A lot of my clients say “I don’t have enough storage space”. And I say to them “yes, you do, you just aren’t utilitizing your space efficiently”.
Another problem is not the “space” but the “stuff”. “Too much stuff”.
How much stuff can one person or one family use ?
The first phase of “finding enough space” is de-cluttering. That means going through all of your stuff and getting rid of things that you no longer use, wear or need. Then there are the things that are broken or too small. Purge these things out of your life.
You have already created more “space” !!!
Now look at your closets. Most closets are designed with only one rod across the top. Very inefficient. By adding another rod you have doubled your space without doubling the size of the closet.
For your closets or pantries that have shelves you can add more space by adding shelf dividers. Again, you have just doubled your space.
If your closets have movable shelves you can change the height of the shelves depending on what you are storing on the shelves. This would also allow you to add more shelves for smaller items.
Under the bed storage is a great way to make use of seldom used space. There are great containers that have wheels that are easy to slide under the bed. You can store extra blankets, sweaters, shoes or any number of things.
Put shelves on walls and make use of wall space. A great idea for books or displaying collectibles so that they don’t take up floor or counter space.
Make use of those “nooks and crannies”. If you really looked you could find all types of small or thin shelving units that can be placed in between things.
Use decorative boxes that can sit out and double as storage.
There are lots of ways to add extra “space” to a small room.
You just have to let your imagination run wild and “think outside the box”.
Remember …… LESS CLUTTER = LESS STRESS SM
Organizational Consulting Services
http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com/
Monday, September 27, 2010
Monday, September 20, 2010
WHAT CAN A LIFE COACH DO FOR YOU ?
There are so many things that we juggle every day. Work, family, kids, friends, school, extracurricular activities…. How do we manage to fit it all in? How do we manage to keep it all together?
How do we manage not to get lost in our lives?
Everyone is so busy today… and we are all being pulled in so many directions. How do we know if what we are doing is right or wrong?
Sometimes we doubt ourselves. And our life choices.
So how do we get back on track?
One way is to use a “life coach”. Why not? You have a coach for other things in your life.. like your workouts / health, business consultants, career coaches… Why not have a “life coach” that can help with balancing “all” the areas of your life. Balance between work and family. Balance between what you are doing with your life and what you “want” to do.
A life coach will help you figure out your priorities. They can help you figure out what’s stopping you from achieving your goals. They can help you figure out what you want to achieve and how to achieve it.
If your life is in transition they can help you find your direction in life. What’s important in your life. They can help you with a “plan”.
Most people know what they want their life to be like. They just need someone to push them in the right direction. Coaching is a partnership. A life coach will ask you “where you are now”, “where do you want to be” and “what’s stopping you”.
They point you in the right direction…. They help you find it inside of yourself.
Life coaching can cover many aspects of your life. From stress management, career planning, business coaching, family and life balance, time management and so much more.
A life coach looks at things from a different perspective than you do. They are an outsider who can see things that you can’t. They help you get and stay on track.
But…. before you can utilize a life coach you must be ready to change. You must be ready to achieve your goals. To find your direction in life. To listen.
Once you have made up your mind that you want a better life, happier life or more balanced life you will be open to the guidance that a “life coach” can give you.
If you can organize your home and your business… isn’t it about time that you organized your life?
Organizational Consulting Services
http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com/
How do we manage not to get lost in our lives?
Everyone is so busy today… and we are all being pulled in so many directions. How do we know if what we are doing is right or wrong?
Sometimes we doubt ourselves. And our life choices.
So how do we get back on track?
One way is to use a “life coach”. Why not? You have a coach for other things in your life.. like your workouts / health, business consultants, career coaches… Why not have a “life coach” that can help with balancing “all” the areas of your life. Balance between work and family. Balance between what you are doing with your life and what you “want” to do.
A life coach will help you figure out your priorities. They can help you figure out what’s stopping you from achieving your goals. They can help you figure out what you want to achieve and how to achieve it.
If your life is in transition they can help you find your direction in life. What’s important in your life. They can help you with a “plan”.
Most people know what they want their life to be like. They just need someone to push them in the right direction. Coaching is a partnership. A life coach will ask you “where you are now”, “where do you want to be” and “what’s stopping you”.
They point you in the right direction…. They help you find it inside of yourself.
Life coaching can cover many aspects of your life. From stress management, career planning, business coaching, family and life balance, time management and so much more.
