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Closet Storage Tip: Use Shelf Dividers

Friday, August 13th, 2010

Don’t you hate it when you fold lots of towels or tees and the first time someone grabs one off the shelf the pile tips over?
That’s where closet shelf dividers come in. You can attach these to either solid shelving or the wire shelves in your closets. Just be sure you are ordering the right type! These are a few examples.

Check your big box stores first before you pay shipping.

Organize It

Chrome

Chrome Shelf Dividers
from OrganizeIt.com
Item No: 014982186409
10” high by 12” deep
Set of 2 – $6.99
These can slide on front of shelf, so fit all widths

Acrylic

Acrylic Shelf Divider
from Amazon.com
8″high x 12″deep
$13.75 each
Pricey, but so elegant! Use for  your MBR closet only?

Lilian Vernon

Wire

Wire Shelf Dividers
from Lilian Vernon
SKU: 603989
10 1⁄2″ x 1 3⁄4″ x 12 1⁄4″ H
Set of 2 – $9.98, 4 for $19.96
Expands to fit between most wire shelving slats.

NOTE: Lillian Vernon also has a solid shelf version at a reasonable price, but these fit only 12” shelves.

When you are planning the number to purchase, decide on an odd number of stacks and buy one more divider. (i.e. 3 stacks => 4 dividers)

Finally, if you want to fold with the best of them and fast, this is a neat folding tool!

Ask NOT What Organizing Can Do For You…, Better Yet DO Ask!

Monday, January 18th, 2010

Perhaps intelligence can lessen the consequences of ADD tendencies? Maybe, maybe not.  My father labeled me a “scatterbrain”, but I was able to excel in school and in my first jobs. The real challenge in my life began when I became a military wife and eventually a mom of four. To survive, I was forced to develop systems that would guide our home life as well as our packing and moving 11 times in 20 years.

Just when I thought I had it all figured out, my family began to experience the added turmoil of cancer diagnosis and treatment, anorexia, mental illness, and death of parents. I trust in a big God, but had to tell Him, “This is really too much, Lord!”

Although I was not thrilled with these situations , they have stretched me and given me an added measure of compassion.  I know what it is like to feel buffeted by situations you can’t control, to feel helpless and hopeless. I also know that to do what I can no matter how little that is, is all that is required of me.  Small actions taken consistently can produce extraordinary results!

My desire for you is that you…

  • Get clear about what you really want. What is that? Do you want to be able to find what you need when you need it, to have only furniture sitting on the floor, to enjoy a calm retreat at the end of a busy day, or to finally get rid of paper piles… what is it? In other words, why are you reading a post about organizing?
  • Know why you want it. Be specific. How will that result improve your life?  What will it allow you to do? How would that feel?
  • Stop allowing the past to dictate your future.
  • Eliminate the physical and mental clutter that is holding you back.
  • Make room for something new in your life – a new vocation, volunteer effort, or creative pursuit.
  • Be realistic about where you are now.
  • Dare to dream about where you want to be. Expand your possibilities.
  • Do not be a victim, or a survivor, but be ready to thrive.
  • Let go of those things and attitudes that are blocking your success.

Once you have taken an honest look at where you are and have decided you don’t want to stay there, allow me to be a part of the solution. On my home page, you can request the F.R.E.E. 60 Tips to Organize Your Life.  Use that as a quick guide to de-clutter, take control of your time, and save an hour a day.

You will find that taking those small positive steps will increase your self confidence. That begins a ripple effect that makes you want to take the next step and the next – rather like painting your living room and then seeing that your old ratty couch doesn’t fit anymore.

FreedomFiler

Let me know what tips you decided to take action on first. I want to be able to cheer you on. As the L’Oreal commercial says, “You are worth it!”

I Simply Remember My Favorite Things: Stocking Stuffers

Monday, December 21st, 2009

We still have four days to shop before Christmas. I told my husband this morning I had to pick up a couple more things. His reply was, “Don’t get any large items, we have to fit luggage into the car yet!” We are heading for VA to watch grandchildren open presents on Friday.  Woo hoo!

In case you are still trying to come up with things for stocking stuffers, these are a few of my favorite things:

  1. Mead 4″ X 6″ faux leather address book:  I keep mine next to my computer to record all those annoying passwords every site needs. Keeps info     alphabetical and handy, so I can toss it in a suitcase to use on vacation if necessary. Found this treasure at Odd Lots for $2.99.
  2. Good Grips Mag Tacks: This gift means never having to say you’re sorry you put holes in your favorite photos. Can be used as simple pushpin, or a pin with magnet on top.   $6.99 at Container Store.

