by CS Team
School Tools to relieve the stress and add success!
It’s here! – Time for the kids to go back to school, or for the grown kids to leave for college. No matter what age you are, school can be overwhelming as well as exciting. We want to make organizing fun so we are sharing our tools to relieve the stress and add success.
1 – Even with today’s technology most of us still need paper. A Day Planner that suits the child is still vital for tracking all the information and actions. And check out the brilliance of discbound notebooks. This notebook is called the TUL Notebook at Office Depot, the ARC at Staples or CIRCA at Levenger (an online resource). You can also find cool accessories for them at Etsy.com.
2 – Set up yourself up for success by getting the perfect backpack for you along with all the necessary tools. Watch the video below to see some of my favorite tools to go inside the backpack. Hint – those packs get heavy, so get one with wheels.
3 – We all have activities where we get lost in the zone. Our favorite tool for helping you stay on track in the TimeTimer. It answers the big question of how much time is left without having to calculate. And the section in red gets your attention so you stay focused.
Invitation to you – Choose one of the TIPS above and share your experience with me at info@clearsimple.com or www.facebook.com/clearsimple.com and we will give you a prize. we want you to get organized and have fun doing it.
by CS Team
The FREEDOM of one bag, one book, one purse, one list, one purpose! One is enough.
Time to take a trip! Whether it is just you or a group, juggling all the stuff can be overwhelming. Why do we buy into the belief that more is better? When traveling, this outdated idea only causes trouble.
We are inviting you to experience the freedom that comes from choosing just ONE!
- Decide on one suitcase that is just the right size to hold your essentials and no more.
- Packing this suitcase will be easier if you have one toiletries bag
- one light jacket that can double as a blanket on the plane
- one pair of shoes packed and one on your feet
- one carry on purse (or case) works better with
- only one book to read
- one snack to get you through
- one list for each trip (read our blog about Wunderlist)
- For the truly daring, how about one pair of earrings
- one piece of technology like your smart phone
- one chosen place or person to visit
I tried this approach on 
my last trip and I was blown away at how much simpler EVERYTHING was! I had one perfect size suitcase, one over the shoulder purse, one book, one notebook, my iPhone, one list, and one friend to visit.
And I felt so much more relaxed and present in each moment. I am hooked on this idea – Marla Dee
by CS Team
Being organized and being productive both require finding what you need when you need it. The following tips will make both of these easier.
Our homes can easily fill with clutter and chaos. Yet, the purpose of our home is peace, support and connection. We are sharing our top 5 tips that are easy to implement and can make a big difference over time.
Watch the video for all the great information and see our tips down below. Marla on Fox 13 – The Place
Marla Dee on Fox 13 – The Place
Top 5 Tips:
- Containers make a huge difference for all types of stuff and all areas – everything from drawers to the garage. Containers make it easier to store your things, find your things and return them to where they belong. Trick: Leave the tops off containers that will be used often for easy access. (Watch the video for some of our favorites)
- Then label the containers and the shelves. This makes it easy for you to find what you want rather than digging through multiple bins and boxes. It also makes life easier because the kids (or husband) can put it back where it belongs. Get and use your own labeler. The Container Store has a great selection of all kinds of labels.
- Get your own TimeTimer – the best tool for making time tangible. This wonderful tool is different from you typical timer. It shows you by the section in red how much time is left so you can quickly adjust.
- Capture all incoming information in ONE place – one notebook, one place on your smart phone and one container for all the paper that lands in your home. (check out the video for a couple fun ideas including a magnetic container from the Container Store that can attach to your refrigerator Piggy Magnetic Container.
- Create strong ZONES by putting like with like. These days we are so busy that the stuff lands everywhere. Start with creating zones just for home office & paper, for all the toys, keep the bedroom only the bedroom, all tools together, a nice relaxing living room, etc.
We care about your home being everything you need and want. Please reach out and let us know if we can help by teaching you how or helping you get it done!
Marla, Kate & Team
by Marla Dee
Marla Dee shares on KUTV Fresh Living. Get her top tip for keeping organizing SIMPLE!
