tip of the week (2/28/2010)

February 28 – March 6, 2010 this week’s "tip of the week" was sent from Kristen from Warren, MI

Kristen writes: “My car has not been consistently clutter-free since I started driving when I was sixteen. Now, with two children in the back seat, it seems even more impossible!

A few months ago, I found something that really works for me--a simple basket. I purchased a cute, floppy basket at our local craft center for only $2.50. Now, whenever I am coming or going, I grab the basket and take it with me.

I throw library books that need to be returned into the basket when it's in the house, so I remember to take them with me. I throw my empty coffee cup, kid's toys, and my purse into the basket when its in the car, so I remember to take them inside with me.

The key is to empty the basket as soon as you walk inside. My car has now been clutter-free for 64 days!”

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Do you have an organizing or time management tip that you would like to share? Click here and your tip could be the next one featured in our newsletter, our blog or on our website! For more organizing tips, check out www.andreadekker.com. It is full of great organizing tips for every area of your life.

tips for organizing small spaces

For most people, it is a challenge to organize any space…but this challenge is multiplied by the confinements and limitations of a SMALL space. However, just because your space is challenging, it's still possible to be organized. Keep in mind though that it's imperative to use every inch of available space both efficiently and wisely. Many of these tidbits can be utilized in any space:

1. The “one-in-one-out” rule: This rule works well with items such as shoes, clothing, toys and books. For any new item bought or received as a gift, one item must leave.

2. Find solutions that are both functional and attractive: Use a storage ottoman that looks good and also serves as a great storage solution. Also consider hidden storage such as drawers in coffee or end table.

3. Be realistic with your space: A 10' x 10' room will feel bigger when it is filled with less stuff. Remember, the scale of furniture will also affect the visual space in a room.

4. Purge excessive items often: Keep small boxes in a closet that can be used to temporarily store items that need to be donated until you have enough to call a charity for a pickup.

5. Set realistic limits: For instance, if you only have room for 30 hangers in your closet, do not buy extra hangers. Instead limit yourself to only those 30 hanging pieces of clothing.

6. Be creative and resourceful: In a small kitchen, use a plastic dish drying tray to hold cookie sheets. Reuse old mugs and baskets to organize office supplies.

7. Find the hidden space potential in your room: Plastic containers under the bed can store linens, shoes, out of season clothing or extra bedding. Is there space not being utilized behind a staircase? Hanging shoe holders can be used on the back of doors to organize much more than just shoes such as kitchen utensils, spices, or food. Use cork boards and pegs on the back of doors to organize jewelry such as necklaces.

8. Use wall and ceiling space. In the kitchen, you might use a hanging holder for pots and pans. In living and office spaces, use floor to ceiling shelves. Another example is magnetic spice racks that hang on the walls.

Embrace the pluses of living in a small space and use its entirety to its full potential. You will feel like you are living in a large space…but you will have less to clean!

10 things to organize in 10 minutes or less

1. Desktop: Put pens & pencils back in the holder, put away stray paperclips and rubber bands, sort through the piles of paper. Throw out anything that is outdated or no longer needed.

2. Junk Drawer: We all have one. Throw out anything you don't need anymore. Use old check boxes or baby food containers to sort the items you do keep in the drawer. Put away things that have a different home.

3. Purse: Pull out all the old receipts, notes, and grocery lists that ended up crumpled at the bottom. You probably don't need 5 pens and 3 kinds of gum. Consider taking out all those punch cards and 'club' cards that you don't use everyday. Keep them in a small pouch in a desk drawer and just get out the one you need when you need it.

4. Refrigerator: Dig all the way to the back and pull out the stuff that's out of date or that no one likes. A crowded refrigerator has to run more often to keep all that food cool and only ends up costing you more money.

5. Linen Closet: Do you need 30 washcloths for 4 people? Probably not. Pull them out and turn them into rags. Use them to dust, dry your car, or to clean up after home improvement projects.

6. Medicine Cabinet: Weed out all medications that are past the expiration date. Make a note of any outdated prescriptions so you can contact your doctor to refill them if necessary.

7. Files: File one pile of paper…and remember to only file papers you absolutely need to keep for tax or reference purposes.

8. Birthday Cards: I keep an assortment of birthday cards on hand for whenever I might need them. Once or twice a month check the calendar and sign and send birthday cards for the next two weeks.

9. Bookshelf: Do you really need your college textbooks? How about all those novels you read 3 years ago and haven't picked up since? Load them into a bag or box and take them right out to your car. Next time your out running errands drop them off at your local charity of choice.

