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?

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.

When you run your errands, you should leave home and do things in a circular manner. Meaning make as many right turns as you can, its a time saver opposed to standing in line making a left hand turn, and doing a complete circle.

Are you reaching a stage in life where you forget things too often? It could be the birth of a new baby or age that is causing that brain fog…if you are one of the afflicted you will love these APPS, they can help you to Organize your family, thoughts or time. I would consider this a winner in my books….head over and meet our friends at Men with Pens and check out their post on “20 Powerful Apps to Organize your Thoughts.”

Looking for a new strategy to help you really dig in…let go and get your closet organized finally. How about the  Goddess or Not method…check out this awesome closet organizing strategy in Elaine’s latest KV Style Article…check it out now!

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.

Oh how I love the change of seasons.

Why, you ask? I get to clear out the winter and bring in the spring….unless you are in the southern hemisphere and you are transitioning from summer to fall…either way…you are  moving the last season out and the new one in.

To help you with this seasonal rite of passage we have compiled a list of resources to help you save some valuable time and create some space.

Woman in closet

First things first, you need to do the Closet Hokey Pokey….You put one thing in you take one thing out…

While you are in those closets you may want to change those awful wire hangers to something like wood..check out neatfreak and while you are there enjoy reading the blog written by our Peep Clare Kumar from  Toronto.

As a true Canuck I have enjoyed  House & Home magazine for many years. While researching I stumbled upon this timely article with some great Closet Organizing Tips, check it out.

And for anyone looking for some great organizing resources, Alltop now has an organizing section,  check it out here: Organizing Alltop 

Have a Great Weekend everyone and Happy Spring Organizing!

Elaine and Kim

The watercooler was buzzing with excitement on Monday with International Women’s Day events. I had the opportunity to attend 2 events in the Kennebecasis Valley. The guest speaker Mary Schryer is the minister responsible for the status of women in New Brunswick. Her talk was inspiring, shedding light on the sensitive issue of abuse of women in our province and the steps that are being taken to address this.

I hope that you had the opportunity to attend an event in your area.  Make sure you mark your calendar for March 8 2011, honouring 100 years of International Women’s Day.

I love a good Blog Carnival and this week I was able to participate in Janet Barclay’s professional organizers Blog Carnival. The hot topic this month is Financial Organizing . With tax season fast approaching the timing on this Carnival is perfect. Please drop by and check out my article on How To Organize your Finances and the 10 other articles written by Professional organizers who are sharing their best tips.

I can feel spring in the air…this weekend is the Atlantic National Home Show and that marks the beginning of the spring renovation season. I always love to go and chat with the vendors to see what is new and hot in the industry. From a business perspective I love to collect biz cards from the small business owners who may need my professional organizing services in the future.

I hope that you will be digging in this weekend and getting ready for the most beautiful energetic season.

For some help getting those closets organized and ready for your spring wardrobe visit our site today and check out our Bedroom Organizing How to Video that will show you;

In our “From Cluttered Nightmares to Sweet Dreams” video you’ll learn…

1. How the #1 Secret to organizing your closet can help with the whole room.

2. How you can break this mountain of a job into bite sized pieces.

3. How to do the CLOSET HOKEY POKEY….a fun way to remember how to maintain the closet organization.

4. Some end of the day strategies that will save valuable time in the morning.

5. The emotional side of organizing……..how to let go….using hangers?

Check it out now…

closet

Standard closets in most homes are equipped with a sturdy but un-functional single rod and a dust covered shelf that would be adequate if you are over         5ft 4 inches….however, if you are vertically challenged like me that shelf space is not even attainable unless you have a step stool in the closet.

Want to find some storage space…look up, look way up.

I love storage that is flexible. Rubbermaid shelving is all that and then some. It is easy to install, inexpensive, the pieces can be changed and if you have allergies in your home the open wire shelving allows the air to circulate and the dust to fall to the floor where it can be vacuumed up quite easily.

Here are some of the ways that I have used this Shelving system;

• Bedroom Closets…of course!
• Mudroom shelving
• A storage closet in a home office
• Mudroom closet
• Basement storage room
• Playroom

The options and variety of uses for this shelving are endless.

The beauty of this lightweight shelving is that you can take advantage of the unused vertical storage….by looking way up and taking advantage of that coveted space in between where you would normally stop your shelving you can add several feet to your storage options.

Now in this last week of the 28 Day organizing Challenge go and reclaim the unused vertical storage in all your closets….

Elaine AKA the Empress of Inspiration

Today’s tip on Storing out of Season Clothing is brought to you by Merri Christensen…The Organizing Aussie.

For more great Home Organizing Tips from Organizing Connection and to learn the
#1 Secret to Organizing the WHOLE Closet click here.

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.