NAPO WDC Blog

Jill Katz

One to Zen Organizing

Are you thinking of renovating your kitchen, moving, or switching jobs, but you aren't sure if you are ready for a change? Well, as a professional organizer, I have become a bit of an expert when it comes to life transitions because professional organizers are most popular in times of change. I receive many calls in September when the leaves are falling and the air starts turning crisp, or right around January 1st when people are reevaluating their goals. Not to mention times when change is unplanned (i.e. a job loss, empty nesting, or learning you have ADHD.

But not everyone is ready to make a transition. Please understand; There is no judgment here. Choosing to make a change may not be the best decision for you, no matter the season. But how do you determine if the time is not now?

The "Why Now" Question

In order to determine your readiness, my number one question during a discovery call with a potential client is “WHY NOW? “

Here are some of your responses to the “Why Now” question that suggest that you are ready for change:

• We are planning on moving soon and I would like to downsize so I don’t move items I don’t need/want/use into our new home (awareness, motivation)

• I’ve reached my pain point and I can’t deal with the kitchen clutter anymore (motivation)

• I just found out I have ADHD, I have been working with a therapist, and I want to get organized (awareness, mental readiness, support)

Here are some other responses to the “Why Now” question that suggest you are not ready for change:

• My Significant Other is taking over the house with his hobby - please help (no Support)

• I want you to come and declutter my home (vague, probe more to see if awareness)

• I want my 10 years worth of clutter gone by the end of the month and I can only meet on Tuesday evenings (lack of time)

The 4 Signs of Readiness For Change

So how can you tell if you are ready for change - organizing or otherwise? Here are some guidelines I came up with based on my experience:

1. You Have An Awareness Of Underlying Issues

Awareness is integral to readiness for change. A great example- I once had a client with a shopping addiction who didn’t mention her addiction to me on our initial call or during our sessions. This lack of awareness suggested that she was not ready to change. Once this addiction was clear to me, I felt ethically obligated to point it out so we could openly discuss goals that would support her challenges. She could then decide if she wanted to continue working with me. Conversely, I have had many clients with underlying issues who have been forthcoming about it and successful in creating change.

2. You have a Willingness to Form & Practice New Habits & Routines

More often than not, my organizing sessions go beyond straightforward decluttering and containerizing. If so, I can organize and suggest new systems and supporting routines but it’s up to the client to practice these new habits. In this case, a client needs to be willing to make those changes in order for our sessions together to be a success. If a client is hoping for a quick fix, that client is not ready for change.

This willingness depends on 2 areas:

Motivation

If you have hit enough of a pain point to seek help then you have motivation. If this motivation is strong then it will carry you through the effort of practicing new habits. If you have ADHD then holding motivation is a challenge so you need to come up with ideas (I can help!) to create sustained motivation.

Mental Readiness:

Changing routines can be scary. It takes flexibility and it can feel like a risk to start something new. Jumping into this new space can cause anxiety and not everyone has the bandwidth to enter that space. You might have too much going on right now or you might be a high anxiety person who doesn’t feel that the cost-benefit is worth it. But if you are prepared mentally for this change then you are ready!

3. You Have The Necessary Support

This one is super easy to identify. If you are coming to me about someone else or if your space is a shared space then the true question is: “Are all the involved parties ready for change?” If we are organizing a playroom then are all the adults involved ready to create rules for the kids and/or make decisions about what to do when the grandparents give a wagon-load of gifts over the holidays? And if you want to organize a shared space do you have the support of those sharing that space? Lastly, if you grapple with mental health issues, chronic health issues or are chronically disorganized, do you have a support system in place for you to help you with your challenges? If the answer is yes then you are ready for change.

4. You Have The Resources

You may have the awareness, motivation, and support, but if you don't have the budget, energy, or time then change might not be available to you. I have worked with people who have chronic health issues and often, those with flagging health, need to reserve their energy for more basic functions (see my post about The Spoon Theory). If you are throwing a wedding for a loved one, it might not be the time to spend money hiring a professional organizer. On the other hand, if you are a teacher that has time off for the summer, that would be a perfect time to work with an professional organizer.

