All About Car Organizing. Yes! It’s a Thing

Car organizing refers to the process of arranging and managing items and belongings inside a car to optimize space, enhance efficiency and maintain cleanliness.

Car organization can help you reduce clutter, keep essential items easily accessible and minimize the risk of an accident.

Here are some tips for organizing your car so that you’ll always know where to find things when you need them.

  1. Remove unnecessary items: Start by de-cluttering your car and remove any items that you don’t need. Keep a small trash container or bag inside the car to collect any waste. Empty it regularly to maintain cleanliness.
  2. Utilize storage solutions: Invest in car organizers such as seat-back organizers, console organizers and trunk organizers to store your belongings. These organizers typically have multiple compartments and pockets to hold various items.
  3. Designated spots: Assign specific areas for different types of items. For example, use the cup holder for your drinks, a center console for small essentials and the glove compartment for important documents.
  4. Storage compartments: Most cars have storage compartments like glove boxes, door pockets and under-seat storage. Use these spaces to store items such as car manuals, registration documents, tissues and/or an umbrella.
  5. Use cargo nets or bins: Consider using cargo nets and/or bins in the trunk area to secure loose items and prevent them from rolling around. This is especially useful for groceries or smaller items that can easily shift.
  6. Maintenance: Make it a habit to regularly organize your car. Take a few minutes each week to remove any trash or other items that don’t need to remain in the car and reorganize as needed. By removing trash you prevent dirt and debris from accumulating. This helps preserve the interior materials, prevents unpleasant odors and retain the value of your car.

Organizing your car offers several benefits as well. Here are just a few:

  1. Efficiency: An organized car allows you to locate and access items quickly and easily. When you know where things are, you can find what you need without wasting time searching. This efficiency can be especially important when you’re on the road and need to retrieve items safely while driving.
  2. Safety: A clutter-free car minimizes the risk of accidents caused by objects rolling around and becoming potential hazards while driving. Loose items can shift and distract you or interfere with the operation of pedals or controls.
  3. Preparedness: Having an organized car allows you to be prepared for various situations. Essential items such as first-aid kits, emergency supplies and roadside assistance tools will be easily accessible. This can be crucial during unexpected events like breakdowns, accidents or adverse weather conditions.You can purchase a pre-made kit or create your own but do make sure to have one in the car!
  4. Image and Professionalism: If you use your car for business purposes or frequently have passengers, maintaining an organized car creates a positive impression. A clean and well-organized vehicle conveys professionalism, attention to detail and care for your passengers’ comfort.
  5. Resale Value: An organized and well-maintained car generally has a higher resale value. When it comes time to sell or trade in your vehicle, potential buyers or dealerships appreciate a clean and organized interior, which can positively influence the valuation of your car.

Overall, organizing your car enhances convenience, safety and comfort, while also reflecting positively on your image and potentially increasing its value.

Remember, the key is to find organizing solutions that work best for your specific car and personal needs. Experiment with different storage options and adapt them as necessary to maintain a clean and organized vehicle.

If you or anyone you know needs help with Organizing, Downsizing, Relocations, Estate Sales or Clearing a Property, let them know that we’d love to be of service!

Did You Know That There Are Different Types of Clutter? Let’s Talk About Physical Clutter

Did You Know That There Are Different Types of Clutter? Let’s Talk About Physical Clutter

I’ve already posted about three of the four categories so, let’s get into the last category, Physical Clutter.

Physical clutter refers to the presence of excessive and/or disorganized items in a physical space, such as a room, office or home, that can make the space appear messy, chaotic and overwhelming.

Physical clutter can negatively affect productivity, increase stress and make it difficult to locate and use items effectively. Physical clutter can also contribute to visual, mental and emotional stress, making it difficult to navigate and use a space effectively. Physical clutter can be in the form of papers, books, clothes, toys, tools, furniture, decorations, and any other objects that are scattered or piled up in an unorganized manner, taking up valuable space and creating visual and mental distractions.

Physical clutter can be recognized by several characteristics, including:

  1. Disorganization: A space that lacks organization when items are scattered, piled up or randomly stored. For example, clothes thrown on the floor, papers stacked haphazardly or items piled up on surfaces like countertops or tables are signs of physical clutter.
  2. Congestion: When a space feels crowded, cramped or congested due to an excess of items. For example, overcrowded shelves, closets or drawers, or a lack of clear pathways to move around a room due to too many items.
  3. Difficulty finding or accessing items: If you struggle to locate or access items easily due to clutter or spend excessive time searching for items, misplacing items frequently or feeling frustrated due to not being able to find what you need when you need, these are all indicators of physical clutter.
  4. Visual distraction: A space that feels visually overwhelming or chaotic due to the presence of numerous items is indicative of physical clutter. Too many items competing for attention, visual busyness, or a lack of visual harmony in a space is considered to be physical clutter.
  5. Reduced functionality: When items are disorganized or piled up, it can hinder the efficient use of the space, making it challenging to perform tasks or activities effectively.
  6. Emotional impact: Physical clutter can also have an emotional impact such as increased stress, feelings of being overwhelmed or a sense of unease in the space. The presence of excessive items in a space can negatively affect your emotions or mental well-being.

