As a professional organizer, I occasionally have clients who not only have clutter in their home, but also have additional clutter issues off-site - in their storage unit.

There are many reasons that someone might decide to rent additional storage space to store their items - but is it a good idea?

Some of the reasons I hear are that they ran out of room in their house (a sure sign that they have too much!) or that they inherited items from family members and have no place to put them or they intend the use the items "some day".

If you need to rent additional space in order to store your items, this is a red flag that you just have too much stuff.  Downsize all those Christmas decorations, reduce the amount of furniture you have, eliminate the excess clothing to avoid seasonal trips to your storage unit.  As a rule, you should be able to fit your possessions in the space in which you live.  If not, it needs to go.

Some of you might have inherited furniture, antiques, etc. from a family member that recently passed away.  You need to evaluate what you have inherited and make a decision as to whether you can make use of the item in your home or whether it can be either given to someone else or sold.  If you have no use for the item and are only keeping it because you think you "have to", that is not a good enough reason.  Don't keep items in storage out of guilt.  When the item is passed onto you, it becomes your decision as to what you do with it.  If using it in your home is not an option, pass it on to someone else who can use it.

If you are storing items at an off-site storage facility because you "might use them some day", that is not a good enough reason to keep them.  Chances are, that "some day" will never come.  You need to live in the moment and use what you have in the present, not plan for that "some day".

If these reasons have not convinced you, take a moment and consider how much money you are spending each year to store your items off-site at a storage facility.  Couldn't that money be put to better use? 

Storing items off-site does not eliminate the clutter issues you have.  You are just relocating them elsewhere and not dealing with them.  If you end up storing them long enough, they will become someone else's burden to bear and that's not fair to them, is it? 

I would suggest taking a trip to your storage facility and bring your critical eye with you.  Look at the contents in the space and determine whether the items in the space can be used in your home now.  If not, sell them, donate them, give them to another family member or a friend and get rid of that storage unit once and for all.  Then, take the money you will be saving and go do something nice for yourself - TODAY!

Remember, "out of sight, out of mind" is very common when it comes to off-site storage.  Don't let that happen to you!

If you have any questions about how to get organized or are just too overwhelmed and don't know where to begin, don't hesitate to contact A Better Space.  I am more than happy to help!

In the meantime, enjoy your week!

I watched "The Oprah Show" today after a friend of mine called me to let me know she was talking about eliminating the clutter in her own clothes closet. 

If any of you follow Oprah (I occasionally get a chance to watch her show and I do get her monthly magazine), you know that she recently decluttered her clothes closet and eliminated 150 items that she intends to put up for auction on E-bay this coming Monday to raise funds for her school is South Africa.

What fascinated me the most, besides the beautiful clothing she is letting go of, including shoes, purses and blouses, (unfortunately I would never be able to wear a size 10 shoe!), was the fact that she openly admitted that she felt a lot of anxiety when she was getting rid of the items in her closet.

Oprah talked about the fact that she does not like to waste things and, therefore, tends to hold onto things longer than she probably should.  However, like most people, she was able to reduce the amount of items in her wardrobe once she got help to figure out what to keep and what to get rid of and knew that the items she was eliminating would be used to raise money for a good cause.  They were not just getting thrown away; someone who wanted them would be getting them.  Bottom line, if someone else is getting them, it feels so much better. 

I mention this because this is very common issue that I come across when working with my clients.  I am very sensitive to the fact that they don't just want to throw everything away.  (A good professional organizer would never do that.)  I make sure that we determine what charity or person they would like to donate the items to (assuming they are still in good condition).

I want you to know that if you feel anxiety when getting rid of things, it's a normal response and it's okay.  With the gentle guidance of someone you trust, you too will be able to eliminate that clutter in that closet much easier.

Remember, in the end, the clothes in your closet should bring you joy, make you feel beautiful and be usefulness. 

If you need assistance in purging items from your closet - not sure what to keep and what to toss or donate - contact me at A BETTER SPACE.  I will be more than happy to help.

In the meantime, have a great week!

If you are not sure whether you are disorganized or not, see how many of the following statements apply to you - and then give me a call!    

• You have been storing clothes for years hoping you'll fit into them again someday...
• You already spent money on books to help you get organized and now you can't find them...
• You've tried to organize your space and now you have less sace than before you started...
• You've tried to purge and ended up with more reasons to keep your clutter instead of letting it go...
• You know you have that item in your home somewhere but rather go out and buy another one rather than looking for it...
• You think you actually have time to redeem all of your Bed, Bath & Beyond coupons that you've accumulated...
• You took everything apart looking for something and now you an't seem to put it back where you found it...
• Things keep appearing in your home or office but you're not quite sure where they are coming from...
• You can't remember the last time you purged and have no plans to purge in the immediate future...

So, do any of these sound familiar?  If so, let's talk - I can help.

