Your Organized Home

Back to School Part 3

The time for school is quickly approaching. Getting good habits in place now will be a great start to getting the school year off to a great start. (Not to mention limiting the stress on you!)

Once you have put these items in place you should find that your days run more smoothly and everyone gets out the door on a positive note.

The U.S. Department of Education’s daily homework guidelines are 20 minute maximum for grades 1 to 3, 40 minutes maximum for grades 4 to 6 and two hours maximum for grades 7 to 9. The National Parent Teacher Association has recommended 10 minutes of homework per grade level.

Other ways you can help your child get off to a good start with schoolwork include

Back to School Made Simple - Part 2

Throughout the next 4 weeks kids will begin to start school. Now is the time to pave the way to a good school year by setting up a routine and an organized house.

Remember children need to make as many decisions as  possible. Avoid power struggles by letting them make small decisions. Encourage independence. The more kids are involved in the household, the less strain there is on the parents.

Here are tips for homework to reduce your anxiety level and making the school days run more smoothly.

Back to School Made Simple - Part 1

As the carefree days of summer are coming to a close, it’s time to start thinking about sending the kids back to school. While some parents are jumping for joy, others view this time of year as hectic and stressful. Now is the time to pave the way to a good school year by setting up an organized routine and an organized house.

The key is to have everyone in the household involved in the daily tasks. Encourage independence. Let them help in what ever age-appropriate tasks they can. The more kids are involved in the household, the less strain there is on the parents.

Here are tips for reducing your anxiety level and making the school days run more smoothly.

Family Reunion Month

Family Reunions can be the highlight of the year if they are planned and organized well.  We found Mr. Spiffy out on the web and he has some great tips for making your family reunion one of the best ever!

Toss Away the Could Haves and Should Haves Day - 15

Many people procrastinate around getting organized because they focus a bit too much on the past.  We call it the could-a-would-a effect.  Take this day and let go!  Print out your own "Round Tuit" as a reminder!

Hug Your Kids Today!

About a month ago I wrote about how you could start getting ready for this day.  How did you do? Those we love now are precious.  Take the moment you would normally spend reading this post and go hug your kids!  Here is their theme song to hug play too.

I Am So Embarrased! and other thoughts

When someone begins thinking of organizing, many questions can pop into their thoughts. Every once in a while we will select questions from our readers and share our response with you.

Q:  I so am embarrassed to have you come over, my place is so messy!  I know I need help, but how can you do that without seeing my place?  -- Jennifer - Palatine, IL

Did You Know FAT is GOOD?

My husband's cardiologist would strongly disagree with how I started this article, but hang in there with me and you will see where I am going.  Organize your files week is an April holiday, but you don't need a holiday to get your files in order!  Before you create an organizing plan for your space, evaluate the necessity of removing the backlog. If you have a disaster of an office, you have to get it cleared out and start fresh before you can really make a difference.

Wannabe Clutter

I love to hear my grandchildren talk about what they want to be when they grow up. While some children stay with their chosen career path from preschool through adulthood, most children find new interests that lead to other kinds of life work.

Adults frequently identify new interest areas throughout their lives. For example, my husband started golfing in his 50's. My sister started quilting in her 60's. They were both able to identify something they wanted to do, acquired the necessary equipment and skills, and carried it through the action phase.

New interests are sometimes the source of clutter, and I call this Wannabe Clutter. My definition of Wannabe Clutter is the material that accumulates as a result of start and stop interests.

36 Tips for Productivity in the Home

Do you ever feel like this guy?  So many things to do that you can't even see what is right in front of your face??

Well, Simple Mom posted a great article that is a fast read and includes 36 Tips for Productivity in the Home.

I enjoyed a number of them, but I especially liked point number 28.

Success Stories!!

"Prepare yourself for something wonderful to happen. When you do, it always will."
— Shad Helmstetter

Every once in a while we like to share success stories from our readers, workshop participants or clients.  Recently we received a letter from R.M. from Morton Illinois.  R.M. was struggling with the belongings of her daughters and a basement space that was not functioning as she would like. 

