For the Person Who Has it All

I was asked today for suggestions for gifts for the person that already has "too much stuff." And, my answer was quick - experiential gifts! These are great for the person that doesn't have anything specific on their wish list or has all he/she needs, too.

For example, instead of gifting someone new baking pans and kitchen gadgets, try sending gourmet or home-made baked goods. If they're home made, it will show you took time from your own schedule to show how much you care.

Instead of giving new platters and serving trays that are stacked in the basement for years to come, take them out to dinner. Not just the ol' neighborhood haunt, though. Take your loved one to a restaurant serving a cuisine he/she has never tried or is in an area he/she has never traveled to.

Events are great to give, too. For yourself and the gift recipient, or for the recipient and others to enjoy. Plays, concerts and classes are all great fun to share. There are all kinds of classes to take - crafts, cooking and baking, art and more. Tailor the gift to their hobbies and interests.

And, if cost is a concern, then scope out deal sites like Groupon and Living Social. There are tons now - local and national. You can even search for a deal based on what you're looking for, like "Chicago Museum Passes."

Of course, don't forget, you can always give the gift of organization, too!

Back, Back, Back it Up!

I don't normally get too technical in my organizing life. I assist clients with some basic computer organization and tend to stop there. That's about how technical I am personally, too. I can check my email and create a word document or pdf file...but that's about as creative as I get.

However, I do run a paperless office. Technically, I'm not entirely paper-free. But, it's about 95% paper free. That means that all my client files, financial information, personal information, insurance papers, tax papers and medical information are all electronic.

Two days ago my external hard drive died.

Normally, I'd think that means I'd be done for. But, fortunately, the one other thing I know to do with my gadgets is back them up!

Most of my files are on my actual computer drive, though I rarely access them through the C: drive. I also have all my important files in the cloud, in Drop Box. Normally, I access my files through this system of storage such that whenever I edit a file, it automatically updates in the cloud. I also backed up everything on my external drive on a weekly basis. And, just for good measure, I have a Crash Plan account, too. Crash Plan is also cloud-based and backs up all my files every few minutes. I don't access or edit files in Crash Plan, however, as it's meant for storage purposes only. Think worst-case scenarios here. Like, my computer is stolen and smashed the same day that Drop Box up and crashes. Fingers crossed that never happens! I'd then be able to recover all my files on Crash Plan from the last back-up it did from my computer.

Fortunately, when my hard drive died, it wasn't too big a deal. All I have to do is get a new one and properly recycle the other. Back, back, back it up!

An Organized Beauty Regimen

Getting dressed and out the door on time has become an unending battle that many of us are losing daily. Often, if we don't live alone, it's not always our fault. But, sometimes it is. Time management skills aside, there are a couple ways to improve the chances of starting the day off in an organized manner.

Getting dressed without tossing 13 outfits on the floor and screaming, "I don't have anything to wear!" is always a plus! In order to help ease the frustration of finding something appropriate and comfortable to wear on a daily basis, I suggest starting by organizing your wardrobe. Remember when I wrote about that process last year?

If you've got kids, maybe getting them safely out the door will help ease your morning, too. Homework done, lunches made and teeth brushed - success! I was interviewed for an article about just that last winter, too. Trust me, that's a whole topic on it's own!

What is probably left to tackle is whatever beauty regimen you may or may not have. Regardless of

how many products you have or how many steps it takes to 'make up your face,' all of us have at least a handful of things to do in the bathroom.

I wrote about culling down your collection of products already, so I'd rather spend time discussing how to set-up all the 'keepers.' As always, we start with grouping our products: hair, face, body, shaving, medicine, nails/toes.... you get the picture.

Before we start to assign space for those categories to live, I like to sift through each group and pull out anything I know I'm going to use everyday: toothpaste, deodorant, contact solution and so on. These items are immediately put in prime real estate - usually the medicine cabinet or the most accessible drawer. If need be, these items can go on a try or in a basket on the counter, too.

Next, I do a second run through the piles to find 'special occasion' items: costume make-up, travel-size products and bulk supplies. These are things I'm going to rarely reach for. These items will be stored out of the way. A linen closet, bottom cabinet/drawer or a bin in a closet might work well for these categories.