If you are unable to utilize my in-home services, I would suggest you check out my U Can Do It product line.  Some are available right on this website; others through Online Organizing at www.onlineorganizing.com   They include the U Can Do It Budgeting System, The U Can Do It Grocery Shopping Checklist, The U Can Do It Room-By-Room Organizing Checklist and the U Can Do it Weekly "To Do" Checklist.  More on the way...

In the meantime, have a great week!

Life is complicated enough.

I have found that people tend to make their schedules and tasks much more difficult than they have to be. While there are hundreds of things you can do to organize your life, I believe these seven tips alone can help.    

1. Simplify your morning routine. Take a shower and select what you are going to wear the night before.  Go for a more natural look and use less cosmetics to save time.  Get an simple  hairstyle that requires very little work and is easy to maintain.  Set the breakfast table the night before. Wake up a little bit earlier so you can feed the kids, walk the dog and/or have a cup of coffee without the need to race to work.

2. Simplify your schedule. Stop doing the activities that you are no longer interested in doing. Delegate. Consolidate your errands to save time. Pad each errand, appointment or task by about 15 minutes and you will stop rushing from one thing to the next. Don't fill your calendar to the max. Leave some time open for fun and relaxation in between your work-related or chore-related tasks. Stop saying "yes" to everyone and everything.  Learn to say "no" sometimes!

3. Simplify your processes. Is it taking too long to accomplish certain things?  If so, take a look at those tasks.  For example, if it's taking you an hour to balance your checkbook, you might want to consider using a computer software program to manage your money instead. Are you  tired of waiting in line at the post office for postage?  Consider ordering it online.  If it's taking you forever to file your paperwork, perhaps it's time to revamp your filing system.  It just might not be the best system for you.

4. Simplify your possessions.  Remember, when it comes to possessions, quality is more important that quantity. It's better to have a few very nice things than tons of not-so-nice things. Do you have more shirts than will fit in your drawer or closet?  Do you really need that many? Donate clothes you never wear and you'll be helping someone less fortunate while simplifying your wardrobe. Weed out your kitchen cupboards. Reduce the amount of plastic containers.  Get rid of the small appliances or cooking utensils you no longer use.  Have a yard sale. Before you go shopping, get rid of something you no longer need. Use the "one in, one out" rule.  If your kids are off on their own, you may even want to simplify and downsize to a smaller house.  Remember, less is more!

5. Simplify your finances. Consolidate your credit cards. Most people can get by just fine with just one or two major ones. And, don't spend beyond your means! In fact, if your credit card bills run very high each month, consider paying for purchases in cash instead. Pay your bills online whenever you can. Balance your checkbook each month, so you don't fall way behind. Set up a monthly spending budget and stick to it so you don't go overboard with purchases each month. 

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Do you want an EASY way to budget your money?  Are you tired of those complex systems that you can't maintain from month to month?  If so, the U Can Do It Budgeting System is for you.  You will be able to download this e-book onto your computer within minutes and be ready to create your own personal budget in less than one hour!  Simply go to the Budgeting System tab right on this website and download it today!

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6. Simplify your cleaning. Clean as you go, and you'll never have to deep clean. Rinse dirty dishes and put them in the dishwasher immediately after each meal so you don't have big pile-ups in the sink. (Remind your family of this rule, as well.)  Use only one or two cleaning products to clean your entire house--you don't need ten!  Create a cleaning schedule. You may choose to do a chore each day, such as vacuuming on Mondays, dusting on Tuesdays, etc. Or, you may prefer choosing a room a day, such as kitchen on Mondays, bathrooms on Tuesdays, etc. Divide up the cleaning duties among each member of your household. If your budget will allow, get a cleaning person to come in and clean once a week, or once every few weeks. 

7. Simplify your meal planning. Choose one day each week (include your family, if you'd like)to decide what you will have for dinner the next seven nights. Write those meals down and make a grocery list of the items you need to purchase to make match those meals.

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STAY TUNED - THE U CAN DO IT GROCERY SHOPPING LIST is being launched in September 2009!

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This is much easier than worrying about what you're going to make for dinner each day. Choose meals that take less than 30 minutes to prepare and cook. Make double, so you only have to cook every other night! Learn how to use a slow cooker so dinner is ready to eat when you get home from work.

Please keep in mind that with any plan, maintenance is the key.  By utilizing these tips regularly, I guarantee you will have A BETTER SPACE.

If you need further assistance with this or any other organizational issue, please contact me at A BETTER SPACE.  I will be more than happy to help.

Enjoy the last days of August!

This week I saw some tips from Real Simple Magazine that I would like to pass onto you and add a few of my suggestions as well.

You can extend the life of your favorite clothing with some easy strategies guaranteed to keep your wardrobe in its best shape.

Real Simple Magazine recommends hand-washing your cashmere sweaters.  Repeated dry cleaning can hurt the fibers overtime.  Therefore, instead, use a mild soap.  I recommend using cold water.  Then lay the sweater out flat to dry.  Another alternative that I like to use is Dryel which is a home cleaning system you use right in your dryer.  It's quick and easy and keeps your sweaters in good shape because they are cleaned in their own garment bag.

