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Organizing Thought For the Day

Tue, 26 Feb 2013 11:29:00 -0800

PRESIDENT'S DAY SALE

Fri, 15 Feb 2013 12:48:00 -0800

Organize everything this weekend and while you’re at it, take 20% off any one item now through Monday, February 18th at Organize.com!

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY

Thu, 14 Feb 2013 15:58:18 -0800

Happy Valentine’s Day, friends. Pure love of romance, girly looks, dresses, pink, red and paper hearts.

credit: Chain of Hearts, Inslee Haynes.

Photo

Tue, 05 Feb 2013 23:27:56 -0800

#bathorganized #inspiration #havefunwithcolor #mrsorganized

Tue, 05 Feb 2013 00:57:00 -0800

#bathorganized #inspiration #havefunwithcolor #mrsorganized

#organize #perfectofficeshelves #calming

Tue, 05 Feb 2013 00:44:30 -0800

#organize #perfectofficeshelves #calming

NAPO LA ORGANIZING AWARDS

Tue, 05 Feb 2013 00:30:41 -0800

I had the pleasure of attending and being the guest of The National Association of Professional Organizers, Los Angeles (NAPO-LA) 7th Annual Organizing Awards on Saturday, January 26th. The event was held at the Sheraton Universal Hotel in Universal City, where the best of the professional organizing world came together to share their successes. You might imagine, that those of us who attend this event are slightly obsessed with bins, boxes, baskets and how to organize just about everything. And, if I had taken a survey, I probably could have come home with at least 100 new ways to organize your shoes and handbags.

“Yard Sale Diva”, Trish Suhr of Style Network’s Clean House hosted the Awards Ceremony.

Hats off to the LA Chapter, as the awards are definitely Hollywood style and where the rich and famous (in heart + spirit) organizers of the world get their glam on at this what’s become the “not to be missed” event. Red Carpet arrivals began at 6:30 pm, followed by a cocktail reception, dinner and Awards ceremony.

This year’s 25 Awards ranged from Best Closet Design, Best Green Organizing Service and Product to Best National Television Show Incorporating Organizing. My new amigo, Cory Chalmers of A&E’s Hoarders and I presented the Best Organizing Product Award. And, the winner? Zip Lock Bags, because who doesn’t love and use them for just about anything.

Here’s a picture of Professional Organizer, Monica Ricci and me.

In attendance of this year’s event were some of my personal favorite Celeb and Professional Organizer friends, Peter Walsh, Julie Morgenstern, Dorothy Breininger, Jodi Watson, Angela Wallace, John Trosko, Chris McKenry, Lisa Montanaro, Corey Chalmers, Standolyn Robertson and Barry Izsak. Great seeing all of you.

Thank you to the NAPO LA Chapter, Chapter President + Co-chair, Nadine Levy and Co-chair, Tara Kenavan for all your hard work, enthusiasm and a wonderful evening!

wellorganized: Organized my necklaces… these air tight pouches...

Tue, 05 Feb 2013 00:06:47 -0800

wellorganized:

Organized my necklaces… these air tight pouches should prevent it from further tarnishing!! #wellorganized #organize

wellorganized: Organize remote controls in a pretty vase for a...

Tue, 05 Feb 2013 00:05:07 -0800

wellorganized:

Organize remote controls in a pretty vase for a clutter free living room.

A perfect setting to relax.

Thu, 17 Jan 2013 15:04:49 -0800

A perfect setting to relax.

theglitterguide: (via Interior Style File: Monograms |...

Thu, 17 Jan 2013 15:01:33 -0800

theglitterguide:

(via Interior Style File: Monograms | theglitterguide.com)

MORE JANUARY ORGANIZING TIPS

Thu, 17 Jan 2013 14:58:08 -0800

How is everyone doing on their New Year’s Resolutions? We all have a tendency to be less interested in keeping up with our commitments around the middle of this month, but keep going. You can do it!

Sorry that the January Checklist wasn’t easy to print. I won’t post checklists in artwork format in the future. If you haven’t already finished these tasks, here are some additional reminders that may be of help in getting you organized this month:

1. Protect and Store Holiday Ornaments + Decorations

2. Store Your Holiday China

3. Create a Daily, Weekly and Monthly Checklists of Things to Do In Your Home

4. Develop a Schedule for Seasonal Cleaning

5. Vacuum + Rotate Mattresses

6. Check Batteries in Fire Detectors + Clocks

7. Wash Chandeliers + Replace Light Bulbs

8. Clean the Fireplace

9. Clear out Gutters of leaves, twigs and other outdoor debris

10. Clean Out Books + Magazines

11. Discard Expired Medications + Food

12. Commit to Cord Control Everywhere in Your Home

13. Pair Down Your Wardrobe + Organize Your Closet and Drawers

14. Tidy Up the Toys - Get the kids to help!

15. Clean and Organize the Refrigerator - Replace Baking Soda

16. Clean, Rotate + Organize Contents of the Kitchen Pantry + Spice Area

17. Get the Laundry Room in Order

18. Organize the Junk Drawer

19. Never use the word “later” or file under “miscellaneous”

20. Get rid of anything that is followed by the words, “I will use or wear that IF…”

Don’t you just want a great and relaxing space to come home to?

