Time to Organize Your Garage

Getting your cars parked in your garage may be a dream to you, though now is the time to get your garage organized. Seems everyone is out there, cleaning out from the change of seasons. Getting ready storing away the nasty snowthrower and dusting off the lawnmowers. Beginning the project, for many people, is the toughest part.

You see the piles of stuff and the shelves overflowing with items randomly tossed about for storage. Here's how you can go about organizing a garage:

step #1: Notes - Look at every wall or area and right down notes on items seen, comments made by my client or in your case little thoughts that drift into your head. It's OK to write, "absolute disaster" or "hopeless mess." Just get it down on paper. Doesn't have to be a novel, random notes are perfect.

step #2: Ideas - Envison what your garage would look like. Use your walls for storing as much as possible. Think shelves, racks, hooks, bins, bags, etc. All of these ideas can be attached to the wall, getting your stuff off the floor.


step #3: Plan - Maybe take a bit of a break and let your thoughts simmer. Come back into your garage and plan what you are going to do. Take some measurements for shelving. Remember to use the studs as much as possible, this will keep your stuff on the walls. Studs are typically every 16 inches along the wall length.

step#4: Action - Get your garbage bags ready, boxes for donations and rev up those power tools ... the organizing party is about to begin. Hang up your shelves first, if possible. This gives you space to store the items you use. Items you do NOT use do NOT go on a shelf, trash or donate. Work around your garage and find homes for the things you use. You will be left with stuff that is has no use in your home.

step #5: Clean Up - You will be left with stuff that has no use in your home. Donate or trash it. Get it out of your life. It's OK to part with stuff. Sweep up the floor and pull your car into the garage. Reward yourself for a job well done!

What random thought do you have about your garage?

Honoring Your Loved Ones Memory

This is one of my favorite organizing project stories ever. Love this story, and so appropriate for this time of year. Enjoy.


"Terry" admits she get overwhelmed in attempting to stay organized. Like many of us, the dramas of life can take over and the last thing on your list of things to care for is yourself.

Terry had been hanging on to a gift certificate for my services for 11 months. The certificate made her feel good when she received it and if she used it, Terry felt it would be gone. Finally, she broke down and we met.

We talked a bit about her goals. I gave her some ideas about managing tasks to get and stay organized. Then she told me about a craft box in her attic.

This craft box was her mother's. Terry cherished this box of craft supplies. The thing is, Terry's mother passed away 11 years ago. Yes, 11 years this box sat in her attic collecting dust and funk.

She finally decided that the time had come to part with it. Terry told me she believed,

"If you release what is holding you back, good will come back."

A woman came to Terry's home from Freecycle to pick up her mother's craft box. The next week, there was a knock on Terry's front door.

The woman had returned to give Terry this Christmas display for her home. Made only from the items found in the gifted box. Terry immediately recognized certain parts of the arrangement that her mother decorated with. Needless to say, Terry was beside herself with joy and happiness. I got the chills when she told me the story.

Memories of a past loved one are good. They should be honored since they played a loving role in your life. Though if you have them cramped in a dusty, funky smelling old box in your attic, is that really a positive way to remember them?

If you are not enjoying them, perhaps it is time to part with them.
Another person will find joy in the items you give.
........ And good will come back to you.

What's in your attic?

"Someday" will never come

Little known fact: There is no "Someday" or "Later" on any calendar.

If you are going to get a task done,
schedule it
write it down
make it happen.

Then reward yourself with a little treat.  Perhaps calling a friend, taking a bit longer shower or may favorite - cheesecake.

What are you getting done today?

Surviving the Back to School Chaos with these organizing tips

Hooray!   Hooray! 
The kids are back in school.

 ... oh, man! Now we have to get up early, be on a schedule and eat dinner in shifts due to after school activities.  That's a end of summer bummer.

 Here are a few great tips the Rebecca Regnier and I chatted about on her weekly show Rebecca Regnier's Full Plate:
13abc.com: Breaking News, Weather and Sports
So, take a moment and think about your home and family.
What is working?
What can be working better?
Talk about these things and come up with a game plan that everyone can help maintain some sanity in your home during the school year.  Everyone in your home can help in some way.

Yes, my boys are living, breathing proof that your kids can do their own laundry.

What are your tricks to back to school?

Organizing Tips for the Holidays ... and a Hot New Book

Getting ready for the holiday season can be crazy and stressful.

