Messy vs. Tidy
 Organizational category types in the work place
"Messy desk or clean?" is the headline of a recent news article. The on-going debate that people are organized, even with stacks of paper spread out around their desk and office surfaces, is one that shall continue to be in question, I suppose.
"A recent survey by organizational manufacturer Pendaflex found employees tend to fall into one of three categories when it comes to organization: Pilers, Filers and Tossers." In this story, Penaflex's organizational expert Sharon Mann expressed:
"Keeping a desk entirely clear is both unrealistic and unnecessary."
One such opinion was expressed in Organize LA Blog by John Trosko where he talked about a CNNMoney "Ask Annie" advice column entitled "Is a messy office hazardous to your career?" The opinion here was from productivity specialist Christine Reiter was:
"Even though a messy desk isn't a sign of a character flaw, it does tend to give your managers and peers the impression that the job is too much for you to handle, you can't make decisions, you are not doing the job, or all of the above."
It gets really interesting when you read The Philadelphia Inquirer's journalist Jane M. Von Bergen's "Digging Out" blog (and weekly column) about getting herself organzied at the office. "Still a mess" was her latest column report, but she's really trying.
"I'm a month into "Digging Out," and despite lots of advice, encouragement and support from our readers, I haven't dug out that much." It's great fun to read her blog (and column), and I believe it provides lots of inspiration. At the end of the column list the problems, obstacles, and solutions. People can even confess their mess and share organizing troubles at her blog.
This topic is really a news item, apparently. Another recent news article "Having a messy work area can carry a hefty price" gives some informative numbers on the cost of productivity and poorly managed information.
"15 percent of all paper handled in businesses is lost, according to the Delphi Group, a Boston consultancy group, and 30 percent of all employees' time is spent trying to find lost documents." It's what he says afterwards that lightens it up ...
"Please. Spend no more time or money. You can come and look in my cubicle for free. Your lost paper is probably here -- somewhere." I stopped looking for messy desk news after that -- can't top that one!
Organize Garage
 Garage "Add-a-Hook" for Garage Storage
A representative from the ADDAHOOK company sent me some of their Add-a-Hook products to try, and I was really pleased with the simplicity and use of this product.
When I received it, I wasn't quite sure what to use it for (I don't have a bike). However, after going to their web site, I found the various uses for it, and got the idea to use it with a clothes rod over my laundry area. Then, I had another brilliant idea ... why not use it to hang curtains in front of my open shelving areas (since I didn't have the closed-door cabinets I preferred). Wow, I was getting happier by the moment!
 How a simple tool like this could be used for so many things is a wonderful thing. Check it out!
Watch their commercial video and discover ways you can use it! .
Get More Space In Closet
Create Extra Space Using the Right Systems and Products
In my previous blog post, I talked about the videos on organizing available to view, and there was one that I forgot to mention that is worth watching ... about creating extra space in your clothes closet using Space Bags.
I recommend the use of this type of vacuum bag for storing seasonal or occassional clothing, not everyday-wear.
There are other things you can do to create extra space in your closet, too. I find that the double hang product (from Organize-Everything.com) is another way to double the space.
Finding and using a suitable closet system for your needs is important in organizing your closet, and you don't have to go the expensive-custom-built route either. There are plenty of "prefab" closet systems available that can be customized to fit your needs. Check out some of the prefab closets at our site to get some ideas and get inspired!
I know that Organized Your Closet Week came to an end yesterday, but it's never too late, and you can always create your own event to organize those closets! Happy organizing!
Videos on organizing
Watch videos on the Internet to help you get organized
 If you've ever browsed some of Yahoo or Google's video collections, you're bound to find some pretty interesting pieces. Granted, some of it is pretty bad, but some of it is actually entertaining and some are actually educational.By typing in the search words "get organized," you'll find numerous broadcast news videos on organizing that are informative, as well as short specials, and even amateur videos on the subject. Some I'd like to share include Organizing Your Life (3 minutes) --mainly targeted for women viewers, and Time Saving Tips Making Dinner at Breakfast (1-1/2 minutes). Another one is Finances for Divorced and Widowed Women (1 min 47 sec).If you have some minutes to spare, watch a few. You just might be entertained. And, do share ones you find interesting here ... just post a comment!
Organize with Backpack
Get organized with Backpack
I stumbled upon something this morning that is worthy of mention -- Backpack. It's a website that lets you organize your to-dos, your projects, your thoughts, your notes, and more. You can share your files and photos, too. Endless possibilities and uses. I won't write a review on this yet because I just signed up for a free account (they have options for more features, less limitations, etc. on paid accounts), but there are numerous reviews written about this available on their site. One is the Wall Street Journal review that describes Backpack's features and its ease of use. Take a look and try it with a free sign up. Then, come back and give your comments here after you've tried it! 