In Conclusion

So if you find yourself on the phone with me and we have already discussed the details of my process. and you have asked your questions. and you are still hesitating, consider this - maybe you are simply not ready to take the next step. And that is OK. In that case, you might hear me pause, and then respond: “Why don’t you think about it? I will be here when you are ready.”

Have you recently made a change? How did you know you were ready? Feel free to leave your story in the comments.

For more information, contact Jill Katz.

Cris Sgott

Organizing Maniacs

How to Use Containers to Declutter and Organize Every Room of Your House

Finding ways to declutter and organize your home can be a constant struggle. But what if there was a simple solution? Enter containers – the unsung heroes of home organization! As you may know, here at Organizing Maniacs, we LOVE containers and use them in every room - and let’s face it, most of us want to keep our stuff. We just need less chaos.

With their ability to neatly store and categorize belongings, containers are the key to achieving a clutter-free environment. We will show you how to maximize the use of containers to create a well-organized and serene living space by containerizing chaos.

Whether you're dealing with a chaotic kitchen, a messy bathroom, or an overflowing closet, containers can provide the structure and order you need. We will guide you through the process of selecting the right containers for each space, organizing your belongings efficiently, and incorporating container systems into your daily routine.

Get ready to transform your home with the power of containers. Say goodbye to mess and welcome a sense of calm and order into your life. Let's dive in and discover the secrets of containerizing chaos.

Benefits of Using Containers for Decluttering and Organizing

Before we jump into the specifics of containerizing chaos in each room in your house, let's first explore the numerous benefits of using containers for organization.

Maximize Space

Containers are a great way to make the most of your available space. By utilizing vertical space and neatly stacking containers, you can create additional storage areas without cluttering your living space.

Efficient Organization

Containers allow you to categorize and organize your belongings in a systematic way. With clear labeling and proper placement, you'll always know where to find what you need, saving you time and energy searching for misplaced items.

Visual Appeal

Not only do containers provide functional organization, but they also add visual appeal to your living space. With a variety of colors, styles, and materials available, you can find containers that complement your home decor and enhance the overall aesthetic.

Understanding the benefits of using containers for organization sets the foundation for achieving an organized and clutter-free home. Now, let's dive into the different types of containers available and how to choose the right ones for each room.

Understanding Different Types of Containers

When it comes to containers, there are various options to choose from. Here are some common types of containers that can help you in your quest for an organized home:

Plastic Bins with Lids

These are versatile containers that come in different sizes and are suitable for storing a wide range of items. With their stackable design and clear lids, plastic bins provide easy access and visibility to your belongings.

Baskets and Woven Bins

If you're looking for a more decorative option, baskets and woven bins are a great choice. They add a touch of warmth and texture to your living space while providing storage for smaller items like toys, accessories, or bathroom essentials.

Drawer Organizers

For organizing smaller items like utensils, office supplies, or jewelry, drawer organizers are essential. These segmented containers fit neatly inside drawers, keeping items separated and easily accessible.

Shoe Racks and Shoe Boxes

Keep your shoes organized and prevent them from cluttering your entryway or closet with shoe racks and shoe boxes. These containers help maintain the shape of your shoes while keeping them neatly stored and easily visible.

Choosing the right type of containers depends on the specific needs of each room. Now, let's explore how to containerize chaos in different areas of your house.

Containerizing Chaos in the Kitchen

The kitchen is often the heart of the home but can quickly become a hotspot for clutter. Containerizing the kitchen is essential for efficient meal preparation and maintaining a clean and organized space. We suggest waiting to purchase containers until you’ve sorted through what you have. And always feel free to get creative about using what you have in your home as a container. Here are some tips to get you started:

Clear Out and Assess

Begin by clearing out your kitchen cabinets and drawers. Assess each item and decide what to keep, donate, or discard. This will help you determine the number and size of containers you'll need. Read more about where to start when organizing your kitchen.

Categorize and Label

Group similar items together, such as baking supplies, spices, or utensils. Use clear plastic containers or labeled bins to store these items, making it easy to find what you need when cooking or baking.

Utilize Vertical Space

Maximize your cabinet space by using stackable containers or adding shelf dividers. This allows you to make the most of your vertical space and prevents items from getting lost at the back of the cabinet.

Containerizing your kitchen not only streamlines your meal preparation process but also creates a visually appealing and clutter-free cooking environment.

