Tag Archives: Family Organizing

Get Organized – Why hire a Professional Organizer?

Posted on January 4, 2009 by in Getting Started, Home Organizing, Office Organizing

Why hire a Professional Organizer?  What a great question, first you need to know what a Professional Organizer does…

What is a Professional Organizer?

A Professional Organizer is someone who can take an objective evaluation of your organizational need and make it into a high functioning area. We devise an action plan for your unique needs providing information and assistance. An organizer guides and educates a client by offering support, focus and direction. We want you to Take Control of your surroundings and your time.

Your next question might be….

Shouldn’t I be able to organize on my own?

Possibly! You may have the ability and resources yourself, however, do you have the time, the know-how and the will to get it done? Do you know where to start? Many times people put off organizing projects because it’s too time consuming, and it becomes too overwhelming they end up doing nothing. Many of us will go into a store to buy storage containers and then some how we end up with more clutter and the wrong containers. Hiring a professional guides you and your project with a plan, which is so important when tackling an organizing project. It will be a faster process and I can bring ideas and recommendations that you may not have considered.

Did you know….. (According to the Napo website)

  • The average American burns 55 minutes a day, roughly 12 weeks a year-looking for things they know they own but can’t find.
  • 80% of what we file, we never look at again!
  • 23% of adults say they pay bills late ( thus incur fees) because they lose them.
  • We wear 20% of clothes we own 80% of the time.  The rest hang there, just in case.
  • Getting rid of clutter eliminates 40% of housework in an average home.
  • 80% of the clutter in most homes is a result of disorganization, not lack of space.

In the next month, I will be posting several organizing tips and tricks on things you can start doing NOW!  Remember, don’t be afraid to ask for help, that is what I am here to do, without judgement, without any embarrassment, Let’s make a difference in 2009.  Take back your Time, your Space, and your Control.  Call for a Free Needs Assessment:  541-514-8573.

Company is on the Way!

Posted on December 16, 2008 by in Holiday Organizing, Home Organizing, Travel

I have some helpful tips on how to get your home organized for their arrival!

1)  Hall Closets –  Empty the closet out, and get rid of anything that is not being used anymore, items not belonging in the closet, look for new homes.  Clear out a space for your guests coats, and provide plenty of empty hangers.  Add a washable mat for the floor to catch umbrella’s and wet shoes.  Get a basket or bin to put scarves and mittens in.

2)  Guest Bathroom –  Do a deep cleaning of the bathroom, clear all clutter off of counters.  Make sure there is plenty of space for guests to put their belongings.  Put out plenty of towels, soap, etc. for guests to use.   Provide any personal items that a guest may forget, for example, toothpaste, dental floss, extra toothbrush, shampoo, etc.  Add an air freshener or bowl of Christmas Potpourri.

3)  Guest Bedroom-  Completely declutter the space, and make sure there is plenty of room for suitcases and such.  Clean out the closet.  Provide clean linens, extra blankets and pillows.  Make it as comfortable as possible.

4)  Enjoy the season and your family and friends!

5)  Start thinking about the New Year!  Organization is a GREAT NEW YEARS RESOLUTION!!!  More on that later!

Thanksgiving Organizing Tips

Posted on November 19, 2008 by in Holiday Organizing, Travel

It will be here next week, ready or not… With a solid to do list, some planning and preparation you will be on your way to a very successful Thanksgiving! Here are some tips on how to organize your to do list:

1. Write everything down that needs to be done by next week.

2. Sort into categories.

3. Write all tasks within category.

4. Check off as you complete!

Following in an example of a to do list:

Menu: Decide on all menus, including breakfast the next morning if you are having overnight guests. Bring out all of the recipes and sort by meal. Place menu on refrigerator. Count your RSVP’s. Figure out what you can make ahead of time and a timeline of how you will be cooking your meal.

Shopping: Make a detailed grocery list and review your recipes twice so you do not forget anything. Buy all staples now and only go to the store around the holiday for items that need to be fresh.

Cooking: Refer to your list above, what is your timeline? What needs to be cooked first and what needs to be last? Delegate some of the cooking. Have other family members bring side dishes, drinks, and/or dessert.

Cleaning: Recruit members of your immediate family to help with these chores. Know who is doing what and when you need it to be done. Do deep cleaning a few days before guests arrival. The night before and day of should only be touch up cleaning. Tasks for cleaning could include: cleaning the refrigerator inside and out, cleaning stoves and ovens, cleaning china and platters, guest bathroom, etc.

Activities: For children, research the web or go to a craft store for fun art and holiday activities to keep them busy. Bring out your board games or cards for a fun fulfilled evening of games while waiting for dessert! And of course get the TV area ready for the football games!

This is not meant to be a complete list only to get you started on your way. Fill in what you need to do for your own home, traditions and holiday. Being organized is about planning ahead and being prepared! Happy Preparing!

“The Sweep”

Posted on October 9, 2008 by in Home Organizing, Staying Organized

I received a great recommendation from a friend of mine, and I wanted to pass it along…  Anyone who has children understands the nightly battle we all experience on getting them to pick up their toys or other belongings… This family came up with a great solution that gets everyone involved including Mom and Dad!

It is called “The Sweep”!  Every night prior to bath time, they set the kitchen timer for 5 minutes.  They turn the stereo on for some fun music, and everyone in the family runs around the house putting away all of their belongings from the day.  When the timer goes off, they gather in the kitchen, and one person walks the house to check out the collective work.  If anything is left out, the owner has to go put it away.  It gets not only the kids into a nightly routine of cleaning up but also the parents!  At just 5 minutes a day, you can make a difference!