Quick Organizing: Tackle One Moving Box at a Time

I know it's not always easy for busy moms to find large chunks of time to devote to major organizing projects. When time is tight, I like the idea of tackling mini organizing projects projects around the house. Last fall I posted 8 Quick Organizing Ideas and over the next few weeks, I'll share even more ideas.

Project #2: Tackle One Moving Box at a Time
If you still have boxes in the basement, garage or storage from you last move, pick just one box to tackle. Have your donation box handy because chances are, if you haven't seen it or used it in a while, you can probably donate it.

Break down any cardboard boxes and recycle those right away. Schedule a date with yourself to do one more box, and then one more, etc.

Quick Organizing: The Kids' Dresser Drawers

I know it's not always easy for busy moms to find large chunks of time to devote to major organizing projects. When time is tight, I like the idea of tackling mini organizing projects projects around the house. Last fall I posted 8 Quick Organizing Ideas and over the next few weeks, I'll share even more ideas.

Project #1: The Kids' Dresser Drawers
Get the kids' clothes in order. Areas that are used frequently will require more attention so I tend to straighten up my kids' drawers about once a month and it doesn't take much time. Another good time to do this is during the change of seasons.

This is a great project to do with your children. Show them how to sort the clothing. Let them help fold their clothes ---- don't expect perfection.

As you are sorting, take out the stuff the doesn't fit or isn't worn. Have the kids try items on questionable items. Have a donation box close by.

Eventually, older children can tackle this project on their own. Getting the kids involved in a small organizing task like this can help teach them the skill of organizing and that it's okay to let go of things. Talk about how having an organized dresser makes getting ready in the morning easier and finding that favorite outfit is a snap.

For more Works for Me ideas, visit We Are THAT Family.

Get Ready for Tax Season Now

April is a ways off but now is the time you'll start receiving all those documents in the mail. Have a designated folder labeled and ready to go. As you recieve any tax-related documents, put them in your folder right away. Open and toss envelopes right away -no need to add clutter.

Start compiling information now instead of waiting. That way you can work on your taxes little by little. Or, if someone else prepares your taxes, you can get the items to them early and avoid the busy times. Be sure to keep all tax-related paper work away from other mail and papers to avoid losing important documents.

For more Works for Me Ideas, visit We Are THAT Family.

January is Get Organized Month!

This year marks the sixth year of NAPO sponsoring Get Organized (GO) Month. GO Month is dedicated to raising awareness of the benefits of getting organized and of hiring a NAPO professional organizer. During GO Month, NAPO’s dozens of chapters and thousands of members hold public events throughout the country.

Get Your Closet Organized

Organizing a Kid's Closet: The First Steps

Organizing a Junk Drawer

I Was on TV! Get Organized in 2010

I couldn't resist sharing my exciting news. I spent this morning doing organizing segments for the morning show on Fox 11 News out of Green Bay, WI. It was a great experience and I had lots of fun. Angela Kelly, the reporter, did a great job helping me feel comfortable.

Click HERE (or see video on sidebar) to check out tips for:
-Kid's Closets
-JUNK DRAWERS
-Master Bedroom Closet

Ready to make your daily life easier and less stressful?
Subscribe to Paula’s FREE Monthly Newsletter to help you take the steps to getting organized! When you subscribe you will also receive Paula’s FREE gifts: 5 Must-Know Organizing Tips For Busy Moms and The Clutter-Free Gift Giving Guide. Click HERE

Focused and Balanced: 4 Great Ideas for the New Year!

Are you looking to make some changes this year? Hoping to feel more balanced? Wishing you could be less busy? Do you want more time for those things that are most important to you? Don't spend your time hoping and wishing; take action!

Look back. Take time, even if it's just 10 minutes, to look back to 2009. Write down your excitements, accomplishments, your frustrations and your letdowns. Now make a list of everything you would like to do or improve upon in 2010. There is no wrong answer here; allow your thoughts to spill out onto the paper (or computer screen). Pick one or two of the most important areas you would like to work on in the coming year.

