Based on my personal experience and over thirty years of helping clients get organized, I’ve learned a few things about what it means to be organized enough. That definition varies from person to person. What feels like being organized enough to me might be different for you. Guess what? That’s okay.

It's a journey to discover what helps you feel, be, and stay organized. I use the word ‘journey’ because getting organized isn’t a one-and-done event. As you go through life stages and changes, your organizing systems will likely need adjustments. Being organized helps make your life flow more smoothly. Being flexible and willing to tweak your systems as needed is part of the process.

Many strategies and products can work for your unique organizational needs. I’ve written hundreds of articles about this on the blog. However, today, I thought it would be fun to give you a behind-the-scenes look at some strategies and systems I use to stay organized with my things, thoughts, time, and space.

What Helps Me, a Professional Organizer, Stay Organized Enough?

Organized Things

Strategy: Create designated ‘homes’ for everything. This gives each possession a specific place to ‘live’ when it’s not in use and a spot to return after use.

Here are some ways I do that:

• Hooks next to the desk for my purse and bags

• Purse with compartments or mesh zipper bags inside larger totes

• Pen cup on the desk that holds only working pens

• Tray on the desk that holds frequently used office supplies like a stapler, tape dispenser, calculator, and paper clips

• Office supply cabinet with labeled drawers that organize similar items together

• Charging station and stands for my iPhone and iPad

• Drawer organizers, open bins, closed containers, and shelf dividers to house specific categories in the bathroom, kitchen, dining room, living room, and bedrooms

• Hook inside the door of a lower kitchen cabinet next to the stove to hang potholders

Organized Thoughts

Strategy: Use specific methods and tools to help clarify, record, and process thoughts. Some thoughts are personal, while others relate to my professional life. As a verbal processor, I find that writing and talking are effective ways to organize my thoughts.

Here are ways I do that:

• Write in my personal and meditation journals

• Log tasks and projects in my 2Do app, which can be scheduled for specific dates

• Place sticky notes and pens next to phones, beds, desk, kitchen and bathroom to jot quick notes, which get transferred or filed

• Keep an AquaNotes® waterproof paper pad and pencil in the shower to capture ideas

• Use a Word or Google Doc to organize ideas and projects

• File ideas into my blogging binder by category that I want to potentially write about

• Enlist help from a family member, friend, or professional to discuss and sort out my thoughts aloud.

“It’s a journey to discover what helps you feel, be, and stay organized.”

— Linda Samuels, CPO-CD®, CVOP™

Organized Time

Strategy: Build systems you can fully trust. Use effective strategies and products that encourage intentionality and help you gain better control of your time. When possible, use one calendar along with a separate task app to manage your personal and professional life.

Here are ways I do this:

• 2Do app for scheduling appointments, tasks, birthday reminders, and lists such as ‘Books to Read’ or ‘Books Read’’

• Notes app on iPhone with shopping lists for specific stores, mileage log, and health notes

• Digital calendar with vertical weekly dated layout

• Color-coded calendar to see at a glance where my time is scheduled, the mix of categories, and the white space signifying unscheduled time

• Calendly app to schedule client and personal meetings

• Analog clocks in my office and kitchen to better visualize time

• Use timers to allow me to hyperfocus, remind me when to switch gears, get up and move, or wrap up what I’m doing

• I use different timers depending on the need:

  • Time Timer® , a visual timer for meetings, virtual organizing sessions, and workshops

  • Clock app alarm with auditory alert on my iPhone for switching gears, cooking, and notifying of upcoming meetings

  • Kitchen timer on the stove with auditory alert for cooking or cleaning something with timed instructions

• Only commit to something new after reviewing my current time commitments

• Respect my time and know when to say “yes” or “no”

• Have clear work and personal boundaries

Organized Space

Strategy: Define the purpose and designate zones for each room and area. Organize spaces to support their intended use, maximize the available area, and minimize clutter.

