Getting up in the morning and deciding what you are going to wear can be a nightmare if you are facing a messy cluttered closet!

The number one tip to getting your closet organized is to store like items with like items.

Think of your wardrobe now and what items it contains…breaking them down into categories can help with that early morning routine of deciding what you are going to wear.

Sorting your cloths first into broad categories like- casual, business, workout, play or whatever main categories you have then once you have them in the broad categories subdivide them by function- short sleeve shirt, long sleeve shirts, sweaters…dress pants, jeans, sweats….skirts, dresses etc.

The categories are as individual as your wardrobe  so make it your own…what naturally goes together?

Taking time to organize your closet can change the way your whole day goes…imagine getting up, walking to your closet and easily being able to retrieve your out fit for today?

Your bedroom is the first place you see when you wake up in the morning and the last place that you see before you drift off to dreamland.

You know what they say about first impressions….they are lasting.

A few hours in this room can make all the difference in how you start and end your day. The bedroom is the haven from the stressors of life; it needs to be an oasis where you feel like you are wrapped in comfort and security.

Now, this does not mean that you are going to have a magazine perfect bedroom.

What it will mean, is by keeping the items in the room current for the person and by reducing clutter your bedroom will look and feel like the Haven it is meant to be.

Sweet Dreams…for tips and techniques on how to create this Oasis, get help now and learn the 6 steps organizing experts use every day for only $9.99.

It is evident in this stressed filled world that we are existing in, people feel like they are alone, even when they live with other people.

No wonder!

The family meal has been replaced by meals that are consummed on the run.
TV viewing is happening in several different rooms so people can watch what they want to.
Schedules are so demanding and family members are running in multiple directions.

Of course the Team approach has broken down, there is no point of connection. How you can be fully present and help your team if you can’t even help yourself?

Time to take back control and get everyone on the same page.

First step is shifting accountability back to the rightful owners.

In this case it is the Bedroom and all that it entails. The bedroom occupants have  a responsibility to take care of their STUFF. Unless they are too young. Too young means, can’t put toys away/laundry away/make beds. The level of responsibility increases with age.

Here are a few ideas of areas of concern for the bedroom.

• Closet management
• Bed making
• Dish clearing
• Floor cleaning
• Fashion maintanance
• ETC!

If it is not your room and you have expectations that are not realistic for the person that owns this area of the home then it may be time to adjust your expectations.

Communication about expectations and open dialogue are critical for all families and by working together you set the tone  for the way the family exists together.

For more information and tips on managing this critical area of the home you can download instant help, created by professional organizers Elaine Shannon and Kim Eagles. Get help today in the privacy of your home for only $9.99.

These special keepsakes are the physical representation of the memories that we have stored away. However, if you plan to keep all of the memories of days gone by be prepared to spend some money for storage and valuable time for managing what could be a full time job.

Realistically speaking you want to keep a reasonable amount of keepsakes in a system that is easy to use and manageable. How you ask?

Well you containerize!

A simple storage container with letter sized hanging folders in the container.

For more tips and steps on creating this treasure box that will bring joy for years to come visit Organizing Connection and learn how to organize like the pros. The Bedroom Organizing HOW-To video set also has worksheets an an e-book with pages of time saving organizing tips that you can download immediately.

For only $9.99 you can get help now.

This is a question not just for you but for all the people in your home, who have a bedroom.

Bedroom organizing usually follows a transition period.

Some of these transition times could include; a new baby, a toddler growing up  and heading off to school, teenagers who seem to grow overnight and are constantly in a state of wearing flood pants, a new romance that leads to closet sharing, and if you live in an area that enjoys the change of seasons you could be changing out the clothing for a season.

It is time to clear out the baby clothing to make way for the busy toddler?

Is the arrival of a new baby causing closet stress, and really is the closet the place for all those things that need to be at your fingertips?

