Here's a great photo slide-show of tiny home offices, many in closets!
http://www.cnn.com/2010/LIVING/02/23/closet.offices/index.html?eref=rss_latest&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+rss%2Fcnn_latest+(RSS%3A+Most+Recent)
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Monday, February 22, 2010
Procrastination Story
CBS Sunday Morning had a great story about procrastination. It seems there are a lot of new books and studies on the subject. If you or someone you know is "time-challenged," take a look at this report: http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/02/21/sunday/main6228451.shtml?tag=contentMain;contentBody.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Wardrobe Strategy
If you're sick of digging through piles of clothes and trying on ten outfits each morning, maybe it's time to take stock of your wardrobe. Forgetting that you have things, unworn items with tags still hanging from months ago, and re-buying things are all signs that you need a wardrobe overhaul.
If you're ready to "go minimal," try this method: look at your life and what you where when. Then do the math to make sure you have no more clothes than you would need for two weeks, in any season. This means that even if you can;t do laundry for a few weeks, you're still covered, but the laundry pile doesn't overflow with a month's worth of clothes.
For example, say you work in an office five days a week, go to the gym three days a week, and like to garden on your weekends. With this system, you would have no more than ten pairs of work pants, ten work shirts, ten suits, etc. for each season. You would have no more than six sets of gym clothes for each season. You would have no more than four grungy gardening/housework outfits, and you would have no more than 14 t-shirts and 14 sweaters.
If you can live with less, great!
If you're really ambitious, try using layers in basic colors to skip the seasonal shift altogether. Try wearing black pants, jeans, and khakis that can transition easily between seasons. Cardigans, blazers, and light jackets also work well.
Some exceptions include dresses, tuxedos, and costumes for special occasions. But be honest with yourself! Will you wear it again, and will it fit?
If you're ready to "go minimal," try this method: look at your life and what you where when. Then do the math to make sure you have no more clothes than you would need for two weeks, in any season. This means that even if you can;t do laundry for a few weeks, you're still covered, but the laundry pile doesn't overflow with a month's worth of clothes.
For example, say you work in an office five days a week, go to the gym three days a week, and like to garden on your weekends. With this system, you would have no more than ten pairs of work pants, ten work shirts, ten suits, etc. for each season. You would have no more than six sets of gym clothes for each season. You would have no more than four grungy gardening/housework outfits, and you would have no more than 14 t-shirts and 14 sweaters.
If you can live with less, great!
If you're really ambitious, try using layers in basic colors to skip the seasonal shift altogether. Try wearing black pants, jeans, and khakis that can transition easily between seasons. Cardigans, blazers, and light jackets also work well.
Some exceptions include dresses, tuxedos, and costumes for special occasions. But be honest with yourself! Will you wear it again, and will it fit?
Attack of the Closets
If one of your winter organizing projects is tackling your overflowing bedroom closet, here are a few ways to do it.
Yes, Maybe, No
The most aggressive process, this method is meant for people who have a pretty clear idea of what they want to purge. The “yes” pile is for items to keep, “no” is to give away, and “maybe” is to decide later. After the first round of sorting, take a break, then return to divide the “maybe” pile into “yes” and “no.”
Past, Present, Future
Your wardrobe may span several time periods: now, high school, when I lose twenty pounds, if I ever get invited to a gala, etc. These clothing items can be sorted into “past,” “present,” and “future” piles. To reclaim closet space, it may be a good idea to set limits on how many “past” and “future” items stay in your closet. Consider implementing rules such as not keeping anything more than two sizes too large or too small, or not keeping anything over five years old.
Always, Sometimes, Never
If you’re not sure how to start sorting, use this method to sort your clothing into piles for items you wear at least once a month, wear at least once a year, or haven’t worn in years. Look at your piles, and consider letting go of items you haven’t worn in years. For items worn once a year, consider how many of these items you really need to have on hand.
When putting items back into your closet, use a system that works for you. It doesn’t have to be color-coordinated or “like with like” if that’s not how you will look for items. Consider putting outfit separates together, sorting by frequency of use, or sorting by purpose if you wear a uniform or business attire to work. As with any organizing project, avoid buying boxes, shelves, and hangers before sorting and purging.
Yes, Maybe, No
The most aggressive process, this method is meant for people who have a pretty clear idea of what they want to purge. The “yes” pile is for items to keep, “no” is to give away, and “maybe” is to decide later. After the first round of sorting, take a break, then return to divide the “maybe” pile into “yes” and “no.”
