Organizing Holiday Clean-up

Some tips to make holiday clean-up orderly:

• Only save what you love, use and have room to store.  Pass on, sell or donate the rest.
• Make sure all items are clean and in good repair before storing.
• Use specialty containers to protect breakable items or those difficult to store. 
• Label all containers so they can be easily located next year.
• Consider color coding containers for holiday and seasonal items. 
• Hang bows in bags on hooks rather than stacked in boxes to preserve their shape.
• Plan a clean-up time when others can help you and consider making it part of the holiday traditions.
• Add food, music, games, etc. to make the task more pleasant.
• Resist the urge to buy more holiday items just because they are on sale. 

Enjoy the Holidays

This week is not the time to worry about things or stuff.  It is the time to concentrate on people and relationships.  In the matter of a few days, all of the tinsel and lights will be gone but hopefully our friends and family will still be with us.  It is important that we make the most of our time with them and not allow the strappings of the holidays to get in the way.

Why not spend some time sharing good memories, fun times you had together, common interests and loft goals?  Reflect on what has made the relationships special and build on that.  Take photos that you can enjoy for years to come and share a story or two that can be passed down to your children.

Next week we can take care of things, but this week we should go with the flow and make the most of our time together with those we care about and love.

Organizing Holiday Cards

December usually brings greeting cards to our homes with messages, pictures and newsletters from friends and family far and near.  You can enjoy them for days or weeks by keeping them nearby during the holidays.  Decorated open baskets, bins or boxes can hold them in convenient places.  They can be opened and propped up on mantels, buffets or tables, or they can be strung across windows, walls or doorways much like clothing on a clothes line (for those of us old enough to know what a clothes line is). 

After the holidays, resist trying to keep all of them as they will create a source of clutter in a few years.  Save the photos only if you will honor them by displaying in an album, frame, scrapbook or photo box.  If cards or letters contain messages you want to save, clip those and donate the fronts of cards to nursing homes, daycares, or other places that hold craft classes or create crafting projects.  Keep a check list or data base for current addresses and other notes about the sender and update it each year.

Make decisions now so that when the holiday clean up begins, you will have a plan for those cards.

Holiday Decorating Tips

It is very easy to accumulate many holiday decorations over the years. All of these take lots of storage space not to mention the time to unpack and repack year after year.

If you choose not to have door decorations all year, consider changing from wreaths to door swags for the holidays. It is easier and less expensive to find storage containers for those. Try to find decorative elements for them that will pack without damage so it can be hung each year without a lot of fuss.

Ribbons can give a basic theme in your decorating. Purchase one large roll of ribbon that can be tied around candle bases, lamps, door knobs, greenery, etc. This makes decorating simple and effective. If you purchase the rolls on sale after the holidays, you need not save the used ribbon. It is difficult to store tied ribbons so they look fresh again next year.

Purge holiday items that are not your favorites, which you have not used lately, that have no sentimental attachments or that are not in good repair. They take up space in your home and head (remembering you have them and where to use them). Save only those you like or your children will want when you are gone.

Organizing Holiday Cooking

Starting early is certainly one way to make holiday cooking an easier task.  There are certain foods our families have come to expect this time of the year, but often we want to add something new to the celebrations.  This does not mean you need to buy another cookbook.  My guess is that you already have more than you actually use.

A clutter free way to find new ideas and recipes is to go online.  One year I tasted a chocolate dip at an event and decided I wanted to find out how to make it.  I went to Google, typed in chocolate chip dip and the web sites popped right up.  On the allrecipes.com site there were several recipes to choose and I picked the one with the ingredients I normally have.  I printed the recipe, but I could have saved it in a recipe folder on the computer and had it available there, too.

So if you want to add something new to the menu this holiday you need not spend extra money and take up extra space with more cookbooks.  In fact, this might be a good time to purge some of those you have never or rarely use and open up some space in your kitchen.  Food for thought.

Organizing Thanksgiving Week

Here are two good tips to keep Thanksgiving Week an orderly and peaceful event.
1) Use a detailed schedule to plan the activities for the week. Work backwards from the time of the big event (Thanksgiving Dinner is usually it)and schedule the activities in minutes and hours. Be flexible with the amount of time you allow for meal preparation, decorations, clean up, etc. You should do as much ahead of the big day as possible.

