Do you ever have days where nothing seems to go right and you are at the end of your rope? I think everybody has them and it usually comes when you have no more “in your cup” left to give. On the outset, it may seem like an unusual organizational tip, but it is so important to do whatever it takes to fill your cup before the day begins. If you don’t know what that means for you, you need to make it a priority to find out. For some, it may be praying, meditating, reading inspirational works, going for a run, sitting down at a potter’s wheel… whatever it takes.

Taking time to renew yourself is such an important element to the wellness and happiness of our lives, and if we don’t take the time to do it, we are often mired by an inability to focus. Think of the times when you were closest to your true self… I am certain that your life as a whole ran smoother and you probably enjoyed a level of organization. So before you do anything else today - refresh, regroup and take 15 minutes to do something that will give you the focus to do more, with more in your heart later. Good luck! 

Question: What do you do to recharge yourself, and refill your cup so you can give back? We’d love to hear your answers!

For many people there’s nothing more mundane than filing. However I’m a believer that the right tools can really make the job much more enjoyable, you have to enjoy the ride. One of our favorite sites is called See Jane Work as it’s literally stocked full of amazing organizing solutions for your work life. These yummy Thomas Paul File Folders are a fun indulgence for those of us who repel the standard blah office folders. Why not make opening that file cabinet more like a party?

*If you’re budget is a bit tight, a good solution is to cover your existing folders with some gorgeous scrapbooking paper and dress them up a bit. Spray Adhesive or glue sticks will work their magic and pretty up your file system. This can be a fun little one day project and the results will make you smile whenever you go to file those receipts and forms.

Continuing with our “Office” theme this week I wanted to share a tip for email efficiency. Aim to reply to e-mails within a couple days of reading them. This is something I have never been great at, BUT this is one of my personal New Years Resolutions. In my case, I often sit down to read them when I don’t have time to respond right then. The problem is that you then aren’t thinking of responding the next time you log on and read something else! I have seen the error of my ways and have resolved to not read e-mails until I have time to respond as well. It is far better to write people back in a timely matter - it shows that you are on top of your TIME as well as your belongings.

One of the great things about belonging to a community like the Savvy Organizer, is that we can help support each other in all areas of organization. Sometimes I am in need of support too - so feel free to offer suggestions and support this way as well! Good luck (for me and the rest of you too!!)

This week we’re talking about the Magnificent paper trail that can creep silently into every nook and cranny of our homes. How to combat the paper fiasco? Listen in to show #10 where Maja helps us to set up filing systems and shares practical ways to clear the clutter - anyone can do this!

Kids Art Work, Bills, Daily Mail, Misc. Paper and more - it’s all in this episode of The Savvy Organizer. Be sure to share us with your friends!

Under the bed is a perfect and often used storage space for extra things in your bedroom. The trick is to use the space wisely by storing the right things in proper containers. The best stuff to store under your bed are things that have to DO with the bedroom; think seasonal clothes, duvet covers and blankets. You don’t want anything under there that you need to access on a regular basis nor do you want things that don’t belong to the bedroom - those stray items should likely find a home somewhere else. As for the containers, you need to find something that rolls, can be cleaned and has a lid!! You know how dust bunnies congregate under the bed - it would suck to have them party on your clean sweaters! I have been looking for a great bin for under our bed and I have found a couple that I think will appeal to you.

The first is a CUTE basket called the “DEGERNES” (pictured above) with a canvas tie on lid - perfect for those who don’t have a bedskirt and want something that will look good under the bed. You can still clean it by giving it a quick vacuum or wiping down the sides and the cover can just be thrown in the wash. It could be a bit tiresome untying it - so for this I recommend storing stuff that you would need to access a couple times a year. Find it here>

The next two are pure function. They are both plastic, and have plastic lids that can be easily put on and wiped off. I would recommend this only if you have a bedskirt hiding it - plastic containers/storage bins/ drawers are great, but look cheap sticking out in a bedroom! They are completely functional and great, but please hide them! Here are a couple that I found on line and liked - note the Ikea one is almost 1 1/2″ taller than The Container Store one - so measure your bed before you buy!

Ikea underbed storage>
The Container Store under bed storage>