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The Oops (wish I had set this up when I moved in) List: On-going Project Place – Rather than keeping supplies for active projects in the areas they are being worked on, which can be unsafe or interfere with daily living, keep all project supplies in one container (if practical) and have a home for that container in an out of the way place, the same place…always. Donation Zone- Clothes, housewares, and kids stuff are constantly cycling out of our lives and our homes (or they should be.) The likelihood of this happening increases greatly if “Donation” has a home. Stash a

There are the ultra-organized, those who keep all of their systems running smoothly throughout the summer, and there are the rest of us. We let stuff pile up in the garage, mud room or the kitchen counters in order to make the most out of summertime (or do nothing at all.) Piles are part of the summer organization plan. This works for us because we know that when fall arrives we’ll press the restart button and get control of the house again. Here are a few tips for those who let a little more stack up than they planned and are

Full Definition-1. Filled to capacity  – holding as much or as many as possible (Encarta Dictionary) _____________________________ I’m feeling generous today. I am about to share with you a lesson, that if embraced, could put me out of business. Here goes: React to “Full.”  This super-secret systems-maintenance mantra can lead you to a life of organization only dreamed of through the pages of Real Simple magazine. Here’s how it works: 1. Define “Full”- Create a limit to what a container is to hold. A wastebasket is full when items reach the top. A dresser drawer is full at 2/3 of the way

  I’m not a fan of multi-tasking. Putting on mascara while driving or waiting at the light is not safe or smart. But multi-purpose activities are a great way to accomplish multiple goals in less time. Fitday.com calculates “vacuuming for 30 minutes burns about 90 calories, the same amount you’d burn in 15 minutes of kick boxing.”  Getting housework done while burning calories makes sense in our busy lives. Some other multi-purpose activities are listening to a book or educational material while driving. Combine rest with brainstorming by keeping a note-pad nearby when you shut your eyes. Combine social activities with task accomplishment

February is for love.  So why not love your home? Staging your home for comfort and ease of living is a great way to spend those extra hours at home. Go room by room and examine the ways to make living more enjoyable. Declutter, rearrange, and simplify. Begin repairs and to do lists. Don’t over-do; stick to one area, once you begin the attack. Take breaks and reward yourself with a warm treat.  

This frosty day had me going through what I call my in-drawer. Separate from my in-box, it’s a drawer designated to hold the might-do’s. I love this system because the rules are simple to follow: Its contents are designated Allowable Delayed Decision Making. I can look in and take action (or not) anytime I feel like it (after the important stuff is done.) I can decide to toss instead of taking action. When full,  follow the one-in-one out rule Today I found a magazine scrap with this quote by Pablo Picasso: “Only put off until tomorrow what you are willing to

Disorganization and clutter can be a significant cause for discourse between couples. The cycle of mess and blame can often go unaddressed for years. Annoyance slowly builds to anger, then the inevitable eruption. The Messy and Martyr syndrome will eventually end the same way. The eruptions will reoccur if the problems are never solved. It’s time to forget about who started the bad habits first or to overlook your spouse’s shortcomings and get started!

    When I have a client that doesn’t know where to begin, I suggest the master bedroom. This shows your spouse you were thinking of him. Without having to navigate the piles, he’ll appreciate being able to slip into bed easily. It is also a great way to bring your spouse on board. Leaving the stress of so many To Dos out of sight, he may soon want to rid the rest of the home of its stressful appearance.

With the holidays over and done, winter is the perfect time to improve the function of your home. Take advantage of the slower pace of winter and use the extra time indoors to reevaluate and manage your home. Determine which organizing systems are faulty and need improvement. Everything running smoothly?Then take the opportunity to move a project from your Goals List to your To Dos List. You’ll be better prepared to face the challenges of the new year.

It’s here! One Day has arrived! Woo hoo!!! Now you can dig in to that hobby you’ve been dreaming of…happy, happy day!!! Unpack the scrapbook supplies and embellish photos to your hearts content. Sharpen your scissors and start cutting up t-shirts. Your daughter has only been out of college for seventeen years.  She’ll love a your life in t-shirts quilt. The Martha Stewart Living generation has given way to the Pinterest People. But no matter what your age or source for crafting ideas, you love collecting ideas, purchasing supplies and putting off starting or finishing your projects until: a. one

Sometimes we all just need a quick break.  Here’s an idea to help you break free from whatever has you stuck.  Cut out the labels in the image below, and place them in a “Give Yourself a Break jar.”  When you feel the urge to take a break, write down on a sticky note what you will do when you return from the break, then pick a slip from the jar and do it.  After you’ve had your moment, return to the task on your sticky note.  To download a printable pdf version of this posting, please click on this