2) Do not leave home for Black Friday sales unless you are prepared. Use whatever media you have to decide where you should go, when you should get there and what you will buy. Make a list and stick to it. Being surrounded by great deals on so many items will tempt you to buy items you really don’t need but hate to pass up. This can be a great budget buster as well as a clutter creator. Retailers are counting on getting you in with the super sale only to have you lured into buying the other wonderful items not on your list.

Consider staying home for a peaceful end to the week and shop online if you must make purchases. Many outlets have the same sales online with free shipping this time of the year. With no parking problems, traffic jams or lines at checkout, you can have even more to be thankful for this week.

Organizing Tips for Thanksgiving

This is the week to make final plans for Thanksgiving.  Next week begins the preparation.  As you get ready for the big day there are some good organizing tips to remember.
1.  Keep good records of your planning.  This is especially important if you are entertaining at your house.  If you use a computer, you can keep a folder just for this holiday and include files regarding guest list, menu, recipes, grocery list, decorations, time schedules,etc.  If you prefer paper files, create a master folder or notebook and have a section devoted to each of these items.
2.  Make notes as you prepare your house and meal.  I print out my menu, grocery list and recipes and make notes directly on them as I proceed throughout Thanksgiving week.  If I forgot something that should have been on the list, I write it in.  If I should have invited someone that I left off, I make a note of that, etc.
3.  After the celebration, I update my files to include my evaluation of what happened.  If I had too much turkey but not enough dressing, I make a note of it.  If I didn't allow enough time for the ham to cook, I note that on my time schedule.  Anything I can think of improving or changing is recorded on the files so that I won't make the same mistakes again.

Keeping good records, notes and updates now can save you time, money and energy the next time you have your Thanksgiving feast.

Declutter for Your Health and Safety

We all can recognize that crowded hallways and other traffic lanes in a home can be hazardous.  Keeping those pathways clear prevents falls and allows us a way to exit in case of emergencies.  It is important to keep clutter from forming in these areas for safety reasons.

Another health hazard concerns the way mold and mildew can form under and around clutter. When bags of items are left on the floor for extended periods, moisture can build and create the conditions for those to appear and grow.  Make a point of putting items away as soon as possible so you don't forget and leave them where they will be neglected and become an eventual health problem.

It is not only important to keep pathways in the home clear for safety reasons, but putting items where they belong can promote a healthier environment.

Organizing After Halloween

Are you wondering what to do with all the Halloween stuff?  The candy is easy.  Send what no one likes off to work, put the chocolates in the refrigerator and place the remaining in a bowl to be available for anyone wanting to take one.  This can be at home or work.

The remaining items are not so easy.  To eliminate clutter, see if any of the costume pieces and decorations can be recycled for the remaining fall decor.  If not, save only those things that will be in great shape next year.  Place those in a labeled container and store out of site.  A garage shelf, attic or basement area is the best place. 

The best organizing recommendation is to avoid owning too many decorative things that can become clutter.  Avoid purchasing items that cannot be transformed into a suitable use throughout many seasons.  Recycling is good for the environment, the pocketbook and effective organizing.

Trick or Treat Suggestions

This week ends with Halloween and the flood of kids at your door dressed in their festive costumes will be ready for your handout.

A few tips come to mind as we prepare for this invasion.  First you want to be sure the pathway to your door is safe.  Remember to clean the driveway, sidewalk, steps and porch while it is still daylight.  Fallen leaves can be slippery especially when wet so they should be removed as well as any toys, twigs, etc.  Make sure this area is well lit by leaving your porch light and any other light fixtures on during the Trick or Treat hours.  Those hours are set by each locality.

Your method for handing out candy this year is especially significant this year since the H1Ni and other flu viruses are spreading rapidly so much earlier than the normal flu seasons.  It is recommended that you give only individually pre-wrapped candy and keep it in a convenient basket, bowl or other container that is easy for you to manage at the door.  You should not allow each child to reach into your container to get the candy since each one could be contaminating the other pieces with his hands.  Rather, you should choose and drop the candy into each child's bag yourself.  Keep hand sanitizer near the door and use it yourself as often as you think necessary.

As an extra precaution, you may want to use disinfecting wipes to clean your doorbell or door handles if you keep it closed between visitors.  This can be done periodically during the evening or at the end when Trick or Treating is over.  It is a shame we need to be so careful, but it is always better to be safe than sorry and we want to do our part in keeping our homes and neighbors as healthy and safe as possible.

Holiday and Seasonal Wreaths

Living in the colonial area of Virginia all of my life, I have become accustomed to seeing wreaths on doors as decorations.  This is especially true during the winter holidays.  Unfortunately, storing them can be an organizational problem.