Recognizing physical clutter involves being mindful of the state of a space and being aware of the impact it has on the organization, functionality, and aesthetics of that space. Identifying these signs can be a helpful first step in addressing physical clutter.

Clearing physical clutter can help create a more organized, visually appealing, and functional environment. Here are some steps you can take to get physical clutter under control:

  1. Assess the situation: Take a careful look at the space and identify areas or items that are cluttered. This can include piles of items, belongings that are not being used, or objects that are disorganized or out of place.
  2. Set goals: Determine what you want to achieve with decluttering and organizing. Set realistic goals and prioritize areas or items that need immediate attention.
  3. Create a plan: Develop a plan of action to tackle the clutter. Break it down into smaller tasks, such as decluttering one area or category at a time, and create a timeline or schedule to keep yourself on track.
  4. Declutter: Begin by sorting through items and decide what to keep, donate, sell or discard. Be honest with yourself and let go of items that you no longer need, use or love. Keep only the items that are truly necessary, functional, and meaningful.
  5. Organize: Once you have decluttered, assign specific places for items to be stored based on their frequency of use and functionality. Use storage solutions such as shelves, cabinets, drawers, baskets or bins to keep items organized and accessible. Labels would be great too!
  6. Simplify: Minimize the number of items you have and keep surfaces clear as much as possible. Avoid overloading shelves, countertops or other surfaces with excessive items, as it can contribute to visual clutter.
  7. Maintain: Regularly revisit and maintain your newly organized space(s). Put items back in their designated places after use, avoid accumulating unnecessary items, and periodically review and declutter to prevent future clutter from building up.
  8. Seek help if needed: If decluttering and organizing feels overwhelming or challenging, consider enlisting the help of a friend, family member or Professional Organizer to provide support, guidance and motivation.

Taking steps to rectify physical clutter can help create a more organized, functional and visually appealing space that can promote productivity, reduce stress and improve overall well-being. However, it is important to remember that decluttering and organizing are ongoing processes. It’s important to develop habits of maintaining an organized environment to prevent physical clutter from re-accumulating.

If you or anyone you know needs help with Organizing, Downsizing, Relocations, Estate Sales or Clearing a Property, let them know that we’d love to be of service!

Did You Know That There Are Different Types of Clutter? Let’s Talk About Paper Clutter

Did You Know That There Are Different Types of Clutter? Let’s Talk About Paper Clutter

YUP. There are. In fact, clutter falls into 4 Separate Categories.

 1.  Physical Clutter is the collection of things you don’t use and don’t care for. This type of clutter is often scattered around your home and office and results in an untidy mess. More often than not, lost and misplaced items are caused from physical clutter.

 2.  Paper Clutter is one of the most frustrating challenges people encounter. When you have piles of paper, it becomes extremely difficult to locate important documents like bills, medical documents, tax papers, passports, etc. Not to mention the fact that piles of unread papers, newspapers, magazines, catalogs, and other random paper make a home look and feel messy.

 3.  Digital Clutter is found on computers, cell phones, tablets, and other electronic devices. It often consists of voicemail, email, user names, passwords, social media etc.

 4.  Emotional Clutter is the clutter we hold within our mind and heart. It’s feelings and emotions people deal with each day, like: negativity, anxiety, worry, stress, frustration, and fear.

I’ve already posted about two of the four categories so, let’s get into the Paper Clutter Category.

Paper clutter is any paper-based material that is not organized or stored properly. This can include mail, magazines, newspapers, receipts, bills, notes or other documents that are lying around cluttering up physical spaces such as desks and countertops and yes, sometimes the dining room table. 

Paper clutter can quickly accumulate and become overwhelming, making it difficult to find important documents when needed. It can and often does increase stress levels, and create a sense of disorganization and chaos.

 Paper clutter can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

  • A lack of organization
  • Not having a designated place to store important documents
  • Not having a system for filing papers
  • Not having a regular schedule for purging old documents and,
  • Not having a plan for dealing with incoming mail.