Think ahead. In other words, plan ahead as much as you can. I believe this is one of a mom's most useful strategies. For example, plan your meals out for the week and then make your shopping list. Take time to plan your next day the night before. Planning also includes grouping like activities and tasks together to make the most of your time. For example, it makes sense to do all your errands on the same day.

How you spend your time will be determined by your priorities not your availability. Too often we forget to look at what is truly important to us and our families before we add another thing to our already busy calendars. Take the time to reflect on what matters most to you and your family. Ask, "Do these requests of my/our time fit with my/our priorities? If the answer is no, it probably doesn't belong on your calendar.

Don't overload your calendar. When we over-commit ourselves and our time, the results can be counter-productive. Busyness leads to stress, frustration, and fatigue (mentally, physically and emotionally!). Be sure to include down time on your calendar. Actually write it down like you are setting an appointment with yourself. If a request of your time comes up during that "free" time, simply say, "I'm sorry, that's not going to work for me."

You can feel more balanced and focus on the important stuff. Now is the time to make those changes. It starts with a commitment from you.

If you are determined to be focused and balanced in 2010, check out my Making Time for What's Important Home Study Program.

Endings and Beginnings

I find it so hard to believe that 2009 is coming to a close. Looking back a year ago, I would have never imagined I'd be where I am today....a mom of three! Having a baby is definitely the beginning of a new chapter for me. I'm re-thinking my business structure, my volunteer involvement and my priorities.

If I'm honest with myself I have to admit change is hard for me. I like my routines. I like having a plan I can follow. You're not surprised, are you? I can also acknowledge that change brings growth. I'm holding on to that.

I'm so thankful for the many blessings in my life and thank God for the wonderful experiences, challenges and joys He has brought me this last year. I'm excited to see what His plan is and what 2010 will bring!

Thank you for allowing me to be with you this last year!

Happy New Year!

Countdown to Christmas: Last Minute Gift Ideas

Final Touches Week

If you are looking for some last minute gift ideas, check out my previous post on Clutter-Free Gift Ideas.

Short on time? Skip the wrapping and grab some ribbon or raffia and a gift bag. Or, pick up an inexpensive stocking and tuck you gift inside.

Countdown to Christmas: Final Touches

This is my sixth week of Countdown To Christmas and it's Final Touches Week and I'll be focusing my organizing tips and thoughts around the final details of getting ready for the big day.

The biggest tip I can share with you this week is to focus on the most important thing(s) and let the little stuff go. Negative stress can invade and take away your focus. Make note of those things causing you stress and make note of how you can make changes for next year.

If there are lots of things floating around in your head and you feel overwhelmed, get them out of your head and onto paper. Find a quiet spot for 15-30 minutes and just start writing.

If you are thinking, "Ya right! If I had time to do that, I'd have time to finish those cookies or Christmas Cards!" I find that just getting a few minutes to myself can make a big difference at those stressful times and that's good for the whole family!

Christmas Countdown: Last Minute Baking

Wrapping and Baking Week

This is the week I attempt to do a little baking. Serious Holiday bakers might have tons of cookies frozen and ready to go by now. I'm not one of those serious holiday bakers; I have to be in the mood to be in the kitchen by choice. So, I thought I would share my easy Holiday baking plan with you and provide some links to some great ideas. Please share your ideas and links, too!

Paula's Super Easy Holiday Baking Plan

1. Pick 1-3 favorite recipes


2. Determine a shopping list, if needed. I tend to choose recipes that use items I have on-hand already.


3. Pick the date(s) to bake.


4. Know your limits. I can handle doing one recipe at a time if the kids are helping and perhaps 2 if by chance I am doing it alone.


5. Be realistic! If there is a lot going on and the stress level is high, skip the baking. Focus on the stuff that is important. Chances are, there will be plenty of time during the kids' winter break when you'll be looking for something to do to pass the time.


