Productive & Organized Home

Holiday Planning Made Simple - Tips to help you manage the holiday rush (Part 2)

Earlier this week I wrote part one of this series Entertaining Does Not Have to Be Hard -- Use Your Best Talents.  Today, I'll talk a bit about gift giving and making time for yourself.

Holiday Planning Made Simple - Tips to help you manage the holiday rush (Part 1)

The holiday season is upon us and for many it is a hectic and stressful time of year. It does not have to be! The holiday season is a time for making room for what is important to you. How you do that is your choice.

Home Filing So You (and Others) Can Find it Again

Yesterday I received a reader question in reference to my action fling Video: 

 "This is the first of SEVERAL videos, books, articles and blogs I have read that actually addressed how to house the ACTIVE files, and not just a storage/filing system. Thanks so much. I do however, have a question that arose after seeing the action You Tube video: I understand that your major client is usually a business; but I have four kids and I have never been able to effectively file their papers, incoming or outgoing, active versus archived in a way that is functional for anyone except myself. The main thrust of my system is a file system PER KID, and then to break that into their sport, school, extracurricular stuff. It works but as I said, its workings are known only to me - which as I recently discovered through a 2 week bout of mono, is very INefficient. Can you tell me if this PER KID approach is the best or should I do it per activity, per grade....I know you understand my dilemma. Thanks in advance. --Lori"  (Florida USA)

Have You Seen TLC's New Hoarding: Buried Alive Show? Watch with us!

TLC recently began airing a series called "Hoarding: Buried Alive"  and I'd like you to consider watching episode #3 with me.

Hoarding affects millions of people, including individuals with hoarding behavior or tendencies, family members who fear for their loved one’s health and safety, neighbors and public officials. Multiple generations can be impacted by an individual that struggles with hoarding. 

Shows such as this one are creating a greater awareness of hoarding behaviors as well as some of the strategies used to work with people who hoard.

While I have been watching the episodes since the airing began on March 14 of this year (and really like the way they share such a sensitive topic), I'm especially interested in the one coming up.  You see, we were honored that the TLC series selected our very own Ellen Hankes CPO-CD (certified professional organizer in chronic disorganization) as one of their experts.  On Sunday evening, March 28th, TLC television will air a show that was filmed in Omaha, Nebraska. Hoarding: Buried Alive features Mary as she works to address her extreme volume of personal belongings. Ellen served as the consulting Professional Organizer for the show. 

Today I'll tell you a bit more about the show and also where you can get more information on hoarding and chronic disorganization.

BOOK: Second Sight - Awaken Your Intuition & Stay Positive & Brave (launch specials)

Do you trust your intuition?  I have found that many of my clients do not.  Often, when we work together I learn that they had very good ideas on how to organize their life, but did not trust their own instinct.  If you think that is you, then you'll want to check out the book I summarize below.

Resource Center: 36 Organizing Blogs for your Time, Office, Home and Life

I have a number of colleagues that write about all different areas of organizing.  Today, I thought I'd share some of them.  Scroll through the list and pick a couple to check out!

Your Business, Office and Time

http://www.productiveandorganized.net -- Read about how to make the most of your time, thoughts, information and space.  Learn to live your best life by making room for what is the most important in your life. by Stephanie Calahan

http://www.thepapertiger.com/blog/ -- Learn about how to get your life and office organized and be more productive as well as the benefits of using The Paper Tiger software for document management and filing system needs. by the Monticello Corporation and multiple Paper Tiger Productivity Experts

http://www.meggin.com/articles/ - Articles being productive in your office to being productive when you’re traveling and much more.  by Meggin McIntosh

http://www.ElizabethHagenInspires.com -- Read about getting organized, building great self-esteem and confidence. by Elizabeth Hagen

http://www.quietspacing.com/blog/ --QuietSpacing™ — The Faster, Easier, and Smarter Way to Increase Productivity by Paul Burton

http://www.yourlifeinorder.com/blog -- Are you a professional women?  Then stop here to learn how you can create your very own “healthy, wealthy, and organized” lifestyle – balance, organization and healthy living all rolled into one! by Robin Stephens

http://dalyorganizing.com/?page_id=121 -- 'Shortcuts to Simple.'  Read about making work and life easier and simpler, ie Simplicity, Time Management, Energy Management, Reducing stress by using organizing tools, and Focus on what is most important, etc. by Ellen Daly

http://www.WhoIsLaura.com -- Blog about Home-Based Business Success Tips, Organization and Time Management by Laura Aridgides, Ph.D.

