October 24, 2010 - My Spouse Needs Your Help!

“My wife (or husband) just won’t get rid of anything.  I know we need you to come help but I don’t know if she (he) will go for it.”  I hear this more often than you could imagine.  You have a couple, married or not, and one person hangs on to items and the other one does not.  The “Other” person makes the call in hopes of getting some information that will magically change the mind of their cluttered partner.  The truth is, I have no magic words. 

As I have said before, the change needs to come from within and if the “cluttered person” isn’t ready then there is very little that I can do.  What I CAN DO, however, is offer encouragement and a glimmer of hope.  I offer hope to the partner in the fact that they are not alone.  There are thousands of people in the world struggling with their exact same issues.  I can also give them hope in that there is help available. 

I can give hope to the “cluttered person” in that they are not alone.  If I am able to make a living teaching people how to retake their lives from their clutter, they are obviously not alone.  I can also give them hope as I do not judge them and genuinely want to help them breathe again. 

Whatever clutter you or a loved one struggle with – there is compassionate & loving help – and far from alone.  As one dear client so eloquently said, I give hope to the hopeless. 

Hopefully yours,

Jennifer

October 20, 2010 - "I'm So Embarrassed"

“I am so embarrassed for you to see my house” is one of the most common things I hear from potential clients.  The truth of the matter is there is nothing to be embarrassed about.  Everyone, myself included, has things in our home/office that we wish were different yet remain the same. 

It is ok to be focused on your family or career and put your “stuff” on the back burner.  It is ok to not know where to begin.  It is ok to be less than perfect.  When you are ready you will know. 

When that time comes, I am here to help without passing judgement.  Each person has a unique set of circumstances and they are to be processed and celebrated.  Removing our clutter is like shedding a layer of skin to begin anew!   

Here when you are ready,
Jennifer

October 20, 2010 - See Your Clutter With New Eyes

We all have clutter in our lives and although we know it is there, oftentimes we are unable to see it with our eyes because it has blended into the background of our lives. A keen example would be the cob web in the corner.

The first time we notice it, we saw “eew” or something similar and vow to make it go away…on the next commercial or when we get home from work. The next time (or few) that we see it, we say to ourselves, “oh yeah, I need to take care of that” and put it off yet again. Eventually we forget to even see it and it takes relatives coming from out of town or a dinner party to motivate us to actually do something about it.

This same cycle happens with all of our things whether it be a piece of paper, a candle past the point of usefulness or even that cookie sheet you received as a wedding gift thirty-five years ago. Look at your clutter with new eyes – so that you can actually see it. This requires mentally preparing yourself to see the things you would rather ignore.

If getting to that place is more trouble than it is worth, contact a professional organizer. We have fresh, and un-judging, eyes to see what is really in your space. We can help you take the necessary steps to make it better and bring a sense of peace.

Imagine looking into that corner and thinking “Aaah, that’s nice!”.

Happy Seeing!
Jennifer

October 20, 2010 - Have You Swept Your Porch Today?

Anyone who has ever surfed the internet looking for ways to get organized has inevitably discovered FlyLady – I have any many of my clients have stacks of emails printed from her.  She has a great concept with the kitchen sink yet I would like to encourage you to do something different than your kitchen sink.  Sweep your porch! 

When your porch is swept and free of debris, it makes your home look better and creates a welcome approach for your guests.  I first discovered the importance of a swept porch in my love of all things vintage and sweeping the porch seemed to be a daily chore.  I have since implemented it into my daily routine and I love it.  I originally thought I would pass it off as a daily chore to a family member but have found it to be very satisfying. 

Our porch is small and it doesn’t take long.  The first day I swept the porch and the steps, the following day I also knocked down spider webs, and so on.  Allow it to be a few minutes of solitude for yourself to think about things that make you happy and pretty soon, you will be sweeping your porch several times a day just because it is nice escape from the demands of our daily lives. 

Try it for a week and see how you feel.  I would love your feedback. 

