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.