Rebecca Regnier invited me to her weekly show Rebecca Regnier's Full Plate to talk about some organizing tips you can use to, hopefully, ease some of the overwhelming anxiety that can build this time of year.

13abc.com: Breaking News, Weather and Sports ... and, yes. You heard correctly.

 I have published a book, Divorcing A [______], sharing some of the craziness that happens from the divorcing process. Along with little lessons, and a good dose of humor,  learned in the process. It has received some fantastic reviews on Amazon.com.  You can purchase directly from me (autographs are free, just ask!) from the book website or visit Amazon.com, eBooks available with Kindle and Nook versions.

The book is targeted for anyone going through a divorce, though you can apply the lessons learned to any struggle or challenging event in your life.  I am thankful for the wonderful feedback from readers.

What is your favorite holiday dessert?

stiL esreveR ... Reverse Lists

We have all made lists at some point in our life. You may be someone who loves to make them. I know I am. There is a great satisfaction in making a list and making a big, heavy, think black line as you cross items off. It creates a sense of accomplishment.

When looking to get organized, one suggestion is to create a list of tasks you wish to complete. Though sometimes you get a little too crazy with the number of items, then you've got this monster of stuff to do. UGH!

You just can't win ...
or can you?

Set out the day to accomplish a few tasks.
Then write them down as you complete them.
Continue about your day, when you complete a task, big or small, put it on your list.

You will end up with a list of things you finished all day, rather than making a list then crossing off items (hey, there's a fraction of your energy savings there). It may not be a big change, but it might be enough to encourage you to get a bit more done throughout your day.

You don't have to walk around with a paper and pen all day long. Work at your goals and perhaps prior to having a meal, jot down the things you have accomplished. You will be surprised at all you DO throughout the day. Toss a couple 10 or 15 minute organizing projects to stay ahead of the curve, and you'll be rockin' and rollin' to organizing happiness.

What did you accomplish today?

The Organizing Shuffle

You split the cards into two piles,
turn them toward each other,
Lift up the inside edges,
apply a little pressure,
and ... Viola! 2 stacks shuffle into one.

Yeah!

... Well, have you ever organized your area by grouping smaller piles into bigger piles?

Hate to say it, but you're doing the Organizing Shuffle.
(for some reason right now I hear the "Do the Hustle" softly in the background)

OK, the Organizing Shuffle also includes:
-Moving items from one room to another, to sort later.
-Clearing off an area, only to place everything back.
-Picking up the same item more than twice, setting it back down because you don't know what to do with it. (likely to only be picked up again very soon)

How do you combat the choregraphed movement of your stuff?
STOP IT

You've decided you want to get organized, Right?

The hard truth:
You are going to have to part with some stuff.
I'm not saying this is an easy task. Though I've seen the benefits in people's lives by letting go of a few items.

Remember, 80% of the clutter in most homes is a result of disorganization, not lack of space.

Start with a small project. Maybe you can only let go of 1-2 items the first time. That's better than nothing, right? Next project consider letting go of 4-6 items ... heck, maybe a whole box of stuff.

You'll begin to feel lighter, air will breathe easier into your lungs and looking around you'll be proud of your organizing project. Maybe ready to tackle another room.

What disco tune is shaking your booty?

Creating the Ultimate Experience

Attending the annual conference and expo for the National Association for Professional Organizers (NAPO) is proving to be remarkable. I will admit I was quite nervous about coming. For the first time in years, my confidence was a bit off.

When I arrived and registered, that all changed!

At this point, I have no idea what I was nervous over. I am meeting some great people. Learning a bit about the future of business. And making some GREAT connections with a few of the sponsors. (we're talking about a national speaking gig in Vegas and spokeman opportunity with Rubbermaid!!)

At the opening keynote address, Scott McKain did an amazing job talking about what clients really want when they make a purchase. It truly is not the pizza, new tires or organized garage purchased that satisfies your customer. A rude waiter will ruin the tastiest burger, crispiest fries and refreshingest ale. Providing an amazing experience to your customer, will create an emotional connection.

Scott asked each of us to ask our clients a question. Please take a moment and think about this. I can only get better with your input:

If you could describe the ultimate organizing experience, what would that be?

Kick Starting Your Home's Energy Flow

We are in the middle of winter here in the USA and perhaps you are getting there's a bit of cabin fever going around in your home. You have been trapped inside your home unable to enjoy the beautiful sunny skies and soft green grass, because ... well, there isn't any, yet.