Organize your drawers in the office and kitchen

What does your kitchen "junk drawer" look like?  What about your office desk?  Rubbermaid has a great blog that talks about how to organize different spaces in your home and office.  Recently, there was a post on using a silverware sorter to organize things other than silverware.

That reminded me of a personal project I had done a while back. . .

Could you find what you wanted in the drawer to the right? 

I couldn't either!  So here is what I did about it.

What is Chronic Disorganization?

Chronic Disorganization - Possible Symptom of a Medical Condition (6 minutes, 23 seconds)

Check Out SelfGrowth.Com

www.selfgrowth.com is an awesome site and is the internet super-site for Self Improvement and Personal Growth. The company’s mission is to provide informative, quality Self Improvement and Natural Health information to help people improve their lives. They provide information ranging from Goal Setting and Stress Management to Natural Health and Alternative Medicine. 

Regardless of what areas of growth you have, you will find the experts that can help you along your journey.  I have

Going GREEN - Reducing Paper Piles

Just about every client we talk with says that paper is one of their biggest challenges.  Is it one of yours?

One way you can eliminate paper from your home office (or kitchen counter, entry hall table, etc.) is to

Know Where You Are Going Every Time

Do you ask for the same directions over and over? Not only is that embarrassing, it is a waste of time for you and the person giving you directions.

Taking care of your plants

I was out on the web today at Gardener's Supply Company and I found some pretty cool products.  I thought I would share a few with you.  Now, I'm not an avid gardener.  I will puts around my flower beds, but that is about it.  However, I love looking at this site to see different tools that inventive people come up with.

Eat Your Way to Focus

Did you know that the foods you eat can make a difference in the levels of concentration you experience?  Food can help you or hurt you. . . we all know that.  My buddies at Butterfly Reports have shared

Going GREEN - Tennis Shoes Become Places to Play!

The other day my son, David, came home from school with a "Scholastic News."  The short children's news story talked about how sneakers are now being recycled to create the ground cover on playgrounds.  They use every part of the shoe.

Get Ready for Hug Your Kids Day

"I'm sorry, but I don't have time."

"Just let me finish this first."

"Can you do it?"

"Not now!"

"I have work to do."

"Can I watch you later?"

Have any of these words come out of your mouth as you were talking to your child?  Do you have children that you are not able to spend as much time with as you would like?  Today is the day to start putting some things in place to be ready for June 21st!

Easy Organizer

Easy Organizer

Get Organized Now! Easy Organizer "ORGANIZE EVERY BIT OF INFORMATION IN YOUR LIFE Want to get organized? It's so easy, when you have the Get Organized Now! Easy Organizer. Check out this all encompassing organizing product today. Don't delay another minute. What do you think? Have you read this book?  Tell us what you think!

Organizing WGCY Radio Recording

Last March I had the pleasure of spending some time with Jim Killian, News Director for WGCY radio.  He was fabulous.  It was really easy to talk with him and he made me feel at ease. (Thanks Jim!)  To make things even better, Jim provided the recording of our conversation for me to share.

Do You Know Where to Focus? Use Our Scorecards

We talk to a number of people on a daily basis through our consulting and speaking events.  We frequently hear people tell us that they know they need to get organized, but they are not really sure where they should focus, or where they need help.  If you feel the same way, we have tools for you!

Our Productive Environment Scorecards™ are easy to use, take less than 5 minutes to complete and help you identify the areas you should consider working on next. 

• Productive Environment Scorecard for Individuals 
• Productive Environment Scorecard for Families

Would you like a free telephone consultation?  Fill out one or more of the scorecards and e-mail or fax your results to us and we'll review and contact you.
To your success!

Audio - Clutter: Signs of Postponed Decisions

<>

<>

<>

Clutter- Signs of Postponed Decisions (4 minutes, 15 seconds)

Do I need to be a neat freak to be organized?

When someone begins thinking of organizing, many questions can pop into their thoughts. Every once-in-a-while we will select questions from our readers and share our response with you.

Q: Do I need to be a neat freak to be organized?