All those in between categories can now fill in the middle drawers and other spaces still up for grabs. Vitamins to refill pill reminders and bandages are good in-between categories - things I'll reach for a couple times a month.

To 'put your face' now, all you have to do is look in the right spot! No more combing through four make-up bags to find your everyday lipstick. It's in the make-up bag that has all the everyday products in it. The holiday make-up is in it's own bag; the Halloween make-up has a separate spot.

Now, get going!

How to Organize When You're Sick

This past week, I've been sick. I lost my voice for the first time in more than ten years! In retrospect, that's a good thing, but this past week it sure didn't feel like it.

So, I lost my voice almost completely for about four or five days. I was congested and coughing like nobody's business and pretty fatigued just by watching TV. How's a girl to stay organized while she's sick?

First thing's first: I prioritized. What did I really need to get done during those few days? There was definitely some communicating with my clients that needed to happen. In order to respond in a timely manner, I deferred to email. When someone new called looking for some information, I had assistance in answering calls and gathering info such that I could email the information that was needed. I even rescheduled appointments because 1) I couldn't talk to anyone and 2) didn't want to get anyone else sick!

Secondly, I needed to get better! I made sure to nap when exhausted; I took the medicine the doctor told me to take; I took hot showers. It sounds pretty simple, really, but most of us ignore this part while we're sick. I kept the medicine out on the counter so I'd remember to take it. I kept tissues and cough drops with it, so I'd always know where to find them. (I will admit to moving things to my nightstand each night, though).

And, of course, I didn't want to feel completely isolated from the world. So, when I had the wherewithal to do so, I'd check my email and voicemail; I'd watch the news; I'd browse Facebook for pictures my friends were posting. And, I played a lot of Spider Solitaire. I had to remind myself to run to the store for groceries or do laundry.

How exactly is this organizing? Think of it like a vacation - a snotty, silent vacation. I had to get the right supplies and keep them handy. I had to be aware of my time and the activities I should be getting done (vs. the activities I was actually getting done - sleeping and solitaire!). It's easy to get sidetracked on vacation - and when you're sick. Your schedule's different, and your energy is different.

The only things being sick and vacation have in common? Lots of snacks. Lots of sleep. That is, of course, if you're doing it right.

Stay healthy out there!

It's Been Awhile!

I know, I know....I've been neglecting my blog-writing duties! It's been busy around here!

If you read my last entry, you know that I moved. Although, things are unpacked and I'm settled in, moving always takes longer than most people expect. While busy unpacking and rearranging and measuring and building furniture, I was also working with my clients, giving presentations and trying to generally run a business efficiently and smoothly. How exhausting!!

So, I thought it worth mentioning that even a Certified Professional Organizer® can feel overwhelmed and fall behind sometimes. We are still human and not perfect. I can get overwhelmed unpacking a room and wander off to watch something mindless on TV for 20 minutes before I make myself go back to work. I can convince myself that I've done enough for the day and quit early. Just like everyone else.

The important part is that I don't give up. I got it all done. I made it work, and I made it fit. The reasons it was totally reasonable for me to take breaks and walk away? Because I needed to clear my head to start fresh on the next, and I didn't want to burn out only to stash some boxes in a corner or under the bed to find it in three years when I move again....having never opened it.

The moral of the story? Pace it out. And, be confident that the organizer you're working with knows what he/she is doing! They might get there in a round about way. They might not get there as quickly as you had hoped. But, trust that there is a method to the madness. They'll get you there. They won't let you burn out. And, they certainly won't let you forget the task at hand!

Oh - and I'm back to the land of the living!

How we Can All Ask for Help

I wrote this last week for the NAPO Chicago chapter newsletter encouraging colleagues to ask each other for help.

I'm often reminded how wonderful our group is. How "together we are better." I'm sure that in theory, we all know this is true. But, every now and then, I'm able to experience first hand.

I recently moved in to a new home. It's been a long, multi-step process. A good one, but a long one. As an organizer, I'm sure you can relate to wanting everything to be unpacked and settled in as soon as possible. Well, to make a long story short, my belongings would be at the new place 21 days before I actually would. 

