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Organizing a Closet in 5 Steps

shoe organization

Are you longing for an organized closet, but don’t know where to begin or have a limited budget? Today, I’m contributing at Wayfair’s blog,  My Way Home and sharing five simple, budget-friendly ideas for making your closet more organized. Several of the solutions are free and you can do right now! Head to My Way Home to find out more.

Happy organizing!

Cristin

* photo credit: BHG

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Read full story By on December 10, 2012 in Closets, Decluttering, Organization, organization tips, Organizational tips, Tips/Tricks, Wayfair

Time Management Tips :: Block It

Time. We never seem to find enough of it. Like many my activities and tacks vary from day to day. Writing, administrative work, on-site consulting, as well as exercising, volunteering and taking care of a busy family are just some of the things I fit into a busy week. Juggling too many activities without boundaries can lead to missed appointments, unhappy customers and frustrated family members. Incorporating time management is something I’ve embraced over the years and have learned many valuable lessons. The number one lesson in time management is to “time block.”

 

Pink and Orange Apple Clock by Jonathan Adler

 

{image courtesy of Jonathan Adler}

What is time blocking? Blocking time is essentially setting specific time slots for each activity. It sounds simple, but so many don’t block time for every activity and thus get overwhelmed, distracted and wind up not completing tasks.

Erin Condren Daily Planner 2013 {image via  Erin Condren}

To get started, first you need to pick a unified calendar either online {MS Outlook, Yahoo, Google, etc.} or a traditional {here are my top ten daily planners for 2013}. You can use different colors or buckets for work or life, but one calendar ensures that your obligations don’t get overlooked. If you want your weekends to be time off from work, you should block it into your schedule. Otherwise there is the risk that your work will creep into your personal time. In addition, you should be as specific as you can with your time block schedule.

Still Time to Change the Road You're On
{image via Amy Rice Art}

A benefit from time blocking is it eliminates toggling between tasks. The less we switch tasks, the more focused and efficient our brains can work. Our productivity also improves. It’s important that when you block out time for tasks you remain focused without interruptions {i.e. avoid taking phone calls, etc.}.

Another benefit to time blocking is it stops you from procrastinating. Many of my clients have projects and clutter that is so overwhelming they can’t bring themselves to even start. Instead of tackling the project all at once, it’s best to break the project into smaller, more manageable tasks. Then assign time slots for each task. Remember to assign times during the day that are best for the task and least likely get distracted {i.e. in the morning when the kids are at school, on the weekend when a friend can help, etc.} It’s important that when you block out time for tasks you remain focused without interruptions such as phone calls.

Time Management Quote

Is it time for you to try time blocking?


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Read full story By on August 27, 2012 in daily planners, Organization, Organizational tips, time management, Uncategorized

Guest Post: Organizing School Paperwork

As we all know, managing paperwork can get out of hand. With the right system in place however, it can be very simple.

Today I am thrilled to have Jen from one of my favorite home organizing blogs, I heart organizing here today to show us how she keeps the school paperwork from her three boys in order… and stylishly I might add. I will be downloading the darling {and free} file labels for sure! Thanks Jen!!!

I heart organizing blog jen
Each and every day when my little ones hop off of the bus and come running in through the front door, they take off all their gear and give their mama some major hugs!  That’s my favorite part.  And then they take out piles and piles of paperwork.  Piles.  And more piles.  It’s like crazy amounts of papers each and every day.
Tackling these piles can quickly get overwhelming, since it seems never ending.  And if they don’t get dealt with, the piles can create mass chaos…. I know, I have been there!
We typically go through all of their work, and file all the necessities in their personal bins.

