Organizing Tip of the Week

Post Holiday Organizing

2012-01-16T17:02:00.000-08:00

Organizing Tip! One last thing before the holidays are officially over...

I hope you all had a wonderful holiday season, and are doing well so far in the New Year. The holiday time is pretty much over, and perhaps you have, or are just about to, take down your decorations, put away the gifts, and get your home back to 'normal'. But.... I urge you to do one more thing! Write some holiday things down to use as reference for next year.
So, think about the information that may be helpful to you next year, so that you don't have to re-think it all through, start from scratch, or try to remember what you did last year. Some suggested items to write down:
Tips - Who did you decide to tip, and how much? Were you happy with that amount? Did you forget anyone? If so, write it down so you can replicate it next year, or make the appropriate changes.
Teacher Gifts: Again, who and what so you have a reference for next year.
Business/Client Gifts: Who, what, and why?
Family/Friends Gifts: List of who you gave to, why, and what you gave if you think it will be helpful next year.
Decorations: Did you have enough, too much? Write down what you liked/didn't like, what you were missing, or what you really have too much of, and perhaps next year, you can modify your decor, or perhaps purge a lot of it right when you pull it out next year. If you still haven't taken your decor down, then when you do it, I suggest you store items in containers based on what room they go in - clearly label the bins so you don't have to re-think next year (this of course only works if you decorate the same way each year. If you like to change things up, then I suggest you store items based on category of item, instead of room they go in).
Menu: If you hosted a holiday celebration, write down the menu of what you served, and whether or not you'd prepare or order those items next year. If you catered the event, write down who you used, did you order enough, not enough, was it a good variety of food/drink, perhaps the amount of money you spent, etc... Jot down whatever notes that will be helpful in planning next year's celebrations
Once you write all this down (or anything else useful for you), then put it all in a folder labeled "Holidays", and file it away with your other Home and Personal file folders. If you're the electronic type, then you can easily put this all in your smartphone, IPad, or a simple MS Word document. Then, when next year's holidays come rolling around, you'll be armed with all the key info from the previous year, and you won't have to re-think it all through again!

Linda English - Owner/Professional Organizer
Organizing With EASE, LLC
201-638-9593
www.orgwithease.com
orgwithease@aol.com

contact: http://www.thccustomcloset.net/
(201) 666-1717

Get a "Wow" closet from The Custom Closet

2011-11-22T17:49:00.001-08:00

Watch this clip from Modern Family, then contact The Custom Closet for your "wow" design and estimate!
No, Gloria does not work for us, sorry.

Just Because It Fits... Organize Your Closets and Your Life

2011-10-28T05:33:00.000-07:00

Organizing Tip! Just Because It Fits Doesn't Mean...

you have to keep it
you need it
you want it
you like it

Or, check inside the cabinets of your kitchen. Do you have extra items that fit, but your never use them? Sure they may be useful, but not necessarily to you. Maybe there are extra mugs, or an old salad-spinner that you thought you'd like to use, but never did. Or perhaps, again, some hand-me-down pots, dishes, or serving-ware that you took because it fit in your kitchen, but you neither need nor like them.

One of the concepts of organizing is to only surround yourself with what you truly love and use. Anything else is clutter. So think about it, if you continue to keep things simply because they fit, not because you need/want/like/love them, they are actually clutter, and over time they will get in the way and prevent you from enjoying the things you truly love and use. Take a look around, make some decisions about these items, and perhaps you can pass them along to a favorite charity or someone you know that could really use them.
Linda English - Owner/Professional Organizer
Organizing With EASE, LLC
201-638-9593
http://www.orgwithease.com/
orgwithease@aol.com

Contact http://www.thecustomcloset.net/ @ (201) 666-1717 or info@thecustomcloset.net to schedule a closet organizing appointment .

The Custom Closet The Custom Closet

Get Rid of It Even if Fits!

2011-10-04T06:23:00.000-07:00

Contact: http://www.thecustomcloset.net/ or info@thecustomcloset.net to get a free estimate on your closets, office, garage, pantry, playroom, mudroom etc.

Organizing Tip! Just Because It Fits Doesn't Mean...

you have to keep it
you need it
you want it
you like it

For those that follow my tips, a little while back I wrote one about "Just because you own it, doesn't mean you have to keep it." Well, this one is similar and builds on that same concept. Look around your home. Perhaps there is a piece of furniture that fits in a room, but, you really don't like it, or need it anymore. Maybe it was from your old apartment, or a relative passed it down to you, and you kept it simply because it could fit in your home, but you neither wanted it or needed it.

Or, check inside the cabinets of your kitchen. Do you have extra items that fit, but your never use them? Sure they may be useful, but not necessarily to you. Maybe there are extra mugs, or an old salad-spinner that you thought you'd like to use, but never did. Or perhaps, again, some hand-me-down pots, dishes, or serving-ware that you took because it fit in your kitchen, but you neither need nor like them.

One of the concepts of organizing is to only surround yourself with what you truly love and use. Anything else is clutter. So think about it, if you continue to keep things simply because they fit, not because you need/want/like/love them, they are actually clutter, and over time they will get in the way and prevent you from enjoying the things you truly love and use. Take a look around, make some decisions about these items, and perhaps you can pass them along to a favorite charity or someone you know that could really use them.
Until next time, wishing you an easier life by Organizing With EASE.

Linda English - Owner/Professional Organizer
Organizing With EASE, LLC 201-638-9593

Call (201) 666-1717 or contact:http://www.thecustomcloset.net/ for more information

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The Custom ClosetThe Custom Closet

Back to School Organizing Tip

2011-09-15T17:57:00.000-07:00

Organizing Tip! Create a system for school papers and artwork

Back to school time again! For those with children, from pre-school to high-school and beyond, you'll need a system for managing all the papers that come home from school. I'll focus on the pre-school thru middle-school years for this tip, since that's when most of the volume that parents have to manage occurs.

1. Action Paper Drop Spot: First - you'll need to set up a process whereby the kids immediately give you all the ACTION PAPERS from their backpacks (ones that parents need to read or take action on - not their homework or other completed work) . I would suggest children do this as soon as they come home from school. Set up a convenient place with a small bin/tray/basket/folder where they can simply drop these papers. (Should be a central place, such as on a kitchen counter, or in a mudroom.).

2. Completed Paper Drop Spot: Now.... what to do with the plethora of completed school worksheets and artwork? Again, have a drop-spot with some kind of bin. If you have multiple children, consider multiple bins so you don't have to re-sort someday. This drop-spot should be convenient, but not on the counter. Consider bin(s) in a nearby closet, on the stairs (if not in the way), or dedicate a drawer or two in a nearby room to collect these items.

3. Parent Review: On a daily basis, take action on any parent papers found in the Action Paper Drop Spot so nothing gets overlooked or turned back into school late. As for the items in the Completed Paper Drop Spot, you will need to review these at some point to decide what to keep and what to purge. As for the timing of doing this review, you have several options, depending on your personal style in dealing w/ this stuff, and available time during the day, week, month, year.

If you are the "up-front-ruthless-get-rid-of-most-stuff-right-away" type of person, then review daily or weekly and purge to your heart's content!

If you are the "every-so-often" type, then review the bins every week, month, or school marking period, and decide which items are worth keeping.

If you are the "I-don't-have-the-time-and-don't-want-to-deal-with-this-until-the-end-of-the-year" type, then no problem! Just make sure you have large enough bins, and plan on reviewing everything sometime between June and August.

Or... you may be a combo of the above - just do what works for you.

4. School Memorabilia Storage: Lastly, you'll need a permanent place to store all the school paper and artwork 'keepers'. There are many options, such as: an art portfolio for each year, a large expanding office envelope/wallet, Rubbermaid/Sterilite plastic storage containers, or a product called 'Schoolfolio', to name a few. Remember, you can also display art in frames, on bulletin boards, send to relatives as gifts, or use as wrapping paper too!

Linda English - Owner/Professional Organizer

Organizing With EASE, LLC

201-638-9593
http://www.orgwithease.com/
orgwithease@aol.com

http://www.thecustomcloset.net/

Organize your Electronic Cords and Plugs

2011-07-01T05:48:00.000-07:00

Organizing Tip: Managing Electronic Gadgets, Plugs, and Cords

Visit http://www.thecustomcloset.net/ for more organizing ideas.
Or call (201) 666-1717 for a free estimate.

Here's another tip request from one of my loyal readers: "How do I best manage all electronic gadgets and plugs? Like iPhone, iPad, and iPods. Too many plugs and cords!"