If these transitions are in your present or future and you are looking for strategies to handle the changes look no further…In the Bedroom Organizing HOW-To video and resource set you will find techniques that will save you time and stress in this time of Transition….for only $9.99 you can have instant help with Video tips from the Pros.

I spent good money on that…

If I lose five more pounds I’ll be able to get back into that…or

But I have such great memories of that shirt!

Having trouble deciding what to keep and what to retire? Here is one of the decision making tools available in the Bedroom Organizing  HOW-to Video and resource set.

Decision Tool #2: Hot or Not

Get a good full length mirror, a clothing rack and invite someone you trust for a fashion show. Make sure this person will be kind but honest with you. Show her/him everything you have and try it on.

For each piece of clothing ask “Hot or not?” meaning does this piece of clothing flatter you or not…first of all do YOU feel Hot ? Second opinion comes from the trusted friend…if it passes the test then it goes back in the closet. If it doesn’t and it’s not for painting or grubbing around in the garden, it goes.

More techniques like the Slow Purge and Retirement Time are available in the Bedroom Organizing HOW-to Video and Resource set for only $9.99 you can this and more.

Bursting at the seams and ready to explode!

You are not alone….a recent UK study polling 4,000 women discovered a woman’s fluctuating weight means she has a total of three different dress sizes in her cupboard…that would be closet for us North Americans. If you put a price tag on this you would have about $450 dollars worth of skinny jeans, designer sweaters and totally awesome T’s that are collecting closet dust.

Most people keep these ill fitting pieces of clothing for a couple of reasons…Guilt and Hope.

Guilt because of the money that was wasted on something that they cannot wear and Hope that they will once again be able to squeeze their tiny hiney into them.

Guilt and Hope are not a good enough reason to keep anything…especially clothing.

Think about the local women’s shelters and the HOPE that these women have for their future. Could your awesome wardrobe that is collecting dust be part of their hope.

Why not!  

To get you started on your CLOSET organizing journey…

Check out this great HOW-to Video and resources that will show you how to sort, purge and reorganize your closet like a PRO for only $9.99.

Have you reached the Beauty Routine Storage limit?

Does your dresser or vanity look like it has been dusted with pink, blue or brown powder? …yes that is the residue from the makeup du jour. How about the flat irons, straight irons, curling irons in 4 different barrel sizes and the hair dryer with the diffuser that looks like a mass of cords? What about the polish…oh not the stuff for the floors….the stuff for the fingers and toes?

Just like any other organizing project, it is fun to think about the vanity of your dreams. Check online and look through magazines to find ideas of what you want your Dream Vanity to look and feel like.

Spend a bit of time doing some planning.

Take some of the ideas from your dreaming and scheming and create a mini vision board with pictures, colors and ideas that you can use in your own home. We may not all have glossy magazine homes but it is quite easy to create the same look and feel on a dime…I know you can…there are many TV shows that do this on a very tight budget or with no budget and a bit of creative flair.

Next you need to gather all beauty routine items together

The make up, hair stuff and nail care items and sort so all the like items are together. Don’t forget to take a peek in the bathroom vanity, linen closet and the bedroom to gather it all up…yes I mean all the beauty items….leave no stone or should I say emery board unturned.

Now the big purge…yes I said purge.

I am not sure if you are aware of it but anything that you put on your body has an expiry date. It may not say it on the package or item but there are some standard guidelines you can follow.

Make-Up best before dates

• Mascara – 3 months, don’t pump as it adds air and bacteria
• Cream eye shadow or blush  – 6 to 12 months
• Cleansers, moisturizers and toners- 6 to 12 months. Tubes or pumps are better due to reduced exposure to air.
• Liquid Foundation- 1 year
• Powder Foundation,  eye shadow or blush – 1 year
• Lipstick – 1 to 2 years
• Sunscreen- 1 year after opening

Refrigeration will actually extend the shelf life of your cosmetics. Keep your brushes free from contamination with regular cleaning.

Hair care best before dates

• Shampoo, conditioner, gels and mousse – 12 months after opening. They won’t damage your hair but they do lose their effectiveness.