In order to protect your clothes from fading, iron them inside out or place a cloth between your iron and the fabric.  Put your iron on the lowest setting possible for the particular fabric you are ironing to avoid fading as well.

In order to banish hanger dimples, especially from wire hangers (I really don't like wire hangers - don't get me started!), Real Simple Magazine recommends using a steamer to get rid of them.  Another alternative that I recommend is replacing your wire or plastic hangers with flocked hangers.  They are thin velvet hangers that will better protect your clothing from "dimpling" at the shoulders.  The flocked hangers also take up a lot less space in your closet.

In order to keep your socks together when they go into the washer and dryer (because we all know that all those odd socks just disappear into some deep dark hole somewhere in the earth), use a mesh laundry bag.  This is one of my favorite tips and I recommend it to my clients all the time.  I promise you will never end up with mismatched socks again!

These quick and simple tips will help you have A Better Space.

If you need further assistance with this or any other organizational issue, please contact me at A BETTER SPACE.  I will be more than happy to help.

Wishing you an organized week!

Spring is about to be sprung!  As the days quickly pass, the chance of getting a big snow storm in the Philadelphia area diminishes - yeah!  (You might be able to tell I am not a winter person - I love the summer.)

Well, since Spring officially begins next week, I thought it would be a good time to provide some Quick Tips for A Better Space when it comes to how to store out of season clothing.  
With a large closet, people are often tempted to keep all their clothes in the one spot and not rotate clothing seasonally. Unfortunately, this sometimes creates cramped closets and makes it hard to see what you really have in your current wardrobe. 

If you have a smaller closet, this is even more of an issue. 

If you can relate to this situation, I would suggest the following:

Store out-of-season clothing in plastic under-the bed containers or pretty cardboard boxes that can fit on top of your closet shelf.

Folded clothes should be stored with acid and dye-free tissue paper so they won’t be as wrinkled when pulled out for next season.

Fragrant, insect-repelling herb sachets are a good alternative to mothballs. They will keep your clothing smelling fresh and well protected without being potentially harmful to your family and the environment.

Any out of season clothes that need to be hung should be stored at the very back of the closet since they do not need to be readily accessible.  They should be stored in a garment bag to keep them clean and dust free in the off-season.  Avoid using dry cleaner bags for this purpose.  They should not be used at all, in fact, for any type of clothing protection and storage.  They trap the dry cleaning chemicals which stay on your clothes and can be harmful to your health and the environment.  Your clothes need to breathe so cloth garment bags are suggested. 

This is also a great time to look at what you have not worn the past season and get rid of it.  Chances are you won't wear it next year either.  Why pack away something you will not be wearing.  Make room for new purchases next Fall instead! 

You will need to start planning a time to set aside to convert your wardrobe from Winter to Spring and Summer so be prepared with the proper tools to do so.

For more information and assistance on this topic or any organizing issue you might have, feel free to contact me. I will be more than happy to help you reach your goals for organization and make your place A Better Space.

Have a great week!

Winter is coming to a close soon.  (I personally can't wait!)

Soon you might be taking those bulky winter coats or winter comforter sets and storing them away until next Fall.

Here's a truly Quick Tip For A Better Space:

In order to save lot's of space, I recommend purchasing vacuum storage bags, more commonly known as "Space Bags".

Vacuum storage bags are a simple way to make space for what matters most...other stuff!

Use them for out-of-season clothing, especially those bulky winter coats, extra or out-of-season bed linens and guest-bedding.  Don't forget to include the pillows! 

Vacuum storage bags are an ideal storage solution when space is at a premium.  These bags reduce bulk by 75% and are inexpensive and relatively easy to use. All you need is a household vacuum cleaner with a hose.

When purchasing the bags, I suggest purchasing various sizes and using a bag that is a bit larger than the items you want to store in them.  There is a line on the bag and the items should not extend above that line.  Otherwise, it won't work right.

Just lay the items flat in a jumbo or large storage bag and use your vacuum cleaner to evacuate the air.  The trick is to make sure the air does not escape again from the hole you just sucked the air out of.  A trick I use is putting a pencil in the cap that covers the hole and pushing the cover into the hole as soon as you remove the vacuum cleaner hose.   This reduces the chance of air escaping too quickly.

Then stack the bags as desired.

The vacuum storage bags have an air and watertight seal that keeps out moths, dirt, moisture; mildew; musty odors; and discoloration.  I would recommend not keeping them sealed for more than six (6) months at a time.  Just let the air back in and put in fresh air again; then you're good for another six months!

Another Tip: For added freshness, add a fabric softener sheet to the bag before shrinking.

So, when that linen closet is stuffed and there is no more room, try this idea to create A Better Space in your closet!

For more information and assistance on this topic or any organizing issue you might have, feel free to contact me. I will be more than happy to help you reach your goals for organization and make your place A Better Space.