Thanks for the question - I think we can all relate to the chaos all these devices can bring. Here are some tips to keep all these items under control:

1) LABEL THE CORDS: Immediately, right out of the box, label each charging cord. You can easily do this with a label-maker - print out a label and wrap it around the cord, pressing the sides together like a little flag. There will never be any question about which cord goes with which device.

2) CREATE 'HOMES'/CHARGING STATIONS FOR EACH DEVICE: All these gadgets and cords can easily be misplaced. Create a standard 'home' in your house or office where the device always gets charged and keep the labeled cord there. If you have multiple devices, keep all the charging cords even more organized by using a charging station like this one: http://www.amazon.com/Simply-Put-Deluxe-Charging-Station/dp/B0012Y319K/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1308187416&sr=8-3 - it looks good on a counter or desk, and functions as both a home and charging location. (Charging stations come in all shapes, styles, and price points. Check out Pottery Barn, Amazon.com, Container Store, office supply stores, etc...)

3) KEEP EXTRA CORDS AND ACCESSORIES ORGANIZED: You can easily corral all the extras in a clear shoebox (don't forget to label the items!), or use a clear hanging shoe organizer like this http://www.containerstore.com/shop?productId=10010675&N=&Ntt=shoe+bag on the back of a door. Put each item in its own labeled shoe pouch!

4) KEEP ORGANIZED WHILE TRAVELING: A simple way to keep your cords and electronic devices organized while traveling is by using Ziploc-style bags. Or.... try out this fabulous new product called Grid-It http://www.containerstore.com/shop?productId=10028414&N=&Ntt=grid+it which has a multitude of elastic straps to keep your devices and cords in place. Love it!

5) OUT WITH THE OLD: Make sure that when you get rid of one of your devices, that you also get rid of the old accessories too, so they're not cluttering up your space (if they're not compatible with the new device). Please don't throw them in the garbage, though. Click here http://www.ehow.com/how_7638847_recycle-cell-phone-power-cords.html to get some easy ideas on how to recycle or where to donate your old devices and accessories/cords.

Linda English - Owner/Professional Organizer
Organizing With EASE, LLC
201-638-9593 www.orgwithease.com orgwithease@aol.com

Wardrobe Unit for Rebuilding Together Project

2011-06-03T06:08:00.000-07:00

The Custom Closet is proud to sponsor Rebuilding Together's home improvement project by donating this custom fitted wardrobe unit for a home in Tenafly.

http://www.thecustomcloset.net/

(201) 666-1717

5 Tips to Organize Your Day Everyday

2011-04-21T06:59:00.000-07:00

Contact: http://thecustomcloset.net
to help get your day and life organized
800-304-4848 or (201) 666-1717

Organizing Tip: 5 Things To Do Each Day to Keep Yourself Sane

1. Morning Planning Time: Take 5-10 minutes each morning to review your schedule, to-do's and get ready for your day.

WHY? Without a plan, the day can fly by without getting anything of priority accomplished. Don't waste another day... .PLAN!

2. What's for Dinner? Make dinner plans early in the day (whether it be home-cooked, take-out, or going out - have a plan)

WHY? Having a plan takes away the mystery and stress when dinnertime rolls around.

3. Write new things down: As new tasks, appointments, and reminders pop-up throughout the day, write them down!

WHY? By simply writing things down, you don't have the stress of trying to keep all these things in your head or forgetting something important. "Writing down" means whatever method works for you: a paper calendar/planner, on a central to-do list, or in an electronic device.

4. Enjoy a little 'Me' time: Make sure you take at least a few minutes each day to rejuvenate yourself, eat right, drink plenty of fluids, and get a little rest or exercise.

WHY? If you're go-go-go all day, without a little bit of rest or downtime for yourself, you'll tend to be both mentally and physically exhausted. Don't forget about taking care of YOU! You are more important than any other task on your to-do list.

5. Evening Recap/Planning Time: Take 5-10 minutes towards the end of each day to review your schedule from the day, check-off your to-do's, and plan the next day.

WHY?: You'll sleep more peacefully if you've done your review, knowing you accomplished what you intended to do, rescheduled things that weren't possible to do, and have a game-plan for the following day.

Until next time, wishing you an easier life by Organizing With EASE.

Linda English - Owner/Professional Organizer
Organizing With EASE, LLC
201-638-9593 http://www.orgwithease.com/ orgwithease@aol.com

Desk in a Closet

2011-03-31T12:04:00.000-07:00

A customer uses her closet for her desk and loves it. Check out http://www.thecustomcloset.net or call (201) 666-1717 to get your custom designed and installed closet and desk systems.

Give Up Clutter for Lent

2011-03-28T10:19:00.000-07:00

After you clear it all out, contact: http://thecustomcloset.net/ or call (201) 666-1717

So, last week, a friend of mine shared her own organizing tip with me. She told me that during the 40 days of Lent, instead of giving up 40 days of chocolate or coffee, she was giving up 40 bags! She is going through her closets, drawers and garage, and getting rid of a bag of stuff for each day of Lent. What a great idea! Imagine how she will feel after those 40 days! This inspired me to write this week's tip....

Organizing Tip: Declutter Your Life By Doing a Little Each Day OK, so you don't have to necessarily commit to a bag of stuff a day, but to begin to make some kind of progress to de-clutter your life, I would suggest you commit to doing SOMETHING each day. On a daily basis, that SOMETHING could be: Each day, pick a drawer and purge* any items not needed (*purge means: recycle, donate, trash, or relocate) Each day, review a folder in your home's filing system and get rid of any papers no longer needed for personal, legal or financial/tax purposes. (be sure to shred any document which contains personal information) Each day, review and purge a shelf in a closet. Each day, have your kids discard an older, unused, or broken toy Each day, review, purge, and clean a shelf of your fridge/freezer Each day, select an item from your wardrobe to donate. Each day, take action on 5 pieces of paper sitting on your counter, dining room table or other horizontal surface. Each day, scratch an item off your to-do list by either doing it, or deciding it's not necessarily important to do anymore. And so on.... So, if you want to make consistent progress to de-clutter, then commit to doing SOMETHING each day - whether it be some of my ideas above, or your own idea. If you commit to doing it, I promise you, before long, your life will be filled with a whole lot less clutter, making room for the people and things you really love and enjoy! Linda English - Owner/Professional Organizer Organizing With EASE, LLC 201-638-9593 www.orgwithease.com orgwithease@aol.com

"Weed" your Clutter Constantly

2011-03-17T14:23:00.000-07:00

Organizing Tip: Weed Through Your Stuff, Constantly
Contact: http://thecustomcloset.net for creating the space you need after you "weed!"

Yes, weeding is not only something you do in a garden, but something you must do in your living spaces as well. Let's do a comparison, shall we?

In a garden, we must weed constantly so that the weeds don't overtake the garden and suffocate the plants we truly love and enjoy. If we never do the weeding, the weeds will quickly consume the garden. If we weed only occasionally, the garden will survive, but the weeds will still be quite prevalent, will interfere with the garden's ability to live and grow, and the weeds be tougher to pull if left too long. If we weed constantly, the weeds are easy to pull, the garden will thrive, and we will be able to fully enjoy the beauty and peace the garden can provide.

OK, so now, substitute the word 'clutter' for weeds, and the words 'home' and 'family' for garden. It now goes something like this:

In a home, we must weed constantly so that the clutter doesn't overtake the home and suffocate the people and possessions we truly love and enjoy. If we never do the weeding, the clutter will quickly consume the home and people in it. If we weed only occasionally, the home and family will survive, but the clutter will still be quite prevalent, will interfere with the family's ability to live and grow, and the clutter will be tougher to deal with if left too long. If we weed constantly, the clutter is easy to remove, the home and family will thrive, and we will be able to fully enjoy the beauty and peace our home can provide.

*The organizing phrase, 'Weed Constantly', comes from organizing expert, Kathy Waddill, author of 'The Organizing Sourcebook: Nine Strategies for Simplifying Your Life'. Kathy explains that, "...aside from the personal reasons people hang on to things, our materialistic culture pressures us to have more than we need. Every day we’re barraged with paper, news, advertising and information. When you keep things you’re not actively using, they get in your way and create work for you. It requires constant vigilance to prevent yourself from being overwhelmed by the onslaught. Keep everything weeded down so you can retain a semblance of control over life."

Linda English - Owner/Professional Organizer
Organizing With EASE, LLC
" Everything Arranged So Easily"
201-638-9593 | www.orgwithease.com | orgwithease@aol.com

We Do Libraries!