Nail Care best before dates

• Nail polish – 1 year
• Polish remover – indefinitely

Makeup and Nail care Storage

A simple cutlery tray or a variety of containers will do the trick. You can get low end plastic options at the dollar store or visit Winners for sleek high end wood and cloth box options.

Curling/Straightening irons;

Here are few creative options; a wastebasket to stand them all in, cloth shoe holder that hangs over the door, stainless steel kitchen utensil bar to hang multiple items from.

If you are a visual person like me and want your everyday items organized so you can see them, then open storage is best for you.

If you prefer things tucked away then use the recommended storage ideas and tuck the organized items in a great looking cabinet, closet or box that will get it out of eyesight.

This simple organizing project could save you valuable minutes in the morning…reducing your morning stress and starting your day in a beautiful way!

Everyone loves a contest…and we want to celebrate the launch of our latest online product Organizing the Bedroom – From Cluttered Nightmares to Sweet Dreams Set with a contest…so we can share the product love. So here is how it goes.

What you’ll win

The Organizing Your Bedroom- From Cluttered Nightmares to Sweet Dreams Set

Set Includes:

-5 minute video SHOWING you the Basics of organizing.
-12 minute video that will empower you to Conquer the Closet and Bedroom CLUTTER.
-11 pages of worksheets giving you 4 decision making tools that will help you make quick work of purging the clothing of days gone past.
-30 tips to make your bedroom, your teen’s bedroom or the baby’s bedroom a restful haven.
-Instant access to help…this package comes as a download. No waiting for something to arrive in the mail weeks after you wanted the help

PLUS…as an added goodie…BONUSES that includes organizing help from industry experts, these are also downloads so you will have them immediately also;
Bonuses Include:

Tracey Foulkes - Get Organised Starter Pack,
Marlo Nikkila- How To Live a Clutter Free Life: Audio & Companion Guide,
Alex Fayle - Dream Factory Worksheet,
Ramona Creel -10 Easy Ways to Organize Your Home eBook,
Peggy Porter – 3 Essential Key to Mom Entrepreneur Success.

Plus Plus…..A 30 minute one-on-one Conquering Closet Clutter session with me…Elaine Shannon, The Empress of Inspiration. I will provide you with customized organizing ideas for your Bedroom or Closet. I will do this over skype so I can see your closet or through pictures that you e-mail me ahead of time….

How to Enter

Write one paragraph about your biggest Home Organizing Challenge and post it on your blog, facebook or twitter account and here on this post.

In your paragraph mention “ I just entered the Conquering Bedroom/Closet Clutter Contest with Organizing Connection” and add a link in your paragraph back to our website at www.organizingconnection.com/contest

Then add your entry to this blog post. If you do not have a blog, facebook or twitter account you may just post your entry here.

Contest Rules

The contest begins Tuesday September 29th 10:00 am EST and ends Monday October 5th at 10:00 pm EST.

You must enter comments here before the deadline to qualify for prizes.

Five winners will be chosen at random from the comments on this post.

The contest is open to EVERYONE.  Winner will be contacted by Organizing Connection to schedule your free session and to receive your prizes.

But you can’t get to the Closet?

Do you find yourself saying…“I’ll just move this ‘stuff’ so I can get to that ‘stuff ‘…and then I will put it back later.

Are you tired of playing this game of ‘Find the Closet – Lose the Floor’ ?

Can’t find anything to wear in the morning…kids can’t find anything?

Are you Ready to embark on a new mission in life – one we like to call “sweet dreams”

Today we are launching our ‘Organizing Your Bedroom’ set and to celebrate we are sharing with you the #1 SECRET to Organizing your closet…and that SECRET can be used in the whole bedroom…even the whole house.

It is a Secret that Professional Organizers use everyday with their clients. We are going to Reveal it to you Today!

Are you ready to make a change? Do you want to know the #1 SECRET TO ORGANIZING YOUR CLOSET…