Organize Archives

Start to Finish, Manage Projects with Momentum

January 16, 2017 by Heather Filed Under: Organize, Productivity, Tips & Resources 1 Comment

I didn’t set out as an organizer to find long-term, ongoing projects, but they seem magnetically attracted to me!

Maybe it’s my background in Project management that helps me to look at a big project and begin to break it down into the most “obvious” (to me;) steps to get started, create momentum and maintain.

I know that when I’m not emotionally invested in something, it’s a lot easier to step back and be objective about where to start and how to break something big into smaller actionable steps. So let’s talk about that…

How to choose your starting point when you’re trying to achieve a big goal.

Get Started

Let me step back in time to my former days as a carpet designer where I managed design projects for entire hotels. I didn’t work alone, I always had a team that included sales, technical and creative interior designers and architects as well as other experts.

Ask yourself, who’s on my team? Who can I enlist to help me achieve my objectives?
Identify your strengths in the process and theirs. Do you have a friend who’s got a great sense of fashion who can help you clear out your wardrobe? Do you know a nutrition or health coach who you can enlist the help of to get your kitchen healthy? Keep them in mind but don’t reach out to them just yet!
What one small or big accomplishment is going to make you feel amazing? With that in mind, you will know where to start.

Get Inspired

Look for inspiration online, in magazines and as your going about your daily life. See something you like while taking a walk? Snap a photo and begin to create a Vision Board on Pinterest or on a poster board…
Collect ideas that will get you excited and keep you motivated when you slump.

Get Real

Setting and maintaining goals is really all about setting yourself up for Success!
Manage your expectations. Really ask yourself, is it realistic for me to think I can organize my entire house in a weekend? What about my garage?
Break your goals down into realistic objectives, take it one step at a time and think about how much time and what resources you will need to Succeed!

Get a Plan

List your objectives in order of priority.
Think “Domino” effect. Great project management is all about thinking a few steps ahead. If you buy supplies before knowing what you need then you’ve wasted resources!
Give yourself a timeline with some loose but realistic deadlines.
Does that pile of paperwork in the office make you cringe? Do you dread going into the garage?
Now’s the time to enlist help. Ask, interview, hire and schedule people to help with the bigger or more challenging phases of the project.
Schedule the time, block out hours, days or longer on your calendar to work on each phase of the project.

Get Going

Make a commitment to see this through to a specific point before you even consider quitting! Don’t give up before you get started, give yourself the best chance to succeed.
Reward yourself! Sometimes the accomplishment is the reward. But for certain phases of a project, you might just need to dangle a carrot out there.
Block off time. Get childcare, remove distractions, turn your phone off, don’t answer the door. Turn up the music and get moving!
Give yourself the support you need. This means getting the coach, friend, organizer or other expert to be on your side. It also means not over doing it. Do what you can to make it easier.

Get Happy!

Celebrate milestones along the way! Snap pictures to remind yourself of how great your accomplishment is! When the closet is clear and it’s easier to get dressed every day, you can’t help but start the day with a smile!
Give yourself room for backsliding.It’s okay if it doesn’t always look or feel like it did when you just finished. Remind yourself of that happy place and recommit!
Now that you finished your project, break down the small tasks needed to maintain by week, month or quarter.
Make time for maintenance. Schedule it in, just like you did getting started. Commit to the routine and it won’t get overwhelming.

What Big Ideas, Goals or Plans do you have for 2017? Please share them below.

Do you find it challenging to stay on track? Need an accountability coach? If so click here!

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Friday Favorites::What’s in a Jar?

January 13, 2017 by Heather Filed Under: Organize, Tips & Resources, Uncategorized Leave a Comment

Collecting Jar’s is nothing new to me!

I’ve got a lovely collection of vintage and new jars I use for decor as well as storage and display.

What is it about Jar’s that I love so much?

Large or small, old or new I love how glass jars capture the light. I love that while holding objects of adoration, you can see their contents and keep them safe. I use jars for flower arrangements and terrarium’s, leftovers and spices, and all kinds of kitchen goods.

I keep all manner of collections in Jars, from butterflies and feathers to buttons and pins and I use them in practically every room of my home.

