The Wand!

Ever wish you could wave a magic wand and every room in your home or office would be beautifully organized? Have you ever felt overwhelmed by clutter?

If you have, then your wish may not be as far fetched as you think.

Because of our busy lives, many of us just don’t have the time and energy to get organized.

This is where a Professional Organizer can be a useful ally when setting up a new home, office, or help you reclaim your current environment from the formidable ‘Clutter Monster!’

A Professional Organizer can help you turn your disorganized space into an Organized Haven, by assisting you in setting up procedures and routines to create new organizational habits. They also suggest personalized storage solutions and help you maintain your new organized environment.

Here are some tips on how getting organized can help you take back control of your home and office.

Vinea Letter Trays-www.caymanorganize.com

At Work

Everything should have its own place. This can be attained through storage systems that best suit your work needs and environment.

A proper workflow system is also essential. If your office files and work essentials are organized ineffectively, then you will work ineffectively too. According to the Wall Street Journal, “The average …executive wastes six weeks per year searching for missing information in messy desks and files.” (That translates to one hour per day.)

Not having an effective workflow system in place will also reduce your productivity and result in wasted time, added stress and, neck and back pains.

When setting up your workstation, think ergonomics.

Two weeks before school starts Pt.2

 Start setting alarm clocks. Gradually roll back bedtimes and wake-up times to ease your child into their new schedule.

 Check the school website for news about the upcoming year.

 Firm up transportation plans: Find out whether the bus route has changed and what time you can expect it to arrive. Confirm carpool arrangements.

 Shop for school supplies. Now is a good time to stock up on basics your child will use all year, like paper and pencils.

 Get out the master calendar and mark in any important dates, activities, and appointments that are missing. Consider using a different pen color for each child.

One week before school starts:

Back to School Count down

Before school starts take this time to go through your children’s closets and drawers and weed out the ‘one sock bandit’ and mountains of paper that have been hanging around in the school bag and stuck in drawers. If you get organized now, the school year will go a lot smoother if you know where everything is and where to put it.

Make organizing a game so that your children will enjoy sorting through all of the bits and pieces.

Corky Wall Organizer

One month before school:

 Update the calendars including school holidays, public holidays and events. If you have a PDA sync it.

 Make transportation and child-care arrangements. If you’re carpooling, touch base with the other parents to discuss schedules (great idea to save gas). If your child needs after-school care, pick them up.

 School supplies. Most schools have lists. Get them as soon as they come out. Check them against the list of supplies that you have on hand.

 Look through your child’s closets to see which clothes still fit and are in good condition. Declutter and organize their dressers and closets. Start watching for sales to pick up new items they need.

What is a Professional Organizer?

Most people are still not clear on exactly who or what is a Professional Organizer? I've put together a list of frequently asked questions that I hope will answer all your questions. If you're still not clear just shoot me a comment and I will try my best to answer.

“Professional Organizers are individuals who create customized solutions to increase the efficiency of any home, office or individual. Professional Organizers help their clients to find balance, restore order and maximize their time and resources at home, office and workplace locations. Services vary widely, depending on the area or range of specialization.”

Benefits of Hiring a Professional Organizer

• Reduce stress

• More time and energy for yourself

• Increase efficiency and productivity

• Reduce problems related to time, space, and storage

• Improve planning skills

• Uncluttered and more inviting spaces

Will a professional organizer make me throw away all my "stuff"?

No. You decide what, if anything is thrown away. A professional organizer asks questions, shares information and gives advice and suggestions. During this process, the organizer helps you decide what is or is not important to you.

Do I have to be present when you organize my space?