Rubbermaid - Adventures in Organization

Q&A with Angie Weid - Professional organizer

Angie Weid - Professional organizer and Rocket scientist of Organized Solutions – Temperance, MI – www.iorganizeyou.com

1) How long have you been a professional organizer?
Wow!  It was officially 5 years this past September, though my friends and family say I’ve been doing it my whole life.

2) What inspired you to become a professional organizer?
After my career as an engineer at a major auto company, I became a mom and love raising my boys.  Life has a way creating twists and unexpectedly found myself divorced.  Feeling I was spirally downward, I had a good old fashion pity party.  Walking into the woods with a notepad and pen, I began to write all that I had accomplished, beginning with “I can walk.”  After a bit of a chuckle, and three pages later, it was clear I love the fun of life.  Thought if I was going to start anew, let’s do something fun and help people enjoy life.  I shared my business idea with my friends and family who thought it was perfect for me. 

3) What is the most common organizing project you’re hired to do?
There are two that stand out.  The woman whose home has slowly become cluttered and needs help getting it back on track.  We talk about how her home ideally should look and feel to come up with a plan to get it there and maintain it.  The other project is helping families downsize their loved ones as a senior move manager.  Maintaining the peace amongst family members during this transition can be tricky.  Success is when the loved one turns to me and says, “Thank you for making my apartment feel like a home.”

4) What is the most common organizing challenge people have?
The one that pops into my head first is letting go of things that have lost purpose in their lives.  At one time, we all have enjoyed every item we have ever owned.  There does come a time when your favorite blouse is worn out, your daughter’s amazing first grade artwork is crumbling, family photos are fading and then there is that gift you received from your mom that you just never used.  Helping people recognized that their items have served their purpose and it is time to let them go can be a challenge, though the smile on their faces when they sense it’s OK. Priceless. 

5) If you had to pick ‘your’ biggest organizing challenge, what would it be?
I’m a single mom, raising two amazing boys, running a business, driving to soccer practice that constantly seems to hear, “Mom, I’m hungry.”  My home is constantly drifting toward chaos.  Maintaining some balance in my life can be a challenge.  I recognize when we must take time and get our home back in shape.  Being organized just doesn’t happen, it takes work.  Even for this professional organizer.

6) What one tips would you give to people who are trying to get organized?
Set a date on your calendar.  If the project is not written down, chances are it will not happen. Once you’ve got your date, do not make the project too big.  Better to start with a drawer or shelf, enjoy success and move on to the next part.  Getting organized does take time please be patient with yourself and you will be successful.

7) Are you really a rocket scientist?
With B.S. in Aeronautical/Astronautical Engineering from Purdue University … yeah, I really am a rocket scientist.  Getting organized is not “rocket science” but it sure makes you feel better about your space.

8) How can potential clients get in touch with you?

• They can call me: 734-890-1276
• Send me an email: angie@iorganizeyou.com
• Check out my website: www.iorganizeyou.com
• Read some blog posts: iorganizeyou.blogspot.com
• Become friends on Facebook: www.facebook.com/OrganizedSolutions
• Tweet with me: twitter.com/iorganizeyou

Q&A with Laura Leist, CPO, CRTS

Laura Leist, CPO, CRTS – Snohomish, WA – www.eliminatechaos.com, President – National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO), Author – Eliminate Chaos: The 10-Step Process to Organize Your Home & Life

1) How long have you been a professional organizer?
Going on 10 years.

2) What inspired you to become a CPO?
I wanted our clients to know that I take my profession seriously and invest in continuing education.  I also wanted to set a good example for our employees who I hoped would also sit for the CPO exam.  Today, three of our employees are also CPO’s.

3) What is the most common organizing project you’re hired to do?
I don’t think there is necessarily one common project we are hired for.  We work on a wide variety of projects, based on the skill-sets of our team of Organizing Consultants.  Each consultant has their own niche and therefore each have their own type of common projects.  For example, one of our consultants specializes in craft/hobby rooms as well as scrapbooking projects.  Kitchen design for a remodel or new kitchen is a common project for another one of our consultants.  Working with clients that hoard are common and typical projects for yet another consultant.

4) What is the most common organizing challenge people have?
I think one of the biggest challenges for people is how to organize information – whether electronic or on paper.  There are so many ways to organize and store information and people get overwhelmed by all of the options.

5) If you had to pick ‘your’ biggest organizing challenge, what would it be?
My biggest organizing challenge is trying to convince my significant other how important it is to keep the garage organized.

