Organize Your Photos to Tell A Story

April 26th, 2013

Photo OrganizingWith celebrations for Mother’s Day, graduations and Father’s Day looming I began thinking of ways to put a personal touch on gifts that express gratitude. The wonderful thing about gratitude is it doesn’t take up too much space. Rather than a bouquet it can be expressed with a single handpicked flower. It is a moment, not a lifetime. The best way I know how to capture a moment is through a photograph.

It is so easy and convenient to take photographs now that you may be letting the fun turn into chaos. Some people have trouble organizing photos. It goes beyond the smart phone. Think about all the forgotten photographs in your desks, basement, closet or computer. You may feel overwhelmed by a lack of any organizing scheme but don’t let that stop you from telling your story with photos.

I recently attended the Association of Personal Photo Organizers Conference and got inspired. Special presentations were given by photo organizing experts. Here are a few ideas that can help you tell your story with photographs.

Think in terms of themes. For Mother’s Day you might want to collect all the photos you can find of your mother doing something she loves. Is she a golfer, a gardener, a traveler? Whatever it is, organize your photo story around that one particular theme.

For your graduate, go through the photo albums, boxes and computer files to select best photos.  Include photos that show progress being made and ones that show him or her achieving something. While shuffling through your photo collections throw away blurry, unusable ones. Save only the ones you know you want.

After you find the photos that tell your story you may not know how to arrange them into a book, or make a poster or apply to canvas. There are so many options that many people get stuck at this point. With a little guidance, the vision of a truly personal expression of gratitude can be realized. Don’t stay stuck. We can help you put your photos together in a way that captures your imagination and generously expresses your thoughts of gratitude.

What Type of Organizing Help Do You Need: Hands-On, Virtual or DIY?

April 7th, 2013

What kind of Organizing Do You NeedAre you self-motivated? Do you prefer to deal with clutter on your own or would you rather enlist the help of a coach?  Are you comfortable working with a coach “virtually” through email and phone, or would you prefer hands-on help from a team of professionals?

There is no right or wrong answer to any of these questions. It’s about what works best for you and –let’s face it – your budget. Hands-on help is labor-intensive and the most expensive option, but for some people it’s the only way that really works. Virtual help offers you some of the benefits of personalized coaching, without the cost of hands-on help. Do-it-yourself organizing help is affordable, but requires more discipline to be successful.

I realized early on that professional organizing services were out of reach financially for many people, so I created other types of organizing help that were more affordable, including Simplesizing®, the first DIY organizing program of its kind in the country. Simplesizing® is not about how to organize a closet, kitchen or bedroom.  Instead, DIY Simplesizing® takes you through a six-step process that helps you clarify what you want to create and identify the obstacles that get in your way.  Then it guides you in creating a plan to simplify your life. The cost is $49.00.

Simplesizing® Coaching offers the advantage of a professional coach to help confront obstacles and create organizing plans. A trained coach can help brainstorm solutions that you may never think of. A coach can help you find fresh ideas and motivate you when you get stuck. A caring coach helps you move through the emotional ties that often happen when removing clutter.  Because a coach is there for you during the process, you don’t usually get stuck or give up. The cost for a half-hour of coaching through phone or email is $99.00.

Hands-on organizing brings a professional organizer and coach to your space. Sometimes a team of organizers is needed to help physically de-clutter a space. Clutter Coach is there to help you overcome obstacles, make decisions and move forward.

At Clutter Coach, organizing help is truly customized to meet your needs. In our experience, the plans you are fully invested in, work best.  Not sure what you need? Give us a call. We can help.

What Does a Move Manager Do?

March 12th, 2013

Couple moving with boxesNearly three quarters of the U.S. population moves at least once every five years. One out of 10 Americans moves annually according to the U.S. Census. Swings in the economy, expiring leases, divorce, corporate transfers, health and other life transitions such as marriage or retirement are reasons people are pulling up stakes and moving on.

When family members are unable to help with a move, or themselves need help, a move manager can clear the path to the new residence.  What once may have been viewed as a dreadful and stress-filled situation becomes a matter of selecting the right person to manage the move for you. Here is a glimpse of what a move manager does.

Identify and manage moving to-do list

After listening carefully to your priorities, a good move manager begins by breaking down tasks into categories. The to-do list becomes an executable plan in the hands of an experienced pro. While you always remain in control of the process, the entire move is well coordinated and organized for you.