http://www.simplicated.com/Blog/ -- Blog about organizing business and efficiency based on the people she meets and great books read. by Tracy Campbell

http://decidetobeorganized.com/ -- Offers tips and advice to the general public on how to be more organized, and to organizers and other entrepreneurs on how to take their businesses to the next level. by Lisa Montanaro

Your Life and Home

http://www.ellenhankes.com -- Do you struggle with chronic disorganization in your home and office?  Then this blog is for you.  by Ellen Hankes

http://www.organizewithsandy.com/blog -- Organize with Sandy provides tips and tricks to organize your home and your life.  She also shares her life experiences managing and organizing a large family.

http://www.productiveandorganizedhome.com -- Organize every room in your home and every minute of your life.  by Calahan Solutions, Inc. and many selected industry bloggers.

http://www.greenappleorganising.com.au/blog -- Blog about organizing your time and home and being green. by Adele Blair

http://www.takecontrolorganizing.com/blog/ -- TCO blogs about organizing tips, suggestions, product reviews, inspiration, and anything else that may be going on that's worth talking about!! by Nikki Kinzer

http://www.Elaineshannon.com -- Organizing expert, Empress of Inspiration and Work at Home mom Elaine shannon helps you take charge and get rid of what’s holding you back. by Elaine Shannon

http://www.Kimberlyeagles.com -- Professional Organizer and Work at home mom Kimberly Eagles helps you to regain control of your space and time through Organizing tips, tricks and answering readers questions. by Kim Eagles

http://www.Organizingconnection.com/blog -- Connect with resources and information to help you get organized and join the weekly water cooler chat about what is happening in the organizing community and around the world. by Elaine Shannon and Kim Eagles

http://www.theprofessionalorganizer.com/blog -- Concentrating on organizing for those that are the creative "right brain" type of person.  by Allison Carter

http://nancyorganizes.blogspot.com/ -- This blog is about local (Hawaii) opportunities for people to get organized (i.e. shredding days, etc.) and about tips on how to get organized yourself. by Nancy Nino

http://www.healingorganization.com/cleanblog/ -- Learn ways to incorporate "green" into your life and into your organizing. by Julie Seibert

http://lurleneanderson.wordpress.com/ -- Learn about creating space and harmony in your world. by Lurlene Anderson

http://carriethru.com/index.php/resources-and-articles/ -- You’ll find articles and videos about decluttering, time and task management, procrastination and getting things done. by Carrie Greene, ACC

http://www.ClearSimpleInspiration.com -- Tips, Ideas & Solutions for Living Your Best Life! by Heidi DeCoux

http://organizedinnovations.wordpress.com/ -- Read a tip of the week which is an effective, easy to implement organizing concept or product that people can implement right away.  Short, simple, to the point and easy to do now. by Stacey Anderson

http://www.examiner.com/x-21168-Baltimore-Organized-Families-Examiner  -- Organized Families helps busy moms and dads to be more organized and manage their homes more efficiently.  In addition to interviewing experts, Jacquie shares her organizational tips on decluttering, scheduling, time management, budgeting, simple living, meal planning, organization products and services, and much more. 

http://www.clutterstop.blogspot.com -- ADHD, hoarding, time management issues, how to get past overwhelm, and then I even write about fun stuff like seminars that I go to, or concerts, or trips I've taken, or even a dessert that I've found that is too delicious for words.  by Sheila G. McCurdy

http://openspacesfengshui.com/blog -- Blog about all things Feng Shui, from practical tips and advice, to quirky examples of Feng Shui good and bad, to an in-depth look at its principles and techniques. by Ann Bingley Gallops

http://lelahwithanh.blogspot.com -- Blog about organizing books, products, concepts and offer tips and tools. by Lelah Baker-Rabe

http://www.addspacetoyourlife.com/category/blog/ -- Blog about organizing tactics and strategies as well as wardrobe/ image tips. by Kathi Burns

http://www.gracebrooke.com/?page_id=840 -- Blog about efficiency, office organization, home organization, organizing products, and organizing children. by Grace Brooke

http://downshiftingpos.blogspot.com/ -- Blog about helpful tips, lists, ideas and reference material to help you get organized and simplify your life. by Margarita Ibbott

http://tinyurl.com/theorganizedwoman -- The Organized Woman Show is to offer tips and tools for creating the life you want. by Vicki Winterton

http://blog.harmoniouslifedesigns.com/ -- Organizing, De-Cluttering and Space Design for Home and Garden by Maureen Nuccitelli

