Rubbermaid - Adventures in Organization

Moving Day: Cardboard Boxes vs. Rubbermaid Totes

Recently, Monica Brady (aka @mommybrain), moved from California to North Carolina. Prior to the move Rubbermaid provided her with some Rubbermaid Roughneck totes to help in her move. Below is a video documenting her "Cardboard vs. Rubbermaid Totes Challenge".

To read the full story please visit her blog at: http://www.mommybrainreports.com/cardboardvrubbermaid/

The Consumer Queen needs help in her garage

 If you don't know Melissa (Consumer Queen) you should. She writes a great blog about saving money and she reviews products too.  She also has a fun Blog Talk Radio show on Thursday nights.

Anyway, a while back Lauren and I told her we'd try to help get her garage organized (now seeing the video I'm a little scared). On Tuesday she sent us a video of her garage so we could get a feel for the situation.

Below is our challenge/her garage. I thought you'd be interested in seeing. Does anyone feel like helping out? She's in Oklahoma.

Q&A with a Professional Organizer - Patty Kreamer, CPO®

Patty Kreamer, CPO® - Pittsburgh, PA - www.ByeByeClutter.com  

1) How long have you been a professional organizer?
I have been organizing all of my life – I started by alphabetizing my Halloween candy from Almond Joy to Zagnut.  I was never told to clean up my room and I had a knack for getting rid of things when their time was up.  I finally became a professional organizer 10 years ago in 1999 when I founded Kreamer Connect, Inc.

2) What inspired you to become a professional organizer?
When I first started out, I planned on doing organizing seminars but was terrified to speak in public so I would not market the programs very effectively.  Two or three people would sign up and I would have to cancel but offered them time in their office to share what I knew.  At first, I didn’t realize that the gift / curse of being organized was not shared by everyone.  When it became clear how helpful my services were, I was hooked and committed to share my passion with as many people as possible.

3) What is the most common organizing project you’re hired to do?
I do a lot of professional speaking in corporations that then leads to working with employees in their workspace.  This can take an hour or years, depending on the client.

4) What is the most common organizing challenge people have?
Over-commitment.  One word that seems to be missing from people’s vocabulary is NO.  This applies to work and home life and unfortunately, our children are being taught to load up their “plates” as well.  This leaves so little time to enjoy life as it is meant to be enjoyed.  

5) If you had to pick ‘your’ biggest organizing challenge, what would it be?
Procrastination.  There are certain areas of my business that I continually put off. I have learned to reach out to my network to hold me accountable and this gets me back on track.

6) What one tips would you give to people who are trying to get organized?
The key is to NOT get organized…that is an event and only lasts for a little while. The key is to focus on BEING organized and realize that it is an ongoing process that never stops.  It is vital to put systems in place that will work now and in the future so maintaining an organized life is possible. 

7) How can potential clients get in touch with you?
They can call me at 412-344-3252 or visit the Contact Us page at www.ByeByeClutter.com. If you want to catch me blogging, visit http://organizingtipsfrompattykreamer.wordpress.com. 

8) What resources do you offer readers who really want to organize their life on their own?
My website (www.ByeByeClutter.com) is loaded with FREE resources, from articles, to links, to Top 10 lists.  Also, I have written 2 books – But I Might Need It Someday and The Power of Simplicity – that are full of practical ideas to organizing and simplifying your life.  For the serious student, Patty Kreamer’s Clutter Rescue Course is a must!  It’s a 25-week online e-course that comes with a companion workbook, making organizing success a sure thing.

Patty Kreamer, CPO® (Certified Professional Organizer) is the President of Kreamer Connect, Inc., a Pittsburgh-based company that works with residential and corporate clients to become more productive and perform better while at the same time simplifying their work and lives.  Patty is an Author, National speaker, Consultang and Professional Organizer.