Happy Organizing!

Image Source: Better Homes & Gardens.

THE JANUARY CHECKLIST TO GET ORGANIZED

Fri, 04 Jan 2013 11:24:20 -0800

What are you doing to Get Organized in 2013? Here’s a January Checklist to help you get started!

Make this year the best it can be.

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Fri, 04 Jan 2013 11:24:00 -0800

GET ORGANIZED IN 2013

Wed, 02 Jan 2013 14:47:00 -0800

Happy New Year All!

I hope your holidays were wonderful and you are ready to begin a fresh new year.

As we start a new year, it’s also a great time to get fit, start a new hobby or bring order to our home. If your New Year’s resolution is getting organized, here is what I call “The Simple List to Get Organized in 2013”.

Set Your Goals

Whether you want to travel to faraway places, lose weight or get organized, record your goals for the New Year and the steps you will take to reach them. Keep your goals in a place where you can see them daily.

Out With the Old, In With the New

While putting away gifts received for the holidays, shed those items no longer in use. If you received a new scarf, handbag or jacket, donate or consign those you no longer use or wear.

Store Holiday Decorations

Take down and store your holiday decorations. Share or donate any that were not used this year. Create a designated holiday storage area in your garage, basement, attic, laundry room or in any area where there is storage space or cabinets. Label decorations by area or room.

Holiday Greeting Card Solutions

It’s okay to keep Holiday Photo cards as long as you frame your favorites, organize and contain the rest in photo albums, dvd/cd boxes or a card keeper. Remember to record addresses from friends and families that may have moved this year. Try saving the envelopes of those you need to update and set some time on your calendar, such as a Sunday afternoon to update your address book.

Get Picture Perfect

Organize printed images or digital photos by setting up an organizational system that works for you. Think outside the photo album with photo-software packages, CD or DVD boxes set up as a recipe file with tabbed dividers. Include index cards with the details of the events and names of those present.

Take a New Approach

Every year we start with a resolution to get organized, but soon after we clear the clutter we tend to stock up on more “things” now that we have free space. This year, take a different approach by living with less and keeping only the things that matter, are meaningful and that you are willing to let take up space in your home.

Where do I start?

Many people say “I’m feeling overwhelmed” or “I don’t know where to start”. Begin with what bothers you the most and take one step or work on one project at a time. Surprisingly, one of the resolutions that people mention have made them feel better, is making the bed. Since I make my bed practically while my husband or I are still in it, I never thought this to be an issue for people. Making your bed is a great way to start your day feeling just a small sense of accomplishment. It’s also nicer to get dressed in an organized and neat room and who wants to get into a messy bed at night?

Room by Room

The most common clutter problem areas we hear about are the closet, kitchen pantry and shower. No matter what the area, take an organized approach to organizing your home. This may sound like double talk, but make a list of what you would like to accomplish by area of the room and the tools or items you need for the job. For example, in the bedroom you may want to organize your closet, drawers, jewelry, cosmetics, linen cabinet and under the sinks. Create a list of the items you need to organize those areas, keep it simple and remember that years of clutter did not happen overnight. Be patient and don’t get discouraged.

Take 10!

We feel better when things around us are neat and organized. When everyone is tucked in and just before you go to your room to read, watch television, “Pin” on your iPad or spend alone time with your husband, take ten minutes to tidy things up. With order around you, you’ll feel more relaxed to sleep, happier in the morning when you return to the kitchen and less stressed with your children. Also try making your lists for the next day. I find that I sleep better when I see what’s ahead and it makes things more manageable for me.

The Sanctuary

Your bedroom should be your sanctuary and the place you want to spend time at the end of the day. Create an atmosphere and personal space for yourself where you can relax, rest, romance, sleep and dream. Surround yourself with beautiful fabrics, pillows, good books and only things you will enjoy.