6. Plan ahead and pre-measure. If you have a small window of time, get some of the prep work out of the way.


7. Bake and share! Wrap your goodies in a creative way and share with friends and family.


8. Clean up! If I'm lucky, my husband will do the baking with the kids and I'll take the pictures and do the clean-up. Get the family involved and use your strengths.

Great Holiday Baking Ideas and Tips

Hassle-Free Holiday Baking: 6 Easy Days to Perfect Christmas Cookies

Hershey's Kitchen Baking Hints and Tips, including:

• Gifting Ideas


• Cookie Exchange


• 'How To' Videos


• Bake Sale

Holiday Cookie Exchange Checklist

Check out more Countdown to Christmas organizing tips and ideas.

Christmas Countdown: Setting Up a Wrapping Station

Wrapping and Baking Week

How to Set Up a Temporary Wrapping Station

1. Gather your wrapping supplies.
   
2. Organize Your Wrapping Supplies if they aren't already.
   
3. Set up a table that is out of the way or isn't being used on a daily basis. Avoid setting up your wrapping station in a main living space so it won't be disturbed and can be kept up for a period of time. I'm setting up mine in the basement where it won't be disturbed (hopefully) by the kids.
   
4. Have a basket or container to hold your scissors, pens, tape and extra tape for easy access.
   
5. Have another container to hold your name tags and pre-cut ribbon if you'll be using it.


6. Keep your supplies close by but try to keep your table clear so presents can be wrapped easily.


7. Use a Wrapping Checklist to keep track of what gifts need to be wrapped, are wrapped and where they are located. DON'T LEAVE THIS LIST OUT IN THE OPEN for little eyes to see!
   
8. Clean up your space after each use so it's ready to go the next time you have a window of time to wrap a few presents.

If getting the presents wrapped with the kids around is a challenge, schedule a day or night when you can make arrangements for them to be out of the house (or asleep). Swap some time with a friend or enlist the help of the grandparents. If you'll be wrapping solo, send dad and the kids away to a movie or another activity. Host a wrapping party; invite your friends over and share supplies and ideas. Put on some Christmas music, grab a glass of wine and start wrapping.

Not into wrapping? Take advantage of gift wrapping at the stores or malls. You'll pay a fee or a donation, but it'll save you time and the cost of having your own supplies on-hand.

What works for you? For more Works for Me idea, visit We Are THAT Family.

Check out more Countdown to Christmas organizing tips and ideas.

Countdown to Christmas: Wrapping and Baking

This is my fifth week of Countdown To Christmas and it's Wrapping and Baking Week and I'll be focusing my organizing tips around getting those gifts wrapped and finding time to bake your favorite goodies.

Next week is Christmas! I see this as my last week to get some major stuff done. The kids have two days of school next week and Thursday is Christmas Eve. I've started some wrapping. OK, the kids did some, not me, so I'll try to get that done this week while they are at school.

Here is an article I did on Organizing Your Wrapping Supplies. You might want to set up a temporary wrapping station in your home using a folding table or dining room table with all your supplies close by.

Countdown to Christmas: Sending Packages

Cards and Packages Week


Do you have packages that need to be sent out for the Holidays? The United States Postal Service has tons of useful information on their site, including a Holiday Countdown Calendar for Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa. They also have information sending packages to the troops.

You can avoid the post office by ordering boxes to be delivered to your home and pay and print postage online.

The post office will also pick up your packages from your home for free. Time is running out! Here are some tips for sending packages.

1. Make a list of packages and gifts you want to send.
2. Set a deadline that items should be bought and/or made by.
3. Order shipping boxes.
4. Wrap and pack items.
5. Schedule package pick up or take packages to the post office.

Check out more Countdown to Christmas organizing tips and ideas.

Countdown to Christmas: Letter to Santa

Cards and Packages Week

Do your kids send a letter to Santa? My eight-year-old did this year and I made this simple Letter to Santa sheet. She stuck it in her stocking on St. Nick day.