Our Favorite Containers for the Kitchen

Some of our favorite containers for the kitchen include Tupperware and Rubbermaid food storage containers. They come in a variety of sizes and can store nearly anything, from your assorted teas to cereals. We also love baskets for storing things that don’t easily stay on the shelf, like sugar packets or small condiments.

Containerizing Chaos in the Bathroom

The bathroom is another area prone to clutter due to its limited space and the numerous products we use daily. Small bathrooms, especially, can be challenging. Containerizing your bathroom will help create a spa-like oasis and keep your essentials easily accessible. Here's how you can achieve a well-organized bathroom:

Declutter and Sort

Begin by decluttering your bathroom cabinets and drawers. Dispose of expired products and items you no longer use. Sort similar items, such as skincare products, hair accessories, or toiletries.

Utilize Drawer Organizers

Place drawer organizers in your vanity drawers to keep items like makeup, brushes, or dental care essentials neatly separated. This makes it easier to find what you need and prevents items from rolling around.

Utilize Wall Space

Install wall-mounted containers or shelves to store frequently used items like hand towels, cotton pads, or small toiletries. This frees up valuable counter space and adds a decorative touch to your bathroom.

By containerizing your bathroom, you can transform it into a peaceful retreat and maintain a clutter-free environment.

Our Favorite Containers for the Bathroom

The bathroom lends itself to some create solutions when it comes to selecting containers. From using wine glasses to hold makeup brushes to cookie canisters for cotton balls and Q-tips, it’s easy to get creative. Over-the-toilet shelving and over-the-door hooks can free up a lot of space.

Containerizing Chaos in the Bedroom

The bedroom should be a sanctuary for rest and relaxation, but a cluttered space can disrupt your sleep. Containerizing your bedroom will help create a serene environment and keep your personal belongings organized. Here's how to achieve a clutter-free bedroom:

Declutter Your Closet

Start by decluttering your closet and donating or discarding clothes you no longer wear. This will create space for containers and make it easier to organize your remaining items.

Utilize Under-Bed Storage

Invest in under-bed storage containers to maximize space and store out-of-season clothing, extra bedding, or shoes. These containers are easily accessible and provide hidden storage.

Jewelry Organizers

Use small jewelry organizers or trays to keep your accessories tangle-free and easily visible. This prevents necklaces from getting tangled and makes it easier to find the perfect piece for your outfit.

Containerizing your bedroom will not only create a clutter-free space but also contribute to a better night's sleep and a more peaceful environment.

Our Favorite Containers for the Bedroom

Our very favorite containers for the bedroom are clear shoe boxes. They let you stack and store your shoes on shelves or even on the closet floor in a very organized way while still ensuring you can see all of them to make quick style picks.

Containerizing Chaos in the Living Room

The living room is where we relax, entertain guests, and spend quality time with loved ones. Containerizing your living room will help maintain a clean and inviting space. Here's how to achieve an organized living room:

Media Storage

Invest in media storage containers or shelves to neatly store DVDs, CDs, or gaming consoles. This prevents them from cluttering your entertainment center or coffee table.

Toy Storage

If you have children, containerize their toys with labeled bins or baskets. This makes it easy for them to find and put away their toys, teaching them the importance of organization from an early age.

Magazine Holders

Use magazine holders to store and organize your favorite magazines or books. This keeps them within reach while preventing them from piling up and creating clutter.

By containerizing your living room, you can create a welcoming and organized space for relaxation and entertainment.

Our Favorite Containers for the Living Room

When it comes to quick and easy storage in your living room, nothing can beat an ottoman with storage. Reduce clutter by keeping everything from blankets to extra board games tucked away. Baskets and shelving can also make a big difference.

Containerizing Chaos in Your Home Office

Whether you work from home or use your home office for personal tasks, containerizing this space is crucial for productivity and efficiency. Here's how to achieve an organized home office:

Cable Management

Cable clips or sleeves can keep your cords and cables organized, prevent them from tangling, and create a clean and clutter-free workspace.

Desk Organizers

Invest in desk organizers or small containers to store office supplies like pens, paper clips, or sticky notes. This keeps your essentials within reach and prevents them from getting buried under paperwork.

