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.

1. Realign your workstation to avoid twisting head or body.

2. Re-arrange work areas to reduce excessive reaching and bending.

3. Regularly used supplies should be within arm's reach.

Another great way to create an organized environment and personalize your work area is by using accessories. Desk accessories are a great way to personalize your workspace.

Whether you choose a light-hearted welcoming color, or a more conservative choice, make sure that it reflects you and your organization’s culture and does not go against your company’s policy.

At Home

The dreaded Closet: This area only seems intimidating; but with a little help, time and strategy your closet can become the most organized space in your home, and will stay that way with just a little maintenance.

Before tackling any closet space acquire a little help from friends or family members (a second opinion and a little emotional support is good). This can become a little overwhelming if you don’t have a strategy.

Here are three easy steps to keep in mind when organizing your closet.

1. De-clutter- reduce the amount of items in your closet.

2. Develop a storage system that works for you.

3. Delegate- if you don’t wear it, it shouldn’t be in your closet.

In the Kitchen

An organized kitchen can be a very rewarding experience. This can be achieved through simple organization.

Imagine having all your cooking utensils at your fingertips without having to search for them when you are about to create your most spectacular culinary masterpiece.

Or the opposite; having to buy new kitchen tools because they were lost amongst the clutter.

Here are a few kitchen organizing tips:

1. Always store kitchen equipment close to where you will use them.

2. Remember to keep paths clear of obstacles such as trashcans, dog dishes and shoes.

3. De-clutter your cupboards and refrigerators as often as possible.

When de-cluttering your cupboards keep in mind that in order to keep your food as fresh as possible you should follow a Food Timeline.

Food Timeline:

• Canned foods (2-5 years)

• Flours (3-6 months)

• Cereal (6 months)

• Grains / Legumes (1 year)

• Pasta (1 year)

• Dried Herbs (6 months)

• Spices (6-12 months)

• Condiments (1 year)

Finally, taking on an organizing project without a strategy can be very overwhelming, but it will also be very rewarding in the end if your stick to it and keep your goals in sight. But if you need a helping had know that a professional organizer (Your Wand) is the best way to get you organized and keep you motivated.

Tonya Mitchell is a Professional Organizer and Manager of Cayman Organizing Solutions and www.organizecayman.com.