A life coach looks at things from a different perspective than you do. They are an outsider who can see things that you can’t. They help you get and stay on track.
But…. before you can utilize a life coach you must be ready to change. You must be ready to achieve your goals. To find your direction in life. To listen.
Once you have made up your mind that you want a better life, happier life or more balanced life you will be open to the guidance that a “life coach” can give you.
If you can organize your home and your business… isn’t it about time that you organized your life?
Organizational Consulting Services
http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com/
Monday, September 13, 2010
Business Image – First Impressions Do Matter
First impressions. They can make or break you.
Most people know that they are judged by the way they look ….fair or not. But in business it’s even more important to have the “right” image. The first thing that people see when they walk in the door of your business ….is …. what ?
* A cluttered desk ?
* A mile high stack of papers in your “inbox” ?
* Files hanging out of file cabinets ?
* Water stains down the length of the wall of your office ?
* A stained and torn up carpet ?
* A disheveled receptionist that is chomping on her gum ?
* A receptionist that “ignores” you when you come into the office ?
What about when a client calls you ? Do you answer the phone by the 2nd or 3rd ring ?
Do you answer it in a calm and professional manner ?
Do you put people on “hold” forever and forget about them ?
When people are waiting in your waiting room…..does your staff act in a professional manner ?
Do they talk about their personal life or how they were “hung over” from partying last night ?
What do your promotional materials and business cards look like ?
Do they portray the image you really want ?
Image is important. A clean and organized office says “I am professional and I deserve your business”.
A messy, cluttered, smelly office with stains on the walls and carpets says “I don’t care what you think and I’ll get around to you when I feel like it”.
Would you want a doctor to perform a procedure on you in an office that has “dust bunnies” and has his instruments just laying on a table and not looking sterilized ? I wouldn’t.
Would you close a Ten (10) Million Dollar business deal with a man whose office is filthy and run down ? Not a chance. Which is probably why that deal fell through.
Yes, both of those scenarios happened to people I know.
Image is important. It projects confidence and capability.
A clean and organized office ….and staff…. is your first step to success.
Organizational Consulting Services
http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com/
Most people know that they are judged by the way they look ….fair or not. But in business it’s even more important to have the “right” image. The first thing that people see when they walk in the door of your business ….is …. what ?
* A cluttered desk ?
* A mile high stack of papers in your “inbox” ?
* Files hanging out of file cabinets ?
* Water stains down the length of the wall of your office ?
* A stained and torn up carpet ?
* A disheveled receptionist that is chomping on her gum ?
* A receptionist that “ignores” you when you come into the office ?
What about when a client calls you ? Do you answer the phone by the 2nd or 3rd ring ?
Do you answer it in a calm and professional manner ?
Do you put people on “hold” forever and forget about them ?
When people are waiting in your waiting room…..does your staff act in a professional manner ?
Do they talk about their personal life or how they were “hung over” from partying last night ?
What do your promotional materials and business cards look like ?
Do they portray the image you really want ?
Image is important. A clean and organized office says “I am professional and I deserve your business”.
A messy, cluttered, smelly office with stains on the walls and carpets says “I don’t care what you think and I’ll get around to you when I feel like it”.
Would you want a doctor to perform a procedure on you in an office that has “dust bunnies” and has his instruments just laying on a table and not looking sterilized ? I wouldn’t.
Would you close a Ten (10) Million Dollar business deal with a man whose office is filthy and run down ? Not a chance. Which is probably why that deal fell through.
Yes, both of those scenarios happened to people I know.
Image is important. It projects confidence and capability.
A clean and organized office ….and staff…. is your first step to success.
Organizational Consulting Services
http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com/
Thursday, September 9, 2010
RUN YOUR BUSINESS LIKE A BUSINESS NOT LIKE A HOBBY
I think that it’s really important to support small businesses. Having a sense of community and knowing the people that own the business makes you feel like you are getting superior customer service. Or at least it should. Everyone likes feeling special. When you need a referral for a specific project or problem you ask your friends and colleagues and they give you the names of businesses that they have dealt with and are happy with.
Word of mouth is great advertising and you know that it comes with a built in recommendation.
But what happens when a small business falls short on customer service? You tend to get very angry and badmouth that business to everyone that you know.
Not exactly the “word of mouth” advertising that any business wants.
