http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogList.asp?sort=organizer&schedule=30 Are you overwhelmed by the clutter in your home, and the wasted time and energy spent searching for misplaced items? Do you fear unexpected company dropping by? YOU ARE NOT ALONE! In fact ... I've been right where you may feel right now! Why do we struggle so with creating and maintaining order and calm in our home? Well, here's a reality check for you! Did you know that our homes have doubled in size since the 1970's and the average home today contains 50% more stuff than in the 1980's. So the life we live now is far different than the generation before, and our relationship to our stuff has changed as well. For these reasons and so many more, it is imperative today that we create a safe haven in our home. A place where we can retreat from modern life to rest and regenerate our energy supply for the next day. If we return home after a stressful day dealing with the demands of daily life, to an even more stressful environment full of distractions and clutter ... then when do we ever have a break from it all? A time to be at peace, to rest, and re-energize our batteries? I invite you to join me every Monday to explore the many benefits and recipe for creating The Simplified Home. Mon, 25 Oct 2010 12:45:01 EST en-us http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3219 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3219 Mon, 25 Oct 2010 10:00:00 EST Organization is an ever-changing process; it's a journey, not a destination. Every day a new approach or product is being introduced as the magic bullet to organization. But everyone is different in temperament, attitude, build, energy, ambition and family size. Every situation and lifestyle requires a different style and approach of organization to get the job done. The secret isn't always in how to get organized - it's in wanting to get organized and committing ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3169 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3169 Mon, 30 Aug 2010 10:00:00 EST Here's the next installment in our Garage Sales 101 series . Today I'll talking about how to attract potential buyers for your sale, preparing your stuff and pricing. Step 3: How to Attract Buyers to a Garage Sale Advertising is obviously a very critical planning task – without bringing in lots of potential buyers, you cannot have a financially rewarding sale. The time and effort invested in having a garage sale is significant, so it makes sense to invest time in ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3168 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3168 Sun, 29 Aug 2010 15:11:39 EST I've been wanting to do this series all summer on planning a successful Garage Sale, but I've been so busy this summer helping clients to take control of their homes and offices and rid their lives of unwanted stuff. No worries … the end of summer is still a great time for a garage sale. Over the next week I'll be posting the steps that I recommend for planning and organizing a successful garage sale. The steps I'll be discussing are: Step 1: ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3111 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3111 Sun, 11 Jul 2010 21:51:00 EST Why are so many of our lives overstuffed with stuff? Buying stuff. Selling stuff. Eating stuff. Not eating stuff. We buy stuff to store our stuff. When our homes are full of stuff, we rent more places to store our stuff, so well, we can get more stuff. How can any of this be good for us? We are told by pundits and government officials that the recession is causing us to buy too little new stuff – which is hurting the folks who make the stuff. And yet somehow, we are also told ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2999 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2999 Tue, 20 Apr 2010 18:24:39 EST All those precious seconds driving in traffic, waiting in line and browsing the video or book store add up. Here are 12 ways to save time and streamline your day. 1. Send gift certificates and gift cards for presents. Phone in the order – no shopping, no wrapping, no exchanges. This options also helps reduce clutter because the gift recipient is able to purchase exactly what they want, rather than receiving a gift that is never used, but lingers out of obligation to the gift giver. 2. Buy ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2921 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2921 Mon, 8 Mar 2010 10:00:00 EST I filed my tax return today! And all 2009 documents are filed safely away with my tax return. Because of my organized filing system, it took less than an hour to gather everything together. This is a huge improvement over past years when I didn't have any system in place. Every year I procrastinated until the last minute because it was such a chore to find everything and organize it before I could even begin working on the return. Are you guilty of procrastinating when it comes ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2856 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2856 Mon, 8 Feb 2010 10:00:00 EST What's the shape of your home filing system? Are your filing drawers stuffed so full that it's nearly impossible to get another piece of paper into – or out of – them? This is sure to create additional piles around your file cabinet(s) because its such an inconvenience to get the filing done. Once a year, you should schedule time to review your files and purge as much as possible, leaving room for next year's papers. Consider these tips for maintaining a lean and accessible home ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2808 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2808 Mon, 28 Dec 2009 10:00:00 EST As we transition into a new year many will set goals to reduce household spending and reduce debt. This is a good time to consider the use of coupons to reduce spending and how to get started. In this tough economy, couponing has is receiving serious consideration in many households. So do coupons really save you money or Are They a Waste of Time ? The short answer to this question is yes. But, you have to have a system in place for cutting them and storing them in order to have your ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2795 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2795 Mon, 14 Dec 2009 10:00:00 EST In my last post Five Strategies to Reduce Book Clutter , I promised to do a comparison of four popular Book E-Readers. I must admit that I do not yet own an E-Reader, but I will eventually. Ifm waiting for the prices to come down before