Professional organizers help people declutter and organize their possessions. They also offer time management support by teaching clients how to structure their schedules more effectively. But even with the best systems in place, many people still struggle to keep up with daily tasks. The reasons vary. Often, meetings and activities are packed into tight schedules, … Read more
There is no better time of year than spring to refresh your home and get it in tip-top shape. When you own a home, there is always a massive list of projects you must take care of. Below, I’ve included items you can add to your list over the next few weeks. How Much Time … Read more
While watching Tiny House Nation a few days ago, I caught this quote: “Infinite options and no decisions isn’t freedom; it’s paralysis.” I immediately thought about writing a blog post on decision paralysis because it is a common theme with many people I work with. In fact, during home organizing or renovation projects, our clients … Read more
Do you have that little voice in your head that tells you there is no time to take a summer vacation? You are just way too busy! In the past, when I worked for someone else, it was a much easier decision because I had no choice. They made me book summer vacation several months … Read more
Do you find yourself checking email, surfing the internet, and scanning social media to avoid working on other, probably more important, things? Technology is a wonderful procrastination tool, and that phone you can’t stop looking at all day is undoubtedly the culprit. It’s time to reduce overwhelm from technology! Do You Have Smartphone-itis? It’s everywhere, … Read more
If you want to accomplish your tasks and goals, organize your time using a calendar system. It can be an electronic calendar on your phone, tablet, or laptop. A shareable calendar (e.g., Google Calendar) can be beneficial if you are trying to coordinate your schedule with family members. You can also choose old-fashioned paper, such … Read more
The start of a new year can be a great time to recommit to having a more organized, functional, and beautiful home. Many of my clients avoid a much-needed decluttering, renovation, or redecorating project because there is just too much confusion in their homes. They feel their life, in general, is chaotic, and they don’t … Read more
It might seem counterintuitive but, in my experience, one of the main reasons most people struggle with disorganization is that they have trouble managing time. Here’s the thing. You can’t really manage time; you can only use it wisely to accomplish the most important things that you need to and want to do. And if … Read more
As I was returning items to their designated storage space, I realized that not everyone is a fan of putting stuff away. Perhaps they think, “Why put something away if you are just going to use it again?” It’s a great question, so let’s explore some answers. Firstly, let’s consider why people don’t put things … Read more
Each new year gives us yet another chance for a fresh start. Maybe now is the time to ask yourself how you can live the next year in the best possible way. What goals can you set to help you have a happy and successful year? And more importantly, how can you make time to … Read more
If you created a home office, you probably thought that once you purged all the unnecessary stuff and set up your space with all that nice new furniture, you could sit back and relax because you completed your organizing project. However, maintaining your space is the third and final part of the organizing process. It’s … Read more
Even if you embrace a minimalist lifestyle, you still need to buy essentials like groceries or a new toilet seat to replace the one that broke. Shopping has certainly changed over the last few years. You should wear your mask, follow directional arrows, and keep your distance from other shoppers. Then, you should disinfect your … Read more
I don’t know about you, but the more I learn about technology and tools for organizing and productivity, the more confused I become. Sometimes, I feel like I’m wasting time on the latest tool. Do you have a tendency to download the newest one, try it for a few days, and then give up? I’m … Read more
Do you find that some days your stuff weighs you down? When I have the chance to work with clients for a significant amount of time, whether that’s several days in a row or spread out over a number of months, it does feel as though their home gets lighter. During these decluttering projects we may … Read more
Summer is all about relaxing your regular routine just a little. We enjoy later bedtimes and leisurely mornings, barbequing, camping, swimming, boating, and being outdoors. The power of routines is beneficial, so some people welcome the shift from a chaotic summer to more scheduled days. However, others find the change daunting. As hot, sunny days … Read more
I came across an article I’ve been saving that really has nothing to do with organizing: “I won’t, I won’t, you can’t make me” by Carl Duivenvorden. However, his point about the difference between “can’t” and “won’t” has everything to do with organizing. Many times, my clients say, “I can’t get organized; what’s wrong with … Read more
Balance: a condition in which different elements are equal or in the correct proportions. Balancing act: an attempt to handle or deal with two or more things (such as obligations) at one time so as to satisfy often competing requirements. Many people consider balance to be all about work/life choices. Many of my clients spend … Read more
Let’s say you spend your entire day running from one meeting to the next, switching from one task to another. You’re constantly checking your phone, and on top of it all, you don’t get enough sleep. Isn’t that a typical day for most of us? And what’s wrong with that, apart from the fact that … Read more
Some online articles suggest that busy professionals have an average of 200 hours of uncompleted work at any one time. Wow! Adding to that are the commitments we make in our personal lives (including managing a busy household), so it’s no wonder we can’t prioritize and focus. “If you think unruly and unfocused committees in … Read more
Have you ever wished for a more Zen brain? Is your brain constantly thinking about what you should be doing next or what you haven’t done? Do you find yourself making a mental list only to forget it later in the day? The good news is that there are strategies for quieting your mind, which I learned … Read more