The word “productivity” has, in many ways, been the mantra of the past decade. And it refers not just to the accomplishment of lofty lifetime or business goals, but also to things like remembering to unload the dishwasher. Today, the “Cult of Busy” (an almost proverbial reference to our addiction to filling our days with [Read more…]
5 Myths About the Professional Organizing Industry
The first person who told me about professional organizing was my career counselor. I was nearly 30, and completely unsure about what I wanted to do with my life. At a certain critical point a few sessions in, she asked me what I was passionate about. “Interior design and space planning.” I said. “And organization. [Read more…]
Nine Reasons Why Hooks Are an Organizers’s Best Friend
Over the years, I have just about perfected the contents of my professional organizer toolkit. There are certain staple items that really help us when we are working with clients. Post-It notes, a really great box cutter and tape in just about every shape and size are always at hand when I work with a [Read more…]
New Year’s Resolution Goals
Last December, two friends and I were talking about New Year’s resolutions. One of them asked for my opinion as a professional organizer about how I help my clients to keep their resolutions. [Read more…]
Behind the Scenes at Organizers Northwest
Read some “behind the scenes” tidbits that will give you an idea of how we operate here at Organizers Northwest. How we collaborate, what goes on in the minds of pro organizers – and what makes us tick… Read more here
4 Best Organizing Tips to Keep Your Inbox Empty
Keeping our desks and computers free of clutter can sometimes feel like a full-time job of its own. When we let things build up, they have a tendency to spill over and become even more overwhelming, continuing the endless cycle of paper and electronic clutter.
So how to keep your inbox under control?
Need a Wardrobe Makeover? Read This Before you Shop!
If you’re anything like me, sometimes your closet gets you down. It’s not my closet’s fault, of course. After a while, my wardrobe just seems a little…blah. Favorite items that once served me seem boring or out of date. Even as a professional organizer, my instinctive solution is to go shopping. A quick fix, easy Band-Aid answer to my “I have nothing to wear” woes. HOWEVER, as an organizer, I also know that this first instinct is also not going to completely fix my problem. Not in a way that will bring me permanent happiness, anyway.
Spice up your Life: Product Review
Hello Organizing Friends! Today’s product review relates to a tasty and necessary aspect of the kitchen: the spice rack. As organizing professionals, we always tell our clients, the first rule of choosing the right product is in doing the work of organizing before making any purchases. That way, you will purchase the right product for [Read more…]
The 3 Best Ways to Keep Your Organized Space… Organized!
Tip #1 Anticipate Change Now that you’ve de-cluttered and organized your space, you’re probably feeling pretty darn good about the world. But wait, there’s more! Don’t forget to anticipate incoming and outgoing items. In order for your hard work to sustain, you must be realistic about the level of dynamic change that will take place [Read more…]
This Professional Organizer has Something to Say
A recent client, an Argentinean artist, told me that “the more disorganized her space, the more fun she is having”. She went on to explain that, as an artist, she craves chaos and wonderment – needs it in order to create. “But then…” she went on, “there is a big mess.” This got me thinking. [Read more…]
A Lesson in Giving – from a Professional Organizer
Every once in a while, the Universe sends you a message so screamingly obvious, you are forced to sit up and pay attention. Like the majority of other human beings on this tiny little planet, I don’t always pick up on these signs, but the other day I managed to get the signal. And it sorta blew my mind. Read what happened.
Need Help Organizing your Closet for Fall?
Thanks to sites like Houzz, Pinterest and HGTV, we are regularly and sometimes painfully aware of just how luxurious and organized some rooms of the house can become.
And the master closet is no exception.
Sadly, lusting over images of backlit shoe storage and built in washer/dryers, though entertaining, will not increase the size of your own closet. Instead, focus on the space that you are working with – and make it work for you. Here are some great tips from the professionals at Organizers Northwest for organizing your closet and transitioning into the Fall and Winter seasons.
5 Tips for Hosting a Stress-Free Summer Party
Planning a summer shin-dig? Before you take out a second mortgage on your home, consider these money saving, stress reducing tips from the pros at Organizers Northwest. Don’t bite off more than you can chew. When deciding whether to serve dinner, keep in mind that cocktail parties are always a lot of fun, take the [Read more…]
Product Review: Cascading Wall Organizer from Smead
Let me begin by stating that, whatever anyone has to say about this product, its sheer sexiness is incontestable. All those gorgeous, bold colors hanging on the wall or in your office tote just scream ‘organized.’
8 Gifts that Don’t Cause Clutter Ideas from a Professional Organizer
What’s better than free labor??! Create a gift certificate giving away your skills. Do you have a relative who needs help in the garden? What about help organizing their files? You don’t have to be particularly skilled at the activity for your help to be worthwhile – as we all know, two heads are better than one.