Lighten Up! Free Yourself from Clutter

Lighten Up!

Lighten Up! Free Yourself from Clutter is the first book of its kind to view cleaning clutter not as a burdensome chore but as a transformational experience. If those piles of stuff are draining you of energy, if they're not supporting and nurturing you, then get out from under them! Lighten Up! Free Yourself from Clutter is a practical yet inspirational guide that encourages you to approach clutter cleaning as a fun, creative, soul-enriching endeavor.

Have you read this book?  What do you think about it?  Let us know!

Financial Management Resources

23% of adults say they pay bills late (& thus incur fees) because they loose them, according to Harris Interactive. The systems you use (or don't use) can make or break your financial situation.  Here are some web resources to help you get your financial affairs in order and reach towards your financial freedom!

Cluttered houses are dangerous and risk lives

There are frequently stories on homes that have gone up in flames and the fire fighters struggled to put out the fire.  When you look at your home, do you see an easy way for emergency personnel to come in and help you, or would emergency staff struggle to find you?  Take a look at a recent story in Oregon.

Cluttered house ignites, makes firefighting difficult | KATU.com - Portland, Oregon | News

Are You Stressed?

This month is Stress Awareness Month.  Understanding the stress in your life and how to overcome that stress is one of the first steps to living your life to your priorities.  We have provided the following links for you to learn more about stress and what you can do to fight it.

Kitchen Savvy Leads to Abundance

Technorati Tags: kitchen organization,abundance

The American Chronicle had a great article today about how to make your kitchen the space of your dreams.  You can find the entire article at Kitchen Savvy Leads to Abundance.  Author Pat Heydlauff tells you of a Feng Shui focused 3-step system to

"creating great energy in your kitchen – the kind of energy that stays with you and nurtures you every day of the week."

Check it out for some great kitchen ideas. 

Your Turn!

Do you have things that help you stay organized in the kitchen?  Please share them.  We love to hear your ideas.

Love it or Lose It!

Love It or Lose It

Love It Or Loose It Love It Or Lose It introduces the 5-step Clutter Campaign that helps you finally and forever combat the Clutter Trap. Features the LILI Inventory to help you assess the impact of clutter on enjoying your life and work. This book helps you: Reduce stress and distractions Claim the freedom and focus you deserve Create and sustain an environment you love

Have you read this book?  How has it helped you?  What did you think of it?

5 Tips For a Productive Sewing Area

Whether your sewing space is a corner of the dining room, a dedicated closet or a separate room just for sewing, you can make that space inviting and efficient for your sewing tasks. With some thought and organization, your sewing area can be a source of enjoyment and many accomplished projects.  Here are 5 tips to start you on your way to a great organized sewing area.

EBay the Easy Way

One of my long-time readers asked me if I knew of a resource to learn more about e-bay.  He wants to "unload all of this stuff" and he is also considering the possibility of a home-based business using e-bay.

Chronic Disorganization - What Causes It?

When someone begins thinking of organizing, many questions can pop into their thoughts. Every now and again will select questions from our readers and share our response with you.

Q:  What causes Chronic Disorganization?

Clutter's Last Stand

Clutter's Last Stand

Clutter's Last Stand Don Aslett, America's #1 Cleaning Expert, is the founder of one of the country's largest cleaning firms, Varsity Contractors. His home care books have sold more than three million copies-and counting. His private label brand of cleaners, Don Aslett's Time Savers, are perennial favorites on QVC.

Have You read this book?  Let us know what you think!

Makeup - To Keep or Not to Keep

When someone begins thinking of organizing, many questions can pop into their thoughts. Every once in a while we will select questions from our readers and share our response with you.

Q: What is the appropriate age at which to throw out cosmetics & toiletries?

Books on Office Organization

Keep reading for great books on organizing your office. Have you read any of them? If you have please comment in the comment section of this posting and let us know what you think! Have another book that we have not mentioned that you love? Let us know that too!

