette that matches her pink Hello Kitty T-shirt. If her hair clips were dumped in a drawer with a bunch of crayons and a few beanie babies, they would be much harder to locate quickly.

Another example: All that 'tupperware' we talked about in Basic Organizing Principle #4--how many times have you cursed under your breath because you couldn't find a square-shaped lid to match it's bottom part? Grouping 'like with like' is the key to finding that bottom part in a matter of seconds.

To achieve optimal container storage, take all of your storage containers out of your cabinet and place them on the dining room table. Sort them by category--group all circle and oval shaped containers and then the squares and rectangles. Do the same with the lids. Then match up lids with bottoms. If you have any missing bottoms or lids, consider recycling or repurposing the other mate-less piece.

Grouping 'like with like' will save you:

Time - no long and tiresome searches for what you need

Money - no more spending $$$ on items you already have but just can't find

Stress--self explanatory...

Even if you haven't started your Spring Cleaning yet, start grouping 'like with like.' It will make you feel like you've taken a huge step towards organizing your home.

Take a Moment

2010-04-19T11:01:00.004-04:00

Remember the last organizing principle we discussed?

This one piggy-backs on the last one...

Basic Organizing Principle #4:

Take the Time to Put Things Away Properly

You've created a home for your stuff. You've used it and now it's time to put it back in it's home.

If you take a few seconds or minutes to put something away properly (as opposed to haphazardly or next to/on top of where it should be), you'll be able to find it next time you need it. And, the next time you need it, it will be easier to retrieve.

For example, if you usually take your tupperware out of the dishwasher and jut toss it into your cabinet, you'll have difficulty retrieving a matching top and bottom the next time you need it.

I often advise people that spending a few minutes putting items 'back in their home' will save them time when they need to revisit that area in the future.

Spending time NOW will save you time LATER.

Keep on doing that Spring cleaning!

Just like Amazon!

2010-04-13T21:23:00.003-04:00

Just wanted to let you know that The Container Store has just introduced 'Ratings and Reviews' for their thousands of products. So, if you've bought from The Container Store in the past, go ahead and write a review for that product. If you do it by May 31, 2010 you'll be entered to win a $500 gift card.

Go to containerstore.com/reviews to submit an online review. It's just like Amazon, only for organizing products!

"Honey, Where's the...?"

2010-04-09T12:58:00.007-04:00

Did you do your taxes yet? If not, stop reading this entry and go straight to your accountant's office. If your taxes are done and you're ready to tackle another part of Spring Cleaning then read on...

I'd like to share with you another basic organizing principle--one that is so basic, we don't even realize half the time that we're doing it.

Basic Organizing Principle #3:

Designate a logical and specific 'home' to put your belongings

Also known as:

“A Place for Everything and Everything in It’s Place”

First example: the toothbrush.

How many of you keep your toothbrush in the living room or the bedroom? Where do most people keep it? Right—in the bathroom—in a holder or drawer or medicine cabinet. Why do we keep it there? Because it’s logical to keep it in the place that we use it. And it’s most likely that when we need it, we’ll find it right there in the bathroom.

Whenever I give a talk, I like to tell people the story of when my hubby and I were first married. We used to go shopping for items for the house and we would bring the tape measure with us. When we came back it would be put down—we hadn’t established a home for it. After one too many, ‘Honey, have you seen the tape measure?’ We decided to designate a home for it in one of our kitchen drawers and now, nine years later, we always know where to find it…

This doesn't need to be complicated. When figuring out a 'home' for an object, ask yourself,

• Where would i use this most often (toothbrush = bathroom)

• If this object leaves the house with me often, where should I create a spot for it? (near the front door? hall closet? mudroom? On a hook/shelf/in a tote bag?

• If I don't use this item often, what is the most logical spot for it?

If you think finding a home for every itty bitty thing in your home is going to be overwhelming--don't panic! You've already made a logical home for most of your belongings (clothes in the drawers/closet, food in the fridge/pantry,and let's not forget your toothbrush...). By designating a logical and specific place to put your belongings, it will enable you to find what you need when you need it--and that's REALLY what being organized is all about.

Where are My Flip Flops?

2010-04-01T22:00:00.003-04:00

It went into the 70's today here in NJ--that's no April Fools. It's about time! I personally can't look at my winter coat any more...

Were you able to find some warm weather clothing in your closet? If not, maybe your Spring Cleaning should shift in the direction of your clothing closet. I often ask my closet-organizing clients, "If you can't get dressed in the morning without getting stressed out, how will the rest of your day go?"

For some tips and helpful hints to make Spring Cleaning your closet a cinch, check out my article, "Spring Cleaning: 5 Steps to an Organized Clothes Closet" at: http://www.organizedartistry.com/orgospring.html

Don't delay! Swimsuit and flip flop season is only a few months away!