Avoid the Cluttered Closet Trap

Organization tips to implement into your own closet to save space and keep things from becoming cluttered.

The Great Toy Challenge

Practical solutions and ideas that will hopefully leave you with some peace of mind when it comes to your little ones.

Closet Quick Tips

A few quick closet tips in no specific order to keep your closet refreshed and fun.

A Closet Transformed

This closet project was a great opportunity for the client to get rid of things she hasn't worn including shoes, clothing and bags!

Bathroom Closet Organization Tips

Just as any closet in your home can become cluttered up quickly your bathroom closets can certainly do the same.

Thursday, December 12, 2013

Don't Declare Yourself Unorganized for Life! 5 Habit Breakers to Get You Organized in 2014



I've written a few posts in the past that talk about New Years resolutions and how to stick to them, to really see them through. I've also posted topics on how to stay motivated and ways to curb procrastination. As a professional organizer I pride myself on really emphasizing to my clients the positive feeling they have once we are completed with a project. The weight that is lifted and the idea that clearing the space will clear your mind. It is an absolute motivational boost. It happens everytime. The motivation to keep that organization going throughout the year, and getting over the procrastinating, can at times be the only real piece that is standing in the way of you living your most organized self. The secret to becoming better organized is you. It is that simple.

So let's pull back the layers of it all and dive into breaking the habits that can lead us down the road to feeling let down by our surroundings, overwhelmed in our space and possibly even ready to throw in the towel and declare yourself unorganized for life. I've listed 5 habit breakers that will get you organized in the New Year as long as you are committed and ready for a positive change. You will find yourself with more time, more energy, more money and most important peace of mind.

1. Stop purchasing what you don't need. Plain and simple. The majority of us do not take inventory before we purchase anything from electronics to clothing. Impulse purchases are clogging up our closets, drawers and our lives. Before you shop take a moment to ask yourself if what you are looking to buy is needed and before you head to the register ask yourself the same question. By making a conscious effort to not bring into our homes items that we don't need we are instantly keeping down the clutter. Which in turn keeps things better organized and will save you money.

2. Adopt the one in one out rule. For everything from toys to books to clothing and magazines. One shows up after a trip to the store, one must go out. You can even create a donate bin for the one out items. You are adding and then subtracting so similar to rule #1 the clutter will be minimal with less inside your home. See the pattern? Less clutter equals more space, less to clean and more time.

3. Open mail immediately and create a plan for the paper clutter. The moment you walk in the door get into the practice of opening your mail and making decisions on what stays and what goes. Having a system for yourself in terms of how to organize incoming paper is one of the most effective ways to tackle the paper clutter. Toss the junk mail, place the bills in an envelope or bin and put away any important documents the moment you receive them. 23% of adults say they pay bills late because they can't find them. By simply setting up a mail system in your home you will be better organized and on top of important documents! Any coupons, invitations or greeting cards should also have a home, your kitchen counter doesn't count. If you notice too much junk mail coming in take a few moments to remove yourself from the lists here https://www.dmachoice.org/. More tips here on steps to family organization.

4. Declare a home for everything. Everything we purchase, receive as gifts and showcase in our homes we should love and have a use for. No exceptions. So why aren't we treating the things we love like we love them? They are on the floor, hidden under clutter in our closets. Or sometimes overlooked by too much clutter on shelving. The best way to declare a home for everything is to take it step by step. Little by little as you are cleaning your house or just tidying up as you see items out of place give them a home! Using labeled bins is a great way to keep items together and to ensure they end up back in their home. Creating a place for everything is another top time saver on the list!

5. Slow down. Why do we insist on over extending ourselves only to end up exhausted and feeling defeated? That constant feeling that you have somewhere to be, something to do will leave you feeling cloudy without enough energy to take sometime for yourself, you will only want to crash. Make a real commitment to deciding that you will leave time in the week for yourself, to spend with family and most importantly time to recharge. Feeling refreshed will give you the energy to put towards unfinished projects in your home, exercise and the energy to organize!

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Monday, December 2, 2013

Dining Room Cabinet Re-Do

During the holidays when I start decorating and getting into things- going through bins, cupboards and this year in particular the dining room, I get antsy to start re-organizing. I always zone in on what isn't working for me organization wise and what seems out of place. This year one look inside the drawers of my dining room cabinet and knew I had to start a quick project! Our dining rooms typically have the least storage so utilizing this space well is important. The best items to store are all of your entertaining pieces from dinnerware to linens. I have one storage unit in my dining room where I keep my entertaining essentials as well as candles. Here's a little before and after recap of how I revamped my dining room cabinet in under 20 minutes!

Before this draw served no purpose other than a cluttered mess. I removed the dining room table spring decor and stored them with my spring decorations in the basement. I use alot of candles when entertaining so this draw now houses all of my candles and the refills!
This drawer is specifically for all things wine. I have wine openers and my wine charms in a zip loc bag so they don't get damaged or lost. I also keep the small wine opening components in the original box so they also stay in tact. 

The largest draw of my cabinet holds linens for the table, napkins for each season and all of my entertaining silverware. Things began to get buried in the bottom of the drawer  so after a quick re-organization I categorized the napkins by type, refolded the linens and was sure everything was easily accessible.


With the holidays here it's the perfect time to tackle that dining room. Find a home for any items that are on the table or floor. Being one of the most formal rooms in the home embrace it as a place to entertain, laugh and enjoy yourself with friends and family!

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