Picture This: You just worked a 10 hour work shift, you’re boss was on your case, you were stuck in traffic on the way home, you still haven’t made a decision about dinner and you walk through the front door of your home only to feel ______________________________.

How did you finish that sentence?

If the answer wasn’t “better” “safe” or “calm.” Then we have some work to do.

Your home should be your safe haven. It should reflect the best parts of you and comfort you the moment you walk in the front door.

If you’re on the road to living an organized life I’ve got 7 easy to follow solutions for creating a home that is the ultimate expression of how fabulous you are.

1.)Start with the Front Door.

What are the first things you see or feel when you walk in through the front door of your home? Often our lives are so busy that the entry into our living space looks like a tornado hit it. If that’s true in your case, what impression are you giving to visitors who are being welcomed into your space? Ask yourself, “is this a true reflection of how I want to be seen?”

2.) Do the “reverse” tornado effect, room by room in 30 minutes.

Your home got cluttered because YOU were the tornado that did it! Take it from the expert, the fastest way to get organized is to do it FAST. Every day I group like items in every room and I dedicated 30 minutes each day to “tornado organizing” so that when I lay my head down to sleep my home is providing a safe place of comfort.

3.) Power Songs

If you want to get something done, you better get in your “zone.” The best way to do that is to turn on music, fairly loud so that it keeps you focused and powered up! If you don’t have a power song set-list on your itunes, head over to Pandora.com and enter in your favorite motivating artist and you’ll have a customized playlist made for you.

My personal favorite? Pandora Station: Hootie & The Blowfish

4.) Take a whiff

We remember experiences buy how they made us feel. Giving your home a signature scent is the best quick fix for putting your mind at ease. If you’re not sure what your house already smells like, go outside, count 20 seconds and try to quiet your mind. Now focus on the new experience of walking into your home for the first time, keeping your eyes closed and allow the scent of your home to consume you.

By doing this exercise, you’ll quickly realize if the scent is inviting or if you get slapped in the face by an unpleasant odor,  you may have to quickly purchase a scentsy burner.

5.) Change it up

When we first move our belongings in, it doesn’t always fit the space well. Each new home you move into has its own character and layout. Finding furniture that compliments each room doesn’t have to be expensive. I LOVE finding a great deal on unique furniture pieces on craigslist.com (Checkout my pink victorian couch in the picture above!) Keep your costs low, simply by rearranging your furniture or giving it a new coat of paint in a great accent color can make all the difference.

6.) Clean it up

Now that you’ve downsized, rearranged and got the place smelling right. It’s time to bust out the vacuum. For some, the act of cleaning can be very therapeutic. For others, not so much… For this task keep it fast and simple. Pick two areas in every room to tackle. (Ex: wipe down counters, mirrors and vacuum floors)

7.) Decorate with Thought

Only after you’ve completed steps 1-6 should you be going to step 7. This is the fun part we all rush to. Keep in mind when you are making a purchase for home decorations that you know exactly where it’s going to go.

In my home, I love inexpensive and unexpected artwork like this:

This photo brings a smile to my face. Remembering how I had to battle lego men as I navigated my way to the bathroom.

One morning I woke up at a friends house and snapped this photo of her son’s toys on the bathroom floor with my iphone. Using Instagram I edited the photo, printed it and now it hangs in my laundry room.

The most rewarding part of getting your home in order is that you can now share your joys with friends and family. Hopefully, you’ll inspire them to take action and start living an organized life that is their ultimate expression too.

Happy Organizing!

Grab that first sunny weekend, some gloves, and some trashbags, and get started:

Envision the end-result: First and foremost, you’ll need to decide what you want this space to be used for, and who decides this vision? Make sure everyone who uses this space gives a little input, so after all your hard work, your spouse doesn’t tell you they wanted the garage for a workout space, not to park the car. So, what is it? To finally get both vehicles in there? To store sports & camping equipment? To move in that treadmill & free weights?

