Ultimately Organized

Living Everyday Ultimately Organized - Back to School

2011-08-18T10:50:00.000-07:00

I read a back to school article recently on how to have an organized morning. Moms shared their secrets to keeping things moving, but one mom's comment stood out. She said she tries to keep mornings as low-key and as calm as possible because it sets the mood her kids will carry with them for the rest of the day. Think about it. If your kids are rushed out the door because one can't find a piece of homework or the other can't find a shoe, then they leave feeling anxious and stressed out. That feeling could affect their performance on a test or their interactions with their friends and teachers throughout the day. Here are a few organizing tips so the last thing you say to your child in the morning isn't "hurry, you're going to be late!"

Designate a Family Center. This is the most important time saving tool for back to school. A family center is a designated area of your home where you keep your family calendar, important school papers, and any after school activity schedules. Each family member should have a folder for anything that needs to be signed or reviewed. My sons' folders contain weekly spelling lists, site words, class lists, and other papers that may need to be referenced later in the school year. If you don't have the space for a desktop file holder, then try a wall mounted magazine holder. Our family center is also a drop zone for backpacks (thanks to a coat rack from IKEA) and electronics (laptop, phones, and even the boys' DS games).

Start Preparing the Night Before. Make a checklist of anything you can do the night before including gathering books and homework, finishing projects, picking out clothes, leaving shoes and backpacks by the door, making lunches, and even setting the table for breakfast. In our house, my husband even puts the belt around my 5-year-old son's pants so all we have to do in the morning is help him with the buckle. It may sound like a lot of work, but if you take care of the predictable items ahead of time it won't be such a big deal when something unexpected happens. This goes for you too. Make sure everything you need is ready to go so you're not scrambling to find your keys or your phone in the morning.

Get an Early Start. You have to stay ahead of your kids, so that means you need to be ready before they even wake up. I'm talking fully dressed, hair and makeup done, walk out the door ready. That way if one of the kids finds a stray homework sheet that has to be turned in today you're not blow drying your hair while trying to explain how to multiply fractions. If everything goes smoothly, then you may have a few extra minutes to play a quick game with your kids or knock out a few chores.

Keep Breakfast Simple. Whether you go all out preparing a hot breakfast or just pour a bowl of cereal in the morning it's important to keep this meal simple. Prep as much food ahead as you can and keep choices limited to two "main dish" options. Instead of asking "What do you want for breakfast?" try asking "Do you want cereal or a waffle?"

Set Time Reminders. Kids are pretty good at tuning out the sound of our voices, so you may need to find another way to encourage them to keep moving in the morning. You can use the kitchen timer or the alarm on your phone to signal when they need to be finished with breakfast or when it's time to walk out the door. My kids like to watch TV in the morning, so we use commercial breaks as cues that they need to move on to the next step in their routine. They wake up at 7 a.m. and we leave at 8 a.m., so by the first commercial break (approx. 7:15) they are sitting down to eat. That gives them 15 minutes until the next break to finish breakfast. A change in shows (around 7:30) signals it's time to get dressed (which I let them do in front of the TV). By the 7:45 commercial break it is time to brush hair and teeth, put on shoes and grab backpacks. That leaves them 10 minutes to either finish their show or do something fun.

With a little planning and organization your morning routine can be stress free and you will soon be living everyday Ultimately Organized!

