Business Trips

Every year I take at least one business trip. For the most part, when it comes to packing, it's not all that different than getting ready for a vacation. But, there are a couple subtle differences.

First thing to do is take care of the basics: clothes, shoes, bathroom sundries and so on. Pack these as you would for any trip. See my other posts about traveling. The only thing you might want to augment is the type of clothes you're packing. If your trip is to attend business meetings and courses, you'll want to pack the appropriate amount of professional wear. If you're traveling to do some hands-on work (in my case: organizing, sorting and unpacking), you might want to pack some more utilitarian outfits.

After the basics are taken care of, tackle the specifics. If you're attending classes, do you need to bring your own notepad and pen or tablet/laptop for note taking? Business cards? Resumes? If you're doing hands-on work, will you be able to bring whatever supplies you normally have at the ready at your place of work? For instance, my work bag includes rubber bands, markers, sticky notes and a measuring tape. I need to decide if I'm able to pack and bring these items or access them at my temporary location. Perhaps that warrants a phone call to the destination or even sending a package ahead of time.

Will I be staying at a hotel or with colleagues elsewhere? If a colleague has offered their home to me, I should ask what items I'm expected to bring (towels, for example) and what will be in the guest room.

Lastly, don't forget any documentation you might need for this business trip. Contracts, correspondences, informational sheets, examples for the clients to peruse. The last thing you want on a work trip is to forget that it's not vacation, but work after all!

Little Changes Make a Big Difference in the Closet


Over that past couple of weeks, I've worked in some closets and noticed a handful of changes that seem to come up often - and make a huge difference! Let's explore:

- Move the shelves! If you have shelving in your closet, and the shelves are adjustable, you'll likely want to do so. When built-in systems are installed, shelves are usually set at standard spacing. But, if you're using the shelves for things of differing sizes, standard spacing will hinder you. Tall purses, short shoe boxes, differing stacks of shirts and pants. They all are different heights. Why would your shelves stay where they are? Some systems will also allow for hanging bars to be adjusted.

- Hangers. When it comes to suit coats, blazers and heavier tops, many of us tend to use hangers like this one:
But, those take up tons of space! If you're tight on hanging space, look for thinner hangers. There are plenty of options available: fuzzy-lined ones so clothes don't slip off, kid-friendly plastic ones in bright colors, utilitarian metal. Anything that will allow more of your clothes to hang on the bar.

- Specialty hangers. I often come across specialty hangers for scarves, ties, belts, usually accessories of some kind. Only sometimes are these helpful. Sometimes they won't hold your entire collection, which is a bummer, and sometimes they just end up getting in the way. Consider folding scarves or rolling ties and belts. Store them in a drawer or bin. Depending on what space you have available, this might make a world of difference.

- Bins. Every now and then we need some kind of container in the closet. I've said it before, and I'll say it again: Measure your space before you buy any containers! That said, consider what you'd like to store and where it will go. On top of the highest shelf? Get something with a lid to prevent dust accumulation on the contents. On the floor, under hanging clothes? Get a short bin so hanging clothes aren't bunched up on top of it. On a shelf? Get something without a lid so you can easily slide it on and off the shelf. Storing fabric (clothes) in it? Get a container that won't snag. Stay away from wicker and straw baskets.
 
 Of course there are other ways to improve closets, too. But, that will depend on your physical space and what you want to fit in there. Hopefully, this will give you a good head start!

Is This the Worst You've Seen?

Almost every single person I've worked with has asked me if their space is the worst I've seen. The answer is no, usually it isn't. Never the less, most people want to know where they stack up. The short answer is I'm not going to compare clients. Everyone has a different situation with different belongings, in a different space. The one thing I will do is share a scale to let you decide where you land, compared to yourself only.

There is an educational group called the ICD, the Institute for Challenging Disorganization. They help to educate both professionals and the public about the challenges that chronically disorganized people face, as well as struggles those with particular challenges come across (learning disabilities or brain injuries, for example).

Awhile back, the ICD developed a Clutter Hoarding Scale to help professionals determine how many resources might be needed on a particular project. The scale rates spaces in five levels, from low to severe, in five categories: structure and zoning, animals and pests, household functions, health and safety and personal protective equipment. The scale itself can be rather in depth, and is available for free download on the ICD's website. But, here's a general basis to get you started:

Level 1: Low
  • All ways in and out of the home are accessible, plumbing/electrical/HVAC working
  • Appropriate animal control and no evidence of pests
  • No excessive clutter, consistent household maintenance
  • Maintained sanitation, no odors
Level 2: Guarded
  • One major exit blocked, some systems non-functioning
  • Inappropriate animal control, light evidence of pests
  • Clutter obstructs some functions of rooms, inconsistent household maintenance
  • Non-maintained sanitation, some odors detected
Level 3: Elevated
  • Items normally stored inside are outside, slight structural damage to home
  • Inadequate sanitation, evidence of pests
  • At least one room not used for intended purpose, substandard housekeeping
  • Obvious odors, accumulated trash, debris, dust
Level 4: High
  • HVAC disabled for one year or more, structural damage for more than six months
  •  Audible and visible pest infestations
  • Several rooms not being used for intended purpose, improper use of appliances, moving from room to room inhibited
  • Dishes, linens unusable; mold/mildew obvious; rotting food
Level 5: Severe
  • Inadequate.non-existent ventilation, irreparable damage to structure
  • Heavy infestations
  • All rooms not used for intended purpose, exits/halls blocked, appliances and plumbing not usable
  • Waste and rot present, bed not accessible, pervasive mold
If any of the later three stages reminds you of your home or someone you love, please contact a professional such as an organizer, mental health professional or counselor. The ICD can also provide information on how to best approach someone in need.

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