At the end of June we had a water tank explode at one of our rental properties. Since it was on the other side of town we didn’t use our regular plumber but called a plumber out of the yellow pages. We were desperate and in a huge bind. A very nice plumber agreed to help us out and was there to fix the problem within a few hours. We were very happy and very grateful. We immediately paid him by credit card and were promised that a receipt would be mailed to us immediately.
Since it’s rental property we needed that receipt for our accountant and for tax purposes.
It’s now September. And you guessed it. No receipt.
I have called and spoken with the owner of the business at least six (6) times now.
His excuses were:
1) “I was busy”
2) “We were on vacation”
3) “I forgot”
4) “I really did mail it myself personally, just wait a few days and it will show up” (that was 5 weeks ago).
5) “I’ll send you another copy” and “I’ll email you a copy”
6) “We were out of town over the weekend, then I came home Sunday and had to do work around the house”.
7) “I really did mail it, you will be surprised at the date when it shows up” (what about the copy you supposedly sent? Or the email you supposedly sent?”
8) “I’ll have my wife email it to you” then it was “I’ll email it myself when I get home”
We need that receipt for our taxes. Are we really asking for too much?
If you run a business, paperwork comes with the territory. It you can’t handle the paperwork get an assistant to help you so that your customers aren’t inconvenienced and annoyed. If your wife is too busy with the kids then don’t expect her to help with your business.
It’s your business. Run it like one. Not like a hobby.
Being organized. Calling your clients back in a timely manner. Handling any problems or concerns that your clients have in a timely manner. Those are all part of being in business.
If you can’t handle it…. Hire someone that can or go work for someone else.
Don’t run your business like a hobby or you won’t be in business long.
If you need advice on how to run a business there are consultants out there that can help you with everything from advice on employees, workflow analysis, marketing, your business image, organizing your business and anything else that you can think of.
Small businesses are essential. Don’t give them a bad name by providing bad customer service.
Organizational Consulting Services
www.organizationalconsultingservices.com
Word of mouth is great advertising and you know that it comes with a built in recommendation.
But what happens when a small business falls short on customer service? You tend to get very angry and badmouth that business to everyone that you know.
Not exactly the “word of mouth” advertising that any business wants.
At the end of June we had a water tank explode at one of our rental properties. Since it was on the other side of town we didn’t use our regular plumber but called a plumber out of the yellow pages. We were desperate and in a huge bind. A very nice plumber agreed to help us out and was there to fix the problem within a few hours. We were very happy and very grateful. We immediately paid him by credit card and were promised that a receipt would be mailed to us immediately.
Since it’s rental property we needed that receipt for our accountant and for tax purposes.
It’s now September. And you guessed it. No receipt.
I have called and spoken with the owner of the business at least six (6) times now.
His excuses were:
1) “I was busy”
2) “We were on vacation”
3) “I forgot”
4) “I really did mail it myself personally, just wait a few days and it will show up” (that was 5 weeks ago).
5) “I’ll send you another copy” and “I’ll email you a copy”
6) “We were out of town over the weekend, then I came home Sunday and had to do work around the house”.
7) “I really did mail it, you will be surprised at the date when it shows up” (what about the copy you supposedly sent? Or the email you supposedly sent?”
8) “I’ll have my wife email it to you” then it was “I’ll email it myself when I get home”
We need that receipt for our taxes. Are we really asking for too much?
If you run a business, paperwork comes with the territory. It you can’t handle the paperwork get an assistant to help you so that your customers aren’t inconvenienced and annoyed. If your wife is too busy with the kids then don’t expect her to help with your business.
It’s your business. Run it like one. Not like a hobby.
Being organized. Calling your clients back in a timely manner. Handling any problems or concerns that your clients have in a timely manner. Those are all part of being in business.
If you can’t handle it…. Hire someone that can or go work for someone else.
Don’t run your business like a hobby or you won’t be in business long.
If you need advice on how to run a business there are consultants out there that can help you with everything from advice on employees, workflow analysis, marketing, your business image, organizing your business and anything else that you can think of.
Small businesses are essential. Don’t give them a bad name by providing bad customer service.
Organizational Consulting Services
www.organizationalconsultingservices.com
Monday, September 6, 2010
ARE YOU READY FOR A DISASTER ?
If you only had a few minutes to get out of your house for a disaster (such as a hurricane) would you be prepared for an emergency? Would you be able to grab your important papers and things you must have and be out of your house in minutes?
Do you know where all of your important papers are? Are they all in one central spot for quick and easy access in case of emergency?