2011-03-03T14:30:00.000-08:00

The Custom Closet was contracted to do the library at a synagogue in River Edge, NJ

Contact: http://www.thecustomcloset/ for an estimate on closets, garages, libraries, home offices and other wall units. (201) 666-1717

What's Wrong With My Closet?

2011-02-28T07:29:00.000-08:00

Organizing Tip: Closet Redesign - Start a "Need, Wish, Want List"
Then contact www.thecustomcloset.net or (201) 666-1717 or (800) 304-4848

Wish you had a better layout in your closet? Thinking about a closet makeover or redesign, but don't yet know what you need? Then start now by creating a "Need, Wish, Want List". Post a piece of paper on the door or wall of your closet, and keep a dedicated pen nearby. Every time you're using your closet and it's not working out for you, jot down what's bothering you, and, if possible, what you wish it was like instead. Write down things like:

"I Wish I had more room for my folded clothing"
"I Need a place to keep my suitcase easily accessible because I take frequent trips for business."
"I Want a place to sit down to put on my shoes"
"I Wish I had a better way to store my scarves and belts because they're always landing on the floor"
"I Need hangers that my clothes don't fall off of"
and so on...

Over time, this list will define your goals and tasks to make your closet function better for you. Then, you can either tackle these items one by one as time allows, or plan an entire closet makeover to get the closet of your dreams! Contact: www.thecustomcloset.net
Linda English - Owner/Professional Organizer
O rganizing W ith EASE, LLC
" Everything Arranged So Easily"
201-638-9593 www.orgwithease.com orgwithease@aol.com

Organize Your Weekend Activities

2011-02-10T10:57:00.000-08:00

Organizing Tip: Planning your weekends with Post-Its
www.thecustomcloset.net

Does the weekend seem to just come and go each week for you, and you wonder why you got nothing done? Do you wish you had accomplished more around the house, or done something a bit more special with your family or friends? Here are a some tips to help you have a more fun and productive weekend (even if it means you just relaxed and took a nap!)

Use Post-It's to help plan your weekends:
Get 2 stacks of different colored Post-Its - use one color for HOUSEHOLD, and the other color for ACTIVITIES.
HOUSEHOLD is for things that you've been meaning to get done, like 'Repair faucet, 'Hang New Pictures', 'Change Light Bulbs', or 'Organize Closet'. ACTIVITIES are fun things you'd like to do on the weekend either by yourself, with friends, or with family, like 'Go Ice-Skating', 'Visit new baby', 'Take a nap', or 'Bake Cookies with the kids'
Put all these items on post-its, and put them somewhere in the hub of your home, such as the kitchen or mudroom, on the back of a cabinet or closet door, on the fridge, or right on a wall if you'd like! You can arrange them in priority order any way you'd like. Putting them up randomly will work too.
Now, if you're a real planner, get your calendar out, and see what you've got going on the next few months, and put the sticky-notes right on your calendar on the days you'd like to do them.
If you're more free-spirited, and like to do things when the mood strikes you, then, each weekend take a glance at your post-it collection, and pull off the ones you feel like doing.
The post-it method is an easy way to get all those ideas on paper, and easily see, move around, and plan what you'd like to do when. No more waking up Monday morning saying "I wish I hadn't wasted my weekend!"
Or, if your family likes to keep your options open:,

Do you like to wait until you find out the Weekend Events Not To Miss here in the Northern NJ area? Then sign up for the www.BergenMama.com email list. Each week you'll find out the latest, greatest things to do on the weekends, as well as find out the best places to eat and shop. BergenMama is a great source for all things cool and hip in Bergen County. Have fun!
Linda English - Owner/Professional Organizer
O rganizing W ith EASE, LLC
" Everything Arranged So Easily"
201-638-9593 www.orgwithease.com orgwithease@aol.com

Tax Organizing Time

2011-01-26T12:44:00.000-08:00

Organizing Tip: Create a Tax Folder.... NOW!
Contact www.thecustomcloset to create a custom home office.

Today's tip is a simple one, but saves you lots of headaches when you're getting ready for April 15th. Get yourself a file folder right now, and write "2010 Tax Documents" on it. Now, keep it somewhere handy, near where you open your mail. For many, this is right in the kitchen, and if you're even more organized, you've already got Action Files set up somewhere handy, so you can simply put this new folder right in there. Now, when you get all those lovely end-of-the-year tax documents, you'll have a home for them (I know I've received a couple already!). No more saying, "Oh Gosh...I know this is important... where should I put it so I'll maybe....hopefully... remember where it is at tax time?" By setting up this simple folder, you've established a home for all these important mailings - no more lost tax documents!
Linda English - Owner/Professional Organizer
Organizing With EASE, LLC
201-638-9593 www.orgwithease.com orgwithease@aol.com

Custom Closet Newletter

2011-01-21T15:16:00.000-08:00

Enjoy our newsletter! It's got great information and inspiration to motivate you to organize your closets and your life!

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What to do with Holiday Cards (after the holiday)

2010-12-22T11:44:00.000-08:00

Contact www.thecustomcloset.net for your organizing needs
(201) 666-1717 or 800-304-4848

My family loves getting all those wonderful, festive, colorful and thoughtful holiday greeting cards this time of year. My daughters especially love looking through them. But, what can you do with them all after the holiday time is over? Here are a few suggestions:

Make a Flip-Book: Keep your favorites, punch a hole in the top corner of each, and, using a simple loose-leaf ring, attach them all together as a 'flip-book' to display each year.
Make Gift Tags: Cut the pictures out into a tag shape, punch a hole, and use them the following year as tags on Holiday gifts.
Donate to a worth cause: St. Jude's Ranch takes old greeting cards (any occasion), replaces the backs and then sells them on their website. The proceeds benefit St. Jude's Ranch, which houses neglected and abused children. For details on how to donate, go to this link: http://www.stjudesranch.org/help_card.php
Save as memorabilia: Put your favorite keepsake cards in a ziploc bag, write the year, and store in a memorabilia box (this approach, however, has potential to create huge volumes of cards over time, so use cautiously!)
Scan them: If you hate to toss used greeting cards because of their sentimental value, scan them into a computer. Then put on a flash-drive to display on a digital picture frame at holiday time.
Discard (recycle): This is,of course an option, and it's completely OK to do so. If you have a problem with guilt over doing this, remember that the sender sent you the card to bring you joy and a smile. If the cards become a burden to you, then the sender's intent is no longer there, so it's ok to discard them.

Linda English - Owner/Professional Organizer
Organizing With EASE, LLC
201-638-9593 www.orgwithease.com orgwithease@aol.com

To Do or Not to Do, Ask Yourself that Question!

2010-12-16T05:36:00.000-08:00

Contact: www.thecustomcloset.net to help you with your closet and home office "to do list!" 800-304-4848

Ahhhh To Do's. I love that I have a great way to keep track of them in my Planner, and in my Action-Files, however, I've begun to notice that quite a few To-Do's aren't ever making the transition from 'To-Do' to 'DONE'. Sound familiar? Now, I'm not talking about the ones that I HAVE TO DO, or REALLY REALLY WANT TO DO. Those are getting done.

I'm talking about other valid To-Do's : some are great ideas for my business; some are fun family projects; some are clippings from magazines or printed emails that I think I could possibly benefit somehow if I took some action on them; some are things that I thought at one point would be really important to do, but after a while, not so important anymore. You know what I mean? Can you relate to this at all?

When something's been on your to-do list for quite some time, it begs the question: "To Do or NOT To Do?" In other words.... it's decision time. Either commit to doing it, or get it off your list. And when I say commit to doing it, I'm not talking about just moving the paper higher up in your pile of to-do's (because we all know how easy it is to just stick that piece of paper back on the bottom of the pile again), I'm actually talking about scheduling WHEN you will commit to do it, and then on that day (or days) - DO IT. If you can't bring yourself to commit to doing it, then perhaps it's not that necessary or meaningful to get done.

So now, it's decision time for you: To Do or NOT To Do? Take a look at your TO DO lists, piles, and files, and really think about which ones are truly worthy of getting done. If they've been lingering around for a long time, perhaps they don't have much true value in your life, and you can declutter your To-Do's by getting rid of them.
Linda English - Owner/Professional Organizer
Organizing With EASE, LLC
201-638-9593 www.orgwithease.com orgwithease@aol.com

Get Organic Bedding from Gaiam

2010-11-29T12:09:00.000-08:00

Enter to win some awesome organic bedding from a very interesting company.