Living Everyday Ultimately Organized - Children's Playroom Decluttered

2011-06-01T10:04:00.000-07:00

My youngest son recently had a playdate with our new neighbors, twin four-year-old boys. They played together contently for hours exploring every inch of our playroom. As any mom would be I was thankful for the chance to do a few things around the house while my little one was entertained. When our guests left, I reluctantly made my way into the playroom to assess the damage. As expected, there were toys scattered from one end of the room to the other. I didn't panic. My playroom motto has always been "don't worry about making a mess... everything has a place and it goes back together quickly." Friends and neighbors who offer to help usually shrug their shoulders and think I'm just being kind, but it's true. Thanks to various bins, buckets, shelves, and storage drawers even the tiniest toy has a home that's easy to find. Whether it's me doing the clean-up or my kids this chore never takes more than five minutes. The key is using open bins and buckets and clear plastic storage containers and drawers to make it easy to see what goes where. It's also important to use the right size container. For example, we have tons of cars and other vehicles but they don't all go into the same container. Smaller cars like Hotwheels go into small bins, while larger cars are sorted into larger bins. It's all about making the toys easier for your kids to put their hands on and easier for you and them to put away.

Living Everyday Ultimately Organized - Time Saving Tip

2011-03-28T18:08:00.000-07:00

Do you dread the last minute morning rush? Try to get as much as you can done the night before. I'm not just talking about packing lunches (although that should be on your list). Lay out your kids clothes or encourage older children to do this for themselves before bed. Review the next days activities to be sure any library books, gym clothes, instruments or projects are put in backpacks or by the door so they don't get left behind. Even leaving the next days shoes by the door can save a few minutes of searching in those wee morning hours.

Living Everyday Ultimately Organized - Be More Efficient

2011-03-27T08:13:00.000-07:00

This Sunday morning I took advantage of a rare opportunity. I was ready to make a cup of coffee and sit down to clip a few coupons when I heard my two boys upstairs playing a game together. I quickly changed gears and got out my cleaning supplies. To my surprise, and with only one minor meltdown between brothers, I was able to dust and vacuum the house while both boys were entertained. So, what made this task more efficient? I didn't have to scramble to gather my supplies. I keep a dust cloth right next to my vacuum so I am able to move quickly from one task to the next. You may even need to keep more than one set of cleaners and clothes in different places throughout your home. Keep a bottle of disinfectant wipes or a bottle of cleaner and a roll of paper towels in each bathroom to give them a quick wipe down daily. You'll be to take advantage of those unexpected opportunities to knock out a few chores when you are Living Everyday Ultimately Organized.

Living Everyday Ultimately Organized - Dinner is Done

2011-03-25T13:26:00.000-07:00

The four words I hate to hear when I come home after my hour long commute are "what is for dinner." While I have my mom's knack for organizing, I unfortunately did not inherit her cooking skills. For some reason I convinced myself that after getting married and having two kids I should be able to walk in the door, open the pantry, pull out two or three ingredients and whip up a scrumptious dinner that satisfies everyone. It has taken me 10 years, but I have finally realized that the only way dinner is going to make it on the table in a reasonable amount of time for the hungry masses in my house is if I plan ahead.

So, I sit down once a month and plan out our dinners. I take into consideration when I get home and how long it takes to prepare a meal. Four nights a week are designated theme nights with quick and easy meals. For example, Tuesday is pasta night, Wednesday is leftovers, Thursday is pizza, and Friday is breakfast night. Saturday I include fun choices like sliders or chicken nuggets. Sunday I typically have more time to prepare a full meal, so we will have a chicken dish, pork chops, meatloaf, turkey or other "home cooked" meal. That leaves Monday, which I like to save for international selections like tacos, sweet & sour chicken, or calzones. I put my dinner menu in a protective plastic sleeve and tuck any recipes for the month behind it for quick reference.

Now that I know what's for dinner I can also shop more efficiently. I know exactly what I need to prepare 30 meals. I buy as much as I can at one time, and then I only have to stop at the grocery store for perishables and necessities.

I use my dinner menu as a guideline, which means I am always flexible. If we eat out one night or feel like having something different, then I simply move that night's meal to another night or save it for next month.

In my house dinner is done by Living Everyday Ultimately Organized.