Prepare Yourself: Once you’ve determined what this dream space will accommodate, you’ll need to be realistic. Garages are dirty, messy, and sometimes damp – that means you’ll come across some creepy-crawlies and maybe a resident family of rodents, so don’t be surprised. And, no, you are not alone, and no, it doesn’t mean you and your home are dirty – it happens to the best of us! Also, consider renting a dumpster or a truck to haul away the trash. Consider the cost of multiple trips to the local county dump ($30+ per trip for a small load) vs. rental costs, then make your decision.

Sort & Purge: It’s spring time, so open up the garage door and start moving it all outside! Try to make decisions on your way out to the sorting piles, so you don’t have to think about it (or move it) twice. If something is wet, moldy, broken, or damaged in any way, it’s time to let it go. If it’s a keeper, put it in its proper category…

Categorize & Zone: There are many options for categories – sports, camping, yard & garden, cleaning products, holiday, auto, etc. It’s important to make these piles in a staging area (ie your driveway), so you know how much you’re working with. Once you know the mass of each category, we need to figure out where in the garage it’s going, and why. Is it long-term storage, frequently used, kids sports equipment that goes in & out of the trunk often, or garden tools to be used just outside the garage door? Knowing when or how you use your items will help you decide which zone they will call home.

Contain & Label: Last and definitely not least, storing your items properly. Most important tip – NO CARDBOARD. Unless it’s a large item like yard tools, bicycles, or sporting equipment, items should be stored in clear, plastic, air-tight containers. Opaque bins means you can’t see what is inside, which means it’ll be easy to forget what is in said bins, and you won’t use those wonderful USEFUL items that you very carefully decided to keep because of their importance *Note: Garages are not the place to store photos, paperwork, or other people stuff (aka junk). So store those goodies in their categories, in bins, and clearly labeled. Make sure the labeling is large and visible to avoid unnecessary searching. And don’t forget to think VERTICAL! Places like Home Depot & Lowes carry great garage-friendly options for shelving and storage, ranging in price ($40 and up). Also, there are systems to install on ceilings for things like holiday items, and other long-term storage items, or use simple (but sturdy) hooks on walls & ceilings to store bicycles & snowboards.

Just make sure to keep it simple. A garage doesn’t need to be fancy & glamorous, just clean & efficient! Keep your items off the ground, easy to find, and out of the way of incoming vehicles. But, don’t let me keep you from making it pretty – once your space is empty, feel free to stain or paint your concrete floors, paint the walls, or install a beautiful custom shelving system from California Closets!

Happy Organizing!

Hello again friends of SOE!

Due to some recent events in my life I have made the big decision to purchase a new car! As I drove out of the parking lot with my new vehicle I couldn’t help but ask myself, “What should I keep in my car to be more organized?” So I have done a little research and used my own intuition to compile a list of handy items to keep in your car. Keep in mind that this is not a complete list and you may want to omit/add items for your own needs.

Here is a list of what I keep in my car (or what I plan to keep in my car):

Must haves:

• Owner’s Manual
• Registration and Proof of Insurance

I keep these items in the glove box for quick access.

Personal:

• Reusable shopping bags. Handy for those impromptu trips to the grocery store.
• CDs. It is useful to store all your CDs in one place whether it is a box with a lid, or a padded zipper pouch.
• Umbrella
• Car phone charger

These items should be kept in the main body of the car. For example keeping CDs in the center console, an umbrella in the door, and reusable shopping bags in the pouch behind the passenger seat. Since these are items that are constantly moving in-and-out of your vehicle make sure they each have a specific home to return to.

Clean-up/Hygiene/Emergency:

• Trash bag. For anytime that trash does gather in your car so you can get rid of it quickly.
• Paper Towels. You never know when there might be an unexpected mess to clean up.
• Cleaning Wipes
• Towels
• First Aid kit. I bought a small $5 first aid kit from Target.
• Hand sanitizer
• Tissues. I keep a travel size tissue box in my glove box.
• Tire pressure gauge
• Pencil and small notepad
• Blanket/mittens/scarf. (Mostly for emergency situations during winter)
• Bottled Water
• Road flares
• Flash light
• Jumper cables
• Duct tape
• Gloves

It is a good idea to keep most of these items in a plastic bin in the trunk of your car. Make sure your bin has a lid that locks into place so the contents won’t tumble out!