Your chance to win a Free Luxurious Organic Cotton Bedding Package from Gaiam.com.

Less Stuff, More Time and Money

2010-11-17T10:52:00.000-08:00

You can have new organized closets and home office systems by the end of the 2010 year!
contact: www.thecustomcloset.net
(201)666-1717

Organizing Tip: The Math of 'Stuff'
Today I share with you some simple mathematical equations about your stuff.

STUFF = TIME
STUFF = MONEY

So...simply speaking....
The more STUFF you have, the more TIME it takes to take care of it, clean it, put it away, read it, file it, etc...
The more STUFF you have, the more MONEY it takes to buy it, take care of it, clean it, maintain it, store it, etc...

Therefore, if you reduce the amount of STUFF, the math changes to:

LESS STUFF = MORE TIME
LESS STUFF = MORE MONEY

And don't we all always want more TIME and MONEY to do what we really want to do in our lives?

Therefore, the solution? REDUCE YOUR STUFF!

Until next time, wishing you an easier life by Organizing With EASE.

Linda English - Owner/Professional Organizer
Organizing With EASE, LLC
201-638-9593 www.orgwithease.com orgwithease@aol.com

Man's Closet in Chocolate Colored Melamine

2010-10-18T18:35:00.000-07:00

Man's Closet with Valet Rod by www.thecustomcloset.net

2010-10-18T18:24:00.000-07:00

Declutter YOur Brain!!??

2010-09-29T13:30:00.000-07:00

Call The Custom Closet to Declutter your House! www.thecustomcloset.net
(201) 666-1717

Organizing Tip: Declutter Your Brain: Write It Down!

Clutter doesn't only happen in our homes and offices. It can also happen in our minds. If I were to open up your brain and look inside, what would it look like? (OK, yeah - yuk, but not literally! :)) Would it be the equivalent to a cluttered desk or a junk-drawer? If we could SEE inside, would it look like a jumbled mess of tasks, ideas, reminders, schedules, floating around and constantly nagging at you? This causes unnecessary stress and anxiety, so let's try to change that.

You can declutter your brain by simply writing things down. Once the thoughts and tasks are on paper, they no longer need to clutter up your mind. Get your appointments, priorities and ideas in your calendar, planner or notepaper. Or, if you're the electronic type, then put it all in your PDA. Keeping a notepad by your bed also helps to capture those nagging thoughts that keep you awake at night. Writing it down helps get it off your mind.

If everything gets written down, then, the only thing you have to remember to do is to look consistently look at your planner/PDA/notepaper to tell you what to do!! You won't have to worry about forgetting appointments and to-do's - you can trust that they will be there for you when you need them, because you have written them down.

Enjoy your newly de-cluttered brain!!

Linda English - Owner/Professional Organizer
Organizing With EASE, LLC
201-638-9593 | www.orgwithease.com | orgwithease@aol.com

Organizing for School

2010-09-07T08:54:00.000-07:00

Let The Custom Closet help Get the Kids Ready and Organized for School
www.thecustomcloset.net
(201)666-1717

Finalize School Shopping:
FOR THE KIDS: Make sure you've got their all school supplies and any new clothing ready!
FOR YOU: Treat yourself to a little something for surviving the summer!
Plan for the Paperwork!
FOR THE KIDS and YOU: Back to School time = Paper time! Create a method for managing all the paperwork the kids bring home to avoid the piles on the counter, and keep your sanity!
FOR YOU: Maybe the piles are already there... if you've been putting off dealing with the piles on the counter and desk, NOW is the time to get to it! (p.s. - if you need help, this is my specialty! Give me a call).
Create a Homework Station
FOR THE KIDS: They'll need good lighting, comfortable seating, and all the necessary supplies handy. For the supplies, a simple shoebox filled with the necessities will do, but even better is this Homework Supply Organizer. Contact me if you'd like to purchase: Price: $20.00

FOR YOU: Create a Mail Station - Use another caddy just like this one to keep all your mail and bill-paying supplies handy.
Plan your lunch menu:
FOR THE KIDS: Create a menu, listing all the kids' favorite lunch options, and each week, sit with them to plan their lunches for the week, whether it be home-made or school-provided.
FOR YOU: Shop in advance for their favorites, and do the meal selection with them religiously! No stress, complaining, or mystery in the morning on what's for lunch!
Plan and Manage the Crazy Family Schedules!:
FOR THE KIDS: Make sure you've got some kind of calendar/planner system to manage the family schedules, and that can be viewed by all. This is critical for keeping all the family rhythm going smoothly. (Another specialty of mine!)
FOR YOU: If you don't yet have a good planner/calendar system, then GO GET ONE! Declutter your mind by putting the details of your family's schedule on a calendar.
Morning Checklist:
FOR THE KIDS: Create a checklist on a dry-erase board listing what each child needs to accomplish, and by when, each school morning. Have them check items off as they do them.
FOR YOU: Check your Calendar/Planner each morning to get a handle on what you plan to accomplish each day for work, family and self.
Evening Checklist:
FOR THE KIDS: Similarly, to make the time after school until bed more manageable, make a checklist outlining all the things they need to do before they go to bed, including: Homework completed, important documents given to mom & dad, clothes picked out, backback ready to go, brush teeth, bath, PJ's, bed. Include fun things like reading a book, family game time, or some TV time, so kids have something to look forward to doing on their list as well!
FOR YOU: Make sure you take some time to relax and unwind. Review your Calendar/Planner from the day, check off what was completed, and plan/review your schedule for the next day.
Create a positive outlook towards school:
THIS APPLIES TO BOTH YOU AND THE KIDS: Kids will be nervous, excited, scared, anxious, etc... so it's up to the parents to calm their fears, and instill a positive attitude towards the new school year. Focus on the friendships they'll acquire, the exciting new things they'll learn, and all the fun activities that will soon begin. They'll need your support, so plan the time to be there for them, really listen, and focus on what they're sharing with you. A little daily one-on-one time goes a long way to a healthy school year and a healthy family!
Linda English - Owner/Professional Organizer
Organizing With EASE, LLC
201-638-9593 | www.orgwithease.com | orgwithease@aol.com

Laundry Room Tips

2010-08-13T11:05:00.000-07:00

Create a Tidy Laundry Room
visit: www.thecustomcloset.net
call: 800-304-4848

Laundry, laundry laundry..... it never ends, huh? So, instead of dreading it, embrace it and be thankful that washer/dryers exist instead of having to wash everything by hand!!! Ugh!

So today I'm giving you some ideas to help simplify your laundry room. If any of you have other ideas that have worked for you, please share with me - I'd love to hear them!

Laundry Room Tips:
Put a small trash basket on top of the dryer for putting dryer lint and other small pocket trash.
Place a small basket or magnetic container on top or side of dryer for putting pocket change and other items that will certainly turn up.
Install a wall mounted drying rack if possible and appropriate for the room to create more floor space.
Use an over-door pull-down ironing board to save space as well.
Use a basket for mis-matched socks, to eventually find matches, or simply use as dust-rags after time.
While unloading dryer, sort items into different baskets labeled for each family member, then have each family member be responsible for folding and putting away.
Have each child have their own laundry basket and wash all their clothes during one session. No sorting involved and that child's clothes are completely finished!
Create a clear workspace for placing clean laundry and for folding.
Lighting can make or break a laundry room so make sure there's enough of it! If it’s not a cheerful place to go, you will do just about anything besides the laundry.

