Like it or not, the bathroom is one of the few places in our home that we use multiple times a day and that we rely on to help us and our families get ready and out the door in the morning. That means this space must be designed for maximum efficiency and also be a pleasing spot to start off your day.

Often when I take a first look at a client’s bathroom, I immediately see a number of items that can (and should) be thrown out or stored elsewhere. As a general rule for any organizing project, if you haven't used something in a year, get rid of it, including that bright red lipstick you were hoping to find the perfect occasion for, or that flat iron you swore you were going to use every day.

And speaking of cosmetics, when was the last time your cleaned out your make-up bag or drawer? Did you know…mascara should be replaced every three months, and foundation and concealer are good for about a year? And say goodbye to clumpy or dry nail polish. Dispose of or donate any unopened samples of hair, cosmetic, or feminine hygiene products, as well as shampoos, conditioners, and lotions from hotels. Shelters are happy to take these items and non-profits can even use them for fundraiser gift baskets.

Open up the medicine cabinet and do a quick scan for any expired or unidentifiable items, including over-the-counter meds. While you’re at it – medicines should ideally not be stored in the bathroom anyway, as the heat and humidity can damage them. Find an alternative cool, dry spot for them.
 
Take a look at your shower or tub area. Are you ever going to meld those soap scrapes into one mega soap? Probably not; ditch them, along with any bath “poufs” or razors that are past their prime. Use old washcloths and towels for cleaning or donate to an animal shelter.
 
Now look around for anything else that can be stored elsewhere to minimize clutter, such as back-up supplies, sheets, towels, etc. These items should be kept in a linen closet or laundry area shelf. And go through and remove books and magazines that have taken up residence.
 
These steps should take no more than 30 minutes and will go a long way toward organizing the prime real estate that is your bathroom and help to streamline your morning routine.
 

There is nothing more satisfying than cleaning out your closet!  

Well...some may disagree, so I'll rephrase - to ME there is nothing more satisfying than cleaning out closets!  I love it, I really do!  I love helping people to feel lighter and less stressed by working with them to purge items which no longer suit their lifestyle.  

Believe it or not, closets are full of triggers which lead to unnecessary stress.  Think about it, each time you look in your closet, do you see:

*Clothing which no longer fits?
*A wardrobe that is out of fashion?
*Accessories which no longer speak to who you are?
*Pants and shirts which make you feel uncomfortable?

If your answer is YES! then you are inadvertently stressing yourself out.  Stop today and ask for help!

By working with me, I can help you to clear away the clothing that you no longer need or want and by working with a Stylist, such as the wonderful Elizabeth Jones, you can learn how to create your signature look!

So...what happens when a Professional Organizer teams up with a Stylist?  You get the best of both worlds!  You will learn how to use what you already own to look and feel your best, get ideas of items which might better suit you, and get your closet organized in a way that makes you feel as though you've just walked into your own personal boutique!  

Want to learn more about this fabulous new service I am offering?  Contact me today and let's tackle that closet together!

It's time for Spring cleaning.  It's also time for Spring Organizing! Working with a Professional Organizer can help you to get your house ready for a relaxing summer.
Many people assume that if they have to hire a professional organizer, they must live in a "disaster zone."  This is simply not true.  My clients range from busy working professionals to overwhelmed stay-at-home-moms.  I have organized for businesses, organizations, and of course individuals who just need a little help.
Hiring a professional organizer can help you to:

Get that project done!
So often, we have wonderful ideas of how a room will look when we FINALLY have the time to tackle it.  The problem is, life gets in the way.  Weekends get filled-up with children's sporting events, birthday parties, and errand running.  Before we know it, months have passed and the garage is still not organized.  Hiring a professional organizer will give you the motivation you need to get started then hold you accountable to actually complete the project!  Because we work side-by-side, the whole organizational process moves more quickly and efficiently.

Feel less overwhelmed!
Many people feel so overwhelmed with the scope of the project that delaying it seems like a better option than actually doing it.  Most just don't know where to begin.  That's where I come in!  I take the pressure off and provide guidance, dive into the clutter with you, then formulate a plan for organizational maintenance. 

Make the tough decisions!
Organization is not a skill everyone possesses.  Everyone is good at something and if organization is not your strong suit, there is no shame in asking for help.  I can help you decide what to keep, donate, or trash.  Everything that stays will be put away in the way which makes the most sense for your family.  You will be involved in the process, but I can use my strengths to assist you in making your home everything you've known it could be!

Connect with me!
Are you ready to live a happier, more organized life?  Contact me and let’s talk about how I can get you organized!

Annie