Living Everyday Ultimately Organized - Laundry

2011-03-24T16:30:00.000-07:00

Laundry is one of those skills I learned from my mom, and I tend to do laundry the way she did when I was growing up. Everyone in the house has a laundry basket, and one day a week, in our house on Sunday, I gather the laundry, sort, wash, dry, iron, and put away. One thing with laundry is that you are making a committment to stay at home, at least long enough to move it from one machine to the other and get it out before it turns into a ball of wrinkles (thus doubling your work load). If you find your laundry day keeps getting put off til tomorrow, then set a date with those dirty clothes. Make an appointment to do laundry and block off two, three, or four hours so you aren't tempted to let other activities take it's place.

Many people may not have the time to dedicate half a day to laundry, so they spread it out throughout the week. Even if you do one load of laundry each day, you need to follow the process through to the end. That means, WASH, DRY, IRON, FOLD & PUT AWAY the entire load. Also, be sure you are doing a full load. It not only saves water and energy, but also your time.

Here's something you may not have thought about... time how long it takes to run a load in the washer and the dryer. Set a timer so you know exactly when the wash cycle ends, and use the end of cycle alert on your dryer .

When I have to do a load of laundry during the week I know if I put it in the washer before I shower in the morning, then after I am dressed I can move it to the dryer. I budget about 5-10 minutes to fold and put it away before we leave the house. Now, this load is usually towels or sheets, which don't require ironing or a lot of running around to put away.

Get out from under those piles of dirty clothes and start Living Everyday Ultimately Organized.

Living Everyday Ultimately Organized

2011-03-24T03:35:00.000-07:00

A dear friend of mine enlightened me this weekend. She said she doesn't do business with anyone who doesn't update their blog. Looking back at my last entry in October, I realized this is the perfect opportunity to share how I am Living Everyday Ultimately Organized. I am not only a Professional Organizer, but also work another full-time job, have a husband, two young boys, and all of the family and household obligations that go along with them. Still, I manage to get places on time, keep a clean house, spend time with friends and family, and have a successful work life. Believe it or not, I am even in bed most nights by 10pm. So what is my secret to success? I am Living Everyday Ultimately Organized. So, each day I will share tips that anyone can incorporate into their everyday life to be organized.

Recycling the Recycle Bin

2010-10-12T09:51:00.000-07:00

Now that Cape Coral has a new garbage collection process, I have been waiting to get my hands on those old recycling bins. I recently presented some suggestions on recycling your recycle bin on the FOX4 Morning Blend. These bins are sturdy and have so many uses either in your garage or even outdoors. They aren't the prettiest containers, so to make them more attractive you can use spray paint for plastic, which you can find at your local home improvement store for around $5.

Organizing Your Kids

2010-05-05T07:29:00.001-07:00

I recently had the honor of presenting ideas for organizing your kids on the FOX 4 Morning Blend. It was an exciting experience being in front of the camera instead of behind the scenes. As members of the Professional Organizers Association of Southwest Florida, we have been invited to take turns presenting once a month on the show, so look for our segments the last Thursday of every month. I look forward to the next segment and invite any suggestions on organizing topics that may be of interest.

Downsizing Done Right

2010-05-05T07:24:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to the Professional Organizers Association of Southwest Florida for another successful seminar at Miromar Design Center. The event on April 24th drew a crowd of nearly 60 people who were interested in learning more about downsizing. POASWFL is already planning another event, a hurricane preparedness seminar, coming up on June 12th at Miromar Design Center at 2:00pm.

Congratulations POASWFL for a Successful Ask The Organizer Panel

2010-02-17T13:02:00.000-08:00

Nearly 50 guests turned out on Saturday, February 13th at Miromar Design Center in Estero, FL for the Professional Organizers Association of Southwest Florida's first ever Ask The Organizer panel discussion. Panelists included Roxy Hambleton, CPO® (Positively Organized), Jane Samargedlis (Designed 2 Organize), Tracy Colleran (Straighten Up), Connie Kippycash (Easy Does It Professional Organizing), Karen Bucy (The Paper Tamer), and Shannan O’Brien (Ultimately Organized). The group fielded dozens of questions from how to organize a closet to the best way to preserve precious photos. The next POASWFL event is scheduled for Saturday, April 24th at the MDC. Details to follow soon!