Kids can also send it to the North Pole by mail, of course. The USPS has information on how you can get the North Pole postmark on a letter from Santa. Check out more on the Letters to Santa Program.

They can also go online a let Santa know what they would like at www.christmassantaclaus.com. I also found a site where you can get a letter from Santa, www.greetingsfromsanta.com.

Did you know Santa also accepts pictures from toy catalogs for those who can't write and requests via his lap at various locations? Be creative and make it fun for the kids.

Check out more Countdown to Christmas organizing tips and ideas.

Countdown to Christmas: Cards and Packages

This is my forth week of Countdown To Christmas and it's Cards and Packages Week and I'll be focusing my organizing tips around sending cards and packages.

It just so happens I'm in the process of designing and sending out my cards this week. I would prefer to have them ready to go by this point but that's the way it goes sometimes. While I'm waiting for the cards to arrive in the mail, I'll address and stamp the envelopes. And, I'll be enlisting the help of my children.

Here's some simple steps I've shared on this topic recently.

1. Locate the cards/envelopes you will be sending out. Using a photo card? Decide on the picture you would like to use. Even if you will be getting prints or cards made at a later date, you can still complete steps 2-6 in the meanwhile.
2. Compile your list.
3. Determine the date you will be putting the cards in the mail. Put it on your calendar!-Mine is December 16-a little late this year.
4. Create a family letter if you will be including one.
5. Address envelopes. Break it down into smaller batches.
6. Buy stamps before the post office gets super busy. I ordered mine via the mail-super easy!
7. Stamp and send the cards out by your target date.

I like to use computer generated labels. I have my address book on my computer and so printing address labels for Christmas cards takes no time at all. Throughout the year I stay on top of updating the database. You may prefer keeping track of your addresses on paper. Here's a simple Christmas Holiday Card List for that.

Countdown to Christmas: Decorations

Home Week

Quick Organizing Tips for Decorations

• If there are decorations that you do not use or just don’t have time to put up, eliminate them from your collection. Donate items to charity or to your favorite college student.
• Plan a decorating party with the family. Play your favorite holiday CDs and break out the cocoa. Make it an event you look forward to, not dread.
• As you take down decorations designate a box for each room in the house and label it with the room name and its contents. This will make the following year’s decorating a breeze.
• Use heavy cardboard or those plastic holders to wrap and store your lights. Taking time to do this when taking down your decorations will save you time and stress next year!

Check out more Countdown to Christmas organizing tips and ideas.

Clutter-Free Gift Giving

It's another Works-For-Me Wednesday. I've talked about this idea before around Christmas time, but it's an idea that works for me throughout the year! For more works-for-me ideas, visit We Are THAT Family.

I love giving Clutter-Free Gifts! Clutter-free gift giving is the act of gifting that does not add more stuff (often unneeded) to the recipients' homes. With clutter-free gift (CFG) giving, you can make the move away from the "materialistic focus" of gift-giving to a "love focus".

I divide the ideas into 5 sections:

• Experiences (family weekend at a water park, a day with grandma and grandpa at the zoo and a movie, a romantic weekend away with your spouse)


• Donations (give to you local food pantry as a family, sponsor a needy family during a holiday, make a donation in honor of a recipient)


• Consumables (gift cards, fruit of the month, certificate for cleaning services, memberships)


• Time (offer to watch a busy mom's kid while she take a day off or does some Christmas shopping), start a family night)


• Expressions of Love and Gratitude (letter, photo books, home-made calendar, coupon booklet)

If you like the idea of giving and getting less stuff, talk with family and friends about the ideas. What are you favorite CFG ideas?

I have shared over 100 CFG idea in my free guide book, Clutter-Free Gift Giving: Giving Love, Not Stuff.

Find out how you can get your copy here!

Check out my Countdown to Christmas organizing ideas.