6) What one tips would you give to people who are trying to get organized?
Don’t lose sight of the fact that the project you are working on may have taken a long time to get to the point where you decided it needed to be organized.  Don’t get frustrated with how much time your project will take – just break it down into pieces and try to accomplish a little bit each day.  Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day!

7) How can potential clients get in touch with you?
425.670.2551 | www.eliminatechaos.com | request.information@eliminatechaos.com

Q&A with Bonnie Joy Dewkett – The Joyful Organizer®

Bonnie Joy Dewkett – The Joyful Organizer® - Ridgefield, Connecticut – www.thejoyfulorganizer.com

1) How long have you been a professional organizer?
I’ve really spent my whole life organizing!  It started out with organizing my toys and our kitchen pantry as a child, and evolved into organizing friends and co-workers as I got older.  As more and more people sought my help to get them as organized as I was, I decided to make it a full time career. I started my company, The Joyful Organizer®, three years ago.

2) What inspired you to become a CPO?
Growing up in a family of teachers, I am a true believer in lifelong learning and development.  I am constantly reading books to help me become a better organizer and successful business owner.  The CPO certification is a way that I can show my Customers that I am committed to excellence, and being on the cutting edge of my profession.  I will be taking the CPO exam in October.

3) What is the most common organizing project you’re hired to do?
The most common organizing project I’m hired to do is to help people tame their closets.  Closets and clothes are part of our daily lives, and without a neat and functional closet, every day is going to start with anxiety.  I love it when my Customers tell me, “I completely forgot I had that!” 

4) What is the most common organizing challenge people have?
I have found that the biggest organizing challenge people have is that they don’t have a permanent place for all of their belongings to “live”.  Everything should have a “home” within your home.  When you are cleaning up everything goes back to where it belongs, the clutter is quickly removed, and you know where to look for things the next time you need to use them.  My motto is: If it’s not put away, then it’s in the way!

5) If you had to pick ‘your’ biggest organizing challenge, what would it be?
My biggest organizational challenge is trying to fit too much into every day.  I often create very lofty to do lists the evening before!  Sometimes as an organizer you think you can fit everything in because you live a life of efficiency.  Sometimes life has other plans! 

6) What one tips would you give to people who are trying to get organized?
Get rid of the excess!  If you don’t love it and use it—move it out!  It is really as simple as that.  Recycle it, sell it, or donate it….let the item live a better life outside of your home.  Once you have done that, it is easier to find a place for everything else to “live.”  Let your home breathe!

7) How can potential clients get in touch with you?

• Clients can contact me by phone at 203-731-4651
• Email: Bonnie@thejoyfulorganizer.com
• Website: http://www.thejoyfulorganizer.com
• Blog: http://blog.thejoyfulorganizer.com
• Facebook: http://www.facebook/thejoyfulorganizer
• Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/thejoyfulorg

Q&A with Audrey Thomas, a.k.a. Organized Audrey, CPO®

Audrey Thomas, a.k.a. Organized Audrey, CPO®
Minneapolis, MN – www.OrganizedAudrey.com

1) How long have you been a professional organizer?
I began a professional speaking business nearly  18 years ago. As I addressed audiences on the topic of Home and Office organization, people often sheepishly asked me if I would ever consider coming to their home to help get them organized. After hearing that same question over and over, I began offering one-on-one consulting to individuals in their homes and offices

2) What inspired you to become a CPO?
I run my company with the highest level of professionalism and train my employees to be current on the industry, with on-going reviews of new products.  When the Certification program was announced, I knew that it was just one more way to show knowledge and understanding of the organizing industry.  Whatever industry people work in, I encourage them to reach that industry’s highest level of certification. Becoming certified was a personal and professional goal I knew I wanted to reach.

3) What is the most common organizing project you’re hired to do?
Paper is the most common area we help client with. So much for our society becoming a paperless one! Many papers land on the kitchen counter or in the entryway of the home. Being able to help in these areas has such a huge impact on transforming their lives. Clients tell us their credit rating even improves once they’ve become organized because they no longer lose their bills or pay them late! How cool is that??!!

4) What is the most common organizing challenge people have?
We tell our clients that their clutter is a result of delayed decisions. Once they come to understand this, they realize how many decisions they’ve been avoiding or unable to make. Sometimes the tough decisions that have to be made involve cutting back on purchases. And sometimes decisions need to be made about items that are rarely seen or used. Most people admit to not having enough storage space; however, it’s amazing how much space is freed up when they begin managing their “stuff” better.