Spring Into Order
 First Day of Spring Starts With Clutter Awareness Week and Organize Your Closet Week
Today marks the beginning of two national events that celebrate the first day of Spring --Clutter Awareness Week and Organize Your Closet Week.
In a recent post, a few tips are offered to organizing a closet. There are many storage solutions available to put order into your closets, and some advice from "Ask the Builder" provides one type of solution for messy shoes by using closet cubbies. I also suggest HomeTips.com for advice on choosing a closet system for your needs.
If you're shopping for solutions, you can always check out Organized-Living.com's closet storage products for ideas or items that will be helpful in your closet organization project.
HGTV Program
HGTV is looking for unique do-it-yourself projects
In our Message Board, a posting was made about an HGTV program produced by Weller Grossman that is looking for one-of-a-kind transformations by real people without the help of designers or contractors.
Here is an excerpt of this posting:
HGTV (Home and Garden Television) and Weller/Grossman Productions are looking for unique, cool and creative projects designed and done by real people without the help of contractors or experts. We're searching for individuals across the country that would like to share their fun stories and incredible results. This fun and inspirational new program chronicles everyday people and their amazing “did it myself” design endeavors and the one-of-a-kind projects that transformed their homes! From unbelievable room reinventions, to cool outdoor creations, innovative kids rooms, wild wall treatments, playful pet projects, and more … we’re looking for ideas that break the design mold and make people say “wow!” Read the complete message.
Clutter Awareness
 Does Your Clutter Think It's Invisible?
When you walk into a person's cluttered home or office, sometimes you would wonder if that person is aware that there's all this "stuff" lying around taking up space and hiding furniture surfaces. I wonder, if they were to see it, wouldn't they object to it?
I can't help to conclude that it must have been there so long that they don't see it anymore, and that's how they have managed to work around it all this time (and I say the word "work" loosely).
Maybe that's why someone invented the national event "Clutter Awareness Week," put on the calendar month the third week of March -- the week Spring season officially starts. This year, the event falls on the week of March 20. I've also seen Clutter Awareness Week listed for the fourth week of March, so maybe we have two weeks, who knows?!
In one of my columns "Clearing Clutter Frees Space in Home, Mind," there's a quote from Don Aslett's book, "Not For Packrats Only,"
"Across the board, rich or poor, mansion or bungalow, twelve kids or two, junk and clutter causes more headaches, strained backs, strained budgets, and strained relationships, more frustration, discouragement, guilt, embarrassment, chaos, and confusion than any other housework challenge!"
I guess that tells me that some people actually SEE their clutter, or how else would they be stressed or embarrassed by it? That's a good start: knowing the clutter is there.
Doing something about it is another matter. In "How To Organize In 4 Easy Steps," I describe how we make our choices in life, and coming to the decision "to be organized or not to be organized -- that is the choice."
So, take a long, hard look around you and see what's there...I mean, really SEE it. If it's not to your liking, then at least you'll know you have choices about whether to do something or not do something about it.
Just be aware. That's step one.
Then decide to do something about it. That's step two.
Then do it. That's step three.
Then be it ... The last step: be organized. Enjoy the lifestyle!
Organize Office
 Organize Your Home Office Day
Today is the annual national event to organize your home office. I've written numerous articles on the subject to help individuals establish more efficient work spaces and create a work environment that helps them focus better.
In an article from Home Decorating Made Easy, "Create a Home Office Design That Matches Your Work Style," it provides advice on setting up a functional and attractive work area in your home.
"...to create a home office design that will meet your needs, you should first identify all the activities that will occur in that space. For example, will you be the only user or will it also be a room for your children to do homework, play videos, or watch television?" A home office doesn't have to look like a corporate office. Add a sense of style and give it a taste of your favorite things and color schemes.
Make your home office environment a place you enjoy spending time in!
Organize Closet
 Shop In Your Own Closet
In this month's issue of In Style magazine, my tips on organizing a closet are featured. NBC's Today Show presented contributing editor Amy Goodman to talk about these tips and show how to organize a closet.
How to shop in your own closet
The "Today" show's Natalie Morales talks with Amy Goodman from InStyle about tips for using what's in your closet for a new wardrobe. In my interview with In Style Correspondent Kwala Mandel, we discussed the best kind of lighting for a closet, types of hangers to use, how to store shoes, organizing solutions for accessories, type of items to store on shelves, how to deal with seasonal clothing, and many other general closet organizing tips.
In cleaning out your closet for spring fashion, Goodman discussed some of the tips we covered such as:
- Store coats and non-clothing items in another closet.
- Group categories of clothing together (pants / slacks, shirts / blouses, dresses / skirts, etc.)
- Sort clothing and donate what you haven't worn (in 6 mo - 1 yr), doesn't fit, and in need of repair.
- For every piece of clothing you purchase, get rid of another piece of clothing.
Pick up the March issue of In Style magazine and read the article!
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Organizational category types in the work place