10. Magazine Rack: Magazine racks tend to pile up with outdated catalogs and magazines. Get rid of the outdated ones. If you want to keep a magazine for the idea you read in it, consider just tearing out the article and storing it in a file folder or binder. Both options use much less space than storing years of magazines and the information is much easier to find without having to weed through 7 years of magazines.

Ahhhh….see what you can accomplish in only 10 minutes! Start today!

"tickle" your papers organized

With tax season just around the corner, any shortcomings in your paper management system may really be rearing their ugly little heads. The good news is this: when you create an effective paper management system, it takes the stress out of finding your important papers, not only during tax season, but all year long. In the spirit of effective paper management, this month’s storage solution will help you stay on top of your important, actionable papers.

What it is: this month’s storage solution is the tickler file, a simple filing system made up of 43 folders—one folder for each day of the month (numbered 1 through 31), plus one folder for each month of the year, each labeled—you guessed it—with the name of one month.

How it works: a tickler file allows you to gain control over paper that you want or need to take action on at a date in the future, but not today. So, if you’re going out of town on the 15th of the month, you can file your travel itinerary, directions and confirmation numbers in the folder labeled 15. If your child’s birthday is in November, throughout the year you can collect birthday party ideas and file them in the October folder—giving you plenty of time to plan the big event in November. The best part of all, by having a spot for these future actions, you no longer need to let them pile up on the counter in hopes they remind you to take action! You simply check your tickler file each day, and your actionable papers are right there waiting for you.

Where to get one: You can make your own tickler file using plain manila file folders or decorated file folders and a labeler.

Who knew forty-three simple folders could make life so much easier?

tip of the week (2/21/2010)

February 21 – February 27, 2010 this week’s "tip of the week" was sent from Jayne from Grand Rapids, MI

Jayne writes: “I clip mittens, gloves, hats and scarves to a skirt hanger with clothespin-like clips. I keep one or two of these prepared in the coat closet. Everything is within reach when dressing for the rain or cold.”

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Do you have an organizing or time management tip that you would like to share? Click here and your tip could be the next one featured in our newsletter, our blog or on our website! For more organizing tips, check out www.andreadekker.com. It is full of great organizing tips for every area of your life.

keep or toss?

Every day, we have countless decisions to make about comes into our home and what leaves. It can easily be confusing to know what to do. In general, asking one or more of these questions will help you to make the decisions that you need to make.

1. Do I absolutely love it? If you cannot honestly say you absolutely love the item, you don't need to keep it.
   
   
2. Does it serve a useful purpose? If the answer is no, or not really, let it go!
   
   
3. Will it be out-of-date before I need it again? Too often books and other printed information are out of date before we need it again. And now-days, it’s so easy to find the most up-to-date information on the web.
   
   
4. Am I hanging on to it out of obligation? Let's face it; we all feel a twinge of guilt when we think about not keeping a gift. Remember that a gift is given without strings or obligations, and the receiver is free to do as they wish with the gift.
   
   
5. Will it affect me financially if I toss or shred it? When it comes to paperwork, it seems that we hang on to it--fearing financial repercussions if we toss or shred. The majority of the time, you will not need to keep the paper document, but if you are unsure, click here for some helpful guidelines.
   
   
6. Do I have a place for it? We often make impulse purchases and then have to deal with where to put it. So, make a conscious decision to stop and think before you buy, and decide based on knowing exactly where it will go in your home.
   
   
7. Do I really need to buy it, or can I rent it? Specialized tools, yard equipment, and entertaining items are things you might want to consider rending. The charge to rent isn't usually anywhere near the cost to purchase and you don't end up with clutter that you have to store!
   
   
8. Do I need to keep a hard copy? Rather than printing from your computer, save a copy to your computer a copy of whatever you might ordinarily print off just to file.
   
   
9. Do I use it? If you don't use it, lose it! If you don't wear it, donate it! If you don't eat it, get rid of it! Think how much less work there will be around the house if we don't spend all our time maintaining stuff we never use, wear or eat!
   
   
10. What's the worst thing that could happen if I get rid of it? By trying to figure out the worst `what-if' we can be assured that in all likelihood, it won't ever be an unrecoverable act to get rid of something.

Keep theses questions in mind the next time you decide whether to keep or toss!

do a little bit each day

Are you frustrated with the progress (or lack of progress) you have made on your organizing goals this year? No matter what it is you wish to do, if you just do a little bit each day to get you closer to your goal, you'll get there.

Set an alarm for a certain time each day. If you haven't worked for at least 15 minutes on the goal you wish to reach by then, stop everything and work on it for 15 minutes immediately.

Every little bit helps and after a few weeks, you will be amazed at the progress you have made!

my most often asked question...