There’s practically nothing that can not be kept in a jar or at least displayed for a short period. But sometimes, the light that creates such a beautiful display can also harm the contents of the jar. Things like oils, herbs, and other organic matter can break down more quickly if exposed to air and light. Some of these same contents are too precious to trust to plastic containers. I’ve seen and used lovely colored glass jars and have read about how darker glass offers more UV protection than clear.

Most of the dark jars I’ve found don’t have lids and probably are not the cleanest. I’m happy to look at them but probably wouldn’t want to store certain items in them.

The darker the glass the better protection but until recently I hadn’t seen any contemporary glass makers creating black (or almost) jars.

Lucky for me, last year some beautiful black glass jars found their way to me! The Infinity Jar company got in touch with me and asked me if I had ever used their jars or if I would like to give them a try. While I did purchase some jars from them, in full disclosure I will share that they offered me a few to try for free!

As an organizer, I come across and use all kinds of containers and these jars are really pretty amazing.

I selected a variety of styles to use for kitchen, bath and other goods.

These jars are thick and sturdy and appear to be black but when held up to the light you can see that they are a very dark blue, blocking the UVA rays (more about the science of these jars here).

Since I like to keep olive oil on my counter and handsoap on my sink, I used a couple of the jars (the spout and pump jars) in the kitchen.

Since the bathroom is humid and the temperature fluctuates I decided on a few jars to store homemade herbal soak, scrub and room spray (essential oils). I formerly kept these items hidden away in a dark closet off the bathroom because I didn’t want the quality to degrade but now I can keep them conveniently right where I can use them daily.

I’ve been using them now for a few months and I love them. They are more expensive than your average jar but if you have items that you’ve handmade and want to keep the contents fresh the are a valuable investment. If you want to display everyday items in beautiful style, check these jars out. There are so many sizes and styles to choose from. I even have a tiny spray bottle I keep in my purse for a quick energy spray to lift my mood. If you give them a try, or have already, please let me know what you think! Do you love a good jar as much as I do?

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Five Common Filing System Mistakes

January 9, 2017 by Heather Filed Under: Digital Organizing, Organize, Paper management, Productivity, Systems & Techniques, Tips & Resources, Uncategorized 1 Comment

The first response I usually have when someone asks “what do you organize” is “Paperwork”. After working my way through hundreds of hours of paperwork these are the five common filing mistakes that I notice again and again.

If your files are digital you can apply the same process to your digital systems.

The first mistake I notice is have NO system at all, bags and/or boxes are a jumbled mess. There can be many reasons for not having a system, including lack of “office” space or some kind of interruption in physical health or home (moving, remodeling etc). Some people don’t need a whole filing cabinet but even the paperwork minimalist’s should have a small fire safe box of essential documents at minimum.

The second mistake (this one doesn’t apply to digital files so you can skip it!) some make because they don’t like the look of filing cabinets or don’t think they can afford the space in their homes. There are a ton of attractive file drawers, some made to look like furniture and in complete disguise. If you don’t end up needing a whole file cabinet, just a drawer or a box may do just fine. I did a round up of stylish filing cabinets here if you’re looking for some ideas.

The third mistake I see are overly complicated systems. Most people don’t need more than 10-20 over-arching categories (finance, vehicles, investments, medical, insurance etc) with sub-categories under each. In this way, it’ becomes easy to go to the “financial” section and find the specific bank or investment you’re looking for. Create a quick list of the paperwork you tend to keep and group them by category for an idea of what your system may need to include. This works equally well for digital files and sub-files.

The example below is beautifully labeled but the “Alphabetical” system is so detailed without broad categories that it may be impossible for anyone but the person who created it to find anything. That’s something to keep in mind, be sure other people using the system will also be able to understand it. Too much detail or too complicated=total frustration & a failed system!

The less you have, the less you have to maintain and the easier it is to find what you need when you need it.

The fourth mistake (similar to third) is systems that are too vague and don’t capture categories clearly. A box labeled “files” or paperwork is one such example, when you open it, you can’t find anything because there is no order to what you’re keeping. I go into more detail here about creating filing categories.