5) If you had to pick ‘your’ biggest organizing challenge, what would it be?
Even though I conduct corporate trainings on the topic of office productivity, I still have to be careful not to waste too much time related to Email. It’s so easy for me to get lost in my Inbox! I’ve found if I check my Email only 4-5 times during the day, I’m much more productive than having it open while I’m working on other projects.

6) What one tip would you give to people who are trying to get organized?
Start a small project with realistic goals and expectations. I.e. A junk drawer, a closet shelf, one cabinet. You’ll be more successful as you progress slowly and gradually versus trying to organize the whole house in one weekend. New habits take up to six months to become part of your personality so allow yourself plenty of time to learn new ways of doing things. Got a house full of clutter? Then focus on one room a month and in a year’s time you will have organized at a pace that allowed you to reach your goals without burning out.

7) What’s the most unusual item you’ve seen a man or woman save?
- 50-year old man: 8-track tapes even though he no longer had the means to play them.
- 40’ish woman: The umbilical cords to her children.

8) How can potential clients get in touch with you?
- Toll Free: 866-767-0455
- Audrey@OrganizedAudrey.com
- www.OrganizedAudrey.com

Q&A with a Professional Organizer - Lorie Marrero, CPO®

Lorie Marrero, CPO® – Austin, TX – www.clutterdiet.com

1)  How long have you been a professional organizer?
I started my business in 2000, but I saved up my allowance to buy a label maker when I was ten, and the teacher asked me to stay in from recess to help other kids organize their desks. I have always enjoyed figuring out ways to create shortcuts and live more practically and simply. I had a team of organizers in Austin & San Antonio doing this work in person for 8 years, then my former employees took over that part of the business, and I went full time with our virtual membership program this year. I love helping people all over the country and the world to get the expert help they need!

2) What inspired you to become a professional organizer?
I have so often heard the advice to “do what you love and the money will follow.” After being in the corporate world for a little while, then staying home with my kids while we moved eleven times and built four homes, I knew that I could really help people with my skills and experience.  I used journaling, career assessments, and other tools to discover that this field was what I would like to pursue. Interestingly, this work was in first place in front of web designer and freelance writer—and now with the Clutter Diet program, I get to do all three at once!

3) What is the most common organizing project you’re hired to do?
My work is different, as it’s almost entirely virtual, but our program’s members most often need advice on paper management. Ironically, we have more paper now than ever before, even though we all thought we’d be “paperless” with computers!  Computers have enabled us to print out anything we want, and they also enabled companies to more efficiently handle mailing lists, so we get more mail too. It’s a big problem!

4) What is the most common organizing challenge people have?
Well, we are really in the business of personal change. Just like going on a diet, people have trouble sticking to an organizing program and maintaining their efforts. I teach that we require three things to successfully make personal change:  Education (the “how”), Motivation (the “why”), and Support (the “hey, keep on going”). Most people can find out how and summon up some reasons why, but “Support” is where failure typically occurs. That’s why Weight Watchers has been so successful—they have weekly meetings to provide that accountability and give people a boost to keep going. We do that daily for our members in our message boards, where our experts answer every question.

5) If you had to pick ‘your’ biggest organizing challenge, what would it be?
Most definitely time management. It’s hard for anyone in this modern world to juggle all of the demands on our attention. I juggle roles constantly as a mother, wife, friend, business owner, media expert, author/writer, and product developer (and I just stopped writing there to spare you the rest). I can definitely relate to everyone who is trying to do it all the best they can. And I want to tell your readers that none of us Professional Organizers are perfect by any means!  I preach the gospel of “Good Enough.”

6) What one tip would you give to people who are trying to get organized?
Beware of “All-or-Nothing Thinking!” You don’t have to be either completely on or completely off a program of improvement. If you are continually trending toward progress, it’s okay to slip up and have a few bad days. Forgive yourself and keep moving onward and upward.

7) How can potential clients get in touch with you?
They can visit our site at www.clutterdiet.com, where we offer direct, personal advice from the experts for the price of a pizza. We have a book available on Amazon.com if people prefer reading instead, called The Clutter Diet: The Skinny on Organizing Your Home and Taking Control of Your Life. I also offer a daily “#ClutterTweetTip” on Twitter at www.twitter.com/clutterdiet.

Ideas for Under the Bed Storage

I really liked this post from Julie at @organizedhome on things you can store under beds....for those of us who don't have linen closets (like me), this is very helpful!