This is the ONE question I get asked by clients more than any other question.

I want to get organized but it's all so overwhelming. Where do I start?

There are different ways to approach this question but before we even start with the practical aspects, you need to do this:

First of all, relax and take a deep breath. Then get your mind in the right space.

Realize that this is a process and that you will not have a totally organized home in one hour, despite what you saw on TV.

Remember the home makeover shows have TONS of organizers and stylists behind the scenes making the space look beautiful. You only have you (or if you're really blessed, a friend or family member to help you).

Now that we've got that part settled, let's talk practical.

When trying to decide where to start, grab a pen and paper and walk through your home…room by room. Write down specific areas that are the most overwhelming to you right now. For example, the junk drawer in the kitchen, the dinning room table, the entry way, the bathroom counters, etc.

Then, once you have your list, look it over and pick ONE spot to tackle first.

Think about what you use the space for, who uses the space, how you would like the space to look when you are finished, etc.

Bite the bullet and get started. Set your timer for 15-20 minutes and start clearing out that specific space. Dump any trash, create a pile for give-away items, and create another pile for items that need to be returned to a different room in your house.

Don’t focus on anything else for that period of time and don’t allow yourself to be distracted by your phone, computer, the TV…or your family! You will be amazed with what you can do in such a short amount of time. Then tomorrow, make it a goal to spend a few more minutes in that space. Before you know it, you will have moved onto the next clutter hot spot on your list.

tip of the week (2/14/2010)

February 14 – February 20, 2010 this week’s "tip of the week" was sent from Jenn from Coopersville, MI

Jenn writes: “Is your address book a mess because people move or change phone numbers? To alleviate this problem use a pencil to write down your family and friends information. If someone moves or changes information you can just erase the previous info and start fresh. This has reduced buying a new address book and keeps the information organized and neat.”

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Do you have an organizing or time management tip that you would like to share? Click here and your tip could be the next one featured in our newsletter, our blog or on our website! For more organizing tips, check out www.andreadekker.com. It is full of great organizing tips for every area of your life.

respect your time

Most of us like volunteering sometimes, and that's a good thing. However, if you have too much going on and you already invest tons of time giving of yourself, it's OK to say "no" to some of those time requests coming in--especially when those requests don't fit in with your goals.

Start respecting your time and your schedule and you will enjoy what you already do even more!

put a little love in your home

With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, it’s a great time to spread some love in your home’s direction. When you shower your home with love, it will magically return the favor, by making you feel honored, respected, and loved, too. Here are some simple ways to show your home the love it—and you!—both deserve.

Free Ideas:

• Declutter the flat surfaces. Put items back where they belong, and remove anything from your home that you no longer use, need, or love. Notice your reaction to items and let go of anything that doesn’t make you feel good.

• Bring treasured mementos out of storage and rearrange your decor to place items you truly love in prominent places.

• Light scented candles to fill your room with a warming glow and an uplifting scent.
  

Low-Cost Ideas:

• Freshen up the room in which you spend the most time with a coat of paint.

• Forego roses this Valentine’s Day, and instead, buy less expensive floral arrangements to display in recycled glass bottles throughout your home.

• Purchase new pillow covers for a quick and affordable spruce-up for your couch or bed.
  

Reading this tip won’t change how you feel about your home. But action will! Pick just one item from the list, and then shower a little bit of love on your home.

organizing resources for crafters

Crafters always seem to have at least ten of everything — we do love our supplies! But have you ever gone off to the craft store to buy another just because it's easier to find things there? If that sounds familiar, put aside the shame and get organized. If you've got a craft, ArtBin has a storage solution for you. You can even shop their Pink Ribbon line, where proceeds benefit the Breast Cancer Research Fund. ArtBin offers an extensive line of molded storage boxes to organize the craft room of your dreams, or soft-sided products for those projects on the go ... even if "go" just means moving to the couch to finish up that scarf in front of your favorite TV show. Get—and stay—organized. Click here to start.

tip of the week (2/7/2010)

February 7 – February 13, 2010 this week’s "tip of the week" was sent from Rachel from Big Rapids, MI

Rachel writes: “Something that has increased my motivation to work quickly and efficiently, and also incorporates rewards into a busy day:

I set an alarm for a set amount of time (say, 90 minutes). I have a list of what I want to accomplish in that amount of time. If I finish all items on the list before my time is up, I do whatever I want for the remainder of the time.

I get things done much more quickly, and am having fun too!”

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Do you have an organizing or time management tip that you would like to share? Click here and your tip could be the next one featured in our newsletter, our blog or on our website! For more organizing tips, check out www.andreadekker.com. It is full of great organizing tips for every area of your life.

start organizing right now!