If you have considerable or unused storage space, I recommend using the plastic or cardboard containers designed especially for wreaths.  Over time they will save you time, space and money in storage of these items.

If storage space is limited or becoming crowded, I recommend owning only one wreath for your door.  Choose a basic wreath color that contrasts with the color of your door.  Natural grape vines, cane or straw as well as artificial greenery or other bases are sturdy and can last many years.  To it add an inexpensive bow and/or swags of color.  Swags of leaves for fall, flowers for spring and summer and holly with berries  for winter can be purchased inexpensively to add to the base.  Even the dollar type stores carry suitable items for the base.

When the season has ended, dispose of the unsuitable decorations.  They have probably faded and become soiled anyway.  Then purchase a new set for the next season.  The expense of new decorative items is off set by the initial cost of different wreaths for each season and the storage requirements they have. 

More Tips on Holiday Cards

Since holiday cards are displayed so early and they are picked over long before mailing, I have already reminded you now is the time to find the best selection.  I have a few other suggestions.

1.  Consider choosing one design for everyone and adding a personl note to make it special.  Save one of the cards with the year written on it so you will know you have used it and when.

2.  If you do not have time for personal notes in each card or if you want to add a family newsletter, make the newsletter short and sweet.  The shorter the sweeter it is.  While it is fine to mention you took a trip to China, you need not list every city you visited.  If your child graduated from college, you do not need to list all of the awards and job offers.  Tell the news but leave off the bragging.  In addition, it will take time to read the newsletter and most people do not take the time to do that while opening the daily mail.  One paragraph that you are alive and well on planet earth is fine.  A family picture printed on the page or added is good, too.  Just remember, less is more.

3.  Keep your address file up to date so cards are not returned because of incorrect address.  And when you receive a card, check the return address to be sure that is the one you have on file.

4.  Purchase "forever" stamps and resist the urge to buy holiday stamps unless you are sure you will use all of them.  If the price of postage goes up, your "forever" stamps will still be accepted and you will not have to purchase or add those one cent stamps.

Holiday Planning for October

Before the Halloween costumes are put on sale, many retailers have already displayed their Thanksgiving and Christmas decorations.  Unfortunately this means the best selection for those items are available now and some desirable items may be sold before we are ready to use them.

One item that should be purchased early is holiday cards.  Consider purchasing one style for most or all of your list to make the task easier to accomplish.  Gifts that need to be sent out of town should also be purchased early so mailing deadlines can be met.  This is especially true for those shipped out of the country.

Planning on using items already in the home as part of holiday decorations will save time, space and money.  Adding holiday bows to candles, lamps, railings, etc. is one simple way to add color and a festive atmosphere rather than purchasing special items to fill those spaces.  Planning now will make that activity easier later on in the season.

Organizing Tips for Fall

Cooler weather in most parts of the country is a welcome change for most of us.  As nice as summer weather can be, change is good and the fall colors on the deciduous trees makes this time of the year even more enjoyable.  Fall is also a good time to organize certain parts of your home.

Now is the time to assess your wardrobe and purge cool weather clothing that no longer is useful to you.  Styles change, clothing may be in disrepair or your may have changed sizes over the summer.  Whatever the reason, if parts of your wardrobe will not be used in the future, remove them and pass them on to a more useful purpose.  If they are in good shape, they can be sold, donated or passed on to someone that would enjoy them.  If they are in disrepair and cannot be fixed, perhaps an animal shelter coud use them as bedding.

Outdoor equipment for entertaining and yard and garden tools should be cleaned and prepared for storage.  Keep those rakes handy for raking leaves if you are one of those who have been blessed with shade trees but clean them after their final use.  Finding a suitable space for outdoor items during the colder months can be difficult but new products have been introduced that will protect them from the elements.  Check with your local garden supply or home improvement stores to see what is available in your area.

Where Do You Start?

If you are overwhelmed at disorganization around you, the best advice is to start in a small area first.  It may be a kitchen drawer or one shelf in a bookcase, but making it organized  will give you a sense of accomplishment and the motivation to move on to other areas.

Another approach may be to tackle the area that irritates you most.  If it is stack of papers on the kitchen counter, getting those sorted and off that surface will give you added counter space as well as peace of mind.

Regardless of the approach, doing something will start you on your way.

Paper or Plastic?

Many grocery stores and other retail outlets have added a new option to packing your items.  It is the bag made from recycled materials.  They come in many colors and often have the store logo printed on them. While not everything that is promoted under the "going green" agrees with my preferences, I do love these new bags.