Ask The Organizer Panel to be held at Miromar Design Center

2010-01-13T11:01:00.000-08:00

Are you overwhelmed by the idea of getting organized? Get answers to the organizing problems that drive you crazy during the "Ask The Organizer" panel discussion on Saturday, February 13, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. at the Miromar Design Center in Estero.

Professional Organizers Association of Southwest Florida (POASWFL) founding board members will share tips and techniques for organizing your life. Each panelist is an expert in various areas of professional organizing. From garage and residential specialists to electronic/computer and moving/relocation experts, they can help with the most challenging organizing issues.

Scheduled to participate in the panel are Roxy Hambleton, CPO® (Positively Organized), Jane Samargedlis (Designed 2 Organize), Tracy Colleran (Straighten Up), Connie Kippycash (Easy Does It Professional Organizing), Karen Bucy (The Paper Tamer), and Shannan O’Brien (Ultimately Organized).

The panel discussion is free and open to the public. Take this opportunity to bring some peace and calm into your life!

Launched in January 2010, the mission of POASWFL is to educate, support, and empower professional organizers in Southwest Florida to better serve the needs of their clients and to raise awareness of the organizing profession. For more information visit www.swflorganizers.com.

Professional Organizers Provide a Nonprofit Makeover

2010-01-13T10:56:00.000-08:00

In celebration of National Get Organized (GO) Month, the Professional Organizers Association of Southwest Florida (POASWFL) sponsored a community service project at the PACE Center for Girls of Lee County to help the nonprofit facility become more efficient.

On January 4, 2010, a team of professional organizers spent the day working with
Melissa Simontis, Director of Development, and her staff to purge, declutter, and organize PACE’s main office areas, files, storage areas, donations and conference room.

"Our PACE Lee Center has been open for nearly three years. In that time, we've grown and accumulated so much, but haven't had the resources to keep up in an organized manner," Simontis explains.

POASWFL members donated their time, expertise and organizing products to get the job done in just one day. The result was a well-organized facility that will benefit PACE staff, guests and students.

"After the organizing session, our staff felt as if they had a clean slate," says Simontis. "We were amazed by the energy, enthusiasm and talent of the professional organizers. They flew in like superwomen and rescued us from disorganization."

The project was a huge success and POASWFL members hope to help other nonprofit organizations in the future. "We plan to follow up with PACE to help them maintain the systems that were created," explains POASWFL President Jane Samargedlis, Designed 2 Organize. "The best part of what we do is that it’s very hands on and I feel we can really making a difference with our volunteer efforts."

Visit www.swflorganizers.com for organization tips and strategies so your business can save time and money in the New Year.

2010-01-06T07:37:00.000-08:00

I am so excited to announce that after two years the Professional Organizers Association of Southwest Florida has been created. I am very fortunate to be the Vice President (Public Relations) of the Association and one of the founding board members.

Our website went live today www.swflorganizers.com. Please take a moment to visit.

We are looking for Affiliate members-our first being W.C. Huff Moving and Storage and other Organizers that may not be part of NAPO.

Please follow the website link to join or contact us if you are interested in joining or finding out more about us. In the meantime, here is a little information about our Association-who we are and the founding board.

OUR MISSION: To educate, support, and empower professional organizers in Southwest Florida to better serve the needs of their clients and to raise awareness of the organizing profession.