Are you looking for the perfect time to get organized? Here are some compelling reasons to motivate you to start now.

First and foremost: the sooner you start getting organized, the sooner you’ll be finished. In other words, the earlier you deal with your clutter, the faster you’ll feel relief from the feelings of being overwhelmed and stressed that have been piling up right along with the unwieldy stacks and unsightly clutter.

If you feel like you’re climbing an uphill battle to conquer Mount Clutter, it is certainly easy to think of reasons not to get started now. Perhaps you feel like you don’t have enough time, or you aren’t sure where to begin, or maybe you’re just feeling completely overwhelmed by the thought of it all. But at the end of the day, the sooner you start, the sooner you enjoy the benefits of organized living.

The good news is this: Getting started is very simple and you don’t need a lot of time to do so. And you don’t have to know each of the steps between point A and point B in order to start. All you have to do is begin! Grab a timer and a box, and pick a room. If you aren’t sure which room to choose, start with the room you’re in right now!

Once you have your supplies ready, set your timer for just fifteen minutes and look for the low-hanging fruit—items you know at a glance you no longer use, need or love. If you find yourself spending more than five seconds trying to make a decision on an item, put the item down and keep moving. Keep looking and plucking until the timer goes “ding.” Take note of how good it feels to be in motion, and then pat yourself on the back. You just got started, and you are now fifteen minutes closer to finishing!

create a chaos-free morning (part 2)

Mornings can easily become the most frenzied time of the entire day. For many families, the process of waking up, getting dressed and preparing for each day is hectic. Despite your best efforts, you may habitually struggle to arrive at work, school, or other activities on time because of morning chaos. To make matters worse, a stressful morning can easily set a negative tone for the rest of the day. By creating a chaos-free morning, you can not only reduce stress and calm commotion, but you will also improve your attitude and performance for the rest of the day as well.

If you read our post from earlier this week and are still struggling to get your mornings under control, here are 5 more tips to help you do just that!

1. Set your alarm clock to give you 15 extra minutes every morning. The extra time will allow you to remain on schedule even if there are unexpected snags in your morning routine.
   
   
2. Establish a routine. Make a list of everything that needs to be done each morning and determine what order those things will occur.
   
   
3. Give children a list of things `to do' each morning. Making their own beds, picking up laundry, and other age appropriate chores can make your job easier and keep the children busy while you attend to your own responsibilities.
   
   
4. Delegate responsibility. Assign everyday responsibilities such as cooking breakfast, dressing small children, and starting the coffee maker to capable family members.

5. Give yourself time to clean up. Nobody wants to return home to a messy house. Giving yourself several minutes each morning to tidy up will allow you to relax and enjoy your home once you return.

Recurrent frenzied mornings will quickly become a thing of the past when you use these simple suggestions to get organized. With minimal effort, you can quickly develop evening habits and morning routines for your family that will make the most out of your limited time in the morning. Reducing confusion and establishing a comfortable, yet flexible schedule will calm morning chaos and set the tone for a positive, productive day for your entire family.

create a chaos-free morning (part 1)

Mornings can easily become the most frenzied time of the entire day. For many families, the process of waking up, getting dressed and preparing for each day is hectic. Despite your best efforts, you may habitually struggle to arrive at work, school, or other activities on time because of morning chaos. To make matters worse, a stressful morning can easily set a negative tone for the rest of the day. By creating a chaos-free morning, you can not only reduce stress and calm commotion, but you will also improve your attitude and performance for the rest of the day as well.

The key to calming morning chaos for yourself and your family begins by establishing groundwork the previous evening.

1. Check your schedule every evening to see what is on your agenda for the next day. Gather any items you will need for tomorrow's events and activities.
   
   
2. Organize yourself and your family the night before. Pack backpacks and lunch boxes. Ensure that all permission slips are signed and paperwork is filled out. Make yourself a `to do' list for items you need to accomplish tomorrow.
   
   
3. Pre-dress for success. Take a moment to check tomorrow's weather forecast and choose appropriate clothing the night before.
   
   
4. Designate a place for keys, purses or backpacks, and coats near the door and ensure they are all accounted for before you go to bed each evening
   
   
5. Get enough sleep. Lack of sleep will almost definitely leave you dragging and nothing encourages morning chaos more than being slow-moving and lethargic

Now that your schedule has been checked, necessities are prepared and placed in a convenient location, and clothing is set out; you are ready to face the day ahead…right?? If you still feel overwhelmed by morning madness, check back later this week for a few more steps you can take every morning to reduce chaos as well.