Blog

How A Hotel Stay Can Bring You Home Sweet Home

2012-11-20T04:11:57Z

Although I agree with the adage, “There’s no place like home,” after a recent trip out of town, I found there were several positive traits unique to hotels. But these qualities don’t have to be limited to the times when you’re on the road. Why not mirror these qualities in your own home and create a relaxing destination for yourself and your guests?

This Thanksgiving, let's give thanks for organized kitchens!

2012-11-16T04:22:38Z

Hosting this year's fall family feast? Worry not, your kitchen can handle the job. Just take a few steps to prep the space and your supplies, and you'll be set!

Summer entertaining? Make it easy with these organizing tips!

2012-06-26T03:26:49Z

If you feel your house needs a thorough cleaning or is due for some organizing, but you’re not motivated to do it, consider throwing a party! Not only is summer a great time for entertaining, planning a party is a sure-fire way to “put on the pressure” to tackle neglected chores.

Oui... wow! Are you perhaps a "French Parent" too?

2012-06-22T04:19:48Z

I think it's important to step out of our comfort zone and see how others manage the important job of raising our next generation. Whereas the "Tiger Mom" book focused mostly on kids in elementary school through high school – and the social and academic expectations that the mom held for her kids – Bringing Up Bebe focuses on the earliest years. Things like how to get an infant to sleep through the night or get a toddler to eat his/her vegetables. What’s this got to do with organizing? Read on, and find out!

Clutter here, clutter there... Have you had enough?

2012-05-29T22:32:56Z

I usually work with my clients, and not just for them. The partnership aspect of our work creates a teamwork approach to getting rid of clutter and creating new systems that, in turn, improve daily habits. Before I work with any client, I need to make sure I have their buy-in on the idea, and they are really ready to get organized. How do I know when a client is ready? (And how do you know if you or or a loved one is ready for such help?) Hiring a professional organizer often comes when a resident has had "enough."

Defy the Mayans! Get ready for next year's taxes today!

2012-04-23T20:25:17Z

With this year's taxes done, (whew!), it's the best time to review what went right (and wrong) so you can make next April much easier. For instance... Plan ahead using lessons from this year. Many people file taxes with a guess method as to what amount of money they donated to charity, what number of deductions to claim on their workplace W-4 form, and where they put important receipts. Some planning now will save time and frustration later. Keep documents safe and organized. Documents related to taxes are loaded with personal information so it’s important to use, sort, store and dispose of them properly.

Can't hire a house cleaner? Try these tips instead!

2012-04-03T04:52:13Z

To make sure your spring cleaning efforts last, try these helpful everyday tips:

Label foods before they go in the freezer. With a name and date, it’s easier to find leftovers before they become mystery meat.
If you have a multi-bathroom house, consider duplicates of commonly used items, such as glass cleaner, paper towels or Norwex cloths.
In a multi-level house it helps to have a vacuum on each level. A stair basket is also a useful way to collect the “stuff” that needs to go to the next level. (Make sure it gets emptied regularly by everyone in the family as they go up or down the stairs!)
Keep a hamper in every bedroom or bathroom, so kids (and spouses) have no excuse for leaving dirty clothes scattered on the floor.
Make it a mission to toss junk mail immediately so it doesn’t accumulate. Cancel subscriptions to unread/unwanted magazines.
Keep a squeegee in your bathtub if you have a glass door. It might take an extra minute to wipe down the door after every shower, but you’ll save on cleaning time and frequency and will enjoy an overall better view daily.
Let kids help on a regular basis. Just make it fun. Even young children can use a wet sock rag or microfiber cloth to dust furniture.
Everyday grit that gets tracked in does its damage to wood floors over time. To combat that, keep mats or rugs on both the inside and outside of all entry doors. Keep a broom handy for daily sweeping (another chore that’s perfect for kids to take on!)
Going on vacation? Resist the urge to leave behind the mess you make when getting ready. Instead, take a few minutes to tidy up, make sure the sinks are empty, dishes are washed, trash is emptied, and maybe even vacuum the carpets and rugs (yeah, I know, good one.) Trust me, though, you'll be thankful when you get home from your restful vacation and are welcomed to a house that's clean and inviting. The chores can come later...

Spring cleaning doesn't have to be a chore!

2012-03-14T03:51:42Z

As the temperatures warm up, it's finally time to open the windows to air out the house. It's also the season to remove some of the old grime that's accumulated during the colder months. How to do it with ease? Follow these tips!

7 Rules for Dealing with Disorganization

2012-01-09T03:32:07Z

Getting organized” is among the top resolutions of 2012. It is every year actually. Like the other top resolutions involving health or wealth, the goal of reducing clutter falls under the “Best of Intentions” category. We all mean well in January but by summer our interest is waning. And once the holiday season arrives in the winter… well, we’ll get back to that diet/exercise plan/cluttered basement … next year. I came upon this tongue-in-cheek look at going to the gym, and decided that humor does have a way of bringing home a few points. It got me thinking that maybe there are a few truths about clutter and organizing that also need to be aired.

Brr! It's COLD outside! Time to get your winter gear organized!

2011-12-06T20:54:49Z

Has the seasonal change from cool to frigid got you tripping over boots, fretting over lost mittens or searching for dry snowpants? A change in your organization may be all that's in order. Try these tips to make get your winter gear in order.