Support for clearing unwanted items

Filtering what you value enough to bring to your new home is a process in itself. Move managers can help you arrange what you want to keep, clear, or donate. The clearing process is one of the benefits of moving. It makes you assess all your stuff and get rid of what no longer matters to you. A move manager can make an inventory of all items to be moved and check against that inventory when items arrive at the new home.

Packing/Unpacking

Movers only move already packed items and if they unpack it’s only to a flat surface, not put away. Packing is more than stuffing things into boxes. Fragile, oversized, or specialty items must be properly protected during the move. Arranging like-items together and labeling boxes makes unpacking more efficient. Nearly 70% of moves are local (within the same county). In such a case, a move manager can easily unpack and place items in your new home where you designate.

Referrals to Moving Companies

If you need help selecting a moving company, the move manager can provide you with names of companies they know to be well qualified. The decision on who to use remains with you and can be based on the estimates and schedules provided by each company.

Clutter Coach serves the Chicago area offering in-home consultations. If your move is causing too much chaos and stress, consider all of what a move manger can do to make your move productive, efficient, and yes, pleasant.

Dissolving a Parent’s Estate

March 1st, 2013

Dissolving Your Estate

Dissolving an estate means sorting through and distributing a lifetime’s worth of possessions. It’s no easy task, but where several beneficiaries may be involved, it becomes even more complicated. Having helped clients manage these situations, I offer some thoughts to guide you and your family through the process.

Most wills usually only specify a limited number of valuables. The rest is typically left for the executor of the estate to distribute among the heirs.  It is not only items with monetary value that can cause disputes between family members, but also items of sentimental value.

Give yourself some time to make decisions

The process of dissolving an estate can be emotional.  You will find cards your mother saved, precious pictures, and little pieces of history you wish you knew more about.  These usually stir up memories of a loved one that will remind us of the depth of our loss. If at all possible, wait until you feel ready to make decisions. If you don’t have the luxury of time or are not located nearby, ask someone you trust to help you through the process.

Break the tasks down

If you think of the entire job of dissolving an estate, it’s overwhelming. Instead, break it down into categories and tackle each one separately. Devise a plan for photos, jewelry, clothing, furniture, artwork, etc. Decide on a time frame and agree on a fair method of distribution. You may need to get some items appraised.  Most importantly, be sure the plan is communicated to everyone who has an interest.

Set aside what’s of value

Remember that one’s person’s trash is definitely another person’s treasure. Wait until all parties have expressed their interests before you start tossing.  Once items of value to the beneficiaries are identified, the process of discarding and donating becomes much easier. You may be surprised to learn that family members are only interested in half or less of what’s in an estate. Consider a sale or donation to charity for items no one wants.

Managing a sale or donations

An estate sale is one option that can generate considerable cash. If you are unable to do the work, there are companies who manage the entire process for you. Clutter Coach Company can coordinate with vendors and charities to remove what you don’t want from the home. Donations to charity are deductible and may be easier to manage than a sale.

Treasuring what is now yours

Unfortunately, when you dissolve an estate your own basement or garage is likely to become filled with items of your parents that you wanted, but may not have a place for. With time in short supply, a professional organizer can help you make room for the new items.  As time goes on, you may feel less of a need to keep things. You may come to realize that you can honor your Mom or Dad by finding someone else who would treasure those items.

Avoid placing everything in storage, putting off organizing for another day.  Clutter is created as a result of postponed decisions.  Think about how you would display some items or create something new as a special memory of your parent. For example, one family I know took pieces of their mother’s wedding gown and created a family ring bearer pillow and other mementos.

You will get through this difficult time. But until then, we can help you manage the difficult process of dissolving an estate. Our goal is to help you get your life back to normal, sooner rather than later.

Feng Shui Wisdom For Clearing the Clutter

February 11th, 2013

Feng Shui is an ancient Chinese practice of balancing the flow of chi (energy). It is believed that through the placement of physical objects energy flow can be either improved or blocked. I am not a Feng Shui expert, but will share some of its wisdom for anyone looking for inspiration when clearing the clutter. Obstructions such as clutter can reduce the energy level in a home.