Happy sweeping,
Jennifer

October 18, 2010 - Where Are You Going?

One of the most precarious tasks during the holidays is travel.  So many people are moving around trying to see family and friends for a good time together.  You may wonder if it is even worth the trouble. 

Planning is the best thing you can do for yourself.  Here are some time and money saving ways to plan ahead for your holiday travel:

#1  Book travel arrangements as early as possible.  Airfare increases in price as you near your travel date. 
#2  Check maps for scenic routes that will make for a more pleasant drive with less traffic.  Try travelling on days when others won’t…like a few days before and after the holiday!
#3  Keep a file of all of your travel plans.  This would include ToDo Lists, routes, and confirmations. 
#4  Ship your gifts via UPS or FedEx.  These services offer on-time delivery guarantees and you can track them every step of the way!  Save the bows and embellishments for when you arrive. 

When travelling with children, consider creating a special “Travel Toy Box” with items they are only allowed to access when traveling.  Put them in a special backpack or tote and put it away when you return home. 

Remember, the holidays are intended to be about family and appreciating those you love.  Don’t let crazy holiday travel get in the way of this special time.  One final thought, a smile goes a long way!  Other travelers, employees, and even your family will appreciate being able to laugh at a stressful situation!

Happy traveling!
Jennifer


October 14, 2010 - Are You Ready For The Holidays?

The holidays are coming and the first days of fall are like the calm before the storm.  First Halloween, then Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years! 

The best way prepare is to plan ahead.  Start your shopping early!  This allows for a better selection of goods and if you are an internet shopper, save a great deal of money on shipping charges.  If you don’t get too far ahead, don’t worry, Neat as a Pin! offers top notch shopping service! 

Make your list of persons requiring gifts (I like to use a spreadsheet) then break up that list into pay periods and weeks.  Set a budget for each gift and start thinking of something unique and appropriate.  Schedule your shopping in small doses so that it doesn’t become a marathon. 

Keep parties, programs and travel in mind when scheduling your shopping.  Maybe plan to go with a good friend and get quality time while managing your chores! 

Tomorrow…travel!

Happy purging!
Jennifer


October 13, 2010 - Let Someone Else Walk A Mile In Your Shoes

When getting rid of things it is much easier when you know they are going toward something worthwhile.  American women collectively owned approximately 2.9 billion pairs of shoes.  I know that I am contributing my fair share to this number! 

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, take your gently worn shoes that have not seen the light of day (or night) in the past 12 months and donate them to Soles4Soles.  This is a wonderful charity that distributes footwear to the more than 300 million children and 150 million adults worldwide without shoes.  The closest donation station is in Austin and I will gladly pick up your soles and take them as a whole. 

Then, as Thanksgiving rolls around, we should be thankful for the shoes on our feet! 

Happy purging!
Jennifer

October 12, 2010 - Letting Your Life Back In

Lamenting how you'd like to have more room for your life? Perhaps you'd like to entertain spontaneously or actually enjoy a weekend without thinking about how much you need to get organized or even put your hands on your Fall jackets without frustration. Sounds good, doesn't it?

Magazine by magazine, iPod by iPhone and shoe by shoe, your clutter is stealing your space from you. Want to let your life back in? Then lighten your load!

When you're trying to trim your stuff, instead of thinking of it as "letting your things go", think of it as "letting your life in".

With every square foot of stuff you move out, there is the possibility for more breathing room. (Take a deep breath now.) You'll have easier access to the things you really love and efficient use of the things you need.  Go ahead now, let your life back in.

Happy purging!
Jennifer

October 11, 2010 - It Should Feel Good

I have said this before and I will say it again – Getting Organized Should Be A Pleasant and Rewarding Process. 

The process of organizing should be done at your own pace in a way that is comfortable for you.  Even when hiring someone to help, it should not be emotionally distressing.  Sure, there may be difficult moments but when feelings of being overwhelmed start creeping in, it is time to take a break. 