Stages in Life and Life Changes

http://www.organizenh.com/wordpress -- Read about mid and later life transitions and how organizing supports you throughout. by Sue West

http://orderuporganizing.tumblr.com -- Posts are geared toward young professionals and consist of organizing tips, techniques, and topics mainly focused on the kitchen.  I also regularly feature individual young professionals and share their feelings on organizing and meal planning.  by Jill Marie Hively

Do you have a blog that you love?  Tell me about it!

Could You Be Ready to Evacuate Your Home at a Moments Notice?

Tips to Prepare an Emergency Grab-and-Go File

As we have witnessed the devastation Katrina, recent storms in Haiti and other locations across the glob has caused, many of us have wondered what we would do if we were faced with the same situation.  What would we take with us if our Mayor ordered a full community evacuation?  Would you be able to make decisions as quickly as necessary?  Would you know where important papers or documents were located in your home?  Residents of these horrible storms were faced with these questions and many more.

Families should prepare for the worst and pray for the best.  Creating an "Emergency Grab and Go File” is one of the most important things you can do to ensure that in times of stress, emergency or grief, you are not compounding the situation by not knowing where important documents and contact information are. 

6 simple steps to greatness…

I’m writing today to tell you about a great book that I recently had the opportunity to preview.  First, let me tell you a bit about the author, Kenneth Brown.

He was born to parents who had five children before reaching their own late-teen years … a youth spent in abject poverty and a string of evictions…

He pulled himself up and earned a university degree, and became one of the youngest African-American owner/operators of a McDonald’s franchise in history!

Now a popular Life and Business Coach, author, and speaker … Kenneth has just released his second book, “L.I.F.E – Living In Freedom Everyday”.

http://www.livinginfreedomeveryday.com/book/

The book is an easy-to-read, easy-to-follow 6-step paved pathway to personal, financial, and spiritual freedom.

It quickly cuts through the clutter and confusion you may be facing in trying to live up to God’s wishes for you … and focuses in on what really works and how YOU can easily effect such great changes in YOUR own life!

Of course, I know full well that I can’t do it justice in this short post. So here’s what I want you to do…

Run over to Kenneth’s website, right here:

http://www.livinginfreedomeveryday.com/book/
… and see for yourself why so many experts are talking about “L.I.F.E – Living In Freedom Everyday”. Do it right now … before you forget you wanted to check it out.

To your success!

PS -- If you've enjoyed this post and want to see more, why not subscribe to our daily emails (Feedblitz) or through the RSS Feed (click here)?  Or, follow us on Twitter!  Or connect on Facebook!

PPS -- I do not make any money off of the sale of this book, but I did promise Kenneth that I'd tell you about it and offer a giveaway too.

The Great Organizing Giveaway is Here!

The new year is a great time to think of ways that you can improve your life -- Getting Organized always lands in the top 10 lists of New Year Resolutions.  There are many outstanding resources available to consumers to help them get organized, but frequently people do not know where to find them or how to start.  Our solution was to get the resources available in one spot!

The Great Organizing Giveaway is Here!

Go to http://www.AskTheExpertOrganizers.com/signup.html and sign up to get resources such as e-books, tip sheets, audio programs, productivity software, consulting and more!  You can also enter into drawings for awesome prizes.  My amazing colleagues have really stepped up to the plate to deliver quality content just for you and it will cost you nothing!

AboutOne Wants to Hear from YOU - Chance to Win an iPod Touch!

I am quite honored to share that the founders of AboutOne contacted me earlier this year and asked me to sit on their advisory board.  After hearing Joanne Lang's extremely professional presentation and vision for an on-line tool that would help busy moms get and stay organized, I was hooked.  Of course I was honored to be on their board!

Up until this point, the AboutOne team has been diligently in the background planning and programming the awesome new tool.  They are now needing your input to ensure that they are spending their development dollars in the right place.  (One of the things I like about this company is that they really care about what YOU think!)