She is seen regularly in the media as she shares her fun and energetic style with the audiences of publications like The Pittsburgh Post Gazette, Pittsburgh Business Times, and through television shows like LifeQuest, KDKA's Morning Show, and One on One with Lee Adams.

Patty is the Founding Past President of the National Association of Professional Organizers - Pittsburgh chapter and Past President of and The National Speakers Association - Pittsburgh chapter.  Patty was named Women's Business Network's 2007 Woman of the Year as well as one of Pennsylvania’s Best 50 Women in Business and one of Pittsburgh’s Fastrackers in 2005. 

Patty leads the way in spreading the word about how we can be more productive, perform better and simplify our lives.

Samaritan House Makeover - Step 1

You may remember an older post of mine about helping out with Samaritan House's basement where I sometimes volunteer.   Samaritan house is a homeless shelter that allows guests to recover from hospital stays.   The home was donated but is a bit older so storage space is definitely at a minimum throughout the house so the basement tends to get the bulk of the clutter.   I am happy to say that over Memorial Day weekend we were able to start the first part of the project.

Let me refresh you on the before scenario:

 

The cardboard boxes were not optimal.  In fact, there was a big rainstorm while we were there and the floor flooded a bit.   There were open items which could easily be destroyed by the elements of the basement.

Listening to some of the solutions from our readers, we ordered a lot of steel reinforced resin shelves.  They only take 5 minutes to snap together, the feet elevate the shelves above the floor, and they hold up to 1000 pounds!

Next we used different color totes to designate different types of items being stored:
-Silver - donations of clothing, grouped by size
-Tan - serving items such as extra napkins, plates & serving dishes
-Blue - miscellaneous household items like board games
-Green - Christmas decorations that were donated

We got a good start on the project but needed to bring more lighting to clean out the other areas and finsih the project.

We hope to update you soon on the final progress!

Solving Space issues with Slide Out Baskets

 

About two weeks ago, I did a blog post about Slide & Stack baskets and how many versatile ways they could be used to help organize throughout the house.  Similarly, I thought I would share how the Under Shelf Basket works in many areas in my house.

 

 

The Under Shelf Basket clamps down to wooden or solid surface shelves and allows you to take advantage of “dead space”.

Here are four ways I have used them:

 

 

 

 

Please post any creative ideas you can think of beyond what I have listed by Tuesday, May 26th at 1pm EST for the Under Shelf Baskets.  Shannon who works on the Kitchen Products team will judge the best creative idea and we'll send the winner a case of Slide Out Baskets to get organized! 

$500 Product Shopping Spree Winner Named - Congrats Susanna!

When we went to the National Association of Professional Organizers EXPO in Orlando, one of the things we did in the booth was to offer a chance to win a $500 product shopping spree on Rubbermaid.com.

We are excited to announce that Susanna from Nashville won the contest, and I wanted to share a few of the products a professional organizer would order!!!

Susanna ordered a few of the wrap & bag caddies to help her get her kitchen organized:

 

Next on the list was FastTrack garage organization system, and specifically the golf bag holder - apparently, she has a big golfer in the family:

 

She loaded up on coolers for the family, including a 6 day endurance cooler, as well as water jugs in multiple colors, as she indicated her kids were big into sports.   Only a professional organizer would think to order these in different colors to ensure they didn't get mixed up.

Congratulations, Susanna - we hope you enjoy your prizes!

Q&A with a Professional Organizer - Julie Sprouse Verleger

Julie Sprouse Verleger - Founder / Owner of Organized Home, Inc.

1) How long have you been a professional organizer?
I have been a professional organizer and have owned Organized Home, Inc. for 7 years.

2) What inspired you to become a professional organizer?
There are 3 things that inspired me to become a professional organizer.

1) After the birth of my 3rd child I found that staying at home with my kids was a great gift to have. I felt restless and a drive to create a business and purpose of my own.

2) I love design and everything that participates in a space to make our lives better.

3) I have always been organized and truly love creating that purpose in others homes.        