Clutter is Postponed Decisions

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

De-Cluttering
Clutter- Signs of Postponed Decisions (4 minutes, 15 seconds)
Clutter- Disorganization Equals Stress (4 minutes, 53 seconds)
New Ways To Turn that Clutter into CASH! (4 minutes, 1 second)

 
 

Junk-Mail -- Banish It for Good with GreenDimes!

The e-mail started "Have you heard about GreenDimes?!  Well, no, I hadn't.  However, since the e-mail came from a very trusted and respected source (one of my favorite professors from my college days -- way too long ago) I figured I better take note.  I'm glad that I did and so will you!

Home Office Organization and Design Resources

Do you work from home?  Would you like to know how to set up your office so that it functions better for you?  Did you know that there are now more home-based businesses than there are "store front" small businesses?  Keep reading for some resources and tips on setting up your office.

Clutter Awareness Week and My Personal Learning

Clutter!  Clutter Awareness week is this month, so we thought it was timely to focus on those areas of our life that we normally avoid. 

Clutter accumulates in various areas of life because you have decisions you are avoiding for one reason or another.  De-cluttering is often difficult, because we are forced to face those decision points.

Record Retention for Your Home

Is paperwork taking over your life? Are you keeping every single bill, tax return, insurance invoice, medical documentation, contract and even the 15-year-old warranty for the water bed that you sold at the yard sale ten years ago? If you answered "yes", you are not alone. Many people are not sure how long financial records retention should last, especially tax records.  Determining what to keep and what to toss is often a difficult decision for homeowners.

Tax Time - Get Ready

Now is a great time to get ready for tax day.  Eliminate the stress of running your calculations up to the wire by collecting what you need now. The list below are the things you should make sure you have handy.

De-clutter Those User's Manuals!

How many of you have a big pile (either all together or spread out throughout your home or office) of different sized booklets that give you informaiton about something you purchased?  How many of them have you ever referenced? 

Next question, if something broke down, could you find it when you needed it?  I now know about a great resource that will help you get rid of your obscure ones with no problem!

Who hires a Professional Organizer?

When someone begins thinking of organizing, many questions can pop into their thoughts.  Every once in a while, we will select questions from our readers and share our response with you.  Have a question you would like to get answered?  Ask us!! 

Q: Who hires a Professional Organizer?

Clutter Killed Family in a Blaze and the Collyers Mansion Effect

Clutter can be really paralizing for many people and unfortunately, it can be deadly in some instances.  Today's headlines covered two stories involving clutter, fire and death.  One in Nebraska and one in New York.  Unfortunately, it is so common that many fire departments even have a term for it.  They call a home that is dangerously cluttered by the code name "Collyers mansion." 

So what is a Collyer mansion?

Clutter can be really paralizing for many people and unfortunately, it can be deadly in some instances.  Today's headlines covered two stories involving clutter, fire and death.  One in Nebraska and one in New York.  Unfortunately, it is so common that many fire departments even have a term for it.  They call a home that is dangerously cluttered by the code name "Collyers mansion." 

So what is a Collyer mansion?

Think Like a Retailer - Reclaim Wasted Space

One of the key strategies in getting and staying organized is the efficient use of vertical space.  Retailers often do this quite well.  Think of any store that you frequent and imagine the space with only one level for display.  You are likely envisioning a space that is quite cluttered and hard to move around in.  Retailers are able to get significantly more product on their display floors by working up as well as out.  You can use the same strategy when structuring your space!

De-Cluttering Your Space Will Help You Lose Weight?

Recently I read an article on Gallycat about a conversation the author had with Peter Walsh.  Peter is the guy that TLC's Clean Sweep made famous for de-cluttering people's homes.  I was very happy to read that Peter does not think that a quick clean-up will "cure" people's situation.  He is out with a new book that covers his experiences on Clean Sweep.  Interestingly enough, he observed that once people de-cluttered their space, they also started losing weight.  Read that and more on the Gallycat posting. 

Tell me what you think.  Is it a bunch of Bologna or do you think there is some credibility in the thoughts?

Dust Free Storage with Stor Pods

If you are looking for a great way to moisure proof the items that you have in your basement or attic,  then the StorPod may be for you!  There are three different configurations depending on your space needs.