This is a great time to purge! Your tired and could use some new positive energy flowing through your home. You can apply this task to any drawer, shelf, cabinet, closet or room (if you are truly motivated).

Now there are many different ways to purge. This is my favorite method because you end up with only your favorites.

Angie's Favorite Purge Method (for lack of a better title):
1. Choose your area to purge. Not too big that you cannot complete it.
2. Pull EVERYTHING out of the area. I mean everything comes off the shelves and out of the drawers.
3. Sort the items as you remove them. If there are trashed items, bag them up as you sort. Things that don't belong there, set them to one side (don't leave this area).
4. Clean the area with your favorite method.
5. Look at your pile of stuff and begin pulling out your favorite items.
6. Return your favorite items first to the freshly cleaned area.
7. When this area looks good and adding another items will begin to be cramped, STOP!
8. The items left over need to find a new home. Likely this will be out of your home.
9. Take out the trash to the curb and load up the donations into your car.
10. Smile and enjoy the new energy flowing in your home.

Repeat as necessary for the next area.

Now, it is very likely you will come across items that are not your favorite, do not fit into your newly organized area, BUT it was a gift from your mom/sister/friend/husband/kids. You enjoyed it at one point in your life, though not anymore. Maybe you never truly liked it to begin with.

If it doesn't make into your favorite list, then time has come to part with it. You'll feel better getting it out of your home. I promise.

... And if it helps you, please just say, "Well, Angie said I had to get rid of [blank]." I can take the rap for you.

What did you purge from your home that has time has passed?

Errr ... Husbands

Our biggest battle as professional organizers is not stacks of papers, piles of toys, jammed closets with clothing, wall of boxes in the basement or linen closets tumbling with sheets. That's just stuff.

Husbands.
[disclaimer: True, there are many great, wonderful, supportive, loving, dudes out there]

You are embarrassed and frustrated with your home and know that help is out there. And you need and want it. At a moment, you take a giant step to contact a professional organizer.

After chatting with your professional organizer, you have a sense that the Calvary is on its way.

Hope and relief that soon your home will feel special.

[enter your husband] He says, "No, to the project."

- If it is a money issue, completely understandable. You definitely should not overextend yourself when it comes to cash. Use the internet to find free tips.

- If it is a control issue, that is something for you to seek help.
(Been there, done that myself. Be strong)

- Perhaps your husband is embarrassed himself for the appearance of your home. Find a quiet moment to talk together about how you will both feel better with completing your organizing project.

Professional organizers are not judgemental. Our purpose is to help you love your home. We will take the time to discuss each of your goals and expectations. Getting your husband to understand the project may be all that is needed to get the supportive green light.

If all else fails, ask for an organizing project for your next holiday gift, birthday present or other special occasion. Most professional organizers offer gift certificates.

When there is a will, there is a way. And when your husband sees how great your home can be, perhaps he'll want to get his stuff organized, too!

What battle are you winning?

Shake, Shake, Shake

We had a wonderful WEN SEMI meeting last week. It is so exciting to see this new networking group grow. People are making new connections and business is being created amongst the members.

Every meeting we have a speaker give a 15-20 minute presentation on a business related topic, and this month Linda Everhardt-Kardux, Business Navigators, spoke to us about the 10 Commandments of Networking. Part of her presentation included a discussion on handshakes.

I'm not sure who or where I learned the importance of a proper handshake, but I know a good handshake is key. My first supervisor at Ford commented on how confident and solid my handshake was at my interview. (He ended up giving me a job offer before I left - SWEET)

Linda presented the following the observations of Robert E. Brown, a California management consultant, longtime handshake observer and lecturer on the psychology of handshakes:

- Half-handed. A finger-only squeeze may show lack of connection and a fear of intimacy.

- Clammy. A cold and indifferent shake typically conveys fear or nervousness.

- Two-handed. This double tells the person wants intimacy too quickly; it may be a sign they can't be trusted.

- Over-the-top. When the palm faces down in relation to yours, they're expressing superiority and dominance.

My boys are working on their handshakes. You are never too young to learn how to shake hands appropriately. There are many personal touches that can easily get lost in our technology world of emails, text messages and voicemails.

How's your hand shakin?

Organizing Boobs

Now, that's a title!

I broke down and went shopping today. Shopping is one of my least favorite activities. Though the time had come and I needed to go out for the dreaded
... da da dum ... Bra Shopping!

Funny I mentioned this need of mine to a couple women and they all had the same response. "Ugh, I HATE bra shopping."

