PUT THINGS AWAY. Sounds simple, doesn't it? As you move back and forth across the house during the day, pick up things you see that don't belong in that room and carry it to the room (or at least the side of the house) in which it belongs. Doing this will eliminate big piles of misplaced items that seem overwhelming at the end of a long day.
MAIL. Open it as soon as you get in the house. Immediately throw away anything that is "junk" and immediately act on or file that which needs action.
E-MAIL. Pretend your e-mail inbox is available only from 11am to noon and 3:30pm to 4:30pm (or whatever times work for you). Focusing on processing your e-mail during only these times will diminish the constant distraction e-mail can provoke.
HOME OFFICE. Choose the same style for all your desktop accessories and it will appear as though you have fewer pieces making visual noise. This will make for a more peaceful environment.
BEDROOM CLOSETS. To keep closets from getting overstuffed, use the in/out rule. If you buy an item of clothing, get rid of an item of clothing. Also, don't hold onto clothing that no longer fits or is damaged or stained, just because it has sentimental value. It's taking up valuable closet space for potential NEW items that can make you look like your best self NOW. Use hangers that are all the same color/material (all wood, all Huggable Hangers, or all white plastic--no wire hangers!) and face all your clothing in the same direction for a uniform look that takes up less space.
KITCHENS. Keep the front of your fridge clear of all magnets and reminders. It's an instant upgrade! Put like items on the refrigerator door (all salad dressings and sauces together, all jellies and syrups together) so you can look in ONE place when trying to find something. Keep countertops clear of appliances. It makes your kitchen look so much bigger! And really consider how much you use that bread maker or crock pot in relation to the cabinet space it takes up. If you don't use it at least twice a month, consider donating it, and gain some space.
BATHROOMS. Turn all items in your medicine chest so that their labels face forward (like in the grocery store). This creates a clean, organized look and lets you know exactly what you have so you don't buy duplicates. Get rid of almost-empty bottles you rarely use. Try rolling towels and putting them on a console table or in baskets for a spa-like look.
MAKE DECISIONS. Make decisions all day long. Whether you realize it or not, most of your paper and electronic clutter is postponed decisions. Start making decisions NOW and see how your to-do lists begin to diminish, freeing your space and mind.
REGROUP. Make appointments with yourself the same way you make appointments with clients or colleagues. When someone asks you to participate in something during your appointment, tell them you already have a meeting scheduled at that time. A moment or two of quiet time helps with reflection and prioritizing--ultimately saving you time.
No matter what, put things where they belong every day--routines are key! Edit, edit, edit!
Here are a few of my favorite websites. Dig around. You may find some organizing tools that inspire you.
OnlineOrganizing.com - Your online organizing resource with articles, ideas and every product to help you organizing anything. BONUS! I have a weekly blog on this site. Be sure to check it out every Monday! It's called The Pile High Club: how NOT to become a member
Container Store - THE one-stop shop for every possible storage option.
HGTV: Mission Organization - This HGTV show features a homeowner with a cluttered room and no idea how to fix it. A professional organizer helps the homeowner along with creative and stylish organizing solutions. The end result is a room that is transformed into a useable, enjoyable space.
Organized A to Z - Over 150 of the most useful and attractive organizational products available.
Real Simple - The online version of this monthly magazine features at least one article on organizing in every issue. Search online for more tips.
Russell+Hazel - Find stylish and colorful office supplies you'll love to use.
See Jane Work - Chic and adorable office products. You'll wonder how you ever got along without them!
Buttoned Up - Love, love, love their products, which are both functional and sleekly designed.
Kanga Room Storage - Chi chi storage items, without the chi chi prices.
Impact Productivity - My great organizer friend, Kate Brown, specializes in improving business productivity through time management and organization. She does some amazing seminars as well, for any business that are looking for a speaker!
DMA Choice - Consumer Assistance - CUT DOWN ON JUNK MAIL. Check this site to remove your name from mailing lists, telemarketing lists, email lists, and other lists.
Favorite Non-Organizing Sites/Products
Concierge Services - In Pinellas I use At Your Service (link to www.atyourservice-tampabay.com). Owner Kelli Barr will do anything you ask! 727.410.7052. In Hillsborough I recommend Premier Concierge (link to www.premierconciergeservices.com). Owner Jodi Jacalow was recently written up in the South Florida Business Journal for her outstanding service. 813.281.9549 or email jodi@premierconciergeservices.com
Not From A Box - This website has bar none the cutest invitations and stationery available. I get all my party invites, Christmas cards and stationery from them. They are fast, afforable, and do custom work. What more could a working girl want?
The Sartorialist - This site appeases my hunger for all things New York, reminds me of my time there, and gives me great ideas for unconventional looks.
Toffee To Go - This business is local for me (thank goodness!) but they deliver/ship nationally. They have THE BEST toffee EVER. It's buttery, salty, sweet--all my favorite things in one bite. It's a perfect gift for a friend or client, for any occasion.
Local Tampa Bay Area Resources We Recommend
Here are some very hard working and trustworthy professionals in my area.
Architect - Charles Kitzmiller. 813-417-8730.
ctkfour@go.com
Concierge Services - In Pinellas, I use At Your Service. Owner Kelli Barr will do anything you ask! 727.410.7052. In Hillsborough, I recommend Premier Concierge. Owner Jodi Jacalow was recently written up in the South Florida Business Journal for her outstanding service. 813.281.9549 or email jodi@premierconciergeservices.com jodi@premierconciergeservices.com
Divine Events - Divine Moms. This mom-owned local business hosts the BEST mom events like shopping sprees at Anthropologie, Yoga Mommy & Baby events and even a talk from famed Happiest Baby on the Block author Dr. Harvey Karp. Sign up to be on their mailing list for the next fun event!
Interior Designer - Debbie Perez, Peridot Designs. 1303 N. Armenia Ave., Tampa, FL. 813-600-9801. debbie@my-decorator.com debbie@my-decorator.com
Kitchen Design and Cabinetry - AlliKriste, Mimi Houlton is wonderful and their work is top of the line! Visit the showrooms in St. Petersburg, Sarasota and Naples to see what I'm talking about. Mimi's cell is 727.415.8435 or email her at mimih@allikriste.com
Plumber - Bay Area Plumbing, Inc. - ask for owner Michael Williams.
Flooring (tile, wood, carpet) - Five Star Flooring of Tampa Bay. Ask for Hector Morejon. 813-610-2977.
Pest Control (even for lawns) - Top Notch Pest Control - ask for owner Michael Carli.
Realtors - Executive Realty's Win Big Realty Team - Frances Winstead is one of the most dedicated realtors in the area. She is committed to finding the best homes at the best deals for her clients.
Home Inspections - Glisson Inspection - Tim Glisson
Title Insurance - Group West Title - When you want the best, call Group West!
Local Home Rentals - Rent The Bay - Rental homes, apartments and condos for rent in Tampa, Clearwater and St. Petersburg. Landlord forms and tools, connect your utilities, moving resources and more. Call Mike Hooper at 813-875-RENT.
LOCAL RECYCLYING INFORMATION - Pinellas County Utilities: lists of recycling locations and map, what can be recycled, where to take non-recyclable hazardous waste, etc. www.pinellascounty.org/utilities/getridofit