organizing strategies
How to Let Go of Stubborn Clutter
We all have them: those things that are just harder for us to get rid of than other things. I can tear through my kitchen cabinets and closet, but weeding out my crafting supplies is like pulling extremely reluctant teeth (see below “One Day” stuff). There are five types… more >
SEEK: 4 Steps to Organize Absolutely Anything
Staring into the abyss of a cluttered space is super freaking overwhelming. Where do you start? Why here, of course! My 4 step process works on every space and type of clutter. Just remember to SEEK and ye shall find (that thing you thought you’d lost). Sort Pick up one… more >
How to Set Up an Action! System for Papers (so you actually get stuff done)
Having a set spot where you put any papers that you need to do something about is essential to your productivity and sanity. You can’t pay that bill or rsvp to that party if you can’t find the damn thing. I like using clear, three section vertical files for Action!… more >
The Anatomy of an Effective Planner
How many calendars do you have? How many to-do lists, Post-Its, half-used planners, and random scraps of paper litter the bottom of your bag or your workspace? Maybe you’ve got electronic planning clutter: unused apps, multiple calendars, or a whole lot of time-wasters disguised as productivity tools. Whether you’re a… more >
Clothing Decision Flowchart Free Resource
Your closet’s a packed mess and you know you’ve got to get rid of some stuff, but which stuff? It’s hard to be objective about clothes, especially when they represent something aspirational or nostalgic. I created this flowchart to make it easier to objectively evaluate your wardrobe so you aren’t… more >
How to Fix a System That Isn’t Working: My failed spice drawer experiment
Sometimes you create an organizing system that’s so perfect, so beautiful, and so functional that you can’t help high fiving yourself and thinking that probably, you’re the best at life. This is not one of those systems. It seemed like such a great idea: get rid of the jumble of… more >
All You Need to Know About Organizing in 15 Words
Are you “saving” things that you love? I had a beautiful, expensive bar of soap that I kept saving and kept saving, and for what? A soap special occasion? Does that even exist? Into the shower it went, and it literally brings a smile to my face to use it… more >
5 Small Steps to Solve Your Biggest Organizing Problems
Problem #1 I’m drowning in papers! Do it today: Stop junk and unwanted mail from coming in, then set up an incoming paper system before you work on clearing the backlog. Having a filing system already set up gives you a place to put those papers as you sort them. Problem #2 I never have… more >
How to Color Code Your Files
I’ve written about using washi tape to dress up drab containers, but this lovely low-adhesive tape can be used for so much more, including improving the functionality of your files! We’re much quicker at visually processing colors than words, so it’s helpful to color code your files as well as… more >
Wednesday Tip: You’re Not the Only One
According to a 2006 study, 43% of Americans classify themselves as disorganized and 75% of American say that their disorganization contributes to their stress levels. Sound familiar? So many of my clients waited a long time before reaching out for help because they felt embarrassed about their disorganization; they felt isolated… more >