I can make do with my laptop and phone to make my business run wherever (another reason I'm thankful I have a paperless office!). But, how on Earth could I pack clothes for 20 days? In Chicago, in September, when the weather might feel like August or it might feel like October?

I tried to pack. And, I unpacked. And, then tried packing again.

I thought to myself, "This is silly. You need some help!" I went to my desk and emailed two colleagues with my conundrum. Before the night was out, I had a couple options for a solution and a well thought out packing list provided to me. What a relief! Needless to say, I finished packing that night. All has worked out as well as it sounded in the initial plan.

Perhaps others of us are having some roadblock in our own lives that are preventing us from moving on, moving in to or moving out of wherever we are now. Call another NAPO Chicago member. Maybe you need advice on what next steps to take for a client's project. Email another NAPO Chicago member. You've been asked to give a presentation, but really want to practice in front of someone who knows what you are (or should be) talking about. Ask another NAPO Chicago member at the next meeting.

Together we are better. It's because our members are helpful, knowledgeable and creative people. Who doesn't need more of that around?

Moving Time

Pardon me, if I sound exhausted! Moving is hard. As helpful as some tips are, there's no easy way around it. Moving is taxing.

I'm in the middle of a multi-step move. Which, when all is said and done, will take me 21 days to get from my old front door to my new front door. Sigh...

Yes, it will all be worth it. But, 21 days seems like forever! Especially to an organizer! So, since phase one is complete, I thought I'd share what things I've learned so far.

Phase one has consisted of moving all me belongings from my old home in to my new home. However, I'm not yet living there. That means, in the mean time, I'm living out of a suitcase. Phase two will be when a large majority of the furniture and more belongings arrive on day 21. That will be the first night the bed is there, and thus, my first night in my new home.

Definitely a Good Idea: Go through everything while packing. I don't want to pack up, move or pay someone to move and then unpack anything I don't want or won't use.

I donated a large carload of assorted things I wouldn't  need or want at my new place. A charity can make better use of these things than I can or the dumpster would.

Some things I offered to friends (like the tropical plant I have been kidding myself that I'm taking good care of), who graciously accepted. Cooking tools I don't use or had in duplicate went quickly. Linens were also scooped up pretty fast.

I had some nice things that just weren't going to fit in the new place. Fortunately, I was able to sell most of it on Craigslist. To help offset the cost and stress of moving, I was able to sell just over $500 worth of furniture! Hooray!

Definitely a Bad Idea: I waited far too long to book a moving company. The last day of the month, on a holiday weekend is apparently the most busy time. Ever. The one company that did have a truck available was about twice as much as I was expecting to pay.

I used pre-used boxes. I liked that this was very green, and definitely inexpensive (free, even!). But, the boxes had layers and layers of tape on them. Multiple labels scratched out and rewritten. And, some of the larger boxes were crumply and soft once filled. Having new or less-used boxes would have come in handy.

In short:

• Label those boxes well
• Move them in to the right room just when it comes off the truck
• Don't move anything you don't really want in your new home
• Don't be surprised when moving seems exhausting!

More to come when phase two is over....

Couponing, Buying in Bulk and Setting up the Kitchen

Shopping in bulk is tempting. Costco, Sam's Club, GFS and the like allow shoppers to save some money and shop less often. But, it can be a challenge to store 30 rolls of paper towels or two gallons of  marinara sauce at once.

Couponing has also become a "thing" lately. There are even TV shows like "Extreme Couponing" to show us the ins and outs of saving at the grocery store. Let me tell you, there are deals to be had and certain ways to go about achieving lots of savings. None of which I'm an expert.

What I do know about is how to store all those goodies once they come home. About how to make all the rolls of toilet paper fit in the linen closet. About where to store large boxes of cereal. About how to make three pounds of chicken and six pizzas all fit in the freezer.

Fortunately, there's one place where you can come - FOR FREE - to learn about all these things!

There will be snacks, drinks, prizes...and learning fun! Come out and learn how to best set up your kitchen and save some money while doing so! I'll be presenting tips and ideas on how to use your space efficiently in the kitchen, fridge and freezer. I hope to see you there!

Holiday Prep Work

Throughout the year there are a variety of small holidays that many people decorate for and even throw celebratory parties. The Forth of July happens to be tomorrow and is one such holiday. Although some of us are prone to leaving up our winter decorations for a month or two, we tend not to leave the red, white and blue bunting up for that long. (Not that there's anything wrong with keeping your patriotism flying in the wind all year long!)