In fact, I have found I use them for many things in the house in additionn to carrying groceries home.  Because the bottom of these bags are wider than most, they are able to carry or contain items that are not suitable for most tote bags.  Those with the reinforced bottoms of plastic or covered cardboard are the most useful as they create a firm structure for placing items. 

Some uses are carring books to the library, containing craft items, storing purses, packing dry goods for a picnic, etc.   If you have not tried them, you may be surprised at how useful they can be.

What About Self Storage Units?

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/06/magazine/06self-storage-t.html

Check out this very enlightening article about the use of self storage units.  If you are renting one, you may find yourself described in it.

One of the most intersting comments was from a man who said he was storing a table that cost him $1000 because he didn't want to sell it in a yard sale for $10.  But if it is costing him $100 a month to rent the storage unit, he will have paid for that table again in 10 months and if he leaves it there 5 years, it will cost him $6000.  Is his table worth that much?  Better to have $10 in the pocket than a table and $6000 disappeared.

Unless there is a very temporary need for self storage, it is much better to donate unwanted items or those no longer needed to a better use or sell them for whatever the market will bear.  Keeping items in self storage for a rainy day may cause a flood of financial distress.

Is There Hope for Chronic Disorganization?

Absolutely yes, there is hope for anyone experiencing disorganization.  There may not be the 60 minute miracle you see on several popular television programs, but it is possible to change the situation. 

The A & E channel is now showing a series of programs on hoarding, an extreme area of disorganization.  It can also be downloaded from their web site.  One of the more important aspects of these programs is the hopelessness that the clients display.  With years of accumulation of all kinds of things and refusal to deal with their situation, most have been threatened with eviction from their homes. 

Just as it took many years for their environments to become inhabitable, it will take time for emotional and mental attitudes about their "things" to be resolved and their homes to be changed into safe, clean and pleasant places to live.  Their willingness to work with a team of specialists including therapists and professional organizers will make the journey more successful.

Most of us have never experienced disorganization to this extreme, but we all need to be aware that over time any situation can deteriorate if we are not diligent to maintain a satisfactory level of organization in our homes.  Professional organizers can help with strategies and solutions that will make that process easier and more successful.

What is Being Organized?

They say beauty is in the eye of the beholder and in some ways, being organized means different things to different people.  Even professional organizers differ in the way they define and characterize being organized.  Regardless of the definitions, being organized is a positive thing just as being disorganized has negative connotations.

It is true each of us will have our own organizing styles just as we have individual personalities and preferences.  But there are some common threads that characterize organized spaces.

1.  They have items arranged so they are not overcrowded.  There are not too many items in the space and each can be accessed easily. 
2.  Similar items are grouped together.  We call it "like with like". 
3.  Items are contained so they remain in their designeated space without falling out or wandering into other spaces.
4.  Items are placed where they are used.  The more frequently they are used, the closer they should be.
5.  Every item has a permanent, specific home.  Nothing else is put in that space so it can always be found and always be returned to its home.

In organized spaces, any item can be found withing a minute, cleaning is easier and spaces have a sense of calm and peace.  We live in a universe with orderly systems all around us and I believe we can never be truly content until our personal spaces are orderly too.

Back to School Starts at Home

Most parents are anxiously preparing for the first day of the new school year by purchasing the items requested on the teacher's or school's supply lists. But this activity is only a small part of making the year more successful for the children.

Getting the house in back to school mode is also necessary. Some activities that need to be considered are: establishing a drop off and pick up area in the home for book bags, athletic equipment, etc.; creating a study zone for homework; setting up a schedule for after school activities, homework and family time; maintaining a central message and planning area and providing routines that work for everyone.

Each family will adapt these activities to their preferences and ages of the children, but making sure everyone is on board from the first day is important. Creating a checklist for each child, maintaining a school activities and events calendar as well as checking the teacher's web site can also help in keeping up with daily schedules and staying ahead of possible changes and special events.

As the school year progresses, changes can be made to adapt to new activities. Flexibility and preparedness will make transitions much easier for everyone. Keeping a positive attitude goes a long way in success for everyone.

Rubbermaid's Easy Find Lids Containers

Rubbermaid is now providing storage bowls that have tight fitting plastic lids, the “Easy Find Lids Containers”. For those who prefer microwaving, these are perfect for storing leftovers and then reheating without the lids. (Cover with paper to prevent splattering.)
They are available individually and in sets. As resusable containers, perfect for the refrigerator, freezer, microwave and dishwasher, you can't find anything any better. They are good for going green, too. Check them out wherever you find Rubbermaid products.

