Product Review: Martha Stewart Office at Staples

February 3, 2012 09:42 by elizabeth

While making a quick trip to Staples yesterday to pick up a few supplies for clients, I was pleasantly surprised to find a fun line of organizing products from Martha Stewart. There were journals, labels, binders, desktop accessories and file folders.

My favorites:

  • I liked the desk top organizers and accessories. I ended up picking up a few open boxes to bring some organization to my desk drawer – all other desk organizers were too tall to fit my drawer, but not these! IMG_2198
  • I love labels and there were all kinds for the kitchen, including larger white board and chalk board labels! I chose a small package of round removable labels. They were made for spice containers, but apparently are dishwasher and freezer safe…so I may use them for my daughter’s containers and water bottles for school.
  • Some vertical file folders also caught my eye. Made to go into a magazine file, the folders had tabs at the top. I have a few clients that like to file in a magazine file and these might help bring a bit more order to their papers.

No compensation was received for this post.

Categories:   Office | Paper | Products
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Thank You: Help with a Taxing To Do

February 1, 2012 20:57 by elizabeth

This week I had a client email me another thank you for helping her find the documents she needed for her taxes. With just a little organizing support she got a huge task done and off her mind!

Yes, it’s almost tax time! Here’s my previous post about how you can get organized before April 15th.

Categories:   Paper | Office
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Product Review: My Favorite Clear Containers

January 25, 2012 21:03 by elizabeth

I’m often asked, “so where do you get your containers? Is there a secret store that only Professional Organizers know about?” No, we don’t have an inside deal on containers, and I buy them at the same places you do…Bed Bath & Beyond, Target, and The Container Store.

But when it comes to clear shoe boxes and sweater boxes, I recommend the ones from The Container Store. Why you ask?

1. Clarity: Using a clear container for many things is a given. But The Container Store boxes are much clearer than other brands…and clearer than ones I had from years ago. I noticed this recently as I replaced my older large storage boxes with The Container Store sweater boxes. Using smaller boxes on my high closet shelf now makes it easier for me to bring down just the bin of sweaters I need…instead of pulling down the huge under-the-bed box I had been using.

2. Stackable: The Container Store clear boxes stack easily and kind of snap into place.

3. Sturdy: I like how the box lids snap on tightly, and the plastic is strong and durable.

4. Versatile: While The Container Store boxes are perfect for sweaters, boots and shoes as their names imply…I have also used them at clients homes to organize:

  • office supplies
  • craft supplies
  • kids artwork
  • pantry items
  • basement shelves
  • even food in the freezer!

Of course I received no compensation for this post…I just have come to love this product.

Categories:   Products | Closets | Kitchen
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Pick a Project

January 19, 2012 05:34 by elizabeth

Take the first step towards a newly organized 2012. Pick an organizing project and commit to completing it this month.

You know you'll feel better...and you may even find some inspiration and motivation to tackle those other trouble spots in your home.

Organizing Projects to Get You Going

  • Sort and purge your tupperware drawer
  • Clean out the fridge/freezer
  • Toss out the warranties/user manuals for products you no longer own
  • If you don't have a warranties/user manual file....start one now
  • Purge your nightstand
  • Clean out the medicine cabinet
  • Re-organize your bookshelf
  • Clear off the top of your desk (that means filing, recycling old papers, and returning the random items to where they belong)
  • Set up your bill system for 2012
  • Clear off your bulletin board
  • Purge your purse, briefcase or backpack

This was originally published in The Neat Sheet January/February 2012.

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Love the List

January 17, 2012 13:17 by elizabeth

MP900309384[1]Today one of my clients said, “Let’s make a to do list. I find if I write it down, I tend to actually do it.”

How true! I’m a big fan of the daily to do list, but it has to be short and sweet. It can be on an index card, a post-it note, or in your smartphone. List no more than 3-5 things to do and see how it works for you!

For more tips on lists, read these blog posts (can you tell that I love lists??):

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