Here are some ways I do that:

• Guest bathroom with a in-wall magazine holder

• Kitchen with a hot beverage station

• Pantry with labeled Elfa drawers for storing gift wrapping supplies

• Laundry room with closets for storing extra cleaning products and paper goods

• Entryway with cushioned bench and open cubbies below to sit while taking shoes on and off and for storing most frequently worn shoes

• Office with a wall slot to fold up and discreetly store my folding screen when not in use

What Helps You Organize Your Things, Thoughts, Time, and Space?

Getting organized enough can help create more ease in your life. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by everything, focus on one category at a time to improve. Which area needs the most attention? Which category do you want to work on first? What helps you feel organized enough for your things, thoughts, time, and space?

I’d love to hear your thoughts. I invite you to join the conversation.

How Can I Help?

Would you like support with getting organized? I’d love to help! Virtual organizing is an extraordinary path forward – Local feel with a global reach.

Let’s talk. I’m easy to reach.

• Schedule a Discovery Call

• Email me at linda@ohsorganized.com or

• Call 914-271-5673

Getting organized is possible, especially with support.

When you think about types of motivation, often thoughts are about internal and external motivation. Recently, I noticed another way to consider motivation and helpful strategies to sustain them.

Instead of focusing on where motivation comes from, think about how much motivation you need over a specific time. For example, the time and motivation you need to accomplish a single task like responding to an email differ from what’s required to achieve a long-term goal such as organizing an entire home.

With this in mind, let’s look at three types of motivation that are time-based and ways to help you nourish your motivation.

3 Types of Motivation with Helpful Ways to Sustain Them

1. Short Motivation Burst

Characteristics:

• You can accomplish the task with a few simple steps.

• You can complete the task in less than 30 minutes.

• You can do the task on your own.

• The task has few if any obstacles to entry.

Short motivation examples include:

• Meditating

• Taking a walk

• Making a phone call

• Responding to an email

• Clearing the dishes from the kitchen sink

• Putting your laundry in the hamper

• Decluttering your handbag

• Sorting today’s mail

In most cases, you need low motivation to complete these activities because they require less energy and have a high satisfaction or “done” rate. If you’re a list maker, you’ll enjoy the endorphin ping you’ll receive when you’re able to quickly check that “one and done” off of your list.

When you struggle with getting motivated, selecting a short motivation burst activity can give you the energy needed to tackle something more extensive.

“To enhance long-term motivation, gather your support team.”

— Linda Samuels, CPO-CD®, CVOP™

2. Medium Motivation Gallop

Characteristics:

• You can accomplish the item with multiple steps.

• You can complete the item over several days or months.

• You might require help or information from someone.

• You might encounter some obstacles before or during the process.

Medium motivation examples include:

• Preparing tax returns

• Developing a new workshop

• Organizing a kitchen

• Writing an article
  Reviewing your financials

• Editing and re-organizing your filing system

• Helping your kid pack for college

More motivation and energy are needed to complete these types of projects. You might encounter some emotional or physical challenges along the way or be unsure of your next step. The challenges can result in feeling deflated or de-motivated.

To sustain motivation for the medium motivation projects, spend time gathering your resources, whether physical ones like trash bags, markers, and boxes or emotional ones, like the support of friends, family members, or professional organizers like me.

3. Long Motivation Journey

Characteristics:

• You can accomplish your project with a series of mini goals.

• You can complete your project over months or a year plus.

• You will require external support and possibly a team.

• You will experience obstacles before and during the process.

Long motivation examples include:

• Writing a book

• Losing weight

• Organizing an entire home

• Preparing and selling your home

• Getting a college degree

• Planning a wedding

• Saving for retirement

• Designing and planting a garden

Since the long motivation projects happen over an extended time, it can be especially challenging to maintain the energy and motivation needed to bring them to fruition. You will sometimes experience challenges, waning motivation levels, and energy loss.