So, how to make it an easy set-up, celebrate and put-away holiday? Here are a handful of tips:

• Have a plan. Will you be entertaining this year? Or, going some place else to celebrate? Or, simply want to make the house festive?
• Be prepared. A week or so before the holiday dig out any decorations that you already own for the holiday. (Of course, that's assuming you know where they might be...). Take a look at what you have before you go buy more; save yourself some time and money. If there's something you have, but know you'll never display again, add it to your ongoing donations bag. Set aside an hour or two to get the decorations out, put things up and make a list of what to pick up on your next errands run.
• Whether entertaining or heading out for the day, know what you'll need. Will you need plates, cups, napkins and food for your guests? Will you need a dish to pass or sparklers for the kids? Make sure these things are written down so you can pick them up a day or two before the holiday.
• Day before or morning of: do whatever last minute things need doing! Prepare food, sweep the floor, wipe down the bathroom. And so on. Recruit anyone else who shares the space to help. The kids, spouse or roommate. And, because you've been preparing for a couple days, you should also have a good idea of how much time you'll need to do these tasks before you have to leave or people start arriving.
• Enjoy the celebration!
  

Have a great, safe Forth of July!

5 Ways to Make Spring Cleaning Easier Than Ever

Today, I was featured as a guest blog writer for 1-800-Junk-Relief! Check out my article, "5Ways to Make Spring Cleaning Easier Than Ever."

Why Professionalism Matters

As President of the NAPO-Chicago chapter, I quarterly write a piece for our newsletter.  This week I've decided to share my last  letter, as I think it relates to all professions.

I was recently brought in on a large-scale project. The family was in dire need of a variety of services that a third party was coordinating. The project head had an assistant that was supposed to be my contact. In the weeks leading up to the project, there were a lot of communication problems. Information was missing; information was provided in an untimely manner and so on. Not only was this frustrating, but it hindered the success of the project as a whole.

Instead of placing blame on who did or didn't do what they “should” have done, I'd rather concentrate on the importance of why all of us should embrace our professional side so that we can walk away from our clients knowing we conducted ourselves appropriately.

Each of us has a vision as to what kind of company and services we'd like to represent. Regardless of the details of that vision, we probably can all agree that we want our clients and our peers to agree that we are, in fact, a professional. I conducted a bit of research as to what most people agree makes a professional. Most sources agree that there are some key areas that are important to creating this image:

• Dress and speak the part
• Write well
• Be on time/Honor commitments
• Communicate early and often
• Have the infrastructure you need for the job at hand
• Mind your hygiene
• Don't make excuses or lie
• Don't talk about clients behind their backs
• Be positive
• Offer to help
• Don't air your dirty laundry

Even the best of us can use a reminder. How often are you running just a few minutes late? When have you agreed to tackle a project, thinking you'll figure it out when the time comes (lacking the proper infrastructure)? When did you walk in to a session already wanting to go home? We've all fell below par on some of these at one time or another. And, we're human; we're not going to be perfect. But, professional does not mean perfect. It means we are respecting those we're working with. We're respecting the problems we are there to help solve. We're respecting emotions and attitudes. Most importantly, we're respecting ourselves.

Reverse the list above:

• Dressing and speaking poorly
• Writing in a nonsensical manner
• Being late/Forgetting commitments
• Lacking communication
• Lacking infrastructure
• Ignoring hygiene needs
• Making excuses and lying
• Gossiping
• Being negative
• Only looking out for yourself
• Airing all your secrets

Just reading this list over, we can all imagine how unreliable, uncomfortable and undesirable that working situation has become – even if just one or a couple of these are occurring. These characteristics have created a counterproductive workplace – for anyone involved. Productivity and job satisfaction will fall. Not to mention your over all physical and mental well-being.

Having worked in a less than professional situation, I'd rather not do so again. What does that mean for me and my company? It means I will refer work I'm not interested in or prepared for. I will do my best to stay positive and timely. I won't give excuses. Primarily, I will respect myself enough to let those working on projects with me know when they are acting unprofessional.