Saturday, April 23, 2011

Easy Access in your Fridge

Many people jump to using a turntable to organize their spice racks, but what about using one in your refrigerator?  You can use them to organize all your favorite items to easily bring them from the back to the front with a simple spin.

OK. Please tell me I'm not the only one reliving the 80s with Dead or Alive's, "You spin me round?"

We digress ... on to the video:



Don't limit the organizing turntable to spices, mustards and mayo.

Think about where else you could put a new "spin" on organizing.
(Oh, I feel so clever)

What is your favorite fridge item?
(yes, beer counts)

Friday, April 22, 2011

Does Your Home Need a Gastric Bypass?

Today's post comes from guest blogger, Cynthia Gentit, owner of Eat that Elephant Organizing, who shares some insight on getting organized around your home.

If your house was a person, how would you rank it?

A.) Slim & Trim
B.) Needs to lose a few pounds
C.) Gastric bypass is the only answer

Now consider that an average 3 bedroom home in the U. S. (that would be B. in the list above) has 350,000 items in it. If we put that into pounds would you be surprised to know that the belongings from an average 4 bedroom home weigh 8,000 – 9,000 lbs.? If you’re an over-consumer that scale easily tops 11,000 lbs and that’s five and a half tons of stuff!

Fortunately there are less painful ways to whip your home into shape than gastric bypass. The National Association of Professional Organizers, Southeast Michigan Chapter (NAPO-MI) wants to help you get your house in shape. Follow these steps:

1. Exercise – Do a little research on the donation venues available in your area. Did you know old electronics can be recycled at no charge at your local Best Buy store? This often includes items like vacuum cleaners and fans. If you have large items like furniture and good working appliances, charities such as the Salvation Army and Habitat for Humanity ReStores offer pick up services.

2. Shed some pounds – Have anything you want to give away for free? List it on Freecycle.org, an organization dedicated to reducing landfill waste, and someone is sure to pick it up. Old newspapers, magazines and paper can be taken to any school with a green & yellow Paper Retriever dumpster in their parking lot.

3. Reduce your intake – The next time you’re in the store contemplating a purchase, ask yourself: where will this live when I get it home? Who will care for it? How will I use it? If you don’t have a clear answer for at least two of these questions walk away and reconsider the purchase later. Nine times out of ten, you won’t go back.

4. Change your habits – Make a permanent spot for a donation box or bin in your home. Let every family member know where it is. When you come across an item you could donate put it in the bin and take it to your favorite charity when the bin is full. And by the way, take your kids with you and let them see you lead by example.

Thank you Cynthia for sharing your post and giving us some great tips on trimming down our homes and living a more organized life.

Now, consider Cynthia's advice.  If your home is not making you happy, you have the power to change it.  You can do it!

How do you rank YOUR home?

Friday, April 15, 2011

Get Organized, Be Lazy

You know.
The more organized you are.
The lazier you can be.


Be lazy can be very, very good.
Another fabulous reason to get organized.

Perhaps in addition to being a professional organizer, I am also a productivity specialist in the art of enabling laziness. (just a thought)

How do you enjoy being lazy?

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Freedom of Speech

Nearly 5 years and over 550 posts on this blog, I needed to defend my 1st amendment right in court this week.

Life is a crazy roller coaster ride which I enjoy immensely.  The twists and turns is what makes it so much fun!!

The beauty of our amazing country, is we have the freedom to voice our opinions, thoughts, stories and ideas.

The United States Bill of Rights states as our First Amendment Right:

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."

The overwhelming majority of articles and videos on this blog are focused on ideas, tips, and encouragement on helping you get organized.  There are a few posts which have been written because as I work with a client or some event happens in life, compels me to share my thoughts, My Story.

This is done because I know there is someone out in the world going through a difficult time and sometimes just knowing a stranger survived lends encouragement and support for you to get through the day, hour ... hell, there have been times when I just wanted survive the minute.

To all this I say, thank you.

For those who see me for what they want to see, that is your choice.

For those who take the time to know me, let's enjoy the ride.

What story do you want to share?

Tuesday, April 05, 2011

Organized = Smarter

Being organized is about working SMARTER, not harder.

There are certain things worthly of working hard for:
- "A+" on an exam
- Promotion at work
- 6 pack abs
- Achieving 3 stars on all levels of Angry Birds
(OK. that one may not be "worthy")

Searching for your keys, loosing that monthly report ... again and driving to the store to get milk only to come home and find out you need eggs and bread are NOT ways to be spending your precious time stressing out.

Getting organizing is not about working harder in life.
Getting organized is about working smarter.

Be smart.
Get organized.

What is worthy working hard for in your life?