File Storage

Utilize file storage containers or labeled file boxes to keep important documents organized and easily accessible. This prevents them from getting lost or damaged and streamlines your workflow.

By containerizing your home office, you'll create a productive and organized space that boosts your focus and efficiency.

Our Favorite Containers for the Home Office

For paper organizing, we love color-coded filing systems. To really reduce your clutter, digitize every important record that you’re able to. Our favorite container for the home office is a fire proof safe where you can store all of your important papers.

Containerizing Chaos in the Garage

The garage or storage area is often a neglected space that quickly becomes a dumping ground for miscellaneous items. Containerizing this space is essential for efficient storage and easy access to your belongings. Here's how to containerize your garage or storage area:

Purge and Sort

Start by purging and sorting through your items. Dispose of broken or unused items and categorize the rest. This will help you determine the size and number of containers you'll need.

Use Stackable Containers

Invest in durable, stackable containers for storing items like holiday decorations, tools, or sports equipment. This maximizes your vertical space and keeps your belongings protected from dust or damage.

Labeling and Shelving

Label each container with its contents and consider installing shelves or racks to store the containers. This makes it easy to find what you need without rummaging through piles of boxes.

Containerizing your garage or storage area not only creates a clutter-free space but also makes it easier to find and access your belongings when needed.

Our Favorite Containers or the Garage

The best way to maximize your space in the garage is with overhead storage. It can make all the difference.

Final Tips for Maintaining an Organized Home

The art of containerizing chaos can help you to declutter and organize every room of your house. By incorporating containers into your daily routine, you can maintain an organized and serene living space.

Final Tips for Maintaining an Organized Home

Containerizing chaos is an ongoing process. As your needs change and your belongings evolve, adapt your container systems accordingly.

Regular Decluttering

Set aside time every few months to declutter and reassess your belongings. This prevents clutter from accumulating and ensures your containers are utilized efficiently.

Consistent Labeling

Labeling your containers is crucial for easy identification and maintaining organization. Regularly review and update labels to reflect any changes in your storage system. Apply this same practice to your digital filing and storage, too!

Establish Routines

Incorporate container systems into your daily routines. Encourage family members to return items to their designated containers after use, creating a shared responsibility for maintaining an organized home.

As always, if you need help with decluttering, organizing, and choosing the right containers, just get in touch!

For more information, contact Cris Sgott.

Anna Novak

Simply Downsized

Is it time to downsize to a smaller home, but you’re not sure how to start? As soon as you make the decision to downsize, you'll likely encounter advice from all sides telling you that the first thing you need to do is “declutter.” In fact, it seems like the terms "declutter" and "downsize" almost always appear together, as though they are interchangeable ideas. However, decluttering is not always advisable as your first step in your downsizing journey.

You Don’t Have to Declutter First (or at all)

Back in 2018, when I first immersed myself in the world of downsizing, estate clearouts, and home transitions, I too believed that decluttering and downsizing went hand in hand. Early readers of the HomeTransitionPros.com blog will remember that much of my initial advice centered on decluttering, either as an immediate starting point or an ongoing process in the months before a move. Over the years, however, my downsizing advice has evolved. Now, it’s just as likely that I will advise my overwhelmed clients not to focus on decluttering at all.

If you 1) know exactly where you’re going and 2) have an imminent move on the calendar, it might be wise to temporarily shelve decluttering tasks. While decluttering might seem like a logical first step, it may not necessarily be the best use of your time. Moreover, as moving day draws near, many of my clients find that delegating the decluttering task to others can be a lot more efficient and less emotionally taxing than trying to do it all themselves.

Of course, some people have a long lead-up to their move and have their minds set on sorting and decluttering all of their belongings until only their most loved objects remain. Some people even enjoy the task! But even for the most organized, the decluttering step should take place after some initial planning and legwork to make sure you’re not “decluttering” things you actually need or want.

Three Reasons to Postpone Decluttering

Don't Declutter: It Can Drain Your Energy

Believe me, decluttering can be draining, especially when you’re facing a mountain of belongings that has accumulated over decades. We frequently see households where the drawers barely close, closets are bursting, and cabinets and shelves are overflowing with all manner of household wares, sports gear, tools, hobby supplies, books, paper, holiday decorations… the sheer volume can make you feel paralyzed.

