Getting Ready...

We are getting prepared to take a well-deserved vacation. As always, a few weeks before we leave, I start a list of things to do, things to take, and any other notes that pertain to our trip. We have a list we use for camping and it is the same list every year. I have found that I like to create a new list when we actually get on a plane and travel. Every place is unique and I like to think about all the things we could use or need depending upon where we go. When we went to Alaska, we packed differently than when we went to Palm Springs. One thing I did think about (it was brilliant if you ask me!) was to make a note and take my own coffee. My husband and I have always splurged on the richest, darkest coffee for our espresso maker and it is really hard to find good coffee when you travel. Brilliant, I tell you! Nothing beats a small notepad, pencil, and your creative thoughts!

The Number One Rule...

People ask me all the time about how to get organized. My number one rule (quickly followed by number two) is find a place for everything. Number two is keep everything in its place. It is actually a bit more evolved than that but the basic principle is the same. Do you store your dry pasta in the bathroom just because you have more space? No, you find a place in the kitchen. Do you put postage stamps in the silverware drawer? Not unless you are mailing forks to your relatives. Think about things you have that are not finding a home. Then....wait for it...find them a home. If you don't have room, reconsider what you are actually holding on to. Chances are, if you don't have the space, you are keeping too much. Now, go read rule number one again!

Intentions and organization

One thing I have noticed that all my clients have in common is that they WANT to be organized, they have the intention of becoming organized, they just don't know where to start. It is kind of like wanting to get into shape but not knowing which exercise to start with. My advice? Just pick one. Any one thing. Doing one thing is much better than not doing anything. At least it sets your intentions into action. Deciding to get organized is much different than actually doing it. So, pick one thing -- keep all the dishes washed for one week, make your bed every day, recycle all the magazines that are 2 months or older. Just pick one thing. When you accomplish one thing it will motivate you to pick another. It really feels good!