Clutter free room

Feng Shui wisdom advises on getting rid of old stuff. Ask yourself: “What is important to my life now and for the future?” And “Why am I holding onto this?” Clearing out stagnant items (negative energy) can help shed the heaviness clutter induces in a home. Too many things tied to the past slow energy down. Get rid of shrines to the past to make room for the future. Vibrant energy comes from the things you love. Keep the items that make you truly happy.

A mess makes it difficult to find the things you value. Mixing up the energy flow like this can make you confused and stressed.

Clutter Hotspots

Clutter in these hotspots may cause restrictions:

Entryways – Life seems hard

Attics – Problems hang over your head

Basements – Weighed down by the past

Backdoor – Home becomes constipated

Energy Traps

To keep energy flowing, do not overload these room areas.

Bedrooms                Front Entryway

Closets                       Hall

Drawers                      Hall table

Under the bed            Stairs

On top of bureaus      Alcoves

Dressing table

Kitchen                      Living Room

Cabinets                     Coffee tables

Refrigerator                Behind sofas

Surfaces                      Bookshelves

Appliances                  Mantles

Garbage cans

Floors

Bathroom                 Home Office

Vanities & cabinets    Desktop

Around the sink         Filing cabinet

The floor                    Reference books

Medicine cabinet       Computer

Change the Energy

Simple Feng Shui ideas for changing the energy in a home include:

- Clap to shift trapped energy

- Open all the doors and windows

- Light candles

- Arrange fresh flowers

- Mist rooms with essential oils

Color & Lighting

Feng Shui wisdom encourages the proper use of color believing it can influence your mood. Muted or earth tones are preferred for most rooms. However, bright vibrant colors are encouraged in the home office and exercise area to stimulate activity. Lighting brings positive energy to a room. It encourages energy flow creating balance and harmony.

There are many approaches to creating a peaceful environment. Feng Shui often appeals to people who feel stuck and burdened by their clutter. For as long as people have been clearing the clutter, there have been consultants to help in the process. In that respect, I am a kindred coach.

Organizing Paperwork Makes Filing Taxes Easier

February 4th, 2013

Organizing Paperwork for Tax ReturnsThis is the time of year when we often say to ourselves, “If only.” “If only I had done a better job of organizing my records filing taxes wouldn’t be so tedious.” The key is to create a filing system to organize your tax records at the beginning of the year, and to file paperwork as needed throughout the year.  Most tax records fall into the categories of income or deductions.

Organize Sources of Income
Organizing paperwork into files will save you time, money and frustration. Keep files for W-2 Forms, 1099 Forms, social security, pensions, bank statements, brokerage statements and any other sources of income. Why? Your records help identify the sources of your income. You can separate business from other income and taxable from nontaxable income. Since many tax records come around the beginning of the tax year, keep a separate file for the current tax year where you can easily access it.

Keep Track of Expenses to Maximize Deductions
The IRS allows you to deduct on certain kinds of expenses from your income. To deduct expenses you need to be able to prove the expense with a receipt, cancelled check, credit card statement or other proof of payment. Deductions may include mortgage interest, property and real estate taxes as well as moving expenses, charitable contributions and contributions to IRAs. Interest on student loans and medical expenses may also be deductible.

Record the Cost of Property and Home Improvements
Save documents verifying the original cost of your property as well as records of the cost of any improvements you made. Why?  You need this information to determine if you have a gain or loss when you sell your home or to figure depreciation if you use part of your home for business purposes or for rent. Your records should show the purchase price, settlement or closing costs, and the cost of any improvements.

How Long Do I Keep Tax Paperwork?
The law states that you must keep your U.S. tax returns indefinitely and your tax records for seven years in case of an audit. I encourage clients to store supporting documentation with their tax return. Consult with a tax professional to learn what deductions you qualify for so you will have the documentation you need. Keeping accurate records is one way to ensure you aren’t giving Uncle Sam any more than he’s entitled to. It also gives you the peace of mind that if the IRS does come knocking, you’ll be ready.

Get rid of that “if only” feeling. Today is the day to start organizing for next year.

Room Design for a Clutter Free Home

January 31st, 2013

clutter free homeGood room design is important when it comes to having a clutter free home. You may think built-in cabinets, shelving, and more space is the answer but room design for a clutter free home begins with knowing how to designate and maximize space. What you will come to learn is that room design begins with you, the room designer. Let’s try it.