Linda English
Organizing With EASE, LLC
201-638-9593 www.orgwithease.com orgwithease@aol.com

Keep that Car Clean

2010-07-21T08:36:00.000-07:00

Organizing Tip: Tips for keeping car clutter under control

Contact: www.thecustomcloset.net to get your home organized!
800-304-4848 or (201) 666-1717

During the summer months, we often spend A LOT of time in the car traveling to vacations, BBQ's, swim clubs, the beach, friends/family's homes, sports, and other activities. All this time in the car can create a lot of clutter. So here's are some tips to help you keep your car clutter under control:

GET A TRASH BAG/CAN: The #1 cause of clutter in the car is that there is nowhere to put the garbage! You can get one of those car garbage cans, or simply hang a plastic shopping bag somewhere convenient. Make a habit of emptying it daily or weekly, depending on the amount of trash you accumulate. I personally use a smaller version of this one and love it! I line it with a store shopping bag, and when full, emptying it is a breeze!
USE BINS/BASKETS to contain your items. In the front seat or trunk, use a collapsible container for your 'TO GO' items, ie: items you are returning to stores, or to friends, or items related to errands. Keep another handy basket in the backseat somewhere to hold KIDS TOYS, and activities for the car-ride. You can also use containers in the TRUNK to keep other items, such as sporting equipment, tools, shopping bags, and other supplies. Periodically review the contents of all containers to prevent them from becoming catch-alls for everything, and ensure they only contain the items you need in the car.
NOTEPAD/PEN - keep these somewhere handy in the front (like the side pocket on the door, or in your center console. I don't know about you, but I'm always thinking of things to do, or ideas while driving, so it's convenient to have somewhere to write it down (so it doesn't clutter up my brain!).
VACUUM/SHAKE OFF CAR MATS: Vacuum the car every-so-often if you can (especially after beach vacations!). Between vacuuming you can keep floors clean by periodically shaking out the car-mats.
HANDY ITEMS TO KEEP IN THE CAR: Extra trash bags, grocery bags, first-aid kit, paper towels, tissues, small pad/pens, bottled water, flashlight, car-wipes (for easy dusting and cleaning)
IF YOU NEED MORE SPECIFIC ORGANIZING PRODUCTS FOR THE CAR: Many retailers sell all different kinds of car organizing products, including WWW.STAPLES.COM, WWW.CONTAINERSTORE.COM, WWW.TARGET.COM, WWW.LILLIANVERNON.COM, WWW.MOBILEGEAR.COM, WWW.AUTOEXEC.COM and many more.
Lastly, ESTABLISH NEW HABITS: Even with the best car-organizing products and systems, clutter will continue to accumulate unless you establish maintenance habits. Make a habit of taking trash out of the car each time you exit. Return items to your home or office daily. Schedule time to get your errands done, so the items don't stay in the car longer than necessary. Do a weekly cleanout. Have your kids be responsible for their items and the area surrounding where they sit. If everyone pitches in, then clutter will remain under control, and you'll enjoy the time in the car much more.

Linda English
Organizing With EASE, LLC
201-638-9593 | www.orgwithease.com

If You Own It You Don't Need to Keep It

2010-07-07T12:02:00.000-07:00

Let The Custom Closet help you get organized! Call 800-304 4848
www.thecustomcloset.net

Today's tip is simply what the above statement says, "Just because you own it, doesn't mean you have to keep it." Quite often my clients will show me an item and say, "I don't know what this is, or how I got it, or why I have it... but I HAVE it, so where should I keep it?" and I say back to them, "Well....just because you HAVE it, doesn't mean you have to KEEP it." We then discuss whether or not the item is useful to them, or if they love it, or if it's simply just taking up space. Quite often they don't realize that just because they own it, doesn't mean they have to keep it. With a change in perspective, they can give themselves the authority and power to get rid of the things in their lives that they don't want, need, or love. Sometimes it's as simple as that. Just giving yourself the authority to say, "I don't want this." Then, go ahead and purge it (donate, throw out, recycle, or give it away.)

So look around your home and office, and find the things that have no true value to you that are simply taking up space, and give yourselves the authority to get rid of them. You'll be left more open space for the really useful things you truly want and value in your life. Enjoy!

Until next time, wishing you an easier life by Organizing With EASE.

Custom Home Office with lateral files

2010-06-21T12:10:00.000-07:00

Recent home office installation helps home owner organize family papers.

For more information and photos visit http://www.thecustomcloset.net/

(201) 666-1717

1-800-304-4848

Take 2 Minutes to Organize

2010-06-04T15:12:00.000-07:00

Get Organized with www.thecustomcloset.net
Call 800-304-4848

Today's tip is quite simple, but it's effects in your life can be quite extraordinary. It's called the '2-Minutes or Less Rule'. Basically, it means if you can accomplish something that needs to be done in less than 2 minutes, then JUST DO IT! Don't put it off. Think about how much clutter could be avoided if you did the small things that take just a couple of seconds or at most 2 minutes. I'm talking about things like:
Putting a piece of clothing back on it's hanger, in it's drawer, or in a hamper instead of on a chair or the floor.
Putting a dish in the dishwasher instead of leaving it on the counter.
Putting a piece of paper in a meaningful file folder instead of in a pile.
Making a quick phone call to RSVP for a party, then putting the invitation in your 'invitations/appointments' file.
Having your kids unload their backpack folder and hand you the items that need your review.
Putting your shoes in a basket, shoe rack, or away in a closet instead of leaving them all around the house.
Putting a toy away.
Writing down a To-Do instead of hoping you'll just remember it.
The list of 2-Minutes or Less items is endless, so you can see how clutter can quickly accumulate if all these little items don't get done. Alternatively, you can see how clutter can be PREVENTED if you and your family simply stick to doing the 2-Minute or Less Rule, and JUST DO IT (and then it's DONE!)

Linda English
Organizing With EASE, LLC
201-638-9593 www.orgwithease.com

How to Manage Deep Shelves

2010-05-18T13:41:00.000-07:00

More Organizing Advice from www.thecustomcloset.net

Organizing Tip: Solutions for DEEP SHELVING
Some of my clients have very deep shelving (deep front to back) in their closets, cabinets or open shelves in their garages and other storage areas. It's great to have all that room, but sometimes it can do more harm than good if not organized properly. Deep shelving can cause things to get lost in the back, and make it really cumbersome to access things stored in the back. This can make all that extra space become ineffective, and even wasteful. So, what to do? Here are some options:

1) INSTALL PULL-OUT SHELVES: This is an optimal solution for kitchen/bathroom cabinets, and even some closets because the shelves can then be pulled-out and you will have easy access to everything. But, this may not be a workable solution for wire shelving or garage/attic shelving.

2) LAZY SUSANS: For shelves at or below eye level, put inexpensive 'lazy-susans" in the back section of the shelves. Not a maximum use of space, but whatever is put there can be easily accessed by spinning what's needed into reachable distance...

3) STADIUM SEATING: Think of the concept of the tiered spice racks for the back-end of the shelf, or a make-shift version of this using old shoeboxes or even sturdy cardboard mailing boxes to raise up what's in the back half of the shelf so it's view-able. Keep what you store in the front of the shelf low, so you can see what's on the higher level in the back. (you can wrap the boxes in nice paper to make it look more pleasing. Can combine this w/ the lazy susan idea as well.

4) DEEP BASKETS OR TRAYS: Long baskets or trays that you can pull out to see what's in back. I've also heard someone using window box liners. Not the best looking, but can be very func tional and act as a long slide-able tray.

5) USE THE DOOR: If it's a closet or cabinet, then another great solution I I found is installing baskets, racks, bins, on the inside of the door itself. These can be a larger/deeper size if you install them in the right location on the door so that when the door closes, these bins fit in the space between the shelves. You can then mark a line on the shelf w/ paint, marker, shelf-paper... to block out the area that get's taken up by the baskets, so you know not to put stuff there. Then, your shelf is not so deep anymore b/c you're only storing stuff behind the marked line, and everything, both on the door and on the shelves, is more easily accessible. I've also heard of cutting a U-shaped area out of the front of each shelf to accommodate baskets on the back of the doors and allowing you to reach the back of the shelves.

6) IDENTICAL FRONT TO BACK : Process-wise, you want to store identical things on deep shelves in rows going front to back (no surprises on what's behind the front item - all the same going to the back and nothing unknown get's lost behind the front.)

7) LABEL: Even if you do have to store items in the back that don't relate to what's in front, then simply label the front of the shelves so it's clear what's stored in the back.

So, you can see, with a little creativity, you can transform those deep shelves into much more functional storage spaces!

Linda English
Organizing With EASE, LLC
201-638-9593 | www.orgwithease.com

Organize with Zipper Bags!

2010-04-21T11:09:00.000-07:00

Call The Custom Closet for all your Shelving needs: www.thecustomcloset.net
(201) 666-1717

How great are zipper storage bags? (such as Ziploc brand). OK, I'll answer - they're awesome: a cheap, effective, durable organizing product. Here are some tips for how to use zipper storage bags around your home and your life:

Playroom
Use a zipper bag to contain all the loose pieces of board games, like Monopoly, Candyland, etc..

Bathroom
Keep toiletries intended for travel stocked in labeled zipper bags. When you're going on a trip, just grab the bags and go!

Kitchen:
Hang a zipper bag on the inside of a cabinet door or on the fridge for keeping coupons. When it's time to shop, just grab the bag and go!

Closets:
Store off season clothing in large size zipper bag totes.