Second only to Get Healthy is the Goal to Get Organized when the New Year hits. And yet the mere thought of all our stuff and chaos is overwhelming. So getting organized is quickly shoved to the back burner. Especially since only 10-12% of the human population on the planet earth is born with the organizing gene!
Marla Dee, creator of the Clear & SIMPLE Way, has been helping people for 17 years make organizing SIMPLE. Here is her TOP TIP for the New Year. Watch the show here!
http://kutv.com/features/fresh-living/get-organized-with-fresh-living-top-tip-from-clear-simple
TIP: Pick one small, medium and large project for each season.
I see my clients constantly stressed by focusing on all the clutter and organizing all the time. The idea here is to consciously choose three projects for each season and then let go of all the others. They can wait. You will feel the stress leave your body and your brain.
Small Project. By small I mean a project that can be completed in 2 hours or less. Let’s tackle your purse, wallet or briefcase. Another great one is the junk drawer or office supply drawer in your desk. These are areas we are into every day and it feels great to get them organized.
Cool Container -The Everything Organizer at The Container Store to organize your junk drawer, tool drawer, make up or any small items. The Everything Organizer Drawer
Medium Project. This project can be done in about four hours on a Saturday morning when your energy is high.
Great medium size project are the kitchen counter or your bedside tables. These are areas we see all the time and the clutter can drive us crazy.
Cool Container – Try getting beautiful baskets with lids so you don’t see all the stuff.
Your Large Project will take a day or a weekend. Choose only one weekend of the 3 months so you can prepare and enjoy this project with your partner and family.
Some great ideas for the winter are the toy room (now that new toys have come in), your clothes closet, or the home office.
Cool Container – Transform your clothes closet by getting hangers that are all the same color!!
Check out the annual Elfa Sale at The Container Store for your home areas and the FreedomFiler Kit for your home office paper and files.
Get the links for all the products mentioned above, along with other tips, at www.clearsimple.com/resources/
Audience Homework
– Take 10 minutes right NOW to choose your three projects for this winter season. Talk with your partner or family if wanted. Then schedule them on our calendar.
Please share your success with me at info@clearsimple.com or www.facebook.com/clearsimple.com and I will give you a prize. I want you to get organized and have fun doing it – Marla Dee
by CS Team
Everything is more fun with a trusted friend – especially organizing!
Let’s face it – most things are more fun when done with a friend – shopping, movies, dining, hiking, travel, and hobbies. What is it about organizing that makes us think we have to suffer, have to force ourselves to get it done? It is always on the list but typically the last thing we want to do on the weekend, right? There seems to be shame around letting our friends see our chaos. And yet inviting someone to help is a powerful solution!
This is our best tip for making organizing fun & freeing! Invite a friend to do it with you. Let go of the fear and embarrassment of your friends seeing the chaos and open up to a transformative experience. We have seen hundreds of people be set free when they let themselves receive help from an organizer, a friend or family member.
From Marla – “I just experienced this in a POWERFUL WAY. I got to spend 8 days with a long time friend who had recently lost her husband. Together we got through the garage, project room, closets, finances and more. We told stories, laughed and cried, moved stuff, cleaned and cleared. In 8 days together, we freed her from the blockage and buildup so she could move forward with her life. Because we loved our time so much, we decided to do this every year for each other. This kind of teamwork is life changing.”
The important elements are:
- Pick someone safe who won’t judge you.
- Do the project in small pieces of 2-3 hours
- Make it fun by playing music or having snacks
- Try taking turns and helping each other
- Choose someone that supports you making a change
The last few weeks we have given your our Top Tips for Spring Organizing. By combining these tips with the support of a trusted partner, you WILL experience joy and wonderful results.
Even as professional organizers we often invite other organizers to support us with our projects. It’s very different to work with our own things (vs. someone else’s) since we have to face our own attachments, emotions and stories. Our Utah Professional Organizers Group even chose to buddy up this year for our service project and we were all sold on the power of getting support from a trusted person.
Find a friend and help each other. You deserve it! And don’t forget to use The Clear & SIMPLE Systems of SEE IT. MAP IT. DO IT. & S.T.A.C.K.S. © to help with where to start, what to do and how to keep it up.
Set yourself free! Marla, Kate & Team
