Tonight I am being interviewed as part of a series called "Clearing The Clutter Inside & Out".  I will be speaking about time management.  (The interview will go viral in November on You Tube so stay tuned for more details in the coming month on where you will be able to view the interview.)

One of the key points that I will be making during this interview is about a tiny little word that has so much power behind it.  It is so fundamental that when children first learn how to talk, it is one of the first words they learn how to say (and once they learn it, they use it often!).  The word I am speaking about is the word "No".  

I sometimes think that as we get older we forget to use it and are told, perhaps, not to use it. I, however, strongly believe that using the word "no" when appropriate, is a great time management tool.  It provides balance.

We have a tendency to overbook ourselves, take on too many tasks and say "yes" to everything.  We forget that it is okay to say "no" when it is something that is going to over-extend ourselves.   A lot of times, we feel guilty about turning down something, whether it is a social engagement, a large project or other commitment that will stretch our time too far.  

When you are thinking "Yes, bring it on!", step back and consider your decision before actually saying "Yes".    Examine your schedule and see if you have the time, the energy or even want to do what is being asked of you.  Contrary to popular belief, you have more control over your time that you think.  

Learning to say "no" without guilt when you need to is perfectly fine.  In turn, asking for help when you need it is perfectly fine. Admitting to yourself that you do need some help does not make you a lesser person.  We all need help from time to time.  

I guarantee that when you learn to incorporate this tiny, yet powerful word into your life, you will gain a sense of freedom and joy in knowing that you are making the right decisions to stay in balance.  

If you are feeling overwhelmed with responsibilities, clutter in your home, your head, or your life in general, don't hesitate to give me a call.  I am here to help.

In the meantime, have a great week!      

It's that time of year when we are settling back down into our routines, either with work, school or the household.  Vacations are behind us, the kids are returning to school and the normal routine of running a household returns.  It's all a balancing act. 

There are some ways that you can (again) create balance in your life when it comes to getting organized.  

1. The "One in, one out" rule.  Whenever you bring something new into the house, get rid of something.  Are you purchasing new clothes for the upcoming Fall season?  Go through your closet and get rid of the items you did not wear this past Summer.  

2.  Do not transfer your clutter.  You will not do yourself any favors by clearing off the dining room table of clutter and moving it to the home office floor.  Deal with it now to avoid a project later.   

3.  To do or not to do, that is the question.   Consolidate all of your "to do's" onto one list and decide whether you are going to do it yourself (and schedule a time to get it done), delegate it to someone else or not do it at all.  Keep your "to do's" moving.

4.  Finish what you start.  Do not move from one area to another when organizing.  Finish what you start and then move on to the next area.  

5.  Store it where it's used.  When deciding where something should go, ask yourself where it is used.  Keep like things together so you can easily find them when you need them.  

6.  Don't be afraid of open spaces.  It's okay to keep a drawer empty or a shelf in a cabinet empty.  You don't have to fill every nook and cranny with "stuff".  It's a great back-up spot for those times when you need a little more space.

7.  Location, location, location.  Mark shelves, bins and boxes with labels so everyone will know where things belong and can help put things away in their correct location.    

8.  Double trouble.  Don't keep multiples of things that are not being used.  You do not need two can openers or four pair of tweezers.  Get rid of the duplicates either by passing them onto someone else, donating them or throwing them away if they are not in good condition.   

9.  Get back on that horse.  Everyone falls off the organizing horse from time to time.  Maintaining organization is a continual process.  Allow yourself to fall behind from time to time, but don't delay in getting right back up, dusting yourself off, and starting over again.  (The good news is that if you are organized to begin with, it will not be so hard to do!)  

If you are overwhelmed with the thought of getting organized and don't know where to begin, I am here to help.  As a professional organizer, I can help you find your balance.  Now, with a new season approaching, it's a great time to create A Better Space.  Don't hesitate to contact me.

Happy September!