The way to accomplish this is through small-manageable tasks:  putting away all of the clean clothes, sorting through the “junk drawer” and checking all of the items in the medicine cabinet for expired items (yes you must do this!) are a few common examples. 

Other tasks can be tackled a small bit at a time over a longer span.  Examples include culling out unworn clothing or unused kitchen utensils.  Make a conscious effort to look at the contents and if it no longer brings joy, treat it as we learned how to treat clutter yesterday.  One thing at a time and in less than 2 minutes…progress!

Happy purging!
Jennifer

October 10, 2010 - Is It Clutter?

While I am considering my options on my Sentimental Items, I would like to establish some guidelines on what would officially be considered “clutter”.  In the sense I mean, we are going to refer to it as only a noun in a non-nautical sense. 

Clutter is officially defined as “a confused multitude of things”.  This can apply to your home, your schedule, just about anything.  I am in the business of eradicating clutter but if you don’t know what clutter is, it impossible to recognize it. 

Here is an exercise (I will follow along):

Take one thing out of your “junk drawer”.  Don’t try to pretend like you don’t have one because you do.  My item is a Juice Plus box with a deadbolt and all of its accessories including keys and screws. 

Now ask yourself, “How long has it been since I used this?  For my deadbolt it has been since 2008.  If it has been less than twelve months, your item is safe.  You can skip the next few steps and proceed to “Where should this live?”  If it has been more than twelve months, as is the case with my lock, proceed to the next question. 

Now ask yourself, “When will I use it again?”  Listen to your answer.  “If” and “should” in your answer are a dead giveaway that you are in the possession of a bona fide piece of clutter.  If you are unable to identify a definitive time, preferably within the next twelve months, that you will use your item, it is clutter.  As for my deadbolt, I don’t have a clue when I would use it, if ever.

If your item is indeed clutter, it needs a suitable place to go.  Now ask yourself, “Could someone else use it?”  When asking this question, I am not talking about your great uncle with a barn and a half full of random junk.  Could someone really get some use from it?  If the answer is no, then throw it away or recycle it.  If the answer is yes, move on to the next question. 

If you have determined that you don’t need your item but someone else could get viable use from it, then consider CraigsList, Ebay, Consignment or charity, depending on the item.  With my deadbolt, I doubt anyone would want a deadbolt that once lived on someone else’s door.  I will check with my mom, who is a home improvement diva, otherwise I will see if I can give it to Habitat for Humanity.

If you have determined that your item is useful to you and has been or will be used within a twelve month period, it needs a home other than your junk drawer.  Give your item a clear classification: hardware, decorative, clothing, etc.  Now identify where similar items are stored in your home.  If you don’t have one, it is time to make one. 

Many times random tools, office supplies and craft supplies consume most of our junk drawers.  Create an “Everyday Tool Box” or “Craft Tool Box” for such items.  Your junk drawer is what it is because the items either have no home or they weren’t taken to their home. 

You can repeat this process as necessary and I am always available to answer any questions you may have!!

In summation, an item is clutter if
1.It has not been used in the past twelve months
2.It will not be used in the next twelve months
3.It does not bring you great joy!

Happy purging,
Jennifer


October 9, 2010 - How Much Is It Worth To You?

We all own many beautiful and wonderful things.  Most are useful yet many are not.  We hold on to things for “sentimental value”.  I say WE here because some aspects of being organized require long-term vigilance, even for someone as organized as myself. 

We use this Sentimental Value as an excuse to keep items because they belonged to a loved one or remind us of a particular period of our lives.  I will share a few personal examples to put this in perspective… 
1.A felt cowboy hat belonging to my grandfather
2.A shirt given to me by my brother the last Christmas he was alive
3.A man’s Harley Davidson ring and bracelet

These are three things that if they were to disappear from my home tomorrow I would be none the wiser yet they remain.  I have the same excuses that you do.  I will share them…
1.My grandfather has passed away, it was his favorite hat – and of all of his children and grandchildren I have it.  My son might like to have it one day but I would probably frown upon him wearing it for fear that he would mess it up. 
2.My brother was very special to me and the shirt hanging in my closet reminds me of the place he once filled with his presence. 
3.My big boys gave me these items for mother’s day when they were very young.