Home Office:
Put owner's manuals and warrantee receipts in zipper bags labeled by room or other meaningful category. Store the bags in alphabetical order in a file box, basket, or drawer.

Travel:
Put shoes inside large zipper bags to keep clothing clean in the suitcase.

Boating:
Put your boating license, boat insurance and registration papers in a sealed zipper bag filled with some air. If the bag accidentally falls overboard, it will float!

Garage/Workshop:
If you have to take a short break during a painting project, place the brush into a zipper bag, squeeze the air out and seal. When you resume your painting, the brush will still be wet and ready to go!

Purse/Briefcase:
Keep a zipper bag in your purse or briefcase to corral all your receipts.

Do YOU have any great ideas on how to use a zipper storage bag? Send me an email and share!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Until next time, wishing you and easier life by getting organized!

Linda English
Organizing With EASE, LLC
201-638-9593 | www.orgwithease.com

Office shelving and organizing

2010-04-15T17:58:00.000-07:00

Just in time for tax season, The Custom Closet outfitted Weber and Shapiro, tax accountants in Ramsey, NJ, with new shelving and cabinets for their expanded office.
Go to www.thecustomcloset.net for more information.

Tips to Get Organized with Index Cards

2010-04-06T11:27:00.000-07:00

Contact www.thecustomcloset.net to help you get organized today!!
(201) 666-1717

1. Make a to-do list. Probably the most obvious, but what’s great about using index cards for this is that it forces you to be concise. I write my top 3 Most Important Things to accomplish today on my Today list.

2. Take notes. I’m in a meeting with someone, and need a handy medium to take notes … so I whip out a blank card and keep bullet-point notes. Later, I’ll transcribe any necessary actions to my action lists and file the card.

3. Create a PDA. By now the Hipster PDA is pretty famous among productivity circles. It’s a way to keep all the info you need with you anywhere you go, using only index cards and either a binder clip or a rubber band to hold it together. Very handy.

4. Make context lists. In the world of Getting Things Done, context lists are central to organizing tasks. You can create a card for each context — computer, home, errands, etc. And the cool thing: unlike other organizing systems for context lists, with index cards you can place the context card where you need it. In other words, the @Home card is at your home, the @Computer card is next to your computer, the @Errands card can be taken with you.

5. Keep track of projects. There are a million ways of keeping track of all your projects. But few as simple as writing a list of them on an index card. And if you need to expand, you can create a card for each project that needs an outline.

6. Create a crazily obsessed organization system. Personally, I love this one: POIC (Pile of Index Cards). Created by a Japanese guy obsessed with organization, he took GTD to the next level. It’s a bit much for me, but the fetish-ness that he brings to the index card is just wonderful.

7. Create a novel. One card at a time. Nabokov, most famously, wrote entire novels on index cards, composing the novels in bits and ordering them into a book. But other writers have used similar methods using index cards.

8. Leave a note for someone. I like to write notes on a card when I’m forwarding a document or delegating an assignment, clarifying the actions that need to be done to the recipient.

9. Create a quick reminder. Need to remember to do something in the morning? Write it down on a card and place it somewhere you’ll never forget. I like to write down a reminder while I’m on the go, one per card, and then toss it in my Moleskine. When I get to the office or home, I just transcribe the reminders to the appropriate list (or do them immediately).

10. Make your life’s short list. Want to figure out how to simplify your life? Make a card with the 4-5 most important things in your life — your short list. Then focus your life on those things, eliminating all else. By putting this short list on a small card, you can post it somewhere visible and keep those priorities in mind, always.

11. Trick out your Hipster PDA. The regular version not enough? Add a Levinger Pocket Briefcase and some cool printed templates.

12. Organize your research. Regular notes not good enough? Use this system to keep things organized, geeky and useful.

13. Flick them at people in meetings. Ninja-star style. This might not go over too well in some corporate cultures. Be prepared for retaliation.

14. Develop consensus. The Card Carousel technique is actually an interesting way for a group to share ideas and come to a decision.

15. Organize your bills. Create a card for each bill, writing the name of the bill at the top. When you pay the bill, create an entry on the card. This way, you have a running log of all the bills you pay.

16. Doodle. Bored at a meeting? Use a blank card to doodle. Or if you’re more artistic than I am (and it would be hard not to be), you can use it as a mini-sketch pad. Just don’t let your boss see the sketch you did of him in his underpants.

17. Keep recipes. An old-fashioned use for index cards, to be sure, but one that works well. A card is perfect for a recipe, and if you keep them in a handy box, you’ve got them all organized alphabetically, for quick access when your kids are crying from hunger and you can’t remember the Stroganoff recipe.

18. Make a paper airplane. Not as light and far-flying as a model made from lighter paper, but cute nonetheless. Again, another great diversion for those weekly staff meetings. Bonus points: write love notes on them.

19. Flash cards. My kids use these to study for tests. They work well.

20. Origami. OK, I admit that I don’t know how to do this. But how cool would that be?

21. Shopping lists. Keep one posted on the fridge, jot down things as you run out of them, and take it with you on your shopping trip.

22. Book lists. I like to keep two book lists: one is a running list of books I’ve read, and another a list of books I want to read. When I hear of a good book, I add it to the list.

23. Handy log. Want to keep track of your spending, or eating, or anything else? Keep it on an index card, which you can carry wherever you go.

24. Organize your entire home. GTD not overboard-organized enough for you? Try the SHE system (Sidetracked Home Executives). They use index cards to organize everything: tasks that need to be completed on a daily, weekly, monthly, and seasonal basis, cleaning, decluttering, correspondences and more.

Linda English
Organizing With EASE, LLC
201-638-9593 www.orgwithease.com orgwithease@aol.com

Achieve Success with Simple Disciplines

2010-03-17T18:19:00.000-07:00

Check out www.thecustomcloset.net to help you get started with your organizing discipline!

One of my favorite quotes is: "Real success is the result of implementing simple disciplines, and practicing them constantly." (or at least consistently) (I wish I could recall where I heard it so I could give proper credit.)

In any event, I really like this quote because it's so true and applies to most things in life, especially organizing. Here are a few simple organizing disciplines that you can apply to your own life.

Simple Organizing Disciplines:
Put away what you take out.
Put items away in the same place each time.
Abide by the in/out rule: When you acquire something new, discard something old.
Keep similar items together.
Write a realistic to-do list each week, and refer to it daily.
Use a single calendar system to plan your tasks, appointments and events. Refer to your calendar daily.
Process your incoming mail/paperwork daily and in the same place each day.
"Weed" constantly (a critical tip from author/organizer Kathy Waddill). In other words.... PURGE a lot!
Clean up after yourself.
Plan your meals and stick to your plan.
File paperwork often.
Getting and staying organized does not have to be so difficult. You can be successful and achieve your goals by implementing some simple disciplines....and practicing them constantly!
Linda English
Organizing With EASE, LLC
201-638-9593 www.orgwithease.com

Organizing Tip: The Concept of "Limiting Containers"

2010-03-03T05:27:00.000-08:00

Ideas brought to you by www.thecustomcloset.net
For more info on closet design call (800) 304-4848

Today let's talk about keeping our volume of stuff in check. By this I mean.... MOST OF US HAVE TOO MUCH STUFF! So, how do we combat this problem? One way is by using the concept of 'Limiting Containers'. Simply speaking, if you assign a specific amount of space for your stuff, then it's obvious when you've got too much stuff and it's time for some decisions to purge. And by purge I mean: Throw out, donate, relocate, give away, or sell.

You already have limiting containers all over your home. Your kitchen drawers, your closets, various bins and baskets, even your garbage can. But, the big question is: are you using these containers as LIMITING CONTAINERS, ie: only keeping enough stuff to fit comfortably in these containers? Or, are you letting the stuff overflow?

Let's take the garbage can as an example. It's a container, right? And, even more, you've defined the kind of stuff you want to put in it, namely: GARBAGE. OK, so throughout the day and week, you're putting garbage in the container. At some point, it gets full. If you keep filling it, then it starts to overflow. If you don't do some purging, it will keep overflowing and you may even decide to stop putting garbage in it and start leaving your garbage all over the place. This is now clutter (not to mention it becomes unsanitary).

BUT, if, when the garbage gets full, you make a conscious decision to PURGE (ie: empty the garbage and put it out for your local trash-removal service), then you've established it as a LIMITING CONTAINER, and when it gets full, you make the decision to purge.

So now let's apply this same principle to 2 other problem areas of your home. For example 1) a Child's Playroom or 2) a Filing Cabinet.