This is always our “go to” place for all things related to the kid’s schooling and activities.  However, to ensure the bin doesn’t overflow with all the papers I can’t part with, I had created this binder system to house all my favs.

organizing kids schoolwork binder

I actually pre-made three binders that matched for all of my boys, even though Parker hadn’t even started school yet.  Because I wanted them all to match.  And this crazy girl thought that she could get ALL of their elementary paperwork into one binder….
I tend to hold on to all their important tests, report cards, paperwork showing milestones being made, etc… and it ended up being more than I originally planned for.  And that’s ok.  It is always one of my favorite ways to go down memory lane with the little ones… they really get a kick out of looking at their older papers as well.  So instead of pairing down even more, which tends to be my first reaction, I decided I needed a new storage approach.  One that will be manageable as they continue to learn and grow, yet is easy to maintain.
So I snagged three file boxes.  You can get them anywhere, office supply stores, Target and Walmart, Amazon…  They come in so many shapes and sizes and colors!
how to organizing kids schoolwork
The goal was to place thirteen hanging files into each file box.  One file for each grade, Kindergarten through Twelfth.
Enter these labels {notice they look slightly different from my photos due to a recent formatting update to accommodate more users}:
free labels for organizing kids schoolwork
free file labels for kids schoolwork
You can download them for free!  I just printed the labels out on standard address labels and popped them on each of the fourteen {times three boys} file folders.

organizing kids schoolwork files

The next goal was to add a little coversheet to each folder, giving a quick explanation of the contents and showcasing a fantastic school portrait of my little guy, for each current year.

organizing kids school work printout

You can download your own copy of these also!  Do you feel the love?

organizing kids schoolwork free printouts

I just printed out a copy onto cardstock for each folder, for each year and popped them inside.  Doing this ahead of time will ensure a consistent look for all years down the line, and make it easier to keep up as the years come and go.
Then, just using a glue stick, I glued the year’s school photo to each sheet, and filled out all the year’s information in the blanks, which ended up making a perfect coversheet for each folder!
organizing kids schoolwork folders

And although the file box looks like it is all filled up….

managing kids school paperwork

There is definitely plenty of room to grow!  Which is exactly what this proud mama needed!

organizing kids school paperwork

I just pop the cover on and stow away on a nearby shelf.  Making this a really easy system to maintain.  Oh imagine the giddiness!!

School paperwork is always a hot topic that I have gotten oodles of emails about, so if there are any other storage ideas or solutions that are working well for you, we would all heart to know!

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Read full story By on January 11, 2012 in baby and children, file folders, home organization, organization tips, Organizational tips, Paperwork, school paperwork

