Last week I gave you a shopping list of items to pick up; (if you did not already own them) filing drawer, small folio, basket/bin that can fit bills, and paper shredder. In addition, I challenged you to do a quick toss of paper clutter that you absolutely knew you did not need to keep. Finally, I asked you to collect your unpaid bills, open and toss out the envelope and filler.

This week we are going to work on what you need to keep in your file drawer and for how long. Following are the files that I keep. You may need to add to my list to best suit your needs. The following information is not to replace the advice from a financial expert, so please use this just as a guide. If you have any specific questions please contact your accountant or lawyer, as I am neither. (more…)

If I were asked which area my clients find the most daunting, I would definitely say paper clutter. As we are in the midst of tax time, this problem area becomes more evident. Paper accumulates quite rapidly, it is easy to stash, and there can be great apprehension to toss (with good reason).

Like everything else, you need to come up with a system. You need to toss immediately what you don’t need, and sort and file the important papers. Don’t allow the clutter to build up. This is step #1.

Prior to our home fire, I literally hoarded all types of papers. I kept all paid bills, used duplicate style checkbooks, receipts, magazines, years of pay stubs, and piles of insurance papers (medical, house, and car). I kept everything because I really did not have a clue what I needed to keep and for how long. In addition to not knowing what to keep, I also had an ineffective filing system. If I needed to find something, it was nearly impossible because it was buried in a pile of clutter. After the fire I realized 99% of what I had kept was really not necessary. (more…)

Have you ever watched the organizing shows on television? Do you watch in awe that a space can completely be cleared out, renovated, and revealed in a one hour (or less) show and be completed in real time in less than 2 days? Want the secret to getting the same results in the same amount of time? The truth of the matter is that unless you have a carpenter, professional organizer, interior decorator and about 10 other trained professionals (or more), and a hefty budget, you are going to be disappointed if you want your space done in the same amount of time with the same results. Don’t be too disheartened, sometimes when you have to work a little extra hard you end up with better long lasting results. Also, the television shows often miss the most important step.

So, what is this step that I am talking about? What step could help keep your room looking great for months to come? You’ll have to wait a bit longer while I review the other steps in organizing your space. (more…)

This month we have been focusing on de-cluttering your bedroom. If you have not completed the de-cluttering you may want to continue working on that before you begin the cleaning process. If, however, you are ready to get down and clean the dirt, yet you are so stretched for time… this is my answer for you. Each day set your timer for 10 minutes and see how much you can tackle. During the 10 minutes don’t answer the phone, don’t even go to the bathroom, you will be amazed at how much you can accomplish in a little amount of time! Some of these challenges may be done under 10 minutes and, depending on your own situation, some may need more time. If the timer rings and you are not done with your challenge, simply reset the timer for 10 minutes. One final warning: don’t obsess, do the best that you can do! (more…)

As I mentioned a few weeks ago, I truly believe that the master bedroom sets the tone for the family. If you feel overwhelmed in your life, make it a priority to keep your bedroom as free from stress as possible. For the past few weeks we have been talking about clearing out the clutter in your master bedroom. This week we are going to focus on all that stuff that has somehow accumulated on top of the surfaces.

The best way to tackle this job is to box and banish the items. Grab a box, set your timer for 5 minutes, and clear off one surface area, dumping everything into that box. During this same five minutes take a microfiber dusting cloth and give the surface a thorough cleaning. Do not obsess over making it spotless as our main goal is to de-clutter. Now, set the timer for 5 more minutes and this time shop through your box and place back onto the surface area only the necessary items. Place the trash in the garbage can and leave the items in the box that need to go somewhere else. Before you attack another surface area you must put the remaining items that are left in the box away. Do not make the common mistake of “out of sight…out of mind” and just tucking this box away for another day. (more…)

When I go into a client’s home to completely overhaul and organize a closet, the average time is normally at least 3-4 hours, and that is with two of us working. It is quite understandable that a job like this can become very overwhelming and inevitably a major procrastination issue. How can you tackle this job in 10 minutes a day? You may not achieve perfection, and may need to spend additional time on this project one day this week where you have a little extra time, but 10 minutes a day can be quite (surprisingly) productive! (more…)

I have often heard that the heart of the home is the kitchen. Instead, I would like to suggest that the Master Bedroom is the true lifeblood of the home, which is why I found it imperative to start the “Around the House Overhaul” in the master bedroom. So often we focus our attention on the rooms in which everyone else sees, and put our own needs last. When your bedroom is clean and organized, you will sleep, love, and live more fulfilled. In turn you will be healthier and happier, which makes everything more manageable in life. (more…)