If you have a few minutes, I'd love it if you would go to www.AboutOne.com and take their market survey.  It won't take long and it will help the team tremendously. 

A little about AboutOne:

Coming early in 2010, AboutOne is designed to help busy moms get organized, ->> it is a highly secure, on-line service that helps you quickly enter, track and organize your information and your household information, share pieces with family members and give you the ability from any location, 24/7 to find what you need in seconds.  

 

In addition to helping moms (and yes, dads you will love it too!) the AboutOne team is all about "giving back" too.  Here are three ways that they contribute on a bigger scale:

• free access for our Heroes (army, navy, fire etc) program
• sponsoring children in need
• giving time at events to raise money for cancer.  

Please help the team ensure that the product meets YOUR needs by taking the survey at www.AboutOne.com- it takes less than 10 minutes and you can win an iPod Touch every month too.

Oh!  They will be participating in the Great Organizing Giveaway too!

To your success!

Easy Solutions to Organize the Legos in Your Home

Do your or your children's Legos look like that picture?  Legos can be a bunch of fun, or they can be a royal pain!  The good news is that there are some easy solutions to help you turn a mess into a system that is fun and manageable. 

Recently, the topic of Lego organizing came up on one of the organizing groups I belong to and I learned that organizer moms have their own techniques for keeping the tiny plastic pieces contained and ready for play at any time. I'm sharing their ideas with you today.

Could you live with just 72 things?

I was reading this post today: Living with 72 Things and wanted to share it with you to get your perspective.  Tammy and her husband have eliminated almost everything from their material lives and blog about living a simple life.  About two years ago they began letting go of things.  To date, they have let go of so many items that they have moved to a less expensive, much smaller home.  Read Tammy's post and come back here to tell me what you think!

To your success!

PS -- If you've enjoyed this post and want to see more, why not subscribe to our daily emails (Feedblitz) or through the RSS Feed (click here)?  Or, follow us on Twitter!  Or connect on Facebook!

How to Store Extra Artwork in Your Home

One of our readers, Kathleen from Dallas TX, asked us the following question:

"Hi.  My name is Kathleen and my husband and I are great lovers of art.  We own a number of paintings.  Actually, we own more paintings than we have walls.  I enjoy rotating them throughout the year.  I like matching our art with the seasons and holidays.  The problem comes in with storage.  Any ideas on how I can store the pieces that I don't have displayed?"

Kathleen, I sure do!  I asked my colleagues to share their thoughts, so keep reading and pick the solution that works the best for you.

7 Ideas for Handling an Overabundance of Bathroom Products (lotion, sanitizer, perfume, etc.)

Do you have a plethora of bathroom products?

A Reader Writes:

I'm looking for ideas to help my mother.  She is 65 years old and has a HUGE collection of personal products in her bathroom and linen closet.  Most of them are unopened and expensive (she got them as gifts) so she does not want to throw them out.  But, she will never use all of it and her space is filled to the brim.  Is there any place that would like this kind of stuff?
Thanks!
MaryAnne -- Jacksonville Florida USA

MaryAnne- Yes!  I've listed seven options and I bet my readers will have ideas too.

Quiz: What is Your Learning Style? Take this Quiz & Find Out! (via @hellenbuttigieg)

I have been studying learning styles for the past 15+ years and know that when you understand your learning style you can make all kinds of amazing things happen!  My colleague, Hellen Buttigieg, has created a great quiz that will help you figure out your learning style. 

Reserve about 10-15 minutes (it took me 8) and take the quiz below.  If you see more than one answer that applies, pick the one that best reprisents you.

Determine Your Learning Style » Quiz Question Maker

Want to learn more?

If you like the idea of using your learning style to figure out how to organize, then I encourage you to consider reading Hellen's book, "Organizing Outside the Box."  The secret — as revealed in this clear, concise, and compelling book — is to organize according to your natural, preferred learning style. Organizing Outside the Box will help you to:

• Determine whether you are a visual, auditory, or kinesthetic learner
• Pick the filing, storage, and organizing systems that fit your learning style
• Overcome feelings of frustration, anxiety, and overload
• Organize your thoughts and unleash your creative potential
• Run a  more efficient home and office by understanding the preferred organizing styles of family and co-workers.

Comment and Share!

Did you take the quiz?  What did you learn?  What kind of learner are you?  Let us know below.