I take the plunge. If your goal is to clear the clutter and simplify your life, book e-Readers are a practical tool that will help you keep physical book clutter at bay. AMAZON KINDLE E-READER Best for : The Voracious Reader ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2769 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2769 Mon, 30 Nov 2009 10:00:00 EST One of the toughest types of clutter to control is books. Books enrich our lives - they provide enjoyment, humor, an escape to other worlds and they educate - just to name a few of the benefits. We build entire rooms in our home as a shrine to our books and shelves from floor to ceiling are often dedicated to store our book collection. That's why I said in the first sentence that book clutter is one of the most difficult habits to break. We become attached our book collections and ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2712 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2712 Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:04:26 EST Trying to get things done around the house, but feeling overwhelmed by your never-ending list of things-to-do? Here's a simple system that works. Make a Master Task List of everything you have to, or want, to do. Don't worry about the order right now. You're basically brain-dumping on paper all your To-Do 's to get the thoughts out of your head and onto paper. This exercise creates a master laundry list of tasks. Now, beside each task on your master list, ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2699 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2699 Tue, 3 Nov 2009 23:05:29 EST I'm a busy mom with school-aged kids, so it goes without saying that we experience hectic school day mornings. If your mornings are chaotic like ours, follow these get-organized tips to ensure a smooth to and from school routine. Make mornings flow smoothly by getting everything ready the night before. Have school bags packed and placed by the door and tomorrow's outfits laid out. Organize your kid's departure and arrival spot (I call this the launching and landing pad). ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2575 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2575 Mon, 14 Sep 2009 10:00:00 EST In most homes, sock piles abound! Socks seem to have a life of their own. How do they end up in so many places throughout our home? Socks travel through several stages in the wash and wear cycle - from dresser drawer, being worn, to the washer, dryer, then sorted and matched with their mate, before they make it safely back to the dresser drawer. With so many steps in the process, no wonder they get lost and mismatched. Socks that end up in mismatched piles and never make it safely ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2546 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2546 Mon, 7 Sep 2009 10:00:00 EST Everyone is worried about the current state of our economy, with good reason. But much of what is going on globally is out of our control. What we do have control over is how we spend our own money. One of the easiest ways to reduce household spending is to use coupons when you shop. It's a no brainer ... if you found fifty-cents, seventy-five cents ... a dollar on the floor, wouldn't you pick it up and feel like luck was on your side that day? Isn't using coupons like finding ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2545 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2545 Mon, 31 Aug 2009 10:00:00 EST A new school year is once again upon us. Ugh! Is it just me, or do you dread the back to school rush too? Our summers are getting shorter and shorter every year! My kids had the shortest summer yet - just 2 months. As parents, we have great hopes for a smooth transition from relaxing summer days to the hustle and bustle of homework, tests, project deadlines and school activities. It's easy to think that just by purchasing that new trendy school supply, your child will instantly ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2544 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2544 Thu, 27 Aug 2009 15:59:07 EST News Flash … we are not born organized. Organization is a learned skill. Just as children are taught to do long division, hit a baseball, or play a musical instrument, they learn organizational skills, like how to organize their space, time, and tasks. As the adult in their lives, it's your important job to pass along helpful tips for organizing success. Here are a few ideas: Help create a habit of doing homework in the same place, at the same time, every day. Teach time ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2485 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2485 Fri, 7 Aug 2009 09:53:01 EST In every home that I visit, unused greeting cards abound. Here's what happens. You try to plan ahead and buy cards for loved ones who have a special day coming up. You take the card home and throw it in a pile until you need to send it. Then when that time comes you can't find the card amidst the clutter and have to go buy another. So when the first greeting card reappears, the need for that card no longer exists, so it either stays in a clutter pile or goes into the dark hole of unused ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2429 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2429 Mon, 13 Jul 2009 10:00:00 EST How (and how much) you pack can greatly impact your comfort level while on vacation. Follow these tips as you pack your bags . • Pack light. When in doubt, leave it out! Adopt a European standard for fashion by wearing your favorite things multiple times while on vacation. You can hand-wash in the hotel sink if necessary. No one ever wishes they had brought more stuff on vacation! (But you might consider bringing an empty duffel bag or backpack to cart home souvenirs.) ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2428 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2428 Thu, 9 Jul 2009 16:30:09 EST Summer vacation season is upon us once again. We all look forward to the fun and relaxation of vacations, but sometimes the planning, packing and prepping leave you more stressed out than if you had just stayed home. No need to fear – In my 5-Part series on organized vacation planning, I'll help you plan an organized vacation, whether it's a quick weekend getaway or a month-long European vacation. From helpful packing tips to keeping kids (and grown-ups) happy on a long ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2277 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2277 Mon, 8 Jun 2009 10:00:00 EST Back in April I wrote a post about the best time of year to buy to get the best deals on all kinds of products, from DVDs to automobiles. This is the second part of that post which picks up with the second half of the year from July to December. July Computers - July and August, or right after a new model is launched. Buying slightly older technology offers great savings opportunities. Swimwear - As the swimming season draws to a close in July and August, ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2338 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2338 Mon, 25 May 2009 10:00:00 EST If you're like me, you're anxiously awaiting warm weather fun and relaxation. It's time to come out of winter hybernation, clear out the clutter and get organized so you and your family can fully enjoy all the season has to offer. To help you get your home in tip top shape and to be the best family manager you can be, I'm delighted to announce my second book: " Home Organization Secrets for Busy Moms " To keep the price low, this valuable home management ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2276 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2276 Mon, 13 Apr 2009 10:00:00 EST I don't advocate buying stuff that you don't need. However, if you've researched an item and determined that it is needed and/or will enhance your life, then I do advocate saving as much money on your purchase as possible. So you've done your research and you know what you plan to purchase. When is the best time to buy to get the best deals? You might just find that consulting your calendar will help you get the best deals. Certain times of the year – or even days of the ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2215 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2215 Mon, 16 Mar 2009 10:00:00 EST Spring is almost here! Are you as ready as I am to get outdoors and get your yard ready for spring? But how easy will that be if your garage has turned into a wasteland of clutter and junk you've been saving for years? The U.S. Department of Energy reports that 25-percent of people with two-car garages don't have room to park any cars inside, and 32-percent only have room for one vehicle. Consider how little value that junk stored in the garage has vs. the value of the cars that ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2164 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2164 Mon, 2 Mar 2009 10:00:00 EST In this economic climate we are all looking for strategies to reduce our living expenses and hopefully in a eco-friendly way. When it comes to saving energy in your home, lighting is an easy place to start, according to Edison Electric Institute. You may wonder what lighting has to do with achieving a simplified home. Quite a bit actually. Simplifying your home environment and life includes more than organizing your stuff, containers, and everything you own having a home. Simplifying life ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2163 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2163 Mon, 23 Feb 2009 10:00:00 EST My mind is always racing with blogging topic ideas. I'll say to myself that I want to develop a blog post various topics. But sometimes there's just not time to pull it all together, but I still want to share the thoughts. So today, I'm just going to share a couple of quick resources available for unique client needs. National Odd Shoe Exchange (N.O.S.E.) - http://www.oddshoe.org - In my Professional Organizer's networking group I just learned about this not-for-profit ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2162 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2162 Mon, 16 Feb 2009 10:00:00 EST When it comes to taking care of your biggest investment ~ your home, there are a lot of things that you need to manage and keep organized. In most households, these tidbits of information are spread out throughout the home ~ instruction manuals and receipts stuffed in a drawer, paint numbers on the top of a paint can in the garage. Does that sound familiar? With home maintenance and repair, it is important to be organized and current on everything that you have done to your house. It is easy to ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2161 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2161 Mon, 9 Feb 2009 10:00:00 EST It's true that our sluggish economy is keeping many people in their current home who desire to downsize to smaller quarters, because they fear not being able to sell their home. There is actually so much you can do during this economic downturn to prepare for the downsizing move, so when the economy begins to recover, you're ready to take action. A downsizing move requires a different mindset than likely any other move you've experienced. The concept for a downsizing move is to ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2130 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2130 Mon, 19 Jan 2009 10:00:00 EST When it comes to being a new parent, there is always a need for tools and systems to stay on top of your new life and your sanity. Do you often feel like you'd loose your head if it wasn't screwed on? I sure did when my kids were little. The organized world I'd devised prior to kids went out the window when I adopted my first daughter at ten months old. Since most of my clients are busy families, I often hear moms say "I used to be so organized before I had kids" If you're a ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2121 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2121 Wed, 14 Jan 2009 12:30:13 EST When it comes to your medical bills and records, you are probably like 90% of the population. You get an explanation of benefits (EOB) for a recent doctor's visit and it goes in one of two places. The EOB gets shredded or perhaps, you keep it and throw it in a drawer. Then what happens when you receive a bill from the doctor's office stating the insurance denied the charge and you owe the entire amount. A frantic search ensues to find the Dr. appointment receipt and EOB so you ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2119 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2119 Wed, 14 Jan 2009 11:07:53 EST Movies and TV shows have depicted the drama that comes from the emotional and complex job of dividing inherited items among family. Most families can tell stories about fights that have broken out over Mom's good china or Grandma's doll collection. Perhaps you have already experienced this madness and fighting, but hopefully you have been spared so far from this torture. I've experienced this twice in my family ~ one experience was a positive one of reflection and family bonding. ...