This video is so well done, and shows how simple it can be to downsize those bulging closets and rid yourself (and your kids) of clutter.

Thought for today:

Clutter=unhappy Organization=freedom & happy faces

I was just doing the crossword (a favourite past-time of mine, even though I can NEVER finish it without my mother) and came across the clue: 3 letter word for disencumber.  Easy.  Rid.

But I couldn’t help thinking what a lovely word “disencumber” was.  (Ok.  Maybe it could also sound a little Bobbitt-esque too) but my first association with that word was a feel-good relief.  Like being able to breathe after taking off something really heavy (or too-tight jeans at 36 weeks pregnant.  aaaaaahhhhhh.)

Say it out loud.

“Disencumber”.

Now read it again, and this time, actually say it out loud (because I know you didn’t do it the first time.)

“Disencumber”.

Think about it for a second.

Doesn’t it make you want to rid of the things in your life that weigh you down?  Like the potted plant that you accidentally killed, but still keep watering, hoping that it might spring back to life?  (Ok, maybe that is just me).  Or the 6 of the same _____ (fill in the blank) that you keep buying, because you can’t remember where you put the last 5?  Your medicine cabinet, linen closet, laundry room, drawer of despair…  whatever it is, disencumber yourself.  Get rid of the crap that weighs you down and immediately feel like you have lost a few pounds.  It is like an hour long, cathartic weight-loss program, and really - who wouldn’t be into that?!?

OK, I probably shouldn’t have mentioned “Bobbitt-esque” because that is probably seriously overpowering how great the word is.  So if it bothers you, just stick with the three letter word that was so easy in the first place.

RID!

Organizing doesn’t always have to be a huge day long production. I’m sure we’ve all learned through the podcasts that getting organized is an ongoing process, you don’t have to be perfect just keep at it.

If your clutter is keeping you up a night, we suggest taking FIVE! That’s right… take 5 minutes right now and clean up ONE cupboard in your kitchen, or one drawer in your dresser. One space, Five minutes…easy peasy. Now go set the timer, and don’t get sucked into doing more. This is your five minute fix then pat yourself on the back and do something else, enjoy your family, read an extra book to the kiddos, take a bubble bath, and be proud.

Let us know what your “5 Minute Fix” was today (mine is under my kitchen sink!) - Daria

We’re back from vacation and ready to Play, but before we get those toys out they need a bit of organizing. Maja’s major headache is her Toy Room!

In our “Toy Room Tantrum” episode today we’ll explore what you need to create an organized and functional toy room that your kids will love, and will hopefully ease that clutter headache for all the moms who listen in.

How to do it:
1 - Shelves (tall ones are best)
2 - Baskets and Bins
3 - Labels or Graphic picture for front of the bin (take out your camera and snap pics of what goes in, your kids will pick it up fast and be able to put away toys in a snap)
4 - Ditch the big ole’ Toy Box (it’s a black hole!)
5 - Widdle down your toy collection and be ruthless. Don’t forget our Mantra - “Top to bottom, left to right, focus, Focus, FOCUS!”
6 - How to maintain it is simply to have quick cleanups twice a day, then it’s simple and fast to keep it organized and beautiful

*If you have an area in your home or office that requires organizing, but you just don’t know where to start, shoot us an email to: thesavvyorganizer@gmail.com and your question might be featured and answered in an upcoming episode.

I have long struggled with accessorizing my wardrobe, and have finally determined that I was born without that gene.(DANGIT!) Pulling myself together is something I have been trying to do more of after becoming addicted to the TLC show “What Not to Wear“. (BTW, I would be fine if someone wanted to nominate me…!) I realized that part of the reason I never varied in my necklaces was because I had no idea what I had and they were always jumbled together in a mess in my jewelry box. I typically would think of this at the last part of getting ready, as consequently would never bother because of the state of the mess.

I had been “racking” my brain, trying to come up with a reasonably inexpensive alternative that would work and I came up with this idea. A cork board attached to the back of your door (bedroom or closet) with all of your necklaces hanging on the back. I used push pins to hang the necklaces and bracelets, but I am thinking you could use it for other accessories as well. I haven’t figured out to hang my little earrings yet, but when I do, you will be the first to know. I hope you enjoy getting your jewelry organized! - Maja