Crafting Can Get Crazy

Making something with your own hands is an opportunity to be creative and produce something that will enhance your life and often that of others. It is rewarding to see the items you have created be appreciated by others and sometimes be a source of additional income.

Those who have these unique abilities often find themselves learning more and more crafting techniques and building an accumulation of supplies that are needed to make the products. When there is no limit to the kinds and amounts of projects, disorganization can occur.

As a professional organizer and former craftaholic, I can recommend limiting the number of different crafts you make. If you love sewing, limit yourself to projects that use fabrics. It may be quilts (my favorite), purses, aprons, jumpers or tote bags. If you like rubber stamping and papers, limit yourself to cards, scrapbooks, invitations, etc. If you like beading, limit yourself to making jewelry, embellishing clothing and other accessories. In other words, try to stick with crafts that are related in the supplies they require.

The problem occurs if you try to do beading, rubber stamping, sewing or other combinations of crafting. Unless you have a very large space for storage and working, it is very difficult to organize so many different types of supplies. For those who do have large workrooms, keeping the different craft supplies in separate zones makes is much easier to store and access those items.

Crafting is a great outlet for relieving stress and producing objects that can bless you and others. Keeping the amount of supplies to a reasonable number is an exercise in self discipline. We all can use more of that.

Suitcase Organizing

This year I have travelled more than any other year and I am fine tuning the art of packing a suitcase. I will admit I am high maintenance so this ritual is always problematic.

At the professional organizers conference in April, I was challenged by another organizer to reduce the amount of stuff I pack. She had flown to Florida with only one 21" suitcase that fit in the overhead compartment of the plane. I had travelled in my van with that suitcase, the 26" version and an overnight toiletries bag.


My last trip was for 9 days and included a dress up affair as well as more casual events and 4 stops along the way. I eliminated the 26" suitcase so there was a measure of success in downsizing. One good organizing strategy I used was to pack my most travel friendly clothing so wrinkles would not be an issue. Knits are better than woven fabrics for packing and blends or synthetics are better than cotton and linen. They are not more comfortable but they look better after being crushed for several hours. If ironing is an option after you arrive, any fabric will do.


There will be more travelling in my future so I am testing all new clothing with the "ball it up in your hand" method to determine its travel worthiness. Taking items that can be hand washed and will dry quickly is another good strategy to reduce the number of similar items needed. Finally, good wardrobe planning with clothing pieces that can be used several times is the best way to reduce the amount of items.


Planning, practice and persistence are always good strategies for any organizational problem and should make suitcase organizing more successful with each trip. Now I must practice what I preach.

About That Laundry

Just like dirty dishes, there is never an end to the laundry pile. Managing it so that it doesn't take over your life is a worthwhile and attainable goal.

And just like the dirty dishes, if you take care of a smaller amount at a time, the task is not as overwhelming. Putting a load in the washer before leaving for work or in the morning if you are home everyday or every other day will start the process. The load can be moved to the dryer in the afternoon and retrieved before going to bed. This will keep the task from being an all consuming activity.

Use as few hampers as possible, but be sure they are convenient to children so they aren't tempted to throw their clothing on the floor. And remember, if it is not in a hamper, it will not be washed. Stick to that rule for everyone in the house.

Freedom From Stuff

This past 4th of July weekend had me thinking about more about freedom than I have in the past few years. I am certainly grateful for the freedoms we have in this country, freedoms that were won with very costly sacrifices. But today my thoughts are on being free from the stuff we have.

Too much stuff takes away our freedom to enjoy what we have. It crowds our spaces so we can't enjoy our homes. We are continually moving things around to clean or be comfortable because stuff is in the way. It crowds our schedules with too many things to clean and maintain. The bottom line of this is how it robs us of time for our family and friends.

To be free from stuff will require some costly sacrifices. It will require letting go of things you purchased that were never used, things that have emotional attachments but are boxed up and never enjoyed, things that are crowding out the more important things and things you simply don't like but feel guilty about letting go.

If you have just too much stuff, let this be the time you will take the first step towards the freedom of more space in your home and time in your day.

Organizing Collectibles

We love collecting things. For some it is a hobby, for some a passion and for others an obsession. Perhaps we simply love those things or we possibly think that one day they will be so valuable that we can sell them and send a kid to college or retire early.

