Clutter Coach Company Blog

Back to School, Back to Work

Jane — Sat, 04 Sep 2010 01:57:28 +0000

When the kids go back to school, it creates an opportunity for adults to approach their work with renewed energy and enthusiasm. Labor Day always reminds me of that.

Over the years, I’ve had many clients who felt stuck in their work environment. However, after clearing the physical clutter, they became more energized and empowered at work.

Featured Client Story: Home vs. Work Space

Joanne had a new home-based business, and was working in a small nook in the master bedroom. With a growing list of clients and projects, she was extremely frustrated by a lack of space and organization. “I had stacks of files, which meant it took forever to find things,” said Joanne.

When I met with her, we looked over the existing space and explored alternatives for office space. After discussing the options with family, Joanne’s college-age son moved his bedroom into the finished basement, and she moved her office into his room.

“I needed an objective voice to help me make this decision, and Jane helped me realize that this was a necessity for my business and peace of mind,” said Joanne. “Now everything has its place. The systems Jane put in place continue to work today.”

Morale of the story: Never underestimate the power of a fresh start.

Are your kids REALLY prepared to go back to school?

Jane — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 01:14:30 +0000

You’ve purchased the sheets, school supplies, comforter and computer, but is your son or daughter really ready to live on their own at college? Are your younger students back in learning mode? There is more to being prepared than just purchasing back-to-school gear.
Featured Client Story:
College Student Learns a Valuable Lesson
Recently, I was asked to help a mom whose son was getting ready for college. He was excited to go, but was not at all ready for the transition. His room was filled with the clutter of his childhood. There were clothes everywhere, much of which he didn’t like or wear. He had many toys and stuffed animals that could have been collected and donated. His room needed to be reviewed from top to bottom. He had no idea how to even begin the organizing process.
Together we sorted through all his belongings. What he was left with were the things he loved and used, organized so that he could easily find what he needed. He now knew exactly how to pack for college. “I have my room back. I can breathe now,” said the soon-to-be college student.
This proved to be the perfect send-off for both mother and son. The son had his room organized and learned some skills that would help him adjust to a new, smaller space. Meanwhile, Mom enjoyed the neat room, as well as her son’s growing confidence.

If you are afraid to open the door of your student’s room, don’t hesitate to call us at (847) 776-8717. A trained professional might be just what you need to get the situation under control.

BACK-TO-SCHOOL TIP
Get ready prior to the first day of school. Include kids in the organizing process and make organizing their rooms’ part of your annual ritual.

Travel Time

Jane — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 12:16:29 +0000

Traveling

It’s summer … While all of us know the benefits of travel, we may avoid it simply because it can cause additional stress.
If you are already busy, planning and executing a successful trip can be challenging. It’s one more big project to contend with. For some of us, just the thought of packing and unpacking can be enough to stop us. This is where organizing becomes important.

Being organized supports us in our lives, and can help us lead the life we choose. Being organized makes it easier to get ready for a trip and also makes re-entry less stressful.

Do you have systems that make your travel time easy? Would you travel more if you did? Let Clutter Coach help you make time for all the things you want to do. Call Jane at (847) 776-8717.

TRAVEL TIP
Create a travel and packing list. The travel list can contain items such as stop your mail, forward your phone, set your light timer, etc. The packing list can include all the items you need to pack. Also, consider creating lists for other members of your household.

Welcome Video

Jane — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 22:59:37 +0000

Check out the new welcome video! It was created to go on my website. So, not all of it will make sense, but you will get the basic ideas. Would love to know what you think. It’s on the right side of the page or you can go to www.cluttercoach.com.

Are you ready to move forward?

Jane — Sat, 29 May 2010 00:01:25 +0000

There’s a sense that things are moving again. In my neighborhood renovations are taking place. Homes are selling and people are moving. These transitions can be a challenge as well as a blessing. Much of what we do at Clutter Coach involves helping people get organized, so that they can move forward in their lives. And sometimes it is not just for them, but for their entire family.

Featured Client Story
A Mother’s Clutter Becomes a Family’s Stress
Recently, I worked with a family who was mourning the loss of their elderly mother. It was quite challenging for them to deal with what to do with all their loved one’s belongings. They were overwhelmed by the sheer volume of items that she left behind, and were afraid of losing important family heirlooms and memories. Family treasures, including an honorary medal, were mixed in with a lot of furniture, clothes and clutter the family members didn’t want or need. A tight time frame added to the stress of the situation. Clutter Coach was able to help.

“We are elated with the results of this process and can’t thank you and your crew and vendors enough for the help in managing my mother’s worldly belongings with the respect and dignity they deserved.”

Do you know someone who is facing a similar situation? Let go of the clutter and reduce stress for you and your family. We are happy to help you move forward.

National Association of Professional Organizers Conference

Jane — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 16:13:02 +0000

Just returned from the Professional Organizers conference. It was wonderful! Had a great time learning and sharing time with colleagues. Here is a photo of my friend Dorothy Breininger who stars on the A&E Hoarders program.

Jane Carroo & Dorothy Breininger

How do you know when clutter becomes a crisis?

Jane — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 17:33:51 +0000

Read the interesting article where I was interviewed about hoarding. The other people interviewed include Dorothy Breininger (A & E Hoarders), Moe Ross (Co-director of Northwest Community Counseling Services) and a client of mine.

http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=368351

Kitchen Before

: Kitchen After

Are you on track?

Jane — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 13:36:46 +0000

Have you followed your goals so far this year? Remember in January when we asked you to set some goals for the New Year and New Decade? Well, it’s springtime now and it’s time to review your progress. Are you on track? If you are, that’s great!

If not, it’s time to get a reality check on how important those goals are for you. If they are important, it’s time to get started. Many of our clients tell us that they make so much more progress when they have organizing sessions scheduled. Otherwise, they don’t make time for it and it doesn’t get done.

It’s natural for things to fall down our priority list. Will you be one of the few that reaches their goals? It’s spring and soon the kids will be getting out of school, then family and vacation time. Unfortunately, many of those organizing goals fall by the wayside then. But the good news is there’s time now. It’s time to change the clothes for the season, remove those old files, and get your home ready for some fun.

How far down the priority list will you let yourself and your home go?

Get started now!

Work Her Way Contest

Jane — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 23:00:36 +0000

Check out this great website, they’re running a contest and want comments. Great prizes from carolina pad. They’ve posted one of my articles. I’m lucky to be their organizing expert!

Comment on this article to be entered into their drawing. http://www.workherway.com/01-getahead/new-decade-new-direction

New Year – New Decade – New Direction

Jane — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 22:09:24 +0000

We’re starting a new year. It’s not only a new year, it’s a new decade. So, it’s even more important to get off on our best footing. It’s time to take stock. Figure out what is working and what needs changing. We’re empowered to check things out and consider heading in a new direction.

Here is an organized way of approaching your goals.

Get a fresh start by taking a new perspective.
Approach your home or work as if for the first time.
View each by understanding its function.
Identify anything that is unnecessary or unloved.
Take notes!
List all clutter. Anything that doesn’t add to your life, takes energy to maintain.
Think about what would be really functional, beautiful and enjoyable for you. What worked before may not meet your needs now depending on your situation. Things change!
Think purpose and benefits.
Create a plan to meet your needs.
Break it down into manageable pieces.
Add your project plans into your calendar.

Dive into the decade with direction and make your dreams come true!