3) What is the most common organizing project you’re hired to do?
Hands down, it is paper, files, mail, work and school project.

4) What is the most common organizing challenge people have?
The most common challenge is where does everything go? If an item or paper is not assigned a place, where does it go? Most of my clients are so overwhelmed that they don’t know where to begin.

5) If you had to pick ‘your’ biggest organizing challenge, what would it be?
Biggest organizing challenge? I don’t have one!  HA just kidding. I think my biggest challenge is my office. It serves to many purposes. I work in here, my kids computer is in here, they watch tv and play games. To much stuff in a little space.

6) What one tips would you give to people who are trying to get organized?
The most important thing is to start small. Start with a small bit sized area then work your way up. Organizing is time consuming and tiring. The little jobs will build confidence for the big one.

7) How can potential clients get in touch with you?
Julie at Organized Home inc can be reached via email Julie@OrganizedHomeInc.com or phone 616-450-2777. Please sign up for Organized Home, Inc’s e-newsletter at www.organizedhomeinc.com. We are excited to launch our new Virtual Organizing Service. We are offering organizing services via video, web, email and phone. A personal step by step guide for anyone to organize their own space on their time and schedule.

Little Rewards Cost Nothing

Guest Post by Angie Weid, Organized Solutions

Kids get rewarded all the time. Sometimes it’s a simple star on their paper, and that star means the world to them. Any parent with a frig full of starred and smiley faced papers will agree. It does not take much to feel special to children because they simply enjoy the act of being honored without value being added to it.

I have found that the last person rewarded in many households is the mom. The one person busting their butt for everyone inside and outside the home. Your mom orchestrates the ballet of soccer, school projects, scouts, meals, laundry, dishes and "Oh mom, I need 12 things that start with the letter 'H' by tomorrow morning." And she does it with a smile (at least it looks like a smile).

Slowly the clutter begins to build up around the house. There are only so many hours in a day and you begin to believe you can't get caught up, so what's the point in trying?
"If you think you can or think you can't, you are right," is the famous saying by Henry Ford.

Challenge yourself to stop the "I can't" thinking and turn yourself around. It took time for the clutter to build. It will take time for it to get under control. Be patient with yourself.

Let me suggest this:

1. With notepad in hand, walk through your home and note the areas you want to work on.
2. Choose an area to get organized, schedule it on your calendar.
3. Break the project down into small tasks. Instead of organize kitchen, think organize upper cabinets, lower cabinets, junk drawer, pantry, or counter top.
4. Take on one small task and complete it.
5. Schedule your next project.
6. REWARD YOURSELF!! Take a couple minutes longer in the shower, let the kids eat cookies for breakfast so you can sleep in a bit, go for a walk after dinner by yourself … geez, sometimes going to the bathroom by yourself is a treat!

Post your list of projects to complete and put stars next to them as you complete them. It may sound elementary, though remember how great you felt in school when your teacher put a star on you paper.

Don't forget: Your home is going to be feeling better and better with each task you complete.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Meet Professional Organizer Angie Weid
Angie is the owner and rocket scientist of Organized Solutions.  She is a proud member of the National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO), the National Association of Senior Move Managers (NASMM) and has been featured on CBS-WTOL and ABC-WTVG new programs. She is also a recipient of the prestigious Toledo Area 20 Under 40 Award.   Angie is the author of the blog, I Organize You, whose goal is to help you LOVE your space.  Here you will find stories on project, tips, life and other thoughts that drift into her head.

Angie is a graduate of Purdue University with a B.S. in Aeronautical/Astronautical Engineering (yes, she truly is a rocket scientist), with 8 years experience as a Design Engineer and Program Manager at Ford Motor Company. Good organization, creativity and quick critical thinking are a few skills she has developed as an engineer. As a single mother of 2 beautiful boys, she has learned the art of multi-tasking and understands how overwhelming life can get without a plan to enjoy it.