Dealing with paper clutter can be overwhelming, but there are several steps you can take to get it under control. Here are a few tips:

  1. Create a filing system: Create a filing system that works for you. This could include a filing cabinet to store important documents. Of course, you should also consider using file folders and label them appropriately so that you can find what you need when you need it.
  2. Digitize: Scan important documents and store them electronically to reduce the physical amount of paper. Remember when you’re storing documents electronically to name them so that they can be easily retrieved.
  3. Purge regularly: Regularly go through your paper clutter and get rid of anything that is no longer needed. Make sure to shred anything with an account number on it and, also, any solicitations with a QR code or RSVP invitation #.
  4. Set up a mail station: Set up a mail station in your home where you can sort through mail and discard junk. I highly recommend that this station is vertical so that you can see the mail without having to sift through piles of paper.
  5. Sort through your paper: Start by gathering all the paper clutter in one place and sort them into piles based on their purpose or category. For instance, you could have piles for bills to be paid, tax documents, things that need to get done, etc. 
  6. Reduce incoming paper: Sign up for electronic billing and statements to reduce the amount of paper that comes into your home. You can also request to be removed from junk mail lists. 
  7. Set up a daily routine: Establish a daily routine for dealing with incoming mail and papers. Set aside time each day to sort through your mail, pay bills and to file documents. 

Remember that getting paper clutter under control takes time and effort. Be patient and persistent and you will soon have a more organized and stress-free home or office. The trick is to maintain that space once it’s organized. If you make time each day, just a few minutes, staying organized will be easier.

If you or anyone you know needs help with Organizing, Downsizing, Relocations, Estate Sales or Clearing a Property, let them know that we’d love to be of service!

Did You Know That There Are Different Types of Clutter? Let’s Talk About Emotional Clutter

YUP. There are. In fact, clutter falls into 4 Separate Categories:

 

1.    Physical Clutter is the collection of things you don’t use and don’t care for. This type of clutter is often scattered around your home and office and results in an untidy mess. More often than not, lost and misplaced items are caused from physical clutter.

 

2.    Paper Clutter is one of the most frustrating challenges people encounter. When you have piles of paper, it becomes extremely difficult to locate important documents like bills, medical documents, tax papers, passports, etc. Not to mention the fact that piles of unread papers, newspapers, magazines, catalogs, and other random paper make a home look and feel messy.

 

3.    Digital Clutter is found on computers, cell phones, tablets, and other electronic devices. It often consists of voicemail, email, user names, passwords, social media etc.

 

4.    Emotional Clutter is the clutter we hold within our mind and heart. It’s feelings and emotions people deal with each day, like: negativity, anxiety, worry, stress, frustration, and fear.

 

Last month I wrote about Digital Clutter. This month, it’s all about Emotional Clutter. 

 

Emotional clutter is defined as unresolved emotional issues and/or negative thoughts or feelings that can accumulate over time. Unlike physical clutter, emotional clutter is often intangible and difficult to identify.

 

Emotional Clutter can and often does make it difficult to feel clear and focused. It can be caused by a variety of factors such as personal and/or professional stress, trauma, anxiety or relationship problems all of which have an impact on an individual’s well-being.

 

Emotional clutter can manifest in many ways, such as feeling overwhelmed or anxious, experiencing frequent mood swings and difficulty concentrating. It can result in feeling stuck in unproductive thought patterns which, in turn, can also affect one’s ability to make decisions and move forward in life.

 

Emotional clutter can also have a significant impact on an individual’s physical health causing or exacerbating medical conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease and weakened immune system.

 

Furthermore, emotional clutter can impact one’s ability to form or maintain meaningful relationships, leading to feelings of isolation and loneliness.  

 

Strategies for Managing Emotional Clutter:

 

·     Identify the sources of emotional clutter: It is important to identify the sources of negative emotions and thoughts to better understand and manage them. This can be achieved through self-reflection, therapy or journaling.

 

·     Find healthy ways to express and process your feelings and emotions: It can involve taking steps to address underlying issues or triggers, such as setting boundaries in relationships or addressing sources of stress.

 

·     Practice mindfulness and self-care: Regular self-care practices, such as meditation, exercise and healthy habits, can help to reduce stress and promote emotional well-being.

 

·     Seek professional help: If emotional clutter is causing significant distress, it is recommended to seek professional help, such as therapy or counseling.

 

·     Surround yourself with positive people and experiences: Surrounding oneself with positive experiences and relationships can help to counteract the negative impact of emotional clutter.

 

·     Let go of negative experiences: Holding onto past negative experiences and emotions can contribute to emotional clutter. It is important to practice forgiveness and letting go of past hurt and grudges.

 

It can be a challenging process and may take some time, but taking steps to declutter our emotional lives can ultimately lead to a greater sense of peace, clarity, happiness and well-being.

 

If you or anyone you know needs help with Organizing, Downsizing, Relocations, Estate Sales or Clearing a Property, let them know that we’d love to be of service!