Like what you've read?  Then share it with your friends!  Just click the buttons at the end of this post to share with those you care about.

To your success!

PS -- If you've enjoyed this post and want to see more, why not subscribe to our daily emails (Feedblitz) or through the RSS Feed (click here)?  Or, follow us on Twitter!  Or connect on Facebook!

Order Helps Build Better Readers

I was reading my copy of Working Mother Magazine today and came across an article that I wanted to share with you.  The article was "Family Focus - Order Helps Readers."  The tag line read:
 
How getting organized will help your kid become a stronger student. 
 
  

6 Tips to Feel Beautiful Today!

The other day I started working with a new client on her overabundance of paper.  Paper had essentially taken over her home... couches, beds, floors, kitchen counters, etc. were covered in paper.  As we worked through the day we explored why the paper accumulated and ultimately we decided it was because of her opinion of herself.  Really!  Over the years, life crashed down on her and she began to feel that she was not worthwhile or lovable.  That belief led to chronic clutter. 

Clutter is often a symptom of something else going on deep inside your mind.  You may not know that you even have the feelings.  Today, I asked my friend Sarah Maria to share some tips on how you can feel beautiful again.  Read it, try it and let me know what you think!

Be Careful! You May be Buying More Than You Think!

On Tuesday I shared the post Control Your Inner Shop-a-Holic - Questions to ask Before You Buy, but did you know you might be purchasing more than you think you are? 

Consumption is a huge challenge for many.  Even when we think that we are controlling our spending, we may not be.  At least that is what Martin Lindstrom, author of Buyology: Truth and Lies About Why We Buy says.  Watch this short segment from the Today Show.

(Reading this in email? Go here to watch the video:  http://www.productiveandorganizedhome.com/2009/10/be-careful-you-may-be-buying-more-than-you-think.htm)

In it, he shares some amazing psychological "tricks" that retailers use to make you want to buy more without even thinking about it.

Comment and Share!

What do you think?  Does this really happen or is it just bunk to sell a book?  What do you do to control your shopping?  Do you control your shopping?  Please leave your comment below.

Like what you've read?  Then share it with your friends!  Just click the buttons at the end of this post to share with those you care about.

To your success!

PS -- Thanks to my buddy and colleague http://twitter.com/MYM_Organizing for keying me in to this video.

PPS -- If you've enjoyed this post and want to see more, why not subscribe to our daily emails (Feedblitz) or through the RSS Feed (click here)?  Or, follow us on Twitter!  Or connect on Facebook!

We love getting your questions!  Ask one or many!  We review questions on a regular basis and publish in one of our blogs or newsletter.

Control Your Inner Shop-a-Holic - Questions to ask Before You Buy

When you go shopping are you looking at everything with rose colored glasses or do you administer a dose of reality?

Some people are born shoppers.  One of my good friends, Angela, is a FABULOUS shopper.  She can spot a deal from miles away.  The other thing that makes her a good shopper, however, is she can walk away from that deal if it is not what she really needs.

Keep reading for some ideas that can help you be smart with your shopping.

Use Simple White Chalk in Your Closet or Basement to Remove Moisture

Today's post is short and sweet, but one that could make a big difference in the smell of your spaces!  Do you have damp closets or basement spaces?  If so, go purchase simple white school chalk.  Tie a few pieces of chalk together to form a small bundle and hang in a closet or other space to absorb moisture. 

Seven steps to conquer clutter in your garage

Have you seen that garage?  You know, the one down the street that functions as good as it looks? 

The garage that is organied and so advanced that the owners have no clutter concerns.

It is the one that holds cars in the winter to keep them snow and ice free.

Now... imagine that garage is yours.  It can be!  Read on to learn 7 tips to get you there.  You CAN take back your garage!

How Long Should You Keep Papers In Your Home - Ideas for 76 Kinds of Residential Paperwork

Do you struggle to figure out what papers you should keep and what papers you can let go of every month?  Then you are not alone!  A few years ago, I talked with a number of accountants and lawyers thinking I would get the same answers and learned that there is no 100% answer for how long you should keep a document!  It really depends on how conservative you are.

So, I talked to a few more accountants and lawyers and created this document for my clients and now you.  The special report covers 76 different types of typical residential/personal/home related papers.