To sustain your motivation:

• Break the projects down into doable mini goals

• Pace yourself, which will reduce burnout

• Gather your support team

• Enlist help from accountability and thought partners

• Share with others what you are working on

• Gather tools and resources to accomplish what you want in advance

• Add to your toolbox along the way

• Keep your eye on the goal, but be flexible with how you get there

As you head for the end goal, focusing on appreciating the journey and the mini successes along the way will enhance your motivation and satisfaction.

Have you considered motivation needs based on time parameters? If so, what has your experience been? I’d love to hear your thoughts. I invite you to join the conversation.

This spring was the first time I grew lettuce in my tiny garden. Since we eat a lot of lettuce, I thought it would be an excellent vegetable to grow. However, until recently, I didn’t know I planted not just lettuce but magic lettuce. It turns out that magic lettuce has a lot to teach us about clutter.

You’re probably wondering what makes my lettuce special? For experienced gardeners, it might seem like plain old lettuce. However, as a newbie gardener, I am amazed and delighted at how quickly it replenishes. I can pick leaves to make a big salad one night, and two days later, the lettuce is back to its pre-picked size. 

I love nurturing and watering the plants, which help them thrive. While I have an abundance of lettuce, it’s the right amount to feed us. I pick it frequently enough, so it doesn’t get too cluttered or overgrown. 

3 Little Lessons ‘Magic Lettuce’ Taught Me About Clutter

1. It’s All in the Edit

The lettuce will grow out of control and become a waste if it goes unchecked and unpicked. This is also true of our physical clutter. If we collect things without trimming or editing, our possessions will overtake our space. 

2. The Abundance Perspective

Abundance can be positive or negative depending upon your perspective. I experience constant joy in harvesting fresh greens for our salads. I embrace the abundance but also manage to keep the plants balanced.

With physical clutter, you might enjoy having a lot of some things like shoes or a particular collectible. I’m a Pez dispenser collector. However, you might feel overwhelmed by too many papers, books, or kitchen gadgets. Our attitude about abundance is influenced by what “too much” means. Know and manage your limits.

“Clutter will increase if you don’t create intentionality and boundaries for your stuff.”

— Linda Samuels, CPO-CD®, CVPO

3. My ‘Magic Clutter’ Theory

I explained my theory about magic lettuce and how quickly it grows. Have you encountered magic clutter?  My clients often describe their clutter as “growing overnight” or “it keeps coming back.”  In the case of lettuce, magic is a positive thing. However, the magic aspect is negative with clutter because most of my clients want less of it. They definitely don’t want it to return.

Lettuce needs to be intentionally nurtured to grow. The opposite is true with clutter, which will increase if you don’t create intentionality and boundaries for your stuff.

When it comes to lettuce, I love that it grows continually. I don’t feel that way about clutter. Activating the edit, understanding your perspective, and creating intentionality will help you become clutter-free. What enables you to keep clutter in check? Which ideas resonate with you? I’d love to hear your thoughts, and I invite you to join the conversation.

If you are overwhelmed by clutter and want to create a peaceful balance with your stuff, I’m here to help. Let’s talk. Contact me at linda@ohsoorganized.com, 914-271-5643, or click here.

The idea of ‘out with the old, in with the new’ is a phrase I remember hearing from when I was very young. I heard it most frequently around New Year’s. At first glance, it makes sense until we look a bit more closely. The New Year allows us to pause, reflect, and decide how we’ll make the next year ‘better’ than the one that just ended. We lean into the fresh start and the hope a clean slate brings.

Recently, a few things happened that made me question the ‘old/new’ saying. As we plan and decide how we want 2022 to be, I propose we don’t completely abandon the old in favor of the new. Instead, gather from the past and the present as you move towards the future. Consider the positive energy from revisiting ‘something old’ and embracing ‘something new.’ Not an either-or situation, but a richness that comes from including both. This can apply to all aspects of your life, be it getting organized, nurturing relationships, decluttering belongings, changing habits, and so much more.