Assess Available Space

Think about how you and your family move through the rooms. Are there clear pathways to the doors and adjoining rooms? Assess your rooms for their clutter free potential.

- Take a good look at how much space is available and how you are currently using it.

- Clear away any existing clutter and see the space increase before your eyes.

Prioritize and Designate

If possible, remove everything from the room and look again. When you are ready, prioritize your items before putting them back in. Everything you bring back should serve a purpose and have its own designated space. In the kitchen, the space below your sink is most likely cluttered due to its open layout. Now think of the spice drawer. That is where you put and find all your spices. You won’t find dish washing liquid there. The same holds true for the space in your closets, bathrooms and bedrooms. The answer does not lie in adding more space but designating and maximizing the space you have.

What’s It Worth?

Think of your rooms as an investment. A builder friend told me: “For a 10’ x 10’ room you paid $150 to $200 per square foot. That amounts to $15,000. Add property tax, the cost for heating, cooling and insuring it. Then ask yourself if what you have in that room is worth it.”

Know a Room’s Purpose

Too much or too little furniture in a room can be detrimental to staying organized. Take room measurements and scale furniture appropriately to the size of your rooms. Furniture with legs or glass tops takes up less visual space than solid pieces that extend all the way to the floor.

Don’t forget the flooring, walls and windows in a room. Comfortable, easy to clean floors keep you energized, not dead on your feet. Art or wallpaper can add character to your walls but covering them with sticky notes will feel cluttered.  Windows are a room’s natural source of light. Don’t fill the sills with books and other clutter. Let the sun shine in.

Always keep in mind the purpose of a room. By respecting your space, you respect the activity that goes on there, and yourself for designing it. If you need help achieving your vision of a clutter free home, I help people do just that.

New Organizing Strategies Replace Old Habits

January 8th, 2013
Downtime should be an important component of your schedule.

Free time should be an important component of your schedule.

They say the best way to lose a bad habit is to replace it with a new one. Here are six sure-fire ways to turn bad organizing habits into good.

Old Habit No. 1: Dumping

When you come into the house you tend to dump everything wherever you land: shoes, coat, hat, bags, etc.

Replace with:  Locker-style Storage

Create a unique locker-style area where you can store purse, hat, gloves and shoes. Hang coats in a designated spot. Do the same for other members of the family.

Old Habit No. 2: Procrastination

You leave too many small tasks to do later and end up with an overwhelming list. You may even forget what you need to do.

Replace with: Do it Now Attitude

For those little things that take only a minute or two (such as putting away your dishes or signing a form), sometimes it’s best to just do them right away. Schedule tasks that will take more than just a few minutes.

Old Habit No. 3: I’ll Fix it Some Day

Your basement is full of items that are obviously broken or in need of major repair. You plan to get to it “some day.”

Replace with:  Pitch It Now
Realize that if in the past five years you haven’t gotten around to fixing it, you probably won’t. The item is just taking up space. Toss it or find somewhere to recycle it. Decide on a reasonable time-frame for repairing broken items and stick to it.

Old Habit No. 4: Do it Yourself

When it comes to removing everyday clutter, you’re the only one doing it, and you can’t keep up.

Replace with: Everyone Helps
Get all family members involved in removing clutter. Assign a place for them to keep their stuff. Establish the “ten-minute pick-up.” Every evening set your timer for ten minutes. Then have everyone cleans up as fast as they can.

Old Habit No. 5: You Want It, You Buy It

Clutter will continue to accumulate if you continue adding to your collection of stuff.  It’s important to recognize that for some people shopping can become an addiction, fulfilling an emotional need. Our culture encourages abundance and promotes the idea that more stuff will make us happy. It won’t.

Replace with: Ask Before You Buy

Ask yourself these key questions before you buy: Do you really need the item? Can you afford it? Do you have space to store it and time to maintain it? Do you already own something similar?  Consider putting the desired item on a list and check in with yourself after a time to see if you still want to make the purchase.

Old Habit No. 6: Over Scheduled and Overworked

You’re a doer, but you can’t seem to find any time to relax, spend time with family or to explore a hobby.

