Getting Organized: Save Dessert for Last

By |2015-04-27T16:54:31-04:00April 27th, 2015|Categories: Clutter Control, Home Page, Systems|Tags: , , |

The number one mistake people make, when trying to get organized, is to run out and buy containers, before they know exactly what they are containing. It’s certainly tempting. I mean look at that sampling of gorgeous containers picture to the right. They’re like candy. Like any dessert, they should be saved for last.

Organizing Advice From Tio Sancho

By |2014-05-07T07:18:44-04:00May 7th, 2014|Categories: Home Page, Systems|Tags: , |

There was a TV ad that ran in 1983 for Tio Sancho Tacos, in which Tio himself boldly declares that his tacos “don’t fall apart, so they taste great.” A schlubby guy from off camera says, “I don’t see the connection.” Tio invites the schlub over to try his (inferior) brand taco on camera while Tio tries his (superior) taco. They each take a bite and the schlub’s taco explodes all over his shirt. He tastes nothing. Tio smugly asks “How is yours?” The schlub answers “I don’t know. It fell apart.” Tio gloats, “Really? Mine is delicious.” So what does this 31 year old taco commercial have to do with organizing?

Do You Need a Clutter Broker?

By |2023-09-04T10:30:49-04:00January 7th, 2014|Categories: Clutter Control, Home Page|Tags: , , |

I’ve just come to the realization that the job my team of organizers and I do is that of a clutter broker. What do I mean by this? Just as there’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all mortgage, there’s no thing as a one-size-fits-all clutter solution. A mortgage broker has the job of brokering the right mortgage to suit your needs and a professional organizer has the job of brokering the right balance of keep, toss, donate, and sell. Here’s how.

Quantity Dictates Systems

By |2023-12-14T19:11:52-05:00June 3rd, 2013|Categories: Clutter Control, Home Page, Systems|Tags: , , |

One of the questions I get asked most frequently, before starting an organizing project is “What should I buy?” I have a very simple answer: nothing. This is especially true for the big projects we tend to get this time of year, like garages, basements, attics. The reason comes down to this very simple organizing rule: "quantity dictates systems."

Strawberry, Chocolate, or Manila?

By |2023-09-04T10:06:38-04:00March 14th, 2013|Categories: Home Page, Paper Management, Systems|Tags: , , , |

Today I want to boldly confront one of the most controversial issues of our time: file folder color choice. I know there is a school of thought, that says if your file folders are a variety of stimulating colors, they will encourage more use, but I want to make a case for the classic manila folder. There are reasons why it works.

How to STAY Organized

By |2012-12-21T07:44:37-05:00December 19th, 2012|Categories: Home Page, Systems|Tags: , , , , |

Last Saturday I awoke at 5:30 to organize my garage. Oh, I hit the snooze button a few times, but I still did get up pretty early to make time for a task that just never seems to rise to the top of my priority list. Why, you may ask, would a professional organizer need to organize his garage? Shouldn’t it already be organized by now? It’s a fair question. The answer has to do with an organizing process

Don’t Open What You’re Not Prepared to Close

By |2012-12-01T21:07:55-05:00December 1st, 2012|Categories: Clutter Control, Home Page|Tags: , , |

After I have finished a consultation with a new client and we are ready to start working together, I am often asked, “what should I start working on before your team arrives?” I know this comes from wanting to use our time to her maximum benefit, so I will advise, “It’s not necessary to do anything, but if you must, don’t open what you’re not prepared to close.”

Where Bad Organizing Goes to Hide

By |2023-09-04T10:01:19-04:00November 21st, 2012|Categories: Home Page, Systems|Tags: , , |

There have been several occasions, when I have explained to my clients the importance of keeping action items visible and they respond by saying, “Yes, that makes sense, but there are other items I just want to hide.” They’re not talking about hiding cash from thieves or inappropriate materials from their kids. They’re talking about hiding items from themselves.

The Stay Factors

By |2023-09-04T10:03:13-04:00October 15th, 2012|Categories: Home Page, Systems|Tags: , , |

There are two essential parts to being organized: getting organized and staying organized. Getting organized involves a lot of sorting, purging, and rethinking of your stuff. Sorry, there’s no way to stay organized without first processing out the excess. Once you've done that, however, there are certain factors that will help you stay organized.

Receipt Control

By |2012-11-08T19:31:24-05:00February 27th, 2011|Categories: Paper Management, Systems|Tags: , , , |

One of the most familiar items to go homeless in any work environment is the receipt. You may be frustrated with how messy they look everywhere, but the solution is never as easy as throwing them all out, because they DO matter. Not ALL of them matter, but without a clear plan, one tends to keep them all, just in case.

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