The fifth and final mistake I’ll mention is that some people may never become “filers”. For such folks, using a binder or other creative filing system may be the key.

Striking the right balance when creating a filing system can be the key to maintaining it. There are a lot of different filing systems out there including tickler systems, the Freedom filer and more but in my experience, it’s finding the most simple system for the paperwork you need to keep that will work best for you. One category that everyone should keep on hand are vital documents. Check out my post that break’s down the essentials everyone needs to keep on hand and safe.

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In The Studio:: 2016 Artist Studio Round Up

December 29, 2016 by Heather Filed Under: Art, Art & Design, In the Studio, Inspiration & Education, Organize Leave a Comment

A Look Back at 2016’s Artists and Their Studios

It would be no exaggeration to say that 2016 has been a roller coaster of surprising loops and turns at every corner. But, as always, in all the hubbub we can find organization among the chaos. Through the In The Studio Artist Interview Series we have been introduced to a spectrum of creatives in Charleston, Gatlinburg, New York and NC. These 15 artists work in a range of media from ceramics artists, painters, jewelry makers, and taxidermists to name only a handful. In every studio, we learn something new about the creative process through the eyes of the artists and their innovative, unconventional, or surprisingly conventional ways they craft the spaces they call home. Read on for some of this year’s highlights as you take a stroll through the 2016 Artist Studio Round Up.

“It’s a benefit of working from home, getting to be around things that inspire me, including my dogs and my collection of taxidermy and artwork.” – Becca Barnet

“I realized in my 30’s that I had been one my whole life.” – Joanne Davis-Woods on when she realized she was an artist

“I feel as though an awakening has begun in me as an artist since the day I moved in. I wish I had known what playing well with others was like years ago.” – Stephen Elliott Webb on working at Redux

“It all evolved organically, my new studio was so different than my past studio, so it did not influence my new space; a new vision, a new label, a new space – liberating!” – Leigh Magar

“I do have a little altar and I keep several talismans which have meaning to me and tiny objects d’art I like, the green daughter goddess, Tara, and fabric patterns designed by William Morris. I also hang quotes that represent concepts I want to digest. It’s just a little corner but it has lots of meaning for me. I keep fresh flowers around, too.” – Mary Carol Koester on the inspirational oddities in her studio

“I have a lot of rocks and books and records, but this is part of my journey. It’s my home so none of it overwhelms me. I like to be reminded of my family and my past, even if it’s painful.” – Lala Abaddon

“I didn’t know I was an artist until maybe last year. It’s always a question in my mind, but lately I stopped judging whether I am an artist based on my output and realized that it’s a state of mind and a permanent fixed part of my existence.” – Tim Hussey

“Limitations and discipline are essential to success more in the outside world in terms of exhibiting. In the studio I have a pretty focused aesthetic so projects are paused immediately when I see them going a different direction than the original intent.” – Andrew Guenther on limitations to fuel the creative process

“I use true classical dyes and processes that have been used to color fabric throughout history. The plants I use In my process are ones that have been proven over time to to age beautifully and with integrity. It is also important that the body of work I leave behind was made without harming the planet.” – Barbara Zaretsky on leaving behind a legacy

“I felt like people saw me as an artist, or the guy who made art, from an early stage, but I didn’t fully embrace that until I went to Italy for the first time. It was a gut punch in a good way.” – Case Jernigan

“Everything is in sight. I find materials to be very inspiring and having them in sight is important. In fact, when designing the space for the fiber studio at the college I teach at, I specifically requested yarn shelving that was visible and accessible from all locations of the room. ” – Amy Putansu on studio organization

“I have always found comfort in objects, and that’s a huge part of why I make functional pottery. I collect vintage melamine dinnerware which I have in my studio and find constant inspiration in. I am a sucker for old rusted tin and metal objects. These objects have such an incredible embedded history through its weathered surface, a surface that I seek within my own work.” – Austin Riddle

“I don’t like to limit myself to any certain material, but I typically work with a lot of paper, fabric, and other easily accessible and relatively inexpensive supplies. I try to be conscious of my footprint when I make, so I really enjoy reusing things and turning ordinary found objects into something a little extra-ordinary. ” – Emily Schubert