Things such as:
* Drivers License (or other identification)
* Passport
* Birth Certificate
* Social Security Card
* House Insurance papers (or contact info)
* Life Insurance papers (or contact info)
* Marriage License
* Financial Info
* Money
What about some of your favorite possessions? Things that you can’t replace, such as photo albums?
Since most people keep a lot of information on their computer or laptop, do you have backups and are they up to date and in a spot that you can easily access?
Do you know what you would take in an emergency? Have you ever thought about it?
I’ve never been in situation where my home had to be evacuated, though I have been in a hurricane with no place to go (a very frightening experience).
If you are evacuated from your home and your home is destroyed you will have to deal with a variety of issues, including insurance issues, where you will have to prove your identity. Can you?
In an emergency people tend to grab the strangest things. Not always the most practical things.
So think about what you would do in an emergency situation where you had to evacuate (especially if you live in high hurricane areas).
Prioritize your possessions and what you really need to get back on your feet.
Get yourself organized before disaster strikes. And then hope that you never have to put your plan into place.
It’s better to be prepared for a disaster than to have to go through the trauma of dealing with things that you are unprepared to handle.
Organizational Consulting Services
www.organizationalconsultingservices.com
Do you know where all of your important papers are? Are they all in one central spot for quick and easy access in case of emergency?
Things such as:
* Drivers License (or other identification)
* Passport
* Birth Certificate
* Social Security Card
* House Insurance papers (or contact info)
* Life Insurance papers (or contact info)
* Marriage License
* Financial Info
* Money
What about some of your favorite possessions? Things that you can’t replace, such as photo albums?
Since most people keep a lot of information on their computer or laptop, do you have backups and are they up to date and in a spot that you can easily access?
Do you know what you would take in an emergency? Have you ever thought about it?
I’ve never been in situation where my home had to be evacuated, though I have been in a hurricane with no place to go (a very frightening experience).
If you are evacuated from your home and your home is destroyed you will have to deal with a variety of issues, including insurance issues, where you will have to prove your identity. Can you?
In an emergency people tend to grab the strangest things. Not always the most practical things.
So think about what you would do in an emergency situation where you had to evacuate (especially if you live in high hurricane areas).
Prioritize your possessions and what you really need to get back on your feet.
Get yourself organized before disaster strikes. And then hope that you never have to put your plan into place.
It’s better to be prepared for a disaster than to have to go through the trauma of dealing with things that you are unprepared to handle.
Organizational Consulting Services
www.organizationalconsultingservices.com
Thursday, September 2, 2010
National Preparedness Month
Being prepared goes hand-in-hand with being organized, and it is fitting that NAPO would be part of a nationwide event aimed at better emergency preparedness. NAPO has again joined forces with the Department of Homeland Security's Ready Campaign for the seventh annual National Preparedness Month (NPM), held during September. As a national coalition member for the fifth consecutive year, NAPO strives to educate the public through individual member and chapter informational events held during National Preparedness Month.
This year, NPM will focus on changing perceptions about emergency preparedness and will help Americans understand what it truly means to be ready for emergencies that may arise at home, at work, or in the world. Preparedness goes beyond fire alarms, smoke detectors, dead-bolt locks, and extra food in the pantry. Being Ready includes: preparing an emergency supply kit, making a family emergency plan, being informed about emergencies and their appropriate responses, and getting involved in community efforts. (reprinted from http://www.napo.net/)
Re-read our BLOG post from April on “Emergency Preparedness”.
http://professionalorganizer4u.blogspot.com/search?q=emergency+preparedness
Be safe - Be prepared.
Organizational Consulting Services
http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com/
This year, NPM will focus on changing perceptions about emergency preparedness and will help Americans understand what it truly means to be ready for emergencies that may arise at home, at work, or in the world. Preparedness goes beyond fire alarms, smoke detectors, dead-bolt locks, and extra food in the pantry. Being Ready includes: preparing an emergency supply kit, making a family emergency plan, being informed about emergencies and their appropriate responses, and getting involved in community efforts. (reprinted from http://www.napo.net/)
Re-read our BLOG post from April on “Emergency Preparedness”.
http://professionalorganizer4u.blogspot.com/search?q=emergency+preparedness
Be safe - Be prepared.