First Name *
Last Name *
E-Mail *
Phone
Mail Format	HTML Text

Comment and Share!

I'd love it if you would tell me what you think of this document and then share this page with friends and family so that they can get their own copy.

To your success!

P.S.  I can't stand spam! We will never share your information with a 3rd party - period.

Unique Ideas to Keep Your Home in Order

Do you think of yourself as a failure when it comes to organizing your home?  Have you thought of giving up or have you already thrown in the towel?  Or have you cleared out a shelf only to find it filled up a few days later? 

Keep reading for unique ideas on how to find your control.

News Headlines & Blog Posts About Organizing Your Home

Don't have time to surf the net for the latest organizing and productivity news?  No problem!  Keep reading to see some of the latest headlines and blog posts on the net.

Oct 14 Teleconference: Part With Your Sentimental Clutter Without Breaking Your Heart-Expert: Rita Emmett

Do you struggle with the clutter in your home? Do your emotions get in the way of being able to simplify?  Do you own items that used to belong to family members or loved ones?  Sentimental clutter can paralize us.  Attend this session live (or via recording) to learn how to free yourself from your emotions and make choices that really work for who you are and your situation. Bonus!  When you register for the LIVE session, you will also receive a copy of Rita's book: The Clutter-Busting Handbook: Clean It Up, Clear It Out, and Keep Your Life Clutter-Free

$25.95

Do you struggle with the clutter in your home? Do your emotions get in the way of being able to simplify?  Do you own items that used to belong to family members or loved ones?  Sentimental clutter can paralize us.  Attend this session live (or via recording) to learn how to free yourself from your emotions and make choices that really work for who you are and your situation. Bonus!  When you register for the LIVE session, you will also receive a copy of Rita's book: The Clutter-Busting Handbook: Clean It Up, Clear It Out, and Keep Your Life Clutter-Free

$25.95

TLC's Jon and Kate Plus 8 Hire a Professional Organizer

Delegate?  Ditch?  Keep?  Donate?  Dust Bunnies?  No?  Maybe?  We're excited to know that Jon and Kate have hired a real-life Professional Organizer!

There are some that love and watch this show and keep track of the children as if Jon and Kate are their family members.  There are equally as many people that are tired of the drama and do everything they can to stay away from this TLC show family.  However, I was reading my colleague, John Trosko's blog today and came across his post announcing the organization focus on the show and had to check in to see what was going on.

Easy Solutions to Organize Your Shed

Well, I hate to admit it, but summer is over here in Illinois.  The temperatures are dropping and we're expriencing a lot of rain.  It is now time to prepare for the colder months and close up our summer items.

If you are like my friends, you have a shed or storage area that holds all of your summer ites: mower, pots, dirt, gardening equipment and so on.  The best time of year to get this area under control is right now! 

Remove all items from your shed and give it a good cleaning

Empty out your shed and either use a hose and a good brush or a low-powered pressure washer to clean out the debris, cob webs, etc. that has accumulated in your shed.

Review your gardening tools and replace where appropriate

While your shed is drying out, look through all of your gardening tools and replace any items that are broken or no longer operating correctly.  Fall is a great time to replace your gardening tools because most lawn and garden stores hold awesome sales. 

Review gardening chemicals and discard where appropriate

Lawn and garden fertilizers and weed killers only last for so long.  I'd love to give you a difinitive answer on how long they last, but it depends on the brand you purchase.  Many organic products will go moldy over the winter.  Other non-organic products can last anywhere from 6 months to 3 years and still be viable for your yard.  Check the manufacturer website for the longevity of the product.  If yours has expired, discard according to your community's disposal rules.  Don't buy now.  Make a quick shopping list and post it in your shed. 

Increase your space by installing shelving or other wall storage

Clutter can accumulate when you own a shed.  Shelves are ideal for shed organization.  Consider pre built shelving that is stand-alone, or install shelving with kits.  You van find a wide selection of shelving options by visiting any Menards, Lowes or Home Depot.  Don't have one in your area?  Check out their sites online.

By adding shelving to your shed, you can get things up off the floor, giving you more room to move around inside your shed safely. Using the vertical space will allow you to store a lot more in the space as well.

Don't want to have shelves sticking out?  You still have options!  Check out the great wall organizers for tools available here.