So now what do I do with these things?  For the sake of my Uncluttered Crusade, I must now actually do something about them.  If I were one of my clients in this situation, here is what I would recommend…
1.Discuss the hat with my children to see if they have any interest in using the hat.  If not, spread that dialogue to my cousins.  After all, someone should be using the hat, my Popo sure did and it is very awkward to store.
2.This one is much more difficult.  I would say if the space in the closet isn’t an issue, leave it.  Otherwise, move it to long term storage or donate to charity.
3.Discuss these items with the children that gave them to me and if they don’t want them for themselves, explain the impracticality of the gift.  Take a photo wearing the items (this should be comical) then donate to charity.

Having bared my own clutter to each of you, I must now take the steps to move forward.  I would never ask anyone to do something that I would be unable to do myself.  Stay tuned!

Happy purging,
Jennifer


October 8, 2010 - What About Laundry?
This topic is one very close to my heart as I have three precious sons: A (14), D (12), and C (2); and a delightful husband, Luke.  For as organized as I may be they are not although A gives it an honest effort. 

Some time ago I implemented a new “Laundry Policy” at my house as, you see, I am the sole individual in this family that cares about it.  I gave a few details on my Facebook Fan Page and was met with enthusiastic interest.  420 characters isn’t enough to describe was has ensued so I will elaborate here. 

The policy is basically this: I wash and fold the clothes every day, you put them away every day.  Failing to put your clothes away means I will stop washing your clothes.  Simple, right?  Not so much. 

I make is standard operating procedure to wash and fold ONE load of clothes each and every day.  With a husband in the septic system business I am well conditioned.  With this many people in the house, it is a necessity. 

At the start of the program, Luke, A & D were given their very own laundry baskets.  Their clothes and only their clothes would be folded and placed into their baskets.  If they put away their clothes daily, they would always have fresh clean clothes. 

Luke is the exception because his clothes are too big to fit nicely into the little basket so I stack those on his side of the bed, for him to do with as he wishes – provided they don’t end up on my side of the room.  I put everything in the basket that will fit. 

A was my problem all along, I would fold his clothes and place them in a neat stack only for him to pilfer through said stack before school.  He currently has three shirts in his basket that have been there nearly a week.  He has a huge pile in the garage.  I think he might have too many clothes. 

D, on the other hand is who I expected to give the most resistance.  He has complied beautifully.  His little basket is almost always empty and ready for new clothes. 

I would say this process is working.  Once A runs out of clothes I believe we may see unequivocal success. I will keep you posted when that happens. 

Happy purging,
Jennifer


October 7, 2010 - How Many Organizing Books Do You Own?

Getting organized is very similar to trying to lead a healthy life.  We can buy every book Amazon.com has to offer and buy the best possible cloths to look good while getting healthy yet if there are no life style changes, nothing happens. 

The same holds true for getting organized, you can buy all of the books, labels, and containers every produced yet if your habits remain the same, so will your results.  Only these same results are amongst new clutter that tells you how to get organized. 

Making the decision to get organized is a huge first step, actually doing it and sticking with it is profound.  It requires digging deep into yourself then being bitterly honest about how you got to where you are. 

Hiring a Professional Organizer takes a great deal of courage, and this fact is not taken lightly.  In my work, I strive to be respectful of the person as well as the journey.  I am truly fortunate to have a career in changing lives for the better and teaching life skills that can be shared with generations. 

When (notice I am not saying “if”) you are ready to reclaim your life from your clutter, I can help point you in the right direction and be your cheerleader along the way…and long after.  I serve as a guide on the journey and celebrate the victories with you – both great and small. 

Happy purging,
Jennifer

October 6, 2010 - Do You Consider Clutter an Investment?