Here is a photo of the kit I have started for my car. The clear plastic bin has a lid that locks into place. I purchased this 27 gallon plastic container from Target for $7! I keep it stored in my trunk. If your vehicle has open/visible storage in the back make sure you clearly label the bin so there is no confusion about what goes into it.

Notice that on my list I didn’t include any work items or other valuable personal belongings. I think it is important not to keep anything valuable in your car for long periods of time. After all you never know what is going to happen, and you can never be too safe! A pile of clothes, toys, and/or garbage make a vehicle look and feel more chaotic. Treat your car like you treat your home, and make sure everything has its place.

My tip for getting started with organizing your vehicle is to take an hour emptying out all unnecessary items. Ask yourself “How do I feel when while I’m driving?  Is clutter affecting how I drive? What doesn’t need to be in my car?” Having clutter in your vehicle can distract your attention from driving. I guarantee you’ll feel a thousand times better once it is out of your way!

In many ways our car is an extension of how we present ourselves to the outside world. What is your vehicle saying about you?

Happy organizing!  -Christina

One of the keys to living an organized life is having effective time management skills. Of course managing your time is always easier said than done! While there are many ways to be more on top of your time management, I want to highlight one in particular: Using a planner!

A few years ago when I was in college I set out on a mission to find a planner that would keep my schedule managed. My planner of choice became a Moleskin soft-cover weekly planner. (Here is a link to their website: http://www.moleskineus.com/) I fell in love with this planner and still use the same model today for three reasons: functionality, style, and usability. When looking for a planner I suggest you follow these guidelines as well.

Moleskin Planner

Function: No matter what kind of planner you choose it needs to serve its #1 purpose: To keep you organized! Think of your needs. Maybe a monthly planner will work better because you only want to remember important dates. A weekly planner will work better if your schedule involves multiple appointments a day. Also remember that planners aren’t just for schedule keeping. There are many functions to a planner. Whether it is to plan meals, keep track of your exercise goals, or for keeping on top of your new year’s resolutions.

Style: Most things you use daily make a statement about you. So you obviously want your planner to be an expression of your personal style! If you don’t like the way it looks, let’s be honest you probably won’t use it. May Designs (www.maydesigns.com) makes adorable and affordable planners and stationary that are customizable to fit your own unique style.

May Books

Usability:  Find a planner that is easy to use. A planner that has too many inserts and complicated formatting will just confuse you and make it impossible to routinely use. Search for something that is streamlined for the overall purpose of the planner. Keep it simple, because if it’s not you probably won’t use it.

Now some of you might say, “Why do I need a planner if I have my smartphone?” By all means use the technology you have! However having a physical copy of your schedule is a great way to reinforce events into your memory, and have physical proof of progress you are making. Personally I use my IPhone and IPad as my in-the-moment schedule keepers (I primarily use the calendar and reminder apps). But I also have my trusty Moleskin paper planner that I update every other day with all of my appointments. The reason I do this is so I have a backup in case my phone ever dies, and it is also really satisfying to cross things off my to-do list!

Benefits to using a planner.

• Using a planner can be part of your organizational routine. If you spend 10 minutes a week writing out your organizational goals (short-term and/or long-term) you are more likely to accomplish them during the week because you’ve already thought about how to budget your time.
• Having a routine to write in your planner will reinforce events, goals, and progress into your memory.
• Sometimes it just feels good to write things on paper! But whether you choose a paper planner, or use technology, making a plan for time management is always a step toward leading a more organized life.

