It can be difficult to look at things in our own spaces and view them objectively. We can get so used to seeing our everyday environments that we actually become blind to what is actually in it. Is there a sweater hanging on the back of a chair, stacks of completed project folders behind your desk, a roll of gift-wrap on the dining room table,…
The title of this article is a sentiment that I hear frequently once someone finds out what I do for a living. The reaction normally sounds something like this: “You mean you help people get rid of clutter and get their homes organized? Oh, I need you.” And then, “Your home must be perfect.” Since I belong to the National Association of Professional Organizers and…
Spring is here. At least the calendar says it is. This particular spring, my closet is jam-packed. Partially with clothing I’ve brought out in anticipation of warmer days: light and colorful tops, slacks and dresses. And, hanging alongside this spring bouquet, its heavier winter counterparts: clothing I’m hesitant to store because of weather than can easily be categorized this year as “March Madness.” For now,…
There are some chores and tasks that I just don’t look forward to doing. At home, these are things like washing the bathrooms or dusting. Cleaning the inside of the car. Attending to items that need mending. I avoid these, as they say, “like the plague.” I don’t have these same feelings about doing laundry or making my bed. Can you relate to this? Are…
So much of what I encounter when working with people in their homes are collections of unwanted items. Are you wondering why anyone would have entire collections of unwanted things? Well, when I tell you the explanations, you may be able to relate. These assortments, while consisting of items no longer wanted or needed, include things that: a- “are too good to through away” b-…
10! – De-clutter your family room by choosing 10 catalogues or magazines to recycle. 9! – Lighten up your bookshelves by selecting nine books to donate to your local library. 8! – Make room for your new holiday clothes. Go through your closets and drawers to see what you still love and still fits, and remove eight articles of clothing to donate to your local…
Well, here we are, in the thick of the holiday season. Do we shop online this year? Do we run out at midnight for the Black Friday sales? What do our loved-ones want? What would I want? Sometimes there just seems to be too much of everything. On the other hand, a nice new iPad would be nice — but that’s not something I would…
Ask anyone who’s hired a professional organizer about how the cost of hiring them has actually saved money and you’ll hear a great story. I can tell you many, from unearthing “long-lost” items: grandma’s diamond engagement ring found in a pile of “empty” jewelry boxes, caches of supplies that were about to be needlessly re-ordered, forgotten cash stashed in pants, coat pockets, old birthday cards…
Oh, the number of projects promised to these summer months with a countless string of good intentions all loosely attached by a sticky note marked, “TO DO (as soon as I find my tools).” We have been buoyed through the busy-ness of the school year, keeping pace with work, school and extra-curricular schedules, by the knowledge that summer will come. There will be a break…
If you are an American who owns...well… anything, you are an American who knows the importance of the freedom that we are so very fortunate to enjoy. That being said, knowing it and enjoying it are two entirely different affairs. The protection of our way of life blesses us with great abundance. A trip to your local grocery or drug store is an easy glimpse…
There are some goals, chores, or responsibilities that are easy to manage with regularity and others that, for some reason or another, just don’t seem to stay on the radar.