The Closet Tip – Paring Down Your Wardrobe

While we are obsessed with all types of organizing, we admit that have some extra love for closets. Get serious this year about what you wear and what you don’t. While there are always exceptions to the rule, here is one our favorite Peter Walsh closet tricks that will help you keep clothing under control:

Turn all hangers around on your closet rod so that hooks are pointing toward you.
When you wear something, hang it back up with the hook the normal way.
In six months time, any hangers still facing the wrong way means you haven’t worn that item and it’s time to donate or consign it.

Easy and very smart!

Tackle Cosmetics

Get rid of perfumes, nail polishes, lipsticks and cosmetics you no longer use. Perfumes typically lose their pizzazz after three years. The last number on the bottom of the bottle was the year it was made. If you received a new scent as a gift over a year ago and still haven’t used it, give it away to someone who will.

Jewelry Organization 101

Create spaces that work best for the type of jewelry you are organizing. Multipurpose hanging jewelry organizers are an excellent choice and most are under $15.00. Keep necklaces and bracelets individually so that they don’t get tangled together. Earrings should have their own compartments. Use a trinket tray at your bedside to keep those items you use daily, but don’t want to sleep with.

Free Up Space

This is another term for “going vertical”. With only so much floor space to go around, mount your television, use wall or closet organizers for shoes, handbags, scarves, belts, accessories and toys, such as action figures. Use the back of closet doors wherever possible.

Get the Kids Involved

Your mother was right; you are never too young to be organized. Create toy storage areas with your kids and teach them to keep books and toys organized, neat and where they belong.

Go Paperless

While there will always be a place in our hearts for paper, take time to bring your excess paper to the digital world. Transferring or scanning statements, invoices, documents and receipts will save trees, reduce clutter and makes things easier to find.

The Rules for 2013

Choose at least one goal that you are committed to and will accomplish.
Never label anything miscellaneous. Just do it.
Let go of the things that are weighing you down once and for all.

Whatever your New Year’s Resolution, I wish you success and an amazing 2013.

Happy Organizing!

HAPPY NEW YEAR! maisonsblanches: via...

Tue, 01 Jan 2013 20:11:00 -0800

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

maisonsblanches:

via belle-blanc.blogspot.de

Photo

Wed, 19 Dec 2012 00:30:00 -0800

MAKE LISTS + CHECK THEM TWICE

Wed, 12 Dec 2012 13:32:00 -0800

I am a list maker from way back, but they are the answer to my sanity. Well, what I think is my sanity, anyway. One of my favorite go-to list ideas that I want to share with you in time for the holidays is my “set the table list”. Sound crazy? With so much going on during the holiday season, it’s really not. Give it a try.

Once I decide the color or theme for my holiday table, I make a list of everything I’ll need or use.This includes my tablecloth, napkins, napkin rings, dinnerware, glassware, candlesticks, votive holders, candles, place cards and holders, flowers and vases. The advance list helps me to think through the table setting process and remove items off of my mental list, which can get pretty overwhelming. Are the linens pressed? Is the silver clean? Which china am I using or do I want new linen place mats in a fun color this year?

Speaking of flowers, I don’t always plan exactly what I’ll use on the table. It’s always more fun to see what’s available in your color scheme at the florist or market and remember, simple is the new black. A few white stems in mix and match vases make a great statement. I’ve added cake stands to my table decor library. I love the way they look with little antique glass vases scattered on top. Stacking them gives height to the buffet table.

Happy Holidays!

Mrs. O

Image Source: Karin Lidbeck-Brent via Pinterest

What can you suggest to do with old birthday cards instead of tossing them out?

Thu, 06 Dec 2012 22:23:30 -0800

It sounds like your birthday cards are really special to you. There’s nothing wrong with saving keepsakes, but setting boundaries for them is a must.

First - Allocate a space to save the cards and keep your collection contained within that space. Choose from containers such as Photo Boxes, File Boxes or Accordion Files. They’re easy to use solutions, are available in multiple sizes and cool colors and prints that work with any decor.

The rules to play by: 1. If you don’t touch the cards for several months, it might be time to re-think how important it is to keep all of them. 2. If the allocated space or containers start filling up, implement the “one-in, one-out” rule and stay within your limits.

Maybe some day you’ll just keep the really special cards. You’ll always have the memories of how great they all were.

Happy organizing!

how can I best organize 50 pairs of men's trousers?

Thu, 06 Dec 2012 18:50:24 -0800

When it comes to hanging clothes, the first thing I recommend is to use the same type hanger throughout your closet. Next, allocate a space or section of your closet where the trousers will hang and keep them together. If you have limited space, non-slip slimline hangers are a great solution. If space isn’t an issue, wooden suit/pant hangers with a ribbed bars keep trousers in place and from slipping, while keeping trousers looking neat and organized. Need more hanging space? Garment Racks are an easy solution to creating more space.

Happy Organizing!