“I like covering my working surfaces in butcher paper and then writing notes and lists on the paper. I can also section off pieces on different parts of the paper and write notes or sketch around the piece. ” – Maia Lepo on keeping the process in check

“I do tend to wander for two or three days before getting to work when I have been away from the studio. I call it the “dog bed-making process” – circling several times before settling in!” – Lese Corrigan on personal artistic rituals

Each studio visit leaves us with a new perspective and appreciation for artists and their work. As 2016 comes to a close it is wonderful to be able to look back at the wonderful artists who were so gracious with their time and space. This compassion and energy excites me for the studio visits to come in 2017. Stay tuned for even more inspirational artists as we gear up for the In The Studio Artist Interview Series for 2017.

Know of an artist that you think should be featured in the new year? Perhaps it’s you! If so, drop me a line. And, of course, happy holidays and see you in the New Year!

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Excellent Entertaining-6 Easy Steps

December 2, 2016 by Heather Filed Under: Organize, Productivity, Systems & Techniques, Tips & Resources Leave a Comment

Tips for Excellent Entertaining

Parties are supposed to be fun, right? As hosts we often end up stressing over every detail in the weeks leading up to the party and before we know it the festivities have passed and a messy kitchen is all we have to show for it. The secret to success isn’t five-star catering or live entertainment. The key is thoughtful planning for a shin dig that doesn’t break the bank or sacrifice your sanity. Whether it’s your annual holiday bash or a small dinner party here are six tips for excellent entertaining to consider the next time you don the host hat.

Start Early:: Procrastination pop-ups are not a thing. Stay organized by creating a plan early. Try using a template like this one from Real Simple to help you stay on top of your party planning game. Or, if you are feeling crafty, customize your own Evernote template.
Pick (Or Don’t) A Theme:: Themes can be a great way to generate enthusiasm around your event whether it is by cuisine, costume, or otherwise. But keep it simple; a theme that is either too vague or too complicated will lead to disorganization in other areas of the planning process (e.i. decor, entertainment, etc). If you find yourself straddling themes this may be as sign to nix one altogether. Remember, a classic dinner party is tough to beat.
Invitations:: This is where starting early is necessary. Aim to send invites out around 2 weeks in advance – possibly earlier if it’s the holiday season. There are a number of options here. You can handwrite and mail your own invites or look to online, paperless alternatives such as Evite or by creating an event through social media platforms like Facebook. For a personal touch, create your own graphics easily with free graphic design services such as Canva.
Food:: Think about the guests – and number of them – when planning the menu. If cooking is not your forte, skip the six course meal. Go for finger foods or, alternatively, consider a pot luck and let your guests’ culinary skills shine. If you plan to serve alcohol providing both wine and beer is smarter than one or the other, or consider mixing up a signature cocktail for the evening.
Ambiance:: Decorations like streamers and banners should be saved for special occasions. Whether or not you choose to decorate, lighting should always be addressed. Lighting that is either too dim or too bright can kill the mood. If dimmers are not an option, opt for more natural lighting and candles, votives, lanterns, etc… Fresh flowers are also a great way to not only add a bit of color, but also
Entertainment:: Thanks to streaming music live music is not a necessity. Select a playlist or radio station that will complement the mood. Apps like Spotify and Pandora have number party playlist options. Worries about an extended silence? Check out these tips to keep the conversation flowing!

Most importantly, entertaining should be an opportunity to spend quality time with friends and family. If your guests feel welcome and comfortable the party is sure to be a success. Planning a party this holiday season? Share your tips for excellent entertaining with us!

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Start to Finish, Manage Projects with Momentum

How to choose your starting point when you’re trying to achieve a big goal.

Get Started

Get Inspired

Get Real

Get a Plan

Get Going

Get Happy!

Friday Favorites::What’s in a Jar?

What is it about Jar’s that I love so much?

Five Common Filing System Mistakes

In The Studio:: 2016 Artist Studio Round Up

A Look Back at 2016’s Artists and Their Studios

Excellent Entertaining-6 Easy Steps

Tips for Excellent Entertaining

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