  3. Mini Magnet Strips: This gift puts versatile mini-storage on any wall. The possibilities of what to stick to these are endless. Use for an art rack, photo holder, or to contain little things with the next gift suggestion. On sale for $3.99 at Container Store
  4. See & Store Containers:  Perfect magnetic storage for office supplies, beads, or even spices. 4 for $1.99 at Container Store.
  5. Magnetic 3″ x 8″ To Do pads: Always have one on your refrigerator for grocery needs or a note to say where you went. Target usually has these in the $1 bin. The high end Post-It version is at Staples for $4.99.
  6. Velcro Get a Grip straps: These are great to bundle wires or to contain cords for small appliances. Five colors makes this fun even for people who hate electric cords, like me. $3.99 at Office Max.
  7. Specialty-colored duct tape: Even if you think this is a stupid suggestion, you’ve got to check out this site:  www.tapebrothers.com for all the color possibilities.  I know a teenage boy who has a ball making all kinds of things out of duct tape. He pulled his red, white, and blue wallet out to show me one day. Your loved one can join the Duck Tape Club and get instructions for all kinds of crafts.
  8. A book for a little tyke: Duck! Rabbit! Very cute and will match the above gift. Interesting take on a classic optical illusion.
  9. The new game Bananagrams: Finally, a kid-friendly version of the crossword game Scrabble. Comes in its own banana-shaped pouch.  You have to find this at specialty game stores as the inventor refused to sell to the big box  stores.

Have fun getting those little things that make life interesting.  Don’t forget to get a 1000 piece jigsaw puzzle. All you have to do is pour the pieces out on a table and the family gathers.  That is what makes the holidays so special.

The Odd Couple: Do You Resemble Felix or Oscar?

Wednesday, October 7th, 2009

When two people share a living space, there will inevitably be one who values order and neat surroundings more than the other.  The play-turned-sit-com, The Odd Couple, made us laugh at the extreme case of roommates having to adjust to each other’s idiosyncrasies.

Who do you relate to more:  Felix the neat fanatic or Oscar the easygoing slob?  Each character had his strengths and weaknesses.  Oscar could more readily enjoy life and relate to people.  On the other hand, Felix was uber-responsible and made sure that Oscar did not starve or drown in his trash.

Felix was never able to get Oscar to pick up after himself.  Oscar couldn’t convince Felix to get over his cleanliness fetish enough to make room for the humanity and imperfections of others.  Yet, in each episode one partner grew a little by learning from the other.

Often I hear the question, “How can you motivate someone else to get organized?” The two-word answer is a resounding, “YOU can’t!”

Click to continue »

Your Magic Wand Goal

Thursday, September 17th, 2009

September is one of those “new start” months. Hopefully, the summer has been a slower pace, with time off from the normal demands of family, work, and school.

Then the weather turns cooler and kids go back to school. This is a perfect time to begin a project that will take 3 months or so.

Magic WandBefore you jump into something NEW, take a look at your present systems for your home and office. Do you feel confident that you are using your time wisely? Is your home maintenance routine working for you? How would you rate your communication within your family unit?

This may be a good time to evaluate and shore up the everyday workings in your home or office. If you could wave a magic wand, what result would you command? Set that as your goal for these three months with a deadline of 24 November.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help. You may find someone who is willing to lend you his/her expertise in exchange for your help with something you excel in.

My request to you: Did you write down your magic wand goal? List three actions that will bring you closer to that reality. What is one task that you can do now – with no preliminaries necessary? Put that on your calendar and keep the appointment with yourself. When that is done, choose another strategic (an immediately doable) task. Try for three per week and you will be amazed at the progress you make toward your ideal relationship/communication/surroundings!

You will feel victorious, vainglorious, and just plain glad that you did!

Downsizing: Emptying Grandma’s House

Friday, August 21st, 2009

Grandma’s house. What images come to your mind when you say that phrase?  Do you smell tempting aromas of special family meals?  What lasting bits of advice ring in your ears?  Do you have the recipe for a traditional family favorite that takes you back in time when you take the first bite?

Grandparents are a rich source of history, tradition, wisdom, and unconditional love.  We wish their influence was unending, but time will not allow that.  At some point, grandma and grandpa’s children are faced with moving or emptying the contents of a home that is filled with memories.

As a professional organizer and a child who has both moved and emptied her parent’s belongings, these are a few suggestions for making that process easier.

  1. Plan the clean out day(s) ahead of time. Set the date, inform all family members, ask for RSVP.  Gather packing materials, markers, Ziplocs, and trash bags.  Choose a charity for unwanted items.  Be ready with drinks and a quick lunch for all.
  2. Take care to be both inclusive and sensitive. Each family member is dealing with strong  emotions.  Decide on a “time-out” signal that means “I/you need a break!” with no questions asked.  The message being – all are welcome, we care, and please respect the feelings of others.
  3. Decide on an equitable division of belongings. My mother let each child make requests for things that were meaningful to them before she moved.  Coded colored sticker s placed on desired items throughout the home, or a draft pick style event would also work
  4. Get an expert opinion on valuables. These are two appraisal organizations that can steer you to the expert you need:
    Appraisers Association of America – www.appraisersassoc.org
    American Society of Appraisers – www.appraisers.org
  5. Make a deadline for pick up. Make sure everyone knows that anything left in the grandparents’ house by a certain date will be delivered to charity with NO exceptions.  Schedule a pick up of larger furniture items for donation on that date if needed.

With a little planning and a lot of patience, emptying the family home can be rich with memories and fun.  Take time during lunch to play, “I remember when…”   That is what family gatherings are all about.  It’s not about the stuff!