http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogList.asp?sort=organizer&schedule=30 Are you overwhelmed by the clutter in your home, and the wasted time and energy spent searching for misplaced items? Do you fear unexpected company dropping by? YOU ARE NOT ALONE! In fact ... I've been right where you may feel right now! Why do we struggle so with creating and maintaining order and calm in our home? Well, here's a reality check for you! Did you know that our homes have doubled in size since the 1970's and the average home today contains 50% more stuff than in the 1980's. So the life we live now is far different than the generation before, and our relationship to our stuff has changed as well. For these reasons and so many more, it is imperative today that we create a safe haven in our home. A place where we can retreat from modern life to rest and regenerate our energy supply for the next day. If we return home after a stressful day dealing with the demands of daily life, to an even more stressful environment full of distractions and clutter ... then when do we ever have a break from it all? A time to be at peace, to rest, and re-energize our batteries? I invite you to join me every Monday to explore the many benefits and recipe for creating The Simplified Home. Wed, 11 Nov 2009 08:45:16 EST en-us http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2712 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2712 Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:04:26 EST Trying to get things done around the house, but feeling overwhelmed by your never-ending list of things-to-do? Here's a simple system that works. Make a Master Task List of everything you have to, or want, to do. Don't worry about the order right now. You're basically brain-dumping on paper all your To-Do 's to get the thoughts out of your head and onto paper. This exercise creates a master laundry list of tasks. Now, beside each task on your master list, ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2699 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2699 Tue, 3 Nov 2009 23:05:29 EST I'm a busy mom with school-aged kids, so it goes without saying that we experience hectic school day mornings. If your mornings are chaotic like ours, follow these get-organized tips to ensure a smooth to and from school routine. Make mornings flow smoothly by getting everything ready the night before. Have school bags packed and placed by the door and tomorrow's outfits laid out. Organize your kid's departure and arrival spot (I call this the launching and landing pad). ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2575 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2575 Mon, 14 Sep 2009 10:00:00 EST In most homes, sock piles abound! Socks seem to have a life of their own. How do they end up in so many places throughout our home? Socks travel through several stages in the wash and wear cycle - from dresser drawer, being worn, to the washer, dryer, then sorted and matched with their mate, before they make it safely back to the dresser drawer. With so many steps in the process, no wonder they get lost and mismatched. Socks that end up in mismatched piles and never make it safely ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2546 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2546 Mon, 7 Sep 2009 10:00:00 EST Everyone is worried about the current state of our economy, with good reason. But much of what is going on globally is out of our control. What we do have control over is how we spend our own money. One of the easiest ways to reduce household spending is to use coupons when you shop. It's a no brainer ... if you found fifty-cents, seventy-five cents ... a dollar on the floor, wouldn't you pick it up and feel like luck was on your side that day? Isn't using coupons like finding ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2545 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2545 Mon, 31 Aug 2009 10:00:00 EST A new school year is once again upon us. Ugh! Is it just me, or do you dread the back to school rush too? Our summers are getting shorter and shorter every year! My kids had the shortest summer yet - just 2 months. As parents, we have great hopes for a smooth transition from relaxing summer days to the hustle and bustle of homework, tests, project deadlines and school activities. It's easy to think that just by purchasing that new trendy school supply, your child will instantly ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2544 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2544 Thu, 27 Aug 2009 15:59:07 EST News Flash … we are not born organized. Organization is a learned skill. Just as children are taught to do long division, hit a baseball, or play a musical instrument, they learn organizational skills, like how to organize their space, time, and tasks. As the adult in their lives, it's your important job to pass along helpful tips for organizing success. Here are a few ideas: Help create a habit of doing homework in the same place, at the same time, every day. Teach time ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2485 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2485 Fri, 7 Aug 2009 09:53:01 EST In every home that I visit, unused greeting cards abound. Here's what happens. You try to plan ahead and buy cards for loved ones who have a special day coming up. You take the card home and throw it in a pile until you need to send it. Then when that time comes you can't find the card amidst the clutter and have to go buy another. So when the first greeting card reappears, the need for that card no longer exists, so it either stays in a clutter pile or goes into the dark hole of unused ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2429 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2429 Mon, 13 Jul 2009 10:00:00 EST How (and how much) you pack can greatly impact your comfort level while on vacation. Follow these tips as you pack your bags . • Pack light. When in doubt, leave it out! Adopt a European standard for fashion by wearing your favorite things multiple times while on vacation. You can hand-wash in the hotel sink if necessary. No one ever wishes they had brought more stuff on vacation! (But you might consider bringing an empty duffel bag or backpack to cart home souvenirs.) ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2428 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2428 Thu, 9 Jul 2009 16:30:09 EST Summer vacation season is upon us once again. We all look forward to the fun and relaxation of vacations, but sometimes the planning, packing and prepping leave you more stressed out than if you had just stayed home. No need to fear – In my 5-Part series on organized vacation planning, I'll help you plan an organized vacation, whether it's a quick weekend getaway or a month-long European vacation. From helpful packing tips to keeping kids (and grown-ups) happy on a long ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2277 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2277 Mon, 8 Jun 2009 10:00:00 EST Back in April I wrote a post about the best time of year to buy to get the best deals on all kinds of products, from DVDs to automobiles. This is the second part of that post which picks up with the second half of the year from July to December. July Computers - July and August, or right after a new model is launched. Buying slightly older technology offers great savings opportunities. Swimwear - As the swimming season draws to a close in July and August, ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2338 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2338 Mon, 25 May 2009 10:00:00 EST If you're like me, you're anxiously awaiting warm weather fun and relaxation. It's time to come out of winter hybernation, clear out the clutter and get organized so you and your family can fully enjoy all the season has to offer. To help you get your home in tip top shape and to be the best family manager you can be, I'm delighted to announce my second book: " Home Organization Secrets for Busy Moms " To keep the price low, this valuable home management ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2276 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2276 Mon, 13 Apr 2009 10:00:00 EST I don't advocate buying stuff that you don't need. However, if you've researched an item and determined that it is needed and/or will enhance your life, then I do advocate saving as much money on your purchase as possible. So you've done your research and you know what you plan to purchase. When is the best time to buy to get the best deals? You might just find that consulting your calendar will help you get the best deals. Certain times of the year – or even days of the ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2215 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2215 Mon, 16 Mar 2009 10:00:00 EST Spring is almost here! Are you as ready as I am to get outdoors and get your yard ready for spring? But how easy will that be if your garage has turned into a wasteland of clutter and junk you've been saving for years? The U.S. Department of Energy reports that 25-percent of people with two-car garages don't have room to park any cars inside, and 32-percent only have room for one vehicle. Consider how little value that junk stored in the garage has vs. the value of the cars that ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2164 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2164 Mon, 2 Mar 2009 10:00:00 EST In this economic climate we are all looking for strategies to reduce our living expenses and hopefully in a eco-friendly way. When it comes to saving energy in your home, lighting is an easy place to start, according to Edison Electric Institute. You may wonder what lighting has to do with achieving a simplified home. Quite a bit actually. Simplifying your home environment and life includes more than organizing your stuff, containers, and everything you own having a home. Simplifying life ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2163 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2163 Mon, 23 Feb 2009 10:00:00 EST My mind is always racing with blogging topic ideas. I'll say to myself that I want to develop a blog post various topics. But sometimes there's just not time to pull it all together, but I still want to share the thoughts. So today, I'm just going to share a couple of quick resources available for unique client needs. National Odd Shoe Exchange (N.O.S.E.) - http://www.oddshoe.org - In my Professional Organizer's networking group I just learned about this not-for-profit ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2162 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2162 Mon, 16 Feb 2009 10:00:00 EST When it comes to taking care of your biggest investment ~ your home, there are a lot of things that you need to manage and keep organized. In most households, these tidbits of information are spread out throughout the home ~ instruction manuals and receipts stuffed in a drawer, paint numbers on the top of a paint can in the garage. Does that sound familiar? With home maintenance and repair, it is important to be organized and current on everything that you have done to your house. It is easy to ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2161 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2161 Mon, 9 Feb 2009 10:00:00 EST It's true that our sluggish economy is keeping many people in their current home who desire to downsize to smaller quarters, because they fear not being able to sell their home. There is actually so much you can do during this economic downturn to prepare for the downsizing move, so when the economy begins to recover, you're ready to take action. A downsizing move requires a different mindset than likely any other move you've experienced. The concept for a downsizing move is to ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2130 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2130 Mon, 19 Jan 2009 10:00:00 EST When it comes to being a new parent, there is always a need for tools and systems to stay on top of your new life and your sanity. Do you often feel like you'd loose your head if it wasn't screwed on? I sure did when my kids were little. The organized world I'd devised prior to kids went out the window when I adopted my first daughter at ten months old. Since most of my clients are busy families, I often hear moms say "I used to be so organized before I had kids" If you're a ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2121 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2121 Wed, 14 Jan 2009 12:30:13 EST When it comes to your medical bills and records, you are probably like 90% of the population. You get an explanation of benefits (EOB) for a recent doctor's visit and it goes in one of two places. The EOB gets shredded or perhaps, you keep it and throw it in a drawer. Then what happens when you receive a bill from the doctor's office stating the insurance denied the charge and you owe the entire amount. A frantic search ensues to find the Dr. appointment receipt and EOB so you ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2119 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2119 Wed, 14 Jan 2009 11:07:53 EST Movies and TV shows have depicted the drama that comes from the emotional and complex job of dividing inherited items among family. Most families can tell stories about fights that have broken out over Mom's good china or Grandma's doll collection. Perhaps you have already experienced this madness and fighting, but hopefully you have been spared so far from this torture. I've experienced this twice in my family ~ one experience was a positive one of reflection and family bonding. ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2039 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2039 Mon, 8 Dec 2008 10:00:00 EST For most parents, trying to go out for a night without the children can be a daunting task. There are many issues that you have to remember to tell any babysitter that when it comes to taking care of those that you hold dear. These issues are typically the same each time, so why recreate the wheel each time and rely on your frazzled brain to remember all the details. Make the task of updating your babysitter on everything that she needs to know easy and painless. Most parents tell their ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2022 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2022 Mon, 1 Dec 2008 10:00:00 EST 10 Critical Tips for Clearing Office Clutter Having trouble finding your desk amidst the clutter? Follow these easy steps, consistently, and you'll experience greater focus and productivity as a result. 1. Define the purpose of each space in your office and be sure that everyone who shares the space understands how it is to be used. 2. Keep only high-use items on your desktop - computer, telephone, project files, good lighting, notepaper, stapler, To Do list, calendar/planner, and ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2004 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2004 Mon, 17 Nov 2008 10:00:00 EST The holiday season is usually a time to deck the halls, feel jolly and gather with family and friends. Unfortunately, the stresses of the season – buying presents, preparing holiday feasts and playing host to family and friends – can make the holidays anything but merry! During the hustle and bustle of this hectic time of year, women often feel responsible for making the holidays perfect. This can leave you feeling overwhelmed and pressed for time, stressed out and exhausted. Still, it's ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=1890 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=1890 Mon, 10 Nov 2008 10:00:00 EST In the past 20 years, childhood obesity has tripled in teenagers and doubled in younger children. While these statistics may be alarming and cause for concern for parents, they also don't have to be a permanent reality. Incorporating household chores into a child's daily routine has many benefits, two of which are contributing to your child's overall health and to your child's sense of self-sufficiency and confidence. Unfortunately, however, it was recently reported in the Wall ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=1889 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=1889 Mon, 3 Nov 2008 10:00:00 EST What age do you think that kids should start contributing to household chores? Kids of all ages can and should be taught by their parents the value of organizing and cleaning up after themselves. If parents teach them in an age-appropriate, structured way, it's a value that will stick with them throughout their lives and help them to be successful. Parents can teach their kids by establishing regular routines for other things, like bedtimes, meals and chores. Kids will soon learn what is ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=1887 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=1887 Mon, 20 Oct 2008 10:00:00 EST With families so busy these days, the laundry room can be one of the most cluttered areas of a home. Kids are notorious for changing clothes frequently and adults often drop items as they come in the door. Often by the end of the week, the laundry room and hampers are overflowing and the weekend is spent performing the arduous task of doing laundry. So how does a busy family spend less time doing laundry and more time enjoying the weekend? By organizing the laundry process and laundry room to ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=1886 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=1886 Mon, 13 Oct 2008 10:00:00 EST Much of the time, clutter around the home is caused by family members being too busy or careless to put things away after using them. Adults may say to themselves as they set purses, keys, shoes, mail or other personal items down "I'll just put this here for now", and pretty soon big piles and clutter results. Kids often leave out their toys, school supplies or other personal items lying around underfoot. One easy way to reduce clutter in your home is to remember to never leave a room ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=1836 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=1836 Mon, 6 Oct 2008 10:00:00 EST Praise is an essential part of offering regular encouragement to a child who would otherwise find the task of household chores undesirable. It also helps remind children that their contributions to the household are appreciated and a necessary component to its functionality. Young children respond especially well to verbal praise, as it contributes to their sense of self-worth. Small children desire to be valued by the grown-ups in their lives and will often repeat behavior that leads to ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=1885 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=1885 Mon, 29 Sep 2008 10:00:00 EST Does your family have a lot of food clutter? You know, the unused portions of veggies, rice or pasta from last night's dinner that no one wants to eat? Those little bits of bread or rolls left in the bag or the uneaten popcorn? Or the two for one special that you couldn't pass up? It seems that no matter how much we try to save money, it's easy to buy too much food for our family and create unnecessary waste. It's really a shame that so many people throw out perfectly good food. ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=1834 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=1834 Mon, 22 Sep 2008 10:00:00 EST While there are no set rules on the amount of time a parent can expect his child to do chores, there are generally accepted guidelines about what chores a child can handle based on age and maturity and how long each chore should take. However well-meaning a parent may be when assigning chores, many still find that they become frustrated when their child takes an inordinate amount of time to complete relatively simple chores. There could be a number of reasons why the child takes so much time ...