Problems in collecting can occur, however, when you no longer have space for the collections. If you are collecting simply for the enjoyment these things bring, then you should display them so they can be enjoyed. Storing them in a box in a closet or the attic is not enjoying them. If they are seasonal items, then rotate the items when appropriate. If you simply do not have the space to enjoy them, then consider choosing the most special items to display and find another home for those remaining.

Some options for a new home might be family members or friends that appreciate the items and would display them. You could also sell the items to someone who respects their value and is willing to pay you for the privilege of owning them.

If you are collecting for a future return on your investment, then be sure to keep an accurate inventory of the items, consider insuring them and monitor their value on a regular basis. You just might be able to send that kid to Harvard one day.

How Many Magazines?

After looking at 3 large cardboard boxes of magazines in a garage, I started thinking about how many you should keep. To be realistic, you need to consider how many minutes or hours in a day you can devote to reading. Most of us have very little so we have to decide what is the most important thing for us during that time.

Since 70%-80% of magazine pages contain advertisements, the best use of time would be flip through the magazine quickly and to tear out any articles or pictures you want to keep and store those in a folder. Editors will admit they recycle article ideas every 2-3 years with just an update, so keeping magazines longer than that is repetitive. In addition, most information is available on the Internet and it will not clutter your space assuming you will refrain from printing everything.

To set yourself free from the magazine clutter, do not continue your present subscriptions no matter how good the offer. Tear out any articles you must keep and donate the rest to your local doctor's office, beauty shop, emergency care facility or other waiting rooms. If you have ever spent considerable time in those, you know they need them.

Pictures for Inventory

There are many good reasons to take pictures of your spaces. Last time I wrote about using them as an instructor in knowing how to get started in organizing. But pictues can also be used to keep a record of your household inventory.

For insurance purposes, you should have an itemized list of the things in your space. This would include all of your furnishings as well as personal belongings and financial records. Most professional organizers support the idea of being very thorough and detailed in your descriptions. The easiest way to approach the project is with pictures.

Begin by taking pictures of every room. This would inclue the walls and floor so all the furnishings are captured. If any of the furnishings contain drawers, cabinet doors or shelves, take pictures of the contents in them. Don't forget closets. Depending on your camera memory, this make take several rounds of taking pictures, downloading them, clearing the camera card memory and staring over again. If you are not using a digital camera, you will need lots of film.

After all of the pictures are stored or developed, being making a list of everything you have. Where appropriate, list the approximate original cost and purchase date. While personal items may change frequently, having a base list of your possessions will make an accounting of your things so much easier should the need arise.

Make copies of this list and store them in a fireproof box, a safety deposit box, of off site with family or friends. Keeping a copy in your emergency exit files is a good idea, too.

No one wants to think about a disaster affecting them or their home, but being prepared for one is a proactive way to protect what you own.

Picture Perfect Places

Have you ever thought, where do I begin to organize this room? If so, you might want to consider taking pictures of that space.

Using your camera, take shots from several views so that none of the details in the room are missed. Depending on the type of camera you use, print the pictures so you can study the elements in the room. I think you will be amazed at the items you see on paper.

Many of the things in the room that you hardly noticed before will now appear to have more significance. This is because we get so used to seeing some things that they become like background wallpaper. We hardly notice them.

This is particularly true of clutter or extra "stuff" that takes away from the attractiveness of the space. The picture reveals this in a way our eyes will miss or take for granted.

To organize the space, begin removing those clutter items. Pay close attention to things that are on the floor, the items stacked on tables or other surfaces, and the amount of space around the furnishings. To create a room that appears organized and spacious, you may need to rearrange some of the furniture or eliminate a few pieces.

After your initial organizing session, take more pictures from the same views and compare the before and after shots. You may be pleasantly surprised. If not, keep trying until the room is picture perfect. And let me know if I can help you with it.

Ziploc's New Flexible Tote

Arriving in stores this month is the new storage product from Ziploc, Flexible Totes. Unlike the flat Big Bags, this product is deeper for storing bulky items. I previewed this product at the 2009 conference Expo of the National Association of Professional Organizers.

With a standard zipper top, it can be filled and then closed much like plastic bins but it is flexible and soft. It has a mesh insert that allows more flexibility after it is filled and air to flow in and out preventing mildew from forming. It can be found wherever an expanded line of Ziploc products are sold. As a more structured alternative to the Big Bag, it gets an A+ and the handles make it much easier to carry. It comes in two sizes, XL and XXL and is reasonably priced. Check one out.