We all have some degree of clutter and ridding our lives of clutter is never easy.  Everything we own is valuable to us on some level whether it was a gift, or we might need it again someday.  Oftentimes we value an item simply because we paid a lot of money for it in the first place. 

One thing to consider when making excuses about clutter is there always is one!  Paying a lot of money for something and having nice things is a matter of personal preference yet when you pay a lot of money for something then don’t use it, it can become an emotional burden. 

If you spent a lot of money on something you don’t use, I would think you would rather have it go away so it doesn’t remind you that you wasted your money every time you saw it.  Whether it is clothing, electronics, or exercise equipment, if you don’t use it, why keep it?

There are many things that can be done to recoup an investment on something no longer useful: CraigsList, Ebay, and consignment shops are the most popular.  Yard sales are always an option yet there is a lot of work involved and you wouldn’t get nearly as much money.  The tax write-off for a charitable donation can be substantial depending on your item (s). 

One final thought on expensive clutter.  If you pay a lot of money for something then don’t use it or get rid of it – it decreases in value!  I have a client with many things that were very popular at one time.  She couldn’t part with them until now – now they are outdated and no one wants them.  It is a bitter pill to swallow to have nice items that go out of style. 

So the next time you focus on something expensive that is not serving you well, consider your options.  I will be glad to help you identify the most profitable method of disposal should you need some direction.  Just send me an email! 

Happy purging,
Jennifer

October 5, 2010 - Is Your Life Stored in a Plastic Tub?

We all have things in our lives that we don’t need on a daily basis yet we want to keep them safe.  Not as safe as a safe deposit box but moreso than a dilapidated shoe box.  3M and other plastic giants have saved us all by presenting the plastic tub!  Well, that all depends on your perspective…

I will be the first to admit that there is a time and place for plastic tubs although they do not belong inside your home.  Would you sit on plastic lawn chairs?  Would you purchase beautiful decorative items to set on a plastic shelf?  Plastic may be functional but it doesn’t do much for our spirit. 

There are so many beautiful storage items that can be purchased that are NOT plastic!  My favorite place to find such items is Hobby Lobby with Tuesday Morning running a close second.  Even if they do not have the exact color you desire, they are paintable.  Simply spray paint them to match your décor and even tie a bow around them for an added touch. 

The same goes for plastic shelving and especially drawer systems.  These have no place inside the home – except maybe the laundry room.  These items do not hold up well over time and end up creating a bigger mess than they are solving.  Retailers like Target and WalMart sell pre-fab furniture made of particle board and MDF that would serve much better if the cost is an issue. 

Now, back to the tubs.  Use tubs to store long term.  Holiday decorations and keepsakes from college and childhood are perfect for such storage.  They can easily be labeled and stored in the attic, storage unit or garage.  Just make sure that the items won’t break down in the heat. 

Books, clothing, and house wares should not be stored in such a way because they are difficult to maneuver and when stacked, get into.  Opt for more accessible ways to store these items.  By the way, if clothes, books, and house wares are considered for long term storage, a charitable donation may be a better choice.

Your home, and even your office, should be a place where you feel good.  Take the necessary steps to facilitate that! 

Happy purging…
Jennifer







October 25, 2010

Traditions are very important!  Sometimes we have to put our goals aside for a few minutes to stop and appreciate life around us.  Fall and all of the flutter that comes with it is truly one of those times.  If you have 20 people staying a long weekend in your home, it is ok to forget about being organized for a bit and just enjoy the experience.  If it is a holiday tradition to make giant messes of whatever sort with your grandchildren, then by all means do it!

The only time it is absolutely critical to continue on your organizing journey is when you are unable to have guests in your home because the clutter has remained in control.  Very few things in this world are as important as the people we love and for goodness sakes – make room for them!  You might just start a new and very meaningful tradition in the process!

It is not too late to get started…and getting started is where it all begins…

Happy starting,

Jennifer