1) Child's Playroom
If your child's toys are overflowing both in and out of the room, then it's time to designate the room as a limiting container, and within the room, assign specific shelves and bins/baskets as limiting containers for various kinds of toys. When things get full, it's time to purge. Teach your children that they can only keep the amount of toys that will comfortably fit inside the room, and inside the bins and boxes, and they will learn a valuable lesson in life to keep their volume of stuff under control.

2) Filing Cabinet
If your home or office filing cabinet is full to the brim, then it is likely that not only can you not find what you need when you need it, but you will also probably stop filing documents and leave them all over the place instead. Establish the cabinet as a limiting container, and start purging the old documents that are no longer needed. Then, establish your rules for purging documents on a regular basis so that the backlog doesn't happen again. Additionally, make sure you are only keeping documents that you truly need for either personal, legal or tax reasons, and stop saving the rest.

By implementing the concept of LIMITING CONTAINERS, you will be well on your way to keeping your volume of stuff in check and eliminating your clutter!
Linda English
Organizing With EASE, LLC
201-638-9593 | www.orgwithease.com | orgwithease@aol.com

Find What Motivates You (and use it to get organized!)

2010-02-12T09:18:00.000-08:00

Let's Get It Started: www.thecustomcloset.net

Today I thought I'd talk about MOTIVATION. A lot of people say that they want to live a more organized life, but they just don't feel like doing anything about it. Or, they begin a project, then give up after a while. There could be many reasons for these scenarios, but one inherent theme is that if you don't have the motivation, you simply aren't going to do it. And, even more importantly, as with anything in your life, if the motivation doesn't come from within YOU (ie: not someone else telling you that you need to do it), then the likelihood of you succeeding is very slim.

So, if you're having a hard time finding the motivation, here are some ideas to overcome that challenge:

Think about other areas of your life where you actually ARE motivated to do something, and try to tap into that motivation somehow. For example, maybe you thrive on competition. So, create a competition between you and a friend to achieve some organizational goal you've been struggling to tackle. (Maybe even add a little wager of some sort to make it more interesting!)
Tap into the feeling of the end-result. Recall a past time when you achieved something you wanted, and remember how great it felt. If you keep your eye on that feeling, it can drive you to achieve your goal!
Make the project smaller: Maybe the project you want to do is overwhelming to you. Well, break it up into small chunks, and tackle one at a time. The feeling of accomplishing even the smallest of goals can keep you going to do more and more!
Get a 'Clutter Buddy'. If you think getting organized is boring (not me!), then perhaps you need a 'clutter buddy'. This is someone who is NON-JUDGEMENTAL, who can simply be with you while you do the work.
Throw a party! This has worked in my home a lot. Whenever my husband and I have been putting off doing some kind of home-improvement or decorating, hanging pictures, whatever.... we decide to throw a party. That gives us the motivation to finally get it done in time for the party!
And, of course, sometimes you simply cannot find the motivation on your own. Then, tell yourself it's ok to ask for help. That's why businesses like mine exist. We really can help, and as for me personally, I LOVE to help people live easier lives. THAT'S WHAT MOTIVATES ME! Just give me a call at any time for a FREE 1/2 Consultation to discuss your needs and determine if hiring a Professional Organizer is right for you. And, as a side note, quite often, if you're paying to have someone help and guide you, then the fact that you're paying money is enough motivation to get it done in the quickest time possible! (And... you had an expert help you do it the best way possible!)

Linda English
Organizing With EASE, LLC
201-638-9593 | www.orgwithease.com | orgwithease@aol.com

January is Organizing Month!

2010-01-19T12:30:00.000-08:00

Create an organized closet or home office now : Go to: http://www.thecustomcloset.net/
Call (201) 666-1717

Organizing Tip: Simple Kitchen Organizing Tips

I'll be at a friend's house tomorrow for a popular kitchen product home party, and I've put together some simple kitchen organizing tips to enhance the party, and get everyone's organizing juices flowing! While the guests drool over the latest greatest cooking gadgets, I'll be helping everyone figure out how to best store all those wonderful items.

Will you be hosting some kind of product home party soon? Call me... I can add value to your party by offering tips and expert advice related to whatever the home-party's them is! (Free of charge!)

So, in honor of kitchens, cooking, and family meal prep, I offer you the following tips. Enjoy!

Create a central “Command Center” with a calendar to manage the family schedules, and a file system, in/out boxes to manage all the incoming and outgoing mail and family paperwork.
Create a standard grocery list and post it on your fridge or inside a cabinet door, then you can just check-off items as you need them.
Put a phone message pad or small notepad near the central family phone so messages will get written down!
Create a weekly meal plan so there’s never the 6:00 question: ‘What’s for dinner?’
Store ‘like’ items together and create zones for categories like a grocery store, such as baking, spices, entertaining, small utensils, servingware, etc…
PURGE! Keep only what you love and use, and donate the rest.
While preparing meals, keep a bowl handy for tossing waste.
Install pull-out shelves to make it a breeze to access items stored in the back.
Use cupboard shelves or under-shelf baskets to double your shelf space.
Think VERTICAL: Store large cooking trays vertically in a cabinet instead of stacking them in piles that topple over. Use vertical dividers to maintain order.
Find a happy home for every item in your kitchen, not just ‘where it fits’. Catch yourself when you say “I don’t know where to put this, so I’ll just put it here FOR NOW.’ That statement is the #1 cause of clutter.
Store frequently used items in places most easily accessible, and less-used items a little higher or lower. Rarely used items should be stored furthest away.
LABEL, LABEL, LABEL! There will never be the question: ‘Where does this go?’
Periodically declutter and refine your system to keep your kitchen running smoothly!
Linda English
Organizing With EASE, LLC
201-638-9593 http://www.orgwithease.com/ orgwithease@aol.com

Storing Holiday Decor

2010-01-06T07:18:00.000-08:00

www.thecustomcloset recommends these tips

Organizing Tip: Tips for Storing Holiday Decor

Well, the holidays are almost over, and in the next week or so, it will be time to take down all our holiday decorations and store them for next year. A fundamental ORGANIZING TECHNIQUE is to store things based on how you will use them in the future. This technique works well for holiday decor. Store your holiday decor in such a way that will make it easiest for you to use it next year.

Here's how:

1. PURGE: Purge any broken items, such as broken ornaments (beyond repair), strings of lights that do not work and that you will not repair, or old decorations that never seem to make it out of the decorations box anymore. Space is precious in all homes, so only store what you will definitely use in the future.

2. Determine your decorating style, then store your items based on your style. Select a style below:
a. You like to decorate each room pretty much the same way each year, then I recommend storing your holiday decor in separate containers by room. ie: have a container for the Family Room, one for the outside decor, a gift-wrap container, holiday kitchen-ware, etc... By storing your items in separate containers by room, it will make it so simple for you to decorate next year. If a room's decor isn't enough to have it's own container, then simply divide the container in layers by using a piece of old gift-wrap or cardboard

b. You like to mix-it-up each year and decorate differently: then store your items by the kind of item it is: ie: all the lights together, all the candles together, all the little items together, all the big items together, all hanging items together, etc.... Then, next year, you can easily see your kinds of items, and can 'shop' from your containers to decorate your home any way you want.

c. You like to decorate with all NEW items each year: Then donate or sell your holiday decor. There's no need to store items you will no longer use in the future.

NOTE: I recommend using clear Rubbermaid/Sterilite style plastic containers for storing your holiday decor.
3. LABEL! Clearly label your containers!! You can use envelope labels, or a piece of masking tape with a sharpie, or this great product: http://shop.nackit.com/

4. STORE! Put away your containers. Put them in a very out of reach location, like the attic or on a high shelf in the garage or out of the way place in your basement. Just be aware of keeping them away from any location with water/dampness problems.

When the 2010 holiday time comes, you'll be so thankful that you took the time to organize and properly store your decorations!!
Linda English
Organizing With EASE, LLC
201-638-9593 www.orgwithease.com orgwithease@aol.com

www.thecustomcloset.net

Recent "closet" jobs www.thecustomcloset.net

2009-12-27T18:28:00.000-08:00

Desk, storage unit and wardrobe unit in wood grain melamine by The Custom Closet.

see our website: www.thecustomcloset.net serving Northern NJ, Rockland County, NY, New York, NY

Clean Out Before the Holiday!

2009-12-11T13:21:00.002-08:00

Organizing Tip: Do the "Pre-Holiday-Purge"
www.thecustomcloset.net

So, it's Holiday Time again! Crazy, fun, stressful, peaceful, joyous, challenging.... Yes... All of the above!