If this sounds familiar and you’re feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone! Plenty of people are in your same situation. The first step forward in this case is to embrace the fact that decluttering may not be your strong suit, and that your energy will be best spent on other more important tasks.

Simply doing the work to secure your new place and deciding what to take with you are both huge jobs that can take months. Instead of focusing time and attention on the unneeded items that are probably not going with you, I encourage you to preserve your energy for more critical decisions, such as:

1. Safeguarding important documents.

2. Protecting sentimental and valuable possessions.

3. Identifying essential items for your health and comfort.

You'll discover that making these significant decisions is a more valuable use of your time and energy than rummaging through your cupboards for unwanted items.

Don't Declutter: You May Need Those Items

The first thing I ask any downsizing client is “Do you know exactly where you’re going?” If the answer is “no,” I usually recommend that they put all of their energy into those decisions before they start getting rid of “stuff.” Put simply, if you don’t know where you’re going, how do you know how much space you’ll have to furnish? And which of your belongings will fit neatly and serve your needs the most? Even if you think you want to eventually move to a one or two-bedroom unit, it can be difficult to choose what furnishings to take with you without the benefit of a detailed and accurate floor plan of your actual space.

I often meet people who get excited about downsizing and start giving away small or manageable items to friends and family, only to realize later they actually needed some of those items to furnish their new homes. When you've been living in a spacious home with many accumulated possessions and plenty of space in which to store them, you could get carried away with your purging and overlook some items that could prove useful in your new space.

Be sure to keep an open mind and an eye out for these things you already own:

1. Smaller, versatile furniture with functional storage.

2. Decorative art that suits smaller spaces.

3. Organizational items for your closets, drawers, and cabinets.

4. Multi-purpose items.

Downsizing is more of an art of maximizing your space than simply choosing your favorite things. You don't want to discover that you discarded or donated items that would have been perfectly suited for your new space. Delay decluttering until you're certain you've identified everything you need to take with you.

Don't Declutter: Your Unneeded Items May Be Worth Money

These days, the most valuable items in your home are probably not antiques, art or collections. You will likely make more money if you sell practical items like lawnmowers, tools, vacuum cleaners, or small kitchen appliances. And, more stuff equals more money. When you engage the services of an online auction service or local auction house, your best bet is to have a large quantity and variety of items to offer. You never know what buyers are looking for, and you may be surprised to find that your old computer keyboard is worth more than your wedding china.

As a downsizing specialist, I always rely on the experts to decide what might sell, and I advise my clients to not get rid of anything until the pros have thoroughly looked through your belongings for items of resale value.

Keep Your Eye on the Prize

I advise my clients to prioritize the things that are going with them, not the things being left behind. When you consciously select your most essential and beloved belongings, the clutter naturally remains behind, and you're left with only the items you actually need and value.

After you’ve determined each and every item that has earned a spot in your new, smaller place, I encourage you to relax and simply enjoy living in your home until your actual move. The rest of the “stuff” that is not going with you can easily and efficiently be handled by downsizing pros in your area.

For more information, contact Anna Novak.

Janet Schiesl

Basic Organization

Whenever you try to organize and eliminate the unnecessary, do these dreaded questions arise?

• Should I get rid of this?
• Will I need it someday?
• Will that day ever come?

Here’s a method I suggest to my clients. An experiment really.

• Firstly, empty everything from a confined space: like a kitchen drawer, dresser drawer, desk drawer, closet shelf, bulletin board, glove compartment, purse. . . I could go on.
• Secondly, put it all into a cardboard box. Write the date on the box. Stash that box not too far away.
• Finally, if an item is needed, simply get it, use it, and then return it to its original location.

I think you’ll find that you use the same items often and leave a lot of unused items in the box. Eventually, as time goes by you’ll see that a lot of what you are storing is stuff for someday. How long will you keep stuff for someday?

One month after you filled the box, consider what you haven’t needed.  In six months realize the items you haven’t used for 1/12 of the year! Surprisingly, there may be quite a few items. Could you do without them?  Can you let that stuff go?

Whenever my clients use this method they are often quite surprised at what is left in the box.

For information please contact Janet Schiesl.