How to get started using a planner:

1) Find the right planner for you! Whether it is a meal planner, event planner, or a planner just for your kid’s schedule. Make sure it has a clear purpose in your life and is stylish! Also throw out any old unused planners you have lying around (just make sure you shred any pages with personal information).

2) Write all appointments. Once you have the right planner take 10-20 minutes to sit down, look through emails, search your phone, ask friends and family, and write down all of those important dates and times you need to remember.

3) Color code. You can color code your planner by factors like importance or type of event. For example, highlighting work events in blue and personal in yellow. There is no right or wrong as long as it makes sense to you. Keep the tool you use to code (highlighters, stickers, etc.) near the planner, or always in the same spot so your planner becomes easy to manage.

4) Check it daily. Or every other day. Just make sure you have a routine for using your planner, and stick to it! Update it with plan changes just like you would on your phone or computer.

5) Keep it where you know you will use it. In your purse, open on your desk, on a table by the door as you leave. If something is out-of-sight it usually becomes out-of-mind.

Lastly, don’t be a slave to your planner. Keep in mind that it is just a time management tool. However  you are the ultimate decider of what you do each day! Have fun managing your time SOE friends!

==========

© 2013 Seattle Organizing Experts, LLC

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it:

“The Seattle Organizing Experts are proudly serving cluttered homes around the sound! We offer many extra’s and pay attention to the details that are often missed.. Get your life organized with our FREE download “52 Expert Tips, See Results Each Week!” at www.SeattleOrganizingExperts.com

Cooking – you love it or hate it…and the same can go for your kitchen! I, however, am a lover of all things kitchen! As a former cake decorator and a current FoodNetwork addict, I know what it means to keep things in order for proficiency as well as for aesthetics sake. But let me tell you, it isn’t as difficult as it seems!

For many people, the kitchen becomes the dumping ground for mail, kids art, and to-do lists, while your deep or awkward cupboards become never-ending caverns for expired spices and 7 open bags of half-eaten pasta. Well my friends, fret no more! Let’s go through some steps to make your kitchen the heart of your home, and not the headache…

1. Start with Spices – You would be surprised to know how short the shelf life is on your spices! (Whole spices/herbs 1-2yrs, seeds 2-3 yrs, ground herbs/spices 1yr, and ground roots 3yrs) Once your herbs & spices have past their dates, toss ‘em! Using expired spices mean using less flavor. If you’re going to take time out of your busy schedule to prepare a delicious meal for yourself or your family, do it right. You may be using something that has only half the flavor and potency that it should! And by all means, go through the rest of your food (cans & boxes included) and get rid of anything past expiration. If you wouldn’t feed it to your children, you shouldn’t eat it either. There are some great storage options for spices to keep them out of your minimal cupboard space, and off your limited counter space – hang them! I like to store mine in stainless canisters (labeled & dated of course), on the side of my fridge. You can tuck them on the side or have them visible. I like to see the beautiful colors on my fridge and seeing them on a regular basis inspires me to cook, as well as reminds me to go shopping, when I see one empty. They are available anywhere from Fred Meyer to The Container Store – like these, for just $1.99 each…

2.  Pair your Tupperware – The dreaded Tupperware drawer *cue dramatic music* Empty that baby out before another piece falls behind the cabinet to be lost for eternity, or before everything tumbles out of the cabinet on your head! Go through and match it up. Once you’ve done that, toss those spares. Then toss anything that is damaged – cracked, chipped, broken, or blistered – these are unsafe & unhealthy to store food in. Anything that has been in the microwave just a little too long and melted slightly, can leach toxins into your food, and that is simply no good! So get rid of them.