One of the best things you can do right now is PURGE PURGE PURGE! Get rid of all the old stuff cluttering up your living space, to make room for all the new stuff that's about to come into your life!

This doesn't have to be stressful, nor a long... drawn out process. Just a quick scan and purge of the obvious.

1) Set aside an hour or two in the next week or so to do this.
2) Just grab two large bags (one for trash, one for donations - maybe white for trash, and black for donations).
3) Go room by room, and just start putting things in the appropriate bags. Go through each closet, the toy bins, the drawers, the shelves, the basement, the attic. Wherever you look, there are probably some easy items you can get rid of to create some open space and room to move more freely.
4) Now, take your two kinds of bags and THROW OUT THE TRASH BAGS immediately. As for the donations bags, you have several options:
Pick your favorite charity and arrange pickup or drop-off.
Give to a friend/relative WHO WANTS/NEEDS WHAT YOU HAVE TO GIVE.
Contact your local town's social services department to see if they can use what you have to give.
If it's clothing, small toys, shoes, etc... you can give me a call - my daughter's gymnastics team is having a clothing drive fundraiser on Dec 13th. I can collect these items from you. Just let me know.
If you just want it gone, you can donate to the Vietnam Veterans of America, Red Cross, Good Will at their drop off locations, or have the VVA come to your house for free pickup: http://www.scheduleapickup.com/. It's easy, free, and tax deductible!
If it's valuable, try selling it on ebay!
Have fun purging! It will feel good, AND you'll be helping some local charities at this wonderful time of year!

Linda English
Organizing With EASE, LLC
201-638-9593 www.orgwithease.com orgwithease@aol.com______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Holiday

2009-12-11T13:21:00.001-08:00

Organizing Tip: Do the "Pre-Holiday-Purge"

So, it's Holiday Time again! Crazy, fun, stressful, peaceful, joyous, challenging.... Yes... All of the above!

One of the best things you can do right now is PURGE PURGE PURGE! Get rid of all the old stuff cluttering up your living space, to make room for all the new stuff that's about to come into your life!

This doesn't have to be stressful, nor a long... drawn out process. Just a quick scan and purge of the obvious.

1) Set aside an hour or two in the next week or so to do this.
2) Just grab two large bags (one for trash, one for donations - maybe white for trash, and black for donations).
3) Go room by room, and just start putting things in the appropriate bags. Go through each closet, the toy bins, the drawers, the shelves, the basement, the attic. Wherever you look, there are probably some easy items you can get rid of to create some open space and room to move more freely.
4) Now, take your two kinds of bags and THROW OUT THE TRASH BAGS immediately. As for the donations bags, you have several options:
Pick your favorite charity and arrange pickup or drop-off.
Give to a friend/relative WHO WANTS/NEEDS WHAT YOU HAVE TO GIVE.
Contact your local town's social services department to see if they can use what you have to give.
If it's clothing, small toys, shoes, etc... you can give me a call - my daughter's gymnastics team is having a clothing drive fundraiser on Dec 13th. I can collect these items from you. Just let me know.
If you just want it gone, you can donate to the Vietnam Veterans of America, Red Cross, Good Will at their drop off locations, or have the VVA come to your house for free pickup: http://www.scheduleapickup.com/. It's easy, free, and tax deductible!
If it's valuable, try selling it on ebay!
Have fun purging! It will feel good, AND you'll be helping some local charities at this wonderful time of year!
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Holiday

2009-12-11T13:21:00.000-08:00

Clean Out the Pantry

2009-11-20T12:09:00.000-08:00

Organizing Tip: It's time to purge your pantry
www.thecustomcloset.net

This tip applies to everyone, whether you have a full-size pantry closet, or a cabinet or two in your kitchen. It's time to clear it out!

First of all....WHY, clear out your pantry? There are so many good reasons, a few of which are:
To get rid of all the expired, unused, unwanted food items that are just taking up valuable space.
To take inventory, and actually know what you have, so you can use it, and what you need, so you can purchase it.
To prevent pesky pantry pests by throwing out spoiled food and old, opened cereals and grains.
Make room for special items needed for the holidays.
So, here's what to do:

1) Set aside some time. This doesn't have to all be done at once, perhaps just 15m a day for the next week or so.
2) Tackle one small area at a time (such as a shelf, or portion of a shelf).
3) Pull out everything, and one by one, make a decision: Toss, Donate or Keep.
4) Toss: Throw out everything spoiled, stale, expired, or items that were opened-but-unused for a long period of time.
5) Donate: Set aside non-expired items that you know you simply will not use, but can be donated to a local food pantry (contact your local Food Pantry do arrange for donation drop-off).
6) Keep: For all items you decide to keep, put them back in your pantry grouping 'like-items' together.
7) Congratulate yourself for a job well-done!

Now, you've got a pantry filled with only items that are still good, and those you've decided you WILL USE. Break out the recipe books and start planning those great meals!

Linda English
Organizing With EASE, LLC
201-638-9593 www.orgwithease.com orgwithease@aol.com

Keep all Passwords and ID's Organized!!

2009-11-07T08:35:00.000-08:00

Get home office ideas at: www.thecustomcloset.net

Organizing Tip: Keep track of Internet IDs & Passwords

Where do you keep track of your various Internet IDs & Passwords? Are they written down anywhere or cluttering up your head? Are there sticky notes stuck all over your computer? What if something happened to you - would your spouse, parents or children know how to access your important accounts? Well, the solution is to create a single home for all those IDs and Passwords.

Here are a couple of suggestions on how to keep track of them:
Get a small notebook and simply write them all down. Keep the notebook near your computer.
Get an address book with the alphabet tabs, and log them in there alphabetically.
Use a Rolodex - add a card for each website and file them alphabetically.
Create a simple spreadsheet in MS Word or Excel and include columns for: website, ID, password, and any other notes you may need. You can then sort the spreadsheet alphabetically or by any other category you'd like.
Good luck and happy web-surfing!!

Linda English
Organizing With EASE, LLC
201-638-9593 http://www.orgwithease.com/ orgwithease@aol.com

Tips for rotating seasonal clothes

2009-11-05T10:04:00.000-08:00

Get an estimate for closet organizing systems at: www.thecustomcloset.net

Organizing Tip: Autumn clothing rotation

So, Autumn is here, and with it comes the colder weather. It's time to break out the fall/winter clothes, and pack away the summer clothing. Here are a few tips for managing that process.

First, if you haven't ever rotated your clothing (ie: your closets and drawers are always filled with the entire year's worth of clothing,) you may want to give clothing rotation a try. It will free up so much space in your closets and drawers and allow easy access to the only the items you need for that season.

Some tips:

1. Decide where you will store your out-of-season clothing. Clothing stores best in a room-temperature, dry place, so an extra closet somewhere within the home is ideal. If not, consider the attic or basement, however high temperatures and/or humidity can negatively affect your clothing, so if you can avoid those areas, then do so. Another option is to put out-of-season clothing way up high on shelves in your closet, at the far end of your closet out of the way, in containers under the bed, or in drawers/closet of your guest room.

2. Get some containers: If you're storing your garments in a place other than your existing closet, then get some medium to large size Rubbermaid/Sterilite bins (or similar). Plastic containers work well for storing your items and keeping them protected. Not too big though, or they wont be manageable to carry. Also consider a portable covered garment rack for storing out-of-season hanging clothing.

3. Start gathering up all your summer clothing: Pull out all your summer clothes from closets and drawers.

4. Purge: Get rid of anything that is stained or damaged beyond repair, items that don't fit, or not your style anymore (be ruthless! You don't want to go thru the effort of storing something that you don't really want anymore!). Trash or donate unwanted items.

5. Clean: Before storing, make sure the items are clean.

6. Keep a couple of summer outifts accessible: Since weather can be unpredictable, keep a couple of warm-weather outfits in your closet for the time-being. (Remember, the past couple of Halloweens have had temperatures in the 70's and 80's!)

7. Store & Label: Put your items into their storage containers, and LABEL the contents clearly, then put the containers away in their storage space. If it's just an area or shelves of a closet, label that area 'Off-Season-Clothes', so there's no chance of mixing them up with the current season's clothing.

8. Take your fall/winter clothes out of storage: If you previously had stored these items, take them out now, and put them away in your closets and drawers, again, evaluating their usability before putting them away.

9. Enjoy!

Linda English
Organizing With EASE, LLC
201-638-9593 http://www.orgwithease.com/ orgwithease@aol.com