Samara Goodman

Samara Interiors

Does it seem like there are new interior design terms popping up weekly? Cottagecore, grandmillennial, grandmacore, hygge, and so on. This Samara Interiors Newsletter will explain what some of them mean and put them into the context of other, more familiar design terms. The most important takeaway for us is that classic design and tried-and-true aesthetics are always in style.

GRANDMILLENIAL
What's old is new again! The relatively new grandmillennial design aesthetic is consistent with what Samara Interiors refers to as transitional design. To us, transitional design is a classic decorating style that is exemplified by a well-curated and elevated blend of the old and new. Samara Interiors specializes in transitional design. The photos below show examples of how we implement transitional decor into various rooms of clients' homes. We have also heard the grandmillennial aesthetic described as "posh" cottage core!

To address the historical context of this term, I have asked a favorite grandmillennial and brilliant historian, Sarah Reeder of Artifactual History Appraisal, to give us her take on this style. Sarah says, “When Samara first asked me to write about grandmillennial design as she thought my taste was representative of it, my first thought was, 'Who, me?' Granted, my own grandmother had superb style, but when I think "grandmillennial," what immediately comes to mind is crochet, doilies, and potpourri. But when I researched what grandmillennial style actually is, it turns out Samara was right! The name was first coined by Emma Bazilian for an article in House Beautiful in 2019 and has become a design sensation in the subsequent years, particularly embraced by millennials like me. 

• Combining items from multiple design eras? Check.
• Bright colors and bold prints? Check.
• A love of unique pieces that are assembled over time? Check.

… a wonderful way to mix inherited items with new acquisitions you love. Not being constrained to a single style or design era creates a unique home that truly reflects the person living there, rather than a mass-produced suite that looks like an entire page from a furniture catalog just got delivered to your house. On reflection, now I'm proud to be a grandmillennial!”

COTTAGE CORE

This whimsical aesthetic has been embraced since the start of the pandemic and is exemplified by elements such as light, flowing linens and vintage floral patterns on textiles, tea cups, and paintings. There are two classic decor styles that this new term brings to mind: English country and shabby chic. English country design is a style that has been around for some time. In our view, cottage core is a muted version of the English country design style. Designer Rachel Ashwell coined the term "shabby chic" in 1980. This aesthetic was inspired by rustic French country living. The photos below are examples of vignettes that reflect this style. 

NYU professor and co-founder of Perfect Old Things, LLC, Max Kaplan, shares his suggestions for how to create this style in your home from his perspective as both a visual culture expert and a fan of this charming style. Max says, "[We] encourage decorators and collectors to incorporate the beauty of the 'country' or 'cottage core' aesthetics into multilayered interiors using folk art objects like quilts, theorems, baskets, and hooked rugs. A seasoned American Folk Art dealer-as-mentor reminds us that folk art has consistently been a constant reference in fashion, textiles, and interior decorating through time as the genre paved the way for modern art in 1930s America."

HYGGE 
This is a Danish term that means "quality of coziness." In decor, it refers to bringing a feeling of well-being into your home. This style makes us think of the Scandinavian minimalism design aesthetic. The homes pictured below created warm, inviting, and nurturing environments for these client and their guests. 

For more information, contact Samara Goodman.

Janet Schiesl

Basic Organization

Grocery stores are clean and organized. They have to be, in order for their customers to be able to find what they need.

Use their model to create a little grocery store within your home – YOUR PANTRY!

Everything has its place.  This  couldn’t be more true than in your own panty.  Lets  start following the basic principles the grocery chains use. These tips may help you find things quickly and easily in your own pantry.

• Categorize food into groups, such as baking goods, paper products, breakfast items, pasta and rice, bread, and canned goods.
• Place frequently used products at eye level. Make it as easy as possible to find what you need most often.
• Place lighter-weight items, like paper towels, chips, and crackers on the top shelves, so there is no danger of injury if something should fall.
• The tallest products are in the back, so you can see as much as possible. If you can’t see it, it’s the same as not having it.
• Further, organize categories of items for better efficiency. Canned goods can be sorted into soups, fruit, and tomato products.
• Contain bagged items like spice packets, pasta, rice, and beans inside bins or empty them into jars, so things don’t spill and create a mess and/or more chaos.

Organizing a pantry to resemble a mini grocery store can save you time, energy, and money. Try it!