3.  Function is Key – Make the space work for you. We didn’t all have the luxury of creating the floor plan or the square footage of our own kitchens, but you need to make it work, unless you have an upcoming renovation I don’t know about. Really, it just needs to make sense. Keep spices close to the stove/oven (but not above the stove – spices+heat=bad), so you don’t have to dig through a cupboard across the kitchen just to grab a dash of oregano. Keep your cups & water bottles closest to the sink for an easy H2O refill. Use that awkward space in the cabinet above your stove for cook books! They are close to the stove & off the counter. Just rearrange – get out of your usual patterns, and switch it up. Try out some different configurations as to where things “should go” – and if it isn’t functioning, simply switch it back! Easy as that

4.  Create a Docking Station – though you should keep non-kitchen/food items out of the kitchen, let’s be honest, sometimes you need to keep vitamins, mail, or phone chargers in a handy central place – like the kitchen. Just make sure everything has its place. Have a central location, like a side-table, or the built-in phone desk, where you keep these items, but keep it minimal & to the necessities. Perhaps invest in a docking station where you can keep a few cell phones, an ipad, laptop, and digital camera. There are many styles & price points for stations that keep things clean & stream-lined, and even have built in speakers! Check out this one for just $61.99 @ Target…

5.  Be Realistic – Just because your kitchen is now wonderful & clutter-free doesn’t mean it will be Martha Stewart-perfect all the time. Kitchens are used everyday (sometimes all day), and it will need a clean-sweep from time-to-time, but as long as you have done the initial overhaul and made this space functional for you and your lifestyle, your upkeep should be relatively minimal. Just spend a few minutes when you make breakfast, get home from work, or finish the dishes, to flip through the mail, empty the dishwasher, or arrange a few items in the pantry to make things a little less hectic.

So are you ready? Just try one thing at a time, if you are crunched for time. Spend 30min going through your items, checking for expiration dates, on Sunday; then try the Tupperware drawer next week. By the time you know it, your kitchen is it tip-top shape and in working order again, just in time for a dinner party or your next holiday get together! So off you go! And don’t forget to stop for a cupcake as your reward…

Happy Organizing!

==========

© 2013 Seattle Organizing Experts, LLC

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it:

“The Seattle Organizing Experts are proudly serving cluttered homes around the sound! We offer many extra’s and pay attention to the details that are often missed.. Get your life organized with our FREE download “52 Expert Tips, See Results Each Week!” at www.SeattleOrganizingExperts.com

Here are a few steps that I use when organizing offices:

Survey the damage. If you only have a short amount of time or blocks of time available (maybe when the kids are napping), start with what will have the biggest impact.  Put on your favorite music, make a coffee and decide to make this as fun as you can.

Choose to lose the guilt.  Don’t spend time feeling guilty or looking at the amount of mess you need to wade through, feel great about the fact you are choosing to do something about your office and just concentrate on the aspect/pile you are working on at any given time.

You don’t belong here.  Sort through items that do not belong in your office.  Sometimes kids think that their stuff can get dropped on your desk on their way out.  Maybe you take piles of random stuff from the car to your desk and it never leaves.  Make separate piles of items that belong elsewhere as you go.  Keep a box for each child’s best artwork that you’ll go through at the end of each year.  If you find that lost gift card or cash – reward yourself for your great work!

Make quick decisions.   Don’t labor over every decision.  If you don’t like it, haven’t used it in a year, have an electronic copy of it, or don’t need it – toss it.  Avoid making an “undecided” pile, and have a recycling bin handy!

Home sweet home.  Find a logical place for everything, grouping similar things together.  Keep high-use items close to where you work.  Label specifically so that files don’t become catch-alls.  Keep a file/desk tray for “working” files (projects that you are currently working on, bills to be paid this month etc).

Sit back and admire your work!  That wasn’t so bad, huh?  The only thing left is to schedule 15 minutes or so each week to maintain the system you created.

Here’s a before and after of one section of an office I “hit” for a few hours to make it functional.  It doesn’t take long, just some good decision-making!  You can do it!

==========

© 2013 Seattle Organizing Experts, LLC

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it:

“The Seattle Organizing Experts are proudly serving cluttered homes around the sound! We offer many extra’s and pay attention to the details that are often missed.. Get your life organized with our FREE download “52 Expert Tips, See Results Each Week!” at www.SeattleOrganizingExperts.com