Q&A with a Professional Organizer - Debbie Jordan Kravitz

Debbie Jordan Kravitz – York, PA – www.VirtuallyOrganized.com

1) How long have you been a professional organizer?
I officially began my business in 2006.  But I was a chronic organizer well before that! I was always the one who had a written, detailed plan and list for everything I did. I also enjoyed helping my friends and family get better organized in their homes, and was often enlisted to help with their projects and organizing issues.

2) What inspired you to become a professional organizer?
I love watching decorating and organizing shows, and I had always thought being a Professional Organizer was my ideal dream job. But for a long time it was just that. . . a dream. In 2004, I battled breast cancer. This experience taught me that life is too short and unpredictable to waste. So I found the courage to try something new and started the process of establishing my very own professional organizing business. I have a degree in Psychology from the University of Maryland Baltimore County, but I knew I needed more specialized training in the organizing industry, so I joined the National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO). Between my natural organization and the many courses I took from both (NAPO) and the National Study Group on Chronic Disorganization (NSGCD), I have managed to develop a strong foundation in the theories and strategies of getting people better organized.

3) What is the most common organizing project you’re hired to do?
People often hire me to help them deal with their endless piles of paper, but once I get in there, we quickly discover that their piles are just a symptom of more elaborate organizational issues. Once we deal with the problem in its entirety, they find that maintaining their newly organized space becomes an easy and natural process.  I also do a lot of kitchen and home office jobs, helping my clients to create better work flow and productivity.

4) What is the most common organizing challenge people have?
I think most people struggle with just knowing where to begin. They have good intentions, but before they even get started they get overwhelmed with what to do and how to do it. They may have goals and dreams of creating an organized home, but they struggle with exactly how to get from a state of chaos and disorganization to a state of control and calm.  And that’s where a Professional Organizer can step in and really guide a client through the maze of getting better organized. 

5) If you had to pick ‘your’ biggest organizing challenge, what would it be?
I would have to say that my biggest organizing challenge is saying “no.”  I tend to have many projects brewing at once. Whether they are personal responsibilities, work projects, or volunteer commitments, I enjoy keeping busy. But sometimes I take on too much and cause myself unnecessary stress trying to keep on top of it all. Achieving a good balance is crucial to maintaining a simplified life, and this is an issue I often struggle with.

6) What tips would you give to people who are trying to get organized?

1. Develop a plan before you jump into any organizing project.
2. Avoid the temptation of cute and pretty organizing containers. Determine what storage options you need first, and then hit the stores.
3. Avoid overwhelming yourself.  Instead, divide your project into small, manageable chunks.  It’s better to lower your expectations about how much you can achieve in one session and set yourself up for success, rather than take on too much and feel like you’ve accomplished nothing.
4. Forget about perfect organization and instead settle for “organized enough.”
5. When in doubt, hire a Professional Organizer.

7) How can potential clients get in touch with you?
Potential clients can visit my website and blog at www.VirtuallyOrganized.com. In addition to organizing tips and the opportunity to join my monthly Procrastination Challenge, I have pages that describe my on-site organizing services in the south-central Pennsylvania area, as well as information about my Virtual Organizing Services. I also have a form to sign up for a free coaching call to check out the benefits of working with me virtually to solve your organizing dilemmas.

Q&A with a Professional Organizer - Elaine Shannon, TPO

Elaine Shannon, TPO – New Brunswick, Canada, www.elaineshannon.com and www.organizingconnection.com

1) How long have you been a professional organizer?
5 years

2) What inspired you to become a CPO?
I have my TPO from the Canadian Association professional organizers in Canada-POC.
Credibility, I feel that in an industry where anyone can hang a shingle outside their home, education and training is the key to credibility in our industry.

3) What is the most common organizing project you’re hired to do?
Office organizing for business owners who work from their home. This is my  favourite, I love creating systems to help business owners achieve financial success through organizing systems.

4) What is the most common organizing challenge people have?
The inability to know where to start on a project. Professional organizers are great starters and we help our clients stay motivated and energized through the process.

5) If you had to pick ‘your’ biggest organizing challenge, what would it be?
My eight year old who is the anti-organizer :) need I say more!

6) What one tips would you give to people who are trying to get organized?
First figure out why you are getting organized. This helps when the going gets rough. You can look forward to the reason why you have tackled the project.

7) How can potential clients get in touch with you?
You can visit my website at: www.organizingconnection.com, email me at eshannon@nbnet.nb.ca or 506-647-2041

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.

$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!