My mission: To find a bra that is comfortable and fits well as quickly as possible.

Walked through the store and snagged up 4 different brands.
Nope. These won't work.
Oh, someone left one in the fitting room, size 38D.
Way too big, but I think mine 36C, are too small.
Back out on the floor for the next round.
Another 4-5 different ones, various sizes.
Bingo! Now, I've got the size (I think), now comfort.
Some straps pinched, one didn't correct my "side boobs," another just didn't look right.
Ah, finally. Found one that fit well, looked good, felt comfortable.
I bought 5 so I won't have to do this again for awhile.

36D - a D cup?!

Geez, I am slowly becoming my grandmother.
No matter what she did, her boobs just continued to grow.

A successful day, I will no longer be tugging at my bras adjusting them for comfort
..... well, at least for a few months.

Big or little, flat or endowed -- Ladies get out there and get your boobs organized in a well fitted bra. You'll feel and look better.

When was the last time you went bra shopping?

Honor Your Memories

"Terry" admits she get overwhelmed in attempting to stay organized. Like many of us, the dramas of life can take over and the last thing on your list of things to care for is yourself.

Terry had been hanging on to a gift certificate for my services for 11 months. The certificate made her feel good when she received it and if she used it, Terry felt it would be gone. Finally, she broke down and we met.

We talked a bit about her goals. I gave her some ideas about managing tasks to get and stay organized. Then she told me about a craft box in her attic.

This craft box was her mother's. Terry cherished this box of craft supplies. The thing is, Terry's mother passed away 11 years ago. Yes, 11 years this box sat in her attic collecting dust and funk.

She finally decided that the time had come to part with it. Terry told me she believed,

"If you release what is holding you back, good will come back."
A woman came to Terry's home from Freecycle to pick up her mother's craft box. The next week, there was a knock on Terry's front door.

The woman had returned to give Terry this Christmas display for her home. Made only from the items found in the gifted box. Terry immediately recognized certain parts of the arrangement that her mother decorated with. Needless to say, Terry was beside herself with joy and happiness. I got the chills when she told me the story.

Memories of a past loved one are good. They should be honored since they played a loving role in your life. Though if you have them cramped in a dusty, funky smelling old box in your attic, is that really a positive way to remember them?

If you are not enjoying them, perhaps it is time to part with them.
Another person will find joy in the items you give.
........ And good will come back to you.

What's in your attic?

Watch Out Oprah ... Here I Come!!!

I'm going to be on CBS WTOL-TV!!

Monday, December 10th, 9am eastern
(don't worry if you miss it ... it will posted here next week)

It is going to be a 3 minute bit about getting organized for the holidays.

I sent them an email.
They contacted me.
And as the saying goes ... the rest is history.

Didn't I say I wanted to be interviewed by Oprah as one of the Top 10 successful women under 40? This is my third step in 3 months to achieving this goal!!

Proof that if there is something you want,
Really, really want.
Write it down. Tell people. Make it happen.

What do you really, really want?

Life is an Adventure

What a crazy fun adventure!!
So many things happened on my Habitat Build in Guatemala. The team was amazingly fun.

Random thoughts from this trip....

1. I appreciate cool drinking water!

2. When in Guatemala, drink Gallo beer. Chicken beer rocks! Not made from chickens, just chicken on the logo.

3. I do not want to eat rice or beans for at least one month.

4. No cell phone for 10 days is AWESOME!!!

5. Do not touch the shower heads in Guatemala. You can get an electric shock. (I found out the hard way)

6. Being nearly impaled by horns of a cow is a little scary. (and I didn't do anything to provoke the beast)

7. Glop is fun to make.

8. Land to build a home in Guatemala = $250
Cost to home owner to build a Habitat home = $2000(this is a third to fourth of the price to rent a single room home)

9. Kids in Guatemala look so happy, healthy and active. And they have nothing compared to the kids in the US.

10. Howler monkeys are crazy creatures.

11. Machetes are fun to use. Yeah, I had to buy one, let me know if you have something for me to chop.

12. "I am going to kill that damn rooster."

13. Letting the wound "bleed out" is better than cleaning it up ... when in Guatemala. (OK, I twisted my ankle and gouge my shin hauling dirt out of a house. I'm not a clutz, just an aggressive worker.)

14. Moving blocks, mixing glop, hauling "crack", shoveling dirt, tying rebar and sweating my butt off with an amazing group of people = I would do it all again in a flash!