For information please contact Janet Schiesl.

Janet Schiesl

Basic Organization

Simplifying will give you breathing room to do the things that truly matter. Try these two tricks to simplify your life!

“The ability to simplify means to eliminate the unnecessary so that the necessary may speak.” — Hans Hofmann

Forget about perfection.

Don’t worry about it. You can’t achieve it, so don’t try. Give yourself permission to do your best and that’s it. Instead of impersonating Betty Crocker, send store-bought cupcakes in for the school snack. Set a deadline date for a project, finish it, and then move on. Don’t go back and redo something that is just fine the way it is. This is hard to do. You have to feel as though your best effort is good enough.

Let me tell you a short story. I learned my perfection lesson early. When I had my first child, I always made a huge effort to get him dressed every day. You’d think he was going for a photo shoot. But on the days that I went to work early, my husband would dress our son and take him to daycare. Sometimes, when I’d pick the baby up from daycare I’d wonder if the DH had dressed him in the dark. What was he thinking – those pants with that shirt? But, did it really matter? My daycare provider and I would have a laugh over it and move on. Does anybody remember this now, years later? No (just me). Is my son scared by his fashion faux pas? No. He dresses better than his father.

Don’t worry about variety.

Does your family care if you work your fingers to the bone making a fancy meal every night? No, they just want to be fed. People tend to have their favorites and keep going back to those, so why go against that? I’m not saying to never try something new, but just not every night. Make up a meal schedule and stick to it to simplify food shopping, food prep, and clean-up. The same with clothes. Buy classic, well-fitting items that you can mix and match for a bit of variety. Shopping for new clothes for variety’s sake can be a time-consuming budget killer. Again, we all have pieces of clothing that we love, and that make us feel good when we wear them. Stick to those items instead of looking for that feeling at a shopping mall.

Leaving these two things behind will not only simplify your life but also your time and your budget. Simplifying will give you breathing room to do the things that truly matter.

For more information, contact Janet Schiesl.

Janet Schiesl

Basic Organization

Want a Jammin’ Junk Drawer?  I’ve been reading a lot of blog postings about junk drawers lately.

I think this because it’s a quick and easy project for those who have resolved to become more organized in the new year.

One reason why your junk drawer is an easy project is that there are many different products available to customize your drawers and make them work for you.

I love these Clear Drawer Organizers.

These drawer organizers can be used all over your house. We often use them in the bathroom and kitchen drawers. We like that you can configure each set to fit perfectly into your space.

Have you tried these two-tiered drawer organizers?

Stack the small trays on top of the larger bins or use them separately. They fit nicely in kitchen drawers to keep them neat and organized. This is such an easy way to get more use from your drawer space.

Another great idea is these Bamboo Expandable Drawer Organizers!

If you want to customize a drawer so each member of your family has a space to drop their stuff, try these expandable drawer organizers.

They say it’s for utensils, but why not use it for a junk drawer?

It stretches to fit the space and offers large sections for keys, cell phones, sunglasses, and wallets.

It would be great to use in a drawer in your entry, so everyone can drop their items as they enter the house.

If you can’t find an organizer to accommodate your drawer space, try these Adjustable Drawer Dividers.

It allows you to truly customize your drawer for whatever you need.

Use scissors to easily cut out the size suitable for your specific drawer size.  You can make the sizes you need. Perfect!

Before you go to the store, plan the right option for your specific needs.

Measure your drawers and note the types of items you want to store inside. You really don’t want to be standing in the aisle of the store trying to figure out what will work and what won’t!

For the frugal organizer, can use small jewelry gift boxes or cut-down tissue boxes, or cereal boxes. The cardboard version won’t last as long, but they’re free!

Try this quick organizing project! It will give you the confidence you need to try it in other places throughout your home.

Have fun and enjoy your jammin’ junk drawer!

For more information, contact Janet Schiesl.

C. Lee Cawley

cleecawley.com

Recently scams have affected people I know well. My dear Mother-in-Law lost nearly $300, while a good friend's father was scammed out of $69,000!  Both of them are highly intelligent people but it shows how clever scammers can be with their deceptive tactics!

