5 Ways to Get it Done Now!

Bored? Procrastinating? Other things to do? We all have those excuses and reasons to not do something we should do. Here are five ideas to help get you on track:

1) Set a timer. For 15 or 20 minutes to start. Get as much done as you can before the timer dings. If you still have some gusto left, set it again. Do this daily until the project is complete.

2) Alternate with something more fun. Complete part A of the task, then read a chapter. Finish part B of the project, then watch a TV show. Finish the third part, then paint your nails.

3) Have someone help. Tell your friend/relative/neighbor/professional organizer that for the next 'x' minutes, you are to work on this task. Together. Then, you can make plans for whatever else you like to do together. The other person is there to help support you through the project - without judging - and keep you on task. You can also try delegating parts of the project to your helper.

4) Get rid of distractions. Shut the door. Silence the phone. Turn off the TV and radio. Concentrate.

5) Have a reward at the end. Ice cream. A movie. A dance party in your office. Anything your more-organized heart desires!

Why Kids Make You More Disorganized

A Top 5 List:

1) They need so much stuff! Bottles, diapers, toys, books, clothes, art supplies.... we could all go on forever.

2) They keep growing! Just when your kid has grown into one size, the seasons change and you need to buy a whole new wardrobe. Just so it all won't fit next year.

3) They're messy! (Usually). Kids don't know it's gross to eat off the floor. They also don't know that stepping on Legos is horribly painful.

4) TOYS. Toys = stature on the playground. The more toys you have, the more other kids want to play with you and said toys. And, then they get older and want new, different toys. But, they don't want to get rid of all the old toys, either.

5) You're sentimental! It's your baby. Of course you want to keep every single piece of genius artwork and paper written. Of course.

It's no wonder you feel overwhelmed. The good news is, the more organized you are, the easier it will be to tolerate all the changes that will continue to come your (and your child's) way!

Quick Tips You Always Forget

There are a handful of things professional organizers tend to keep in mind that always impress our clients... but, are really just common sense ideas we simply keep at the top of mind. Here are a few things that you likely don't consider, but can make a huge difference in your space:

1) Move the shelves! If you're having a hard time getting your items to fit in your kitchen cabinets, linen closet, book cases, etc. try moving the shelves. Sometimes that inch or two is all the solution you need. (Note: don't try to move the shelves if you do not, in fact, have adjustable shelves.)

2) Fold your sheets! I know, I know. Folding a fitted sheet is a pain for almost everyone. But, it can really increase the amount you can fit in a space, as well as look nicer. If you need some guidance, ask Martha, of course. This is how I fold fitted sheets.

3) Store shoes toe-to-heel! Simply put, it lets you keep more shoes in a row in any given space. I promise.

4) Media can stand and/or lay on your shelf! Traditionally, books, movies and music stand in a row on a shelf. However, sometimes it fits the space better if you stack the items on their side. This is especially handy for shorter items that you have in abundance.

5) Label things! I know I've said it a thousand times, and I'll say it at least once more. Even if you're setting up the space just for yourself, labels help remind you where things were moved, where to find them and where to put them away. It will help build your new habits. If it's a space that's all your own, once you've conquered your old habits and created new, you can always remove the labels.

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