Organizational Consulting Services
http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com/
Monday, August 30, 2010
Seniors and Downsizing - Moving to a Smaller Home
Downsizing can be a tough process for anyone, but especially for seniors who find themselves with a large home. More and more are tackling the huge job of downsizing their living spaces. In fact, about six percent of Americans between the ages of 55 and 64 move each year, according to the Over-50 Council of the National Association of Home Builders. As seniors reach the time to downsize belongings and move into smaller, more manageable homes, many have a hard time figuring out what to do with all of the “stuff ” they’ve accumulated over the years.
To have a more simplified lifestyle many seniors decide to move to a smaller, more manageable home.
Following are some tips for seniors downsizing:
• Get rid of the guilt factor — Many seniors feel they are the “keepers” of their family heirlooms and have a hard time getting rid of items for which they no longer have room. And even adult “children” have a hard time with their parents leaving the “family home” thinking that their childhood memories will be gone forever.
Instead of waiting to give your children some of your possessions that you would most likely leave them anyway….give them these pieces now, especially if they are not being used on a regular basis. They will be able to enjoy them now and you will be able to watch them enjoy them!
If younger family members are not interested in taking the items then consider donating them to a worthy cause. Some organizations purchase furniture, high-end clothing, and porcelain, and then sell those items to raise money for specific causes or charities.
Professional organizers can help seniors sort through household items to strategically figure out what will work in their new space. They also can help seniors identify which organizations to turn to that are best at finding new homes for family heirlooms.
• Find movers specializing in senior needs — Moving is stressful for everyone, but some moving companies specialize in making the transition easier for seniors, and professional organizers can help find the perfect “mover match” for a client. A professional organizer can help pare down items before the move and make the process easier at moving time.
Some professional organizers will also help with things such as helping the clients hang pictures on the walls for clients unable to do so themselves, handling the change of address and utilities, setting up electronics at a new home, and much more.
• Have a professional organizer reassess every five to ten years — As seniors get older, modern appliances or high shelving can become more difficult to use or simply unnecessary considering their lifestyle changes. Hire a professional organizer to evaluate and reassess your needs every five to ten years to make sure your home is still working for you.
For example, seniors who usually eat dinner alone should bring two to three sets of dinnerware to their level instead of keeping everything in out-of-reach cabinetry. Sometimes seniors don’t realize everyday activities and household chores can be made easier just by adjusting the setup in their homes. Professional organizers are great resources to help identify easy ways seniors can simplify to improve their overall quality of life.
Organizational Consulting Services
www.organizationalconsultingservices.com
To have a more simplified lifestyle many seniors decide to move to a smaller, more manageable home.
Following are some tips for seniors downsizing:
• Get rid of the guilt factor — Many seniors feel they are the “keepers” of their family heirlooms and have a hard time getting rid of items for which they no longer have room. And even adult “children” have a hard time with their parents leaving the “family home” thinking that their childhood memories will be gone forever.
Instead of waiting to give your children some of your possessions that you would most likely leave them anyway….give them these pieces now, especially if they are not being used on a regular basis. They will be able to enjoy them now and you will be able to watch them enjoy them!
If younger family members are not interested in taking the items then consider donating them to a worthy cause. Some organizations purchase furniture, high-end clothing, and porcelain, and then sell those items to raise money for specific causes or charities.
Professional organizers can help seniors sort through household items to strategically figure out what will work in their new space. They also can help seniors identify which organizations to turn to that are best at finding new homes for family heirlooms.
• Find movers specializing in senior needs — Moving is stressful for everyone, but some moving companies specialize in making the transition easier for seniors, and professional organizers can help find the perfect “mover match” for a client. A professional organizer can help pare down items before the move and make the process easier at moving time.
Some professional organizers will also help with things such as helping the clients hang pictures on the walls for clients unable to do so themselves, handling the change of address and utilities, setting up electronics at a new home, and much more.
• Have a professional organizer reassess every five to ten years — As seniors get older, modern appliances or high shelving can become more difficult to use or simply unnecessary considering their lifestyle changes. Hire a professional organizer to evaluate and reassess your needs every five to ten years to make sure your home is still working for you.
For example, seniors who usually eat dinner alone should bring two to three sets of dinnerware to their level instead of keeping everything in out-of-reach cabinetry. Sometimes seniors don’t realize everyday activities and household chores can be made easier just by adjusting the setup in their homes. Professional organizers are great resources to help identify easy ways seniors can simplify to improve their overall quality of life.
Organizational Consulting Services
www.organizationalconsultingservices.com
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