by CS Team
What does organization have to do with relationships you might ask?
Why is it that “Mr. Organized” partners with “Ms. Chaos”? Think about how often you are at odds with someone in your life because of organization issues:
- Not being able to find what your boss is looking for.
- Arguing with your child about the way their room looks.
- Being accused of throwing important things away.
- Always being asked where something is.
As professional organizers we constantly witness the stress in our clients relationships over organization styles and decisions. Too often those with the ability to organize do not understand when others cannot maintain their environment. Those that are organized need to keep in mind that our research shows only 10 – 15% of the population is naturally organized. Hence, the need to be able to communicate and get help when lack of organization gets in the way.
This barrier between those who naturally know how to organize and the other 90% who don’t is why our main focus is teaching people how. The foundation for any organizing project or communication is three simple steps outlined below.
SEE IT – take a look at where you’ve been
Begin by taking a realistic look at where a lack of organization is impacting your life and relationships. Choose just one area or issue. What’s working, what’s not and why? Keep it simple. Then look at it from both sides and try to see what is at the heart of the conflict. Often our relationships serve as mirrors to look at ourselves. Once you have clarity, why not share your truth with this person or persons and then ask for them to share.
MAP IT – make a plan for where you want to go
Now that you have each shared your truth, each person can create a simple vision for what needs to change. Try asking – what is the single most important change that needs to happen? What is one action you can take? Let this be enough. It is imperative to the relationship that each person has a chance to share their vision and what is important to them.
DO IT – take the actions to make it happen
How you choose to implement your changes or DO IT will be very specific to the relationship. Some may come up with a way to do it together, while others might call in outside help, and still others will compromise on different levels.
Some examples of this are:
- A family sets up a system for incoming mail and an active paper system together.
- A mother and child call it fun time, put on music, and make a game of putting everything back in its’ home.
- A couple decides to hire a professional organizer because they would rather enjoy their time together hiking or taking dance lessons.
- A boss and assistant set up a weekly 1 hour focused time to go through all the lists and questions.
- Two friends or buddies get excited about helping each other one weekend a month with the clutter areas – We all have them you know.
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by CS Team
Cool Tools for Spring Organizing!
Get the Cool Tools to make the job easier. – Everyone knows that having the right tools is essential for getting the job done. As professional organizers, we want to share our favorites that every home (and most offices need)
- 30 banker’s boxes are the minimum for a home. We use them to sort, contain and move the piles, stage the stuff during large projects, and free our clients from the distraction of all the stuff.
- A labeler is essential. Having your containers and shelves labeled not only makes it easy to find what you need but mostly makes it easier to put things back where they belong. We recommend the Brother PTouch.
- The time timer is a brilliant tool that allows us to stay focused and “touch” time. This amazing tool comes in many sizes, can be used by all ages and has hundreds of uses. Go here to check it out
Our Resource Page has all our favorites that will help you even more!
Happy Spring Cleaning, Clearing & Organizing!
Marla & Kate
by CS Team
Are you like so many that seem to almost always end up with too much stuff when traveling?
Being the organized people that we are, one would think that Marla and I have this all figured out, right?! Ha! But thank you for thinking so highly of us! Our trip to London earlier this year revealed that we still need some help in the travel department.
Our biggest mistake was that we took TOO much stuff!! As we packed to come home, we kept looking at each other in despair, occasionally commenting things like, “There’s GOT to be a better way” and “WHY did I bring so much?!”
At one point Marla wearily smiled at me and said, “Kate, I recently saw a video about packing smartly. Why don’t you see if you can find one that will support us with all of this?”
Well I looked and of course I found a lot that are awesome! My discoveries included (more…)
by CS Team
Clear & SIMPLE is shining a bright new light!
It is with deep appreciation, joy and amazement that we announce our NEW BRAND & WEBSITE. Special thanks go to Sharon Benedict, Jeanine Mallory, Ann Webb, Sylvia Nibley, Cat Fishman, Rebecca Servoss and new partner in creation – Kate Fehr!
Everyday we witness the pain of people buried in chaos, clutter and overwhelm. Our desire is to give hope. We are here to inspire you to clear the clutter of your past and get organized at last!
We help you get organized by teaching the skill. (more…)
by CS Team
One PROJECT at a time…
Constantly telling yourself “I have to get through with this clutter and get organized” is stressful. Here are TWO SIMPLE TIPS that could empower you to get the projects done!
ONE – Choose only one project per season
– For each season, choose one clutter clearing or organizing project and just do that one. There is a different energy for each of the seasons and aligning with that helps tremendously. When you are finished, your only job is to enjoy the rest of the season by creating something new, spending time with loved ones, taking a class or just taking in the extra space to breathe.
Here are some examples:
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