She’s a fun filled, adventure seeking, slightly dorky, incredibly passionate chick on a mission to absorb life and squeeze every drip out of it ... with these really cool "grippy toes."

 

A Year Ago on Adventures In Organization - May 2008

Today my Outlook calendar popped up a reminder to post a new blog for our series "A Year Ago on Adventures in Organization".  The purpose of this series is not to just repost an old blog but to take a look at what we were talking about one year ago and discuss how things have changed, lessons learned, and so on. This post is the 2nd in that series.

When I opened my browser to check out the posts from a year ago I had no idea what to expect (actually I didn't even try to remember what I blogged about last May).  I was very pleasantly surprised to see these posts again.  They were still very relevant and I was proud of the content.

Below are three of the posts from last May I'd like to call out.

#1 - Sunday Morning Espresso
Absolutely nothing has changed here. I still make espresso and cappuccino drinks at home and I still store my ground coffee in a TakeAlongs container. I'd recommend this to anyone.

#2 - I Love My Produce Saver
I love my Produce Saver containers more and more every time I use them. I keep strawberries in the medium sized container and blueberry/blackberries in the small container. I can't even imagine how much produce would have gone to waste if I hadn't been using these containers the past year. These are without a doubt my favorite Rubbermaid product.

#3 - Help guide the direction of this blog - Comments wanted
I was really excited to see this post. Although there weren't many comments on this specific post, we have taken feedback from our readers throughout the year and incorporated as we could. This blog is for you and we want to continue to provide content you feel is interesting, helpful and sometimes even fun. If you have any suggestions we are all ears.

Thanks for reading.

NAPO - Lauren (aka @rubbermaidtwo)'s Top 10 List

Wow, it was quite a week last week!  Jim and I traveled to NAPO EXPO down in Orlando, Florida.  For those of you who are not familiar with NAPO, NAPO is an acronym for the National Association of Professional Organizers.  NAPO is an amazing group of people who help people get their homes, offices and lives organized.   We really enjoyed getting to know many of them! 

Below is my "Top 10 list" from the show:

10. Weather / location - we were lucky to have such beautiful weather. I spent the previous week in Chicago in the snow, so it was a delight to have sunny skies to make it easy to fly in & out as well as get around in Orlando

9. Participant energy level - I have never been to a trade show quite like this one.  Everyone was a delight to talk to, and they were genuinely excited to learn about the new organizational tools available to them to help their clients.

8. Sue DeRoos's session where one of her favorite things was Rubbermaid Premier - we love the recommendation!   We were happy many of the organizers were big fans of the Easy Find Lid system products.

7. Giving away a $500 product shopping spree - Congrats Susanne Starr at HOUSE-SPOUSE for winning :) We look forward to helping you pick out what products you would like later this week.

6. Dinner with Carson Tate, our local NAPO rockstar, was awesome!  It was certainly WOW service.

5. Entreprenurial Spirit -  I was amazed at the variety of new inventions that small companies had on display.  A few of my favorites:
--Priceless Legacy - organizes memories of aging family members into a beautiful photo storybook
--Recipe Relish - excellent storage for recipes
--Collectify - software to help inventory (given to me ironically b/c my house had a small electrical fire when i was in Orlando, so the VP of Sales gave me a FREE copy to try)

4.  Scott Roewer and Kim Oser did live interviews from our booth, great to have them visit!

3. Jim had the brilliant idea of Tweeting live from the booth - it was pretty cool to be able to have our favorite Tweeple send messages from our account.

2. Expert advice - a special thanks to Julie Bestry @proforganizer for taking us under her wing and letting us know the ins-and-outs of the show, since it was a first time for us.

1. Meeting our Twitter friends at the Tweet Up -  As a new Tweeter, it was really cool to meet the folks face-to-face at the Tweetup we have been talking to for a few months.  Thanks to Scott @declutteryou for organizing.