Place like items together

After installing your shed shelves, organize like items together.  How you define "like" can vary.  Here are some possibilities:

• Group by type of gardening - flower garden, vegetable garden, lawn care, etc.
• Group by type of tool - pots, tools, chemicals, potting soil, etc.

By storing like items together on shelving, you save time and money; you reduce stress and clutter as well as now have the ability to find what you want in the shed when planting season comes around.

Share your tips and thoughts!

What do you do to keep your lawn and garden items in tip-top shape?  Do you have a shed?  What do you do to keep it clean and organized?

To your success!

@StephCalahan 

Recycle Your Encyclopedias and Other Reference Books

Carla (a reader from S. Florida) wrote us the following inquiry:

"Back when my kids were young we purchased a set of beautiful encyclopedias.  They really are nice.  Color photos and gold leafing... 

Anyway, our kids are grown and have moved out of the house and these beautiful books take up 4 feet of space in my office.

I have tried to get rid of them in many ways:

Is it Got Sentimental Clutter? Watch this Video and Tell Me What You Think.

Do you have things that you have kept forever because it reminds you of a good time in your life?  If you answered yes, you are not alone! 

Today I share a video from a new YouTube buddy, Rita Emmet.  She shares her perspective on dealing with her mother's belongings and other sentimental items.  I'll share some of my thoughts too! 

Medication Mania! How to manage multiple medications/supplements a day.

Being accountable for your own health is the first step in being healthy!  However, when you have slews of pills to take at different times of the day, it can be hard to do it right.  Do you have a lot of pills to take or know someone who does?  Maybe it is medication for a medical condition, or nutritional supplements . . .  It can be confusing to track different pills.  I'll show you step by step how we organized one woman's 20+ pills a day.

Clutter or Collection? Watch this Video and Then Tell Me What You Think

Collections are frequently the hardest thing for people to manage when it comes to their belongings.  I was laughing quite a bit when @unclutterer shared a YouTube video from Marc Sotkin of BOOMERALLEY.

Marc wonders whether he's got a collection or just clutter.  It is an excellent question and the video gives many awesome examples.  Take a look and tell me what you think!

Sure Fire Ways to Keep Kids Occupied While You Are Doing Other Things

There are just days where as a parent, we have things we need to get done and our kids don't follow along with our plan.  On my other blog, I posted some tips and tricks that can help you.  Check out the links and comment with your ideas!

Sure Fire Ways to Find Work-Life Balance When Working From Home with Kids - Part 1

Sure Fire Ways to Find Work-Life Balance When Working From Home with Kids - Part 2

To your success!
     

       Linked-In     Twitter   Facebook   Plaxo Pulse   Self-Growth

       Linked-In     Twitter   Facebook   Plaxo Pulse   Self-Growth

'Disappear' Toys or Ask Your Child to Choose Which Ones to Give Up?

One of my Twitter friends @CarlaYong just posted this question

"A question for the Moms out there: better to 'disappear' toys or ask your child to choose which ones to give up?  A bit more info on my Q: DD just turned 4YO & has previously willingly given up toys to younger friends & does get attached to everything!"

I am asked this question frequently, so I thank Carla for the blog post inspiration!  Keep reading for my reply.

Cool Do-It-Yourself Projects with IKEA Hacks

Are you a closet DIYer?  Do you like to make things for your home or office?  If you are like me, you may like to "hack" things more than make them from scratch. 

What is a hack? A "hack" is when you take something and make it into something else. 

What is IKEA? The store IKEA is a world-wide company that offers a "wide range of well-designed, functional home furnishing products at prices so low that as many people as possible will be able to afford them."  Their designs are very utilitarian most of the time, but high quality in workmanship.

So, an IKEA Hack takes IKEA products and modifies them for form, function or design to work for what the user needs in their space.  If this is of interest to you, check out the blog IKEA Hacker.  IKEA Hacker shows you how to transform IKEA stuff and takes hacks from all across the globe to feature.  Check out the link below for great ideas.

http://ikeahacker.blogspot.com/search/label/storage

Thanks!! to @lisamurphyTO, @chrissychrzan and @tinkugallery for sharing this site!

