Reusing: Buying Used to Get Organized
January 26, 2012 by Julie Seibert
Filed under Blog
When getting organized you don’t have to go out and buy a bunch of new gadgets. Many times you will be able to reuse what you already have.
The state surplus store here in Raleigh sells chairs, desks, as well as other items you can bid on from a pepsi machine to tires. Here’s the link:
http://www.doa.state.nc.us/ssp/
Check your state to see if there is one near you! With cash strapped states it is a win win for you to buy used and for them to get some money! http://www.usa.gov/shopping/auctions/surplus.shtml
Get creative! Instead of a clothes swap have a container swap with your friends and have fun getting organized! By making organizing fun you are more likely to stick to it and finish a project! Of course, you can always hire a professional organizer to help!
Perfection and Organizing
January 23, 2012 by Julie Seibert
Filed under Blog
People often ask me if I am organized. I say I am, but I am not perfect. One, it’s impossible! Secondly, it’s no fun. If a client is looking for Martha Stewart, I tell them I am not their woman! If there was a fire in my home I could get my important papers and be out of the house in a second. If a client calls I can get their file immediately. I know what’s in my closet so I don’t make duplicate purchases. When I come home I feel at peace because my everything is orderly and I can enjoy things that I truly cherish, such as paintings. Here is my mission & vision for myself & clients:
Mission: to compassionately transform lives through education & customized plans that create productive & sustainable environments.
Vision: a more sustainable world created through peaceful, joyful, inspirational, organized spaces for living and work.
Remember that organizing isn’t about perfection. It’s about being able to find what you need and saving time and money and enjoying life!
Easy Organization Goals!
January 19, 2012 by Julie Seibert
Filed under Blog
If you are feeling overwhelmed at the thought of getting organized, do one thing to make a change. Here are some suggestions I have made to clients in taking that first step! Remember to donate, give away and/or recycle!
- Have less “stuff” coming into your space. If you bring something in, something goes out.
- A place for everything. Have a place for keys, sunglasses, bills, permission slips, etc.
- Say no to: other people’s stuff; people who don’t support and nourish you; things you no longer use or love.
- Donate. Get rid of everything that doesn’t represent you because you want to live in the present.
- Use what you have. Do you use all 5 serving platters, 8 shampoos, and 6 sets of sheets?
What step can you take today?
Organizing Your Gift Giving
January 16, 2012 by Julie Seibert
Filed under Blog
I know the holidays just ended, but now is the perfect time to plan your gifts for the year! Decrease stress with no more last minute shopping and spreading time and money throughout the year.
- Get your calendar/PDA and enter all birthdays, anniversaries, etc.
- Find a place to store. Under a bed, linen closet, in the attic, etc. Boxes of uniform size come in handy for easy storage and stacking.
- Create separate lists for people and occasions. Next to each name write gift ideas, sizes, hobbies, etc. and a monetary limit. Write year and gift so you won’t repeat.
- Keep a master gift list in your purse or wallet; you never know if see perfect gift for someone.
- Go through list at beginning of month and put in tickler file or whatever system you use.
- Cross off when you purchase a gift.
- Keep some type of inventory: Recipe box, or on computer or in a master holiday notebook. Do what works best for you.
The Cost of Disorganization
January 12, 2012 by Julie Seibert
Filed under Blog
My vlog talks about the statistics of being disorganized. Watch this short clip to see what being disorganization might be costing you. I also share some stats that might encourage you to go green when it comes to household cleaners.
What is being disorganized costing you? What one step could you take today to change that?
Need more time, joy & money with less stress?
January 9, 2012 by Julie Seibert
Filed under Blog
GET ORGANIZED!
The average American has between $2,500 and 5 K worth of perfectly usable stuff they aren’t using while carrying 10K+ in credit card debt!
Over 85% of couples say they argue about clutter and disorganization!
Depression can cause clutter in your house and clutter in your house can cause depression.
The average person loses 1-2 hours weekly from not being organized (trying to find car keys, permission slips, etc.)
Being disorganized can cause stress:
Having guests over becomes an embarrassment, or an event that takes all-day preparation.
Using your home for activities you enjoy becomes difficult without taking significant time to clear the space.
According to the principles of Feng Shui, clutter drains you of your positive energy. You can actually feel it.
If it is too much to do on your own, consider hiring a professional organizer to help you!
Eco-Friendly Mind Organization
January 5, 2012 by Julie Seibert
Filed under Blog
Organizing Your Mind
January 2, 2012 by Julie Seibert
Filed under Blog
I take a holistic approach with organizing and suggest people start with their mind. This means living in the present and not spending time in fear and anxiety. I consider this an important step in getting inside and outside organized. These questions by Geneen Roth are written on a whiteboard in my office and when making a decision I reflect on these questions.
1. Does it lead me toward a fuller life or confine me?
2. Does it bring me closer to my heart or take me further away?
3. Does it open me or close me?
4. Does it allow me to trust myself further or does it make me frightened of myself?
5. Does it enlarge my life or does it make my life smaller?
What are your priorities for the year?
What do you need to say no to or change?
