Cleaning Out Their Lives - Great Article from the Arizona Republic Newspaper

I just read this article about decluttering which I wanted to share with you:

Cleaning Out Their Lives

To the right of the article is the paper's take on the 100 Thing Challenge.

Bankers Boxes - They're Not All Alike

In my experience as a professional organizer, I've run across many different types of bankers boxes - the white fold-up storage boxes used in homes and offices, primarily for storing paper.

What I've noticed is the vast difference in the quality of these boxes so I've decided to outline a variety of them here on my blog as information for my readers:


The first type of box is the best quality, and the most expensive. The box is essentially two layers thick which works best for long term storage of heavier items. These boxes are the "keepers" - you're spending a lot more money for them - use them over and over again if you wish. These boxes typically run about $60 for a dozen at your local office supply store.


The next type of box is the one-layer bankers box made from recycled materials. These boxes are not as strong and are not made to be stacked too high as they may buckle under the weight. These boxes are good for storing lighter weight items and are not recommended to be reused too many times. They usually run about $34 per dozen and are also available at most office supply stores.


This last type of bankers box is one of my favorites. It's a single layer box but is made of a heavier material and is sold at The Container Store. These boxes are great for storing files and other medium weight items and run about $63 for 20 boxes.

As is the case with all three of these bankers boxes, they are best not stored in the garage as the openings on the sides (for carrying purposes) can leave them open to harboring insects or, dare I say it, rodents.


For garage storage of files, I recommend these plastic file storage boxes with lids. They are available at most office supply stores and at The Container Store.

Twenty Wishes - New Inspirations

Back on July 6th, I posted a blog about a book I'd read called "Twenty Wishes" which chronicles the lives of four women who decide to make positive changes in their lives by taking on new and exciting challenges.

My first challenge was taking a Spanish class which turned out very well - I got an "A"! I am also finishing up a beginning quilting class and I'm just about done with my small class project - a placemat. I'll post pictures of that when it's finished.

So, here it is almost September and I've been inspired by watching the Olympics (okay, who hasn't, right?). I've decided to sign up for a water aerobics class with my daughter and I'm going to start swimming laps 3 mornings a week.

I'm also considering taking golf lessons starting next month as well.

So now I'm up to 4 new things - that leaves 16 to go!

Back to School - Organizing School Supplies

Back to school time is here (again). I wanted to show you a convenient way to store all those smaller school supplies your student needs to keep close to their work station: pens, pencils, erasers, paper clips, thumbtacks, index cards, etc. etc.



I find what works best for my daughter and the clients whose children I have organized are the small Sterite plastic drawer storage units. I label each one with the name of what's inside the drawer and it makes it easy for the student to put things away when they've finished their homework or need to clear their desks to work on a different project. (Labels are a little crooked as my daughter helped set her own system up a few years back - which, by the way, is a great way to get your kids involved in organizing too).



And the best part about these storage drawers is that they are stackable and take up even less space in the work area.

The To-Do List - How to Make it Work For You

We all try to do it – we sit down and write out a to-do list but it becomes way too long and involved and the list is no particular order. Frustration sets in when we don’t accomplish everything on the list.

Try and be realistic about your to-do list. I use the “A”, “B” and “C” method to prioritize my to-do list. I place the letter “A” next to the most important things on my list, the letter “B” next to the things that can probably wait until the next day, and the letter “C” next to the items that need to be done eventually but don’t have any real priority.



Another way to make your to-do list work for you is to imagine in your head the route you will travel to complete this list. In this day of crazy gas prices, we need to accomplish as much as possible in one trip. When you drop your kids off at school or on your way to work, try to complete as many to-do items in that general area as possible. Do the same thing on your way home at the end of the day. If you know you’ll be across town tomorrow, plan to do those items on your list that can be accomplished on that side of town.

Finally, try and get out early in the day when banks and stores open to make the most of your time. Most stores have smaller crowds during their early hours and you can accomplish twice as much. The old saying “the early bird gets the worm” really applies here.

I've always been a big fan of creating my to-do list at the end of the work day or before I go to bed. List all those things you want to get done the next day, prioritize them, and then you'll rest much better knowing they are down on paper and you can fill your head with more pleasant thoughts and dreams.

Umbra Magnetter - a great place to store your keys while keeping its sleek design

I saw this great looking item in the September issue of Real Simple magazine. It's called the Umbra Magnetter from Umbra and is a magnetized wooden key holder that attaches to any wall but doesn't contain those goofy looking hooks on the front.

It comes in a both a light wood and espresso finish and costs only $14.00!

Back to School - Locker Storage

I saw this great item on the Pottery Barn Teens website. It's called the Pack-It Storage Locker.

You'll have the most organized locker in school thanks to a kit that includes a dry-erase board, storage pockets and a mirror. The Pack-It Storage Locker comes in multiple colors and can even be monogrammed.

Looks like a great way to start the new school year - an organized locker!