How to Hold a Successful Garage or Yard Sale

Spring cleaning is in full swing and for many of us that means it’s garage sale season. Hosting a garage or yard sale is the perfect time to edit items from your home that are no longer used or fit your lifestyle. In addition to de-cluttering your home, a garage sale is a great way to make a little extra money.
Holding a garage sale however takes organization and pre-planning. Here are some tips for hosting a successful garage sale:
successful garage yard sales{images by Thayer Allyson Gowdy via Real Simple}
Select the Right Day & Time.
1. Typically the best months for garage sales are in the spring and summer. Steer clear of holidays and summer vacation months {i.e. July & August}.
2. Saturday is the most popular day for garage sales, but a Friday or Sunday might also work for you. Go with the flow and see what day is trending in your neighborhood.
3. Serious garage sale shoppers get up earlier, so set a start time no later than 8am.
Consider a Multi-family Sale.
1. Inform family and friends about the garage sale and encourage them to participate. Ask them to help out on the day of the sale and assign them a task {cashier, helping customers, keeping merchandise neat}.
2. Let neighbors know about your sale. If they too want to have a garage sale the same day, share marketing efforts {signage, Criagslist posting, etc.}. Multi-family garage sales always pull in more traffic.
stylish yard sale displays
Determine, Organize & Price Items to Sell.
1. Schedule a day {or two} to go room by room in your home to de-clutter and make a list of items you would like to sell.
2. Don’t sell items that are damaged beyond repair or have been recalled. In fact it is illegal to resell items that have been recalled – go here for a list of recalled items}.
3. Make a note as to what price you would like to sell the item. If you have no idea how to price an item, you can always look up a similar item on eBay or Criagslist.
4. Set up a holding area for the items you will be selling. Typically this is in the garage, because it eliminates moving the sale items multiple times. You’ll be able to move the items easily out the day of the sale.
5. In the holding area, group sale items into plastic bins {clear ones are best because you can see the contents inside} and boxes. Be sure to label the bin or box  {i.e. toys, DVDs, 0-3 month girls’ clothing, etc.} and price the items in the grouping the same.
6. Save time by minimizing labeling each item. Instead label the tables, bins or racks {i.e. $5-$10, $1 or Less, $25 or Best Offer}.
Supplies Needed On-site for the Sale.
1. Shopping bags and small boxes to make it easier for customers to take away the goods.
2. Tables, clothing racks and shelves for displaying items.
3. A calculator for adding up sales.
4. Spare light bulbs, batteries and extension cords plugged in to show that items work properly.
5. Tape measure, pens and scissors.
6. Trash can.
7. Paper towels, tissues and hand-sanitizer.
8. Pre-made sticker labels or color coded stickers for pricing items.
9. Newspaper to wrap fragile items.
10. Cash-box, hip-pack or apron with pockets to hold cash and change.
cute yard sale signage {image via Yard Sale Bloodbath}
Advertise the Sale.
1. Create a listing one week prior to the sale on Craigslist or a similar on-line site. It’s free!
2. Inquire about placing ads with various local newspapers. Ask how many words, how much it will cost and when you need to submit the information by.
3. When listing your ad, include your big items and/or categories {i.e. 1940s oak dining table, baby gear & clothing}
3. Create signage to be placed at large intersections near your home.
4. Signage should include the date of the sale, your address {cross streets can be helpful too} and the sale hours. Use foam board and make the signs large enough for them to be read easily by drivers.
5. Consider making smaller directional signage if you think people may have difficulties finding your home.
successful garage sale tips
{image by Thayer Allyson Gowdy via Real Simple}

Display items with Style.
1. Remove or cover items in the garage you don’t want to sell.
2. Organize your items and display them in an interesting and easy-to-view format.
3. Use clothing racks {consider renting or borrowing some} to hang items such as dresses, jackets and suits. Group clothing according to size.
4. Place like items together and make signs so customers can easily find what they are looking for {i.e books, housewares, boys clothing – sizes 2T – 3T}

apron for garage sale
{image via CountryHome}
Managing the Money.
1. Go to the bank ahead of the sale and have between $75 and $100 in small bills {$1s, $5s and a few $10s} and a couple rolls of quarters.
2. Designate a person to handle the cash-box at all times. If this isn’t possible, have one person where an apron or hip-pack to mange the transactions.
3. Have a “Cash Only” rule. It’s no fun to get a bounced check!
free stuffed animals to kids
Fun for the Kids.
1. Encourage older kids to earn extra cash by selling donuts, bagels or cookies.
2. Set out a box of gently used stuffed animals labeled “FREE – Kids Take One” for customers with  young children. Used stuffed animals are rarely accepted by charities, so this is a great way to pass them along! You will have some very happy, little customers too 🙂
After the Sale.
1. Do not bring any unsold items back into your home or garage.
2. Immediately after the sale, pack unsold items into your vehicle and drive them to the nearest charity or donation center {be sure to get a receipt for a tax credit}.
3. Place unsold items curbside with a “FREE” sign.
4. Schedule a date and time for one of the local thrift stores to pick up items that are too big for you to hall away {have them leave a receipt for a tax credit}.
5. Remove all posted signs from the neighborhood.
If you don’t have a yard or garage for a traditional sale of this kind, try TagSellIt. It’s a traditional garage sale in a virtual format.
igaragesale yard sale app for iphone
I don’t tend to host garage sales {too much work, my hubby says}, but I love going to them. Just downloaded the iGarageSale app for my iPhone too. The reviews are glowing.
Tips for Holding a Successful Yard or Garage Sale - Simplified Bee
Planning a yard sale this year?
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Read full story By on May 26, 2011 in Decluttering, garage sales, home organization, organization tips, Organizational tips, Tips/Tricks