OUR GOALS:
Raise the awareness of the organizing profession in Southwest Florida
Attract non-NAPO professional organizers to join NAPO and abide by their standards
Participate in community service projects such as Get Organized (GO) Month and others
Provide support and friendship through mutual encouragement and assistance
Promote ethics to all members
Provide mutual referrals, assistance, and specialty identification
Partner with local and national business associates
Long term, grow association to qualify as an official NAPO chapter

WHAT WE DO:
Our primary functions within our neighborhood and national community are:
EDUCATE members and clients on best organizing practices to enhance their personal and professional lives
SUPPORT members and clients (public) by providing education and resources (practical experience)
EMPOWER individuals and entrepreneurs by education and accomplishing organizing needs
PROMOTE the benefits of organizing and raise awareness of the organizing industry

FOUNDING BOARD MEMEBERS:
President Jane Samargedlis Designed 2 Organize
Secretary Connie Kippycash Easy Does It Professional Organizing
Vice President-Membership Tracy Colleran Straighten Up, Inc.
Treasurer Karen Bucy The Paper Tamer, LLC
Vice President-Public Relations Shannan O'Brien Ultimately Organized
Honorary board member NAPO Ambassador Roxy Hambleton, CPO® Positively Organized

Organizers Get Organized

2009-11-11T10:27:00.000-08:00

A group of local Professional Organizers came together in October to form the Professional Organizers Association of Southwest Florida. Their mission is to educate, support, and empower Professional Organizers in Southwest Florida to better serve the needs of their clients and to raise awareness of the organizing profession.

"It’s taken two years to formalize our group, and we are excited about the opportunity to connect with other organizers in the area and provide education and community outreach," says Professional Organizers Association President Jane Samargedlis of Designed 2 Organize (Naples).

Other board members include Vice President of Membership Tracy Colleran of Straighten Up, Inc. (Naples); Vice President of Public Relations Shannan O’Brien of Ultimately Organized (Cape Coral); Secretary Connie Kippycash of Easy Does It Professional Organizing (Fort Myers); Treasurer Karen Bucy of The Paper Tamer (Bonita Springs); and Roxy Hambleton, CPO®, of Positively Organized (Fort Myers) who serves as the group’s Ambassador.

All are also members of the National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO), the leading organizing authority. According to NAPO, Professional Organizers design custom organizing systems and teach organizing skills to help individuals and businesses take control of their surroundings, their time, and their lives. The industry has grown steadily in recent years as more consumers turn to professional organizers for help.

The Professional Organizers Association invites Professional Organizers in Lee and Collier counties to contact Tracy Colleran at (239) 404-2721 for more information on becoming a member of this local group.

Ask me about NAPO in the Schools

2009-10-22T07:12:00.000-07:00

As a member of the National Assocation of Professional Organizers, I recently completed training for the NAPO in the Schools program. NAPO in the Schools is a community outreach program that brings professional organizers into the schools. In a totally interactive classroom presentation, professional organizers teach students the benefits of being organized and basic organizing principles. The program was developed by a task force of NAPO members who have a passion for working with and educating students.

Organizing a Children's Craft Space

2009-08-18T08:06:00.000-07:00

My oldest son starts Kindergarten next week, so paper, pencils and other arts and crafts supplies have been on my mind lately. I decided my children's "craft closet" was in need of a make-over, so I converted an enclosed computer desk into a kid-friendly craft storage space. Here are a few ideas I use to keep things organized:

1. Cylinder drink mix containers were converted into cubbies for pencils and markers. These cylinders are the perfect size and they can easily be covered with craft paper or fabric for a decorative look.

2. Magazine holders corral coloring books and educational workbooks.

3. A three-tier storage bin keeps smaller items visible and accessible by little hands.

4. Inexpensive plastic storage boxes house play-doh, stickers, and small puzzles. Tip: Cut the picture off the top of the puzzle box and put it along with the pieces in plastic zip lock bags. It saves space, makes them portable (I can throw one in my purse for easy entertainment at a restaurant), and still keeps the pieces in one place. I've labeled the boxes, but also chose clear plastic so my youngest can find things fast.

5. Simple stackable plastic letter trays organize various types of paper. I love that this shelf (which used to house a printer) pulls out for easier access.

6. Paint, chalk, crayons and dry erase markers are stored in various sized plastic pencil boxes.

As you can see, I've left plenty of room for any new items.