Replace with: Scheduled Free Time

Those who experience chronic stress are more susceptible to conditions ranging from more frequent headaches and gastrointestinal issues to more serious conditions like high blood pressure, which brings an increased risk of heart disease and stroke. While it is important to schedule time to get things done, it is equally important to take time to relax. Go on a vacation. Take a walk. Spend time talking (and really listening) to family and friends.  Enjoy your garden. Relaxation breaks and vacations interrupt the cycle of stress that can overwhelm us, creating sharper thinking and increased creativity.

As we start the new year, now is a great time to think about replacing just one bad habit with a good healthy organizing habit. The result is bound to be a less stressful, clutter-free new year.

Happy Organizing!

Declutter Your Desk for Greater Productivity

January 1st, 2013

declutter your desk

Wasted time amounts to wasted dollars.  Brother International Corp.’s  “P-touch Means Business,” survey reveals that an estimated 76 working hours per person each year are lost as a result of disorganization in the workplace.

As a professional organizer I believe the key to maintaining an uncluttered desk is daily upkeep. Set aside a few minutes at the end of each day to keep paperwork under control and your desk organized.

Minimize visual clutter by getting rid of what isn’t needed and filing the rest away. When you pick up a piece of paper, decide what you are going to do with it: Toss, File, or Act. Toss as much as possible. Use action files to hold papers for smaller tasks you plan to act on. Today many people work out of a home office, so it’s important to keep work files separate from home files.

Consider creating “easy-to-read” file labels. A label maker may be a good solution. Filing electronically eliminates paper altogether. Papers you frequently reference can be stored in easy-to-update 3-ring binders.

For an organized desk, place items you use often in a convenient location. Maximize your horizontal work space by using vertical space above the desk for shelves or calendars. Items you don’t use regularly can be stored nearby or donated if you don’t use them at all. Keep electronic cords out of sight.

If possible, face your computer away from the doorway. That way you won’t be interrupted by the flow of office traffic. Make a to-do list at the beginning of each day or the evening before. Schedule your time so the most important tasks get done first. That way, if you are interrupted, at least your most urgent tasks have been completed.

Imagine how quickly you will find things when you know where everything is and there is less to look through.

Once your office is decluttered, the necessary daily upkeep is up to you. Schedule time, once a day, to clear your desktop, review your schedule, and update your to-do list.

Read more tips about office organizing.

Gift Giving Guide From a Professional Organizer

December 20th, 2012

Air balloon I like giving experience gifts. They bring people together, don’t require shelf space and are often remembered far longer than anything contained in a box. For these reasons, I’m offering this gift giving guide filled with out of the box experience gift ideas for everyone on your list. It can be as easy as visiting a website and purchasing a gift certificate. The receivers of your gift can arrange a time that suits their schedule. For a central source to find experience gifts in the Chicago area visit Funsherpa online.

Experience Gift Ideas for Everyone on Your List

For book lovers, visit Anderson’s Bookstore website to see what authors will be visiting the Naperville, Ill., store. Pre-purchase a book, get tickets and attend the live event to get the book signed by the author.

For teachers, hand-written cards from students with a thoughtful message are always a favorite. Add a gift certificate for a 30-minute Chicago Jet Boat experience and let the teacher unwind in a fun and exciting way.

For families, give a visit to the Chicago Skydeck at Willis Tower. They will experience great views and interactive exhibits. Beware. The Ledge is not for the faint hearted.

Another great choice for friends is the Tall Ship Sailing Adventure.

For Foodies, check out the Chicago Food Planet Tours. Pick any of a number of food tours of the Gold Coast, Old Town, and Chinatown neighborhoods for $45. These tours offer culinary fun for those who enjoy food and historic Chicago neighborhoods.

Other out of the box experience gift ideas are:

Tai Chi classes in Chicago, Naperville, or Hanover Park.

Introduction to Polo in Wauconda, Ill. If you can sit on a horse, you are welcomed.

Private tennis class in Evanston at Robert Owens’ tennis school.

Body, Hands and Feet Spa package in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood.

A hot air balloon ride to experience the best and most beautiful views of the Chicago area.

Wrap the certificate in a pretty box and you will be giving the people you care for an experience to remember. We offer gift certificates at Clutter Coach as well. Invite your friends and family over to share stories in the comfort of your well organized home. Or give this gift to a friend or family member who you know will just love it. Enjoy the holidays!