A Case for ‘Something Old’

One of the things I love doing but haven’t done for a long time is baking. Why is that? Well, the positive thing about baking is how yummy it tastes. The challenging part is controlling my portions of freshly baked, hot-out-of-the-oven treats. In the past, the goods were baked and gone within hours and sometimes minutes. Since one of the things I’ve been working on as of late 2021 is eating more healthfully, along with losing weight (thank you, Noom), baking took a back seat.

But then something happened. Last week, we expected a big snowstorm. I don’t know about you, but baking and snowstorms are a perfect pair for me. I felt inspired and decided to bake banana bread with walnuts and dried cranberries and make chicken vegetable soup. It felt wonderful to create deliciousness in the kitchen and bake again. And while I ate a bit more banana bread than I planned, I managed to only eat one (generous) piece and freeze the rest.

The point is that even when you choose to change your habits and not engage in activities you used to enjoy, it’s possible to revisit those older joys and incorporate them in an energizing and healthy way.  Reframing and setting boundaries are your friends! I encourage you not to give up on all the old with the New Year.

A Case for ‘Something New’

We all know the exciting feeling of doing or learning something new. I might fail or do it poorly, but the thrill of ‘new’ gets my adrenaline flowing. Aliveness pulsates throughout my mind and body when I experiment, remain curious, and push myself beyond what I know. Something about the New Year encourages us to think out of the box or comfort zone. 

This month, some things happened or will happen that fit the ‘new’ category. The first one was a cooking experiment I did last week. Yes, it’s another food story. I don’t know about you, but my husband and I love Dave’s Organic Killer Bread Thin Sliced with 21 Whole Grains and Seeds. It’s so good for sandwiches! However, we don’t like the ends. They are small and a bit tough. We also don’t like wasting food. When each loaf was almost finished, I’d buy a new one. I saved the ends hoping that someone (my husband) would eat them. That strategy wasn’t working, as evident by the growing bag of ends collecting in the refrigerator. Then, one day I had an idea. What if I made croutons from the unwanted pieces? How hard could that be?

It turns out it’s easy. I had fun finding a recipe and modifying it. I cut the bread into cubes, tossed it with olive oil and some seasonings like salt, pepper, garlic powder, oregano, red pepper flakes, laid them out on a parchment-covered baking sheet at 400 degrees for 10-17 minutes, and flipped them when halfway baked. Now I have a new recipe, a way to handle those ‘ends,’ and something crunchy to add to our salads and soups.

“Gather from the past and present as you move toward the future.”

— Linda Samuels, CPO-CD®, CVPO™

The other ‘new’ things coming up are two speaking engagements this week. Speaking isn’t new. I’ve been doing that for decades. But the two situations are unique for me, and I’m excited about both. 

I’ll be giving my virtual workshop, How to Conquer Clutter, for a corporation as part of their Lunch & Learn series. Not the workshop, but the setting is a first for me. I’m grateful to Marcy Stoudt, founder of the Executive Mom Nest, for making this incredible connection.

The other new gig, a virtual Zoom event on January 15th, is open to the public. I’ll be on a panel with eight industry experts who will share tips and strategies for From Staged to Sold in 90 Days! Get Your Home (and Yourself!) Ready for the Spring Market.

I’ve been on many panels before, but never one focused exclusively on preparing your home for sale. I am grateful to realtor Jenifer Ross for putting this event together and inviting me to participate. If you are interested in attending or know someone who will benefit, click here to register for free.

As you lean into your fresh start, what will you carry forward or introduce to 2022? Energy comes from revisiting things we enjoyed in the past and pursuing new paths. You have so many resources to draw from as you plan and create your best year ever. What are you excited about? How will you make the most of your fresh start? I’d love to hear your thoughts. I invite you to join the conversation.