Be on Purpose

January is also BE ON PURPOSE Month.  Live your life with a plan!  Make sure that what you do is not by default.  Be on Purpose!  Many people loose track of their focus and goals because of procrastination.  Does that sound like you?  If so, try this technique I read about in the Early to Rise newsletter.  The next time that you find yourself putting things off:

Finding Time to Get Organized

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

Q:  How do I find the time to get organized if I'm already so busy?  -Carl, CA-USA

Clean Out Your Closets Month!

January is Clean Out Your Closet Month so I thought it would be helpful for you to get some ideas on how you can get started.  Closets can be really overwhelming for many people.  If you have an overwhelmed closet, start by sorting through what you have and placing your items into three categories:  yes, maybe and no.

Hangers Can Make A Huge Difference!

Closets can be intimidating.  There are many people that will sit and look at their closet and have no idea where to start.  Is that you? 

Or maybe you say that you have no room for everything you own.  Did you know that about 80% of the clutter in your home is a result of disorganization, not lack of space?  Read on for some simple ideas to start making a dent in that valuable space -- your closet. 

Kitchen in Tip Top Shape

The kitchen is often the most used room in the house, and the price of an unorganized kitchen can be high. Lots of wasted time looking for items and money wasted purchasing duplicates can add up to a lot of unwanted stress. But the payoff can be big and the best place to start your kitchen organizing project is the pantry.

Get Rid of those Unused T-Shirts!

Do you have a pile (or piles) of old T-Shirts that you don't want anymore, but that are are taking up space in your home?  Today I have the solution for you!

ReTees is a company that takes your old unwanted t-shirts and recycles them into great green products.  Why T Shirts? In today's age of disposable clothing, the T Shirt reigns supreme. They are cheap, cheerful and "fast food fashion". In fact, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, an estimated 11.8 million tons of textiles were generated in 2006, or 5 percent of total municipal solid waste.  The company has other great facts out on their site about why they are focused on t-shirts.  https://www.reteez.com/facts.php

Organize Home Office Space In Six Super Easy Steps

It can take a lot to keep your home office in a productive state.  I have personal experience with this!  Sometimes family members want to make the space their own.  Sometimes, it is easy to put off taking care of things because of other pressing issues. What ever your challenge, today I'm sharing an article by a colleague that will help you get on your way to a home office more organized.

In her article, Organize Home Office Space Six Super Easy Steps to a Productive and Organized Home Office, Samantha Buck shares a common sense approach to how to handle your stuff.  Enjoy! http://searchwarp.com/swa395040.htm

Holiday Planner for You!

Get Organized Now!  Holiday Planner END HOLIDAY STRESS, FRUSTRATION AND CHAOS Are the holidays stressful for you? Between holiday card writing, gift giving, decorating, family traditions, baking, and everything else, it's no wonder! But, it doesn't have to be that way. It's never too early to start getting organized for the holidays. Get your Holiday Planner today, and have a relaxing, stress-free holiday season.  This is a great book!  Let us know what you do to plan for the holidays.

Thanksgiving Thoughts

It is at this time of year that Americans take time to reflect on what is important to them and what they are thankful for.  We at Calahan Solutions, Inc. want you to know that you are appreciated every day of the year and if there is anything that we can do to help your holiday season run with less stress, please let us know!  The following tips provide thoughts for upcoming holiday planning.  We will be adding quite a few articles to the site within the next few weeks, so keep a lookout for more ideas.

Shift Your Focus

Letting Go - The Rest of the Wedding Dress Story

You are Not Alone! Professional Organizers Can Get Emotional with Their De-cluttering Too-- The Process Used by One Organizer to Part with her Wedding Dress & Help Breast Cancer Research

Clutter- Anything that you own, possess, or do which does not enhance your life on a regular basis.

I provide this definition in almost every presentation and workshop that I do.  It is logical and I apply de-cluttering tips on a consistent basis in my own home. . . with one exception . . . my wedding dress! The dress I wore to marry the love of my life.

Do you have a bridal gown or bridesmaids gowns that you no longer wear or want to keep?

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and what better time to tell you about this donation location!

“Brides Against Breast Cancer” continues to be the Making Memories Foundation’s number one fund-raising event across the nation. Over 32 shows every year enable brides-to-be to find the gown of their dreams (at an incredible savings) while making wishes and dreams come true for women and men diagnosed with terminal breast cancer.

Always be Ready for an Emergency

No matter where you travel, consider keeping a road emergency kit in the car. You can either purchase a pre-made one, or make one yourself. To make one,

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!