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.

This is a project that can be completed in one day. But before you plunge right in here are some steps that can help make the process more efficient.

1.      First have a plan as to what you want the closet to function like when it is finished. Keeping in mind the size of the closet and the amount of items to be stored and containerized.

2. Pick up the tools you need to complete the job. For a closet organization you will need bags for the donation items and the garbage, baskets or containers for the similar items as you are organizing and hanging clothing rack, this will make the job at hand much easier.

3.      It always gets really messy before it gets neat. You will need to empty the closet completely so you have a clean slate to work from. This is a good time to either give the walls a good washing or it may be time for a fresh coat of paint. You will also want to get out your measuring tape and size up the area for a new closet organization system(if it is in the budget).

4.      Next it is on to the challenging part; the sort and the purge. Here are a few questions to ask yourself as you are struggling through this part. Do I love this item? Does this item make me look awesome?

For more tips and purge questions you can download the Bedroom Organizing worksheets and an instructional Video on How-to organize the bedroom you can download it all now 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.

On a recent trip to the local hardware store I noticed a very snazzy display of a product that I have been testing for the past few months. As a blogger I often get goodies in the mail for review. I am quite serious about these reviews and it has taken a few months for this one to come together.

I have been testing the 3M Command Picture Hanging Strips, Frame Stabilizer strips and some various hooks.

                                 The 3M Command Designer Large Hooks  

These came in handy when we moved our childrens bedrooms around. Our teenage daughter wanted to hang purses and scarves and hoodies and….everything else she could find in her closet.  I really like how sturdy the hooks are and the flexibility of being able to move them are brilliant for her…teenagers want to be able to move and redecorate at a moments notice.

They are flexible and non-committal…everything a teen wants.

Picture Hanging Strips, for dark frames.

This product comes in handy in our home. With 3 children and rotating artwork from the budding artists I am able to hang and re-hang as the seasons and tastes change.  I also like that they are dark and don’t show up under my black frames…brilliant.

With Christmas just around the corner I am going to be changing up our artwork again. If I don’t have to mark the walls with nail holes I am a happy gal.

The technology behind these versatile products amazes me. Velcro it itself is one of the wonders of my generation and the stretchy band that holds the 3M strips in place is almost magical.

For instructions on how to use your 3M Command products please visit their website. They have great instructional videos that Show You How to apply and remove the strips…and they even have some troubleshooting videos with instructions on how to remove the hooks of the strip breaks. Check it out here!

With the recent time change, the arrival of spring and this long weekend many of you are probably feeling the urge to start moving the winter wardrobe out and the spring wardrobe in.

This seasonal rite of passage is the perfect time to get all of your closets in tip top shape…that means the kiddies, hall closets and even the master bedroom.

Perhaps the most difficult part of this closet organizing process is letting go of items that are no longer useful. The attachment we have to our clothing and the guilt associated with letting be paralyzing. To help with this tricky issue I have some helpful decision making tools that will make light work of your closet transformation.

The Slow Purge

Take all the hangers in your closets and hang them backwards (with the hook pointing out). As things are worn re-hang with hangers facing the right way. At the end of each month, take a quick scan and notice the hooks that are still backwards. Obviously these are the items that you have not worn recently. Unless it is a special occasion outfit you probably will never wear it again…really…be honest with yourself, does it need to take up valuable closet space.

Goddess or Not

This technique is all about finding your inner DIVA. You know when you have something on and you feel awesome, you love to wear it…it’s a wardrobe favorite. Now think of the last time that you wore something and you felt…well you know…it’s a 3 letter word and I am not saying it. Would you rather feel like a “Goddess or not”? If it doesn’t and it’s not for painting or grubbing around in the garden, please let it go.

The Closet Hokey Pokey

This is my favorite. I am sure you will recognize the tune and the wording…with things changed around a bit to suit the occasion…that is the closet organizing occasion. This is a fun way to keep the closets clear of clutter. The children also like this one, it is easy to remember and they can follow this rule quite easily. You can see the video version of the Closet Hokey Pokey here …check it out now!

You put your new shirt in; you take the old shirts out
You put them in the basket, and donate them all about.
You do the closet pokey, and you keep the clutter out.
That’s what it’s all about!

Speaking of donations….keep in mind that your clutter could be someone else’s survival. Think of someone who may need the item more than you do. There are several local charities who would love to receive your clothing donation…they are only a phone call away.