 

Did You Know That There Are Different Types Clutter ? Let’s Talk About Digital Clutter

Pile of used, obsolete electronics. E-waste is becoming a major problem worldwide.

YUP. There are. In fact, clutter falls into 4 Separate Categories:

1. Physical Clutter is the collection of things you don’t use and don’t care for. This type of clutter is often scattered around your home and office and results in an untidy mess. More often than not, lost and misplaced items are caused from physical clutter.

2. Paper Clutter is one of the most frustrating challenges people encounter. When you have piles of paper, it becomes extremely difficult to locate important documents like bills, medical documents, tax papers, passports, etc. Not to mention the fact that piles of unread papers, newspapers, magazines, catalogs, and other random paper make a home look and feel messy.

3. Digital Clutter is found on computers, cell phones, tablets, and other electronic devices. It often consists of voicemail, email, user names, passwords, social media etc.

4. Emotional Clutter is the clutter we hold within our mind and heart. It’s feelings and emotions people deal with each day, like: negativity, anxiety, worry, stress, frustration, and fear.

For the purposes of this Newsletter, I’d like to address Digital Clutter.

The better organized your digital content is, the better off you’ll be. It will definitely increase your productivity and efficiency and decrease the overwhelming feelings associated with this type of clutter.

Here’s a few suggestions to get your digital clutter under control:

· Unsubscribe from emails you no longer want to receive
· Delete unknown contacts
· Update contacts
· Delete all emails from your devices that are junk, spam, solicitations
· Set up rules so that junk or spam email automatically go into a junk or spam folder
· Go through and either send or delete any unposted drafts from your email account(s)
· Empty recycle bin on your desktop
· Clean up your desktop
· Make sure that your devices are synched so that all of the same information is on all of your devices to avoid having to duplicate your work
· Create files so that emails to and from a client, friend or family member can ultimately get moved to that file. It will be easier to find if/when you ever need them
· Have a personal email and a business email to differentiate between the two
· Check your voicemail and delete any saved messages that have been dealt with
· Consider keeping all of your passwords in one, password protected file
· Remove apps that you never use or are obsolete
· Update the apps you do use
· Delete all photographs that are no longer wanted or needed
· Create files/albums for photographs so that you can retrieve the ones you want when you want without having to scroll through hundreds or thousands of photos
· Make sure to back-up your devices at least once a month
· Take your old devices (hard-drives/towers) to Best Buy and have them destroyed (after you’ve retrieved the information on them of course)

If you or anyone you know needs help with Organizing, Downsizing, Relocations, Estate Sales or Clearing a Property, let them know that we’d love to be of service!

Please Consider These Amazing Gift Ideas For The Holidays

It’s the end of another year. Damn…that went fast! Is it just me or does each year go by faster and faster?

I digress…it’s time to talk about holiday gift giving. While I think it’s wonderful to give and to receive, as a Professional Organizer, I see WAAAAAAAY to much “stuff” this time of year. It’s just all too much!

This holiday season, why not consider giving someone the gift of an experience rather than giving them something they might not want, might not like and/or might not have room for. Give a gift that will create a wonderful memory, “a gift that keeps on giving” so to speak.

The following are some options/suggestions, many of which will help you and your loved ones create memories that will last forever:

1. Experiences
a. Get tickets to a movie, show or sporting event
b. Share a meal at a new/different restaurant you’ve been wanting to try
c. Start a new family tradition. This is especially great for newly married couples, new parents and blended families.

2. Memberships
a. Theme Park
b. Season Tickets to the Movies/Theatre
c. Health Club/Gym

3. Subscriptions
a. Magazines
b. Amazon Prime
c. Spotify (or other music app)

4. Classes
a. Cooking
b. Dancing
c. Music

5. Consumables
a. Fruit Basket
b. Restaurant Gift Card
c. Homemade Cookies

6. Memories
a. Transfer old VHS tapes on to a hard-drive or disc
b. T-shirt/sweatshirt quilt
c. Photo calendar

7. Health & Wellness:
a. Spa treatment
b. Mani/pedi
c. Go on a retreat

8. Reprieve
a. Baby-sitter
b. House-cleaner
c. Professional Organizer (I know, I know…shameless plug)

9. Adventure
a. Take a road trip
b. Do something out of your comfort zone (zip lining, race car driving)
c. Go on a hike

10. Travel
a. Plan a one night or weekend get-away
b. Round trip tickets to get out-of-town
c. Day trip locally

Be more mindful of the gifts that you’re giving so they don’t wind up as clutter but, rather, as something that the recipient will truly treasure.

Of course, there’s always a Gift Certificate available for someone you know who wants some help with organizing (sorry, I couldn’t resist).

Wishing you and yours a very Happy Holiday Season!