Past, Present, Future
Your wardrobe may span several time periods: now, high school, when I lose twenty pounds, if I ever get invited to a gala, etc. These clothing items can be sorted into “past,” “present,” and “future” piles. To reclaim closet space, it may be a good idea to set limits on how many “past” and “future” items stay in your closet. Consider implementing rules such as not keeping anything more than two sizes too large or too small, or not keeping anything over five years old.
Always, Sometimes, Never
If you’re not sure how to start sorting, use this method to sort your clothing into piles for items you wear at least once a month, wear at least once a year, or haven’t worn in years. Look at your piles, and consider letting go of items you haven’t worn in years. For items worn once a year, consider how many of these items you really need to have on hand.
When putting items back into your closet, use a system that works for you. It doesn’t have to be color-coordinated or “like with like” if that’s not how you will look for items. Consider putting outfit separates together, sorting by frequency of use, or sorting by purpose if you wear a uniform or business attire to work. As with any organizing project, avoid buying boxes, shelves, and hangers before sorting and purging.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
New Year, No Clutter!
If your new year’s resolution includes saying so long to clutter, here are some tips to stay organized in 2010.
The Fantasy. Every purchase involves a fantasy. Every new item of clothing, fitness equipment, book, pair of shoes, perfume, and on and on, has a dream attached. When you decide to spend your hard-earned money on something, you have a vision about how it will make your life better. This year, avoid clutter by taking a second look at what you buy and if it’s fulfilling its promises. More often than not, people’s "good intention" purchases turn into clutter in a corner, making their organization goals even more challenging. Establishing clear goals—"less clutter," "more time," "pay off debt," etc.—makes for easier decision-making.
The House Beautiful Effect. Professional Organizers encounter this dilemma a lot. We’ve seen perfect-looking houses that aren’t organized, or that have secret, clutter-filled closets and spare rooms. Just because your house doesn’t look like a photo out of a magazine doesn’t mean that it’s not organized. The point is: make organizing your top priority, and save the glamour of fine design for your second priority. This way, there’s less of a chance that disorganization will creep out into your beautiful decor.
Maintain, maintain, maintain. I haven’t found a system yet that doesn’t need maintenance. Sorry. If I could come up with one, I’d be rich! The key is to create systems of organization that work for you, so that you are motivated by the outcome to continue the maintenance.
First People, then Money, then Stuff. One of successful financial advisor Suze Orman’s mantras is “People first, then money, then things." She has helped thousands of people get themselves out of debt by realizing what is really important in life. As you make your clutter-free plan for 2010, remember that debt is clutter. You can enjoy things without owning them, and some of the best experiences are free. Find ways to enjoy the people around you and life’s simple pleasures without spending money or purchasing stuff. If you can do this in 2010, you’re giving yourself the best gift of all.
The Fantasy. Every purchase involves a fantasy. Every new item of clothing, fitness equipment, book, pair of shoes, perfume, and on and on, has a dream attached. When you decide to spend your hard-earned money on something, you have a vision about how it will make your life better. This year, avoid clutter by taking a second look at what you buy and if it’s fulfilling its promises. More often than not, people’s "good intention" purchases turn into clutter in a corner, making their organization goals even more challenging. Establishing clear goals—"less clutter," "more time," "pay off debt," etc.—makes for easier decision-making.
The House Beautiful Effect. Professional Organizers encounter this dilemma a lot. We’ve seen perfect-looking houses that aren’t organized, or that have secret, clutter-filled closets and spare rooms. Just because your house doesn’t look like a photo out of a magazine doesn’t mean that it’s not organized. The point is: make organizing your top priority, and save the glamour of fine design for your second priority. This way, there’s less of a chance that disorganization will creep out into your beautiful decor.
Maintain, maintain, maintain. I haven’t found a system yet that doesn’t need maintenance. Sorry. If I could come up with one, I’d be rich! The key is to create systems of organization that work for you, so that you are motivated by the outcome to continue the maintenance.
First People, then Money, then Stuff. One of successful financial advisor Suze Orman’s mantras is “People first, then money, then things." She has helped thousands of people get themselves out of debt by realizing what is really important in life. As you make your clutter-free plan for 2010, remember that debt is clutter. You can enjoy things without owning them, and some of the best experiences are free. Find ways to enjoy the people around you and life’s simple pleasures without spending money or purchasing stuff. If you can do this in 2010, you’re giving yourself the best gift of all.
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