The FBI reports more than $10 Billion in losses from online scams n 2022. Don’t let this happen to YOU!  Here are some suggestions from the FTC:

1 – To block telemarketing calls, register your number on the “Do Not Call List” which protects landline and wireless phone numbers. You can register at no cost by calling 1-888-382-1222. You must call from the phone number you wish to register. You can also register at donotcall.gov.

2 –  Learn how to BLOCK and LABEL other unwanted calls to your cell phone, VOIP line, or landline HERE. Scroll down to find your service provider.

3 – Register with a free service for VOIP landlines like NoMoRoBo to prevent the scammers' calls from getting through. (A paid version is available for cell phones)

4 – Recognize, remove, and avoid malware on your computer. Learn how to HERE.

5 – If you receive ANY calls or emails from the IRS that are suspicious, DO NOT click on them! Instead, forward them to phishing@irs.gov.

6 – If you have received suspicious emails claiming to be from your bank, Apple, Amazon, or anyone else the FBI also wants to know about it at the Internet Crime Complaint Center. Your report will help them catch criminals and protect others.

7 – And The FTC wants to hear from you about ANY kind of fraud! Fraudulent calls, emails, texts, businesses, and identity theft are all things they will help with.

Your homework: Take 10 minutes today to stop or block unwanted calls and check for malware. When you get suspicious spam or calls, take a few minutes to report them to the authorities above. Can you share any scams that you have been exposed to? Share your observations in my FB Group to help protect us all!

For more information, contact C Lee Cawley.

Jeanne Fox Alston

Your Space Made to Order

 

I’m a professional organizer, not an interior designer. But whenever I see new ways to refresh and enliven one’s living space, I take note. 

Earlier this year, I flew into the Minneapolis-St. Paul airport on a bitterly cold and snowy day. A long-time family friend was being honored by the University of Minnesota for her years of leadership and service. I was looking forward to helping to celebrate her accomplishments while reconnecting with her and her family. 

I had booked a room at Graduate Minnesota, the closest hotel I could find to the venue for the event. As I walked into Graduate Minnesota, I took note of the comfy and worn leather arm chairs, the long tables of students working on their computers and, on the front of the check-in counter, wood rounds cut from tree trunks. This was no generic, cookie-cutter hotel. Instead, the vibe was that of a cozy lodge.

I had planned to explore the campus after checking into my room. But, as I observed the swirling snow outside, I chickened out, deciding instead to have a leisurely lunch at the restaurant just off the lobby. Then, as I began walking back to the main lobby, I saw a long, curved wall.

Along the base of the wall was a row of tall armchairs upholstered in black and white Native American-inspired blankets. But the showstopper was what was above the chairs, a gallery wall unlike any I had ever seen: landscape paintings of all different sizes, and so many (two hundred? more?) that not a single inch of bare wall was visible.  They were simply framed and, true to Minnesota’s reputation as “the land of 10,000 lakes,” just about every painting featured a beautiful lake. 

Questions sprang to mind. Who was the inspired genius behind this amazing display? Were these all paintings of Minnesota landscapes? Did it matter? How and where were these paintings found. Thrift stores? And how was it possible to hang all these canvases so neatly and beautifully on a curved wall?

But those thoughts fell away as I continued to stare at the wall. I was transported from a busy and noisy lobby to a serene and remote venue, quietly absorbing the beauty and magnificence of the trees, the water, the rocks and the mountains. Those modest paintings created a transcendent experience.

Weeks later, I keep seeing that gallery wall in my mind’s eye. I was moved by it. I’ve since learned that the 20-some Graduate Hotels all are located on or near large college campuses and each has its own unique décor that reflects and pays homage to its surroundings.

I love gallery walls. Indeed, I’ve helped many clients to create them as a way to personalize their spaces and showcase family photos or favorite pieces of art.  The gallery wall at Graduate Minnesota showed a different approach (at least to me), namely assembling a wall of art or photos around a central theme. 

But here’s why I study interesting interiors and encourage my clients to personalize their homes. First, I’m a visual person and I enjoy seeing anything that's new and different. But my theory is that when we refresh our living spaces, via a new paint color, piece of art or even fresh flowers, doing so increases our enjoyment of our homes. And that, in turn, gives us the motivation to continue to stay organized.

For more information, contact Jeanne Fox Alston.