There are so many more thoughts I have, perhaps some of my Guatemala "Hollas" will comment.

I'm sad today. I miss all you crazy Howlas from Guatemala!!!

What adventures has your life involved?

Going to Guatemala!

Yep, That is were I will be from August 11-21, building homes in the village of El Estor, a small village on Lago de Izabal.

CRAZY!!

I will be participating in a Global Village Trip with Habitat For Humanity. I went to Alaska last year for a build, and am honored to be invited to help out with this one.

Bedford Now wrote a little article about the trip. (click here)
Thank you Bridget Meade for writing a great article!

I truly believe in giving back.
I love the quote on the back of our Global Village t-shirts:

"Be the change you wish to see in the world."
-Ghandi
Please wish us a safe adventure and me mucho luck with my minimal, at best, knowledge of the spanish language.

What change would you like to see in this world?
What are you doing about it?

Teaching a Class

That is what I will be doing in September at the Whitman Center, Monroe Community College. This is the class listing in their catalog:


Enough is Enough…Get Organized!
Do you dread walking past an area of your home due to the clutter?
If so, end your frustration and begin to imagine how fantastic you will
feel when that area is finally organized. Whether you need to declutter
a room, organize a closet or prepare for a move, this class can help.
Bring pictures of a project you wish to organize and walk away with
a plan of action to tackle your problem area by the conclusion of the
class.
Your instructor, Angie Weid, is the owner of Organized Solutions
and has a degree in engineering with years of expertise helping people
reduce stress as well as saving time and money with organizational strategies.
HOME 723-91 Smart #12062
$19
Monday Sept. 24 1 day
5:30 - 7 p.m. WC – 6 Weid
--------------------------------
I am really looking forward to this experience.
It will be a lot of fun.

What classes have you taught?

Yeah, I can do that

My client, "Mary" called me up the other day. She was looking for some help getting a few items assembled that she purchased for her new home.


I had helped Mary move into her home in May, and I was more than happy to help her out again. She was looking to get her patio furniture assembled, a TV cabinet and some shelving in the playroom.

-Her patio set went together very easily. Looks great on her new patio.
-The TV cabinet had a problem with one of the doors. She needs to call the manufacturer and get a replacement piece. It was damaged in shipping.
-The shelving in the playroom is saved for my next visit.

Mary could have assembled them herself. My engineering brain helps me put things together a bit quicker. Plus Mary was able to work on some other things around her home.

My job is all about helping people feel better about their home.

What ability in your brain helps your clients?

An Extra Helping Hand

Sometimes you just have to ask
for a little help.

Asking for help is difficult for me.
My mom is always telling me that
I cannot do it all.
I am getting better at allowing people to help me.

Last week, I helped Leasa get her home organized.
(little delay in posts due to summer fun)
We worked on several areas of her home.

1. Master closet.
Sorry no pics, we jumped into the project so fast we forgot.
All her clothes were pulled out, boxes and bags too. Then we sorted out what she was going to keep and donate. And put grouped similar items together when they were returned to the closet.

2. "Guest coat" closet.
Kinda of a strange little closet used as a catch all for extra items or "I don't know put it in here" closet. Again, we pulled everything out of it. Got rid of many extra bags and papers, few "why do I have these" pictures, found her kids christening outfits and set some items for donation.


3. Kitchen pantry.
There were too many of those plastic grocery bags and a few items that were not being used. Once we got the items out, I cleaned up the shelves and put the items that Leasa was using back. The things not needed were tossed.

In the end, I continued to help Leasa go through the many of the other kitchen cabinets and junk drawers. Having a little bit of extra help, went a long way in getting her home organized.

Plus we had a lot of fun and laughs along the way.

When do you ask for help?

Who Are You?

How to you gain trust and credibility with people who have no idea who you are?

You know you are fun.
You know you love what you do.
You know people need your services.
You know you are a fantastic person.
You know the work you do is beneficial.
You know you are honest and considerate.

But, no one knows that until they know you.
Until people know you, getting them to use your services
might be tricky.

You might get a response
similar to as The Who sings,
Who the %#*@ are you?

That is not desirable.


Personal introductions, word of mouth, networking are all methods to boost your image. These may not reach a large audience of your clients.

Publications, do.

From my first publication to my most recent article,
these have brought me clients and raised my credibility.

I have complied 10 articles/stories/publications in a new blog:
Organized Solutions Publications.

How have you gained trust and credibility?